Donna R. DeMarco with Accurate Hearing Systems, LLC was
voted Best Hearing Healthcare Professional of 2011 in a national magazine The
Hearing Review Sept. issue.

Researchers from the University of Bath and Bath Spa University conducted an extensive study on motorcycle helmets and wind noise. http://scitation.aip.org/getpdf/servlet/GetPDFServlet?filetype=pdf&id=PMARCW000012000001050001000001&idtype=cvips&doi=10.1121/1.3602104&prog=normal
The roar of a motorcycle engine can be really loud, however the biggest source of noise for a motorcyclists is actually the whooshing over the riders’ helmets. The University put helmets atop mannequins heads and placed them in a wind tunnel. They then placed microphones at different locations around the helmet and at the mannequin’s ear, the researchers found that the area underneath the helmet and near the chin bar was a considerably noisier then other parts of the helmet. The researchers looked closer at the helmet angle, wind speed and how it affects the wind noise.
So far the researches has shown temporary threshold shifts. However, I do find it a little alarming that in some cases they found that some of the helmets actually made the noise louder in frequencies below 500 Hz.

For many, it takes years of struggles with misunderstanding speech in conversations, not hearing in noisy social settings and difficulties listening on the phone before they seek help with a hearing aid. Yet, several days of strife may have been averted had a hearing aid been pursued earlier. Today, many objections exist around hearing aids that prevent people from taking proper action. However, many of these objections are based upon old conditions or myths. We want to help dispel a few of those for you or a loved one.
Myth: Hearing aids are too big and are too noticeable when worn.
Fact: While previous hearing aids may have been large and clunky, today’s hearing aids are drastically different in size and cosmetic appeal. In fact, many of the behind-the-ear hearing aids needed by those with more significant hearing losses have won multiple industrial design awards in the consumer electronics category for their stylish design and ease-of-use. Also, there are small hearing aids that are nearly invisible* when worn deep in your ear canal.
Myth: Hearing aids only work in quiet settings and can’t help in noisy situations with background noise.
Facts: Vast improvements in hearing aid technology have been made even in the last few years to help make hearing in noisy environments effortless. With today’s technology from Starkey, a hearing aid will intuitively seek out speech to amplify it, all while compressing background noises and conversations. This allows for conversations in social settings to be easy and enjoyable again.
Myth: Hearing aids are too expensive.
Fact: Actually, hearing aids today not only come in an array of sizes and styles but also with several levels of technology and many affordable options. The level of hearing aid technology you will want will depend first upon recommendations from your hearing examination but also your lifestyle needs. Many patients who have only moderate hearing losses may opt for a more sophisticated hearing aid because they need performance in large group meetings or in social settings. On the contrary, some individuals with significant losses opt for a hearing aid that gives them performance in only a few environments of concern such as in church, hearing on the phone and in listening to television. We are glad to review our pricing ranges and payment plan options to ensure you get a hearing aid, if needed, which satisfies both your budgetary and lifestyle needs.
We hope that if you or a loved one struggle with a hearing loss, early consideration can be given to evaluating hearing aid options. With affordable and reliable technology available, no one should have to go a day without better hearing. Interested to learn more or schedule a free hearing examination? Simply request an appointment by entering your information on our Contact Us page and we will be in touch to help you get started. Or Give us a call 907-644-6004 and we can set up a free hearing test with you.
Yours for better hearing,
Donna R. DeMarco, AAS-HIS

Having a hearing loss is not something that anyone gets excited about. However, with the right attitude and approach, it can actually be a very manageable condition to care for. In my years of caring for those with hearing loss, I have time and time again seen people make remarkable improvements by simply dedicating themselves to getting the most out of wearing a hearing aid. With hopes of similar outcomes in the future I am sharing 5 simple steps to better hearing for you or a loved one to use.
1. Admit that your hearing is not what it may used to be. Understanding your hearing has changed is difficult at first, but the sooner one begins to seek a solution the more likely they are to maintain critical speech comprehension abilities and avoid unnecessary struggles.
2. Keep an open mind and positive attitude while seeking help. Like we have all been told from a young age, attitude is everything. The same applies to having success in treating your hearing loss. Since everyone’s hearing loss is unique, there are a lot of options available to consider. We strive to present those solutions that are best for you.
3. Learn about your hearing problem. Get educated on what may have caused your hearing loss and what the best solutions are for treatment and extended care. At Accurate Hearing Systems, llc we will make sure every patient is aware of the factors and given the resources needed to be successful.
4. Set realistic expectations for hearing aids. As was mentioned in step 1, expectations for restoring perfect hearing are not realistic. Today’s hearing aid technology has produced tremendous hearing benefits for wearers. Your focus should be on improving your hearing abilities with hearing aids at a slow, gradual pace as you adapt to wearing a hearing aid.
5. Patience, practice and time are critical to success. As with anything good, it comes from hard work and practice. Improved hearing in various situations is no different. At first, regaining comprehension abilities for sounds that have not been heard in years may be difficult. However, the reward will be yours to eventually hear simple sounds that may have been lost, even perhaps the songs of birds on a nice day.
At Accurate Hearing Systems, llc we are aware that an investment of money and time into hearing aids is not always preferred. Yet, we are confident that with the right attitude, the benefits of better hearing will justify those investments on a daily basis for you. We aim to make the process of gaining satisfaction with improved hearing as simple as possible. To start your hearing journey or help a loved one get the care they need, simply give us a call at 644-6004 or e-mail us at accurtehearing@gci.net and we will be happy to assist you with all your hearing needs.
Donna R. DeMarco, AAS-HIS

Research is showing that hearing loss is common in people with chronic kidney disease. American Journal of Kidney Diseases noted that a team of Australian researchers did a study on people with chronic kidney disease and hearing loss. Their research shows that the people with chronic kidney disease are at greater risk for hearing loss. March is National Kidney Month – People with Chronic Kidney Disease Should make an appointment for their free hearing test.

Starkey’s new hearing aid circuit iQ significantly reduces listening effort. So fast and smart, it can reduce noise between syllables and ensure you experience maximum comfort t and the clearest speech possible even in the noisiest environments.

The Hearing Aid Tax Credit is being looked at once agin in the U.S. House of Representatives with record bipartisan support.

This is important legislation for the hearing industry that has a very good chance of passing this year. Please take a minute to contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives to help convince them that this should be a priority. The Better Hearing Institute has an easy form letter that you can fill out and then print or email – you can find the form at www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org. For more information about the bill itself, click here to view the press release. This bill, if passed, will help countless patients as well as our entire industry.

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) is working on ways to assist the hearing impaired with their air travel. The DOT want to make sure that the hearing impaired get updated information on flight delays, schedule changes, connections, flight check-in, gate assignments, ticketing, checking and claiming of luggage, aircraft changes, safety briefings presented to passengers on airlines, warnings to passengers to use the restrooms more than half an hour before arrival. They also ruled that service animals are permitted to sit in any seat next to the person in which they are servicing. No animals are allowed in the emergency exit row or allowed to obstruct the aisle.

For more information on what is being done about the in flight communications for the hearing impaired please visit the National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) web page http://ncam.wgbh.org/ife/index.html

The air lines are under no obligation to provide DOT with any complaints. DOT needs to see any and all complaints so they can make changes accordingly. Let’s make sure to keep DOT informed. So, the next time you fly and have a concern, anxiety, complaint, see a way to make flying a better experience for the hearing impaired let DOT know about it. The DOT has a Complaint Concerning Accessibility of Airline Service (Passengers with Disabilities) form. You can print this form from their web page at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/forms/382form.pdf and mail the form to the address at the top of the page.

We need to take responsibility for our comfort, and make sure we follow through with letting DOT know about our concerns and discomfor.

Representative and Senators are considering a proposal to provide a tax credit for hearing aids. Visit www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org to support this idea.

List of things to avoid:

Avoid the use solvents or alcohol on the hearing aids as there is a possibly that they can breakdown the hearing aid material. There are special wipes you can purchase that are designed specifically for the cleaning and disinfecting of hearing aids. When you come in, we can talk about these disinfectants if you are interested in them.

Avoid allowing the hearing aid to become wet. Avoid showering, bathing, or going into the swimming pool or sauna with the hearing aid(s) in your ears.

Avoid place the hearing aid(s) in direct heat.

Avoid place the hearing aid(s) in a microwave or conventional oven this will damage the hearing aid(s). To dry a damp hearing aid just open the battery door and allow it to dry out on its own. There are special dehumidifiers or desiccants available that do a wonderful job in drying out the hearing aid(s). If you are interested in the dehumidifiers or desiccants we can talk about them when you come in. Avoid storing your hearing aid(s) in a car on hot days.

Avoid dropping the hearing aid(s). If the hearing aid falls on a carpet, rug or upholstered furniture it usually will not cause the aid any harm. Hard floored surfaces or counter tops have the potential of damaging the hearing aid. I recommend when learning to insert your hearing aid(s) to place a pillow on your lap, a towel on the table or counter to cushion the fall if by chance the hearing aid(s) gets dropped.
Hearing Aid Batteries:

The most common type of hearing aid battery is Zinc-Air. Zinc-Air batteries may last up to 2 ½ times longer then mercury and are much better for the environment. Zinc-Air batteries have a paper or plastic tab covering very small holes on the back of the battery. This tab prevents the battery from getting air that is needed to make the battery work. As long as the tab has never been removed, these batteries can be stored for more than one year. When ready, remove the tab and place the battery in the hearing aid. It is important to note that once the tab is removed, the battery will start to drain slowly and will need to be used. If the tab is inadvertently removed, do not replace it. Once the battery has air to activate it, starving it of air will make it drain very quickly.

Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place. Storing them in a refrigerator may shorten the life of the battery.

Hearing aid batteries are different then normal batteries in that they operate at full power until they are almost fully drained, and then they stop quite abruptly. However, you never know when this will happen. ALWAYS carry extra batteries. Avoid letting the batteries touch each other even when the tap is still on the back this will start a trickle drain.

Remember batteries are dangerous if swallowed. Keep them away from small children and pets. If a battery is swallowed, see a doctor immediately or call the Battery Hotline at 202-652-3333.

You can contact me at Accurate Hearing Systems, LLC with any questions or to make an appointment.

Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
510 W Tudor Rd Ste 3
Anchorage, AK 99503
907-644-6004

Hearing Aid Care and Maintenance

At night when the hearing aid(s) are removed: The first thing you should do when removing them at night is wipe them down with a dry soft clothe, Kleenex or disinfected wipe. Open the battery, door place them in their case with the battery door left open this will allow moister to escape and help prolong battery life. In the morning turn the hearing aid with the part the goes into your ear canal pointed down softly brush the opening with a dry toothbrush. Turn the hearing aid over and gently brush the other side with the battery door closed. It’s important to do this in the morning when the wax has had a chance to dray.