Hearing Loss
HEARING LOSS
4 main causes of hearing loss

4 main causes of hearing loss

To treat and prevent hearing loss, it is also necessary to understand the factors that cause hearing loss in daily life, early detection and early treatment. There are four common causes of hearing loss, and these four must be paid attention to.

good health, good life

1. Ear diseases

Hearing loss may be caused by ear diseases, such as otitis externa, foreign body in the outer ear, etc. Sometimes acute and chronic middle ear problems can cause hearing loss and tinnitus. If you have ear diseases, it is best to go to a regular hospital for relevant examinations and receive treatment. Don't delay, otherwise it will develop in a bad direction.

2. Hearing loss caused by noise

Many users have nervous tinnitus, which is because the ears hear some noise for a long time, or the living environment is relatively noisy. Long-term exposure to noise will greatly reduce the function of our inner ear, so we avoid being in such an environment, we can wear earmuffs, earplugs, etc. to buffer some noise and reduce the negative impact of noise.

3. Bad living habits

How important it is to develop good living habits can keep us in a healthy state and full of vitality. For example, long-term drinking, drinking coffee, etc. Excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine will aggravate the symptoms of nervous tinnitus, resulting in hearing loss. In addition, smoking can cause blood oxygen to drop, and heavy smokers generally have symptoms of tinnitus. Therefore, if you want to get rid of tinnitus and hearing loss, you must start with developing good living habits.

4. Hearing loss caused by excessive stress

Excessive stress may lead to hearing loss. This is real. Nowadays, social pressure is increasing, which leads to decreased immunity, disordered endocrine system, and hearing loss caused by insufficient brain congestion.

This article can basically solve for you: causes of hearing loss, medical causes of hearing loss, how is hearing loss caused? What can cause hearing loss? What are the main causes of hearing loss? And so on. If you need help, please contact us.

Tip: Wearing hearing aids is one of the best ways to deal with hearing loss. Austar - A leading manufacturer and supplier of hearing aids in China.

2022-12-16
Hearing Loss: A Worker’s Nightmare

Hearing Loss: A Worker’s Nightmare

Hearing loss in the workplace is not only frustrating for the employee who suffers from the debilitating condition, but also for all that person’s unassuming co-workers. Let’s face it: being in a fast paced workplace is stressful on its own! Add in hearing loss (whether your own or an office mate’s) and that stress can lead to large amounts of anxiety and strained times on the job.


“No one in my office has hearing loss! They just don’t want to do work!”
In an EPIC Hearing Healthcare study…
40% of employees said they have had to pretend that they heard something a co-worker has stated.
42% of employees said they often experience miscommunication between others at work.
57% of employees said they frequently have to strain to hear a conversation due to background noise.
61% of employees have had to ask a co-worker to repeat themselves while in conversation.
Out of 2000 workers surveyed by EPIC Hearing Healthcare, 95% said that untreated hearing loss has a negative impact on their job.

2,000 workers were surveyed in this study and their overall finding was staggering! 95% of those workers said that untreated hearing loss has had a negative impact on their job. Whether it was their own loss or that of a co-worker, the result was detrimental to their experience on the job.


“95%! What can I do?”
Treating hearing loss means a world of a difference in all aspects of your life. But the benefits can be very rewarding while on the job. All too often, people speak over each other or mumble in office discussions which makes it hard to always hear and comprehend. For those who may even have mild hearing loss, this can be a burden that could be avoided.

Treating your hearing loss (even in the slightest) can mean better job performance, leading to an overall improvement in happiness. The results may also improve production in the work place. Who knew that getting your ears checked could make your boss smile? But new research suggests that miscommunication is one of the largest factors in profit-and-loss in the workplace. So, that smile is just one result of you taking care of you auditory health. Increase your chances of being a top performer at work by improving your communication skills!





2021-01-22
Finding Balance While Enduring Vertigo

Finding Balance While Enduring Vertigo

Vertigo can be a debilitating disorder that has the ability to control your life. This disease affects the inner ear, which plays a large role in our ability to balance. When was the last time you had to really focus before getting up out of a chair or even just trying to walk around your home? Those with vertigo know that these simple tasks can become daunting. It can be even more frightening to the elderly who could be at a higher risk of injury if they were to fall.


What causes vertigo?
Meniere’s disease
Head injury
Ear surgery
Extended bed rest
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or of the inner ear
Reduced blood flow to parts of the brain


Are there any symptoms?
It is common to experience dizziness when you have vertigo. The dizziness can range from mild to being so severe that a person may not be able to stand due to fear of falling.
Nausea is another common complaint… but is usually just the result of the intense dizziness.
Ringing in the ears that might even turn into temporary hearing loss.
Difficulty seeing straight or clearly.


But there is good news…
In most cases, vertigo is a treatable condition. With the proper medicine, most people who suffer from the disorder can resume a normal life without enduring any of these symptoms. Although, in a few severe cases, treatment may not fully cure the problem. Still, any medical attention will produce small improvements. Thus, if you think you may have vertigo, you should reach out to your doctor immediately.
2021-01-22
Do You Have Ear Wax Build Up?

Do You Have Ear Wax Build Up?

Do you suffer from frequent ear blockages due to ear wax build up? This can be a very pesky issue that leaves many worried! Not only is your hearing affected, but this buildup may cause other stress over health and even hygiene.


“Why do I have excess wax? I eat well, exercise, and am a perfectly healthy person!”
Although, ear wax build up is not always directly related to general health and hygiene. Some people simply just produce more ear wax than others. There is no magic pill that can cure you of this condition. Thus, when you clean your ears, you need to be very careful not to push the wax any further into the ear canal. Which is why Q-Tips are not meant for ear canals and should never be used for this.

Here are some tips so you can become wax free:
If the ear wax is too hard (enough to cause pain), you can try to soften the wax with a simple over the counter purchase. Try some mineral oil, baby oil, or for the most daring hydrogen peroxide. These can be used in small amounts (eyedropper) to help soften and break up the excess ear wax. Use a cotton swab to gently wipe the outer part of the ear.
If the buildup is too serious to soften, ear irrigation is the best technique to attempt. You can often buy an ear irrigation kit at a local pharmacy. The process is simple. Make sure you are standing with your head centered (no leaning). Pull your ear gently upward to open it. Use your irrigation kit: take a syringe full of lukewarm water and push a stream into your ear. Lean your waterlogged head over to let the liquid drain.

Sometimes home remedies will not solve the issue. Go to your local audiologist and ask to have your ears cleaned. If you are worried about tackling this task on your own, simply make an appointment at your local hearing care center. This is the quickest solution to true ear care.


But remember this above all else…
NEVER PUSH ANYTHING INTO YOU EAR CANAL! This includes those harmless cotton swabs that are stereotypically viewed as your ear’s best friend. These foreign objects may alleviate the problem, but they will more likely cause damage to your ear canal. They can also push the wax further in your ear causing unneeded damage to your ear drum.
2021-01-21
Finding the Perfect Balance at Summer Music Festivals

Finding the Perfect Balance at Summer Music Festivals

Although it’s too late to enjoy Cochella in California, The Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island or GrassRoots in New York State, there’s still time to enjoy music this summer and fall in the beautiful outdoors. So, make sure you keep these important tips in mind.


Going to be in an unusually loud atmosphere? Take precautions
It may seem counter-intuitive, but if you are at a concert, ear plugs are a smart choice. We love concerts, but we don’t love the high decibel levels. Depending on where you stand, the amplification and the acoustics, you could be putting your ears in danger. Remember, if you are going to attend a very loud event and you already wear hearing aids, talk to your hearing care professional about how to handle it. You may still need to wear your hearing aids – to hear your friends, if not the music.


Give your ears a break
For every 60 minutes of excessive sound, give your ears equal amounts of “rest.” If you cannot leave the venue, try to find a less noisy spot, as far as possible from the amplifiers. One sign that your ears have enough is if you hear residual ringing after you have left the venue. Like after an evening in high heals or tight toes, your ears have a way of saying enough is enough.


The hearing aid wearer’s golden rule: keep your hearing aids dry
It’s less fun to be outdoors in a pouring rain, but the show must go on. If you wear hearing aids, remember to cover them up. Hearing aids are mini computers. Even getting a little wet may cause problems for their electronic components. Make sure when you are out in the open, you keep them protected from any elements, including rain, sprinklers and even excessive sweat.


Invest in earplugs
Worried about seeming uncool? Some professional-grade ear molds focus on discretion as a key component of their design. So no one needs to know you’re using them. If you are bringing children with you to any concert, it is always a good idea for them to wear noise-cancelling ear phones or other protection. Once you lose your hearing through noise exposure, the damage is irreversible. Speak with a hearing care provider to order your own fitted hearing protection. If you are concerned about past exposure to excessive noise, make an appointment today.

2021-01-20
Simple guide to enjoying social events with hearing loss

Simple guide to enjoying social events with hearing loss

Whether you’re attending a formal celebration or an impromptu get-together, social events are an opportunity to share good times with family and friends. But what if hearing loss makes it difficult for you to join in the fun?

Noisy social gatherings where many people are speaking can be especially challenging when you have hearing loss. Add in background music or restaurant clatter and you’ve created a listening situation that is difficult even for people with normal hearing.

A little planning can help you socialize more, with less effort in any number of social situations.

Choose your spot
If you’re dining out, select a restaurant with details that minimize background noise. Look for carpeting, cork or acoustic ceiling tiles, curtains, table clothes, seat cushions and other noise-absorbing features. Request a corner table or a quiet spot away from the kitchen.

At parties, stand away from the center of the room and the source of music. Position your back to a wall or soft furnishings, such as curtains, to block distracting sounds. Corners create a good barrier to noise on several sides. Even in a lively party setting, you can find a quiet spot and invite one-on-one conversation.

Pick the best seat at the table
Select a seat that lets you see as many faces as possible. That way, you’ll be able to see their lips while people are speaking. Avoid candle light. Choose brighter lighting that lets you more easily pick up visual cues. Sometimes the best seat is the one beside a friend or loved one who can help fill you in on parts of the conversation you may miss. 

Speak up
Don’t shy away from telling guests that you have a hearing loss and noisy situations can be difficult for you. It’s tempting to nod and pretend you hear but people are usually happy to accommodate. Let people know you’ve missing some of the conversation with simple visual cues like placing your hand to your ear. You won’t disrupt the flow of conversations but you will be signaling to the speaker to speak up or slow down.

Wear your hearing aids
This is an obvious strategy for hearing better in social settings and one of the best. The newest hearing aid technology gives you access to all sounds in the environment. You can hear what you want to hear, even in the situations with multiple people speaking. Try out different hearing aid settings in advance to see which setting is best in noisy environments. You may also want to consider the extra help of a discreet clip-on microphone.

Relax and enjoy
Be easy on yourself. Take short breaks to give your brain a rest and re-energize when you feel fatigue setting in. If conversation at the table is challenging, talk to people nearest you. If a group is too noisy or fast-paced, find a smaller and quieter group to join. Social events are for your enjoyment – not a test of your stamina.

Follow this easy checklist to help you get the most out of social gatherings:
 * Find a quiet corner away from the noise, the music and the chatter.
 * Position yourself so you can see faces.
 * Let people know you may have difficulty hearing.
 * Give them a signal when you need a little help.
 * Wear your hearing aids faithfully.
 * Smile and enjoy the fun.
 
How to support a loved one with hearing loss:
 * Get their attention before you speak. Gently touch their arm or hand or say their name.
 * Face them directly. Seeing your mouth and facial cues makes it easier to follow the conversation. Gestures also help.
 * Speak naturally and clearly but don’t shout. Avoid speaking too quickly. Pause briefly between sentences. Be sure you’ve been understood before going on.
 * Repeat if they don’t hear something. Restate what you said using different words – it may be a difficult word or sound that they missed.
 * Stay attentive. Watch for puzzled expressions so you can bring them back into the conversation if they’re having trouble.

 * Be patient and respectful. You’ll build their confidence and make the exchange more enjoyable for all.



2021-01-19
Is Hearing Loss like Vision Loss?

Is Hearing Loss like Vision Loss?

Why do we pay more attention to our vision than our hearing?

Both are very important senses, and both cause us great difficulties if they don’t work effectively. But due to the way we use them, their loss affects us in different ways. Many adults get their vision checked regularly, so why do so many people ignore their ears?



Addressing vision loss
When you go to an optician, you look at a letter chart. If you have a loss of vision, you may not be able to read the lower lines of smaller letters, because they become blurry. Your eyes can’t focus on them.

Another way to understand vision loss is to think of how we age. Over time the eyes gradually lose their ability to focus so close objects become blurry. If you are farsighted you know that seeing things close to you – like reading – become more difficult. This loss of sensitivity to nearby objects does not vary; it is uniform.


Comparing to hearing loss
Like vision, our ears often gradually lose the ability to hear high frequencies, both through damage and aging. However, unlike with vision loss, the actual effects of this are not uniform.

Speech is made up of many different frequencies and tones. If we can’t hear high pitched sounds, we find it hard to understand specific letters such as f, s and t. This is because they contain high frequencies. Such letters can also be drowned out by louder, low-pitched vowels like a, o and u.

In contrast to vision loss where we miss chunks of vision (such as the lower rows on a vision chart), the loss of hearing sensitivity affects many different parts of speech that are scattered throughout the conversation, so random bits of conversation get lost.


Are there similarities with vision and hearing loss
There are clear differences between hearing loss and vision loss. But there are many similarities too:
Healthcare professionals offer solutions for both
Both have stylish and discreet options
Treatment makes it possible to live life fully
The consequences of not treating the problem are similar for both, including tiredness, mental decline and social isolation

 

Vision aids (glasses) versus hearing aids
When people struggle to see, they wear glasses. These “vision aids” help a broad range of people. Whether you wear them for distance, computers, reading or a combination, they work best when an optometrist or ophthalmologist checks your vision, writes a prescription and a professional, such as an optician orders lenses specifically addressing your individual needs – whether you are near-sighted, far-sighted, have astigmatism or a combination of challenges.

The same holds true with solutions for hearing. Since modern hearing aid designs are discreet and stylish – and come in a range of subtle colors – many people find any stigmas to be silly. That’s why our hearing aid wearers are happy that today’s technology-packed aids are cool. Besides, if you hear and see well, your entire world is brighter.

Getting a hearing assessment* is as easy as a vision test. And no drops in your eyes. Plus, with us, it’s free. Contact us and make an appointment to get started.
2021-01-18
Exercise Your Way To Health and Good Hearing!

Exercise Your Way To Health and Good Hearing!


Every doctor has one prescription ready for patients: keep your body healthy through diet and exercise!

This suggestion may include a diet full of plenty leafy greens or getting extra steps by parking the car a little further away from the office. Regardless of your method of staying fit, it has been proven time and time again that your quality of life benefits from an active, healthy lifestyle. This doesn’t stop with toned muscles and a heightened stamina. Studies have shown that exercise (especially in women) is related to a decreased risk of hearing loss.


Here is our version of a Wellness Prescription for Health:
Exercise! Yes, adding even just 20 minutes of aerobic exercise can help do the trick. Keeping up with exercise helps you maintain a healthy body weight. This helps lower the odds of hearing loss in the future!

Just say no to smoking! Smoking can lead to hearing loss… and yes, this even includes second hand smoke. Yellow skin and black lungs are not the only thing that await, so think before you light up.

Be careful of NSAID pain relievers. Taking over the counter pain relievers that include ibuprofen or acetaminophen too frequently can lead to damage in the ear. This can result in unneeded hearing loss. Try to take these medications only when absolutely necessary.

Turn the volume down on your headphones and earbuds. Setting your volume settings to 60% limits how loud a phone or MP3 player can play music automatically. Your ears will thank you… as well as your companions.
Include fruits and vegetables in your diet. You especially want to try and eat ones that have magnesium and antioxidants (berries, leafy greens, bananas, avocados, etc..).
Always remember to wear hearing protectors when attending loud events or recreational activities. This can include concerts, yardwork, sporting events… any gathering that makes your heart flutter, not out of affection, but reverb! Hearing protectors are comfortable and easy to use for all types of ears.


When caring for your well-being, don’t forget that your ears are important! Like your knees and your teeth, they need protection. And like the rest of your body, your ears benefit from eating well, getting enough rest and aerobic activities.
2021-01-18
How to Keep Your Ears Clean

How to Keep Your Ears Clean

What is earwax – and how can I safely clean it?

First of all, earwax is natural and necessary – our ears evolved that way for a reason.

Earwax acts as a natural lubricant that protects the sensitive skin in the ear canal. It also creates a natural barrier that prevents dirt and foreign objects from reaching the eardrum.

What’s more, earwax is a key component of the ear’s self-cleaning mechanism. As skin inside the ear canal grows outwards, it carries earwax with it. During this process earwax captures dirt and dead skin, this all naturally exits the ear together with the wax.

If you find it annoying, chewing and yawning also help to move the wax outwards along your ear canal.


Tips on cleaning ears safely
Remember—we need earwax as protection for the eardrum. So, you shouldn’t clean it too much. It just isn’t necessary. It is safe to wipe away visible excess earwax using a wet cloth. But do not use swabs to remove wax (or anything else) from your ears.

Do you know the saying, “don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear?” It’s true. You shouldn’t stick anything in your ear canal. While many people may think are safe to clean your ear, Q-tips™ or Cotton Buds™ are definitely a bad idea for wax removal! Why not?
They can scratch and inflame the sensitive skin inside the ear canal, leaving it open to infections.
They also can push debris farther in the ear canal, rather than drawing it outward.
Swabs are not suitable to remove anything from the ear.

If you think you have a blockage in your ear canal, have a foreign object in the ear or think you are experiencing excessive wax, consult a hearing care expert for specialist cleaning.

How should I clean my children’s ears?
The same way you clean your own ears: minimally and without sticking anything into the ear. Although some companies market cotton swabs for children’s use, or even designed not to go far into the ear canal, these are still abrasive, so we don’t recommend them. Our professionals recommend you use a wet cloth to wipe out earwax only from the outer part of the ear.


Can wax block your ears?
Ironically, yes. Often when people try to clean their ears by sticking things in them to clean them, they actually push the wax inwards and create a blockage. Pushing the wax too far in the canal can force it beyond where the skin grows outwards, so it gets stuck. Eventually, this wax can become compacted, leading to hearing loss.


Addressing excessive earwax
In general, our ears produce the appropriate amount of wax to stay clean. However, some people do experience excessive earwax. Over-cleaning can cause this, as the ear produces more wax that it needs in an effort to re-establish an appropriate amount. Sometimes, however, medical conditions can cause the ear to produce too much wax. If you feel you have too much wax, please come see us and we will assess them and help you clean them.


Earwax and hearing aids
Sometimes, hearing aids may contribute to the perception that people have too much earwax, as they sit in the ear canal and prevent it coming out naturally. Most hearing aids have wax filters for this purpose which need to be changed regularly.
2021-01-15
Preparing for Holiday Gatherings with Hearing Loss

Preparing for Holiday Gatherings with Hearing Loss

Whether you are preparing to host an event this coming holiday season or are attending an impromptu gathering of friends, this is an important time to catch up with loved ones. But what if hearing loss poses a challenge for communicating?

When people gather it can be noisy. Especially if many people are speaking at the same time. Add in holiday music, restaurant chatter or a football game on in the background, and even people with excellent hearing may have trouble understanding a conversation with someone standing next to them.

If you follow these tips, it may be easier to catch up with loved ones and enjoy their company.


Pick a good place to hear at holiday events
Whether you are in a home or a restaurant, try to position yourself in a space with less background noise. Follow these tips:
Flooring and walls – Carpeting, tablecloths and drapery help to absorb noise.
Pick the right room – In a home, try to avoid the kitchen or areas near the TV. If you are in a restaurant, ask for a seat away from the kitchen or bar.
Avoid the amplifiers – Although you can’t always get away from blaring music, try to be as far from speakers as possible. Corners or booths can provide some relief.
Try for 1:1 conversations – If you really want to catch every word, there is nothing wrong with finding a quieter spot in the hallway, or even outside for one-on-one conversations.


Arrive early to choose the best seat in the house
When choosing your seat, try to be where you can see people’s faces – that way you can pick up on facial cues. Try to sit where there is good lighting. If one ear is stronger than the other, offer the person you wish to speak to the seat on your strong side. You can also ask a relative or friend to help you fill in the gaps if you miss part of the conversation.


Don’t be shy about your hearing loss this holiday season
In noisy situations there is no reason to hide your hearing loss. While it may be easier to pretend that you can hear, nodding along with the others, this is not fair to you (or to the person speaking). If you feel you missed out, there is nothing wrong with asking for a recap afterward.

You can also let people know you are missing some of the conversation with simple visual cues like placing your hand to your ear. This won’t disrupt the flow of conversations but will signal to the speaker to speak up or slow down.

Sometimes a simple reminder for relatives to speak slower works wonders.


Noticed changes in your hearing? There’s still time to get help
Although planning may be underway, the holiday season is still a few weeks away. If you are worried about hearing at Thanksgiving, holiday parties or other gatherings, there’s time to have a no-obligation hearing assessment* to see if hearing aids are an option for you. A hearing specialist can also give you tips on communicating with loved ones. If you are concerned about a loved one’s hearing, offer to bring them for an appointment. We encourage caregivers, friends and family to join our patients for the first appointment.


Let your hearing aids help you
Sometimes the most obvious strategy is the best solution. If you have hearing aids, wear them. Plus, if you forget them and have trouble following along, it may frustrate your family. The newest hearing aids have technical advancements designed for complex hearing environments, where noise is coming from multiple sources. Newer devices make it easier to hear what you want to hear, even in the situations with multiple people speaking.

For best results, try various settings in advance to see which works best for you in noisy environments. If this isn’t enough, you may also want to consider the extra help of a discreet clip-on microphone. If you would like help with your hearing aids’ settings or perhaps reprogramming them, stop in.


It’s your holiday too, so enjoy it!
If you have new hearing aids, go easy on yourself. Take short breaks to give your brain a rest and re-energize when you feel fatigue setting in. If conversation at the table is challenging, focus on the people nearest you. If a group is too noisy or fast-paced, try a smaller and quieter group to join. Social events are for your enjoyment – not a test of your stamina.

Don’t let hearing loss keep you from enjoying the people and things you love. Locate your closest hearing professional and make an appointment with HearingLife.





2021-01-15
5 Tips for a Stress-Free Hearing Test

5 Tips for a Stress-Free Hearing Test

Whether you have an appointment or are just considering whether to make the call, the thought of a hearing test can be overwhelming. Any sort of test is nerve-wracking, and when it’s something so personal, it’s no wonder if you are thinking about it a lot.

But fear not! Our handy guide is here to help you understand what to expect and ensure you get the most out of it.

1. Bring someone with you
It is a very good idea to bring someone with you – a family member or close friend. For one thing, having someone along who knows you will give you emotional and moral support. Secondly, they will help you remember information that the hearing care expert will share. And finally, they will give another perspective on your hearing loss – they know about how it looks from the outside.

2. Know what to expect
First, you will take a hearing screening. This is a pure tone hearing test where you put headphones on and listen to precise, clear sounds. You’ll hear a series of tones at different volumes. This determines how well you hear different frequencies of sounds.  

Next you do a speech test where the hearing care expert will say several words and ask you to repeat them. This test determines how well you understand speech.

You can try our online hearing test here – it is similar to a hearing screening, and gives you an indication of your hearing ability.

3. Prepare for success
Feeling prepared reduces anxiety and helps you get the most out of your hearing test. Try to answer these questions about your hearing, to bring it to the top of your mind:

What hearing loss symptoms do you have? How long have you been experiencing them? Is your hearing loss in one ear or both? You could also ask people if they’ve noticed any changes in your hearing

Have you had any chronic infections, injuries or surgeries related to your ears?

Have you ever had a job that exposed you to loud noise?

Do you have any questions? Write them down so you are ready to ask your hearing care expert. And here’s a top tip: arrive at the clinic 15 minutes before your appointment.

4. Now is less stressful than later
Delaying your hearing test may increase the anxiety you feel about the need to take action. And if you do have a hearing loss, delaying treatment can actually make it harder to treat. This is because your ability to understand speech degenerates more quickly if hearing loss is not treated.

With hearing loss, your nerves and brain get less stimulation. Both need stimulation to keep functioning properly, and when they lack it due to hearing loss they gradually lose the ability to discern speech. Addressing hearing loss prevents such degeneration, and also avoids having to re-learn hearing skills.

5. A good hearing care expert = Peace of mind
Wichever clinic you choose to go with, you need to feel confident about your choice. If your test shows that you do have a hearing loss, your hearing care expert must be able to suggest hearing aids that are suitable for your kind of hearing loss, your lifestyle and your budget.

HearingLife guarantees you experts who help people like you every day. We can determine your hearing level and offer a wide range of hearing aids and accessories – if you need them. We let you try out hearing aids so you can feel what it’s like to wear them and experience how well they work before you buy them. What’s more, all our clinics must live up to very high levels of service, to give you peace of mind that you’re in good hands.

Have you booked a hearing test? Find a clinic near you and schedule your hearing screening today.





2021-01-14
Caffeine and Hearing Loss: Good News for Coffee Lovers

Caffeine and Hearing Loss: Good News for Coffee Lovers

Today you have the perfect excuse to treat yourself to an extra cappuccino or a straight shot of espresso. But how does caffeine affect you? In terms of your hearing health, we are pleased to share some good news. Research shows that caffeine from coffee or tea may be connected to lower risks of tinnitus in women and to living longer in healthy adults. So if you ever needed an excuse to drink more coffee, read on.



Research reveals good news for coffee and tea drinkers
According to the American Journal of Medicine1, in a study of more than 65,000 women, caffeine has positive associations with your hearing health. Specifically, over a period of 18 years, women who had higher intakes of caffeine showed lower incidence of tinnitus. In fact, those who drank less than 150 mg (approximately an 8-ounce cup of coffee) a day showed higher rates of tinnitus.


Why is this important?
Tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing or similar noise that individuals hear without anything present producing the sound, can be debilitating. Especially when it presents as a chronic issue. Although some people develop tinnitus after a trauma, for many others the cause is unknown, so preventative measures provide much-needed help.


Too much of a good thing?
But how much caffeine is too much? The study showed that the women who ingested 450 milligrams to 599 milligrams of caffeine daily were 15% less likely to experience hearing loss. Those who consumed more than 600 milligrams were 21% less likely to develop tinnitus. To put it into perspective, to meet the 450-599 mg category, a person would have to consume about four 8-ounce cups of coffee. Casual coffee drinkers are in luck.


Good for your ears – and your heart!
Benefits for coffee lovers do not end with decreased incidence of tinnitus. At a recent meeting of the European Society of Cardiology2, Spanish researchers presented the results of a 10-year study of nearly 20,000 people called the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) Project. The results showed that healthy people who consumed a Mediterranean diet and drank more coffee lived longer. Dr. Adela Navarro, a cardiologist at Hospital de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, said in presentation, “In the SUN project we found an inverse association between drinking coffee and the risk of all-cause mortality, particularly in people aged 45 years and above. This may be due to a stronger protective association among older participants.” You may wonder how much coffee is helpful. Dr. Navarro told the audience that drinking four cups of coffee daily is fine for healthy people.


Good for your hearing, good for your heart
Starting tomorrow, the days will get a little bit lighter. Nevertheless, you may still enjoy a second cup of joe without regrets.

If you have concerns about tinnitus, hearing loss or hearing health, make an appointment to speak with our hearing professionals. We have plenty of tips for hearing wellness.

2021-01-13
Eating Well May Mean Hearing Well

Eating Well May Mean Hearing Well

New Research on Women and Hearing Loss
Hearing loss impacts some 48 million Americans1, or about 20% of the population of the United States, and can lead to more than just trouble following a conversation. For women, reducing the risks for hearing loss may start with the basics. A study published in June 2018 in The Journal of Nutrition2 showed that following a healthy diet is linked to lower incidents of hearing loss. Specifically, the study found three diets that have been proven to reduce the risk for hearing loss.

While current trends focus on eating well to help people overcome a wide array of medical concerns, a link between what we eat and how well we hear is the subject goes as far back as the 1950s3.

What should you eat to help your hearing?
Many people associate bananas with hearing well because this is a fruit high in potassium. Here are the diets specifically mention in the study of women.

 * The Mediterranean Diet – This way of eating revolves on practices used in Italy, France, Spain and Greece, where the focus is on vegetables, fish and poultry, cheese and yogurt, and avoiding refined sugars and trans fats. Keep in mind that “Mediterranean” doesn’t mean pasta.
 * The DASH Diet – With a focus on eating well as a method of lowering blood pressure, DASH stands for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.” It’s not surprising that this diet encourages lowering salt intake.
 * The Healthy Eating Index – This diet suggested by the US Government uses a scoring system to evaluate foods and to teach people healthy eating habits. To get started, check out the resources at www.choosemyplate.gov. If that is too complex, the message is simple. Eat more veggies and drink less sugar-sweetened drinks or alcohol.

Poor nutrition linked to hearing loss in children
Adults aren’t the only ones at risk for hearing loss. A study of children in Asia4 found that young children who were malnourished had higher rates of hearing loss as they grew up.

Why address hearing loss?
Hearing loss is an issue that impacts more than just your ears. Studies show that there are links between hearing loss and multiple health issues, including dementia, depression and stroke, just to name a few.

Protect your ears with noise-canceling headphones – and good nutrition
And while it would be ideal to always protect your ears from loud noise, especially at dangerous levels, we understand that you can’t prevent an unexpected sound, such as a car backfiring or loud cheers if you attend a sporting event. Fortunately, you can help reduce your risk for hearing loss by making good choices in the kitchen.

If you have concerns about your hearing or would like more information on hearing loss, contact HearingLife today.
2021-01-06
Hearing Does Amazing Things

Hearing Does Amazing Things

Our ears bring so much enrichment to our lives. Hearing enriches our lives. Let’s take a look at the amazing things the sense of hearing can do.

Sound is everywhere, all of the time. Whenever anything moves, it usually makes a sound. The slightest brush, scrape or tap creates a tiny vibration that becomes a small noise. And every sound carries information. Over time, animals and humans have developed highly sensitive hearing that provides a way to interpret their environment. In fact, most animals can hear in some way – even though some animals are blind.

After millions of years of evolution, our ears have become amazing tools that bring the world to life.

Hearing makes your world high-resolution
Your ears make you aware of all sorts of things without having to look. If there is traffic outside, you can tell if it’s moving fast or slow by the sound. Even the drivers send an impactful message via the sound of their horns. A beep can indicate danger or annoyance, or even a friendly hello.

Of course, you could look. Our senses work together to provide a complete picture of the world. So the more data we get from each of our senses, the more accurate a picture we receive.

In this way, hearing helps make life meaningful. Just as a soundtrack can transform a movie or tell you how to feel, your ears add rich details to any experience, such as birds flying above you, waves on a beach or wind blowing in the trees.

With good hearing, you experience thousands of small details like these throughout the day.

We have built hearing into civilization
Because hearing has always been important to us, we’ve built our world around it. Bells mark the passage of time. Public address systems provide information while walking through a train station. Increasingly, we use electronic beeps to tell us things, such as if our food is ready, our computer is starting up, or our seat belt is undone. We continue to develop sound-based trends. Today's GPS apps provide verbal commands so you can follow directions without looking down.

Our ears help us keep things in order, too. Squeaks tell us that something needs lubrication. Knocking sounds tell us that things need maintenance. Rattles tell us that something is loose. These simple cues alert us to a host of details, from the latest news to a malfunctioning car.

We hear even when we are asleep
Even when we are asleep, we still hear. Unlike our closed eyes, our ears remain open and ready to alert us to anything that needs our attention. That’s why we use alarm clocks to wake ourselves up in the morning.

During the less safe periods of our evolution, the ability to wake up to danger was vital. With this being said, it’s no surprise that we have evolved to react very quickly to sound – quicker than we react to touch and smell.

Binaural hearing makes you more aware of your surroundings
Through our ears, we get advance warning of things we can’t see, so they arrive as less of a shock – whether it’s a territorial dog barking as you walk past, or a family member entering the room behind you.

Working in tandem (called binaural hearing), our ears can tell which direction a sound is coming from – even if we can’t see the source. We can tell where people and things are without looking, even at night. And we can hear if something is approaching from the side or behind – be it a speeding vehicle, a dangerous animal, or a happily laughing child.

In this way, hearing contributes significantly to your mental map of the world. It helps you to orient yourself in it: to know where things are, how they’re moving, and whether they are relevant for your attention.

Hearing loss may make you more accident-prone
No one knows for sure why, but people with hearing loss are more accident-prone than people with normal hearing.

One study tracked injuries related to driving, work, leisure and sports. The people with "a little trouble hearing" were 60 percent more likely to have been injured, those with "moderate trouble hearing" 70 percent more likely, and those with "a lot of trouble hearing" were 90 percent more likely.1

In another study, hearing loss was linked to a much higher incidence of falling over. Even when the researchers factored in the age of the participants, they found that those with hearing loss were still more likely to have a fall than people without hearing loss2.

One of the experts behind the latter study believes the link may be due to lower general awareness, and also to higher cognitive demand. This is because people with hearing loss need to use more mental energy to hear, leaving fewer resources for other activities, such as maintaining balance.

Sounds help us relate to other people
One of the best parts of hearing well is effective communication. Out of the billions of people in the world, our ears can recognize the voice of a single person. What’s more, our hearing can tell us about their mood. From a single word, we can decipher if an individual is happy, tired or sick.

The tone of someone’s voice is very important, too. The same words can mean completely different things depending on the speed and rising or falling intonation. The way people say words can make the difference between something being perceived as a joke or a statement. Being able to hear subtle differences is thus critical for effective communication.

Then there are the sounds we make during our actions. Without necessarily thinking about it, we get a feel for a situation through sounds: a slamming door can indicate anger; clattering in the kitchen can mean someone is rushing; singing in the shower shows contentment.

In this way, hearing well helps you read other people’s emotional state, making it easier to empathize with others.

For all these reasons and many more, hearing is one of the most important ways we gather information that completes our picture of the world.

Do you have concerns about your hearing? Contact us to find out how HearingLife may be able to help you communicate better. 





2021-01-05
HearingFitness focuses on hearing wellness

HearingFitness focuses on hearing wellness

Do you own a Fitbit® or rely on another wearable to track your activities? You are not alone. About 40% of Americans use wearables to track fitness.1 As interest grows, and people look to gain new insights about their health and activity, individuals are using various devices such as fitness trackers, smart watches and cell phones to gain reliable intelligence about their daily activities. Healthcare industries have caught on to the trend, and have created a broad variety of devices to track various health-related data. Now people with hearing loss can obtain insights into their hearing trends, too.

Tracking your hearing throughout the day
Many people track their steps or monitor their sleep patterns, but recent additions to the Oticon ON app include hearing-related data. Dubbed “HearingFitness,” this new tool resembles an exercise tracker in capturing data related to hearing aid use, listening environments and other hearing-aid-related behavior.2 It works similar to other trackers, recording how an individual hearing aid wearer uses their devices and gives data on how many hours a person wears their hearing aids each day. HearingFitness’ information includes how many hours the hearing aids are used on various settings. For example, if you’ve used a remote mic or the tinnitus relief option, you can see how many hours (or minutes) you have needed tinnitus relief each day. The app and its features are designed to work with Oticon Opn™ hearing aids.

Other functions of the Oticon ON app
What else does the app do? It allows you:
* To adjust the volume of your hearing aid
Personalize how you refer to the various programs
To select instrument programs
Set streaming sources
Use built-in tinnitus sound therapy

Don’t worry if you lose your hearing aids; the app also has a “find my hearing aids” function.
It also connects to a whole array of devices, services and programs through the IFTTT (if this, then that) website. If you get an email or text message, you can set IFTTT up so that you hear a beep in your hearing aids.

HearingFitness helps more than just the hearing aid wearer
Do you care for a friend or family member who wears hearing aids? The latest upgrades to this app can make it easier for you to help them. You can set up the app to alert you when batteries are running low. You can also help your loved one to use the HearingFitness data to identify times when they can use help hearing better. Perhaps certain rooms or situations, such as restaurants, are more challenging than other places. You can help identify patterns in use to discuss at your next visit with your hearing care professional.

How does HearingFitness’ data help you improve hearing health?
Knowledge is power. By knowing how many hours a day you use your hearing aids, and which programs you use most, you can identify how to optimize your hearing aids and ultimately improve your hearing wellness. When used in conjunction with a fitness tracker, you compare this data with information on your steps taken, heart rate and sleep patterns for a complex picture of your daily health.

For information on hearing health and wellness, or more detailed information on how hearing aids help people with hearing loss, make an appointment with your local hearing care provider.

1 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/most-owners-of-wearable-fitness-devices-continue-to-use-them-daily-according-to-new-national-study-300572030.html Accessed November 7, 2018.
2 Denise DiMeglio. “Oticon Launches HearingFitness to Help People Improve Hearing Health.” Oticon Press Release. https://www.oticon.com/inside-oticon/news/News/2018/sept-12-hearingfitness. Accessed November 7, 2018.
2021-01-04
Veterans and Hearing Loss

Veterans and Hearing Loss

Returning home from duty, veterans face many challenges, especially those who have served in combat zones. Among them, is hearing loss – ranking among the most prevalent health issues for recently returning and former solders. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 933,000 veterans have received compensation for hearing loss and more than 1.3 million veterans are receiving disability benefits for tinnitus. Beyond hearing loss and tinnitus, Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) affects a high number of veterans who were exposed to blasts. APD impacts the brain’s ability to understand speech despite the sufferer being able to register sounds normally. While injuries to the ear or brain may cause physical damage, a communication breakdown with loved ones may be the greatest casualty of hearing loss.

Special risks for soldiers’ hearing
No matter where they train or deploy, soldiers face environmental factors that can be harmful to hearing. BioMed Central’s Military Medical Researchers looked at which environments were the loudest and biggest threat to noise-induced hearing loss. They found that the impact of noise on hearing in the military varies among the branches of service.

Yet almost every soldier, sailor, airman or marine will be exposed to very high levels of noise from:

Weapons – shotguns, rifles, pistols, grenades and anti-tank weapons

Armored vehicles
Engine rooms and carrier decks of navy vessels
Helicopters, fighter planes, transport aircraft and various jets

Jet propulsion fuel
For some, a single explosion with sounds exceeding 140 dB can cause irreparable damage instantly. This sort of acoustic harm to the ears can result in permanent hearing loss.

For others, longstanding exposure to dangerous levels of noise can contribute to ear damage over time. Chronic exposure to high sound levels may lead to changes, such as sensorineural hearing loss that soldiers don’t notice immediately.

Why veterans should address hearing loss
Many people associate hearing loss with the elderly. However people of all ages can lose their hearing – especially if they have had extraordinary exposure to noise. This is one instance when silence isn’t golden. Hearing well means communicating well. Think about it, if you can’t listen:
How can you engage with your loved ones completely?
Can you understand your colleagues or customers or participate fully in the workplace?
How can you really enjoy your favorite music, movies or television? Sure, closed captioning or subtitles may help but it’s not the same as hearing the intonation in voices.
Unlike the loss of sight, hearing impairment is usually more gradual. You may miss bits and pieces of sentences, but you think that your brain can fill in the missing information. Yet sometimes, the brain guesses wrong. You may believe you comprehended the information when you actually misunderstood it. This can lead to needless conflict and unpleasant rounds of “he said – she said.”

New research on veterans and hearing loss
In 2019 the Journal of Neurotrauma published an article focus on how blast exposure impacts hearing loss, "Blast Exposure Impairs Sensory Gating: Evidence from Measures of Acoustic Startle and Auditory Event-Related Potentials." Between 2000 and 2017, nearly 380,000 service members have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) which lead to brain-related deficiencies. People with TBIs report that hearing impairment is among the most common symptom. One of the challenges that this study looked at was "sensory gate impairment" (the brain's ability to filter out superfluous information so it can focus on what's important). This study found that veterans who had been exposed to high-intensity blasts resulting in TBIs were more likely to have sensory gate impairment.

This isn't the only area of research regarding solders and hearing-related problems. For more information on studies related to VA health care and hearing loss, see the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR), which has multiple studies underway. 



Stylish options for veterans
For anyone needing hearing aids, design matters. If you have a hearing deficit, these devices may provide a vital service to your well-being just like eyeglasses aid your vision. As with glasses, you want hearing aids to fit well while looking great. Today’s models come in many colors and styles so we can be sure to match you with the best hearing aids for your individual lifestyle.

Hearing loss is nothing be ashamed of and hide. But if you choose to, we offer many discrete hearing aids that are hardly recognizable to the naked eye. Whether you wish to wear a stylish mini-computer that sits subtly behind your ear or you hide your hearing aids in the ear canal, there are plenty of options.


2020-12-31
Higher education opportunities for students with hearing loss

Higher education opportunities for students with hearing loss

According to the US Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES), approximately 75,000 students between ages 3 and 21 have hearing loss severe enough to qualify them for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.¹ Consequently, public schoolchildren with disabilities have the right to special accommodations in elementary through secondary school. Sometimes this results in creating an Individualized Education Plan, or IEP. But what happens after high school?

After the IEP: Students with hearing loss and higher education
Picking among colleges may feel like a daunting task. So if you have aspirations for a degree and you have hearing loss, you have options. To start, many colleges and universities have departments that help students with needs design individualized solutions. This may be similar to the IEP services you received in high school. If you are returning to college as a non-traditional aged student, it may surprise you how much easier it is to access help today. Remember, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires public colleges and universities to offer equal access to all students. While support mechanisms may differ from one school to another, hearing loss should not impede getting an education.

Finding the right fit for students with hearing loss
Colleges and universities must provide appropriate academic adjustments to make sure students are not discriminated against based on disability. However, many programs go beyond that help students to get the most out of their learning experiences. And this includes hearing loss.

Prospective students have to face many choices. Is a large university or a small liberal arts college what you want? Or maybe an urban environment seems like a better fit. Perhaps an enclosed campus feels more at home. In addition, if you have hearing loss, maybe you prefer schools with exceptional accommodations for your needs.

While it may be hard to know where to start, here are a few programs that you may want to consider. Most of these colleges are especially relevant for students with severe or profound hearing loss:
Gallaudet University in Washington, DC describes itself as “the world’s only university designed for deaf and hard of hearing students.”
The National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology (NTID) combines classroom work with a co-op work program giving students work experience in their field of choice.
California State University, Northridge offers services for students who are deaf or have significant hearing loss.
SouthWest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf has associate-degree programs for deaf students. This school focuses on preparing students for bachelors programs or entering the workforce.

"In college I realized I needed to be proactive about my hearing..."
As HearingLife's Chief Audiologist, Dr. Leslie Soiles, explains, it was in college that she realized she needed to address her hearing loss in order to get where she wanted to go in life. "When I got hearing aids, it was life-changing." Hear her incredible story about how treating her hearing loss launched a career in audiology.


 

Pursuing hearing-related research and education
Is audiology your passion? Maybe you want to consider a path researching audiology and hearing loss. Across the country, schools offer programs to train tomorrow’s audiologist. One resource is the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s online directory of higher educational programs in audiology. Most noteworthy, prospective students may apply for scholarships to study audiology.

A few colleges also offer future educators tailored programs for working in deaf education, including a collaboration between Smith College and the Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech. In addition, there is the University of Tennessee at Knoxville Center on Deafness. They published a guide for service providers with information that potential students and families might find useful.

Fall is peak season for applying for college
Most of all, if you are considering programs that start next year, now’s the time to get your ducks in a row. Our staff can provide a demonstration the latest in communication-focused technology. Even more, we can advise how to integrate hearing aids in certain learning environments and help you select what's the best hearing aid for your lifestyle. Finally, contact HearingLife at (888) 873-8292 today to set up an appointment for a hearing assessment.*
2020-12-30
When do you need to protect your hearing

When do you need to protect your hearing

In general, the longer you are exposed to excessive noise, the greater the risk of damage to your hearing.


Even sounds that don’t appear to be too loud or don’t cause you excessive discomfort can damage your hearing if you are exposed to them for long enough. 

However, loud sounds can cause damage much more quickly. 

Sound is measured in decibels (dB)
The decibel scale is matched to human hearing, so 0 dB is the very quietest sound that a human can hear. A conversation with a friend would be about 60 dB. Once we are up at the 90 dB level that a lawnmower will produce, we are at relatively loud noise levels that can cause damage over time. In fact, most experts agree that continued exposure to noise over 85 dB risks causing damage to your hearing. For that reason, workplace safety regulations usually require the employer to provide hearing protection for people working in areas where noise exceeds 85 dB.

Up at the 155 dB of exploding fireworks (yes they can get that loud!) or 180 dB of a rocket launch, permanent hearing damage can occur very quickly. 

Danger signs
Unfortunately, it is rarely obvious when damage is occurring to our hearing – we tend to notice it afterwards. 

However, we can try to be aware of the noise levels in the situations we find ourselves. If you have to shout over background noise to make yourself heard, your hearing is probably in the danger zone where prolonged exposure could lead to damage. 

Obviously, if you find you have ringing in your ears or experience pain, it’s a sure sign your noise exposure is too high. This often appears after the noisy event (like a music concert) is over. If you find it difficult to hear for several hours after the noisy event, or hear ringing in your ears or other unusual after-effects, then your hearing has probably been in danger. 

You can rest your ears by avoiding loud noises. And in future, similar situations, you can be more aware and act earlier to reduce the effects. 

If you are in any doubt, wear hearing protection (such as cheap, disposable ear plugs), and get away from the noise as quickly or as often as you can.


Hidden dangers to our hearing:


Earphones
These days, many people regularly use earphones - on the way to school or work, while out running, or just while relaxing at home. 

Earphones are very handy, but it’s not always clear how much sound they are creating. However, they can produce up to 100 dB, while some can produce even more. At this level, you risk damage to your hearing after a mere 15 minutes.  

Some smartphones show when the volume is at a dangerous level, using red bars on the volume indicator. 

City life
Just living in a city can also increase your risk of hearing damage – by 64 per cent.

This is a according to a study that was recently published in the medical journal The Lancet. It just goes to show how continuous exposure to noise can cause hearing damage.


2020-12-30
Tips for learning sign language

Tips for learning sign language

Sign language is a great communication tool to have. It’s like learning another language; but for those with hearing loss, it is a way to get back the communication skills you need. Not only deaf people use sign language, it is a great tool and resource to have in your communication arsenal if you are experiencing any type of hearing loss and is very effective in environments that are too loud to hear properly.

What is Sign Language?
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) defines American Sign Language as a complete, complex language that employs signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and is one of several communication options used by people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Learning Sign Language
Nowadays there are so many different ways to learn sign language, it makes it easy to find whichever method works best for you. In addition, there are quite a few free ways to learn sign language, so you don’t have to tax your budget in order to learn it. Here are 10 different tools and methods you can use to learn sign language.

Start out just learning the alphabet.
* Hire a private tutor.
Take a class at your local school or community center (or a college that focuses on higher education opportunities for people with hearing loss).
Find a hearing loss support group near you, this can be a great resource for learning sign language and you can get even more out of it.
Get a sign language dictionary or a how to book. Free ones are usually available at the library.
Take an online course.
Watch videos online. (Hint: YouTube has many free tutorials).
Ask a friend who knows sign language to teach you.
There are many different software programs, websites, or mobile apps that teach you sign language. We have a short list below.

Practice makes perfect! Continue to practice as much as you can.



Mobile Applications and Websites that Teach Sign Language
The ASL App: http://theaslapp.com/
Basic ASL: First 100 Signs: http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/concepts.htm
SignLanguage101.com: http://www.signlanguage101.com/

Sign Language Apps: ASL Coach, ASL: Fingerspelling, and Marlee Signs (by the acclaimed movie star, Marlee Matlin).



HearingLife has options for people with hearing loss
Across the nation, the team at HearingLife is always here to help you through all aspects of your hearing health. If you are having trouble communicating and are concerned you may have hearing loss, contact us for a complimentary hearing assessment.*

2020-12-29
All Ears on the Woodstock Generation

All Ears on the Woodstock Generation

 It was a historic weekend in 1969, which featured rock and roll greats like The Who, Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix blowing the socks off the more than 400,000 people in attendance. But how likely is it that some ears were blown out in the process, causing noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus for an entire generation? The average rock concert is 115 decibels, and according to AARP, safe exposure to this level of noise ends at about three minutes.¹ Woodstock lasted for three days and comprised more than 50 hours of music. You can do the math.

Musicians at higher risk of tinnitus
Musicians are particularly prone to developing tinnitus. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds is the most common cause of the disease, and up to 90% of people with tinnitus suffer from some level of noise-induced hearing loss.² Further, a recent German study focused on the health insurance records of 7 million people from 2004 to 2008. The results: professional musicians are nearly four-times more likely to suffer noise-induced hearing loss than people of other professions.³

Celebrities speaking out about hearing loss
Legendary rocker, Neil Young, played Woodstock on August 16th, 1969, and continues to perform on the big stage to this day. He also happens to be one of the most well-recognized musicians who suffers from tinnitus. According to the Hearing Health Foundation's (HHF) research on celebrities with hearing loss, Young likely developed tinnitus through years of playing rock music, but he lays the blame on a live concert record he released in 1991 called Weld. He started writing softer songs following this performance, because he “didn’t want to hear any loud sounds.” Woodstock-veteran Pete Townsend of The Who went on to have a similarly long and successful career in rock and roll. HHF quotes Townsend as saying, “I have severe hearing damage. It’s manifested itself as tinnitus, ringing in the ears at frequencies that I play guitar,” Townsend said. “It hurts, it’s painful, and it’s frustrating.”

How well does the Woodstock generation hear  today?
It may come as no surprise that musicians are prone to tinnitus, but what about the 400,000 in attendance at Woodstock? Oticon recently commissioned a survey by The Harris Poll to learn more. The survey found that 47% of people in their teens and twenties during the 1960’s and 1970’s now reports some level of hearing loss.4  Ear plugs sure would have helped. However, ear plugs historically have come with an outdated stigma of being “uncool” among the younger music fans.

Longtime music critic, Jim Sullivan, shared on a WBUR post earlier this year that his passion for live music has led to an unfortunate diagnosis from his audiologist. She advised him that he suffers from “high pitch and high frequency loss in both ears,” damage that translates into moderate hearing loss. As a result, Sullivan leaves the reader with some advice: bring earplugs to every gig — even if you don’t need them. Recognize that the quality of life […] is affected by hearing loss.”

What can HearingLife do for Woodstock fans and other music  lovers
That’s where HearingLife comes in. Our hearing care professionals are here to help with quality, personalized care as well as cutting-edge technological solutions whether you belong to the Woodstock generation or not. We can tell you when and where you should consider protecting your ears  (like at concerts) and what signs you should be aware of so you can face things head-on. We also understand that our services don’t end after you’ve had your fitting, so we’ve introduced our Aftercare program to make sure you enjoy all the perks of being a HearingLife customer. You can also make an appointment to speak to your hearing care provider about having ear plugs molded to your ears.

When you get down to it, life can be just as loud as Woodstock was 50 years ago. Whether you’re listening to your favorite band at a music festival, in your car, or with headphones, the risk of inducing hearing loss and suffering from tinnitus down the road will always be there. Luckily, so will HearingLife.
2020-12-29
How noisy is your neighborhood?

How noisy is your neighborhood?


If you live in a city area, chances are you are familiar with the neighborhood noise that comes along with it. Morning, evening, and all hours in between loud noises have the potential to put hearing at risk. Between airports, highways, sports venues, and construction, cities often carry the most at risk neighborhood noise levels with the largest group of people exposed. If you’ve ever wondered just how noisy your neighborhood is, there is a new interactive map that you can use to figure out where your neighborhood stands.

Where are the noisy neighborhoods near you?
This interactive noise map displays data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics to visualize just how loud cities across America can be. You’ll notice a few bright hotspots such as Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago really stand out amongst the crowd. These areas expose residents to as much as 80 or more decibels of transportation noise a day! You can easily zoom in on areas that contain blue spots which represent 90+ decibels. In those areas, using ear protection is crucial to protecting your hearing on a daily basis.

This map is great for anyone who is looking to move to a new area, while this may not be the most important factor in buying a new home, it should be a consideration. You can protect your families hearing by opting to live in a quieter, surrounding suburb of a city and you can avoid surprisingly noisy spots that you may not have thought of originally. To learn more about this neighborhood noise map, you can also read what NPR had to say about it. 

Does a noisy neighborhood impact property values?
Living in a noisy area can’t always be avoided, especially if you live in a big city, in a suburban area with lots of highways or near an airport. Of course, some of the most expensive areas of the country are also our biggest cities, such as New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. You can, however, help prevent hearing loss by spreading awareness. According to realtor.com, noise levels can even impact your property's value, "Quieter areas are generally deemed more desirable, and real estate prices tend to reflect that." 

Workplace noise can also impact you
Even if you live in a relatively quiet neighborhood, is your workplace noisy? If you are exposed to common hearing hazards in the workplace, you may want to pay special attention to your hearing. You can take steps to prevent hearing loss, including downloading a decibel meter on your cell phone.   

Make sure you and your family avoid prolonged exposure to areas of high traffic, construction, or other neighborhood noise without any hearing protection. If you know you’ll be at a loud event coming up, be sure to pack a few inexpensive foam ear plugs so you can protect your hearing and still enjoy your day or evening! And always remember to get periodic hearing check ups to ensure that your ears are still just as keen as they have always been. 

Do you have hearing loss?

Hearing loss often happens gradually, over time. If you live in a noisy environment and are constantly exposed to beeping horns, airplanes taking off nearby or by a construction site, you may not notice any reduction in your hearing. We welcome you to make an appointment for a complimentary hearing assessment* to discuss your hearing and identify areas of weakness. 




2020-12-28
Helping veterans get help with hearing loss

Helping veterans get help with hearing loss

Veterans have made countless sacrifices in service to our country. These costs can range from physical injuries, to the toll their service takes on their patient families, or long-term health issues and, of course, even their lives. 

If you have a loved one who has served in the military, your life may focus on caring for an injured veteran. While many wounds are noticeable, some of the most common injuries lead to so-called “hidden disabilities.” One hidden disability is hearing loss. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, hearing issues are veterans’ most common service-related disability in the United States.¹ With as many as 2.7 million veterans receiving disability compensation¹ or treatment for hearing issues, it’s important for people who care for vets to know how to help.

Step one: recognizing signs of hearing loss in veterans
For most people, hearing loss occurs gradually over time. However, for soldiers, hearing loss or tinnitus can happen after exposure to extremely loud noise or from the power of a blast, such as an IED. In fact, the ears are often the first and most common organ to sustain an injury from a blast.² If your loved one has served in the armed forces, it is important to look for the signs of hearing loss, which can be immediately noticeable or develop over time. These may include:

Problems understanding what someone is saying, even if you can hear that they are speaking.

Having trouble understanding conversations in restaurants or places where background noise is present.

Ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. This condition, called tinnitus, can indicate hearing loss.

Feeling a fullness in your ears, like you are underwater.

Needing the volume to be higher than others need in order to hear the TV, radio or music.

Treatment options for veterans with hearing loss
Fortunately for veterans, the Veterans Affairs medical program includes hearing care, providing coverage that includes hearing aids. In fact, the VA hearing aid contract has recently expanded to include the latest products from Oticon. For information on getting help from the VA, check out their extensive website, VA.gov, where you can also find VA locations that include audiology services.

Focusing on preventing hearing loss in soldiers
While we can’t change past exposure to noise or explosives, the Department of Defense has a Hearing Center of Excellence (HCE) that focuses on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and auditory injury. Last year, they launched a new app that includes a course to reduce military hearing loss. The HCE has a host of hearing-related resources aimed at educating military personnel and veterans.

Caregivers need hearing care, too
Are you caring for a veteran? Even if you haven’t seen combat, you may have been exposed to excessive noise by living near a military base or even just by attending a rock concert. As a caregiver, you need to hear well. Whether it is for your own well-being, or so you can provide the best help to your loved one, it’s important that you can communicate clearly with physicians and others. And the benefits of hearing loss go far beyond hearing your loved ones better. In fact, we’ve identified 52 benefits of better hearing.

Celebrating veterans today and always
If you are a veteran, we thank you for your service and offer information on veterans and hearing loss. If you are among the millions of family members who care for veterans, we invite you to come for a complimentary hearing assessment to see if you have hearing loss.
2020-12-28
Can plane travel worsen tinnitus symptoms?

Can plane travel worsen tinnitus symptoms?


If you’ve ever experienced buzzing, hissing or ringing in your ears, you are likely experiencing symptoms of tinnitus. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that more than 25 million Americans¹ experience this condition.

If you have tinnitus, traveling on a plane can be an uncomfortable experience. Many travelers are able to sit back and relax on flights. Tinnitus can make this very difficult to do, but can traveling by plane actually worsen tinnitus?

How does flying affect your ears?
You can't air travel without experiencing the change in air pressure. So, how does it impact your hearing? Changing air pressure can stress your middle ear and eardrum, and sometimes leads to a condition known as airplane ear. Symptoms of airplane ear typically include a feeling of fullness, discomfort or muffling of sounds. This can affect one or both of your ears, and the condition generally only lasts for a short time. If you continue to experience symptoms of airplane ear for more than a few hours after flying, we would suggest speaking to a hearing care professional.

Tinnitus and flying
You probably already know that airplanes are loud. A recent study documented that the median volume of an airplane cabin is 85 dB.² When you factor in the air pressure forcing your ears to adjust to the high altitude, it’s little wonder that your ears may be uncomfortable. If you have tinnitus, you may experience exacerbated symptoms during flights.

Sound-exacerbated tinnitus
Whether or not noise will impact your tinnitus symptoms depends on the type of tinnitus you suffer from. Most tinnitus sufferers have what is known as high-frequency tinnitus. As the name would suggest, exposure to high-frequency sounds worsens the symptoms of tinnitus. As the frequency range of a typical jet engine is mid-frequency, the noise of an airplane is unlikely to worsen the symptoms for high-frequency tinnitus sufferers. However for those who have tinnitus that is exacerbated by mid-frequency noise or loud sounds, air travel can be uncomfortable.

Altitude-exacerbated tinnitus
Most air travelers are familiar with the experience of ears popping during the ascent and descent of an airplane. If you suffer from tinnitus, this natural popping of the ears can be a problem. The reason that your ears pop is actually your eustachian tube working as it is designed to. To equalize the pressure inside your middle ear, your eustachian tube releases a bubble of air.

If your eustachian tube is unable to equalize the pressure, the thin membrane of your eardrum is stretched unnaturally because of the vacuum that has been created inside your inner ear. This can distort sounds, and may sometimes be painful. The stretching of this membrane can also worsen symptoms of tinnitus.

How can I prevent airplane tinnitus?
The first step to preventing airplane tinnitus is understanding if you need hearing protection against altitude related tinnitus, sound related tinnitus, or both. Our team at HearingLife would be happy to discuss your tinnitus and advise on the most appropriate hearing protection. You can also try some of the below tips to alleviate your symptoms:

Travel with earmuffs or noise-canceling headphones. These will help protect your ears against the high volume of the jet engines. Take-off is when the noise from the engines are at their loudest, so you may only need the protection during that time.
Do not wear earplugs. They may worsen your tinnitus symptoms.
When selecting your seat, opt for one that’s far away from the engines.
Yawn and swallow during ascent and descent. This helps to open up your eustachian tubes, enabling them to equalize the pressure.
When possible, don’t fly if you’re congested. The flu or a cold can block your eustachian tubes, meaning it’s harder for them to equalize your ear pressure.

We don’t want your tinnitus symptoms to prevent you from flying. If you want to learn more about how we can help provide relief from the symptoms of tinnitus, get in touch today. Please contact us to schedule a complimentary hearing assessment with one of our hearing professionals today.   
2020-12-25
Innovations in Virtual Hearing Care

Innovations in Virtual Hearing Care

Recently, HearingLife’s Chief Audiologist, Dr. Leslie Soiles, held a Facebook Live session to share updates on how HearingLife's experts have been serving the needs of the hearing loss community during the pandemic. HearingLife has expanded its offerings and streamlined services over recent months to offer virtual service to better support changing needs. If you weren't able to attend the event (or are not on Facebook), we invite you to learn more about these services here.

HearingLife anniversary recognized with innovations in hearing care
Dr. Soiles also shared that August marked HearingLife's 14-year anniversary. While their roots go much farther back (which you can read about in Our Story), they are proud of the great headway they have made as a company.


Industry-leading solutions in the age of Covid-19
As many parts of the country shut down in the wake of the Coronavirus, HearingLife listened to their customers and designed solutions to meet their needs. Dr. Soiles explained how these innovations in hearing care have become industry standards through the launch of new safety protocols and care you can count on programs.

Safety first!
If you haven’t been to a HearingLife office for a while, you will notice some changes. To keep both clients and team members safe, it is required that everyone wear a mask and staff are performing temperature screenings when customers enter the office. In addition, they are sanitizing surfaces between appointments, “We are limiting crossover contamination between clients by making visitors wait in the car, so we can invite them into the office only once the previous appointment is over,” the Chief Audiologist explains, "allowing for social distancing and a safer experience."

Hearing aid batteries for everyone
Dr. Soiles explained that during the height of the crisis, when many hearing aid centers across the country had to close, HearingLife shipped free batteries to thousands of people (both to their own customers and people who had previously not been to HearingLife for treatment), free of charge. Now that their locations are open again, they are asking customers to contact their local HearingLife office to get new batteries. 

New drive-up hearing care service
To provide for minimal-contact care, HearingLife has implemented "1-2-3 Drive-Up Service." This allows customers to receive help without leaving their car, minimizing exposure for everyone. It's very simple. For repair or adjustment services, a HearingLife team member will meet you in your car, take your hearing aid in for service and return it to you. Please inquire about this service when you book an appointment to confirm availability.

RemoteCare team provides best-in-class virtual hearing care
Earlier this spring, Dr. Soiles and her colleagues launched virtual services that would connect patients with an audiologist who could troubleshoot their issues with their hearing aids. Even with extraordinary safety measures in place, some of their clients did not feel ready or able to leave their homes. Their providers have now started to offer face-to-face tele-consults using a variety of apps, depending on the customer's comfort level. Whether via Facebook, Messenger, Skype, Zoom, Teams or FaceTime, the RemoteCare team answers questions from customers across the country.

Self-help guides – a video is worth more than a thousand words!
Often, when trying to coach clients over the phone, it is much easier to troubleshoot problems by providing videos via email or referencing online videos to troubleshoot problems with a hearing aid. Dr. Soiles explains, “A picture is worth a thousand words. Never was that more true.”

Anyone can access these complimentary videos and guides in our Self Help information. Dr. Soiles encourages everyone to explore this informative resource and discover important maintenance tips, such as how to take care of plugged wax guards. The guides include clear descriptions, pictures and videos on a variety of topics.



Next in innovations in hearing care: remote hearing assessments

“HearingLife is exploring all new opportunities to better service our customers,” explains Dr. Soiles to the Facebook Live audience. “HearingLife is partnering with a number of other companies that are looking for a way to have a hearing assessment conducted from the comfort of somebody’s home. As part of a beta study in a few select states, HearingLife is testing remote assessments. As we learn more about the program, we plan to provide this service across the country.”





2020-12-24
Start a new decade focusing on hearing health

Start a new decade focusing on hearing health

A new decade is upon us. Do you have resolutions for how you can take better care of yourself? There are so many options out there for starting anew. Let HearingLife help inspire you as we enter 2021.

Keeping hearing resolutions is easier than other resolutions!
Many of the most common resolutions are difficult to keep up with. Some people struggle each January to lose weight or quit smoking. Others want to get more exercise, spend more time with family and friends, or maybe even downsize and live better in 2021. 

Tips for better hearing
We have 5 easy tips that will help you make a big impact on your hearing health with minimal effort.

Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises: You may not realize what types of noises and sounds can actually cause permanent hearing loss. Many people already know that loud concerts, gun shots, fireworks, airplanes and machinery are loud enough to cause damage; however, there are unlikely culprits too.

How loud is too loud? Noise levels over 85 decibels can become dangerous, especially over long periods of time. You can download a smartphone app that will let you know how loud of an environment you are in. When you use it, you will realize that power tools, vacuums, lawn mowers or even restaurants can be loud enough to cause noise-induced hearing loss if you are exposed for extended periods of time. Spend a little time looking into options, and you'll find that there are lots of ways to prevent hearing loss. 

Turn Down the Volume when Using Media: Another cause of noise-induced hearing loss is listening to media through earphones. Most newer devices give you a warning alert when the level is too high and we encourage you to pay attention to it. This applies to any sound listened through headphones including phone calls, music or other entertainment. If you find yourself constantly turning the volume up past 60% in order to hear through your headphones, then consider speaking with a professional hearing care provider.

Exercise: This is a common New Year’s resolution; however exercising isn’t just for weight loss! Studies have shown that you may be able to exercise your way to better hearing when you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Yoga and other fitness programs have been shown to promote healthy hearing. 

Eat Healthy: Just like exercising, eating right is another popular New Year’s resolution. In fact, research shows that a healthy diet also helps preserve your hearing as part of a healthy lifestyle.

See Your Hearing Professional Regularly: If you are concerned that you are experiencing any hearing loss, then resolve to make an appointment for a complimentary hearing assessment with us in early 2021.

More resolutions for better living and better hearing in 2021
For more ideas of great things to take up in the new decade, see our latest version of Connected Living, HearingLife's e-Newsletter. With interesting tips and ideas on healthy living, activities, travel adventures, fine dining and more, we have plenty of tips to add a little adventure to your life. From learning how to culinary masterpieces in your kitchen, to trying a life-changing hobby, you are sure to find something to inspire you in the coming year. 

2020-12-24
Focus on your hearing this fall

Focus on your hearing this fall

Autumn is here! It’s a time to tempt your eyes with vibrant landscapes of changing leaves and taste buds with PSLs (that’s pumpkin spice lattes). At HearingLife, fall is a special season for focusing on familiar sounds and taking care of your hearing wellness.

Celebrating the autumn soundscape


October is a great time to be thinking about your hearing. Just as there is an explosion of colorful leaves, especially in the Northeast, you may notice a new richness to the sounds around you. Have you heard:

 * Lively birdsong? Birds are migrating. Whether they are heading your way if you live in the southern US, or practicing their formations to escape the approaching winter, America's skies are full of birds’ chirping.

 * Rain’s pitter-patter? Not everyone enjoys the increase of raindrops hitting their windows, but many people find the sounds of a fall rain shower comforting and cozy.

 * Whistling winds and falling leaves? If you have been out for a walk lately, you may notice an increase in the sound coming from trees.

 * Kids’ voices from playgrounds? Some children are back in school. Although some classes are virtual, you can still enjoy children’s laughter coming from your local park or even your neighbors’ yards. And while 2020 might not be the best year for hearing "trick or treat," it's always important to be able to hear your doorbell.

If you can’t hear these sounds now, or they seem fainter, it may be a sign of hearing loss. If you have concerns, you may want to start by taking our online hearing test.



Autumn foods that help promote hearing wellness
Fall isn’t just a visual and audio experience; there are plenty of meals associated with this time of year. Some foods are actually very good for your hearing. If you have been to a Campaign for Better Hearing event, you have probably heard that bananas promote hearing health because they are rich in potassium. Did you know that some of our favorite fall foods also contain lots of potassium? According to the University of Michigan, several foods that are rich in potassium include:

 * Squashes (acorn, winter and pumpkins)

 * Potatoes and sweet potatoes

 * Turkey

When you plan your favorite fall meals, you may want to make foods that can help improve your hearing health.

man-cutting-wood-with-chainsaw

Why is fall the best time to protect your hearing?


Whether it is the increased need for leaf blowers or more power saws cutting wood as families prepare for winter, you may notice it’s getting a bit louder around you. That's why fall is a good time to help prevent hearing loss and be proactive with your hearing safety.

If you enjoy certain louder hobbies, such as hunting and riding ATVs, you may want to purchase specialty hearing protection. The professionals at HearingLife can fit you for in-the-ear hearing protection, fitted to your ears. Even if you only mow your lawn, it is important to protect your ears from loud noise.

Are you ready for the holidays?


Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Whether you are gathering with family and friends as you always have, or you will be celebrating the holiday via Zoom, it’s important to be able to hear what’s going on.
Do you struggle to follow the conversation around the table? Maybe there’s too much background noise, especially when several people are talking at once. One of the many benefits of better hearing is the increased ability to communicate. Instead of asking people to repeat themselves over and over, or to just withdraw, hearing aids can help you hear in a complex sound environment.

Streaming sound to your hearing aids


Whether you are connecting from your laptop or your cell phone (or other devices), you can stream sound wirelessly to your hearing aids. These days, this is an especially important feature. If you are planning a virtual holiday gathering and you have hearing loss, now is a good time to upgrade older devices to Bluetooth® hearing aids. That way, you may hear conversations clearly, even if you are sitting in different states – or on different continents – when you gather. We have put together a variety of self-help videos and guides for you to learn how to pair your hearing aids to various devices so you can get the most out of them.

Need more help? Our experts are available to answer questions today


Every season, HearingLife’s experts are here with solutions for your specific hearing needs. Whether it is protection in the fall, enjoying winter activities, celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month each spring or reminding you how to take care of your hearing during summer festivals, you can turn to us for unique solutions. We welcome you to make an appointment for a complimentary hearing assessment* at more than 600 locations across the country.





2020-12-22
Types of Tests Used to Evaluate Hearing in Children and Adults

Types of Tests Used to Evaluate Hearing in Children and Adults

Hearing issues are surprisingly common among the American population. In fact, statistics by the US Department of Health and Human Services show that two or three in 1,000 children have detectable hearing loss, while 15% of adults aged 18 and above have reported experiencing hearing loss at some time. 

But how do we hear? Hearing happens when soundwaves travel to your eardrum, causing it to vibrate. This vibration forces the soundwaves further inside the ear and triggers nerve cells to send useful information to your brain. This information is converted into the sounds you hear. 

To diagnose hearing issues, it is necessary to conduct tests which measure how well you can hear. There are various tests which can identify and diagnose hearing challenges, and the type of test used will depend on several factors, including age. 

Hearing tests types for children
Routine hearing tests are suggested for most infants and kids, and they are usually performed before they leave the clinic. In the event that your infant doesn't pass the assessment, it doesn't necessarily indicate a genuine hearing issue. In this instance however, your child should be retested within three months. Some of the hearing tests are:

 * Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test: The OAE test checks part of the inward ear's reaction to sound. It measures otoacoustic outflows or OAEs, which the inward ear emits with the help of hair cells that respond to sound by vibrating. This test is generally performed on babies and younger kids who will not react to social hearing tests due to their age.
 * Auditory brainstorm (ABR) test: This test is a useful instrument in deciding a child's capacity to hear. It uses a unique PC to gauge how the auditory nerves within a child's ear react to various sounds. This is a safe and easy way to perceive how the nerves and cerebrum react to sounds. It also provides the audiologist with information regarding conceivable hearing loss in children.

 * Tympanometry: When it comes to eardrum movement, tympanometry tests are the go-to. For this test, the audiologist puts a small probe resembling a headphone inside the ear. The probe is then connected to another device which drives air into the ear canal. A diagram called a tympanogram then shows the results. This technique is also used to detect the presence of center ear emanation by providing information about tympanic layer compliance.




Hearing tests for adults
 * Tuning fork tests: Tuning forks are a fast, straightforward way to determine the conceivable presence or absence of a substantial conductive component to hearing loss. They are generally used to give early demonstrative information when audiometry isn't accessible or possible and involve two tests: the Weber and Rinne tests. These tests help the audiologist determine whether a person has conductive or sensorineural hearing loss, and allows them to develop a treatment plan accordingly. 
 * Speech and word recognition tests: These tests are used to gauge speech segregation – also called word recognition ability. The patient is made to listen to a word or recording and then asked to rehash the words. The audiologist then measures their capacity to comprehend speech at a calm listening level. This can be helpful when determining how useful a specific hearing aid is for any given individual. 
 * Acoustic reflex measures: Acoustic reflexes measure the stapedius and the tensor tympani reflex created by the eardrum in light of extraordinary sound. When either ear is exposed to a rowdy sound, the stapedius muscles on the two sides contract. Constriction of the stapedius muscle inclines the foremost stapes away from the oval window and solidifies the ossicular chain. Measuring these reflexes can be useful when checking for specific kinds of hearing loss in circumstances where it is difficult to rely on the patient for information. Additionally, they periodically highlight focal sensory system pathology. 

 * Pure-tone test: Pure-tone audiometry is an interactive test used to quantify hearing sensitivity and involves the peripheral and central auditory systems. This is the principle hearing test used to distinguish an individual's hearing threshold by measuring the degree of hearing loss, and then finding a way to manage the issue. Pure-tone thresholds (PTTs) show the mildest sound perceptible to a person at any rate half of the time.

The bottom line is that one test may not be enough to diagnose the problem. Therefore, your audiologist may request any combination of tests to ensure accurate results.
2020-12-21
Does your Medicare Advantage Plan include hearing aids?

Does your Medicare Advantage Plan include hearing aids?

Time is running out to elect your 2021 Medicare Advantage Plan, and the team at HearingLife wants to help you choose the right plan for you! You can only elect (or make changes to) your Medicare-related benefits between October 15, 2020 and December 7, 2020 (unless you have a qualifying event or special circumstances). There is a lot to think about when choosing between the wide variety of providers and options. We encourage you to educate yourself on the latest information.


What is Medicare open enrollment?
Medicare is health insurance for seniors run by the U.S. Federal Government. Because it is so widely used, our customers routinely ask, “does Medicare cover hearing aids?” Unfortunately, Medicare plans A and B do not currently cover the cost of hearing aids. But there are other options if you are a senior (or a caregiver) looking for hearing aid insurance coverage. There are many supplemental plans that work with Medicare recipients who are looking to expand their coverage beyond basic Medicare. In addition to Medicare Advantage Plans, there are also supplemental plans, sometimes called "Medigap plans." These are available from private companies. Information on choosing Medigap plans is available here. 

Choose the right Medicare Advantage Plan for you
There are many options in the marketplace, and the professionals at HearingLife understand the choices can be confusing. Some employers offer special Advantage plans for their retirees. Even if you have an employer-sponsored insurance plan, you may have a lot to take into consideration.

 *  What are your current and future medical needs (you can't always predict this), your budget?
 *  What options are covered?
 *  What are your out-of-pocket costs?

 *  What specialists take this insurance?


These are just a few important questions for you. Medicare Advantage Plans are designed to cover things that traditional Medicare doesn't include or only covers partially, but differ widely in cost and coverage.

Medicare Advantage Plans and hearing care
Hearing healthcare can seem complicated. Since traditional Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids, we encourage people who have hearing loss to pick plans that cover their hearing needs. As policies vary widely, it is important that you check with any plan you are considering if they cover hearing care. When you book an appointment with HearingLife, we make every effort to confirm your insurance benefits prior to your visit, so you know what's covered.

Care for everyone
HearingLife serves people whether they have insurance or not. We understand that you may have questions about hearing aid prices, especially for technologically advanced devices. Periodically, we have special offers to help with the cost of hearing aids. We also are proud to be part of the Campaign for Better Hearing, which offers free hearing aids to people with financial needs. There are many benefits to better hearing, so we make every effort to keep hearing healthcare accessible to all.

Pick your Medicare Advantage Plans soon

Now is the time to make decisions regarding hearing care and Medicare Advantage Plans. Many insurance plans don’t include hearing care and your hearing health matters! The professionals at HearingLife encourage people with potential hearing loss to take their hearing care into account when choosing 2021 plans. Better to have the coverage when you need it.






2020-12-21
3 Things You Can Do To Promote Better Hearing Health During Winter

3 Things You Can Do To Promote Better Hearing Health During Winter

Winter is just around the corner. Time for morning walks in the snow, eggnog with family, and hot chocolate around the fireplace. Unfortunately, if you're struggling with hearing impairment, winter can wreak havoc on your ears, and further damage your hearing health.

Even if you aren't hearing impaired or using a hearing aid, it's in your best interest to manage your hearing health this winter season. Let's talk about how you can do that. Here are a few steps you can take to promote better hearing health this winter.


Keep Your Ears Warm
In addition to potentially damaging the sensitive electronics in your hearing aid, prolonged exposure to extreme cold can actually cause damage to the ear itself. We've all experienced temperature-related tinnitus at one point or another. Per the United States National Library of Medicine, cold weather can also aggravate other pre-existing conditions associated with hearing impairment such as Ménière’s Disease.

It can also increase the risk of an ear infection. With all this in mind, if you have to go out in winter weather, bundle up. Get a hat that covers your ears, or invest in a pair of warm earmuffs. 



Wear them when you go out. 



Be Mindful of Moisture
We already know that excessive moisture can be bad for the ears. In winter, it's a whole lot worse. Moisture trapped in the ear can freeze, leading to a whole lot of extreme unpleasantness.

Most commonly, this can manifest as a condition known as Surfer's Ear. Basically, this happens when water and debris get trapped in the ear canal — such as through freezing. In response, the ear starts to develop a series of small growths of bone which can only be removed through surgery.

Fortunately, avoiding this is easy enough. Simply make sure your ears are properly dried before you go out. Avoid staying out in cold, wet conditions any longer than you absolutely have to. 

Manage Your Earwax
If you use a hearing aid, you're already at a higher risk of excessive earwax growth. Winter weather can make that even worse, with the earwax effectively growing and hardening out of control. Fortunately, this can be treated in the same way one would generally treat an ear blockage. 

While you can clean your ears on your own at home, more severe cases of hardened earwax may require a visit to a professional audiologist. If that ends up being what you require, Connect Hearing can help. We can get you connected with a professional for not just ear cleaning, but also a full hearing test.

Contact us today for a free consultation.





2020-12-18
The Impact of Insomnia on Hearing Loss

The Impact of Insomnia on Hearing Loss

Most people appreciate the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. Few experiences are more satisfying than that feeling of being well-rested, while poor sleep habits or sleep disorders can have such adverse effects as fatigue, irritability, depression, and more.

Insomnia can involve difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep as long as needed, and if left untreated, can contribute to such health problems as higher blood pressure and a greater probability of stroke.

Many people may not realize one potential side effect of insomnia is hearing impairment. This article discusses the potential impact of insomnia on hearing loss and the ways that sleep disorders can be linked to hearing disorders.

Insomnia and Blood Circulation
Studies have found that insomnia can sometimes lead to poor blood circulation, which can lead to impaired hearing. Normal hearing involves detecting sound vibrations through the ear and the auditory system. 

If insomnia diminishes the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, poor blood circulation can impair the function of the arteries in the inner ear. This can lead to hearing loss, either suddenly or over time. People diagnosed with poor blood circulation should also consider having their hearing checked.

Sleep Apnea
Research at the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at New York’s Montefiore Medical Center has found a potential link between hearing loss and sleep apnea, which affects almost half of people with insomnia. This common sleep disorder usually involves increased instances of shallow or interrupted breathing during the night. These disruptions of normal sleep patterns can make people feel more tired or fatigued without knowing why.

Sleep apnea may not affect hearing directly, but researchers suspect that they can be correlated. People with sleep apnea may have inflammation or abnormal function of the blood vessels, which can lead to hearing impairments. Sleep apnea may not be accompanied by hearing loss, but patients who have both may experience improved hearing if the apnea is treated.

Tinnitus
Insomnia is known to sometimes exacerbate the symptoms of tinnitus, a hearing disorder associated with such phantom sounds such as ringing in the ears. A study has shown that insomnia can have a negative effect on tinnitus, with insomnia patients reporting decreased tolerance of tinnitus symptoms and greater stress. As anxiety and awareness of tinnitus can make sleep more difficult, the two conditions can easily magnify each other.

Successful treatment of insomnia may see improvements in hearing. Nevertheless, if you have tinnitus, hearing loss, or other forms of hearing impairment, consult with a general physician and seek a referral to an ENT or hearing care specialist as needed. Insomnia and hearing loss both can lead to increased negative effects if left untreated over time.

In Conclusion

Cultivate good sleep habits such as a consistent bedtime every day. Get at least 20 minutes of exercise a day and do a relaxing activity such as reading before bedtime. Some doctors recommend that people who wear hearing aids should remove them at bedtime for increased comfort while falling asleep, as well as giving the devices time to dry out and your inner ear time to rest.




2020-12-18
Otosclerosis Defined

Otosclerosis Defined

Otosclerosis is a middle and inner ear condition which affects approximately 100,000 Americans in the form of hearing loss. Learn more about its causes, symptoms and treatment options.

Overview
 * What is Otosclerosis?
 * What Causes Otosclerosis?
 * What are the Symptoms of Otosclerosis?

 * How is Otosclerosis Treated?

What is Otosclerosis?


Otosclerosis is an example of a vestibular disorder that can lead to hearing loss. The name itself, Oto (Greek for ear) and sclerosis (what medical professionals generally call the process of organ and tissue hardening) implies an abnormal growth of bone in the inner ear. Generally speaking, we are talking about a hardening processes inside the ear preventing hearing systems from functioning properly. Let’s take an even closer look:

To understand this condition we have to know how sound is transmitted in the human ear. Sound first hits the ear drum and is then transmitted to the inner ear via the ossicles in the middle ear. It works its way there via the hammer, anvil and stirrup. These three ossicles must be flexible and able to vibrate to transmit sound. Sound is then transmitted from the stirrup to the inner ear via a transition area. This function is impaired in persons suffering from otosclerosis. The stirrup is most often affected by ossification, where it becomes inflexible. This inflexibility results in hearing loss as no sufficient signal can be passed on to the cochlear in the inner ear.

What Causes Otosclerosis?


Up to this day, it is not entirely clear what causes otosclerosis. There are, however, several factors that are believed to contribute to its development.

Many suspect a genetic component that is passed down through a family as scientists have found evidence of family predisposition. Differences can also be found between the sexes: This condition is twice as common among women as opposed to men. Since it is commonly aggravated during pregnancy, hormonal influences are also regarded as a cause of this condition. Finally, the measles virus is believed to be a potential cause.

Unfortunately, at this time there are no known measures to prevent otosclerosis.

What are the Symptoms of Otosclerosis?


The condition usually manifests itself as increasing deafness occurring between the ages of 20 and 50. Otosclerosis is identified as the cause of 5 to 9 percent of all hearing impairments. Among patients suffering from conductive deafness ossification is actually the cause in 18 to 22 percent of cases. Usually, impaired hearing initially affects one side, but can spread to both ears over time. Often, the patient’s ears are affected to varying extents. Furthermore, some patients report that they can hear better in loud environments. Other possible symptoms include tinnitus (most often in the range of low sounds) and dizziness. Since this hardening process takes place over the course of a long period, otosclerosis can remain undetected for years before the experiencing hearing loss. Sufferers usually don't feel any pain.
It’s best to consult an audiologist. In rare cases, examinations of the ear drum, middle ear and auditory tube show no signs of the condition, but the Schwartze Sign can still be diagnosed as a symptom of hardening. The Schwarze Sign is a reddening in the tympanic cavity seen through the ear drum.

The condition is not easy to detect, but it can be identified by means of various audiometric measurements (tone air threshold audiometry and impedance audiometry). In certain cases, further tests such as balance tests, x-rays of the ear region or a tympano-cochlear scintigraphy (TCS) might be required to diagnose the active center of inflammation.

How is Otosclerosis Treated?


An operation is the only way to successfully treat otosclerosis. The chances of recovery are very high: More than 90 percent of otosclerosis patients report improved hearing after the operation and about half are permanently cured of tinnitus. Therapies using medication, on the other hand, have shown little success.
Audiologist checking a patient's ear for hearing loss.
An operation is the only way to successfully treat otosclerosis. The chances of recovery are very high: More than 90 percent of otosclerosis patients report improved hearing after the operation and about half are permanently cured of tinnitus. Therapies using medication, on the other hand, have shown little success.

Today, the primary method is the stapedotomy. During a stapedotomy just the upper part of the stirrup is removed – while the footplate remains. Using a laser beam or small needle, the surgeon drills a tiny hole into the footplate and a prosthetic is inserted. Today, this method is the most widely used as it results in fewer complications. Laser stapedotomy is regarded as particularly precise.
The implanted prosthetics help directly conduct the oscillations of the ossicular chain to the inner ear. This bypasses the removed stirrup and the oscillations of the other, healthy ossicles are conducted to the prosthetic.
Such an operation can be performed under local or general anesthesia. For further information on the procedure and the risks of the operation please ask an audiologist.

Patients who only suffer from minor hearing loss should also consider hearing aids as an alternative to improve their hearing. This will not put a halt to the process of increasing ossification, however, they can improve hearing and quality of life before surgery is required. Regardless, regular hearing checks will be necessary.


Summary


Generally, ossification of the ear can be treated very well. Consult an audiologist if you notice signs of reduced hearing on yourself. Hearing loss can be a sign of many conditions and should always be looked at by a specialist.




2020-12-17