How to Discuss Hearing Loss With a Loved One
It could be core memories of Grandpa’s loudly beeping 1960s hearing aids. It could be the cost. There are many reasons why your loved one just doesn’t want to hear it.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “Among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30%) has ever used them. Even fewer adults aged 20 to 69 (approximately 16%) who could benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them.”
There’s no getting around it — there is a perceived stigma surrounding hearing aid use. Some folks may worry they’ll be judged as old or weak. These are powerful words. Hidden within the thought process of even being tested for hearing loss lies your loved one’s entire self-perception, and how they feel they will be perceived by others. These feelings shouldn’t be disregarded — they are very real and impede many people’s path to hearing improvement.
The good news is that you can help your loved one jump this hurdle.
Sometimes, all it takes to get them on the path to improving their hearing is a compassionate invite to a discussion, where everyone’s voices can be heard.
Try this three-step course of action to help send you and your loved one on a journey of acceptance that leads to better hearing and a greatly improved quality of life.
Acknowledge
Getting them to acknowledge their hearing loss in the first place can be difficult, so a gentle and respectful approach is key. Using hearing aids is a deeply personal decision, and family dynamics are at stake.
Use words that aren’t pointed — no one wants to be told they have a hearing problem. This is especially true if, for years, your loved one has been blaming their lack of understanding on a mumbling spouse or grandkids who play “too loudly.”
Suggest that maybe Grandma isn’t mumbling; that you can hear her just fine. You could also try going along with their story — ask them, “Wouldn’t it be nice to hear Grandma without having to strain? You know how she mumbles.” Try a few roads like these and see which one helps them admit that maybe it’s time to see an audiologist.
If they wear glasses, ask them if they’d ever consider leaving their vision unchecked. Could they live without their glasses on a daily basis? That may help put the level of necessity into perspective.
Educate
This can get into sensitive territory. Again, gentility and respect are crucial. Weave your facts in over time, rather than providing one big information dump. Turning on a firehose of information can be overwhelming. They may already feel embarrassed or frustrated at the thought of even discussing hearing loss, let alone talking about how it applies to them.
Help your loved one understand that hearing loss affects more than just being able to hear people speak. Hearing loss affects other facets of their health.
For example, the National Institute on Aging published an article that details the many ways hearing loss can affect cognitive health. Let them know about findings such as, “Studies have shown that older adults with hearing loss have a greater risk of developing dementia than older adults with normal hearing.” You can follow that up with other data, like the fact that older adults with hearing loss tend to lose their cognitive abilities more rapidly (including memory and concentration) than those with no hearing loss or those who use hearing-restorative devices, like hearing aids. They may even flinch at the words “hearing aids.”
Wow them with all the new technology available. These aren’t your grandpa’s hearing aids — the latest devices not only look more sleek and subtle than they did years ago, but they can do fancy new tricks. Audio streaming via Bluetooth technology has been introduced into many hearing aids. You can pair them to a phone, your laptop, and even directly to your TV, with no extra gadgets.
Some newer hearing aids can act as built-in foreign language translators. Others include emergency sensors, or a “fall alert,” that can detect when the wearer has taken a tumble and send out an alert message to their emergency contact. This feature could be an actual lifesaver.
Another angle to use is that living with unchecked hearing loss could eventually hinder their independence. Sometimes, people who can’t hear are mistakenly thought to be (at best) confused or (at worst) unresponsive or uncooperative. The latter traits can lead to family members and medical professionals, together, revoking their ability to do enjoyable things, like drive.
Support
Offer to drive them or just ride along to their audiology appointment. Tell them you’ll go in to see the doctor with them. Suggest that you can sit and take notes for them so they can concentrate on being examined. Come from a place of service and support. Remind them that you are here because you care.
How can you support them through the feelings surrounding the stigma of using hearing aids? Part of supporting them on this journey will include finding the words to boost their confidence and sense of self. What do they love about themselves? Do they have beautiful hair? If so, you can use that to your advantage and say something such as, “Your beautiful hair will be covering those hearing aids. How wonderful that your gorgeous coiffe is the only thing everyone is going to be staring at!” Are they proud of their striking eyes or their talent for making a joke? Assure them that those traits will outshine any hearing device.
Communicating with health insurance providers can be the most difficult part of any medical journey. Offer to do the prep work for them — call their insurance company, contact a local audiologist, get some answers, and do the math and detail exactly how much this may cost them, including giving them a range of prices for different types of technology.
Let them know you love them, care about them, and want to keep them out of danger. Untreated hearing loss creates a safety hazard for them and the people they encounter throughout their day. For example, it can affect their ability to drive safely, as honking horns and police sirens go unheard.
Having someone you love continually put in harm’s way is stressful for you and for them, especially when all they need to do is visit their local audiologist and come up with a plan to tackle their hearing challenges. Make sure they know they aren’t facing this challenge alone.
Here are some tips for broaching the subject of hearing care to a resistant person:
- Ask how you can help. Come from a place of service.
- Gently alert them to the downsides of not being able to hear well.
- Laugh! Keep the conversation light.
- Be patient. People with hearing loss may also be frustrated by their condition.
- Stay positive and relaxed.
- Don’t give up. It may take several conversations to get them on board.
No one likes to be the bad guy, but a few moments of awkwardness and a little risk could turn one conversation into a new lease on life and better hearing for your loved one.
Start the conversation today!
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8 Back-to-School Communication Tips
in Communication8 Back-to-School Communication Tips
Make Hitting the Books Even Easier with These Helpful Tricks
It’s practically back-to-school time! Whether the students in your life are returning to class in person or online, keep these helpful tips in mind.
How’s Their Hearing?
Book regular hearing checkups for the students in your household — just as you would for their eyes and teeth — and recognize some of the signs of potential hearing loss:
Improved hearing can play a big role in helping students of every age perform their best in class. So don’t wait. Schedule back-to-school hearing evaluations for the whole family today!
I Don’t Want to Hear It: 3 Steps to a Comfortable Dialogue About Hearing Loss
in Hearing lossHow to Discuss Hearing Loss With a Loved One
It could be core memories of Grandpa’s loudly beeping 1960s hearing aids. It could be the cost. There are many reasons why your loved one just doesn’t want to hear it.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “Among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30%) has ever used them. Even fewer adults aged 20 to 69 (approximately 16%) who could benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them.”
There’s no getting around it — there is a perceived stigma surrounding hearing aid use. Some folks may worry they’ll be judged as old or weak. These are powerful words. Hidden within the thought process of even being tested for hearing loss lies your loved one’s entire self-perception, and how they feel they will be perceived by others. These feelings shouldn’t be disregarded — they are very real and impede many people’s path to hearing improvement.
The good news is that you can help your loved one jump this hurdle.
Sometimes, all it takes to get them on the path to improving their hearing is a compassionate invite to a discussion, where everyone’s voices can be heard.
Try this three-step course of action to help send you and your loved one on a journey of acceptance that leads to better hearing and a greatly improved quality of life.
Acknowledge
Getting them to acknowledge their hearing loss in the first place can be difficult, so a gentle and respectful approach is key. Using hearing aids is a deeply personal decision, and family dynamics are at stake.
Use words that aren’t pointed — no one wants to be told they have a hearing problem. This is especially true if, for years, your loved one has been blaming their lack of understanding on a mumbling spouse or grandkids who play “too loudly.”
Suggest that maybe Grandma isn’t mumbling; that you can hear her just fine. You could also try going along with their story — ask them, “Wouldn’t it be nice to hear Grandma without having to strain? You know how she mumbles.” Try a few roads like these and see which one helps them admit that maybe it’s time to see an audiologist.
If they wear glasses, ask them if they’d ever consider leaving their vision unchecked. Could they live without their glasses on a daily basis? That may help put the level of necessity into perspective.
Educate
This can get into sensitive territory. Again, gentility and respect are crucial. Weave your facts in over time, rather than providing one big information dump. Turning on a firehose of information can be overwhelming. They may already feel embarrassed or frustrated at the thought of even discussing hearing loss, let alone talking about how it applies to them.
Help your loved one understand that hearing loss affects more than just being able to hear people speak. Hearing loss affects other facets of their health.
For example, the National Institute on Aging published an article that details the many ways hearing loss can affect cognitive health. Let them know about findings such as, “Studies have shown that older adults with hearing loss have a greater risk of developing dementia than older adults with normal hearing.” You can follow that up with other data, like the fact that older adults with hearing loss tend to lose their cognitive abilities more rapidly (including memory and concentration) than those with no hearing loss or those who use hearing-restorative devices, like hearing aids. They may even flinch at the words “hearing aids.”
Wow them with all the new technology available. These aren’t your grandpa’s hearing aids — the latest devices not only look more sleek and subtle than they did years ago, but they can do fancy new tricks. Audio streaming via Bluetooth technology has been introduced into many hearing aids. You can pair them to a phone, your laptop, and even directly to your TV, with no extra gadgets.
Some newer hearing aids can act as built-in foreign language translators. Others include emergency sensors, or a “fall alert,” that can detect when the wearer has taken a tumble and send out an alert message to their emergency contact. This feature could be an actual lifesaver.
Another angle to use is that living with unchecked hearing loss could eventually hinder their independence. Sometimes, people who can’t hear are mistakenly thought to be (at best) confused or (at worst) unresponsive or uncooperative. The latter traits can lead to family members and medical professionals, together, revoking their ability to do enjoyable things, like drive.
Support
Offer to drive them or just ride along to their audiology appointment. Tell them you’ll go in to see the doctor with them. Suggest that you can sit and take notes for them so they can concentrate on being examined. Come from a place of service and support. Remind them that you are here because you care.
How can you support them through the feelings surrounding the stigma of using hearing aids? Part of supporting them on this journey will include finding the words to boost their confidence and sense of self. What do they love about themselves? Do they have beautiful hair? If so, you can use that to your advantage and say something such as, “Your beautiful hair will be covering those hearing aids. How wonderful that your gorgeous coiffe is the only thing everyone is going to be staring at!” Are they proud of their striking eyes or their talent for making a joke? Assure them that those traits will outshine any hearing device.
Communicating with health insurance providers can be the most difficult part of any medical journey. Offer to do the prep work for them — call their insurance company, contact a local audiologist, get some answers, and do the math and detail exactly how much this may cost them, including giving them a range of prices for different types of technology.
Let them know you love them, care about them, and want to keep them out of danger. Untreated hearing loss creates a safety hazard for them and the people they encounter throughout their day. For example, it can affect their ability to drive safely, as honking horns and police sirens go unheard.
Having someone you love continually put in harm’s way is stressful for you and for them, especially when all they need to do is visit their local audiologist and come up with a plan to tackle their hearing challenges. Make sure they know they aren’t facing this challenge alone.
Here are some tips for broaching the subject of hearing care to a resistant person:
No one likes to be the bad guy, but a few moments of awkwardness and a little risk could turn one conversation into a new lease on life and better hearing for your loved one.
Start the conversation today!
5 Tips for Living with Balance Problems
in BalanceGet back on sure footing with these easy ways to prevent falls
If you live with balance issues, you’re not alone. About 35% of U.S. and Canadian adults 40 or older are no strangers to them. Let’s take a look at what they are and some simple ways to ease their burden.
The Basics of Balance
Is It a Balance Problem?
How do you know if what you’re experiencing is a one-off or a true balance problem?
Some people have difficulty with tree pose in yoga class. Others aren’t so hot on a unicycle. These are not balance problems — these are illustrations of how each of us has different skills.
Do you feel unsteady walking from a carpeted floor to a hardwood floor? Does a trip to the supermarket make you light-headed? These are examples of what life is like for someone with a balance problem. Simple daily tasks become a battle.
You might be surprised that so many adults have firsthand experience with this sort of problem. But a look at how complicated your balance system is might shed some light.
Your Balance System
Your ability to achieve and maintain balance depends on your brain coordinating input from three sources, integrating the input, and sending output to your eyes and muscles. The three sources are:
Your brain sorts all this information and combines it with information from the parts of your brain responsible for coordination, thinking, and memory. Then it sends messages that control the movements of your eyes, head and neck, torso, and legs to ensure continued balance.
When your balance system works properly, you see clearly while moving, stay oriented with respect to gravity, know your direction and speed, and automatically make posture adjustments to maintain stability.
Causes of Balance Problems
For many people, balance problems set in because of age-related issues such as cardiovascular disease, stiff or damaged joints, or an autoimmune condition. But the inner ear is the most common source of these disorders for all ages, from fluid imbalances to bone damage.
Symptoms range from short and mild to chronic and debilitating. Some common ones are general unsteadiness, vertigo (a spinning sensation), noise or light sensitivity, nausea, coordination problems, and concentration or memory issues.
Diagnosing Balance Issues
Many systems and sources contribute to balance — and interact with yet other systems. That’s why diagnosis is often not straightforward. Your first step, however, should be an audiologist, who might perform any combination of the following.
Videonystagmography (VNG)
This test tells your provider if your brain is getting conflicting messages from your eyes and inner ears. You wear goggles that monitor your eye movements and perform tasks such as following a target and placing your head and body into different positions.
Rotation tests
There are different kinds of rotation tests, but they all provide information about how well your inner ears and eyes work together. You wear goggles or electrodes and your head moves (usually slowly) while your audiologist monitors your eye movements.
Video head impulse test (vHIT)
This also provides information about how well your inner ears and eyes work together. You wear goggles or electrodes, your head moves, and your audiologist monitors your eye movements. The major difference is the head movements are very slight and faster.
Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP)
VEMP testing evaluates whether certain balance structures and associated nerves are intact and working normally. The test uses adhesive, skin-surface electrodes on the neck and around the eyes as well as earphones like the ones during a hearing test.
Dynamic visual acuity (DVA) testing
DVA testing evaluates your ability to use your inner-ear balance system while your head moves. You identify a target on a computer screen while your head is still and then with your head moving.
Tips for Living With Balance Issues
If you’ve been diagnosed with a balance problem — or you’re starting to think this all sounds familiar in your life — let’s look at five ways to ease your balance burden.
Keep Rooms Clutter-Free
Cutting down on clutter means far less likelihood of tripping. The following will go a long way toward preventing falls:
Use Assistive Devices
Having the right fail-safes in place can make all the difference in one moment of unsure footing:
Dial in Your Diet
Ménière’s disease and hydrops are caused by fluid imbalance in the inner ear. Modifying or eliminating certain substances from your diet can help maintain fluid stability. Check with your doctor before making big dietary changes — discuss the proper approach to:
Dare to Dine Out
For those with a vestibular disorder, busy settings such as restaurants and supermarkets can be difficult to handle. The mazes of tables, bright lights, tile or carpet patterns, and turning your head to talk can make you dizzy or disoriented. And it saps a lot of energy.
But with some adaptations, you can still eat in relative comfort:
Fine-tune Your Footwear
To help you balance, your feet and ankles constantly gather information about your body position and movement. That’s why it’s crucial for those with balance issues to choose the right footwear:
If you — or someone you love — have seemed a little unsteady, contact us!
Q&A: Upgrading Your Hearing Aids
in Hearing Aids, MaintenanceQ: How often should I update my hearing devices?
A: That’s a good question we’ve addressed with many patients and their loved ones. The short answer is that a hearing device should typically be replaced about every three to six years or so.
But the full answer is a bit more involved. Several factors may figure into whether it’s time to update your hearing instruments. They include:
Here are five potential signs you need to refresh your hearing technology:
Device Malfunctioning
You do all the recommended maintenance, but things still aren’t right: Replaced batteries drain quickly; sound is still muffled after you change wax guards. The occasional repair is one thing, but regular malfunctions mean it’s time to replace your devices.
Hearing Level Has Changed
Your hearing changes over time because of age, loud sounds, or other health issues. Often, we can adjust your programming to meet your new needs, but sometimes your hearing changes so much that you require a different level of technology.
Repairs Seem Costly
With older devices, the parts are often scarce or the model is discontinued. Sometimes repairing your devices costs enough that it makes more sense to replace them with new hearing aids.
Technology Evolving
Devices have advanced significantly — with better filtering of background noise, rechargeability without the hassle of disposable batteries, tinnitus management, wireless streaming from smartphones and other audio sources, and even fall detection and built-in translation capabilities, depending on the device.
New Interests or Environments
When your lifestyle changes, your tech might need to also. Took up a sport? You’ll probably need moisture resistance. Switched from an office job to a gig outdoors? You’ll likely experience a different noise level now.
Hearing your best is more critical than ever in our changing world. If you think it might be time to upgrade, don’t wait — contact us today!
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids, PSAPS & More. What’s the Difference?
in Hearing AidsTogether, Let’s Cut Through the Confusion
Q: It sounds like over-the-counter hearing instruments are going to be available soon, but aren’t they already here? I’ve seen various devices advertised, so I’m confused. Help!
A: From over-the-counter hearing aids and personal sound amplification products to self-fitting and direct-to-consumer devices, the growing categories of hearing technology can feel overwhelming. Let’s explore the differences to help you sort fact from fiction and secure the best care for your hearing health.
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
These devices, often simply called “OTCs,” are specific to the United States. They’re an upcoming new class of hearing instruments to be approved and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are aimed to potentially help adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
The regulations are still being finalized but are expected in the not-too-distant future. Though their availability may spur more people to get needed hearing help, OTCs have some potential downsides beyond being limited only to adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss:
Personal Sound Amplification Products
Also known as “PSAPs,” personal sound amplification products are wearable electronic devices used only to make a sound louder. Unlike traditional hearing aids or even OTCs, they’re not considered actual medical devices.
Though potentially helpful in normal hearing to amplify sounds in situations such as watching TV, listening for animals during outdoor recreation, or hearing a presenter who’s speaking some distance away, PSAPs can’t take the place of properly fit hearing aids.
In fact, PSAPS:
Self-Fitting Hearing Aids
Industry definitions may vary, but self-fitting hearing aids (SFHAs) are essentially sound-amplifying devices designed to let the user measure their own hearing loss, install the devices in their ears, and program them without the prescription or assistance of an audiologist, medical doctor, or other specially trained professional.
As a relatively newer product category without a lot of market presence, self-fitting hearing aids have a ways to go in matching the effectiveness and satisfaction of clinician-fitted hearing devices. One study comparing user-driven and provider-driven fittings of a single self-fitting product found no significant hearing-aid-performance differences between the two groups but saw that cognition plays a big role.
In the study, those “with poorer cognitive function consistently exhibited more difficulty in handling the” self-fitting devices. SFHAs require access to, familiarity with, and the ability to understand how to operate and adjust the devices, which could prove challenging for some users struggling with manual dexterity, visual acuity, cognitive issues, or inability to navigate or access computers or apps.
Seeking professional assistance could make all the difference in user satisfaction with SFHAs.
Direct-to-Consumer Devices
Direct-to-consumer instruments or DTCs are largely synonymous with the impending category of over-the-counter hearing aids FDA-approved in the U.S. and are considered medical devices to help address mild to moderate hearing loss among adults.
Sometimes, however, DTCs may simply refer to sound amplifiers available for purchase without a hearing care professional’s prescription. They’re more like PSAPs and aren’t considered medical devices. Clarifying with the source who’s using the term can shed light on the intended definition.
Hearables
This loose category of products also defies a single definition but may best be described as representing wireless in-ear microcomputers. Some hearables are as simple as earbuds that enhance your music-listening experience. Others are hearing aids that double as sophisticated wellness trackers.
Some features you’ll commonly find in different hearables.
With so many potential self-serve options, you might wonder, “Why choose professional hearing care?” One big reason is the importance of identifying and addressing hearing problems in a way that ensures an appropriate targeted solution for your specific needs.
Self-treating for hearing problems could result in missing key steps, such as a physical exam of your ears. Hearing difficulties can stem from severe earwax buildup, medication, a tumor, or other causes that a professional examination might uncover. Though it may seem convenient, simply buying an OTC might not solve the problem that spurred your search for hearing help.
Are hearing difficulties getting in the way of what matters in your life? Do you need support navigating the plethora of better-hearing options? We’re here to help, so don’t wait. Contact our highly trained team to schedule an appointment day!
Use Audiobooks to Hone Your Hearing
in Hearing HealthBetter Hearing Is a Process, Not an Event
When you get hearing devices, your hearing improves dramatically. But there’s still plenty of fine-tuning to do.
That’s why an experienced hearing care professional schedules follow-ups. As you encounter different environments in your life, you’ll notice sounds that don’t seem quite right. At your follow-ups, your provider uses your feedback to customize your hearing aid settings even more to your unique needs.
But you can take charge of encountering new sounds by using at-home tools — enter the humble audiobook.
Audiobooks Are a Perfect Complement to Hearing Aids
When someone speaks to you, your brain (among other things) targets the voice, concentrates on it, ignores background noise, and tries to match the sounds to words in your memory.
If you’ve had hearing loss for a long time, you’ve missed certain words — or heard them incorrectly — for years. When you get hearing aids, your brain needs to adjust to hearing them again.
With audiobooks, you can focus entirely on the words being spoken. You can practice listening without the issues that arise during a conversation, such as background noise. And you can rewind!
Using an Audiobook to Adjust to Hearing Aids
Head to the local library
Don’t worry — this isn’t a high-cost solution. Audiobooks are as close and accessible as your local library.
Grab the CD version if you prefer that format. For a mobile experience, confirm with your library which app you can use to check out and download their audiobooks. Some hearing aids even allow you to stream them directly via Bluetooth!
People at all listening levels can benefit — if you have a cochlear implant, ask your provider for the best way to train using audiobooks.
Stick to the familiar to begin with
Audiobooks let you focus on a single voice before jumping into real-life, two-way conversations. How better to start than with a book you’re already familiar with?
Branch out when you’re comfortable
Changing different aspects of your listening experience will challenge your brain in healthy, helpful ways. It also provides helpful feedback for you to bring to your provider.
Have Fun With It
You’ll be learning how to make the most of your new hearing aids regardless — why not enjoy books you’ve been meaning to read? Plus, you can choose books that pleasurably stretch your listening skills. Besides — it’s also the perfect excuse to read those guilty pleasures.
When you’re ready to move beyond audiobooks in your better-hearing journey, contact us — we’d love to help you push your hearing skills even further!
Traveling? 8 Tips for Better Hearing on the Go
in TravelFrom Loops to Batteries, We’re Covering the Bases
Hearing devices help you communicate your best no matter where you are, so it’s especially important to lean into them when traveling. Make those unforgettable on-the-go moments even more special with these helpful reminders.
1. Get to Know Your Hearing Devices
Your hearing aids likely come chock-full of features — some you might not have fully explored just yet. Options may include streaming, geotagging, and controlling the devices through your compatible smartphone or tablet. Take time now to get to truly know your hearing technology for a better experience on the road.
2. Pack Extra Batteries
Keeping your hearing aids powered is even easier when you bring an extra supply of batteries — just in case. And be sure to remove batteries from your hearing devices when they’re not in use. If you’re using rechargeable hearing aids, it’s a good idea to have an extra charger on hand specifically for travel.
3. Remember Your Storage Container
Just like at home, your hearing devices need proper storage when not in use. This helps prevent misplacement or damage and protects them from moisture, small pets, and kiddos. Dehumidifiers made especially for the devices not only dry and sanitize them; they’ll do double duty as convenient storage containers.
4. Change the Wax Guard
Your hearing device’s wax guard serves as an important protection against a damaging buildup of earwax, skin particles, and other debris. If it’s been close to a month or more since you last changed out the wax guard, take care of this easy maintenance task before you go, and pack a couple extra guards.
5. Include a Quick-Cleaning Kit
Dust and dirt can make their way onto your hearing devices, but a small cleaning kit is just the thing. Wipe the earmold — if it’s part of your device — with a soft, dry cloth; carefully brush over the microphone and battery contacts with a soft-bristle brush; and use a wax pick to remove earwax from the earmold.
6. Add Your Bluetooth Gear
From table microphones to phone clips, TV streamers, and more, Bluetooth-enabled accessories that work with your hearing devices can go a long way toward enhancing your communication and enjoyment. Make sure they’re part of your checklist.
7. Get Yourself in the Loop
Some museums, theaters, houses of worship, and other spaces have installed hearing loops, letting visitors enjoy enhanced audio by wirelessly connecting through the T-coil setting on their hearing aids. Look for the hearing loop logo, or ask the info desk if they’re a participating venue.
8. Protect Your Hearing
A new environment can mean new or unexpected sounds — some of which may hit the danger zone of 85 decibels or higher, which can harm your hearing. Avoiding excess noise when possible and bringing quality hearing protection that softens loud sounds can help guard your hearing health while on the go.
Want more travel tips? Need custom hearing protection or accessories, such as wax guards and a cleaning kit? We’re here to help. Contact our caring team today!
The Importance of Dedicated Hearing Care
in Hearing AidsThe real differences between audiology and over-the-counter solutions
Now that more people are becoming aware of how prevalent hearing loss is, technological solutions are multiplying.
Last July, U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order allowing hearing aids to be sold over the counter. This measure was aimed at lowering the cost of hearing care and, at a glance, it appears to be a good strategy to ensure everyone is covered. But can OTC products ever compete with the knowledge and expertise of a professional? Additionally, are home solutions even safe? Because you deserve the best hearing care available, here are six reasons to make an appointment with an audiologist instead:
1. Expertise
Both audiologists and hearing aid specialists are licensed to sell hearing aids, but audiologists possess master’s or doctorate degrees in hearing health. Because individuals develop hearing loss in a variety of ways and have unique communication needs, accurately diagnosing hearing loss and selecting the right hearing aids will ensure successful treatment.
2. Fit
To maximize comfort and functionality, hearing aids must be custom fitted to each individual and programmed to support their listening lifestyle. Only a trained audiologist or hearing aid specialist can do this. Additionally, audiologists can monitor your progress over time and make adjustments when necessary. Wearing hearing technology is not a one-and-done solution; it takes time for the body and mind to adjust, and there might be a period of discomfort that requires professional support.
3. Patient-Provider Relationship
Hearing loss is a complex condition. It has many different causes, including simple age-related decline, disorders like Ménière’s disease, and exposure to ototoxic chemicals. There are also many comorbidities associated with hearing loss. An audiologist can diagnose and treat many of these, forming a long-lasting relationship with you that goes beyond simply fitting you with hearing aids.
4. Tinnitus and Balance Support
Hearing loss often occurs alongside tinnitus, which is a persistent ringing, buzzing, or clicking sound in the ear. While the condition is still being researched and is not yet fully understood, what we know about tinnitus so far falls under the expertise of audiologists. And because the inner ear governs the body’s equilibrium, balance issues are often diagnosed and treated by audiologists. Providing support for these conditions is part of our commitment to our patients’ total hearing health.
5. Safety
Aside from the benefits of achieving a better fit and receiving professional support from an audiologist, there is evidence that programming your own hearing technology or choosing a one-size-fits-all solution can actually be harmful. An audiologist will perform a series of tests to assess your hearing loss and ensure your hearing aids meet your needs without being too loud. Hearing technology that amplifies sound too much can further damage your hearing, and an ill-fitting hearing aid can create uncomfortable wax buildup, which might lead to ear infections.
6. Investment
While purchasing an OTC hearing aid may provide considerable savings on upfront costs, seeking treatment through a licensed audiologist is a better investment. From warranty protection to professional cleanings and advice on upgrades, nothing compares to our guarantee of quality. We also know hearing aids can be expensive, so we always do our best to provide affordable solutions, which may include coupons, specials, and financing options. Once you’ve purchased your hearing aids, your treatment plan is put into effect — we will be with you every step of the way on your journey to better hearing and better health.
Whether you are a longtime user of hearing aids or considering them for the first time, there is no better decision you can make for your hearing health than choosing a local audiology practice to perform a hearing evaluation. It’s the right choice for you to be sure that you’re pursuing the very best solution for your hearing loss.
Q&A: Is My Dizziness Normal?
in Balance, ComorbidityQ: Why am I dizzy?
A: We receive this question often. Dizziness is a very common symptom that can spontaneously occur and resolve without any underlying conditions. When there is an underlying condition, it can be as simple as hunger or as serious as a stroke. This is why looking up your symptoms online can lead to a heap of unnecessary anxiety! Luckily, there are some additional symptoms to watch for when determining what’s really going on. These are the most common causes of dizziness:
Vestibular Disorders
According to Johns Hopkins, 85% of dizziness and vertigo episodes are caused by physiological dysfunction within the inner ear. This typically occurs because there has been an unexpected shift in the fluid of the semicircular canals above the cochlea, making you feel off-balance or as if you’re in motion. One major clue that you’re dealing with a vestibular disorder is if your dizziness is accompanied by hearing loss or ringing in the ears. Fortunately, these disorders are highly treatable. Audiologists and ENTs can run a battery of tests to determine the exact cause of your dizziness and provide an effective treatment plan, so don’t hesitate to get it checked out.
Hypoglycemia
Whether you’re taking medications to lower your blood sugar or simply haven’t eaten for a while, a dip in glucose can make you feel surprisingly weak and lightheaded. Hypoglycemia is defined as any blood sugar reading under 70 mg/dl, but many people experience dizziness at levels above that, depending on how their bodies respond to hunger. If your dizziness resolves after having a snack, that’s a good indication that you were low on energy and needed a boost. Patients living with diabetes should pay special attention to their dizziness, as medication adjustments may be needed.
Hypotension
Similar to the previous item on this list, dizziness is one of the top symptoms of low blood pressure. This too can be caused by medication, though dehydration is the likelier culprit. When the body loses too many fluids, blood volume decreases, leading to hypotension. Many people also experience a drop in blood pressure after suddenly changing positions or spending long periods of time on their feet. This condition is known as orthostatic hypotension and is usually mild. Replenishing your fluids and resting in a comfortable position should help.
Anxiety
A keyed-up nervous system can cause pretty severe dizziness and disorientation. It’s even possible to experience fainting spells during an anxiety attack. This may happen because of a frightening event, post-traumatic stress, or an accidental triggering of the body’s fight-or-flight response. Rest assured that many, many people live with chronic anxiety. However, if you suspect your dizziness is the result of emotional distress, it’s important to rule out other causes first. Be sure to discuss testing and treatment options with your physician.
Q: When should I tell a doctor about my dizziness?
A: As soon as you feel it’s more than a passing annoyance. While dizziness is one of the most common patient complaints and is usually nothing to worry about, it can lead to falls. The older you are, the more dangerous falls become, so take dizziness seriously if it occurs often or disrupts your daily life. The bottom line is: You know your body better than anyone else. When in doubt, seeking a professional opinion is never a bad idea. Always get immediate medical attention if your dizziness is severe or accompanied by any of these signs of a stroke or heart attack:
Did You Know?
• Dizziness is the third most common complaint (after headaches and lower back pain) in all age groups.
• Dizziness is the number-one complaint from people who are 70 and older.
• 85% of dizziness & vertigo is caused by inner-ear dysfunction.
• 25% of migraine sufferers report vertigo as a symptom.
• Most patients visit 4 to 5 physicians before a correct diagnosis is made.
• Falls are the leading cause of death for people who are 65 and older.
If you’re suffering from dizziness or think you may be experiencing a vestibular disorder, please don’t wait. Contact us today to get your questions answered or to schedule an exam. We’re HEAR to help!
The Hearing Dangers of Smoking and Vaping
in SmokingWhile the two most common causes of hearing loss are exposure to loud noise and aging, certain chemicals can damage the inner ear and other physical processes involved in hearing. One major source of harmful chemicals is cigarettes. The dangers of smoking are well-known, but research is increasingly showing that vaping isn’t any safer.
How Smoking Affects Hearing Health
Cardiovascular concerns
Smoking impacts your blood pressure, and the structures in your inner ear depend on good, sturdy blood flow to function properly. When blood pressure changes, the inner ear has difficulty processing sound. In pregnant people, smoking also restricts blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus. If the developing inner ear doesn’t get enough oxygen, it may develop more slowly and lead to speech-language problems later on.
Central nervous system
The parts of the central nervous system (CNS) responsible for hearing continue to develop well into adolescence. During childhood, the CNS is easily damaged by toxins such as nicotine, which could explain the prevalence of hearing loss among adolescents exposed to secondhand smoke. Indeed, one study showed a higher incidence of sensorineural hearing loss in adolescents and a 60% increase in otitis media among children and teens exposed to secondhand smoke. The chemicals in smoke also irritate the eustachian tube, which contributes to ear infections and hearing difficulties.
Neurological networks
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry information between cells in your body. Nicotine interferes with how the body regulates neurotransmitters, changing how they transport sound information from the inner ear to the brain. If the brain doesn’t receive enough sound input, it has a harder time making sense of the sounds you hear. Some researchers suspect that smoking may also cause tinnitus.
Vaping Isn’t a Safe Alternative
Not only do e-cigarettes contain the same amount of nicotine (or more) as traditional cigarettes, but, for a long time, many of their flavored additives were unregulated by the FDA. While there are stronger protections in place now, manufactures are still looking for loopholes and new ways to produce vape products that escape federal oversight, so we don’t always know what kinds of chemicals may be present in vape juice. They could be ototoxic, cardiotoxic, hepatoxic, or nephrotoxic. Additionally, nicotine is one of the most addictive substances around and there is currently no research indicating that vaping is any easier to quit than smoking.
What’s worse is that many smokers use e-cigarettes and regular combustible cigarettes. According to two recent studies supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, smoking and vaping each increase different biomarkers for cardiovascular disease, which means that using them together can cause greater health risks than using just one product individually.
Tips for Quitting
The good news is, there is some evidence that smoking cessation may benefit hearing health. We know quitting is tough, but here are some tips for success:
It’s never too late to quit smoking and vaping to avoid further damage to your hearing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to get your hearing tested and explore your treatment options.