Baby Boomers and Hearing Loss: A Guide to Prevention and Care
by John M. Burkey
Rutgers University Press, 2006 Cloth: 978-0-8135-3881-5 | eISBN: 978-0-8135-7714-2 Library of Congress Classification RF290.B87 2006 Dewey Decimal Classification 617.800846
ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | TOC
ABOUT THIS BOOK
In Baby Boomers and Hearing Loss, audiologist John Burkey shows readers how they can continue to enjoy youthful living, regardless of whether their hearing abilities are undiminished or severely compromised. In a reassuring and straightforward style, Burkey explains the typical causes of hearing loss, from genetic factors to years of exposure to loud noises, and demystifies the sometimes confusing results of a hearing test. Fortunately, new technologies and advances in medicine have made it easier to detect signs of initial hearing loss and to prevent it from becoming a serious problem.
For those who have already sustained some damage, the author suggests ways to manage daily activities by using a range of techniques, equipment, and medical procedures. His suggestions include minor changes, such as using a vibrating alarm clock rather than one that is sound-based. More dramatic but often highly effective options, including reconstructive surgery, cochlear implants, and bone-anchored hearing aids, are also described.
In his previous award-winning book, Overcoming Hearing Aid Fears: The Road to Better Hearing, Burkey addressed common fears, concerns, and misconceptions that people have about choosing and using hearing aids. In this second indispensable volume, he offers a comprehensive guide on how to cope with and prevent hearing impairment. For a generation that refuses to slow down or quietly accept limitations, this book is essential reading.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
John M. Burkey is the director of audiology at the Lippy Group for Ear, Nose & Throat in Warren, Ohio. He is author of Overcoming Hearing Aid Fears: The Road to Better Hearing (Rutgers University Press), which was recognized by Library Journal as a Best Consumer Health Book.
REVIEWS
[This book] is packed full of practical, well-researched information that's useful to anyone who has or is at risk for hearing loss. Highly recommended!
— Flash Gordon,M.D., Founder, Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers (H.E.A.R.) www.hearnet.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
List of Illustrations 4
Acknowledgements 5
Introduction 6
Chapter One: What's the Big Deal About Hearing Loss? 11
How Hearing Loss May Affect You 14
How Your Hearing Loss May Affect Others 21
Chapter Two: Baby Boomers and Hearing Loss 26
Who are these Baby Boomers? 26
Special Concerns for Baby Boomers 29
Some Final Words About Baby Boomers & Hearing Loss 36
Chapter Three: How the Ear Works 38
Understanding Your Ear 38
Understanding the Types of Hearing Loss 43
Understanding Your Hearing Test 47
Chapter Four: Causes and Treatments for Hearing Loss 56
Preventable Hearing Loss 56
Treatable Hearing Loss 62
Surmountable Hearing Loss 73
Chapter Five: Hearing Aid Basics 76
Hearing Aid Styles 76
Hearing Aid Circuits 82
Hearing Aid Options 86
Other Hearing Aid Basics 91
Chapter Six: Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction with Hearing Aids 96
Hearing Aid Benefit 98
Hearing Aid Satisfaction 102
Chapter Seven: Non-Hearing Aid Solutions 110
Having a Plan 110
Having the Tools 116
Chapter Eight: New and Future Options 126
Prevention 126
Surgery 129
Hearing Aids 133
A Cure 137
Chapter Nine: The Issues That Remain 141
Hearing Aids Revisited 141
About Insurance 149
Hearing Research 151
Connecting the Dots 153
Resources 156
References 175
Index X
Baby Boomers and Hearing Loss: A Guide to Prevention and Care
by John M. Burkey
Rutgers University Press, 2006 Cloth: 978-0-8135-3881-5 eISBN: 978-0-8135-7714-2
In Baby Boomers and Hearing Loss, audiologist John Burkey shows readers how they can continue to enjoy youthful living, regardless of whether their hearing abilities are undiminished or severely compromised. In a reassuring and straightforward style, Burkey explains the typical causes of hearing loss, from genetic factors to years of exposure to loud noises, and demystifies the sometimes confusing results of a hearing test. Fortunately, new technologies and advances in medicine have made it easier to detect signs of initial hearing loss and to prevent it from becoming a serious problem.
For those who have already sustained some damage, the author suggests ways to manage daily activities by using a range of techniques, equipment, and medical procedures. His suggestions include minor changes, such as using a vibrating alarm clock rather than one that is sound-based. More dramatic but often highly effective options, including reconstructive surgery, cochlear implants, and bone-anchored hearing aids, are also described.
In his previous award-winning book, Overcoming Hearing Aid Fears: The Road to Better Hearing, Burkey addressed common fears, concerns, and misconceptions that people have about choosing and using hearing aids. In this second indispensable volume, he offers a comprehensive guide on how to cope with and prevent hearing impairment. For a generation that refuses to slow down or quietly accept limitations, this book is essential reading.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
John M. Burkey is the director of audiology at the Lippy Group for Ear, Nose & Throat in Warren, Ohio. He is author of Overcoming Hearing Aid Fears: The Road to Better Hearing (Rutgers University Press), which was recognized by Library Journal as a Best Consumer Health Book.
REVIEWS
[This book] is packed full of practical, well-researched information that's useful to anyone who has or is at risk for hearing loss. Highly recommended!
— Flash Gordon,M.D., Founder, Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers (H.E.A.R.) www.hearnet.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
List of Illustrations 4
Acknowledgements 5
Introduction 6
Chapter One: What's the Big Deal About Hearing Loss? 11
How Hearing Loss May Affect You 14
How Your Hearing Loss May Affect Others 21
Chapter Two: Baby Boomers and Hearing Loss 26
Who are these Baby Boomers? 26
Special Concerns for Baby Boomers 29
Some Final Words About Baby Boomers & Hearing Loss 36
Chapter Three: How the Ear Works 38
Understanding Your Ear 38
Understanding the Types of Hearing Loss 43
Understanding Your Hearing Test 47
Chapter Four: Causes and Treatments for Hearing Loss 56
Preventable Hearing Loss 56
Treatable Hearing Loss 62
Surmountable Hearing Loss 73
Chapter Five: Hearing Aid Basics 76
Hearing Aid Styles 76
Hearing Aid Circuits 82
Hearing Aid Options 86
Other Hearing Aid Basics 91
Chapter Six: Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction with Hearing Aids 96
Hearing Aid Benefit 98
Hearing Aid Satisfaction 102
Chapter Seven: Non-Hearing Aid Solutions 110
Having a Plan 110
Having the Tools 116
Chapter Eight: New and Future Options 126
Prevention 126
Surgery 129
Hearing Aids 133
A Cure 137
Chapter Nine: The Issues That Remain 141
Hearing Aids Revisited 141
About Insurance 149
Hearing Research 151
Connecting the Dots 153
Resources 156
References 175
Index X
ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | TOC