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
Jeff Lane
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
Can You Hear Them Now?
Hearing loss is an insidious condition that affects all aspects of an individual’s life. Enjoying television or movies means turning up the volume too loud for others or reading captions. In-person conversations become less enjoyable because of the effort required for the hearing-impaired listener. Phone conversations can be even more difficult, as visual cues are unavailable and the quality of the connection can vary. The inability to communicate effectively over the phone can be frustrating … [Read more...] about Can You Hear Them Now?
Hearing Mythbusters
With the internet being ubiquitous, information is easier to access than ever. However, that does not mean that the information is necessarily correct. This sentiment is especially relevant when it comes to health advice. One might read that carrots help improve eyesight; in actuality, this was wartime propaganda to disguise radar technology. Given the daily onslaught of information, it can be difficult to determine what is factual. Cleaning Your Ears Earwax is not innately bad. In fact, … [Read more...] about Hearing Mythbusters
How to Care for a Loved One with Hearing Aids
According to the Labor of Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16% of the population provided eldercare between 2017 and 2018. Combine that with one in three people over the age of 65 having a hearing loss, and there is a very good chance you are or will be caring for someone with hearing aids. Hearing care professionals will diagnose the hearing loss and fit the devices. But, once fit, a majority of the daily use and maintenance falls to the wearer. Or, by extension, the caregiver. It is, therefore, … [Read more...] about How to Care for a Loved One with Hearing Aids
Which Hearing Aids Are Right for Me?
The world of hearing aids can be intimidating. With multiple manufacturers and models, it can feel akin to purchasing a vehicle. A minority of adults with hearing loss are actually fit with hearing aids, while the average length of time between noticing an issue and seeking treatment is seven years. Fortunately, licensed providers are available to act as guides, with “guides” being the keyword. While providers are very knowledgeable and reliable sources, the question of which type of hearing aid … [Read more...] about Which Hearing Aids Are Right for Me?
Understanding Your Audiology Results
The first step on any hearing health journey is undergoing an examination. This exam provides you and the audiologist an understanding of your current state of hearing and allows for proper recommendations to be made. The findings are presented in a report called an audiogram. An audiogram contains both a written section and a graph. While the audiologist does review the audiogram during the appointment, it can sometimes be difficult to remember or fully grasp how to interpret your results. … [Read more...] about Understanding Your Audiology Results
