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family

Hearing Together: Support for Families with Hearing Loss

Hearing loss ranks as the third most common chronic health condition globally, according to the World Health Organization. Its impact extends beyond individuals, touching the lives of countless families. If you're a family member of someone with hearing loss, you're intimately familiar with the challenges and frustrations that come with impaired communication. You share the desire for your loved one to enjoy the highest quality of life possible, but you may feel ill-equipped to provide the necessary support. In this blog, we seek to provide support for families, empower you, encourage you, and offer valuable resources to help you understand hearing loss better and enhance your ability to support your loved ones. What is Hearing Loss Like? Imagine being in a movie theatre as the credits roll on the big screen. At first, you can read the names as they appear, but distractions quickly pull your focus away. You fixate on a single name or title, and suddenly, the text races ahead, leaving you struggling to catch every word. It's an overwhelming experience, and you know you've missed a lot of information. This scenario provides a glimpse into the daily reality of someone with hearing loss, but the full picture is far more complex. Hearing loss goes beyond occasional missed words; it affects every aspect of life, from conversations to social interactions and personal connections. To truly understand what your loved one experiences, you can use hearing loss simulators (Try these from Starkey and Hearing Healthcare). These tools allow you to...

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benefits

10 Incredible Benefits of Hearing Aids for a Healthier Life

Aside from the obvious improvement in hearing ability, hearing aids offer a myriad of advantages that positively impact both your physical and mental well-being. Many people hesitate to get help for their hearing because they think it's a sign of getting older, but that's not true! Hearing loss can happen earlier than we expect, so it's important to act early. Let's explore 10 fantastic incredible benefits hearing aids can improve your life and why you should consider taking the next step! 1. You hear everything far clearer - conversation and your environment. Hearing aids do much more than just make things louder. They are designed to make speech and sounds much clearer, so you can experience the world of sound like never before. 2. You can more confidently participate in social gatherings. Participating in group conversations can be challenging with untreated hearing loss. Hearing aids are designed to navigate such situations and reduce background noise, allowing you to enjoy social gatherings with confidence. 3. They relieve the mental strain of always trying to listen harder. Hearing aids take a lot of the mental energy used when straining to hear, follow the conversation, or guess what was being said, leaving you with more energy to do the things you love. 4. Hearing aids reduce social isolation, depression, and anxiety. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, and anxiety. Embrace an active social life with hearing aids, as they are clinically related to reduced social isolation and improved emotional well-being. 5....

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Dogs and hearing

Hearing Aids for your Canine Companion

Did you know that dogs can experience hearing loss, just like humans? Recent advancements in technology have paved the way for hearing aids designed specifically for our beloved furry friends. Yes, you read that right, hearing aids for dogs. In this blog, we'll briefly dive into the world of animal hearing ability, explore the causes and signs of hearing loss, and discover the promising groups working on creating hearing aids tailored to our canine companions. Hearing and Hearing Loss In Dogs Dogs are one of several animals that possess an incredible hearing range, far surpassing that of humans. While we can hear frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz, dogs can perceive sounds ranging from 60 Hz to an astounding 44,000 Hz! Their remarkable sensitivity to sound makes them truly exceptional creatures. However, this heightened hearing also means they are more susceptible to hearing loss, which can be caused by various factors such as age, genetics, trauma, and tumours. Your furry friend may not utter "what" like a confused human, but there are clear signs of hearing loss to watch for. If your dog no longer responds to squeaky toys, fails to come when called, or seems oblivious when you enter a room, hearing loss could be the culprit. In such cases, adjusting your communication style and using touch, sign language, or visual cues can help bridge the gap. Hearing Aids for Dogs Exciting research is underway to develop hearing aids tailored to canine needs in Alabama and Ohio. Dr. Marshall...

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music

The Magic of Music and Hearing Aids

Hearing aids have proven to be incredible lifesavers for those with hearing loss, empowering better communication and deeper connections. However, when it comes to enjoying music, hearing aid users face unique challenges. In this blog, we'll delve into the difficulties music poses for hearing aid wearers, explore why music is different from speech sounds, and discover how hearing aids can be fine-tuned to enhance the magic of music. The Music-Meets-Hearing-Aid Hurdles Music is a captivating tapestry of sounds, weaving together various instruments, melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. Unlike speech, which is simpler and composed of a distinct, smaller range of frequencies. (Frequencies are what musicians would call notes or chords). Music's complexity thus poses specific hurdles for hearing aid users. 1. Music's Complex Tones: Music's vast spectrum of sounds from different instruments can be challenging for hearing aids designed primarily for speech. Speech focuses on a small range of sounds, between 250 to 8000Hz, whereas music goes beyond that in either direction. As a result, wearers might experience an unbalanced listening experience or distortion when enjoying music as sounds are cut off. For example, the hearing aids narrow range may not include bass tones or the richness in higher pitches, as they aren't in the designated sound field. 2. Volume Swings: Music's wide dynamics, ranging from soft to loud, can be difficult for hearing aids to handle, causing soft notes to be missed and loud parts to be uncomfortably amplified. 3. Spatial Perception: Music is often recorded in stereo or surround sound,...

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warning signs

Catch It Early: How to Recognize Signs of Hearing Loss

The impact of hearing loss on our lives is not always immediately apparent. The human body and behaviour are very adaptable, so we often fail to notice the overall effects of a health issue until it reaches a critical level. However, we can avoid such situations by identifying early patterns and taking proactive measures. As with most health concerns, we want to catch it as early as possible. Here are some indicators and tips to recognize the signs of hearing loss. Signs you may have hearing loss Hearing loss to any degree can cause changes and struggles to your quality of life. The more severe the hearing loss, the greater impact on your daily life. Recognizing the following common early signs of hearing loss is crucial: Struggling to understand conversations, particularly in crowded or noisy environments. Feeling exhausted or stressed after engaging in conversations. Perceiving people to be mumbling more frequently. Finding it challenging to follow conversations in group settings or with background noise. Frequently asking others to repeat themselves, speak slower, or louder. Increasing the volume of your TV or radio beyond what others prefer. Experiencing difficulty hearing on the phone. Feeling physically and/or mentally drained after listening to people talk. Feeling irritated, stressed, or overwhelmed by noise or voices. Experiencing frustration or embarrassment in certain social situations or conversations If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these frustrations in everyday conversation, you may have hearing loss.  Why early intervention? Hearing loss places additional strain on our...

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summer fun

Safeguard Your Ears This Summer

Summer is here, and it's time to soak up the sun and embrace the excitement of the season. From beach parties and music festivals to backyard barbecues and water sports, the options for fun seem endless. But amidst all the noise and revelry, it's crucial to protect your precious hearing. Don't worry, we've got your back! In this blog, we'll dive into some tips on how to safeguard your ears this summer while still rocking those awesome, noisy summer activities. How Loud Is It Really? Let's talk numbers for a moment to highlight just how loud some of these summer activities can get. Concerts and music festivals can reach ear-piercing levels of up to 120 decibels (dB), comparable to a jet engine taking off! Fireworks can explode with a bang of around 150 dB, equivalent to standing next to a roaring freight train. Motorized water sports, like jet skis or speedboats, can generate noise levels of up to 100 dB, akin to the sound of a chainsaw. It's important to realize that prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause irreversible damage to your hearing. So, understanding the intensity of these noises emphasizes the importance of taking precautions to protect your ears during these exciting summer activities. 5 Tips to Protect Your Ears and Still Have Fun 1. Gear up with hearing protectors. Before diving headfirst into those ear-splitting activities, grab some reliable hearing protection. Earplugs (custom or universal foam ones) and earmuffs are your trusty sidekicks when it comes...

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telehealth online

Telehealth for Hearing Aids

In recent times, a new term has become quite popular: telehealth. With the COVID-19 pandemic, how we access healthcare has changed to ensure continued access while respecting distancing guidelines. But what exactly is telehealth, and how does it relate to hearing aids? In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of telehealth, specifically focusing on how it benefits individuals with hearing loss. So, if you're new to the concept, sit back and let's explore how telehealth is transforming hearing healthcare! Understanding Telehealth Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, is defined as receiving healthcare services remotely using technology to connect patients and healthcare professionals. In the field of audiology, tele-audiology has emerged as a powerful tool to overcome geographical barriers and enhance access to hearing healthcare. It involves the use of secure video conferencing platforms, smartphone apps, and other digital tools to connect with hearing care professionals without having to visit a clinic in person. While remote care is not new to audiology, its popular use of it has grown. Advantages of Telehealth Telehealth for hearing aids comes with several exciting benefits. Here are some key advantages that make it a convenient option: a) Convenience and Accessibility: Imagine getting hearing care services from the comfort of your own home. Telehealth makes it possible! No more travelling long distances or facing mobility challenges. You can access hearing healthcare regardless of your location. b) Saving Costs and Travel: Traditional clinic visits often involve expenses for transportation and other associated costs. Telehealth eliminates or reduces...

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mental health

Hearing Loss and Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so looking at the relationship between hearing loss and mental well-being is appropriate. Recent studies have revealed a correlation between untreated hearing loss and various mental health concerns, particularly in older adults. This blog post will explore why hearing loss affects our mental health and provide some preventative strategies. Hearing loss, depression, and cognitive decline While mental health is commonly associated with factors like stress and genetics, the research emphasizes the significance of our hearing in maintaining mental well-being. Untreated hearing loss can negatively impact our mental health, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. Struggling to engage in conversations and participate in social activities due to hearing difficulties can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, contributing to symptoms of depression. Moreover, compensating for hearing loss can be mentally exhausting, affecting concentration, memory, and daily tasks. Untreated hearing loss is also linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline, including conditions like Dementia and Alzheimer's. Social isolation, lack of brain stimulation (use it or lose it theory), and auditory processing challenges (how hard the brain works to interpret sounds) are believed to connect to these health issues. When our brains are deprived of stimulation due to hearing loss and reduced social interaction, certain areas lose their ability to function optimally. Signs of hearing loss and mental health concerns Detecting hearing loss and understanding its potential impact on our health is crucial. By familiarizing ourselves with the signs of hearing loss and indicators of mental health...

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buying a hearing aid

3 Key Factors to Consider When Buying Hearing Aids

Purchasing hearing aids is an exciting experience! But we also know they are an investment and want you to be confident in your purchase. So when thinking about new hearing aids or discussing them with your practitioner, here are some things to consider when buying hearing aids. What matters most to you? Based on your lifestyle and preferences, there are several features offered with hearing aids to choose from. Based on these choices, the practitioners can give you a better recommendation on the technology that would work best for you. Consider: Rechargeable Batteries This is great for someone who doesn't want to change batteries, has poor dexterity, or uses other rechargeable items daily. When considering battery options, also think about the length of your day. Is your work schedule consistent, or can your hours change? If a battery died during the middle of the day, could you go without your hearing aids? Are you in places you could charge your hearing aid if needed, etc.? Connectivity Do you use Bluetooth in your everyday life? It can be used with your phone, the system in your car, your tv, etc. This is a great feature for someone on the go, who uses their phone throughout the day, or likes listening to music! Hearing in Noise A noisy conversation may be fine for someone who lives a quiet life or only goes to a restaurant occasionally. However, this may be a more considerable consideration for someone who regularly attends large meetings, has a...

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Invisible

Hearing Loss: An invisible disability

Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent chronic disabilities worldwide. For the most part, it's also an invisible one. Yet, many people equate hearing aids to glasses, which is not the best comparison. In this article, we'll discuss how to explain your hearing loss to those around you and some analogies you can use to describe your experience. Hearing loss is an invisible disability. Unless people know about your hearing loss, they won't treat you differently from the next guy. But they don't understand the mental load it places on you. Unlike other disabilities that use aids, like glasses, crutches, or a wheelchair, you can't see hearing loss. The assumption is made that if you "look okay," you don't have a disability or need for accommodation. But it can be frustrating for all involved when you don't hear properly, answer incorrectly, or ask others to repeat them regularly. Hearing aids solve one aspect of this problem, but they won't fix everything. For example, if you have trouble hearing in noisy environments, you may still miss things and require extra support. Or the person speaking may not know how important it is for them to speak clearly when they talk to you. This is where good communication and analogies can be helpful. Hearing aids are not like glasses. These two are often compared, but it's important to remember they are not equals. Hearing aids, while exceptional at what they do, are not a cure for hearing loss. Unlike glasses, which, when...

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