#HearingFactFriday Tag

Traditional vs. Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries

All hearing aids, regardless of their style, have the same major components - a microphone, an amplifier, a receiver, and a battery. Traditionally, hearing aid batteries have been disposable, but in the last few years, many manufacturers have started to produce rechargeable hearing aids. So what is best for you? What is going to help you hear conversation clearly? Let’s take a look at both styles of batteries! Some major things to consider when comparing batteries are: Battery Life Accessibility Portability   Disposable Batteries Disposable Zinc-Air batteries, come in four different sizes; the size is based on the amount of power needed for your hearing aids. These batteries are air-activated, meaning they begin to work as soon as the coloured sticker comes off, allowing the oxygen to react with the zinc.   Pros   The most common size, 312, had a life expectancy of about 5-7 days. The individual cost of batteries is very low; less than $1.00 per battery. It is very easy to keep spare batteries with you while you are out and about; especially if you are in an environment where a plug is not readily accessible (i.e. camping, traveling, etc.). You can go a few days without having to change them or plug anything in. These are easier to fix in-house, as we can access the battery compartment. Cons   Battery life can dramatically change based on humidity, the power needed for your hearing loss, and use of accessories like a remote or TV streamer. These batteries...

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jargon

Hearing Jargon: The Translation

  Hearing Jargon: We do try really hard to make sure that when you come into the office, you not only hear but understand us. But, inevitably, like every profession, we still use some jargon (or medical terms) that not everyone knows. Well look no further, here is your Hearing Clinic Jargon Translation! Hearing Jargon: Hearing Test Audiogram: The audiogram is a visual report to chart your hearing; it's called an audiogram because the equipment we use to test your hearing is called an audiometer. For more information on the specifics of your audiogram and what it all means click  here. Hertz (Hz): Hertz represents the pitch or frequency of a sound. The average person can hear 20 to 20,000 cycles per second. From of the audiogram. Decibel (dB): Decibels are different sound levels or volume. The louder a sound, the higher the decibel. The left side of the audiogram. Occluded: This is just a fancy term we use for blocked. If we say something is occluded it just means that it's plugged up or blocked by something (in most cases wax). Cerumen: This is the medical term for  ear wax! We don't use it as often, since ear wax is just easier to say, but this is the 'technical' term. Hearing Jargon: Hearing aids Receiver in the Canal (RIC): This acronym represents the most common style of hearing aid. The main body sits behind your ear and the receiver (speaker) is attached to a small thin cord that goes into...

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myths and facts about hearing loss

5 Myths About Your Hearing

5 Myths about Hearing  Hearing can be a bit of a mystery. It’s one of those senses we don’t think about too much until we can’t hear well. There are learning more every year about our ears through ongoing research. So here are a few myths about hearing and their facts that you maybe didn’t know! 1) Myth: If I had a hearing loss I would know Fact: The Canadian Health Measures Survey in 2015 found that most Canadians with hearing loss were unaware of it. In most cases, hearing loss happens gradually. This means we may not notice any changes until it becomes difficult to understand a conversation, to hear the TV, or we find ourselves saying “pardon” more times than we can count. This may also be why we associate hearing loss with getting ‘older’. We just don’t notice it till then! Including a hearing test in your overall health routine can keep you informed and your ears healthy. 2) Myth: My hearing only affects me Fact: In one way this is true, hearing loss is a personal thing, but it doesn’t just affect you. Have you ever considered how it might affect your co-workers, friends, and loved ones? How many times do your co-workers have to repeat things for you? Or imagine how it feels to not be heard by someone you love. Everyone around you needs and wants to communicate with you. As humans, we are social creatures and need to be in a community. Hearing loss...

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Q&A

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Hearing Aid

Purchasing hearing aids is an exciting experience, but one that can come with a lot of questions. Your practitioner will do their best to make sure you're at ease with the process as they guide you through the hearing test, hearing aid selection, and finances. During your initial consultation, consider asking these questions before buying your hearing aids: What expectations should I have about the hearing aids to improve my ability to hear? Having realistic expectations can prepare you for how best to use your hearing aids and change your conversation style so you don't miss out. The practitioner will discuss those benefits and changes so you are informed about expectations. Can I try out a device before buying it? Here at The Ear Depot, we do offer hearing aid trials to ensure you are confident about your decision. Ask us for more details and how to set it up. What features and services are included in the cost? Included in the cost of your hearing aids: the hearing aids themselves, access to an experienced practitioner whenever needed ('Dispensing Fee'), and a Lifetime Service Plan (includes all cleanings, annual testing, and adjustments for the life of your hearing aids). Is the cost covered by my insurance? Each insurance company and policy differs. If you have extended health benefits let us know at your consultation, our team can enquire for you regarding your coverage, all we need is your policy card. Must they be purchased outright or is financing available? If needed,...

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warranty

Hearing Aid Warranties

Hearing Aid Warranties: What are they and how do they help you Hearing aids like other large purchases or investments we buy have manufacturer warranties. These warranties cover your hearing aids for a period of time and cover a variety of repairs to ensure your hearing aids continue to perform well. Let's take a look at the type of warranties available to you... Repair and Remake Warranties These kinds of warranties are an agreement between you and the hearing aid manufacturer. This agreement lasts anywhere from 2-4 years and will account for broken parts, malfunction, and other repairs that we can't do in-house. While you're in-warranty these repairs have no cost to you from the manufacturer. You can find this information on your original invoice of sale or ask your hearing health care provider. Out of warranty, most manufacturers have a fixed price for a repair. This can cost anywhere from $100 to $500. The manufacturer cost depends on the age of the hearing aid and whether you choose a 6 or 12 month extended warranty. After 5-6 years, manufacturers deem hearing aids un-repairable as they may not carry parts anymore for older styles. After your warranty expires you can insure your hearing aids through a 3rd party, such as your home insurance in case of loss or damage. Lost and Damaged Insurance This insurance provided by the manufacturer is valid for 1-2 years after purchase. In that time, if you lose a hearing aid or damage it beyond repair (i.g....

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Earwax: The Do’s and Don’ts

Earwax… Everyone has it, so let’s not get grossed out by it. Here are a few do’s and don’t when it comes to cleaning your ears of that pesky earwax.   DO Do understand that earwax is natural! It’s your ears’ natural lubricant to keep the canal moisturized and protect the inner parts from debris. If it’s not hindering your hearing, just leave it. Do keep your outer ear clean. Ears are self-cleaning, but once it gets to the outer ear you can use a washcloth to clean that area only, nothing should go in the ear canal. Do know the symptoms of wax build-up. These include: decreased hearing feelings of fullness or pressure ringing in the ears changes to hearing aid functionality (i.e. distortion or decreased volume) Do ask your hearing health professional or medical professional about home remedies if earwax is a consistent issue. Try natural oils drops (anything that will soak into your skin - olive oil, coconut oil, mineral oil, etc.) or specific wax drops (Audiologists Choice or Miracle Ear). 5-6 drops in the ear, lay on your side for 20 minutes, and repeat. Best to do it at night before you go to bed.  You can do this as needed or on a regular basis as part of your ear health regime. Note: Don’t use drops or other home remedies if you’ve previously had ear surgery or a hole in your eardrum. Do seek a professional if you're experiencing any of the above symptoms. Even if it’s...

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You May Wear Hearing Aids If…

Ever heard Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck" jokes? Here is our version for those that wear hearing aids or work in hearing... "You might wear hearing aids if." Enjoy the hilarious, but true tidbits!   You may wear or work with hearing aids if... You find battery stickers EVERYWHERE and on everything (no joke, found one on the butt of my pants last week!) You bust out your sound level app….. in church. You find batteries in random places for easy access: your car, purse, kitchen, etc. You’re not grossed out by wax or other things you find on the hearing aids anymore You really want to use Q-tips to scratch your ear, but you hear your practitioner's voice in your head saying ‘don’t do it!’ You’re suddenly very aware of the sound paper makes or the fridge when it comes on You're more cautious about rain than before You have asked (or had someone ask you) when looking in the ear if you can see right through to the other side. People’s ears are the first thing you look at on a person. You have the urge to push a person’s earmolds in properly when you’re standing behind them at the grocery store checkout. Any other ones you can come up with? Leave them in the comments below!   For more information about the hearing aids we offer and other services check out your services tab. 

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Hearing Aid Battery Trick

Hearing Aid Battery Trick  Do you find hearing aid batteries everywhere? The car, your pockets, your purse, around the house... everywhere! What happens if they don't have the sticker on them? How do you know if they are okay? Well, here is a fun battery trick for you to test if they still have some power! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quj1alMcAkY Have you heard of this one before? More helpful tips and tricks on our Youtube channel or our blog! Try it out... tell me how it works in the comments!

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10 Interesting Blogs about Hearing and Hearing Loss

10 Interesting Blogs about Hearing and Hearing Loss We here at The Ear Depot hope that you’re finding our website, blogs, and in-person conversations helpful as you explore topics about your hearing health. But, if you are looking for more or first-hand experience, below you will find some amazing blogs from people just like you that have hearing loss. So, if you're looking for some extra reading right now, check these out! 1. Living with Hearing Loss - Shari Eberts writes from her personal experience with genetic hearing loss and other topics in the hearing field.  Shari has a great perspective on coming to terms with her hearing loss; it’s not easy, but there is hope.   2. Signia - This hearing aid manufacturer not only likes to put the focus on their products but your overall hearing health.  Looking for a new set of headphones? check out their guide on what style to choose.   3. The Limping Chicken - With a name that is apparently based on a UK joke gone viral, this UK blog edited by Charlie Swinbourne and more than 200 contributing writers, focuses on everything related to hearing loss and the deaf community. Check out Charlie’s blog about having his ears professionally cleaned!   4. Katherine Bouton - Katherine is a published author who writes about living with hearing loss and all the things that go along with it.  She has a really interesting blog about purchasing online and what’s “affordable” in the US.    5....

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mask

Wearing Hearing Aids and a Mask: 5 Tips

Wearing Hearing Aids... Plus a Mask We are currently living in some strange times. In healthcare, wearing masks has been common practice for a long time. Now, with the Covid-19 outbreak more and more people are wearing masks to help protect themselves and others. But what if you wear behind the ear hearing aids? How do you safely wearing hearing aids and a mask? Here are a few tips to help keep you safe during Covid-19 and keep your hearing aids safely behind your ears. Wearing hearing aids and a mask Take extra precautions when removing the mask. Hearing aids can easily get caught on the elastic when removing them. Try taking your mask off only in one or two places (in the car or at home). This will help eliminate places to look if they do come loose and provide some extra security and awareness.  Attach the mask to a headband with buttons. This not only protects the backs of your ears from the elastic but keeps your hearing aids in place too. You can find a pattern for one here. If you have long hair you can also loop the elastic around a ponytail. Get a mask extender. These can be purchased, made, or makeshift (I've seen people use paperclips). These allow the mask to be secured around the back of your head vs. your ears. Use the masks with 4 strings vs elastic. These tie around the back of your head and nape of your neck with no...

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