Accessories

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Last-Minute Mother’s Day Shopping? ‘Hear, Hear’ for These Picks!

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7 Gift Ideas Celebrating Mom’s Wonderful World of Sound

Uh-oh! Did your plans to find Mom the perfect gift get a little derailed? Not to worry. Last-minute finds can turn out to be the best of all. So check out these seven sound-savvy ideas to bring a smile to her face this Mother’s Day and beyond.

1. Concert Tickets

Superstars from Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Beck, and Paramore to Billy Idol, Lizzo, the Zac Brown Band, Destroyer, and Big Thief are touring this year. Scoring tickets to your mom’s favorite band — or even a local showcase featuring talented community members — might be just the answer. Find out who’s performing with resources such as Entertainment Weekly’s concert and festival guide.

2. National Parks Pass

How does access to an estimated 2,000 U.S. federal recreation sites or over 80 Canadian national park sites sound? With an annual pass, a whole world of adventure awaits — including breathtaking canyons, fascinating wildlife, beautiful flora, historic waterways, timeless architecture, hiking, camping, and more. It’s a great way to create memories that last a lifetime.

3. Personalized Celeb Video

Can you imagine your mom’s delight receiving a personalized video message from her celebrity fave? The online platform Cameo boasts a robust roster of actors, athletes, comedians, and other entertainers who can provide a message tailored just for her. With the easy-search database, we even found Eric Braeden, famously known as “Victor” on the long-running daytime show The Young and the Restless!

4. Bluetooth Speaker

There’s nothing like enjoying the sounds you want to hear with the help of a portable speaker. Whether gardening, camping, crafting a new wood table in the garage, or hosting a backyard barbecue, streaming audio through a quality Bluetooth speaker puts wireless convenience — and joyful sound — right at your mom’s fingertips. To help you decide, CNN breaks down its top Bluetooth speaker picks for 2023.

5. Audiobook Subscription

If your mom savors a good mystery novel or other reads, how about letting her hear them? That’s right, let’s talk audiobooks. They can open a whole new world of content and be a feast for the ears, between radio shows, TV programs, and digital audiobooks. Platforms such as Audible and AudiobooksNow offer various subscriptions or membership tiers.

6. Better-Hearing Gift Certificate

What’s better than life-changing hearing technology? Life-changing hearing technology with all the wonderful accessories that can enhance it. Remote microphones, hearing aid dryers or dehumidifiers, TV clips, and cleaning kits are just some of the accoutrements that can help support your mom’s better-hearing journey. Our gift certificates make it a cinch for her to choose what she needs.

7. Hearing Aid Fashion

Hearing technology and fashion go well together, and talented artists are taking note with imaginative creations that inspire, empower, and wow. Award-winning company DeafMetal USA not only makes hearing aid and cochlear implant jewelry but also skins and stickers that let the wearer show off their personality. With a gift card that lets Mom pick out her favorite pieces, she’ll be good to go.

Want more gift ideas to celebrate Mom’s connection to a world of sound? Don’t wait. Contact our caring team today!

An illustration of various items that represent men and dads

Best Safe Hearing Gifts for Dad

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Dad’s Ears Will Thank You

This Father’s Day, give dad the gift that truly keeps on giving — recreation that’s easy on his ears! These gift ideas are sure to make him, and his ears, happy.

Headphones

Dads love their earbuds, whether listening to music, streaming the game on a smartphone, or enjoying an audiobook. But headphones are better for his hearing health.

Earbuds allow sound to sneak in around the edges. The natural reaction is to turn up the volume to beat back the extra sounds. That can be a recipe for hearing damage. Plus, earbuds send audio directly down the ear canal — any fluctuation in volume is delivered right to your eardrum!

Headphones, however, create a seal around your ears. This lets far less environmental sound in to compete with what you’re trying to listen to. And sound coming from headphones must travel a short distance just to reach your ear canal, so the force of the sound has a chance to dissipate a little.

Specialty Earplugs

These earplugs are more robust and specialized for certain kinds of activities. You can get good, dependable, inexpensive versions or go all out and spend hundreds of dollars, depending on Dad’s needs.

Shooting (or hunters’) earplugs protect you against the sudden, dangerous impulse noise of gunfire but allow you to hear the movements and voices of anyone nearby. And high-fidelity earplugs let you hear the tonal nuances of music while dampening the high volume — ideal for musicians and avid concertgoers.

Sound Hole Cover for Acoustic Guitar

Even if he’s great at guitar, that doesn’t mean you want to hear Dad’s acoustic arrangement of the metal hit “Crazy Train” yet again coming up the basement steps.

Sound hole cover to the rescue! This is a disc that nestles easily into the sound hole of most models of acoustic guitar to dampen the sound. There are price ranges for every need — and it shouldn’t cost more than three to five dollars to keep Dad quietly shredding while saving his hearing.

Drum Practice Pad

Maybe Dad went the even noisier route of taking up the drums. But don’t worry — your days of hearing him loudly practice the opening staccato raps of Paul Simon’s “Obvious Child” are numbered!

Enter the humble drum practice pad. Though not as inexpensive as an acoustic sound hole cover, it still won’t break the bank. When played, it simulates the same feeling of give as a real snare drum, but it’s much, much quieter. He’ll know it feels and sounds right, but his hearing won’t pay the price.

A Book

What could be better for his ears than a physical copy of a book? If he’s an avid reader, you can’t go wrong, whether he’s eagerly awaiting the next Patterson thriller or has once again spilled coffee all over his copy of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass.

Contact us to learn more if you’re interested in hearing-protection options for Dad this year!

a cartoon woman with headphones plugged into a giant lightbulb

5 Sounds to Stream Through Your Hearing Aids for the Holidays

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Bring the Festivities Right to Your Ears

Have you been putting off exploring your hearing technology’s streaming capabilities? We’ve got just the fix. Delve into the world of streaming this holiday season with our five picks. Before long, you’ll be wondering why you waited to channel old favorites and new sounds directly to your hearing aids. Let’s get started!

Holiday Podcasts

More than an estimated 2 million podcasts exist, but that doesn’t mean everybody’s listening. Here’s why you should: With tons of topics from poinsettias to politics at the ready, you’ll likely have no trouble settling on something interesting.

Try this: Search “holiday podcasts” on your favorite web browser for stories, songs, sermons, inspiration, motivation, conversations, and more among the many offerings you can download to your smartphone or computer for direct streaming to your hearing aids.

Must-see Classics

Got a favorite classic movie or television show that makes the holiday season extra special? Make it even more enjoyable by sending the audio directly to your hearing devices. The best part? You can enjoy it at the volume that sounds just right for you — without the setting changing for everyone else.

Try this: Check out a beloved holiday-themed DVD from your local library or use your preferred video-on-demand service, and experience the audio in a whole new way through Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids.

Virtual Reunions

Who’s on your mind that you haven’t seen or heard from in a long time? The holiday season can be perfect for getting the crew back together online to enjoy laughs and talk new-year plans. Streaming the conversation right to your hearing devices helps ensure you don’t miss a single word.

Try this: Choose your favorite video-chat platform — or try a new one — and invite five friends from near and far to join you on a fun virtual call.

DIY Fun

That skill you’ve been wanting to add to your repertoire? Don’t wait for the new year. Learn it now! And with billions of videos on popular sharing platform YouTube, someone’s bound to have a helpful tutorial or two on the topic you seek.

Try this: Find and explore DIY videos on your favorite subjects with a quick and easy keyword search in YouTube’s vast collection. Streaming the audio straight to your hearing aids and, if desired, turning on the captioning function can help make listening and learning a cinch.

Merry Music

When was the last time you put a holiday playlist together? Never? Gathering up your favorite tracks may take a little time, but it can pay off big with a go-to tailored list of tunes for streaming that keep you happily humming and rockin’ throughout the season.

Try this: Sites such as Soundcloud, Last.fm, YouTube, and Spotify can be a big help in discovering terrific holiday songs you didn’t even know existed. Keep that in mind while compiling tunes for your festive playlist.

Streaming 101

What is streaming?

Streaming essentially involves sending audio from a sound source — for example, your smartphone, TV, stereo, or computer, depending on compatibility — to your hearing device. With streaming, your hearing instruments essentially act as wireless headphones, providing an even more personalized experience.

How does streaming work with hearing aids?

Hearing aids facilitate streaming either directly or through a clip. In direct streaming, audio is transmitted right to your devices, without an accessory. The clip method uses a wireless accessory — a streamer — that clips to your clothing or may hang around your neck. Audio is transmitted to the clip, which then sends it to your hearing aids.

What makes this possible?

Through Bluetooth technology typically embedded in both the hearing aid and the smartphone, television, or other audio source, the electronics can be wirelessly paired, allowing streaming to happen. Our caring team can explain the specific steps and help ensure you have what you need.

Want to make sure your hearing devices are ready for holiday streaming? Contact us today to make an appointment or to get your questions answered. We’re here to help!

Holiday-Hearing Gift Giving

Holiday-Hearing Gift Giving

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6 Ideas That Wow

When it comes to the greatest gifts in life, healthy hearing ranks high on our list. That’s why we’re making it easy to share the joy of better hearing this holiday season. Have a special person in your life who wears a hearing device? Here are six special ways to help them maximize their technology.

 

Wireless Mic

Quality hearing aids can deliver clear sound, but it’s still nice to have an extra microphone around. In one-on-one conversations, lively gatherings around the dinner table, or boardroom discussions, a wireless Bluetooth microphone sends speech directly to the person’s hearing aid. Whether clipped to the speaker’s collar or set in a central spot, it can make being part of the conversation even easier.

 

TV Streamer

Keeping everybody happy with the television volume is no small feat during movie night at home. It can be even tougher with hearing loss. A TV streamer can help. The typically small tabletop device sends audio from a TV, stereo, or PC straight to the hearing aid, letting the wearer customize the volume to their specific needs without changing it for everyone else. Voila!

 

Remote Control

A remote control for hearing aids? You bet! With remotes designed for hearing aids, the user can change the device’s volume and program settings, switch the source of the audio they’re streaming, set ambient and streamed audio at different sound levels, and keep an eye on battery levels. It puts convenience and empowerment in the palm of the user’s hand.

 

Cleaning Kit

As with nearly any other electronic device, hearing aids need periodic maintenance. That includes cleaning, which can extend the life of the hearing instrument and reduce wear and tear. Mixing and matching some of these resources to create a helpful cleaning kit could be just the ticket:

 

  • Wax picks
  • Soft, dry cloths
  • Wax-guard cleaning brush
  • Cleaning spray specifically for hearing aids
  • Disinfectant wipes compatible with hearing aids
  • A combination hearing-aid dehumidifier/sanitizer

 

Tech Time

Apps dedicated to health and wellness are growing, with some exciting options made specifically for hearing aids. They make it even easier to customize settings, enjoy streaming, set up virtual hearing care appointments, and more. Offering up a homemade “coupon” good for quality time spent breaking down the best apps and how to use them can brighten your loved one’s day.

 

Hearing Protection

OK, this idea isn’t specifically for use with hearing devices, but it’s an important part of hearing health. Quality hearing protection can go a long way toward curbing excess noise exposure, one of the most preventable causes of hearing loss. If work or recreational activities regularly keep your loved one in loud environments, customized hearing protection may be a welcome gift for their ears.

 

Want more gift ideas this holiday season to help your loved ones enjoy the sounds of their world? We’re here to help, so don’t wait. Contact our knowledgeable team today!

Illustration of hand holding a smart phone with several different icons representing types of virtual communication surrounding it

5 Tips to Hear Better in Virtual Meetings + Gatherings

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Working remotely with hearing loss can be a big challenge.

Whether you’re conducting business online or just want to virtually connect with family and friends, these listening strategies and tactics can go a long way toward helping you stay engaged.

  1. Explore the conferencing platform well before the online meeting or gathering — including reading a little about it or checking out a few quick instructional videos from other users — to build familiarity and confidence.
  2. Encourage everyone to use the video function — not just the audio option — to aid in lipreading and interpreting facial expressions. Also, try to keep your eye as much as possible on the person speaking rather than on your own camera image.
  3. Turn on the closed-captioning option, which can help take a big load off. In addition, consider using the real-time chat function, when available, to get clarification if you missed a point or have a follow-up question. Some video conferences may also be recorded for helpful playback later, so be sure to ask the host, who may need to initiate the recording option.
  4. Wear connected headphones if possible, which can make listening a whole lot easier. Quality headphones not only help block distracting background noise in your environment but can also improve reception of the audio’s full tonal range to make speech and other sounds more understandable.
  5. Stream directly to your hearing technology, if you wear hearing aids. Today’s sophisticated hearing instruments help make it a cinch to receive audio from various sources — phone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, stereo, and more, depending on compatibility — directly to your ears, so be sure to take advantage of that functionality.

Want more virtual-communication tips? We can help with accessibility strategies and solutions that empower you in managing hearing loss and remote work. So don’t wait. Contact us today!

Illustration of snow flakes, music notes, and a microphone floating around a listening library

5 Sounds to Stream Through Your Hearing Aids for the Holidays

in ,

Have you been putting off exploring your hearing technology’s streaming capabilities? We’ve got just the fix!

Delve into the world of streaming this holiday season with our five picks. Before long, you’ll be wondering why you waited to channel old favorites and new sounds directly to your hearing devices. Let’s get started!

HOLIDAY PODCASTS

More than an estimated 1 million podcasts exist, but that doesn’t mean everybody’s listening. Here’s why you should: With tons of topics from poinsettias to politics at the ready, you’ll likely have no trouble settling on something interesting.

Try this: Search “holiday podcasts” on your favorite web browser for stories, songs, sermons, inspiration, motivation, conversations, and more among the many offerings you can download to your smartphone or computer for direct streaming to your hearing aids.

MUST-SEE CLASSICS

Got a favorite classic movie or television show that makes the holiday season extra special? Make it even more enjoyable by sending the audio directly to your hearing devices. The best part? You can enjoy it at the volume that sounds just right for you — without the volume changing for everyone else.

Try this: Check out a beloved holiday-themed DVD from your local library or use your preferred video-on-demand service, and experience the audio in a whole new way through Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids.

VIRTUAL REUNIONS

Who’s on your mind that you haven’t seen or heard from in a long time? The holiday season can be perfect for getting the crew back together online to enjoy laughs and talk new-year plans. Streaming the conversation right to your hearing devices helps ensure you don’t miss a single word.

Try this: Choose your favorite video-chat platform — or try a new one — and invite five friends from near and far to join you on a fun virtual call.

DIY FUN

That skill you’ve been wanting to add to your repertoire? Don’t wait for the new year. Learn it now! And with billions of videos on popular sharing platform YouTube, someone’s bound to have a helpful tutorial or two on the topic you seek.

Try this: Find and explore DIY videos on your favorite topics with a quick and easy keyword search in YouTube’s vast collection. Streaming the audio straight to your hearing aids and, if desired, turning on the captioning function can help make listening and learning a cinch.

MERRY MUSIC

When was the last time you put a holiday playlist together? Never? Gathering up your favorite tracks may take a little time, but it can pay off big with a go-to tailored list of tunes for streaming that keep you happily humming throughout the season.

Try this: Sites such as AllMusic can be a big help in discovering terrific holiday songs you didn’t even know existed. Keep that in mind while compiling tunes for your festive playlist.

 

Streaming 101

What is streaming?
Streaming essentially involves sending audio from a sound source — for example, your smartphone, TV, stereo, or computer, depending on compatibility — to your hearing device. With streaming, your hearing instruments essentially act as wireless headphones, providing an even more personalized experience.

How does streaming work with hearing aids?
Hearing aids facilitate streaming either directly or through a clip. In direct streaming, audio is transmitted right to your devices — without an accessory. The clip method uses a wireless accessory — a streamer — that clips to your clothing or may hang around your neck. Audio is transmitted to the clip, which then sends it to your hearing aids.

What makes this possible?
Through Bluetooth technology typically embedded in both the hearing aid and the smartphone, television, or other audio source, the electronics can be wirelessly paired, allowing streaming to happen. Our caring team can explain the specific steps and help ensure you have what you need.

Want to make sure your hearing devices are ready for holiday streaming? Contact us today to make an appointment or to get your questions answered. We’re here to help!

Illustration of an audiologist speaking to two women who have question marks above their heads.

Why Do I Need a Hearing Aid Fitting Appointment?

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Q: What can I expect at my hearing aid fitting?

 

A: Hearing aids are wonderful, sophisticated devices. But better hearing is a journey, not a transaction. That’s why we bring you into the office and spend some time with you answering questions and demonstrating features. Let me walk you through what the typical fitting looks like.

Making Sure Your New Hearing Aids Fit
Before anything else can happen, you have to pull your devices out of the box and slide them in your ears to ensure they fit you. If not, your audiologist will have to exchange them for ones that do, which most likely means returning for another fitting appointment.

Programming Your Devices and Verifying They Meet Your Specific Needs
If everything fits, your audiologist will program your hearing aids with fitting software. They’ll base the programming on your audiogram, which was developed at your hearing evaluation. Your audiogram indicates:

  • The sound frequencies that need to be amplified, and by how much
  • The sound frequencies that you can hear just fine
  • The sound frequencies that can remain loud but might need to be adjusted to minimize your discomfort

Once programmed, if your audiologist is using best practices, they’ll follow up with real-ear measurement. With this process, a slim tube microphone rests in your ear along with your hearing aid. Different sounds are played, and your audiologist can confirm for each whether the volume reaching your eardrum is the correct amount based on your audiogram.

This is where you first experience the benefits of your hearing aids. Especially for those who have a loved one with them at the appointment, this can be an emotional and profound moment.

Learning About Features and Maintenance
Hearing aid developers make sure today’s hearing aids are as user-friendly as possible. But you still need to learn the basics, so by the time you leave your fitting appointment, you’ll know:

  • How to change and dispose of batteries. If your hearing aids are rechargeable, you’ll learn the features of the charging station.
  • How to change programs, adjust volume, or make any other adjustments that aren’t automated.
  • How to clean and maintain your hearing aids.
  • How basic features work, such as connecting via T-coil to a looping system.
  • How advanced features work, such as streaming audio from your smartphone directly to your hearing aids.
  • How to use remote controls and other accessories.

You’ll also get an instruction guides, cleaning tools, a storage case, and a supply of batteries (or a charging station).

Understanding What’s Ahead
Today’s hearing aids are technologically sophisticated and easy to use, but they’re not a grab-n-go solution. Your brain is, in a sense, out of practice. All of a sudden, it has to make sense of sounds it hasn’t heard in a long time.

That’s why there is an adjustment period. Your audiologist will discuss this in more detail, so you know what to expect and don’t get discouraged. They’ll also give you a wearing schedule for the first few weeks, so you don’t overdo it. Easing you into this new world of sound is the best way to ensure success.

Scheduling the First Follow-Up Appointment
A skilled audiologist and advanced fitting software do a lot of the heavy lifting, but it all happens in the controlled environment of a clinic. As you live your life, you’ll enjoy the benefits of better hearing. But you’ll also notice ways your devices could help more, especially in noisy environments.

That’s why you’ll schedule a follow-up appointment. Your audiologist expects you to have feedback on how to improve your listening experience. You’ll also no doubt have questions you’ve thought of since the fitting appointment.

Your Hearing Care Partner
Don’t be shy. Speak up with any worries or questions. Your audiologist’s main concern is you hearing better. They’ve no doubt allotted 90 minutes to two hours for this appointment — they want you to leave the fitting appointment feeling confident and excited about the possibilities. Think of them as a knowledgeable partner eager to help you on your better-hearing journey!

Illustration of young woman listening to music on her headphones while looking at her smartphone

Connecting to Smartphones With Your Hearing Aids

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Connecting to Smartphones With Your Hearing Aids

The world of wireless can be a little daunting. But experiencing the joys of streaming can be as easy as 1-2-3. If you’re not sure how to get started using your hearing aids’ Bluetooth capabilities, read on.

Connecting Hearing Aids to Your Smartphone

There are a growing number of made-for-smartphone hearing aids. This technology lets you send the audio from your phone, tablet, or laptop directly to your hearing aids. In short, you can use your hearing aids as wireless headphones. Not all hearing aids with Bluetooth are smartphone-compatible — only the ones designated Made for iPhone or Made for Android.

The good news is setting these up is simple — the technology does most of the work for you! Whether you have Apple- or Android-compatible hearing aids, the idea is the same. The only difference is the steps you take on your smartphone to make it happen.

Turn on your Bluetooth

On either your iPhone or your Android phone, go to the Settings app. Find Bluetooth — it should be near the top of the menu — select it, then turn it on.

Locate your hearing aids in the list

On your iPhone, go back to the Settings app. Scroll down, find Accessibility, and select it. Scroll about halfway down that menu, find Hearing Devices, and select it. Your hearing aids should be listed.

On your Android phone, once you turned on Bluetooth, your phone should have started “looking” for other Bluetooth-enabled devices to connect to. Within seconds, your hearing aids should be listed.

For both phones, if your phone doesn’t list your hearing aids within a few seconds, you may need to open and close the battery doors or put them on the recharger. This turns them off and then on again, which should help your phone find them.

Select your hearing aids

When your phone finally lists your hearing aids as an option, select them. They will begin connecting, which could take up to 30 seconds or a minute.

Connecting Other Devices to Your Hearing Aids

 

Smartphone streamers

If your hearing aids aren’t Made for iPhone or Made for Android, you can still wirelessly stream audio from your smartphone to your hearing aids. It just requires a separate, tiny wireless device, called a streamer, that either clips to your collar or hangs from your neck and can be hidden underneath your clothing.

Other streamers

Many situations — even with smartphone-compatible hearing devices — require a streamer if you want audio sent to your hearing aids. From TV streamers to mini-microphones (for conversations in noisy environments), you can find a streamer to assist you in hearing your world even more clearly.

Each hearing aid manufacturer makes their own array of streamers. Connecting is often even easier than the above process and can be found in the streamer’s instructions.

If you’re curious about the latest streamers or want to learn more about smartphone-compatible hearing aids, contact us today!

Illustration of men and women standing together, one in a wheelchair, using electronic devices

Tech Inclusivity Is Growing, and We Love It

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Every year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) creates quite a stir with innovative new products and a window into potential trends. This year, the trade show — all digital for the first time in its 54-year history — leaned even more into inclusive tech, which helps everyone participate more in life.

Why does it matter? It’s all about accessibility, which is a big part of why we’re in the hearing care business. Better hearing helps people access more of what matters in their lives. For example, it:

  • Helps keep connections to loved ones strong
  • Reduces the risk of social withdrawal or isolation
  • Goes hand in hand with better physical and mental health
  • Supports workplace success and earning power
  • Plays a role in staying safe and alert

Some of the inclusive tech at CES 2021:

  • Smartphone apps such as HeardThat, which reportedly works in tandem with hearing aids to separate speech from noise; Aware, which may help those who are blind or with low vision navigate public spaces; and Sravi, which uses video, a word bank, and artificial intelligence to interpret lip movements.
  • The Nobi fall-detection lamp that not only can sense a fall — which is an especial risk for older adults and those with hearing loss — but can also send an alert for assistance and even help prevent slips in the first place through active tracking and reminders.
  • The Mantis Q40, a QWERTY-based Bluetooth keyboard that contains a refreshable braille display and works with compatible screen readers, making it easier for people who are blind or have limited vision to participate in the classroom and other activities without needing a separate braille device.
  • The Oticon More™ hearing aid, a groundbreaking rechargeable device designed to work more like your own brain does, so it can make better use of sound, require less effort to listen, and let you remember more of what’s being said.

This dovetails with our own focus on inclusive tech, including providing solutions that combine smart innovations with customized care to help you hear your best. Today’s hearing technology even includes options such as:

  • Fall detection and alerts
  • Language translation
  • Remote adjustments
  • Wireless streaming
  • Automated geotagged settings
  • Fitness-tracking for brain and body health
  • And so much more

Technology has come a long way to help you live a more empowered life, and the innovations will only improve. Want a closer look at what today’s modern tech can do for your hearing health and access to the world around you? Don’t wait. Contact our caring team to schedule a hearing evaluation and personalized demo now!

Ready to take the next step towards better hearing?
Contact us to book an appointment.

Call us today:

(289) 963-1512

Salus Hearing And Tinnitus Centre

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2200 Rutherford Rd #202, Concord, ON L4K 5V2