Hearing Loss Affects More Than Your Ears
Did you know there’s a high prevalence of hearing loss in the Hispanic and Latino population in the U.S.? Untreated hearing loss is linked to decreased cognitive function in this same population, so breaking down barriers to seeking treatment is crucial. And a good place to start is inspiring stories.
To mark National Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S., which begins in September, and Latin American Heritage Month in Canada, which is in October, let’s look at some important Hispanics and Latinos with hearing loss.
Alex Lacamoire
Musical director of Hamilton, In the Heights, and Wicked
This Cuban American musical natural began studying classical piano at the age of 4 — around the same time his family started speculating that he had hearing loss. At age 13, he performed at the largest concert hall in Mérida, at the Autonomous University of Yucatán in Mexico. By the time he was in high school, he had hearing aids but wouldn’t wear them (he eventually came around). The Berklee College of Music graduate would go on to earn Kennedy Center Honors and win multiple Tonys, several Grammys, and other notable awards.Francisco Goya
Influential painter and printmaker
Goya is considered the most influential Spanish artist of the late 1700s and early 1800s. His body of work reflects the shift to a more modern approach in art. In fact, he paved the way for the likes of Édouard Manet and Pablo Picasso. It was in 1792 or 1793, during his time as a court painter in the royal household, that he suffered an undiagnosed illness that left him permanently deaf. Within a few years, he would assume the title of first court painter under King Charles IV in 1799.
Luis Miguel
Wildly popular singer and performer
Luis Miguel, a Puerto Rican-born Mexican singer who is often called El Sol de México, is widely considered the most successful musical artist in Latin American history. He’s the only Latin-music singer of his generation who did not become a crossover sensation for English-speaking audiences in the 1990s. Decades of performing took its toll, and he now experiences tinnitus, a condition in which a ringing, buzzing, pulsing, or other noise is heard with no external source.
Natália Martins
Professional volleyball player
Brazilian Natália Martins was only 6 years old when she was first fitted with hearing aids to correct her 70% hearing loss. Now, 30 years later, she is Brazil’s first-ever volleyball player with hearing loss to play professionally or to make it on her country’s national team. She played on several leading Brazilian teams before recently deciding to join a premier league in Romania. She is a brand ambassador for Sonova, which in 2020 released a short film about her life.
Stephanie Nogueras
Actor, mentor, and consultant
This Puerto Rican American actor was born profoundly deaf. Right after graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology, she headed to Hollywood and, within six months, had landed a recurring role as Natalie Pierce on the TV show Switched at Birth and a role on one episode of Grimm. Since then, acting has kept her busy. She also teaches American Sign Language (ASL), mentors families of deaf children in Los Angeles County, and serves as a consultant and ASL coach for TV and film.
Dr. Robert Davila
Former Gallaudet University president (2007–2009)
As a young boy, Robert Davila, who was born in California to Mexican-American parents, had a sporadic education, as his family moved with the seasons. When he was 8, however, a severe case of spinal meningitis left him deaf, and he was sent north to the California School for the Deaf (CSD), where he thrived. He learned both English and ASL, graduated with honors, and went on to earn bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. He became president of Gallaudet University, a premier university for the deaf and hard of hearing, after a lifetime of education in both teaching and administration.
Feeling inspired to take that first step to better hearing? Contact us today!
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Are You Making the Most of Your Hearing Benefits?
in NewsAs we approach the end of the year, we recommend you check with your insurance company today to ensure you optimize any hearing benefits you might have. Many plans and policies, as well as Flexible Spending Accounts, come to an end on December 31 and don’t roll over into the next year — you use it or lose it!
As we approach 2022, we want to say thank you for being a member of our family. Contact us today to schedule your appointment in time for New Year’s Eve — we hope to hear from you soon!
The Best Hearing Health Accessories for Children
in Hearing Accessories, Hearing Aids, Hearing HealthMost people associate hearing loss only with seniors, and they consider it a natural part of getting older. The reality is that it affects people of all ages. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 34 million children live with a disabling hearing loss, and approximately 60% of cases are linked to preventable causes.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best hearing health accessories for children!
Earplugs
The best defense against damaging sound is always going to be ear protection. Whether it’s because of loud music, noisy vehicles, or the use of power tools around the house, reducing exposure to high-decibel sounds is the best way to prevent sudden-onset hearing loss or the exacerbation of existing hearing loss. Custom-fitted earplugs are a comfortable and convenient solution, and normalizing their use at a young age instills good hearing care habits.
BTE Hearing Aids
For a child who already has hearing loss, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are widely considered the best, style-wise. BTE aids are comfortable and durable, and many come in a variety of fun colors. Children as young as four weeks old can be fitted with a BTE aid, so they are ideal for infants born with hearing loss, and they remain the ideal hearing technology until the teenage years!
Hearing Assistive Technology
Also known as HATS, these systems are often used in conjunction with hearing aids to help a child with hearing loss hear better in the classroom. Frequency modulation systems, or FM systems, are the most common, but sound-field systems may also be used (and can help children with normal hearing as well). To inquire about implementing hearing assistive technology in the classroom, speak to the administration at your child’s school.
Hearing Aid Charms
One of the best ways to get kids excited about their technology is to turn it into something fun that expresses their individuality. There are many charms, stickers, and tube twists that can be purchased both from licensed hearing aid manufacturers and from third parties. You can customize hearing aids and truly make them part of your child’s outfit and personality. A child’s only limitation is their imagination!
Ear Suspenders
Wearing hearing aids is more challenging for children than for adults, since children are so active and can easily lose small objects. Ear suspenders are a type of stretchy headband designed to hold hearing aids firmly in place during nearly every activity. They are superior to shirt clips in that they prevent the devices from falling out. It’s a comfortable, practical solution to your child’s rambunctious lifestyle. Plus, they’re fashionable!
Caring for a child with hearing loss can be challenging, but you’re not alone. For more information about these products or to schedule a hearing consultation with our team, contact us today. We’re here to help!
The Nutrients Behind Healthy Hearing
in Hearing HealthAs we learn more about how nutrition affects health, many folks are taking a functional medicine approach to fine-tuning their diets — eating the right foods to prevent certain conditions. You’ve no doubt heard of heart-healthy foods as well as special diets to manage or prevent diabetes, but did you know that you can also eat for healthy ears? Read on to find out more!
The Nutrients Behind Healthy Hearing
Eating a balanced diet comprised of whole foods is always a good idea and promotes total body health, but certain nutrients are associated with healthy ears, including magnesium, potassium, zinc, folate, B12, and vitamins C, E, and A. Of these, two deserve special recognition for their overall link to hearing health and the fact that a majority of people don’t get enough of them.
Magnesium
This mineral is abundant throughout the body and assists in almost every cellular process. It is particularly important to nerve function, which is good news for your hearing. Hair cells of the inner ear communicate directly with the auditory nerve, sending signals to the brain after a sound wave passes through the eardrum. Keeping these cells healthy and strong offers protection against noise-induced hearing loss. Additionally, magnesium deficiency often causes high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease, and depression, which are all conditions associated with hearing loss.
Potassium
Like magnesium, potassium is involved in hundreds of cellular processes throughout the body, including nerve function, but it’s most known for regulating fluids. Because it creates positive ions when dissolved in water, potassium is considered an electrolyte. It works in tandem with sodium to ensure the right amount of fluid is moving in and out of cells. If an imbalance occurs, the endolymph in the cochlea may be disrupted, leading to hair cell damage. Boosting potassium is a contraindication only for individuals with kidney disease. It is widely recommended that almost everyone else increase their intake of potassium.
Chocolate Almond Avocado Pudding
Fortunately, some of the tastiest foods in your kitchen are high in magnesium and potassium. For a healthy treat that tastes much more decadent than it is, consider whipping up a batch of this chocolate almond pudding from the mother-daughter duo over at Simply So Healthy. All you need is a blender and the following ingredients:
Directions
Each serving provides approximately 405 mg of potassium and 78 mg of magnesium. That’s about 12% and 20% of your daily values, respectively. To bump it up to 23% and 27%, add half a cup of sliced banana!
For more healthy-hearing tips or to schedule a hearing consultation, contact us today!
How Head Injuries Impact Hearing and Balance
in Balance, Comorbidity, Hearing HealthThe force of a traumatic brain injury (also known as a TBI, concussion, or head injury) can damage or displace the delicate bones of the inner ear, rupture the eardrum, and disrupt parts of the brain responsible for auditory processing. A persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound may occur in one or both ears, and some TBI patients also report hyperacusis, which is an extreme sensitivity to sound. Additionally, injuries to the inner ear can impact the vestibular system, which is made up of tiny fluid-filled canals that send signals about your head’s position to the brain. Dislodging parts of the vestibular system leads to spatial disorientation, dizziness, difficulty in finding footing or judging distances, and a feeling that you or your surroundings are in motion.
How Common Are They?
The Northern Brain Injury Association estimates that 452 people suffer a serious brain injury every day in Canada. Of those injuries, up to 50% involve hearing loss or sudden-onset tinnitus. TBIs are especially common among survivors of car collisions, contact sports, accidental falls, and domestic abuse.
Is the Hearing Loss Permanent?
Fortunately, most cases of hearing loss resulting from a TBI resolve on their own within a few months. As the brain heals, auditory processing will recover. If a bone fracture or displacement has occurred, corrective surgery will usually fix the problem. Occasionally, hearing loss from a TBI is permanent, such as when the cochlea is irreparably damaged, but this is rare.
Treatment
A traumatic brain injury must be treated by a physician right away. Because of the risk of hematoma, or bleeding in the brain, imaging tests are necessary to assess the extent of the damage. If the injury to the ear is physical, this will often be apparent following a CT or MRI scan. Neurological causes are a bit harder to diagnose but can be identified through a critical evaluation by an audiologist. If you have been impacted by a traumatic brain injury and notice any changes in your hearing or equilibrium, make an appointment with an audiologist as soon as possible. They will perform a series of tests to assist in determining your treatment options.
Because hearing and balance are so integral to our ability to communicate, it is important to distinguish between hearing loss and cognitive disruptions following a TBI.
Prevention
To prevent TBIs, always wear helmets or other protective headgear when playing potentially hazardous sports and engaging in recreational activities such as cycling, skateboarding, and horseback riding. While driving or riding in a vehicle, always wear your seatbelt. During the winter, hold on to railings and step carefully in icy conditions to avoid losing your footing. And as simple as it may sound, be careful when entering or exiting the shower. Many people slip and fall on slick bathroom tiles every year. Prevention is always going to be the best defense against TBI-induced hearing loss.
If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury and is experiencing hearing difficulties, please contact our caring team today!
The Importance of Dedicated Hearing Care
in Hearing AidsThe real differences between audiology and over-the-counter solutions
In July, President Biden signed an executive order allowing hearing aids to be sold over the counter. This measure is aimed at lowering the cost of hearing care, and at a glance, it seems like a great way to ensure that everyone who needs hearing care is covered. But can OTC products ever compete with the knowledge and expertise of a specialist? Because you deserve the best hearing care available, here are six reasons to make an appointment with an audiologist.
1. Expertise
Both audiologists and hearing aid specialists are licensed to sell hearing aids, but audiologists possess master’s or doctorate degrees that concentrate on 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 “once and done” solution; it takes time for the body and mind to adjust, and there may be a period of discomfort that requires professional support.
3. Patient-Provider Relationship
Hearing loss is a complex condition. It has many different causes, from simple age-related decline to disorders such as Ménière’s disease to 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 as well. Providing support for these conditions is part of our commitment to our patients’ total hearing health.
5. Safety
Aside from 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 may 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, including 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 in 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 an audiologist run practice to provide you with a professional evaluation. It’s the right choice for you to be sure that you’re pursuing the very best solution for your hearing loss.
6 Inspirational Latinos and Hispanics With Hearing Loss
in Hearing lossHearing Loss Affects More Than Your Ears
Did you know there’s a high prevalence of hearing loss in the Hispanic and Latino population in the U.S.? Untreated hearing loss is linked to decreased cognitive function in this same population, so breaking down barriers to seeking treatment is crucial. And a good place to start is inspiring stories.
To mark National Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S., which begins in September, and Latin American Heritage Month in Canada, which is in October, let’s look at some important Hispanics and Latinos with hearing loss.
Alex Lacamoire
Musical director of Hamilton, In the Heights, and Wicked
This Cuban American musical natural began studying classical piano at the age of 4 — around the same time his family started speculating that he had hearing loss. At age 13, he performed at the largest concert hall in Mérida, at the Autonomous University of Yucatán in Mexico. By the time he was in high school, he had hearing aids but wouldn’t wear them (he eventually came around). The Berklee College of Music graduate would go on to earn Kennedy Center Honors and win multiple Tonys, several Grammys, and other notable awards.Francisco Goya
Influential painter and printmaker
Goya is considered the most influential Spanish artist of the late 1700s and early 1800s. His body of work reflects the shift to a more modern approach in art. In fact, he paved the way for the likes of Édouard Manet and Pablo Picasso. It was in 1792 or 1793, during his time as a court painter in the royal household, that he suffered an undiagnosed illness that left him permanently deaf. Within a few years, he would assume the title of first court painter under King Charles IV in 1799.
Luis Miguel
Wildly popular singer and performer
Luis Miguel, a Puerto Rican-born Mexican singer who is often called El Sol de México, is widely considered the most successful musical artist in Latin American history. He’s the only Latin-music singer of his generation who did not become a crossover sensation for English-speaking audiences in the 1990s. Decades of performing took its toll, and he now experiences tinnitus, a condition in which a ringing, buzzing, pulsing, or other noise is heard with no external source.
Natália Martins
Professional volleyball player
Brazilian Natália Martins was only 6 years old when she was first fitted with hearing aids to correct her 70% hearing loss. Now, 30 years later, she is Brazil’s first-ever volleyball player with hearing loss to play professionally or to make it on her country’s national team. She played on several leading Brazilian teams before recently deciding to join a premier league in Romania. She is a brand ambassador for Sonova, which in 2020 released a short film about her life.
Stephanie Nogueras
Actor, mentor, and consultant
This Puerto Rican American actor was born profoundly deaf. Right after graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology, she headed to Hollywood and, within six months, had landed a recurring role as Natalie Pierce on the TV show Switched at Birth and a role on one episode of Grimm. Since then, acting has kept her busy. She also teaches American Sign Language (ASL), mentors families of deaf children in Los Angeles County, and serves as a consultant and ASL coach for TV and film.
Dr. Robert Davila
Former Gallaudet University president (2007–2009)
As a young boy, Robert Davila, who was born in California to Mexican-American parents, had a sporadic education, as his family moved with the seasons. When he was 8, however, a severe case of spinal meningitis left him deaf, and he was sent north to the California School for the Deaf (CSD), where he thrived. He learned both English and ASL, graduated with honors, and went on to earn bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. He became president of Gallaudet University, a premier university for the deaf and hard of hearing, after a lifetime of education in both teaching and administration.
Feeling inspired to take that first step to better hearing? Contact us today!
6 Ways to Keep Your Hearing Loss From Getting Worse
in Hearing HealthLooking Out for Your Hearing Health Is Even Easier Than You Think
If you have hearing loss, you’re not alone. With an estimated 466 million children and adults living with disabling hearing loss, per the World Health Organization, it’s one of the most common chronic physical conditions around the globe.
Though most types of hearing loss cannot be reversed, they can often be successfully managed with today’s innovative technology. And there are empowering ways you can keep your hearing loss from getting worse. Read on for six tips to do just that.
Among the most preventable causes of hearing loss, harmful noise levels — especially those reaching 85 decibels or higher — can do a number on your ears. The damage could be temporary or permanent. And it can worsen with greater noise exposure. When possible, avoiding harmful noise levels altogether is the best bet.
Of course, avoiding excess noise isn’t always practical — especially if it’s part of your occupation. Whether you’re working around jet engines, calling games amid the whistles and cheers of a packed arena, or operating machinery at a farm, workplaces can be loud. That’s where hearing protection comes in. We recommend custom protection for even more effectiveness and a secure fit.
Excess cerumen, or earwax buildup, can also be the culprit in worsening hearing loss. Typically your ears naturally push out excess wax, but sometimes the accumulation can form a blockage. To remove an earwax plug, gently soften it with drops of warmed olive oil, almond oil water, or a commercial solution — as long as you don’t have an eardrum perforation.
Some medications, including certain drugs used to fight cancer, can be ototoxic, or damaging to the inner ear, potentially leading to hearing loss or worsening of existing hearing difficulties. Rather than stopping the medication if prescribed, talk to your doctor or another provider about the risks, potential alternatives, and possible ways to mitigate any threats to your hearing.
It’s easy to think of hearing loss as just an isolated challenge, but it can go hand in hand with other conditions, such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, dementia, and other health problems. Though cause and effect aren’t necessarily conclusive in all cases of hearing loss, staying dedicated to total wellness can potentially go a long way toward helping preserve your current hearing levels.
As mentioned early in this story, today’s exciting, advanced technology plays a big role in successfully managing hearing loss. With the help of a licensed hearing care professional and solutions tailored to your needs, you can discover a whole new world of sound. Using hearing technology also helps you preserve the hearing you have.
So don’t wait. Take steps to preserve your hearing today. If it’s been a while since your last hearing check, or your current hearing devices don’t seem to help as much as they used to, contact us for an evaluation. We’re committed to helping you hear your best!
5 Reasons to Keep Your Hearing Health in Shape
in Hearing HealthGolfers: 5 Reasons to Keep Your Hearing Health in Shape
Why Would a Hearing Care Provider Be Writing About Golf?
If you play golf, you already know one swing of the club is a complex matter. A half-inch difference in heel placement could mean a solid shot or a ball taking a swim.
But one thing golfers depend on, even more than they realize, is their hearing. Here are five ways hearing health supports your golf game.
The Sound of the Clubhead Meeting the Ball
Anyone who has played long enough knows the sweet spot. It’s the sound of your clubhead hitting the ball just right. Distance and accuracy are all but guaranteed with that sweet-spot combination of tone and volume.
Sound is just as important, though, for recognizing when — and how — your clubhead hits the ball wrong. It gives you the information you need to adjust the next shot. This is especially important for chipping and putting, where you want finesse over power.
The Sounds of Camaraderie
A big part of the game is the people involved. Strategizing, heckling, and catching up on each other’s lives is half the enjoyment — and a big reason why many of us pick up the game in the first place.
But it doesn’t stop there. You also hear the heckles, encouragement, and laughter on the other fairways and greens. You might even get to know the people in the group in front of you — or behind you — if it’s a busy day on the links.
The Sound of Danger
Danger? On a golf course? Yes! And you need to be able to hear dangers in advance.
There are surprising dangers — like rattlesnakes and bear cubs — as well as more common ones. Even the best golfers can flub a shot, sending it sailing into another fairway or tee box. And errant, speeding golf carts abound, especially when playing a scramble and when the best shot is “just over this hill, I know it!”
“Golfers, beware,” indeed!
Sure Footing
Sometimes, hearing loss can indeed affect your balance. Every aspect of your game depends on good balance, though, from setup to follow-through. The results of mixing poor balance and golf can range from minor — a missed shot — to major, such as a thrown club, a golf cart accident, or a fall.
Keeping Your Head in the Game
Golf takes brainpower. Strategy and focus are key to a good round. Hearing loss, though, has been linked to cognitive decline. Thinking, remembering, and even your ability to keep your head in the game can suffer. In fact, in one study, seniors with hearing loss experienced cognitive issues 30% to 40% faster than their peers without hearing loss. Hearing aid use, however, may slow cognitive decline by as much as 75%.
A Note in Conclusion
Even way back in 2009, the growing popularity of thin-faced titanium drivers was cause for concern. One study compared the sound of a King Cobra club meeting the ball to a gun blast or sonic boom! If you enjoy using clubs such as the King Cobra — or if you’ve simply noticed that your club packs quite a sonic wallop — consider using hearing protection. There are many kinds available, and some, such as earplugs for musicians, allow you to enjoy conversations and ambient sounds around you but block levels that could damage your hearing.
Contact us today if you think you’d benefit from a hearing evaluation or hearing protection!
8 Back-to-School Communication Tips
in News8 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 heading back to class in person or online, keep these helpful tips in mind.
How’s Their Hearing?
Schedule regular hearing checkups for the schoolkids 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 perform their best in class. So don’t wait. Schedule back-to-school hearing evaluations for the whole family today!
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.
Really, however, the 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 fresh 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 — with in-person and virtual communication both playing important roles in today’s new normal. If you think it might be time to update your hearing devices, please don’t wait. Contact us today to get your questions answered or to schedule a consultation and tech demo. We’re HEAR to help!