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Why is it Important to Upgrade Your Hearing?

Why upgrade your hearing? If you are aware that you are having difficulty hearing, it’s probably time for an upgrade.  Don’t let the word “Upgrade” be a cause for anxiety, there are simple things that can give your ability to communicate a boost. Simple Things: Good communication practices are often not practiced, especially at home […]

Diagnosing Hearing Loss

Difficulty hearing is a common problem that increases with age. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) You should see your doctor or hearing specialist if you: Have trouble hearing over the telephone Find it hard to follow conversations when two or more people are talking Often ask people to repeat what they are […]

Listen Up: A Helpful Guide to Caring for Your Ears

Our ears are a sensitive and vital part of our body and it is important to be aware of the proper ways to care for them. For starters, the first thing you should know is ears are efficient and self-cleaning. Thus, the general rule for ear care is that “less is more.” The “less” applies […]

What’s all this noise about Tinnitus?

According to the American Tinnitus Association, nearly 50 million Americans experience tinnitus.  Pronounced as “Tinn/EYE’/tus” or “TINN’/eh/tus, the symptom is a sensation experienced by people often as a result of some type of damage to the ears such as exposure to excessive noise.  It may also be the result of certain medications, or musculoskeletal issues […]

Hearing Loss in America – By the Numbers

Quick Statistics About Hearing About 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears. More than 90 percent of deaf children are born to hearing parents. Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report […]

How long should my hearing aids last?

Typically, hearing aids will last three to five years depending on usage, but various things can affect a hearing aid’s lifetime. Do you wear them all day every day? Do you live in a humid or dusty environment? Do you take good care of them? Hearing aids can function longer than five years, but many […]

How Colder Weather Might Affect Your Hearing Aid

During the winter, the biggest threat to hearing aids is moisture. The problem with cold weather is that it often includes rapid changes in temperature to your device. If you’re outside, the drop in temperature might be extreme from that of a heated home or car. These rapid changes in temperature can produce condensation on […]

Why You Need to See a Hearing Specialist Instead of Self-Treating

Many people are tempted to look for a quick-fix self-treatment when a hearing problem is detected because they assume it isn’t a big deal. However, even small issues can worsen over time, so having your hearing checked by a professional is crucial to your long-term health. Take a comprehensive hearing test While there are now […]

Hearing Loss Is Common with People with Diabetes

It’s no secret that hearing loss and diabetes are two grave health concerns among Americans; in fact, about 30 million people in the United States suffer from diabetes—and nearly 35 million have some form of hearing loss. Coincidence? Not likely. Recent studies have shown that there is a meaningful connection between people with diabetes and their inherent […]

Do I Have Meniere’s Disease, or is it Something Else?

Meniere’s Disease is a serious disorder of the inner ear that very few people are familiar with, but that affects between 3.5 per 100.000 and 513 per 100.000 people in the population. This ear disease can occur at any age, though it is most common in adults between the ages of 20 and 50. By […]

How Has Hearing Aid Tech Evolved

The recorded history of hearing loss goes back hundreds of years. People have created technology to correct it since the first pre-historic human found that cupping a hand behind one ear amplified sound. Today’s hearing aid technology is still evolving, and has come a long way since the days of the very first attempts to […]

How Hearing Aid Technology Works

Hearing aids have come a long way since their inception. Today’s sleek models can be virtually invisible, making them a discreet way to remedy a hearing issue and a much more practical option than the cumbersome hearing aids of the past. Other designs can be configured for direct wireless connection to mobile phones and may […]

Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Hearing loss affects an estimated 37.5 million American adults and can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life, as well as their ability to maintain relationships with others. By understanding the common causes of hearing loss, its symptoms, as well as available treatment options, you can become better educated and take measures […]

Living with Tinnitus

Tinnitus, that symptom of hearing sounds that have no obvious source affects many adults worldwide.  Specific numbers are hard to estimate because of the wide range of definitions and degree of annoyance experienced by those affected.  Some studies have suggested that as many as 80% of the adult population experience tinnitus at some point in […]

Tips to a Stress-Free Holiday with Hearing Aids

The holidays usually mean spending time with friends and family, whether it’s eating special meals or having fun at gatherings. All these traditional get-togethers are supposed to be fun, but having hearing loss can turn them into stressful occasions. It doesn’t have to be that way. With a little bit of advanced planning, you can […]

The Sounds of the Holidays

The winter holidays are a special and magical time, making the sounds we hear around us more meaningful and memorable. Music and movies, the sounds of the outdoors, and enjoying the company of friends and family are all an important part of this time of the year. Below is a list of a few holiday […]

Hearing Aid Myths Exposed

Sometimes we love to mislead ourselves by believing what we want to believe or believing what others tell us to believe.  As Dr. H. Gustav Mueller once said, “You have to hear what you don’t want to hear to know what you don’t want to hear.”  For example, did you know that Thomas Edison didn’t […]

Sleeping with Tinnitus

Tinnitus may interfere with your sleeping. In the quiet of your bedroom the constant ringing or buzzing in your ear may become particularly annoying and deprive you of a good night’s rest. However, you can take several steps to help you sleep better with tinnitus. The RNID fact sheet about tinnitus and sleep provides the […]

Understanding Sudden Hearing Loss

About one in 5,000 people will develop sudden hearing loss in their lifetime. Sudden hearing loss, also known as sudden deafness, is an unexplained rapid loss of hearing that usually happens in one ear. It can occur all at once or take place gradually over the course of a few days. This condition is considered an emergency. […]

Hearing Aids Through History: From Ear Trumpets from Cutting Edge Technology

The evolution of hearing aids in history is a story that stretches from the 17th century ear trumpet to the modern day microprocessor. One constant, from the Industrial Revolution to the Internet generation, is the ability of hearing aid manufacturers to adapt emerging technology into their devices. Technological triumphs of the likes of Alexander Graham […]

Tinnitus and Stress

Tinnitus is mostly seen and treated as a circulatory disorder in the inner ear. Researchers have, however, found other factors influencing the treatment of tinnitus. In a continuing study at the medical school in Hanover, Germany, the researchers discovered the degree to which the patient’s general well-being plays a role in connection with tinnitus. While […]

What Should I Expect at My First Hearing Appointment?

Being proactive with your hearing health is a great help to your general well-being. With all medical appointments, it’s helpful to know what will happen before you arrive for your appointment. Procedures vary from one professional office to another, but here’s a general idea of what you might expect during your first hearing appointment. Filling […]

How Hearing Loss Affects the Entire Family

One of the reasons people don’t bother to get their hearing checked is that they think that a possible hearing loss only affects them. After all, they’re the ones with the trouble hearing, why should it be a problem for anyone else? The truth is the inability to hear can have a big impact on […]

The True Cost of Hearing Aids

The value of hearing aids, like many other products, is comprised of more than just the initial purchase price of the hearing aid itself. Choosing a premium quality hearing aid is a smart investment for numerous reasons. The components used in the manufacturing of top-quality hearing aids help provide you with a better quality of life […]

Top Causes of Acquired Hearing Loss

One might think that losing the ability to hear well is an inevitable part of growing older, but that’s only one of many reasons people suffer from hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disorders. While we cannot stop the aging process, there are other factors that affect hearing and balance symptoms that are important to know […]

Hearing Loss After a Stroke

You may already know that strokes can lead to paralysis, trouble speaking and swallowing, memory and reasoning issues and more. You may not know, however, that strokes can also cause hearing loss. If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, there are some signs that you can look out for. Of course, in […]

How Hearing Aids Can Improve Your Life

Hearing affects so many other aspects of our lives, there is more at stake than just having occasional difficulty in conversations. And with the recent advancements in hearing technology, you may be able to find a piece of technology that is very discrete and dramatically improves your quality of life. Below are some of the […]

Hearing Aid Repairs: What Can You Expect

You depend on your hearing aids to get through your day. When they need repairs, you don’t want to rely on a company that simply ships out all its repairs to a factory across the country or around the world. We are able to do almost all of our patients’ hearing aid repairs right here […]

You Are Not Alone – Celebrities with Hearing Loss

Many people who suffer from hearing loss often feel like they are alone in their struggle. But in reality, many types of hearing loss are extremely common, and they even affect some of the most famous and successful people on the planet. Here are some examples of celebrities who face the realities of hearing loss […]

Noise is not alone in causing Tinnitus

Noise is a key cause of tinnitus but not the only one. Middle ear and sinus infections cause almost as many cases of tinnitus and serious neck injuries increase the risk of suffering from tinnitus by more than one third. These were the conclusions based on an Australian study, conducted among 2,015 people over the […]

6 Ways to Customize Your Hearing Protection

Protecting your hearing is an important aspect of engaging in numerous everyday activities and hobbies. Sometimes though, the one-size-fits-all, generic options out there might not work for a variety of reasons, and you might find yourself tempted to forgo hearing protection. With today’s technological advances, however, there are a number of custom options to choose […]

Firearms, Hearing Aids and Hearing Loss – What You Need to Know

As is the case with most new experiences, it can take some time for someone who has recently suffered from hearing loss to adjust to wearing hearing aids during day-to-day activities. This adjustment period can be especially challenging if the person wearing the hearing aids enjoys hunting or shooting firearms recreationally. The Impact of Firearm Noise […]

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month

Many of us go through our everyday lives without stopping to think about our hearing, which is why National Protect Your Hearing Month is so important. Awareness of the potential dangers of hearing loss is important because it affects a large number of people, and noise-induced hearing loss is completely preventable. However, once the damage is done […]

The Future of Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids are sophisticated devices that go beyond simple amplification of sound. Sophisticated sound processing may be employed to help the user separate the sounds that are desired from extraneous sounds that interfere with hearing and attending to the sounds of intertest.  Manufacturers are continuing to design and improve innovative features for hearing devices […]

What is the Best Way to Clean My Ears?

You’ve probably heard that you shouldn’t use cotton swabs to clean out your ears, but what should you do if they become blocked? Earwax, otherwise known as cerumen, is a thick substance your ear produces in order to protect itself. It generally moves outward in the ear canal from the movement of your jaw when […]

Patient Spotlight: Jerry’s Journey to Better Hearing

Hearing is a critical part of being able to function in everyday life. Even when one’s hearing problem isn’t yet obvious, that person’s quality of life can be negatively affected. We need hearing for many activities and it’s not something that many of our patients recognize until they begin having difficulty hearing. Our patient Jerry […]

Hearing Loss Affects Younger Generations

According to a report in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine: “Children and adolescents can develop hearing loss by listening to loud noises or music. The hearing loss can happen with extremely loud noise over a short time frame, such as when a teen goes to a music concert for a night or goes on […]

How Hearing Loss Treatment Can Help Alzheimer’s Patients

It is common to perceive hearing loss as something that simply and naturally happens as we grow older. However, this perception is a common excuse that keeps many from seeking treatment even when the treatment is guaranteed to improve their quality of life. Hearing loss is often a progressive condition that can be difficult to […]

Tinnitus Patients Feel Better with Hearing Aids

If you have tinnitus, a hearing aid may help you, according to hearing specialists. Hearing aids may reduce the stress of bad hearing and offer sound therapy. Hearing aids are likely to make you feel better about your tinnitus. According to hearing health specialists in the United States, six in 10 tinnitus patients report that […]

Allergies or Sudden Hearing Loss?

Sudden hearing loss is considered to be a potential emergency by ENT physicians and audiologists and can be scary for anyone. Fortunately, a sudden hearing loss is not necessarily a sign of something far more serious lurking inside your body. Prompt action to investigate the cause of the hearing loss is the most important thing to […]

Allergies and Hearing Loss

The functions of your ears are intertwined with many other parts of the body, which is why the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies can impact your hearing. How allergies can impact your hearing If you suffer from allergies you’re most likely accustomed to dealing with a runny nose, congestion, and red, itchy eyes when the […]

Wellness and Hearing Aid Technology

As with everything technology oriented in our world today, the hearing aid industry is growing in leaps and bounds. In fact, recent advances in hearing aid products for those who suffer from mild to medium hearing loss has brought us a new class of modern ear-based hearing aid devices that offer consumers access to state-of-the-art technology with […]

Modern Hearing Aids & Your Phone

Many people who experience hearing loss are concerned over how it will affect their ability to use their mobile phone. It’s a natural concern, especially since wireless devices are such an important part of modern life. Thankfully, because of government regulations and dynamic solutions from hearing aid and wireless device manufacturers, the two devices can […]

Men and Women Tend to Avoid Getting Hearing Aids Promptly

A common category of hearing loss is Age Related Hearing Loss (ARHL) that worsens over time. While men tend to have greater hearing loss than women of similar age (Ritgers et al 2018), women and men with similar self-perception of hearing difficulty tend to accept hearing aids as treatment at a similar rate (Fisher et […]

How Hearing Affects your Speech

Our ability to communicate is heavily influenced by our ability to distinguish individual sounds. As your hearing capability is reduced, so are the frequencies or pitch ranges that you can detect. The sounds of speech are associated with a particular frequency ranges and patterns. If you lose the ability to detect that range, sounds using […]

Patient Story: J.J. Levison

Like all senses, hearing often plays a critical role in daily life. Unfortunately, many patients, like J.J. Levison, ignore common hearing problems because they don’t like the idea of wearing hearing aids, haven’t found the right pair of hearing aids, or have developed coping skills, like lip-reading. The good news is that Indiana Hearing Aid […]

How to Properly Care for Your Hearing Aid

According to the Consumer reports Buying Guide (2021), Most hearing aids are subject to moisture and wax buildup that may clog the output of the hearing aid. In fact, wax, skin oil and debris may clog not only the output of the hearing aid but interfere with the microphone pick up and the important vents […]

How Does Hearing Loss Impact Your Brain?

Can hearing loss be a contributing cause of dementia? A body of research has found that older people with moderate to severe hearing loss had a risk of almost 60 percent of developing cognitive impairment.(Lin and Albert, 2014; Yuan et al, 2018) Later studies have been looking into whether the use of hearing aids can delay or […]

How AI is Shaping the Future of Hearing Aids

You’ve undoubtedly come across artificial intelligence before, but did you know that AI-powered hearing aids can help personalize your hearing? The blending of artificial intelligence with hearing aid technology is changing what is possible for the millions of people in the world living with hearing loss. Integrated sensors connect your hearing to your overall health […]

How Often Should You Tune Up Your Hearing Aid?

If your hearing aid doesn’t seem quite as effective lately, you might need a routine check-up. Just like going to the dentist or taking your dog for a wellness checkup, you and your hearing aids need periodic check-ups for best performance. The best way to make sure you’re hearing everything you should is to practice […]

Traveling with Hearing Aids

Traveling with a hearing aid means you need to make some extra preparations. These tips will help ensure that you are prepared for whatever surprises travel throws your way. When flying, keep your necessities in your carry-on bag The last thing you want is for your vital accessories to be tucked away deep within a […]

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Prevention

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs when the ear’s sensitive structures become damaged by loud noises (such as music) over time. Even quick exposure to an extremely loud noise can result in some degree of NIHL, though it can take a while for the hearing loss itself to become noticeable. More than likely, if you have ever […]

Untreated Hearing Loss Linked to Depression

Hearing loss can have a direct impact to your mental and social health. Recent research has linked hearing loss with depression. One study (Gopinath et al, 2009) found that within the older adult population with hearing loss, estimates of depression suggest that up to 20% of older adults with hearing loss report a clinically relevant […]

Hearing Aids Open Doors to a Better Quality of Life

You may have heard the slogan that Better hearing is better living. It does have a catchy sound to it, but there is more to sayings like this than smooth sounding marketing phrases.  What is hearing, especially for those who grew up with good hearing? With normal hearing levels, children at six years of age […]

Do I Need an Annual Hearing Test?

Most adults — as part of their health regimen — schedule regular checkups with their doctors, dentists and optometrists. Not only does the need to see medical practitioners tend to increase as we age (this author can vouch for that), it’s good advice to stay ahead of potential issues, too. But what about our hearing? How do […]

Caring for Your Hearing Aids During the Summer

Moisture is the enemy of any type of hearing aids, and summer brings in a wide variety of new ways for moisture to get to yours. Besides added perspiration and danger from humidity damage, summer means swimming or sports for many people. In fact, most summer activities, from sitting at the beach to applying bug […]

Ruthies Story: A Caretakers Perspective

When you oversee caring for your parents, you want to make sure they receive the best care possible. We recently heard a story from Ruthie, a caretaker for her elderly mother, and wanted to share it. Below is her story about finding the best care for her mother and the impact good care had on […]

Understanding the degrees of hearing loss

Contributed by Debbie Clason, staff writer, Healthy HearingLast updated February 24, 2020. edited by Dennis Van Vliet May 25, 2021 In simple terms, the severity of your hearing loss is measured in two ways—how loud something needs to be before you can hear it, and which frequencies are harder for you to hear (such as higher-pitched women’s voices compared to […]

You’re Never Too Cool for Hearing Care

For far too long there has been a perception about hearing loss as being an impairment as well as a stigma around the use of hearing aid technology as being a sign of old age. While it is sadly true that age-related hearing loss may be an impairment, younger individuals suffer from hearing loss due […]

5 Things You Need to Know About Hearing Loss

Think you know everything there is to know about hearing loss? You might be surprised. Here are five facts everyone should know about hearing loss, its effects and its prevalence: 1. Untreated hearing loss can increase your risk for Alzheimer’s disease. It’s easy to understand how hearing problems can have an impact on your ability […]

Noise 24 hours a day

Tinnitus is noises in the head, not related to any psychiatric condition. The noise can be heard anywhere in the head or in one or both ears. Imagine a constant ringing, buzzing or whistling in your ears, 24 hours a day. It is called tinnitus. You never get a break. It is always there. Nobody […]

A Look Behind the Curtain: The Hearing Consultation

It is estimated by the Better Hearing Institute that over 35 million Americans willingly chose to deal with the negative effects from untreated hearing loss in their daily lives. For some, the degree of hearing loss may be more impacting than others, but every person who has difficulty hearing could benefit from a simple hearing […]

How do I know I have hearing loss?

How can I recognize hearing problems? Hearing problems rarely cause discomfort or pain, and because the hearing loss onset is often gradual, it’s common to adapt to hearing loss without realizing it. If you think you might be experiencing hearing loss, ask yourself the following questions: Do I often ask people to repeat themselves? Do […]

Is Better Hearing Part of Your Retirement Plan?

You know the drill. You sit down with your financial advisor and discuss your income, savings, spending and everything in between. You have questions for your advisor and they have questions for you, but the most important one on your mind is “will I have enough money set aside to have a fulfilling retirement?” When […]

How Fireworks Affect Your Hearing

Independence Day is near once again, which can only mean one thing: fireworks season is about to kick into high gear. But for as festive and beautiful as fireworks can be, they also pose some significant risks. This is especially true when it comes to hearing-related issues, which is something that older adults are particularly […]

Better Hearing or Better Listening?

Hearing is a critically important sense for typical development of speech and language which carries us through the formative years of learning and socializing so unique to humankind.  Loss of hearing can come from illness, heredity, noise exposure, among a variety of other causes.  As we mature and approach retirement age, Age Related Hearing Loss […]

Loneliness, Social Isolation and a Pandemic, Oh My!

The worldwide impact of implementation of unprecedented social distancing and limitations on social activities because of the COVID-19 pandemic may have helped control the spread of the disease but impacted older adults disproportionally.  In a report from May of last year Hwang and colleagues noted:  “…there is a high cost associated with the essential quarantine […]

COVID Linked to Hearing Loss, Tinnitus

Throughout 2020 COVID-19 had us hiding out at home, washing our hands, wiping down surfaces and masking up. Quite a bit wasn’t known for some time. We knew about flu-like symptoms and disturbances in smell and taste, but not enough about the full spectrum of effects. A year later now, evidence is emerging about symptoms of […]

Types of Hearing Loss – What are the Differences?

There are two traditional types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural. The classification of each relates to the specific physiological cause. Some cases of hearing loss can involve a combination of the two – what hearing healthcare providers call mixed hearing loss. Recently, a third category called “Hidden Hearing Loss” has been described in peer reviewed […]

Are Men or Women More Impacted by Hearing Loss?

Most people know that older adults are more likely to develop hearing loss as a result of Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL), but does a person’s gender also have an impact on their chances of having hearing problems? Men are more likely than women to develop hearing loss Decades of research data have shown that, regardless […]

Invisible Hearing Aids

If you’re dissatisfied with the size of your current hearing aid, or if concerns about large hearing aids have discouraged you from getting one at all, you may want to ask your hearing specialist about getting an invisible hearing aid. Are Invisible hearing aids truly invisible? The category Invisible In Canal (IIC) hearing aids includes a […]

Communicating with People Who Have Difficulty Hearing

People with hearing loss want to hear and be heard just like anyone else. There are some simple steps you can take when speaking with them to help facilitate effective communication and to help them feel included. Start by making sure they are “on line” When calling someone on the phone, is it customary to […]

How to Manage Your Tinnitus

Knowing where to turn for help can be difficult, especially when dealing with a condition like tinnitus that lacks a definitive cure and differs dramatically between those who experience the symptom. The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) is an excellent resource offering unbiased advice for individuals who are experiencing bothersome tinnitus. The ATA offers a Patient […]

Dementia and Hearing Loss

In the past decade several scientific studies have shown an association of hearing loss with onset of dementia.  With one in eight people over the age of 12 suffering from some level of hearing decline, the importance of this line of study is clear. How are these two seemingly separate conditions linked, though, and how does treatment […]

Hearing Aids and Brain Waves

Although it may sound like science-fiction, researchers have had success using brainwaves and artificial intelligence to essentially determine what voice a listener is focused on and amplify that sound. This is a huge development because, while undamaged human ears perform this activity naturally, people dealing with hearing loss have long had difficulty singling out specific […]

Tips for Selecting the Best Hearing Aid for You

Today’s hearing aids are more powerful than ever, and they’re also more customizable. Relying on microprocessor and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, today’s hearing aids are smaller, lighter and more discreet than ever before, plus they offer a wealth of adjustable and optional features that can ensure your hearing experience is tuned to your specific needs […]

Tips for Caregivers of People With Hearing Loss

Did you know that untreated hearing loss can lead to confusion, isolation, and depression in patients? The challenge for many caregivers is that their elderly patients and loved ones don’t know that they are experiencing common hearing loss symptoms. Unfortunately, in many instances, patients can become angry and accuse caregivers of speaking too softly or […]

Is Your Hearing Aid Working for You?

If you have difficulty hearing and have taken the wise step to acquire hearing aids, one important job is to maintain them and be alert for problems that you may be able to solve at home. The longer you use hearing aids, the easier it is to realize just how important they are and how […]

Get the Most from your Hearing Aids with Accessories

You may not associate accessories with hearing aids, but some of the available add-on features can personalize your hearing aids into a system that meets your specific needs. What accessories should you consider for your hearing aids and why. A Remote Microphone An effective hearing aid will pick up conversations within about 12 feet in quiet, […]

What Are the Main Types of Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is considered a significant public health issue and the third most prevalent physical health condition. In the U.S. alone, approximately 15 percent of adults over the age of 18 report some degree of hearing difficulty. It is estimated that 28.8 million adults in the United States would benefit from the use of hearing aids. There are […]

Tips for Selecting the Best Hearing Aid for You

Today’s hearing aids are more powerful than ever, and they’re also more customizable. Relying on computer technology, today’s hearing aids are smaller, lighter and more discreet, plus they offer a wealth of adjustable and optional features that can ensure your hearing experience is tuned to your specific needs and your lifestyle. With so many benefits […]

The Connection Between Diabetes and Hearing Loss

According to the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention: “More than 34 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of them don’t know they have it. More than 88 million US adults—over a third—have prediabetes, and more than 84% of them don’t know they have it. “ The Connection […]

How Do Hearing Aids Work?

The sense of hearing is an aspect of everyday life that may easily be taken for granted. The process of capturing sound as quiet as soft rain up to a loud thunderclap requires a complex mechanism that is a marvel of natural evolution that rivals what human engineers can design. Hearing does not stop at […]

Hearing Aids Trends in 2021

We all learned a few things in 2020.  An invisible virus disrupted the lives of most of the world’s population.  To stop the spread of the droplets in our breath, we were asked to wear masks that muffled speech and tossed our hearing aids to the ground when we removed them.  Those of us struggling […]

Six Reasons to Get Your Hearing Checked

Hearing loss doesn’t typically hurt, leave a rash or overtly impair us overnight. Because of its gradual nature (in most cases), hearing loss can often go undiagnosed or feel less urgent to address. Here are six reasons why ignoring hearing loss is not advised and why the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association recommends regular hearing screenings […]

Five Steps to Better Hearing

Is hearing loss affecting your relationships or quality of life? Do you find yourself avoiding social situations that you once found enjoyable — or isolating yourself from those you love — because hearing is a challenge? Do something about it by following these five simple steps to better hearing! Step 1: Test your hearing Confirm […]

How do I get started if I think a loved one has hearing loss?

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect the person who has it. It also affects spouses, family members and friends. Physically, the inability to hear warning sounds or the voices of dependents could potentially put lives in danger. Even emotionally, the impact can resonate throughout family and social circles — from frustration with repeating things over and […]

Steps to Hearing Success

The following principles have been used by thousands of hearing aid wearers to successfully transition to better hearing health: 1. Awareness We may not know what we haven’t heard because we didn’t hear it! Many of us don’t recognize the insidious onset of age-related hearing loss because it is not a sudden phenomenon. Family members […]

Understanding Different Hearing Loss Tests

Whether at home or in a doctor’s office, there can be numerous tests that used to find out if you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss. Here are a number of common tests that are used today to determine a person’s level of hearing loss. Self-Tests You Can Perform at Home Generally, these […]

How Treating Hearing Loss Impacts the Quality of Life

Hearing is a vital part of how we experience the world around us. All too often we take it for granted, focusing instead on the seemingly greater impact that vision provides. It is this attitude that prevents many people from seeking early treatment for hearing loss, not realizing how much it can improve their quality […]

Hearing Loss Stats You Shouldn’t Ignore

Many of these hearing loss stats may be surprising, but they illustrate just how common the condition is, and how important it is for many Americans to seek treatment. Factors closely tied to hearing loss Hearing loss may result from illness, genetic predisposition, head injury or noise exposure to name a few. One thing we […]

The Impact of Technology on treatment of Hearing loss

Modern technology is often expected to do wonders for the 360 million people worldwide affected by hearing difficulties. When we see what can be done with implantable devices for diseases such as diabetes, cataracts, and heart rhythm abnormalities it is not surprising that we hold the hearing industry and specialists to such high standards. Compared to some […]

What’s all this noise about Tinnitus?

According to the American Tinnitus Association, nearly 50 million Americans experience tinnitus.  Pronounced as “Tinn/EYE’/tus” or “TINN’/eh/tus, the symptom is a sensation experienced by people often as a result of some type of damage to the ears such as exposure to excessive noise.  It may also be the result of certain medications, or musculoskeletal issues […]

How long should my hearing aids last?

Typically, hearing aids will last three to five years depending on usage, but various things can affect a hearing aid’s lifetime. Do you wear them all day every day? Do you live in a humid or dusty environment? Do you take good care of them? Hearing aids can function longer than five years, but many […]

How Colder Weather Might Affect Your Hearing Aid

During the winter, the biggest threat to hearing aids is moisture. The problem with cold weather is that it often includes rapid changes in temperature to your device. If you’re outside, the drop in temperature might be extreme from that of a heated home or car. These rapid changes in temperature can produce condensation on […]

Why You Need to See a Hearing Specialist Instead of Self-Treating

Many people are tempted to look for a quick-fix self-treatment when a hearing problem is detected because they assume it isn’t a big deal. However, even small issues can worsen over time, so having your hearing checked by a professional is crucial to your long-term health. Take a comprehensive hearing test While there are now […]

Listen Up: A Helpful Guide to Caring for your Ears

Our ears are a sensitive and vital part of our body and it is important to be aware of the proper ways to care for them. For starters, the first thing you should know is ears are efficient and self-cleaning. Thus, the general rule for ear care is that “less is more.” The “less” applies […]

Diagnosing Hearing Loss

Difficulty hearing is a common problem that increases with age. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) You should see your doctor or hearing specialist if you: Have trouble hearing over the telephone Find it hard to follow conversations when two or more people are talking Often ask people to repeat what they are […]

Why Upgrade Your Hearing?

If you are aware that you are having difficulty hearing, it’s probably time for an upgrade.  Don’t let the word “Upgrade” be a cause for anxiety, there are simple things that can give your ability to communicate a boost. Simple Things: Good communication practices are often not practiced, especially at home with familiar communication partners.  […]

Hearing Loss in America – By the Numbers

Quick Statistics About Hearing About 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears.1 More than 90 percent of deaf children are born to hearing parents.2 Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report […]

A Home Run for Better Hearing

The sound of a baseball hitting a bat, wind blowing through the leaves on a tree, your mom’s voice saying, “I love you” are simple pleasures in life. During the little league season in 2018, hearing instrument specialist Andrew Roth of Hear for You in Amsterdam and Ballston Spa, NY was coaching and noticed a […]

Tracking Body and Brain Health with Your Via AI Hearing Aids

Can your hearing aids track how many steps you’ve taken?  Can they tell you how many hours you’ve used them or how well you’ve engaged in communication? This is now possible with the new Via AI and Thrive Hearing app. Now, you can easily manage aspects of your wellness with the simple press of a […]

New Audibel Technology

Breaking News — A Hearing Revolution Has Begun!   Introducing the New     The world’s first hearing aid to feature integrated sensors and artificial intelligence.   Imagine a hearing aid that can: • Measure body and brain health• Translate languages• Receive adjustments from your provider remotely• Stream music, TV and phone calls• Reduce background […]

Hearing Aid Feedback

Have you ever heard someone’s hearing aid buzzing and whistling? Nobody wants their hearing aids to whistle. Hearing aid feedback happens for two reasons: either the hearing aid doesn’t fit correctly or there is too much power. In both cases, sound from the hearing aid leaks out of the ear and is re-amplified by the […]

High Blood Pressure and Hearing Loss

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 70 million adults in the United States have high blood pressure, or hypertension. That amounts to nearly one in three adults; furthermore, another one in three adults are living with elevated blood pressure results that are below the level considered to be high blood pressure […]

Hearing Loss Studies: Life is Worth Hearing

Hearing loss is one of the most common health issues in the world. In the United States, 12 percent of the population, or 38 million people, have a significant hearing loss. Yet, only one out of every five people who could benefit from hearing aids actually wears them. Reduced hearing acuity can not only be […]

Verification and Validation: Are You Hearing As Well As You Should Be?

“Are you hearing as well as you should be?” seems like a simple question. Believe it or not, that is actually one of the hardest questions for my patients to answer. Typically, patients respond with, “I don’t know” or “How can I tell?” That is the main reason why verification and validation are some of […]

Hearing and Memory Loss

Did you know that your hearing, or lack thereof, can affect your memory? People with poor hearing often mistakenly feel that their hearing loss only affects their ability to hear other people. They do not realize that hearing loss has a far greater impact. Over the last ten years there have been numerous studies linking […]

Earwax and Hearing Loss

One of the most common causes of hearing loss is earwax, or cerumen, blocking sound from reaching the eardrum. This occurs when the wax is pushed back toward the eardrum or if the ears produce more wax than is needed. Earwax is also the most common cause of hearing aid malfunctions. A tiny amount of […]

Ask An Audiologist: What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is described as any abnormal ear noise and can arise in the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear or the brain.  It is not a disorder in and of itself, but rather a symptom and may be perceived as ringing, buzzing or humming. Some people describe it as a “clicking” or “pulsing” […]

Aural Rehabilitation Exercises

You have taken, or are planning to take, a wise first step, the investment in hearing instruments. Hearing aids help you to hear sounds which are interpreted by your brain. This brain stimulation is an important part of hearing health. The following aural rehabilitation exercises will allow you to increase brain stimulation and improve your […]

Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), commonly known as sudden hearing loss, should be considered a medical emergency. As professionals, we train our patients to see their family doctor at the onset of a sudden hearing loss, and if the doctor can’t immediately see the patient, to go to their nearest emergency room. Why is treatment […]

Why Are Hearing Aid Prices So Different?

Your family has been telling you over the last few years you need to get your hearing checked. Since then, you noticed you have been asking people to repeat themselves. You need to really strain to be able to understand conversations. The ringing in your ears appears to be getting louder. It seems like everyone […]

Hearing Loss and End-of-Life Care

“I know I should wear hearing aids, but why should I bother?  I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be around!” We hear this kind of response all the time in our many offices.  There is usually a moment of laughter and a casual disagreement of their objection.  The truth, according to new […]

Welcome to Starting Hear – The official blog of Hear For You!

Thanks for visiting our new blog!  In the days to come, we’ll feature useful information on a variety of topics related to better hearing and hearing care.      The facts about hearing loss in America are stunning:   1 in 3 people over the age of 60 have hearing loss. 1 in 6 Baby […]

Welcome to Our Hearing Health Blog

Welcome to our Blog, an online forum designed to educate, illuminate, share your experiences with hearing impairment. We understand that addressing a hearing loss can seem to be an unnerving concept initially, and we would like to help ease some of your anxieties by making the process enjoyable and hassle-free. You may see some posts […]

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