hearing aids Tag

phones

A Guide to Phone Solutions for Hearing Aid Users

In today's interconnected world, communication plays a vital role in our daily lives. For individuals with hearing impairments, the use of hearing aids has significantly improved their ability to engage in conversations. However, when it comes to phone communication—whether through cellphones or landlines—there can be unique challenges. In this blog post, we'll explore various solutions designed to enhance the phone experience for those with hearing aids, touching upon the importance of staying connected for overall cognitive health. Side Note: The Importance of Connection for Cognitive Health: Before delving into the solutions, and in honour of Alzheimer's awareness month, it's crucial to highlight the impact of social connections on cognitive health. Numerous studies have shown that maintaining strong social ties can positively influence cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. For individuals with hearing loss, communication barriers can lead to feelings of isolation, potentially affecting cognitive well-being. By addressing these challenges through effective phone solutions, we contribute to fostering meaningful connections and, consequently, supporting cognitive health. For Cellphones Bluetooth Connectivity and Hearing Aid Compatibility Bluetooth technology has revolutionized the way hearing aid users interact with their cellphones. Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can directly connect to smartphones, enabling users to stream phone calls directly to their hearing aids. This wireless connection eliminates background noise and enhances the clarity of the conversation. Additionally, many modern cellphones come with Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) features. HAC cellphones are designed to work seamlessly with hearing aids, reducing interference and ensuring a clearer sound quality during calls....

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holidays, assistive devices, technology

Hear the Holidays: Accessory Technology for Festive Joy

The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and celebration with friends and family. However, for those with hearing loss, the festivities can sometimes be challenging. Thankfully, advancements in technology have given rise to a range of hearing aid assistive devices that can make holiday gatherings more enjoyable for everyone. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the available accessory technology designed to enhance the holiday experience for those with hearing difficulties. 1. Remote Microphones: Bringing Conversations to the Forefront Amidst the cheerful chaos of holiday parties, conversations can easily get lost in the noise. That's where remote microphones come to the rescue. These discreet devices capture the voice of the person you're speaking to and transmit it directly to your hearing aids, allowing you to focus on the person you're speaking with. Whether it's a heartfelt holiday wish or a shared laugh, remote mics bring conversations to the forefront, making every interaction memorable. Devices like these and other physical strategies can make hearing in a crowd far more enjoyable! 2. TV Streamers: Elevating Entertainment Experience Holiday traditions often involve watching festive movies and TV specials. TV streamers transform this experience for individuals with hearing aids. Wirelessly connected to your television, these devices deliver clear and direct audio to your hearing aids, allowing you to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit without missing a beat. Enjoy the visuals, the dialogue, and the soundtrack with enhanced clarity while maintaining a volume that is comfortable for all watching. Similarly to TV...

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Donate hearing aids

What to do with Older Hearing Aids?

Whether you're considering an upgrade to the latest technology, stumbled upon a forgotten pair tucked away in a drawer, or recently lost a loved one who used hearing aids, you might be wondering what to do with those older hearing aids. In this blog, we'll explore several meaningful ways to repurpose these devices, both locally and globally. Donate to an Individual Consider helping a family member or friend who may benefit from your older hearing aids. All they need is an audiogram and a practitioner willing to adjust the aids to their needs. This presents a heartwarming opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone you know's life, rather than having the hearing aids collect dust in a drawer. Donate to a Charity Several charities specialize in collecting donated hearing aids for use both locally and abroad in areas with limited access to medical equipment. Here are a few organizations that accept hearing aid donations: The Lions Club: They operate through a specific program called The Hearing Aid Project. The Starkey Hearing Foundation This manufacturer takes donated devices and fits them to individuals in over 100 countries in need. The Gift of Hearing Foundation. Based in Alberta, this organization fits donated aids within Canada and around the world. Purinapaq: Mobility Without Borders. This Ontario-based charity refurbishes and distributes medical equipment, including hearing aids, to people with disabilities in economically distressed regions globally. They accept donations of various medical equipment. Donate to a Local Clinic At The Ear Depot, we gladly accept...

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extending, long lasting

How to Make Your Hearing Aids Last Longer

Hearing aids are a significant investment, one that we want to protect and ensure longevity. Typically lasting between five to seven years (with some even exceeding this), the longevity of your hearing aids can be influenced by factors such as technological advancements and regular wear and tear. However, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your investment and extend their lifespan. In this blog post, we'll explore five key strategies to help you make your hearing aids last longer. 1 Clean and Service your Hearing Aids To keep your hearing aids in optimal condition, make daily cleaning a habit. At night, follow these simple steps: Gently wipe them with a soft, dry cloth, ideally a microfiber glasses cloth. Remove any accumulated wax using a Kleenex, new wax filters, or the provided brush. Store them in their charger or carrying case when not in use to shield them from dirt and debris. Maintaining clean hearing aids can significantly reduce the need for repairs and extend their lifespan. This is why attending your regular cleaning and maintenance appointment with your hearing healthcare team every 3-4 months is important. 2 Keep Them Dry Moisture can harm electronics, including your hearing aids. While avoiding wearing them in the shower or heavy rain is obvious, be mindful of temperature-related moisture issues. Sudden temperature changes, like going from cold outdoor air to indoor warmth, can cause condensation within the hearing aids. To counter this, be aware and act accordingly. Additionally, if you're someone who sweats...

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test drive, try before you buy

The Sound of Confidence: Trying Hearing Aids Before You Buy

Hearing loss can be a challenging experience, affecting our ability to communicate effectively and engage fully in the world around us. Fortunately, advancements in technology have made hearing aids more accessible and effective than ever before. Yet, with so many options available, how can you be certain you're choosing the right hearing aids for your needs? The answer lies in trying hearing aids before making your purchase. Whether you're uncertain about their efficacy or interested in exploring the differences among manufacturers, The Ear Depot is here to ensure you make a confident investment. Why Trying Hearing Aids Matters Personalized Solution: Every individual's hearing loss is unique. Trying hearing aids allows you to discover which device suits your specific needs and preferences, leading to a more personalized solution tailored just for you. Comfort and Fit: The comfort and fit of a hearing aid are vital for long-term wear. We will fit them just as if you were buying them, ensuring they feel comfortable in your ear and don't cause discomfort. Sound Quality: Hearing aids vary in terms of sound quality. Trying them at our clinic enables you to evaluate the clarity, volume, and overall sound experience provided. This may be with one particular brand we've decided to try or a comparison between brands. Functionality: Hearing aids come with various features, such as noise cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity, and custom programs. Each feature is designed to make your daily listening environments work for you. Exploring these features, we can further tailor the aids to...

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men vs women

Women vs. Men: Do They Really Hear Differently?

When it comes to the question of whether men and women hear differently, most people tend to assume they do. But what does the research actually reveal? While various factors contribute to hearing and hearing loss, do these factors vary between the sexes? In this blog post, we'll look into the causes of hearing loss, use of hearing aids, and determine whether there are indeed differences between women's and men's hearing. Understanding the Causes of Hearing Loss: Hearing loss is often associated with aging, but it's crucial to note that this is just one of several contributing factors. Extensive research indicates that occupational noise stands as the primary culprit behind hearing loss. Followed closely by factors like age, exposure to recreational loud noises, and genetics. Consequently, the prevalent belief that men experience more hearing loss primarily due to exposure to noise is not without merit. Interestingly, both men and women exhibit a relatively similar pattern of age-related hearing loss at comparable rates. While other elements, such as genetics and environmental factors, can influence instances of hearing loss, it remains notably consistent between the genders. Although some studies suggest minor physiological differences, such as men experiencing more high-frequency hearing loss and women more commonly encountering low-frequency loss, these distinctions tend to have little effect on the overall rate of loss. Men and Women Using Hearing Aids: Notably, statistics indicate that men use hearing aids slightly more compared to women, a trend that is mirrored even within our own clinic. While we serve...

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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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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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