Do you miss hearing the sounds of the birds? Are the voices of your grandchildren becoming increasingly difficult to understand? Do you find yourself constantly turning up the TV or radio just to make out what’s being said? Hearing loss is a normal part of growing older, and it can be very scary. It doesn’t have to be. The process of getting hearing aids is painless, and an audiologist will work their hardest to help improve your quality of life and allow you to interact with the world around … [Read more...] about Understanding the Hearing Aid Journey
Jeff Lane
Treating Emotional Disorders with Maskers
Often when discussing hearing aids with a new patient, they’ll ask, “They just make things louder, right?” Yes, hearing aids do amplify auditory signals, but they also offer so much more. In fact, they are like mini-computers for your ears. New models can stream music and count your steps! But perhaps one of the most useful features is the masker. A masker is essentially a customizable static-like noise emitted by the hearing aids. While it can address a variety of conditions, today I want to … [Read more...] about Treating Emotional Disorders with Maskers
Maintaining the Sounds of Summer
As the temperatures increase and the days stretch out, it is clear that summer is upon us. For most, this means spending more time outside, near water or traveling. It also means increased considerations when it comes to caring for hearing aids. Fortunately, hearing aids are built with these considerations in mind. Moisture Hearing aids are essentially tiny computers. Thus, the internal electrical components are susceptible to damage from moisture. While most hearing aids are not … [Read more...] about Maintaining the Sounds of Summer
Are You a Cochlear Implant Candidate?
Being diagnosed with a hearing loss can cause conflicting emotions. On one hand, the patient now has an answer that validates all of their experiences and struggles. On the other, they must now undergo the process of managing their hearing loss. The sheer number of hearing aid options alone is enough to overwhelm. But another question may complicate matters: Is a cochlear implant appropriate for me? Realistically, for most patients, the answer will be no. But it is important to understand why, … [Read more...] about Are You a Cochlear Implant Candidate?
COVID-19 and the Ear
For the past two years, the world has been battling the COVID-19 pandemic. While great progress has been made, there is no denying that it is still a global health crisis. Because of its novelty, questions remain about the long-term effects on those who have contracted the virus. This includes the virus’s impact on the auditory and balance systems. Fortunately, research is beginning to appear. To be clear, it is still in the early stages, but it does provide an idea of what to expect. Hearing … [Read more...] about COVID-19 and the Ear
Accessorize Your Hearing
Technology is constantly evolving, often at a rapid pace, with the goal of improving and simplifying the experience for the user. If you buy a new phone, you get a pair of wireless earbuds. Hearing aids are similar. While modern hearing aids can significantly improve a wearer’s quality of life, some situations could still be improved with the addition of an accessory – situations such as listening to someone behind you while hiking or catching all the information at a meeting. Fortunately, there … [Read more...] about Accessorize Your Hearing
The New Choice in Hearing Protection
One of the first questions I ask a new patient is whether they have a history of loud noise exposure. Some say no, some mention hunting, and most brush it off as listening to loud music in their youth. But the truth is that, especially in our modern world, everyone is exposed to unsafe levels of noise at some point in their lives. While noise pollution is a major concern, most people don’t consider it in their daily lives. However, protecting your ears from loud noise is one of the best ways to … [Read more...] about The New Choice in Hearing Protection
Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing
Although hearing loss is a common disability, most people are taught very little about it. Thus, new patients always have a myriad of questions during the initial phases of diagnosis and management. Some questions are more unique or specific to the individual, but most are the same. And for good reason. Hearing loss has a steep learning curve and patients want to ensure they are making informed decisions. My goals are to always make sure patients feel comfortable and secure, and to answer their … [Read more...] about Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing
Hearing Versus Understanding
The most common concern of those with hearing loss is not being able to understand others. “I can hear them,” a patient will say. “I just don’t know what they said.” Considering the fact that verbal communication is how most people interact with others, being able to do so is essential. However, people can often conflate hearing and understanding. While undoubtedly interconnected, they are two distinct functions. Understanding the difference can help to improve outcomes and satisfaction with … [Read more...] about Hearing Versus Understanding
Welcome to Hearing Aid Paradise
Advancements occur at a quick pace in the realm of hearing aids. Manufacturers are constantly developing new solutions to patients’ hearing needs, so that each successive model provides an even more natural sound quality. Phonak, one of the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturers, recently released its newest platform: Paradise. Paradise offers multiple innovations aimed at improving patient satisfaction. Sound Quality When surveyed, hearing aid users stated that their biggest concern … [Read more...] about Welcome to Hearing Aid Paradise
