Assistant avatar
Need help?
I'm available 24/7 to help with your hearing and tinnitus needs.

Hearing Aids

an illustration of various hearing aid models

Q&A: Upgrading Your Hearing Aids

in ,

Q: 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:

  • Level and sophistication of the hearing technology
  • Quality of upkeep and maintenance throughout use
  • Potential changes in your hearing ability or listening lifestyle
  • Condition and performance of your existing hearing devices

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!

an illustration of a woman receiving a prescription bottle from a pharmacy technician

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids, PSAPS & More. What’s the Difference?

in

Together, 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:

  • OTCs may not always yield a successful fit — more of a trial-and-error process.
  • They might not align with one’s actual degree of hearing loss, which could be greater than perceived.
  • The self-treating aspect potentially omits a professional diagnostic evaluation that can pinpoint the problem and yield a critical solution.

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:

  • Aren’t recommended to treat actual hearing loss
  • Could cause hearing damage or aggravate existing damage with misuse or overuse
  • Can amplify sounds but typically can’t adjust to the user’s specific hearing loss
  • Bypass the crucial steps of professional testing, programming, fitting, and follow-up

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.

  • Connectivity — sync to a smartphone, tablet, or smart-home device.
  • Biometric tracking — track your steps, your heart rate, or even your running pace with sensors embedded in the device.
  • Improved sound quality — benefit from some of the technology driving today’s sophisticated hearing aids, including noise-canceling capabilities.
  • Translation — have another language translated to your own language in real time.

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!

retro illustration of an island beach at sunset

Enjoying the Sand and Waves? Protect Your Hearing Aids!: 8 Simple Do’s & Don’ts

in , ,

A Little TLC for Your Devices Helps You Seize the Season

Want to help your hearing aids stay in top shape throughout the season? Whether your summer includes playing Marco Polo, setting sail, or just catching some sun on the sand, dive into these quick maintenance tips to keep the fun at hand.

DO

consider using a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier, which not only dries and sanitizes your devices as you sleep but can also double as their regular storage container. Convenient and easy!

DON’T

swim wearing hearing aids or allow water and sand on them. Along with using a dehumidifier, wipe your devices daily with a dry cloth to help clear moisture and debris and reduce the risk of damage.

DO

keep your hearing aids away from the summer heat, which can do a number on them. Pick a cool, dry area for storage, and avoid leaving the devices in a sunny spot or hot car.

DON’T

forget your hearing-aid covers (for behind-the-ear devices), which can help protect against excess moisture when summer heat and activities lead to sweating. The covers help keep out dust and dirt, too.

DO

give your hearing aid batteries a break. Remember at night to remove them from your devices and leave the battery door open, helping reduce moisture and maximize battery life.

DON’T

prematurely pull the stay-fresh tab that helps keep new hearing aid batteries from discharging early. Once the batteries activate, they can’t be deactivated, so first be sure you’re ready to use them.

DO

regularly change the wax guard, helping protect your devices from damaging buildup of wax, skin particles, and other debris. Putting this task on at least a monthly schedule — or when needed — makes for a timely reminder.

DON’T

fit the wrong wax guard to your device. Wax guards come in diverse sizes and types, but not every version is right for your hearing aids. We can provide or help you choose a compatible product.

Summer fun is for everyone, so maximize each day by getting the most from your hearing aids. Think of them as you would your smartphone, keeping them safe from harm’s way, and enjoy your best season yet. For more tips, contact us today!

An illustration of an envelope overflowing with a variety of flowers

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

in ,

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 sound waves entering a human ear

These Aren’t Your Grandfather’s Hearing Aids

in

6 Exciting Innovations in Today’s Hearing Aids

Get Ready for the Future of Hearing

According to the CDC, in the United States alone, 7.1% of the population aged 45 and over use hearing aids. That’s almost 24 million people on the receiving end of some seriously futuristic options to help tackle their hearing loss. It’s mind-blowing to see the latest strides hearing aid technology has taken. People will be experiencing sound like never before, so don’t miss out!

 

Don’t Miss a Moment of Better Hearing

Typically, folks wait as long as possible before getting a new hearing aid. The old one stops functioning properly before they even make an appointment to upgrade! This time around, you may not want to wait — these tantalizing innovations may tempt you into an early upgrade.

Hearing aid technology runs the gamut from basic to advanced, but even basic technology models are rapidly improving and providing even more new benefits to wearers than ever before. Here is a list of just some of the sparkling new hearing aid options.

 

Hearing Aids With Bluetooth Technology

Look around you. Chances are if there’s an electronic device at hand, it uses Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth can be found in our phones, cars, portable speakers, computers, and even in our refrigerators — why not in our hearing aids?

Today’s Bluetooth hearing aids can connect to devices like smartphones, laptops, televisions, and more. You can play audio directly from your devices — such as a workout playlist, your favorite movie or TV show, or a simple phone call — directly through your hearing aid’s speakers.

The use of hearing aids is more prevalent in adults over the age of 45, and that can go hand in hand with loss of dexterity as we age. The tiny buttons on hearing aids and remote-control accessories are just not ideal for many hearing aid wearers. With Bluetooth, you can control them with an app from whichever personal device you choose — perhaps one that’s already practically attached to your hand (cell phone, anyone?).

These are some of the most helpful benefits to using hearing aids with Bluetooth technology:

 

Advanced Sound Quality

If a high-quality hearing experience is what you’re after, Bluetooth technology is the way to go. With Bluetooth, sound is sent consistently and steadily, directly to the ears. Unwanted noise and sounds are diminished, and feedback is minimized.

 

Hearing More Clearly

More communication is always better — what if your two hearing aids could talk to each other? Bluetooth technology is a huge win for people who wear hearing aids in both ears. Hearing aids that communicate with each other (via Bluetooth) can more properly balance and control sound. The result? More clarity of sound.

 

Simpler Customization

Your hearing needs are as unique as you are. A variety of customizable options are featured and available in most Bluetooth hearing aids for maximum personalization. These are options that the user can control without having to visit their audiologist. Adjustments to volume or sound frequency can be made to these hearing aids remotely.

 

Remote Control

Hearing aids that are Bluetooth compatible can be accessed from a phone, a tablet, or any other connected devices. The apps accompanying your connected device can be used to very simply change programs or adjust settings, rendering those tiny buttons you remember on your hearing aids obsolete. No more fiddling with your hearing aid buttons in the dark — just light up your phone and head straight to the app!

From language translation to reduced background noise, Bluetooth hearing aids have too many benefits to count.

 

Hearing Aids With Rechargeable Batteries

No battery? No problem! Say goodbye to the days of your hearing aid’s batteries running out of power at the most inconvenient times. Lithium-ion technology has changed all that.

When you go to sleep at night, you probably have a cord waiting by the bed to charge your phone overnight. Now you can put your hearing aid’s charging cord right next to your phone’s and sleep soundly, knowing you’ll wake up to fully recharged hearing aids ready to face the day with you.

If you establish a charging routine with your rechargeable hearing aids, you put yourself on the path to having the most carefree hearing-improvement experience possible.

Some exciting benefits to rechargeable hearing aids:

  • Simplify: If you have vision difficulties, you’ll find plugging your hearing aids in to charge to be a much simpler action than fiddling with tiny batteries.
  • Save: There’s no need to constantly buy batteries. The electricity pulled by a tiny hearing aid adds much less to your electrical bill than the cost of batteries.
  • Endure: There is no tiny battery door and no need to open the device. This makes for a much smaller chance of damage to the device or the battery.
  • Outlast: Longer battery life is yours. Your hearing aid will likely use lithium-ion batteries, which last for years before replacement is necessary.
  • Preserve: Rechargeable hearing aids are an eco-friendly choice. With no need to dispose of batteries regularly, rechargeable hearing aids may have a smaller footprint on the environment.
  • Protect: Kids and pets have us living in a world full of choking and insertion hazards.  Not having loose, tiny batteries laying around diminishes the chance that a child or animal will swallow one or try to put them in their nose or ears.

Emergency Alert Feature

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!

New hearing aids are saving lives, and not just through improving hearing, which can be lifesaving in many other ways.

The CDC states that, “Each year, millions of older people — those 65 and older — fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year.”

Some hearing aids can now detect when you fall and will automatically generate and send a message to your emergency contact. It will alert your loved one that you might have taken a spill and should be checked on immediately.

 

AI & Hearing Aids

Imagine: Hearing aids that learn from your actions and make adjustments like a person would — artificial intelligence (AI) is astounding. AI is the power of machines to simulate the intelligence of a real-life person.

What do AI-powered electronics do best? They learn. It’s almost unsettling the way they can learn everything about you and anticipate your wants, your needs, and your likes and dislikes.

How does this apply to your hearing loss treatment? It is now possible for hearing aids to adapt precisely to your needs. AI applied to your hearing aids isn’t unsettling, though, as you’ll discover once your hearing aids are experiencing constant, automatic, personalized adjustments that get better and better.

Regarding the new AI-powered hearing aids, WINK News, out of Fort Myers, Texas, explained, “Every setting has different sound dynamics. Whether you’re in a workspace, a car, or outdoors, there are noises you want to tune out in order to hear better. AI devices are smart enough to cut through the clutter.”

 

Built-In Tinnitus Care

Certain innovations have been around for a while, and are well-known by professionals, but patients may have not known about them — for instance, tinnitus care via a hearing aid.

Looking for relief from the noise(s) in your ears or head? Some new hearing aids are equipped with tinnitus features. The American Tinnitus Association documented that, “Hearing aids can augment the volume of external noise to the point that it covers (masks) the sound of tinnitus. This makes it more difficult to consciously perceive tinnitus and helps the brain focus on outside, ambient noises. The masking impact of hearing aids is particularly strong for patients who have hearing loss in the same frequency range as their tinnitus.”

Treat your tinnitus at the source; hearing aids with tinnitus functions can handle it.  Through the amplification of background sounds, tinnitus symptoms can be managed, and you can go back to focusing on what’s important.

 

Telecoil

Another awesome piece of tech that audiologists know backwards and forwards, but patients may not know about, is telecoil technology. Also called a “T-coil” or “T-switch,” this feature will have you touching your hearing aid and saying, “Beam me up!”

The telecoil is a small induction pick-up coil that can be placed inside of a hearing aid. When you choose to use this option, the telecoil allows your hearing aid to pick up the signal from your phone or any public venue fitted with an assistive listening system called a hearing loop.

According to Let’s Loop Seattle, a public education and access advocacy campaign launched by the Hearing Loss Association of Washington, “The telecoil can connect you to assistive listening systems in theatres, airports, houses of worship, and thousands of other public spaces. Better still, a telecoil connects you to a hearing loop without the need for additional Assistive Listening Device (ALD) equipment — you simply switch your aid or CI to telecoil mode (or T mode). Telecoils can also connect you to your home loop or TV loop.”

The future is now, folks, and your hearing loss care will be all the better for it. Contact us today to schedule a hearing consultation and tech demo!

an illustration of a person standing atop a ladder with a telescope in the clouds

6 Hearing Trends for 2023

in , ,

Keep Your Eye on These in the New Year

As an exciting new year nears, what can you expect in the world of hearing wellness? We’re taking a look at six trends to keep your eye on for 2023 and beyond.

1. Rechargeables

Aah, the convenience of rechargeability:

  • Less waste
  • Easy charge-and-go convenience
  • No fussing with spent disposable batteries that require removal and replacement

With an increasing number of hearing aid manufacturers offering rechargeable options for devices, it’s just a matter of time before they become the default. True, the smallest hearing aids that fit completely in the ear may not yet be widely available in rechargeable styles, but stay tuned. A breakthrough could be just around the corner!

2. Telehealth

The unprecedented global public-health challenges over the last couple years have called for adaption and innovation. An example: The rise of telehealth or video-based patient-provider appointments. Though not unheard of before the pandemic, telehealth rose in prominence as digital companies and others stepped up with apps and improved platforms to help keep health care accessible amid lockdowns, quarantines, and distancing.

One federal study of Medicare health care access showed a significant increase in patient telehealth participation during the pandemic — from an estimated 840,000 in 2019 to over 52 million in 2020. Overall, telehealth use has jumped 38-fold from pre-COVID rates. And with consumers and the industry embracing it even more as an additional option for effective patient-provider engagement, it’s here to stay.

3. OTCs

You may have heard about over-the-counter (OTC) hearing technology, a new class of devices in the U.S. regulated by the Federal Drug Administration and approved for those 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. OTCs are expected to soon join the market, representing a new option for some consumers exploring their hearing-health needs.

The good news? OTCs could spur more people to consider seeking help for hearing loss — a growing global problem expected to impact some 700 million children and adults by 2050. However, self-treating for hearing issues rather than seeking help from licensed hearing care professionals can lead to under- or overtreatment, making it important to get a comprehensive evaluation before deciding on solutions.

4. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Speaking of a growing global problem: Excess noise is one of the culprits behind an increasing risk of hearing loss among people ranging from preteens to mid-30s. Why? Popular activities such as using personal media players, hitting the club, enjoying a game at the sports arena, and rocking out at concerts can be lots of fun while also being hard on the ears — especially at noise levels beyond the danger threshold of 85 decibels.

Noise exposure is one of the most preventable causes of hearing loss. A few simple steps can help keep this harmful trend from gaining any more stream:

  • Limiting the amount of time exposed to loud sounds
  • Wearing quality hearing protection customized to your ears
  • Turning the volume down on personal audio devices
  • Staying atop your hearing health with annual evaluations

5. Connectivity

Whether streaming TV audio, jazz tunes, telephone calls, or your favorite morning-show radio duo, being able to channel sounds right to your hearing aids is pretty terrific. Essentially acting as headphones, the hearing devices make it easy to lean into the sounds you love — wirelessly. Plus, compatible apps make it a cinch to control your hearing technology right from your smartphone.

But let’s talk about the next level of connectivity. Imagine, for example, being able to directly surf the web, control access to your home, get instant ambient-temperature information, or turn off an appliance with your hearing device. Though these possibilities may not happen in the immediate future, the world of hearing-technology connectivity is always expanding to exciting new heights.

6. Artificial Intelligence

Netflix suggests movies you might love. Your household thermostat chooses a comfy temperature, without even needing to be programmed. Your smartphone accurately finishes your sentences before you’ve typed the words. Machine learning, a category of artificial intelligence (AI), is becoming the norm of everyday life, and we’re here for the ways it can support your health.

AI will increasingly play a role in hearing aid functionality, contributing to greater convenience and empowerment for users. One line of hearing aids already can track brain and body health, detect falls, and translate other languages in real time to help bust communication barriers. Look for even more AI capabilities as technology continues to evolve.

Hearing technology is always progressing to help you stay healthy, engaged, and connected with the people and activities that matter in your life. We’d love to show you the latest innovations, so don’t wait. Contact our caring team to schedule a test-drive today.

Illustration of several people in workers' coveralls holding a variety of common home maintenance tools like a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer

6 Ways to Keep Your Hearing Aids in Their Best Shape

in ,

Does hearing technology call for ongoing professional upkeep? Can I handle any needed maintenance at home? How can I tell whether my devices are damaged? Where can I take them for replacement or repair?

Much like today’s tablets and cellphones, hearing aids are powered by complex technology that may require professional attention in certain circumstances, but a little DIY maintenance can go a long way in keeping your devices in top shape.

Self-care of your hearing aids is an important part of keeping them performing their best, and periodic clean and checks with our caring professionals help identify and address any damage or other problems that might otherwise be harder to spot. Read on for six simple tips to maximize your tech’s longevity.

    1. Keep ‘Em Dry and Sanitized
      Water is kryptonite to hearing aids, so remember to remove them before showering or swimming, and use a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier not only to reduce moisture but to sanitize your technology at the same time.

 

    1. Wipe Off the Wax
      Earwax (also called “cerumen”) naturally accumulates in the ear and on your hearing aid, but gently wiping your devices each night with a soft, dry cloth and clearing any crevices with the provided brush will make quick work of the buildup.

 

    1. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
      It’s no surprise that storing your devices in excess heat — leaving them in a hot car, for example — can cause damage, but did you know that cold and wind can be a problem, too? Protect your hearing aids from spring chills by wearing a hat, scarf, or earmuffs.

 

    1. Check the Batteries
      Batteries typically can last from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the technology, usage, and other factors, but a constantly beeping hearing aid may mean the batteries need changing. Always keep spares on hand — or consider rechargeable hearing aids — and remember to remove and store batteries at room temperature apart from your devices when not wearing them.

 

    1. Replace the Wax Guard
      If your technology isn’t functioning properly even with fresh batteries, it may be time to change the wax guard — which helps protect against the damaging accumulation of wax, skin particles, and debris. Put your hearing aid’s wax guard on a monthly change schedule.

 

  1. Skip the Pockets
    Pockets seem naturally convenient for carrying loose hearing aids and batteries while on the go, but not so fast! Keep your devices in their case to avoid losing or getting debris on them, and place batteries where they won’t come into contact with keys, coins, and other metals, which can cause battery discharge and other problems.

If you have questions about hearing aid maintenance, please let us know. And don’t forget to schedule your devices for a professional clean and check at least once every six months. We’re here to help!

4 Ways Your Hearing Aids Can Help

Summer Noise: 4 Ways Your Hearing Aids Can Help

in

Turn Up Summer Fun With Hearing Aids

People don’t often think “Fun!” when they think of hearing aids. But today’s hearing aids are designed to meet your needs no matter what’s going on. Let’s check out a few ways your hearing aids can actually enhance your fun this summer.

Enjoy Group Conversations Outdoors

Most hearing aids today have a set of built-in capabilities ideal for highlighting speech in conversations. Directional microphones are designed to focus on whatever you’re facing. This is because you usually speak to someone in front of you. Some models of directional microphones do switch positions based on speech and sound cues.

Today’s hearing aids also do a very good job filtering out background noise. You can devote your energy to your conversation, not on cutting through clatter. It’s also becoming more and more feasible to use your smartphone as a microphone. For example: You place your smartphone on the picnic table, it picks up what everyone is saying, and it streams the audio to your hearing devices. It’s almost like you’re wearing conversation-enhancing headphones!

Muzzle Fireworks

Many of today’s digital hearing aids have a function called transient-noise suppression, impulse-noise reduction, or something similar. It’s a fancy way of saying that the hearing aid will lower the volume of sudden, brief noises — like dishes being dropped. You can still enjoy fireworks, but at a safe listening level. Check your hearing aid’s instructions, or check with your provider to find out if you have this functionality.

Change Settings Automatically

Many hearing aids now use a smartphone app. From controlling the volume to nudging the settings on your hearing aids, you can do a lot by utilizing these apps. One exciting capability is geotagging, or assigning a geographical “bookmark” to your favorite spots. Simply optimize your hearing aids for a location (for example, a park, baseball diamond, or your favorite restaurant), and apply a geotag. When you return to that spot, your settings will switch automatically!

Banish Wind Noise

Hearing aid microphones are placed just outside your ear canal or behind your ear. This means they may pick up a lot of wind noise. But ReSound has developed a breakthrough with the ReSound ONE device, which allows an extra microphone to be placed inside your ear canal, where the wind can’t reach it.

Contact us today to learn more about the built-in ways your hearing aids can boost your summer fun!

Q&A: Upgrading Your Hearing Aids

Q&A: Upgrading Your Hearing Aids

in ,

Q: 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:

  • Level and sophistication of the hearing technology
  • Quality of upkeep and maintenance throughout use
  • Potential changes in your hearing ability or listening lifestyle
  • Condition and performance of your existing hearing devices

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.

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!

The Importance of Dedicated Hearing Care

The Importance of Dedicated Hearing Care

in

The 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.

 

We transform lives by helping people with hearing loss and tinnitus

protect their brain health and stay connected to what matters most.
canada-flagProudly Canadian and Independently Owned and Operated

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

Accredited Business BBB

Map of Salus Hearing and Tinnitus Centre

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