Older adults with both hearing and visual impairments—or dual sensory impairment—had a significantly higher risk for dementia in a recent study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, according to a press announcement on the Wiley website.

In the study of 2,051 older adults (22.8% with hearing or visual impairment and 5.1% with both impairments) who were followed over eight years, dual sensory impairment was associated with an 86% higher risk for dementia compared with having no sensory impairments. During follow-up, dementia developed in 14.3% in those with no sensory impairments, 16.9% in those with one sensory impairment, and 28.8% in those with dual sensory impairment.

Participants with dual sensory impairment were also twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia) than those without sensory impairments.

“Evaluation of vision and hearing in older adults may predict who will develop dementia and Alzheimer’s. This has important implications on identifying potential participants in prevention trials for Alzheimer’s disease, as well as whether treatments for vision and hearing loss can modify risk for dementia,” said lead author Phillip H. Hwang, of the University of Washington.

Original Paper: Hwang PH, Longstreth WTJ, Brenowitz WD, et al. Dual sensory impairment in older adults and risk of dementia from the GEM Study. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring. 2020;12(1):e12054.

Source: Wiley, Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring

A common inherited genetic variant is a frequent cause of deafness in adults, meaning that many thousands of people are potentially at risk, reveals research published online in the Journal of Medical Genetics. The results of this study were published on the British Medical Journal (BMJ) website.

Deafness in adults is known to be inherited. But, unlike childhood deafness, the genetic causes largely remain a mystery, say the researchers, who suggest that their discovery makes it an ideal candidate for gene therapy.

Deafness is one of the most prevalent disabilities worldwide and has a major impact on quality of life. So far, 118 genes have been associated with the heritable form. Variants in these genes explain a large proportion of congenital and childhood deafness, but not adult deafness. 

This is despite the fact that between 30% and 70% of hearing loss in adults is thought to be inherited. 

The researchers had already discovered the chromosomal region involved in hearing loss in one family, but not the gene involved. To explore this further, they carried out gene sequencing of this family among whom hearing loss in one or both ears had occurred as well as 11 other families (200 people in all). Each family member had a general ear, nose, and throat check and their hearing was tested in both ears.

The genetic sequencing in the first family revealed a missing section of the RIPOR2 gene in 20 of the 23 family members with confirmed hearing loss. But this genetic variant was also found in three other family members aged 23, 40, and 51, who didn’t yet have any hearing loss. This prompted the researchers to carry out gene sequencing, and the same medical and hearing examinations, in a further 11 families affected by hearing loss.

The identical genetic variant was found in 39 of 40 family members with confirmed hearing loss as well as in two people aged 49 and 50 who weren’t affected by hearing loss. What’s more, the RIPOR2 genetic variant was found in a further 18 out of 22,952 randomly selected people for whom no information on hearing loss was available. Four family members with hearing loss didn’t have the RIPOR2 genetic variant. Their deafness might have been associated with heavy smoking or genetic abnormalities other than that in RIPOR2, suggest the researchers. 

While the particular manifestations of this genetically induced hearing loss varied, as did the age at which hearing problems began, its prevalence suggests that it is common (highly penetrant) and that many thousands of people might be at risk of deafness as a result, explain the researchers.

Based on their findings the researchers estimate that in The Netherlands alone, the RIPOR2 genetic variant is likely present “in more than 13,000 individuals who are therefore at risk of developing [hearing loss] or who have developed [hearing loss] already due to this variant.” And, they suggest that a further 30,000 people in northern Europe are likely to have this genetic variant and therefore be at risk of deafness.

“Because of the large number of subjects estimated to be at risk for [hearing loss] due to the c.1696_1707 del RIPOR2 variant, it is an attractive target for the development of a genetic therapy,” they conclude.

Original Paper: De Bruijn SE, Smits JJ, Liu C, et al. A RIPOR2 in-frame deletion is a frequent and highly penetrant cause of adult-onset hearing loss. Journal of Medical Genetics. 2020;0:1-9.

Source: BMJ, Journal of Medical Genetics

Yes, you can!  Now you can have hands-free, two-way conversations on your iPhone, Android smartphone, laptop or any other Bluetooth device – all without the need for a streamer or remote.  With the new Embrace X-Series, you will receive clear sound from audio and video calls in both ears, delivered with the clarity you expect from the best hearing aids. Your phone can be in your pocket, on the car-seat beside you or even 20’ away.

Not only does the Embrace Hearing X-Series offer handsfree two-way streaming to and from all Bluetooth devices (Apple and Android), but also, it is packed with the latest software and technology for the best hearing aid experience available today. All with a 45-day free trial, 100% money back, period and a three-year comprehensive warranty.  And there are both battery operated and rechargeable models.

Now you can hear your phone calls, Zoom meetings, or Skype and Facetime chats clearly and effortlessly – and stay connected with your family, friends and community.  Your hearing aids will be like wireless stereo headphones that you can use to enjoy podcasts, driving directions and music delivered with the sound clarity that matches your specific hearing challenges.

You can also control your hearing aids with a smartphone app which will allow you to change left and right volume together or separately, and switch programs.

Embrace Hearing aid prices are less than half of what you can expect to pay at a retail audiologist. We offer 24/7 expert customer support for the life of the hearing aids.  Our technology and software options are the best available.

Want to learn more about the Embrace Hearing X-series?  Give us a call and we would be happy to discuss the technology and the best options for your hearing needs and budget. Need a hearing test? We can help you find a local Audiologist or provide instructions for a free an online test.

Asri Maharani, Ph.D., from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, and colleagues used data from the Health and Retirement Study to determine whether hearing aid use alters cognitive trajectories in older adults. The 2,040 adults (aged ≥50 years) included in the analysis participated in a minimum of three waves of the study.

The researchers found that hearing aid use was positively associated with 
episodic memory scores (P < 0.001). Compared to before use of hearing aids (P < 0.001), declines in episodic memory scores were slower after use began (P < 0.001). These results were maintained even after adjustment for multiple confounders.

"Hearing aids may have a mitigating effect on trajectories of cognitive decline in later life," the authors write. "Providing hearing aids or other rehabilitative services for hearing impairment much earlier in the course of hearing impairment may stem the worldwide rise of dementia."

While baseball was first to earn the nickname “America’s pastime,” our love for entertainment and education has bumped the use of television well above baseball — and all other sports for that matter.

For several decades now, watching TV has become the choice leisure activity for many Americans. Research suggests that 95% of adults in the United States watch television daily, and according to the Nielsen Total Audience Report (Q4 report, 2019), adults age 18+ spend over 36 hours a week using their televisions. That number includes watching live TV, recorded shows, movies, and time spent using devices like DVD players, game consoles and smart TV apps.
Why TV is challenging for people with hearing loss

People with hearing loss, and sometimes even those wearing hearing aids, can find watching television challenging. This article will help you understand some of the factors that impact television sound quality and the tools that are available for enhancing the enjoyment of coveted TV time.

 

Hearing loss and the auditory system (your ears)
Individuals with hearing loss can face two challenges when it comes to being able to enjoy sound from a television: loudness and clarity. Properly fit hearing aids can help overcome hearing loss and ensure that sounds are audible. But things get more complicated when clarity or speech understanding is compromised. Individuals who struggle with both issues often report that the TV signal is loud enough but not clear enough.

 
Technology considerations (your television)
Sound quality in television is technically defined by how accurately audio is reproduced compared to the original arrangement. TV shows, movies, and video games are all mixed in the studio to have a distinct sound before we view them — which may or may not work well with our personal preferences for sound quality. Believe it or not, some programs are intended to be bass or treble-heavy!
In addition, the frequency response, inherent distortion of the television set and the audio format (analog, digital, compression, bitrate, etc...) can all play a role in the quality of sound provided by the TV.
Unfortunately, most televisions only come with the ability to deliver mediocre fidelity and the use of a dedicated speaker system or soundbar is often required for the best possible replication of the original signal.

 
Environment and visuals (your setting)

Distance from the television, reverberation and background noise can also impact sound quality in negative ways. In addition, whether we realize it or not, we all use lip reading to supplement speech understanding. Unfortunately, we’re not always guaranteed access to faces on the TV set when people are talking. For example, newscasters share details while the camera pans across a scene, cooking tips are explained while we’re shown a pot on a cooktop, and action movies are notorious for dialogue that occurs simultaneously with car chases or exploding buildings.

How you can hear your TV better

So, what can be done to help improve the sound quality experience with the television beyond using a soundbar, closed captioning or recording programs to rewatch them? Starkey is delighted to offer a variety of tools to help optimize and personalize your television listening experience.

We all want to maintain our mental sharpness as we get older. Dementia, Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline are conditions everyone hopes to avoid.
A growing body of research has shown that hearing loss plays a role in our ability to stay mentally sharp as we age. In fact, in a 2018 review of the research, it was concluded that untreated hearing loss increased the risk of dementia by 50 percent.

While researchers admit the science is still inconclusive on exactly why untreated hearing loss increases dementia risk, they do offer three probable reasons.

Hearing loss leads to social isolation
Untreated hearing loss has long been linked to increased social isolation and loneliness, which studies have shown increases the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Think about it — if you struggle to hear, you’ll be more likely to withdraw from social activities or situations where hearing plays a big role.

Hearing loss shifts your cognitive load
As hearing becomes more difficult, your brain has to work harder to register and comprehend what you’re listening to. This steals energy needed for memory and thinking. Scientists refer to this as the “cognitive load theory.”

Imagine your brain as having a finite amount of fuel. As hearing loss increases, you use more “fuel” to make sense of what you’re listening to, meaning you have less fuel for tasks like memory and decision-making.

Hearing loss accelerates brain shrinkage
Finally, hearing loss is shown to accelerate brain atrophy or shrinkage.
Yes, believe it or not, our brains shrink as we age. But researchers at John’s Hopkins found that people with impaired hearing lost more brain tissue per year than peers with normal hearing — likely due to atrophy from lack of stimulation.
 
 So, can treating hearing loss help keep us mentally sharp?
No evidence has yet proven that hearing loss treatment can prevent cognitive decline, but two studies strongly suggest it may help (and another is in the works).
One, in 2015, studied subjects over a 25 year period and found that those with self-reported hearing loss who did not wear hearing aids showed evidence of accelerated cognitive decline, while those with hearing loss who did wear hearing aids had no more cognitive decline than their normal-hearing peers.
A 2017 study was even more interesting. The study, conducted by The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Care, concluded that managing or treating hearing loss in mid-life is one of nine things you can do to help prevent dementia. And — more importantly — it was the number one risk factor they recommended you could modify to “reduce the incidence of dementia or substantially delay its onset.”
In fact, researchers suggest that hearing loss treatment "could prevent up to 9 percent of the more than 47 million dementia cases in the world".

Wearing hearing aids is an effective treatment for hearing loss

This link between hearing loss and cognitive decline — and the studies above — should give everyone added incentive to treat hearing loss and not ignore common hear loss signs. And hearing aids are a common way to treat hearing loss.
Our Livio AI hearing aids were specifically designed to help people both manage their hearing loss and achieve good cognitive health. In addition to being our best sounding and best performing hearing aids, they’re the first wearable device that helps you monitor your brain and body activity.

Time Magazine liked Livio so much, they named them one of 2019’s Best Inventions.

When you have a hearing loss, hearings aids may help you manage most activities. But if you live alone, some situations are more challenging. Luckily, there are devices to give you a helping hand.
It's important to hear warning sounds, like a smoke alarm, whether you wear hearing aids or not. Other scenarios are more inconvenient than dangerous. Sleeping-in because you can’t hear your alarm clock, to name one example.

Fortunately, there are devices designed for people withhearing losses that will help give you, and concerned family and friends, peace of mind.

Specialised smoke alarms

In addition to the standard alarm sound, these devices come with a vibrating pad you can place under your pillow. There’s also a flashing light for your bedside table. It helps you to notice the smoke alarm when you remove your hearing aids to sleep.

Portable doorbells

You don’t want to miss any visitors or worry people when you don’t answer the door. There are a range of doorbells designed for people with a hearing loss, with features such as a louder than usual ringtone and a flashing receiver that you carry with you. Some models also offer phone alerts, so you’ll receive a notification on your smartphone when someone rings the bell.

Vibrating alarm clocks 

Living independently means you can only rely on yourself when it comes to waking up in time for work, meetings or other early-morning tasks. Like the doorbells, alarm clocks are available with a range of features, this includes an extra-loud alarm, vibrating shaker that rests under your pillow and flashing strobe lights.

A hearing loss doesn’t mean you have to lose your independence. The right equipment can help you to handle day-to-day activities.

Just like a dental or eye check-up, it’s important to check your hearing regularly. As hearing gradually changes over time, it’s not always noticed right away. Many times, your family and friends are likely to notice changes in your hearing before you do.

Here are five simple ways to tell if it’s time to check your hearing:

You often ask people to repeat themselves

One of the biggest signs that your hearing is changing is when you regularly have to ask people to repeat themselves. It may sound as though people around you are mumbling or conversations are unclear. You may also find it harder to hear people unless they’re facing you directly.

As people get older, it’s more common to experience hearing loss in the high frequencies. So, another sign of hearing loss is having trouble understanding women and children who tend to speak at higher pitches.

Your family often complains that the TV volume is up too loud.
It’s not always easy to follow TV shows or movies, especially during times when the music drowns out the dialogue. However, if you’re often turning up the volume to a point where those around you complain about how loud it is, the issue may not be with your TV. 

Also, listening to excessively loud music can do further damage to your hearing, so it’s best to get your hearing checked right away.

You frequently hear a ringing or buzzing noise in your ears
Tinnitus occurs when you hear sounds often described as a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears when no external source is present. Most people experience tinnitus at some point, such as after attending a live concert or nightclub, but it usually goes away after a few hours. 

However, if the ringing doesn’t fade away, it’s best to check your hearing. Whilst tinnitus isn’t always a symptom of hearing loss, it is a common first sign.

You often strain to hear in noisy places

People with hearing loss often have trouble focusing on what people are saying in places with background noise, such as a restaurant or shopping centre. If you find yourself constantly straining to hear and follow conversations, you may often feel tired and worn out. If a typical day of conversing with family, friends and colleagues leaves you mentally and physically fatigued, then it might be time for a hearing test.

You’re missing out on everyday sounds

Do you often have missed calls or people saying they’ve been knocking outside your door for a long time? This is common for people with hearing loss, especially as you’re more likely to have your TV or radio turned up louder than usual.

Whilst it can be tough to admit your hearing isn’t as good as it used to be, it’s best to take action early on.  With the right support and technology, hearing loss doesn’t need to keep you from enjoying all the fun things in life.

When we start to shop for hearing aids, it can be overwhelming! There are so many brands, types, options and retailers – both online and traditional storefronts.  Every retailer and manufacturer does their best to make their hearing aids sound as attractive as possible.  But how can you really tell?

These 10 questions will help you highlight the differences in the options you are considering and determine the real value of each option.  To make your life easier, you click here to download a handy chart that you can fill out when doing your research.  We have even added three of our most popular models to help you out.

Remember, not everyone needs the highest level of hearing technology.  At the lower end, hearing aid models can offer very good performance in quieter settings and watching TV. The higher end levels perform better in more challenging environments like noisy restaurants, group settings and large open spaces. To get the best value, ask yourself where your greatest hearing challenges are and what is most appropriate for your lifestyle and budget.


1. Is the hearing aid custom programmed to my hearing test? You will get the best sound clarity and performance from hearing aids that are custom programmed to your hearing test by a licensed Audiologist. Some companies sell non-programmed devices as FDA Class 1 hearing aids. Don’t be fooled!  If they do not require your hearing test, they are not custom programming your hearing aids.

2.How long is the warranty? Does it cover rechargeable battery replacement? What about loss or damage? This is an important question to ask in order to understand how long your retailer will stand behind its products. The longest available will be 3 years.  The warranty should include any manufacturer defect that causes the hearing aid to stop working, the rechargeable batteries and the receivers (the wires that connect the in-ear speaker to the processor above the ear in the popular Behind-the-Ear models). 

3.While hearing aids are rarely lost or badly damaged, it can happen. Retailers should offer “loss and damage” replacement assistance. If you lose or badly damage your hearing aids during the warranty, better retailers offer to replace them once at a reduced price.

4. How many programmable channels or bands does the hearing aid have? Hearing aids can have anywhere from 4 to 20+ channels.  This is the number of sound frequency bands used to custom program your hearing aids to the results of your hearing test. Up to a point (20 seems to be the most you can benefit from), the greater the number of bands, the better and more natural the sound quality delivered to you. Generally, models with more programmable channels will also have more sophisticated software to more effectively process voices in noisy environments.

5. How many sound environments does the hearing automatically adjust to? In the past, when you went into a noisy restaurant, you could select a ‘restaurant program’ on your hearing aids to help with background noise. Today’s latest hearing aid technology includes software that automatically identifies and adjusts to changes in your sound environment so you never need to make any manual adjustments. So if you go from a quiet car into a noisy restaurant, the hearing aids know this and adjust automatically. Higher performance levels recognize and adjust to a greater number of environments for seamless sound clarity all day long.

 How well does it work in crowded and noisy situations?The best models will offer specialized technology that actively amplifies the sounds you want to hear, while minimizing background noise. Embrace Hearing’s LiveSpeachFocus technology optimizes speech understanding in noisy or group situations by dynamically scanning the listening environment to focus on the active speaker in your immediate vicinity.

6.  How do you control volume on the aids? If your hearing aids have been custom programmed to your hearing needs, the volume level should reflect the right level of amplification for your hearing needs.  However, circumstances can arise where it will be desirable to adjust amplification levels. True premium hearing aids can be adjusted with a smartphone app, a small remote, and/or a button on the hearing aids depending on the model.  Some rely on a clapping motion to the side of your head which many users find awkward.

7. What is the power source? Hearing aids are either powered by disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries. If you have a reliable evening routine, the convenience and environmental benefits of rechargeable hearing aids are clear. But be sure that your warranty covers the batteries as replacements can be costly and, in some models, the batteries cannot be replaced. Disposable batteries should last 3-7 days, depending on the model and level of streaming use. These batteries are inexpensive and are readily available locally and around the world. With normal use, it will cost about $25 -$50 per year to operate a pair of our hearing aids with disposable batteries.

8. Does the model offer completely hands-free phone calls and Bluetooth streaming? Imagine completely hands-free phone calls or the sound of your TV Streamed directly into your hearing aids. Models like Embrace Hearing’s X Series offer direct 2-way Bluetooth streaming which will send your phone’s sound directly to your aids – and your aids will act as a microphone – allowing completely handsfree phone calls. Your phone can be in your pocket or up to 30 feet away! 

    Note: Not all hearing aid brands will connect to both Apple or Android smartphones, so be sure to check this before buying.

9.  Will I have direct contact by phone/email with the Audiologist? Your hearing aids should be programmed by a licensed Audiologist. Will you be able to follow up with them with any issues and adjustments? Make sure that the audiologist will work with you as long as you own the aids. Check to see what the business hours and work days are, when you will be able to have your phone call answered, and how long it will take to schedule an appointment.

10.  Will there be a restocking fee if I decide to return the aids? By law, every hearing aid retailer must offer at least a 30-day trial period on all hearing aids.  However, many frustrated consumers discover that undisclosed costs may have been “bundled” into the price they paid for the hearing aids.  On returning the aids, restocking fees or other charges of up to $300 are deducted from their refund.  Check the reviews of the retailer you are dealing with and ask for confirmation of exactly what the return policy and charges will be.  Within the trial period, the best retailers will refund 100% of the purchase price on receipt of the returned hearing aids.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone should be wearing face masks in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) in order to protect the public from the COVID 19 coronavirus.

While we at Embrace Hearing thoroughly endorse this practice, we want to pass on a word of warning to our customers.  Please be extremely careful when you remove your masks while wearing hearing aids.  The elastic ear attachments on the masks can catch on your aids, inadvertently removing them - and potentially leading to loss or damage.

There are many tell-tale signs of hearing loss: a loud television set, constantly saying “what?” during conversations, an inability to distinguish individual sounds in noisy settings like restaurants and coffee shops. Untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline, isolation and depression, not to mention frustration in personal relationships when communication falters.
With more than 48 million Americans suffering from some form of hearing loss, the malady is more common than many individuals think. If you’re struggling with hearing your grandkids’ voices or the birdsongs of summer, it might be time to visit a hearing healthcare professional for a hearing evaluation.

Questions to ask yourself
If you aren’t convinced you need to schedule an appointment, despite the urging of loved ones or coworkers, consider a self-diagnosis. Answering the following questions, provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) can help determine whether or not you are suffering from hearing loss:

 * Do you have issues hearing sound over the telephone?
 *  you hear better with one ear over the other while on the telephone?
 * Do you have trouble following conversation in groups, while individuals are conversing simultaneously?
 * Do people complain the volume on the television is too high?
 * Do you strain to understand conversation?
 * Do you have trouble hearing is noisy backgrounds, like restaurants?
 * Do you experience dizziness, pain or ringing in your ears?
 * Do you find yourself asking people to repeat what they said?
 * Do family members or coworkers remark about you missing pieces of conversations?
 * Do many people you talk with seem to mumble or not speak clearly?
 * Do you misunderstand what others say and, as a result, respond inappropriately?
 * Do you have difficulty understanding the speech of children and women?

 * Do you get annoyed as a result of misunderstanding what people say?

According to ASHA, if you answer yes to two or more of the above questions, you should make an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional to have your hearing professionally evaluated. Hearing loss evaluations include a battery of harmless tests that will determine the degree and type of hearing loss you are suffering from. From the results of the test, called an audiogram, the ENT or audiologist will prescribe hearing aids that fit the type of hearing loss found.

Unless you have a fully waterproof hearing aid, submerging it in water is a very bad idea – but a very easy mistake to make. Maybe you rationalized that just wading in knee-deep water wouldn’t be a problem or maybe you completely forgot to take it out in your excitement to jump into the coolness of a crystal-clear pool. However the scenario played out, the end result is the same: a wet hearing aid. Before throwing in your beach towel and preparing for a walk of shame to your hearing health professional’s clinic, these crucial steps could save you (and it) from hearing aid repair.

1. Immediately remove the hearing aid and turn it off
Removal is a logical step if the hearing aid stopped working after the water exposure. The tricky thing is that it might not stop working right away, so you might be tempted to assume the it will be okay. The faster you react to an accidental dunking, the greater the chance you’ll be able to save the hearing aid from the damaging effects of moisture, so don’t rationalize – just act.

2. Remove the battery
As soon you take the hearing aid out, remove the battery and leave the compartment door open to air out the terminals. In most cases, the current battery will be no good, so as a precaution, throw it out and retrieve a new one.

3. Remove dirt, sand and surface water
Removing visible moisture and dirt will stop further damage from occurring. If the water it was dunked in is dirty or sandy, you will want to wipe it carefully before drying to avoid rubbing debris further inside it.

4. Dry It: makeshift solutions
If you don’t have immediate access to a hearing aid dryer (one reason you should always carry a portable version with you), here are a few other options:

lay it on newspaper in a well-ventilated area
place it near a lamp or other (VERY mild) heat source to speed the drying process
place it in a sealed container with uncooked rice or silica gel
Use a very cool fan or dryer
Letting the hearing aid dry out for up to 48 hours is best, if you can wait that long. When the moment of truth arrives, don’t feel discouraged if it’s not working. Visit your hearing healthcare professional as soon as possible to see if anything can be done. If not, your warranty will most likely cover replacement and you’ll have a new one within a few weeks.

As frustrating as the loss and inconvenience is, a wet hearing aid does not have to be the end of your hearing health. Many hearing professionals are able to repair a hearing device in their office. In the event the malfunction is severe, your hearing provider may have to send your hearing aid to the manufacturer for repair.

Hearing loss is very treatable, but many people don’t even realize they’ve experienced hearing loss until the condition becomes severe. The Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals recommends those 18-45 get a hearing test every five years, 45-60 every three years, and those 60+, every two years.

An audiologist testing the hearing of a patient.
There are many things that can cause hearing loss. Genetic conditions. An unhealthy lifestyle.  Prolonged exposure to traumatically loud sounds. Even stress.

Regardless of the cause, hearing loss isn't necessarily as debilitating as you might expect.   Except in a few rare cases, it's entirely treatable, sometimes even completely preventable. The problem is that many people don't even realize they're at risk of suffering from it until their condition becomes severe.

Here are a few very good reasons you shouldn't be like most people.

Reduce Medical Costs via Prevention

Getting your hearing screened regularly by a professional isn't just good for your auditory health. It's also good for your wallet. Through early detection and prevention of emerging issues, you can save a great deal in medical costs down the road.

According to research released by the World Health Organization, unaddressed hearing loss carries an annual global cost of approximately $750 million. Early identification, audiological rehabilitation, and the effective use of hearing aids are therefore incredibly cost-effective. Not only that, but it can also help with your mental health, as unaddressed or untreated hearing loss has been linked to depression and cognitive decline.

The best part is that initial hearing screenings are free from most providers, meaning there's literally no justification for not going to get one.

Uncover Other Possible Health Issues

Believe it or not, hearing loss can actually be a marker for a wide range of other health conditions, many of them life-threatening. Changes in your hearing health could be indicative of diabetes, high blood pressure, dangerous side effects of a medication you're taking, or even heart disease.

There is a growing body of research that shows the ears can actually be a window to your heart, and that hearing health is closely-connected with cardiovascular health.

Getting your hearing checked by a professional thus not only helps keep your ears in top shape but could also help you detect and treat other health problems you didn't even know you had!

Get Tailored Treatments and Recommendations More Quickly

Your hearing is unique to you, and no two people experience the audioscapes of the world in quite the same way. By extension, that means everyone's experience with hearing loss is a bit different.

Some people may have trouble hearing low-pitched noises. Others may find higher frequencies pass by them unnoticed. Regardless of how your hearing loss has manifested, you require a unique treatment tailored to your specific condition.

That's precisely what a hearing screening helps you get. By working with an audiologist, you can determine the exact frequencies you've lost and why, allowing you to take the proper next steps and get the medication and treatment you need. A professional audiogram can be used to further tailor these treatments.
While there are plenty of big-box stores and over-the-counter options, these don't offer quite the same comfort as a more professional setting. An audiologist such as those employed by Connect Health can walk you through everything you need to know, providing you with specific counseling on the latest digital hearing technology. More importantly, they'll help you fine-tune your devices to your exact specifications, and you'll have the added luxury of regular follow-ups, meaning you won't need to troubleshoot your technology on your own.

If you're interested in learning more, Give us a call at 1-888-426-6632 to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our hearing care professionals today.

Everyone perceives hearing loss differently. Both the cause and the degree can vary. While aging is a common explanation for experiencing a certain degree of hearing loss, there are other possible causes of losing your hearing. Medical complications and prolonged exposure to loud noise can all be potential root causes.

It isn’t uncommon for people with hearing difficulties to turn away from friends and family and become isolated. Loss of hearing means that you are no longer able to carry conversations and interact with your loved ones the same way you did in the past. This can be extremely frustrating.
The most common causes are:

1. Aging
2. Prolonged exposure to loud noises
3. Diseases such as meningitis
4. Hereditary factors
5. Certain medications
6. Levels of Hearing Loss

The term, degrees of hearing loss, refers to the various levels of the damage. Your hearing loss may be completely different in severity than someone else’s and falls into one of four categories:

1. Mild
2. Moderate
3. Severe
4. Profound

Audiologists measure the intensity of a sound and the degree of hearing loss in decibels (dB). What that means is, if you have a hearing loss of 40 dB, you are unable to hear sounds below 40 dB.

When a certain measurement borders two distinct categories, it is referred to it as a combination of the two. Your hearing is considered normal if it can detect sounds between 20-25 decibels.

If you or someone you know are showing signs of hearing loss, be sure to see a hearing care professional and get a hearing test done. Only a trained professional can make an assessment, interpret your hearing test results and recommend the best solution.

Even if you weren’t bullied for having hearing loss as a child, odds are you know somebody who was. Hearing aids of the past tended to be clunky and highly visible, making students who wore them easy targets for cruel jokes and name-calling. While today’s hearing instruments offer a discreet and technologically advanced solution to hearing loss for all ages, many young people still face mistreatment for their condition. In fact, some studies suggest that of the 30 percent of students in grades 6-10 who have been bullied, those with disabilities such as a hearing loss are nearly twice as likely to experience bullying.

Over time, such bullying can lead to self-esteem issues and other insecurities about their hearing that can harm a child’s development. If your child has indicated that they are being teased at school or elsewhere, read on to learn how to build their confidence and give them tools to stand up to their bullies.

Most common signs of bullying
The signs of bullying for someone with hearing loss are not that different from those exhibited by those who are bullied for other reasons. If you notice any of the following behaviors or changes, it may be time to talk with your child about their hearing loss:

Sudden drop in grades or overall lack of interest in school
Displays of sadness or aggression after a conversation or phone call
Remarks that feel inconsistent with their personality
Decreased drive to participate in family or school activities
Have an open dialogue
If your child is being made fun of at school, there is a high likelihood that they are ashamed and may not want to talk about it. Paying attention to your child’s behavior will reveal changes in mood and sociability that may be linked to bullying. It is important to discuss the realities of their condition and determine whether they are being treated fairly.

Once your child opens up about certain comments or insults that have been made, you can try and explain what the bully’s perspective may be. Perhaps they don’t understand what makes your child different or have not learned what is appropriate behavior in the classroom. Be sure to stress that the issue lies with the bully, not the child, and that they should not feel embarrassed.

Discussing bullying at home won’t solve the problem, but it always helps to be honest with your child about their concerns and to show that they can feel safe discussing their hearing loss with you. In order to give your child a chance to defend themselves, try to come up with a system of coping methods that will help them deal with possible bullying situations in advance. This can include teaching them new phrases and vocabulary words about hearing loss so that they can explain their condition to others without feeling flustered or confused.

Know your child’s friends
Because of a desire to fit in with a group, many children may have experienced bullying and not even be aware of it. You can monitor your child’s friendships by asking them what they do or talk about when they are together and listen for any potential warning signs. If possible, try and invite your children’s friends over and watch how they interact. When a hearing loss is severe enough, a child may not recognize social or facial cues among their friends.

If you notice that the friendship feels unfair or one-sided, speak with your child about how a healthy friendship works and what an unhealthy one looks like so they can recognize the situation for themselves. You can also role-play with them to help them differentiate facial expressions, tones of voice, and body language.

Help your child discover their passion
Every child has a unique talent waiting to be discovered. By working with your child to develop a skill or passion early, you can boost their confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment. By finding success in a hobby, sport, or other activity, children will recognize that there is nothing that they can’t do because of their hearing loss, an attitude that will carry any child far in life.

Learn about hearing loss together
The internet and local libraries are great sources for materials related to hearing loss. By showing your child that there is an entire community dedicated to hearing loss, they will see that they are not alone and learn about all the amazing things people have done despite their condition. You can also go online and watch video blogs created by people with hearing loss to learn their stories and how they cope with bullying. The more your child understands hearing loss, the less they will see it as a hindrance.

Fight bullying in your community
If you support ending bullying and challenging the stigma against hearing loss, you can spread the word by sharing this campaign started by a mother with hearing loss with other parents in your area. You may also want to speak with your child’s teachers at the beginning of the school year to let them know about their needs. By starting a dialogue, you can help make your community safe and accessible for everyone regardless of ability.

Speak with a professional
We hope this list will be helpful as you prepare your child to face the world. If you have additional concerns about what your child’s hearing loss might mean for their future, schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional to discuss available treatment options and better understand your child’s condition. Our online locator will help you find a professional in your area at no cost.

Many hearing care professionals have expressed that part of their job involves mediating conflicts between couples for which hearing loss is present. Denial is a very common response when accusations of hearing loss are made, and many people will mistake their partner’s physical condition as neglect. In fact, it is often the hearing partner who reports feeling lonely and ignored in a relationship.

Even without hearing loss, communication can be one of the most difficult elements of a relationship. When the ability to comprehend and listen carefully are inhibited, it can cause frustration for both partners. One study found that nearly 44 percent of those over the age of 55 reported their romantic relationships had suffered because of hearing loss. This is probably not that surprising, as anyone is likely to feel unappreciated or unloved if they feel that their voice is, quite literally, not heard. Fortunately, the same survey also revealed that for more than half of those surveyed, being fitted with hearing aids helped improve their relationship.

Hearing aids are a solution to relationship struggles
For those with hearing loss, activities that once seemed simple can become challenging. After a while, the inability to concentrate on what people are saying in crowded areas, understand speech through the phone, or enjoy intimate moments with a loved one can cause some people to become isolated, anxious, and depressed. Instead of seeking a solution to their hearing loss, many people will stop going out and doing the things they enjoy over time, hurting themselves and their partner in the process.

Today’s hearing aids are designed to make going out a breeze no matter the listening environment or situation. Directional microphones, wind and feedback suppressors, wireless streaming capabilities, and other features make it so that nobody has to avoid going out to a party, restaurant, or movie because they’re embarrassed by their hearing loss. Instead of minimizing the reality of a hearing loss or distancing yourself from a partner because of this condition, consider purchasing a hearing aid and developing skills to mediate communication issues.

In a relationship where only one person has hearing loss, the partner with normal hearing can also work to improve communication. Be sure to have an open discussion about any hearing-related concerns and try to establish a plan for resolving them. Some of the most common and effective strategies for enhancing comprehension are direct eye contact, slower and clearer speech delivery, and speaking with a louder volume.

Building healthy hearing environments
There are plenty of accessories available to increase the functionality of hearing aids, including Bluetooth® streaming and smartphone apps to help you hear better in any situation. You may also want to rearrange some furniture or appliances in the house to create quieter spaces for listening and conversation. Consider dividing household chores by ability, such as leaving telephone and communication work to the hearing partner. Letting others know that your partner has difficulty hearing at events such as a cocktail or dinner party will keep your partner from having to frequently explain their condition and prevent potential misunderstandings. If you have been fitted with a hearing aid, be sure to wear it as prescribed and try not to take it out if it isn’t necessary.

Hearing loss doesn’t have to mean the end of a romantic relationship. The tools and articles available on this website are here to help you in your journey towards restored hearing. If your relationship is suffering because of lapses in communication, a hearing aid may be the answer. Use our online locator today to find a hearing care professional in your area and schedule an appointment.

Wearing a face mask in public has become increasingly common, even required in some public places, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been well documented that people with hearing loss have found it to be increasingly challenging to communicate with others who are wearing masks, as they muffle sound and eliminate lip reading cues.

 

Unfortunately, that isn’t the only challenge individuals with hearing loss face. The over-the-ear face mask, often the most common style, puts hearing aid wearers at risk for misplacing their behind-the-ear devices when they become entangled upon removal. So, what do N95 face masks, the children’s game “Barrel of Monkeys,” and headbands all have in common? They help provide solutions to this common problem!

 

Below we’ve listed some recommendations to help reduce your risk of losing your hearing aids. Additionally, we invite you to watch our Chief Innovation Officer Dave Fabry, Ph.D., discuss this topic in detail on our YouTube channel.

 

Mask-tips

 

If you do knock your hearing aids off when wearing a face mask, we suggest the following:

1.Don’t panic.

2'If you were fit with a Livio, Livio AI or Livio Edge AI device, you can use the “Find My Hearing Aid” feature directly on the Thrive App on your smart phone. The app will indicate whether you are getting closer or farther from the device. Even if your hearing aid is lost outdoors and runs out of battery charge, your phone’s GPS will show where the hearing aid was when it was last connected.

3.If you don’t have one of these devices, take your time and be patient. Zone off areas where it is most likely you lost your hearing aid.

If all else fails, contact your hearing healthcare professional to see if your device may be covered under a loss and damage policy.

A study led by University of Manchester researchers has revealed that around 20% of people who have been issued with hearing aids do not use them, according to a summary published on the University’s website.

The analysis was carried out on annual National Survey for Wales data, said to be the largest sample on hearing aid use in the UK, and is published in the International Journal of Audiology.

The study showed that approximately 20% of adults currently do not use their hearing aids at all, 30% use them some of the time, and the remaining 50%, most of the time.

However, the proportion of people who never use their hearing aids has been gradually reducing during the 15 years that the survey has been taking place.

There has also been a commensurate increase in the proportion who report using their hearing aids most of the time.

It was carried out jointly with audiologists from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in North Wales.

Professor Kevin Munro from The University of Manchester, a co-author of the study, is NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Hearing Health Theme Lead.

He argues the results highlight an urgent need to tackle nonuse and underuse.

“Hearing loss is the most common sensory problem in the world, experienced by one in six people in the UK,” he said. “It has a well-known association with cognitive decline and dementia, and as hearing aids are the primary treatment, can have huge benefit to wearers.

“The NHS is the largest purchaser of hearing aids in the world so knowing that they are valued by many is great, but there is substantial room for improvement. This study was carried out in Wales, but as it’s such a comprehensive and reliable data set there’s no reason to believe the situation is much different in the rest of the UK.”“

Previous data on hearing aid use, obtained from different countries, has been of varying quality with estimates of hearing aid non-use varying between 1% and 57% of those fitted.

The annually recurring hearing aid data from 10,000 to 16,000 people—who completed the National Survey of Wales—is carried out face-to-face by independent researchers, providing an “unrivaled data set.”

Since 2004, it has contained questions on self-perceived hearing difficulty, adoption, and use of hearing aids, and the occurrence of difficulty with hearing while wearing hearing aids.

Reasons for nonuse, said Munro, vary from lack of perceived benefit to handling difficulties. But, getting used to a hearing aid when you are relatively young, he said, will make it easier to use when you are frailer and older as it becomes second nature.

Professor Harvey Dillon, from The University of Manchester, is lead author on the paper and is also funded by NIHR Manchester BRC.

He said: “Although underuse or nonuse of treatments by some patients is by no means unique to hearing aids, achieving uniformly high use of hearing aids by those who need them would provide a major benefit to society. We already know that the largest predictor of hearing aid benefit is the quality of interaction with the health professional, rather than the degree of hearing loss.

“But it’s imperative that more research is done to understand why nonuse can set in so quickly for some, and devise efficient procedures to prevent this from happening. We think there is a need for more prompt and proactive follow-up and monitoring once a hearing aid been prescribed and fitted by the NHS.”

Many women have complained that men don’t listen, but we don’t believe that is true. There IS evidence, however that men and women really do hear differently.

The first thing to note is that a study done at the Indiana University School of Medicine¹ shows via brain scans that men tend to listen primarily with one side of their brain, while women use both hemispheres. This makes a difference in how the brain processes and interprets sound.

"Our research suggests language processing is different between men and women, but it doesn't necessarily mean performance is going to be different," said Joseph T. Lurito, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of radiology at Indiana University School of Medicine.¹ "We don't know if the difference is because of the way we're raised, or if it's hard-wired in the brain."

Men are five and a half times more likely to lose their hearing than women

According to a 2008 study from Johns Hopkins University,² men are five and a half times more likely to lose their hearing than women. This may be due to health factors, such as men tend to have higher instances of diseases, like heart disease and diabetes, that can contribute to hearing loss. In general, men to tend to work in jobs that are known to damage hearing, so those may be contributing factors. 
How men and women hear differently? And what helps?

Research, however, has found that women of all ages have better hearing at frequencies above 2,000 Hz, but, as they age, women are less able to hear low frequencies (1,000 – 2,000 Hz) than men. Women do have opportunities to help their risk of hearing loss.³ Studies show that more women eat well which may help to prevent hearing loss. 

Another interesting tidbit from AARP, men are more likely to NEED hearing aids (for reasons mentioned above), but women are more likely to WEAR theirs.

Regardless of gender, as you age, you should get a hearing assessment

Hearing is an essential sense for both men and women. Schedule a hearing assessment* with us today. We can determine what, if any, your level of hearing loss is, and make recommendations to improve it. 

If you had hearing loss, would you know it? Not necessarily. Hearing loss often starts subtly and symptoms can take decades to manifest themselves as it progresses slowly over time. The most common type of hearing loss, age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), can shift so gradually that you may not realize how much you are missing. In fact, as hearing worsens, you may subconsciously adjust everyday activities and social interactions to cope with hearing difficulties. In time, you might not notice how gradually hearing loss has diminished your ability to live your life to its fullest. Luckily, you can do things to improve this situation and re-engage with loved ones.
Knowing the signs of hearing loss is key to success

There are many signs of hearing loss. It starts with everyday annoyances. Some are blatant, others are subtle. If you or a loved one are showing these signs, we encourage you to make an appointment for a complimentary hearing assessment.*

1.  “People are mumbling” – This could indicate hearing loss.

    You may notice that certain words are difficult to understand. People, especially women and children, may seem to be talking too softly or not enunciating their words. Chances are you find yourself saying, “What did you say?” all the time. If this sounds like you, you may be experiencing hearing loss.

2.  Restaurants are too loud

    Restaurants are among the hardest places to navigate for people with untreated hearing loss. Background noises, such as clinking dishes, people speaking loudly at other tables and loud music all make it exceptionally challenging to follow a conversation.

3.  Social gatherings aren’t fun anymore

    People talking passionately, music, laughter and other competing sounds can make it harder to take part in get-togethers with family and friends. Perhaps you find yourself “sitting out” of the fun or heading home early. There is good news. You don’t have to. The professionals at HearingLife can help you with ways to cope with hearing loss so you can enjoy the holidays with this simple guide to enjoying social events with hearing loss.

4.  Conversations take too much effort

    Are you exhausted at the end of the day, or a end of the meeting at work? The stress of straining to hear what others are saying can take its toll on your wellness.
5. Telephone conversations are a struggle

Telephone, and especially cell phone, transmission is not perfect. Most people can fill in the gaps. Hearing loss compounds the problem and you may struggle to take in the information. This may lead you to avoid phone calls and resort to texting.

6.  Hearing loss affects you and your loved ones

    Hearing loss can take an emotional toll on you and your loved ones. If one or more of these descriptions ring true to you, hearing loss may be the culprit.

7. High volume is a sign of hearing loss

Even if you think the volume is fine, if your family and friends complain that you turn up the volume too loud when you watch television or listen to music, you may be experiencing a well-known sign of hearing loss.  Are you tired of the constant battle to enjoy TV with family or friends at a sound level that makes everyone happy? It might be worth it to check your hearing, if only to make your family happy.

8. Are your ears ringing?

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is often the first sign of hearing loss. Tinnitus impacts people of all ages, and may be attributed to trauma, exposure to loud noise or illness. It might be a slight annoyance or make it difficult for you to concentrate, sleep, work and even maintain relationships. According to the American Tinnitus Association, 56% of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss.[i]

9.  Loss of balance indicate hearing loss

Hearing loss may be a sign of an underlying condition that is also impairing your balance. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University[ii] found that even a mild degree of hearing loss tripled the risk of an accidental fall.

10.  You are opting out of engaging with people

Is hearing loss putting you in solitary confinement? Have you noticed that you are embarrassed to meet new people? Perhaps you are afraid to join in because you may not understand what is being said. Perhaps you withdraw if it is easier to live without straining to hear people.

Other signs of hearing loss – You are not yourself

Have you felt depressed, distracted or unengaged? Hearing loss has been linked to dementia, depression and other brain-related ailments, including stroke.

Addressing hearing loss can be life changing!

It's important to address hearing loss. There are consequences of untreated hearing loss and benefits to better hearing (we've outlined 52). 

Take the first step to better hearing
Perhaps you’ve avoided getting treatment because you are afraid of the stigma that some people associate with hearing aids. That’s old-school thinking. Besides, today’s hearing aids are minicomputers that subtly fit your ears – and your lifestyle.
To get started, we encourage you to take our online hearing test. This may give you an indication of how well you hear. Of course, it is best to come in for a professional hearing assessment. Book an appointment to speak with a professional about addressing your hearing loss.* 

Hearing tests are an integral part of keeping your health in check. Whether they confirm that your hearing is in perfect condition or identify hearing loss and related issues, their impact on your life can be huge. When you have reason to suspect that your hearing isn't at the level it should be, booking a hearing examination with an audiologist is essential.

Before booking your hearing test, it's best to familiarize yourself with what to expect from the appointment. This removes any source of apprehension and allows you to prepare in style. Here's all you need to know about the key features of a modern hearing test.

The background data collection
Before the audiologist examines your hearing capabilities, you will first need to provide an array of details about yourself as well as the family history. This information can actively support the audiologist as they try to build a clearer image of your life and the hearing loss issues that are statistically most likely to affect you.

The background data collection processes can also extend to insurance documents, which can subsequently support you through the financial challenges. This is also an opportunity to note anything of interest during the interactions. 

The physical inspections
Physical inspections of the ears give the audiologist an opportunity to identify any abnormalities that could affect your hearing or may require further investigation. This part of the hearing test is completed with an otoscope and extends to checking the middle ear for wax buildups, infections and damage to the hair cells.

Pure-tone testing
When you picture a hearing test, you probably think about sitting in a booth with headphones on as sounds and dialogue are sent to your ears. This is pure-tone testing. 

The technology used during the pure-tone testing examinations has advanced at a rapid rate, but the fundamental features are largely untouched. This test is designed to identify the highest and lowest volumes and pitches that you can hear. During the test, you will hold a buzzer and press it whenever you hear a sound as instructed. The results are recorded on an audiogram and can have a huge influence for producing accurate results and finding the best hearing aids.

Bone conduction testing
Bone conduction testing is a variant on the pure-tone test. A vibrating conductor is placed behind the ear so that sounds are vibrated rather than passed through the air. The results of this can help ascertain the type of hearing loss, especially when the results vary from the pure-tone testing outcomes.

Speech testing
The ability to follow a conversation without visual pointers is the main priority for most people that experience hearing loss. Speech testing is a central feature of the modern hearing examination as it measures the speech reception threshold (SRT) to identify and record the natural function of your ears. 

Speech testing can include some conversations that occur with minimal background noise while others have the background sounds to reflect daily situations and gain a deeper insight into the impacts of your hearing loss. 

Tympanometry
Tympanometry is an examination of the middle ear, with a particular focus on the middle ear. The quick and painless process involves inserting a small probe with a flexible rubber tip into the ear. This can check for fluid, infections, tumors, earwax and eardrum perforations. 

Acoustic reflex testing
The ears are very complex, and the ability to transmit sound waves to the brain in a healthy manner requires various parts, including the ossicles, cochlea and auditory nerves to offer a good response. Acoustic reflex testing checks for involuntary muscle contractions within the middle ear to identify the source of hearing loss. 

Results from the test are recorded and can provide an audiologist with further insight into the situation as well as the best possible solution.

Other tests
Every hearing test is tailored to the needs of the individual, which is why not all tests will appear within your visit. In addition to the above examinations, individuals may undergo auditory brainstem response (ABR) and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) testing. Whichever hearing examinations are used, appointments usually last for around one hour.

Subsequent appointments
If hearing loss or a related issue is detected, it will be necessary to see the audiologist again. This may include further examinations, sound therapy, and other treatments. In most cases, though, the secondary appointments are designed for hearing aid fittings to ensure that the hearing loss can be managed in a suitable fashion.

If you experience hearing loss, you are not alone. Over 50 million Americans are either hard of hearing or gradually going deaf, and a large percentage are children and young adults too. Hearing health issues can affect you at any stage of life, but you can regain control of the situation. An audiologist can help you put a winning strategy in place, but only if the hearing loss is diagnosed in good time.

Following the right path is a lot easier when you identify your potential hearing loss and seek help ASAP.

Why it's up to you to spot the issues
Unlike a lot of health issues, hearing loss very difficult for other people to notice. After all, friends and family do not know what sounds you can detect at any given moment. On a similar note, your brain will naturally try to compensate by filling in the blanks. When combined with the fact that hearing loss usually occurs as a gradual decline, it's easy to understand why so many people ignore the symptoms until the hearing loss becomes severe.

Ultimately, then, an audiologist can provide the support needed to manage your hearing loss, but only if you allow them to help.

The warning signs that you're going deaf
Hearing loss can occur immediately due to an accident or exposure to a dangerously loud noise. In most cases, though, the degeneration happens over time. Therefore, you can normally spot the signs of going deaf long before sound is completely lost.

A number of symptoms and noticeable changes in your life can surface. While they don't necessarily confirm the presence of hearing loss, each of the following are signs that you should visit an audiologist:

1. You regularly find yourself asking people to repeat themselves during conversations, particularly when speaking on the telephone or in other situations where you do not have the visual aids of body language or lip reading. 
2. You have noticed that you now listen to the television or radio at a higher volume. This is often coupled with family members asking for the sound to be turned down. On a similar note, turning the volume up on your cell phone ringtone could be a sign of gradual hearing loss.
3. It is difficult to follow conversations when there are several people talking in a group, particularly in outdoor spaces or social gatherings. This could manifest itself as not hearing everything that has been said, or not knowing who is talking.
4. The thought of attending a social gathering or an event seems daunting because you feel conscious about missing conversations and asking people to repeat themselves. In many cases, this is coupled with reduced self-confidence.
5. You have missed phone calls, callers to the home or your morning alarm. It's also possible that you'll regularly see emergency vehicles before hearing their sirens, even in situations where there isn't excessive background noise like roadworks.
6. You find yourself tilting your head or even cupping your ear in the direction of the sound source to ensure that you pick up what's being said. This is particularly noticeable when speaking to kids and women, as well as when listening to annoying announcements.
7. General listening activities and following conversations leaves you feeling physically and mentally drained and fatigued. You may have noticed that you need extra sleep to recover following group conversations and listening in public places too.
8. Buzzes, whistles, ringing and other tinnitus symptoms become more noticeable and frequent. They can occur in one ear or in both ears, continually or intermittently. The symptoms may be even more common at night or when you're in quiet spaces.
9. You have noticed a decline in your cognitive skills, memory and mental processing. Furthermore, you may struggle to improve your knowledge due to gaining limited information in a range of daily situations.
10. You no longer notice sounds that you once did. This could range from background noises when taking a walk along the beach to certain instruments on your favorite songs. High pitched sounds are often the first to be lost.
11. There are many reasons why you may temporarily lose your hearing or may not detect a sound due to influential factors. Nonetheless, when any of the above issues have affected your life, visiting the audiologist for a hearing test is vital. If hearing loss is present, catching it while it's mild or moderate gives you far better opportunities to stay in control.

Yu're no doubt aware of the most common causes of hearing loss. Exposure to excessive noise, including restaurants, bars, concerts, headphones, and even certain household appliances. Degradation of hearing due to old age or pre-existing genetic conditions. Ear infections, diseases, or injuries.

These aren't the only things that can trigger temporary or permanent hearing loss, however. There are many things you might not expect to impact your hearing that do. Here are some of the most surprising causes of hearing loss, and how you can avoid them.

1. Stress
It's already established that there's a connection between stress and tinnitus, so this one may not be as much of a surprise. Hypertension accompanying severe stress can cause hemorrhaging in the ears, which can ultimately result in either temporary or permanent damage. Fortunately, there are many ways you can address stress-induced tinnitus and hearing loss.
If you want to reduce or avoid unpleasant buzzing in your ears, experts recommend you:
Reduce caffeine intake.
When you feel stressed, try refocusing your attention on a simple task like cleaning.
Talk with a supportive person such as a friend, family member, or therapist.
Exercise and maintain a healthy diet.
A hearing care professional can give you more information about other types of tinnitus treatments. 
 
2. Excessive Exercise
Generally, moderate exercise is recommended as a way to promote better overall health, including hearing. But believe it or not, overdoing it at the gym can damage more than your muscles. It can also wreak havoc on your hearing. We're not just talking about hearing damage due to loud workout music or dropping weights, either, though listening to music about 85 decibels is a risk.

Vigorous exercise can lead to a range of hearing problems, including dizziness, temporary tinnitus, or even damage to the membranes in your inner ear. Fortunately, this hearing loss is usually temporary. It should subside with a bit of rest.

3. Medication
Hearing loss is rarely mentioned in the laundry list of side effects rattled off at the end of pharmaceutical commercials. But some prescription medications, such as diuretics for heart disease and chemotherapy, are known to cause damage to the cells inside your ears. While the risk is more serious for those taking higher doses of certain medication, you should speak with your doctor about all potential side effects of medications you are prescribed.

If hearing loss is on the list, you can discuss other treatments.

Woman concerned about hearing loss.

4. Poor diet
Individuals who are severely overweight or suffering from dietary disorders experience a much higher risk of hearing loss. This is because poor dietary practices, such as consuming excessive fats and sugars or failing to consume nutrients such as vitamin B12, can interfere with the flow of blood through the body, particularly to the ears. Fortunately, this is simple enough to address.
5. Allergies
Allergies are frequently accompanied by symptoms such as itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, and severe congestion. However, swelling from an allergic reaction can also block the ear canal, building up fluid in the ears which can cause infection. While the subsequent hearing impairment generally only lasts during allergy season, if untreated, the infection may develop into something more permanent.
6. Lack of sleep
As you might expect, poor sleep comes with a whole laundry list of potential conditions. It causes issues for pretty much your entire body, including your mental health, gastrointestinal health, and cardiovascular health. Bad sleep habits can also worsen conditions such as tinnitus, as well.
 
7. Smoking
According to research from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, smokers are at a considerably higher risk of suffering from noise-induced hearing loss. Even former smokers suffer from a slightly higher risk of hearing damage. This is because smoking irritates the lining of the middle ear, and the nicotine in cigarettes blocks the neurotransmitters that send auditory information to your brain.

Even secondhand smoke carries with it some risk, but significantly reduced compared to habitual smokers.

8. Illness

It's not just illnesses and infection of the ears that can impact your hearing.  Influenza (or the flu) can sometimes cause your hearing to go haywire. Your ears may feel clogged or stuffed, due to fluid in the tubes of your middle ear.

Meningitis, inflammation of the spinal fluid, can also cause hearing loss, particularly if it's localized around the upper spinal cord. Children are especially susceptible to this, and in rare cases, they may even suffer permanent damage. Other illnesses such as measles may also cause damage to the ears.

9. Diabetes
As noted by the American Diabetes Association, there is a significant link between the disease and hearing loss, noting that according to one study, it can be twice as common in people with diabetes compared to those without. The good news is that avoiding type 2 diabetes is as simple as watching what you eat.

As for type 1, make sure you regularly get your glucose levels checked and visit a physician if you suspect you may be suffering from the disease.

Conclusion

Healthy hearing is the key to living your best life. Make sure your baseline hearing stays strong by taking a proactive approach to your hearing health. Take our FREE Online Hearing Test and get your results instantly.

A lot of people don't realize just how much hearing loss can wear you down. Losing any of your five senses can be devastating from a mental health perspective. You're losing something you previously used to relate to the world, and that loss will impact everything from your personal life to your career.

The most important thing to do when coping with hearing loss is to remember that you aren't alone.  Your friends and family can help support you through this difficult time. Beyond that, there are a great many hearing loss support groups you can turn to for assistance, such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

There are also plenty of books you can read to help you better understand and deal with the struggle you now face. Written by everyone from physicians to researchers to everyday people who've experienced hearing loss firsthand, they run the gamut from information to personal stories to simple inspiration. We've selected a few of our favorites, with helpful tools and tips for families, friends, employees, and caretakers of individuals with hearing loss. 

As someone who has lived most of her life with severe hearing loss, inspirational speaker Gael Hannan is no stranger to the struggles of limited hearing abilities. Part memoir, part survival guide, The Way I Hear It offers tips for effective communication, poetic reflections, and stories from people she has met in her workshops and at conferences. Funny and uplifting, Hannan presents  practical strategies backed by hearing loss research. Additionally, Hannan offers helpful advice on how to talk to audiology professionals to get the best possible hearing care, adjust to hearing aids, and empower yourself to communicate confidently.

The Way I Hear It isn’t just a book for people with hearing loss; it’s also an effective tool for their families and the audiology professionals who serve them. Hannan shares not only the daily frustrations, but also a strong message of hope and optimism for living successfully with hearing loss.

by Dr. Timothy Frantz

When it comes to hearing health, there are few better places to get insights than straight from the expert.
 
Written by an experienced ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, this easy-to-read book is an informative resource for anyone with any level of hearing loss. Dr. Timothy Frantz gives readers the tools they need to identify hearing loss, as well as the steps to take to address it. Plus, Dr. Frantz offers helpful and comprehensive tips for navigating the world of hearing aids, and finding the right hearing care. If an expert—yet easily-digestible—perspective is what  you’re looking for, this book is a great place to start.

by Debbie Lousberg

Maintaining a career with hearing loss isn’t always easy—but it’s definitely doable.

As a career consultant and success coach who struggles with hearing issues herself, Debbie Lousberg gives readers practical tips and best practices for how to excel and exceed expectations in the workplace—even with hearing loss.

For anyone who wonders what their co-workers will think, how to handle insensitive reactions and how to work through those (very normal) moments of feeling “less than,” Lousberg provides a  wealth of positive reinforcement, useful information and confidence-boosting stories that will bring a smile to your face and help you understand that yes—you can lead, produce and thrive in the workplace when you have hearing loss. Whether you work in a corporate job, the service industry or manufacturing, this book is an excellent companion in your journey to living and working better with hearing loss.

by Katherine Boutin

More tips, advice and support abound in Katherine Boutin’s Living Better with Hearing Loss. After overcoming her own struggle with deafness, Boutin penned a comprehensive guide of best practices based on her own research and experiences. As the title suggests, this book outlines how to live well in all areas of your life. Boutin offers up pages of wisdom on not only finding the right audiologist and choosing proper hearing care, but successfully making your way through life’s everyday challenges. Learn the ins and outs of navigating airports, job hunting, interviews, dining out and first dates in this relatable and easy-to-read book.

by Katherine Boutin

Receiving positive reviews from People magazine and the New York Times Book Review, we couldn’t think of a better way to round out our must-reads list than with this critically-acclaimed work.
 
While Katherine Boutin’s Living Better with Hearing Loss (above) serves as more of an everyday guide for those who struggle with hearing issues, her second book on this list, Shouting Won’t Help, provides an emotional account of her own struggles—as well as her successes—with adult onset hearing loss.

In this memoir, Boutin recounts her own journey into deafness, and her return to the hearing world through the miracles of technology. She details her conversations with a number of doctors and hearing specialists, as well as others who are seeking the causes—and cures—for hearing loss, interweaving their stories with her own.

This informative and deeply-felt account paints a clear picture of what it’s like to live with what Boutin refers to as an “invisible disability,” making it a must-read for both those who struggle with limited hearing, as well as the families, friends, caregivers and employers of those who have hearing loss. 

No matter your age or gender, obesity and other weight-related issues can have serious consequences for your overall health, including your hearing. As obesity continues to pose a threat to the global population, doctors have found a link between this condition to an increased risk of hearing loss.

Obesity and your hearing
Your ears require a healthy flow of blood and oxygen to function properly, so it follows that vascular issues that result from obesity will directly impact your ability to hear. The presence of obesity forces the heart to use more energy when pumping blood, leaving the tiny hair cells in your inner ear vulnerable. This condition, referred to by doctors as vasoconstriction, puts stress on the capillary walls of the inner ear and over time will limit your ability to hear normally. Unfortunately, once these hair cells have been damaged, they cannot grow back or be treated.

When obesity affects hearing, it is the higher frequencies of sound that are usually the first to go. This is according to a 2013 study in the American Journal of Medicine that measured 68,000 women over the course of twenty years. By the end of the study, those who maintained a lower body mass index (BMI) and engaged in higher levels of physical activity were 17 percent less likely to develop a hearing loss over time. Those who showed signs of obesity, however, were up to 27 percent more likely to lose some hearing depending on the severity of their weight concerns.

Other conditions related to obesity
Cardiovascular issues are only one of the causes of hearing loss related to obesity. Conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are also more likely to develop as a result of excess weight gain. Once heart disease has reduced circulation in your body, your ears are quickly robbed of the nutrients they need to function properly. Those with Type 2 diabetes should also consider visiting a hearing care professional as soon as possible, as this condition nearly doubles the risk of hearing loss.

Young people are not immune to complications resulting from obesity. In a 2012 study that looked at adolescents, hearing loss was present in more than 15 percent of those who were obese compared to just 8 percent with healthier weights.

Taking control of your health
Weight gain doesn’t happen overnight, and it can take years to treat obesity and return to a healthy BMI. Cardio exercises such as running and jogging are known to increase blood flow and prevent plaque buildup from reducing blood flow to the cochlea and auditory nerve. While working on your fitness and overall health, it is important to maintain a strong relationship with your hearing care professional to monitor any changes in your hearing ability that may occur as you treat obesity. In some cases, being prescribed with hearing aids may also relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety that can make it difficult to take control of your health or find motivation to exercise.

If you or a loved one is ready to finally tackle their weight gain and begin leading a healthy lifestyle that will preserve your hearing for years to come, you can use our online locator to find a hearing care professional in your area that can examine your hearing and prescribe the best hearing aids.

Hearing loss can happen to anyone, no matter your age or background. That being said, certain groups of people are more likely to develop hearing loss on average.

Men in particular are at a greater risk of developing hearing loss than women, a phenomenon that has intrigued audiologists for years. In fact, a study by Johns Hopkins University in 2008 found the risk of hearing loss for men is five times greater than it is for women. Age and race both play a factor in this data, as the gap between men and women usually begins around age thirty, with white men displaying the highest prevalence of hearing loss.

Occupational hearing loss in men
Contrary to what you may think, this disparity is not the result of a difference in biology. If you consider the types of jobs that are typically performed by men, many of them involve regular exposure to extreme noise from their equipment and environment.

While the law requires that workers be provided ear protection in conditions where unsafe volumes are present, a large number of men still neglect to take care of their hearing on the job. If you feel like your workplace is posing a threat to your hearing or are concerned that your hearing loss is not being accommodated, please consult our article on how to discuss your condition at work.

Behavioral risk factors
Since men and women are both born with the same level of hearing, audiologists have concluded that behavioral factors play a huge role in establishing the hearing loss gap. Smoking and certain health conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease are known to cause hearing loss. These issues are more common in men, confirming the findings in many studies. In another study by the American Journal of Medicine, regular use of NSAIDs and other pain relievers like aspirin and acetaminophen can lead to early hearing loss in men under 60.

Addressing the stigma of hearing loss in men
Despite these risk factors, men are still more likely to avoid being fitted with a hearing aid than women. This could be the result of a stigma against hearing aid use or a fear that wearing a medical instrument will be seen as a sign of weakness. These fears couldn’t be further from the truth, as there is no more shame in correcting hearing loss with hearing aids than correcting a vision problem with eyeglasses. In addition, addressing hearing loss early is known to help prevent the early onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease while also protecting from falls and feelings of depression or anxiety.

Many people don’t realize that there are different types of hearing loss. Some affect the ear’s ability to hear higher frequencies, while others muffle or silence lower ones. Male hearing loss typically robs the ear of high-frequency hearing first, while the opposite is true for women. The result? Men have a hard time understanding consonant sounds that contain higher pitches, and women struggle to understand the deep, rounder sounds of vowels. With these hidden factors at play, it’s no wonder so many couples have trouble communicating!

Get help today
Hearing loss in men doesn’t have to be an epidemic. Consulting a hearing care professional at the first sign of hearing loss is the most effective way to treat your condition and prevent it from worsening. If you are worried about your hearing or that of a loved one, please use our online locator to schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional in your area today.

If your ears have ever been clogged with water after a dip in the ocean or pool, you know how frustrating it is when you’re still feeling the effects days later. This condition is the result of a bacterial infection called acute otitis externa (more commonly known as swimmer’s ear) and is often harmless, but it can have consequences for your hearing health if left untreated.

Swimmer’s ear and your hearing
Swimmer’s ear can develop after spending time in any body of water, but it is especially common in the untreated water found in lakes, rivers, and oceans, or in hot tubs. Because of the higher levels of bacteria in these areas, water trapped in the ear is more likely to lead to a painful skin infection, as the inner ear is the perfect breeding ground for fungi or bacteria to grow. Irritating the skin with certain hair products is also known to worsen the condition when an infection is present.

When this condition spreads, it can do damage to more than just the ear. Many people with swimmer’s ear also experience ear pain and pressure, slight redness of the skin, pus or fluid drainage, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. In more severe cases, a temporary or permanent hearing loss can occur when the sensitive organs of the inner ear are compromised and the infection spreads to the brain and base of the skull.

It’s not hard to imagine why this is the case. The inner ear is filled with thousands of tiny hair cells that register sound qualities, and these hearing nerve cells are very fragile and cannot regenerate. When an infection damages them, a small part of your hearing is lost forever. For this reason, it is important to consult a hearing care professional for any ear-related concerns as soon as symptoms arise to prevent a minor case of swimmer’s ear from becoming a hearing loss emergency.

When to seek help
There are a few ways to tell if your inner ear may be infected because of trapped water. If your ear itches or hurts while chewing or when the earlobe is tugged, or if your hearing seems quieter or more muffled than usual because of a clogged sensation, you should seek help immediately. After examining your ear with an otoscope, your hearing care professional will likely prescribe an antibiotic and/or antifungal eardrop. Patients are also usually advised to avoid swimming and flying to allow the ear to heal. If properly treated, swimmer’s ear should disappear in less than 14 days.

How to prevent swimmer’s ear
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to keep your ears safe no matter where you decide to take a swim. Your hearing care professional can recommend earplugs or custom molded ear protection to block water from entering the ear canal.

Before stepping into a pool, make sure the water is filtered or chlorinated so you can avoid high levels of bacteria. If you are swimming in a natural body of water, avoid stagnant areas and see if the water’s sanitation levels are publicly available ahead of time.

After a swim, you may want to attempt to drain water from your ears at home. The safest ways to do this are to lay your head on its side, chew or yawn to pop your ears and release pressure, or apply a warm compress or steam to your ear. While some people recommend using a blow dryer to evaporate the water, the loud noise of the appliance could do further damage to your hearing and should be avoided.

Find a professional
If you or a loved one has been complaining of ear pain or sudden hearing loss after spending time in the water, don’t wait. Use our online locator to find a hearing care professional in your area who can perform a hearing test and provide treatment to prevent this condition from worsening.

While today’s hearing aids are designed to protect against moisture, dirt, and debris, they are not indestructible. If you’re going on vacation this summer, your getaway may present several situations that could potentially damage your hearing aids. Exposing yourself to extreme heat and humidity or jumping into the pool without taking out your hearing aids could lead to costly repairs and extra visits to your hearing care professional’s office. Wherever your travels take you this summer, keep the following tips in mind.

For those who prefer the ocean…
When visiting a tropical paradise, the three biggest threats to your hearing instruments are water, humidity, and sand.

WATER
As of today, there are currently no hearing aids on the market that are labeled as waterproof. Some devices may be able to withstand more exposure to moisture than others, but in general you should try to keep your devices dry and away from the pool or ocean. Keep your hearing aids stored in a secure case while tanning or swimming, as even a small amount of water can damage the microphone, receiver, tubing, and more.

HUMIDITY
If you wear glasses, you have probably noticed that a layer of steam appears on the lenses when you move from a humid area to an air-conditioned one. This condensation may be harmless for your glasses, but it can cause serious damage to a hearing aid if left unchecked. You may need to remove your hearing aids often in humid environments to dry them, or you may consider purchasing an electric hearing aid dryer.

SAND
It’s not uncommon to find sand in your ears or pockets days after visiting the beach. These fine grains stick to anything, and your hearing aids are no exception. Before you reinsert your hearing aids, wash your hands thoroughly to prevent any excess sand from clogging your device and causing problems with functionality.

For hikers and adventurers…
Whether you are exploring the Grand Canyon or biking through a trail, you’ll want to have your hearing aids with you to take in all the breathtaking sounds nature has to offer. With the proper maintenance and care, you can keep your hearing aids functioning optimally no matter your lifestyle or level of activity.

If your vacations involve a lot of exercise, you should be prepared to fight against sweat and heat as well as high winds and debris.

SWEAT
As mentioned above, hearing aids are designed to fight back against only a moderate amount of moisture exposure and will not react well to being drenched. Try to keep a sweat rag with you to wipe excess perspiration away from your ears. If you’re prone to sweating, consider purchasing some nylon hearing aid sleeves to keep your devices dry.

HEAT
Your hearing aids should be shielded from extreme heat sources to keep their internal parts from becoming damaged. When not in use, your hearing aids should be stored in a dry, cool area away from windows or direct sunlight.

HIGH WINDS AND DUST
Certain dry areas, particularly in the Midwestern United States, can generate high amounts of wind that blow around dust and other particles. You wouldn’t want to inhale this dust, and neither do your hearing aids—keep a hearing aid cleaning kit with you at all times to unclog any debris.

Daily maintenance is key
While these conditions are more extreme than what you will experience on a daily basis with a hearing aid, it is still important to begin a routine of cleaning your devices daily to prevent any performance issues. For more information on how to clean and maintain your hearing aids, please click here.

If you are planning a vacation this summer, we also suggest scheduling an appointment with a hearing care professional to have your hearing and devices tested to ensure they are working their best. This way, you will be more prepared to enjoy your time off without having to worry about fixing your device—just don’t forget to bring extra batteries in case of an emergency!

1. First of all, we should choose hearing aids with guaranteed quality. As the saying goes, we should not buy inferior products at a low price.

2. Choose an appropriate earplug to connect with earphone according to the size of the ear cof the wearer. There are differences in the size of each ear canal. If the size of the earplug is not selected properly, it could not be wore or easily fall off.

3. Put in the appropriate battery, open the battery compartment cover, and put in a small battery of the corresponding model. Generally, a675 batteries are used. Pay attention to the direction of the positive and negative poles.

4. After the battery is installed, you can choose to control NO and Volume. The small circle that can be scrolled on one side of the hearing aid is the adjustment setting. 5 / 6 put the ear hook on the back of the ear, and put the earplug into the ear canal. Pay attention to ensure that it has certain stability after wearing on the ear.

6. If you don't use it, you can take it down and put it in a small box. The original box is the best, so that it won't be lost or damaged.

 

Hello, if your hearing aid has not been tested and matched by yourself, then this situation cannot be avoided. If your hearing aid has been tested and matched by yourself and can be fitted according to your actual needs, you can reflect this problem with your fitting examiner and let him do the fitting for you, but it also depends on the function of the machine you choose.

 

1. Whether the hearing aids are selected according to their own hearing conditions. Whether the hearing aids suitable for their own hearing loss are the premise of listening comfort;

 

2. The performance of the selected hearing aids is not strong enough, which is related to the price. The high-end hearing aids now have automatic switching procedures, scene recognition functions, automatic sound scene tracking, speech positioning, detection and positioning of all aspects of speech and noise sources, so as to improve the speech voice colleagues and reduce the noise;

 

3. If there is no problem with the performance of the hearing aid, it is recommended to go to the hearing fitting center for fitting to improve listening comfort. All of suggestions above are based on the fact that the hearing aid you selected is a digital hearing aid. Analog hearing aid cannot be changed.