 If you are not hearing very well, or as you usually do, the cause could be anything from aging to viral infections.
Based on the reason for your hearing loss, it might be temporary or permanent. Get treated immediately if You experience Sudden Hearing Loss If you experience rapid or sudden hearing loss in one ear or both ears immediately get treatment. There could be harmful inflammation that can be treated with steroids. Sudden hearing loss that goes untreated could lead to permanent hearing loss. How do you know if You need to see a Medical Professional? Here’s a guide to follow:
If you responded with “No” to all of these questions, you might be experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss needs immediate medical attention. Prevailing causes of Temporary Hearing Loss? The majority of temporary hearing loss does not suddenly occur. It happens gradually within a few days or weeks, by the time a person notices it. Temporary hearing loss can be caused by a blockage in the ear canal or another ear-related health condition. Here are some possible causes: Excess Earwax Stereocilia (tiny hairs) and glands located in your inner ears create cerumen, A.K.A. earwax. Usually, this wax naturally falls out or it can be removed through a gentle wash with water. In some instances, it can build up and obstruct your ear canals. When this occurs, your ears may feel as though they are plugged, you might hear a ringing or buzzing noise (tinnitus), or experience some hearing loss. If you are unable to gently remove the earwax by using a warm washcloth, consult a healthcare professional. Do not attempt to remove the wax with any sharp objects like a hairpin. Q-Tips or cotton swabs can push the earwax deeper into your ear canal, causing the eardrum to become perforated and. Vigorous Exercises or Stress Your exercise routine might be the cause of your hearing loss or tinnitus. If you exercise past your personal fitness levels, you could experience temporary hearing loss. Your ability to hear should go back to normal within a few hours. See a hearing healthcare professional if the symptoms don’t go away. Severe cases of stress may induce hearing loss or tinnitus. Intense Noises Temporary hearing loss and/or tinnitus is a common result, after being exposed to loud noises. This is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In most cases, your hearing will go back to normal, but it’s always helpful to protect your hearing by wearing earplugs or earmuffs. Hearing loss prevention is the only way to protect yourself from NIHL. Frequently being exposed to loud sounds could lead to permanent hearing loss. Typical Causes of Permanent Hearing Loss Long exposure to extreme noise One loud blast of noise may only temporarily make your hearing worse, while a repetition of exposure to blasts or other loud noises could cause permanent loss of hearing. This is the most prevalent type of sensorineural hearing loss, which is permanent. The term sensorineural applies to the nerves located inside the ears, along with the tiny sensory cells that are extremely delicate and easy to destroy. Presbycusis Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, is another common form of sensorineural hearing loss. Most people who are 75 years of age or older, will notice they cannot hear as well as they could in the past. The beginning of this type of hearing loss arrives gradually, so it will go unnoticed for months or years. Getting treatment for your hearing loss is not simply linked to better hearing, it also helps reduce other health problems such as dementia, depression caused by isolation, or risks of falling. Health conditions that cause permanent hearing loss
Get your hearing loss treated Whether or not you suspect that you are experiencing permanent or temporary hearing loss, get your hearing tested. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a wide variety of hearing aids styles and brands that can be programmed for your specific hearing needs.
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 Have you ever listened in on a conversation where someone said something funny, and you laughed along, pretending that you heard the joke? Have you ever experienced confusion as to why everyone was laughing at something on TV or in a movie because you didn’t hear the setup or punchline in a joke?
It’s challenging to enjoy the humor when you can’t hear. What are the benefits of humor? A sense of humor can help people deal with stressful and painful situations. Your muscles can relax, your immune system is strengthened, it helps build trust among others, reduces anxiety and fear, and improves relationships. Humor is physically and mentally beneficial to people. Here’s a joke that might tickle your funny bone: If a Deaf child swears, does his mother wash his hands with soap and water? The Challenges with Humor and Hearing Loss If you are hard of hearing, you may find it difficult to understand jokes and follow along with funny stories that are verbally told, because there’s always a surprising twist, use of wordplay, or punchline that needs to be heard to make sense of it. It’s very important to hear every single word and the way it’s delivered to get the joke. That’s not always possible if you can’t hear clearly. Even relying on context clues can prove to be challenging. Some people with hearing loss may isolate themselves from situations that incorporate comedy because they know that they won’t get the joke and feel left out when they don’t laugh at the right time, or at all. There are so many different categories of humor like dry, satire, slapstick, situational, self-deprecating, wordplay, etc. In order to understand the humor, you need to pay attention to a person’s demeanor and emotion when they set up their joke or story. Usually, the speaker becomes excited and talks louder when telling a joke. It can change based on the type of humor. For dry humor, the speaker may show little emotion or facial expressions when delivering their lines. As a result, someone with hearing loss who relies on reading facial expressions as a context clue may have a harder time understanding the joke. Based on how severe your hearing loss is, hearing jokes can be a great listening exercise. If you’re hearing is too severe, you can still enjoy physical comedy or situational humor. Funny Mishearings How about when you listen to a song? Have you ever and misheard the lyrics? Sometimes, mishearing something that was said can turn into a funny situation with the people that you are communicating with. Have you heard of TLC’s rare recording of “Don’t go, Jason Waterfalls”? How about Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” where Annie Lennox sings, “Sweet dreams are made of cheese”? Stop feeling left out, and enjoy hearing jokes again. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  Do you know that over 80% of 80-year-olds experience hearing loss?
As we age, it is more likely that we will have hearing loss. According to the New York Times, tests conducted by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study concluded that 80 percent of individuals who were in their 80s “have mild to moderate hearing loss or worse.” That number is significantly higher than people in lower age groups. Luckily, you can help your deteriorating hearing health by getting fitted for hearing aids. If you or a loved one have hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test, consultation, and hearing aid trial.  Our digital media assistant, Vi, is working on updating the Pure Sound website. We now include a page that lists the insurance we accept and networks that we are affiliated with.
If you, or a loved one, need to schedule a hearing test and consultation, contact us.  We are vaccinated PROFESSIONALLY FIT, BRAND NAME HEARING AIDS FOR LESS FREE $400 UPGRADE with No Battery Lithium-ion Expires 4/30/21 Call now for a risk-free trial at 717-945-1477 Our offices are located at:
100 Historic Dr. Suite 113 Strasburg, PA 17579 99 Masonic Dr. Suite 102 Elizabethtown, PA 17022 1170 Erbs Quarry Rd. Suite 2-2 Lititz, PA 17543 1013 W. Main St. Suite 5 Mt. Joy. PA 17552  Some people have described adjusting to hearing aids as kind of like walking out of a dark restaurant or movie theater and into a bright environment. You may instinctively shield your eyes and squint. This is a brain reflex that’s communicating your new surroundings are too bright.
The average person waits several years before they seek treatment for their hearing loss. Their ears are not used to hearing sounds regularly, so when they can suddenly hear more clearly than they have in years, it’s overstimulating for the brain. The longer you have hearing loss without receiving treatment, the harsher noise will seem when you can hear them again. A Consumer Reports survey on 17,626 people discovered that at least 6 out of 10 waited over 2 years after initial experiences of hearing loss, to get hearing aids. When that amount of time has elapsed, the brain becomes completely acclimated to listening at a substandard level. That’s why an adjustment period is necessary to become accustomed to these new sounds that are being heard. According to the survey, about 3 in 4 people stated that it took them under a month to get more comfortable with their hearing aid. Here are 5 Tips for a Smooth Transition to Your Hearing Aids 1. Get a Proper Fitting Be sure that the hearing aids are properly fit in your ears. If they feel too loose or too tight, tell your hearing instrument specialist before taking them home. The hearing aids will feel more comfortable and you’ll get the best experience from them. In the beginning of your trial period, the hearing aids should feel comfortable. You’ll still notice there’s something in your ears for the first few weeks, but it should not hurt when they rest in your ear canals. Your hearing aid provider will show you how to correctly put your hearing aids on. Most modern hearing aids feature a program that will reduce or eliminate feedback, so it’s possible to have harsh noises or whistling sounds if the device is not properly fitted. Show your hearing aid provider that you can correctly remove and insert your hearing aids. They’ll help you if you’re having trouble. 2. Practice Adjusting to Sounds It’s important to be patient when learning to hear sounds again. Your hearing instrument specialist will program your devices, to calibrate the proper amplification for your unique hearing needs. If the sounds are so loud that it’s painful, the amplification can be set at a lower volume, and gradually go higher as you become accustomed to hearing again. Most hearing aids can be programmed to slowly rise in volume over several weeks until you arrive at your goal. It’s normal for sounds to seem too loud and high-pitched if you’re a first-time hearing aid user. The best, and only, way to get the most out of your hearing aids and allow your brain to adapt is by regular noise exposure. Wear your hearing aids from dusk until dawn, unless you’re taking a shower or swimming in a body of water. You should take breaks from wearing your hearing aids while adjusting. It is not recommended to enter a noisy area and remain there for hours at a time. Background noises in these types of areas can over-stimulate your listening experience, and make hearing conversations more challenging. 3. When Should You Go Back to Your Hearing Instrument Specialist? At Pure Sound Hearing, after you have started your free hearing aid trial, you will have six months-worth of follow-up services. These services will include refittings, adjustments/fine-tuning, and a thorough cleaning done by a professional. If you are having any difficulties with your hearing aids, whether it’s the inability to hear certain sounds or any discomfort with the devices, address these issues with your hearing instrument specialist. 4. Pure Sound Hearing offers Auditory Training If you are struggling with understanding speech sounds and following along during conversations, even with your new hearing aids, try auditory training. These short-term programs can help improve the way you process sounds while enhancing your listening and communication. It’s common for anyone with damaged sensory cells to require practice with hearing new sounds or sounds that they haven’t heard in several years. It’s akin to someone who has received a prosthetic limb and needs physical therapy. 5. Be Patient and give Yourself Reasonable Expectations Many people who experience hearing loss have permanent damage to their auditory system. It’s crucial to understand that even the best hearing aids, that are tuned by the best instrument specialist, cannot completely restore your hearing. What hearing aids can do, is help preserve the hearing abilities that you still have. Many hearing aid users have acknowledged that hearing aids may not be perfect, but they can significantly improve hearing and cognitive health, and reduce depression caused by isolation. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, check out these resources. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment for a free hearing test, consultation, and hearing aid trial.  When you stop by at our Lititz office for hearing aid service/supplies, or if you need to schedule a hearing test, our patient care coordinator Martha will be ready to help.
If you do not live in the Lititz area, but are in need of hearing aid services/supplies, Pure Sound Hearing also has offices located in Elizabethtown, Mt. Joy, and Strasburg. Please contact us before visiting one of our offices.  Here are some tips that can be used by healthcare professionals, family members, or others who interact with people who are hard of hearing.
If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, are in of need new hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us at Pure Sound Hearing.  It's Time to do Your Taxes
Are you a hearing aid user, who is hoping for a big refund on your tax return? If you document your medical expenses, hearing aids are tax-deductible. This can save you money that can be used on other expenses that you may have, which can help reduce your overall medical expenses. The IRS has ruled that you may qualify for this tax deduction, if you spend over 7.5% of your income on medical and dental expenses, and itemize your medical expenses. If you itemize your medical expenses, you may include hearing health-related purchases when preparing your tax return. If you normally do not document your medical expenses but spent a significant amount due to a hospital stay or surgery in 2020, talk to a professional tax advisor in order to find out whether you would benefit from itemizing your medical expenses this year. Also, if you plan for impending medical expenses for 2021, take advantage of this time to find out whether you or your spouse needs hearing aids in the near future. You’ll be able to deduct them from next year’s tax return. Deductible Expenses for Hearing Healthcare If you itemize your medical and dental expenses with a Schedule A Form 1040, you may deduct the following hearing-related medical expenses:
Additional Hearing Loss-related Costs that can be deducted from Your Taxes The team at TurboTax wants to remind you that you should include the following hearing-related deductions if you plan to itemize medical expenses:
If you suffer from a chronic medical illness, you may deduct your attendance at a conference related to the illness, but you may not deduct meals or lodging. For Caregivers of Hearing Aid Users If someone in your household (parent or child) purchased hearing aids last year, you may deduct the cost of these on your taxes if you claim them as a dependent. If you are uncertain whether you qualify for this, talk to a tax professional or an accountant for the details in regards to your personal situation. What’s covered? The IRS has a helpful online resource about what is covered. You will be given questions about your personal situation to help determine the correct action you need to take. This year, the IRS extended the deadline to file your taxes to May 17. You have some more time to find your receipts. If you purchased hearing aids from Pure Sound Hearing in 2020 and need documentation, contact one of our providers. If you, or a loved one, are in need of a free hearing test and consultation for a hearing aid trial, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing.  The Earth and its resources give us our basic needs: air, water, food, and space to live. The Earth has also provided awareness and knowledge about hearing loss and how to create better hearing technology.
The Effects of Hearing Loss The inability to hear not only affects humans, but also bats, dolphins, and whales which are known to use sounds to communicate and move about. A study from PeerJ — the Journal of Life and Environmental Sciences — indicated that hearing loss and other noise interferences are an issue for dolphins and whales. In both of these mammals, noise that interferes at just the right frequency or experiencing hearing loss can cause them distress, make them lose their navigation skills and/or their ability to find food. Seismic testing that has been proposed in Taranaki’s Marine Mammal Sanctuary for oil can lead to permanent damage to a dolphin and whale’s hearing abilities, both of which swim within and close to the sanctuary. Since dolphins use sound in order to navigate, damaging their hearing abilities would be akin to blinding a human. The Sense of Hearing Suggestions on the origin and evolution of the sense of hearing can be found in squids. Up until just a few years ago, there was little information about the hearing abilities of squid and if they used their hearing to navigate, recognize danger, or avoid predators in the ocean. A study on the hearing and neuroanatomy in squid from 2012, indicated that there are several similarities between a human and squid’s hearing system. A Reduction in Noise Back on land, the zebra finch persistently chirps. Scientists have had a lot of interest in the male songbird’s intricate vocalization that is used in courtship. A study from 2015 showed that a finch’s brain can identify these vocalizations in noisy environments. A finch’s capacity to respond to bird songs, while disregarding everything else is akin to a human’s ability to identify speech in a busy environment. One of the leading researchers, Frédéric Theunissen, Ph.D. and graduate student Tyler Lee, created a computer algorithm that helped to reduce background noise while wearing hearing aids. The effects of noise reduction were tested in 2009 by using an algorithm that was similar to Theunissen and Lee’s. Even though the noise reduction did not make speech more understandable, it did ease the brain’s energy that was needed to process it. For individuals who have difficulty hearing when there’s too much background noise, this discovery could be the difference between joining in on a discussion or leaving it. Hearing Aid Devices The earth’s natural elements are also a great influence on how hearing aids are designed. On lotus plants, when water droplets form and roll off of the leaves, it removes dirt along with it. The Lotus Effect is a self-cleaning routine that is the model for protective hearing aid coatings. If your hearing aids feature a water-resistant shield, the device’s exposure to moisture, earwax, oils, and other liquid elements will be protected with this shield. The water-resistant shield helps to preserve the hearing aid and extend the device’s ability to function and perform, which decreases the need to get your hearing aids repaired. With clues on the origin of hearing, the Earth is helping to achieve better hearing and innovations through observing animals and natural elements. If you, or a loved one, would be interested in a free hearing aid trial, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a consultation.  Modern Hearing Aids have Bluetooth®
Modern hearing aids are notably better than the hearing aids of the past. In most instances, today’s hearing aids can give users better hearing than someone who has “normal hearing” abilities. The majority of today’s hearing aids have Bluetooth®, so you can connect your smartphone, TV, or any other Bluetooth®-enabled devices to your hearing aids. Our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing can even program your hearing aids so that you can hear better when speaking to someone who is wearing a facemask. These features help you communicate with others and improve your overall hearing health. The Downsides of Hearing Loss A negative side-effect of hearing loss is isolation from others. Research has indicated that there is a direct link between these risk factors, along with Alzheimer's, anxiety, dementia, depression, heart attacks, and strokes. Hearing loss impacts more than the inability to hear. Getting proper treatment for hearing loss helps to improve a person’s overall health, quality of life, and in some cases prolonging their life. Even though we are currently practicing social distancing with people who do not live in the same house, communication via phone, Live Transcribe, FaceTime, or Zoom meetings can still be challenging for anyone with hearing loss. Digital hearing aids do not simply amplify sounds. They reduce background noise and help users hear conversations that they are having with others. Directional microphones pick up sounds from a specific direction that the user is facing while blocking out sounds from the areas that they are not facing. There are also hearing aids that feature omnidirectional microphones that pick up sounds from any direction. These are generally used when biking or engaging in any activity where hearing in every direction is vital for safety reasons. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aids for people of all ages.  Last year, we asked whether COVID-19 could lead to hearing loss or tinnitus.
At the time there wasn’t enough information about the virus in general. Since that period of time, there have been new treatments for coronavirus that have changed and became more widely known. The data on these treatments’ side effects remain insufficient, but there is more data that proves infections from COVID - from the treatments or the virus itself - may have an impact on a person’s ability to hear and lead to permanent hearing loss. Blood Oxygen Levels can be Reduced due to COVID-19 Two main symptoms of coronavirus are hypoxemia (low blood oxygen) and persistent hyperventilation (a struggle to breathe). The hair cells inside the inner ear have high metabolic activity, making them susceptible to hypoxic conditions. Essentially, they require good blood oxygenation to properly function. Ischemia of the inner ear (low blood supply) may cause hearing loss, vertigo, and possibly tinnitus. This is why research that connects hypoxemia and hearing loss in COVID patients who are symptomatic is starting to develop. Can COVID-19 lead to Inner Ear Damage? There isn’t much information available about the direct impact that COVID-19 has on the middle ear and the mastoid/temporal bone. Researchers have hypothesized that SARS nCOV-19 can damage organs in the inner ear and nervous systems, like other viral infections i.e. HSV-1, HZV, HIV, and measles. The measles can lead to ear infections and swelling of the nervous system, which can induce hearing loss. Small studies have shown that patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 but are asymptomatic, continue to have more high-frequency hearing loss and evidence of outer hair cell function that becomes negatively impacted. This study is backed by the absence of Transitory Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAEs), which is a practice that explicitly tests the performance of outer hair cells. Ototoxicity in COVID-19 Treatments Some of the latest antiviral medications that have been developed may be ototoxic - a prevalent cause of hearing loss. Both remdesivir and favipiravir are antiviral medications that may be ototoxic or even induce tinnitus. Remdesivir that is taken with steroids, is the latest prevailing treatment for the early stages of COVID-19 infections in patients who experience upper respiratory problems. Presently, there are no studies that have been published that link ototoxicity or hearing loss as a side effect of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Continuing research is underway, so don’t be negligent. The ability to hear, listen, and communicate have been greatly impacted by social distancing, the increased use of virtual meetings, and PPE. Your continued concern should be to protect yourself from contracting the virus, and not risking existing symptoms of hearing loss or other severe health issues that may also occur. If you, or a loved one, are currently experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test and consultation.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that about 15% of Americans have some form of tinnitus. It can be described as a buzzing, clicking, or ringing sound in the ear when there is no environmental sound source. It can be difficult to live with and manage. It is generally reduced to a small inconvenience. Most people who occasionally experience tinnitus will adapt to living with it. If tinnitus frequently interrupts your daily life, there can be a negative impact on it.
The Causes of Tinnitus
If your tinnitus symptoms continue to linger, it can become a long-term problem. 1. Loss of Hearing Hearing loss and tinnitus tend to go hand in hand. In most instances, tinnitus normally occurs before a person loses their hearing. The inability to hear can negatively impact your life. Conversations during social situations can become challenging. As a result, a person with hearing loss may avoid socializing altogether and become more isolated. This can lead to depression. Relationships, whether personal or professional, can be strained due to a person’s hearing loss and tinnitus. Mishearing what was said can lead to arguments, especially between couples. Poor communication can also hurt a relationship. A hearing instrument specialist can determine the best hearing aid solution for you, so as not to further weaken relationships with others. 2. Trouble with Sleep Keeping a healthy sleep schedule is vital for good mental and physical health. Tinnitus can interrupt your sleep, making it difficult to maintain a good sleep routine. Poor sleep is a prevalent side effect of tinnitus. It’s much harder to sleep when you hear noises in your ears. Many people with tinnitus have noticed that their symptoms of tinnitus become worse at night. When a room is too quiet, the noises caused by tinnitus are easy to recognize. Poor sleeping patterns can lead to low energy, which can impact your performance at work and increase your risk of mental issues. It’s very important to follow a healthy sleep pattern. You can use a white noise machine to make the tinnitus symptoms less noticeable for a restful night. 3. Difficulty with Concentration A continuous ringing sound makes it very difficult to focus, particularly if you need to execute a complex task. Those with tinnitus may experience poor work or school performance, and quit or drop out. You may not make progress in your career, work up to the level of your, or your employer’s, expectations. As a result, you may not earn as much money due to poor performance. The inability to concentrate can also negatively impact hobbies, such as reading or writing. Poor sleep patterns can worsen these issues. Tinnitus can lead to unsafe situations. If you are a driver and begin to experience symptoms of tinnitus, concentrating on driving will be more difficult. If you operate heavy machinery in a work environment, tinnitus can distract you, which can put you and others at risk. It’s important to get help right away. Some easy ways to handle mild symptoms of tinnitus include:
Treating more Severe Tinnitus:
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. Our experienced hearing instrument specialists can offer the best solutions for your tinnitus symptoms.  Until you begin to experience hearing loss, you may not realize how much you depend on hearing sounds while driving.
Although driving heavily relies on your visual abilities, being able to hear is also important. Here are some driving tips if you experience hearing loss. Talking to other Passengers Communicating with others while driving is difficult for anyone, no matter how good your hearing is. If you need to read lips, it is very difficult to understand what others are saying while focusing on driving. Using assistive listening devices, like Phonak’s RogerTM Select Mic. Your passengers can speak directly into the device, and their speech sounds will transfer to your hearing aids. It is very important to stay focused on the road when driving. If you are having an important discussion that requires your undivided attention, pull the car over to a safe area. Here are some additional tips. Warning Sirens The inability to hear sirens from emergency vehicles that are approaching is a fear for drivers who have hearing loss. Not knowing whether to pull over or continue driving through intersections can cause anxiety. You can avoid this by being aware of your environment. Frequently check your rearview and side mirrors for oncoming vehicles. Your surroundings can quickly shift. You should ask your passengers to listen for approaching vehicles with sirens to warn you. Being Pulled over by the Police This is going to happen at some point or another. Be prepared to immediately let the officer know that you have hearing loss. There is a visor card for the deaf/hard of hearing, that will help the officer understand your communication needs. Be Aware of Honking Some drivers who have difficulty with hearing, are concerned about honking drivers. The honking sounds make them feel vulnerable as they drive. Keep your eyes on the road and drive your best to avoid the honks altogether. If you or a loved one, experience hearing loss contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron, and Widex.  Seasonal Allergies may induce Hearing Loss
Are you frequently noticing an increase of pressure in your body due to seasonal allergies? Maybe you are only able to hear through one of your ears or find it difficult to notice where sounds are emanating from. Are you constantly noticing tinnitus from your good ear? Perhaps you felt as though you wouldn’t be able to walk around in an unfamiliar setting, and worried that you wouldn’t be able to hear. Stop canceling your plans due to this temporary hearing loss. Treating Temporary Hearing Loss Hearing aids can be a solution for your temporary hearing loss. Any hearing loss that goes untreated raises the risk of permanent hearing loss. It’s good to practice wearing your hearing aids regularly to ease those concerns, whether you’re with another person or alone. Giving your brain listening exercises lets you remember background noises and distinguish voices from each other. Hearing aids can help boost your self-confidence and become more independent. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing. Our hearing instrument specialists will patiently work with you to make sure that you are getting the most out of your hearing aids. We offer the options of battery or rechargeable hearing aids, to fit with your hearing needs and lifestyle.  We have featured articles on Starkey’s Livio AI hearing aid, and all of the benefits they provide.
But did you know that the Livio AI has won multiple awards? Just last year, it was the recipient of the Silver Stevie® Award under the Health & Pharmaceuticals Product category in the 18th Annual American Business Awards®. There are 200 American executives who evaluate and recognize excellence in the workplace. During their assessment, they mentioned the amazing features of the Livio AI. They have acknowledged the work put in by Starkey to make life more inclusive for the hard of hearing. The Livio AI also won the Artificial Intelligence Breakthrough Award in 2020 for “Best Intelligent Personal Assistant”. This award is bestowed upon technology that solves problems and transforms an industry. The ear has been seen more and more as a pathway to better understanding a person’s overall health. This is where the Livio AI comes into play. It’s the first and only hearing aid that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and integrated sensors to harness the best quality of sound and track the health of your body and brain. Users of the Livio AI can be more proactive in controlling their overall health. More and more evidence has shown that using hearing aids to treat hearing loss can help prevent or slow down serious health problems, like cardiovascular disease and dementia. Some of the latest features of the Livio AI include fall detection, voice-to-text transcription, and direct streaming via Bluetooth®. Simply double tapping the hearing aid, or using the Thrive Hearing Control app, can grant users access to health tracking features. You may also ask questions about the weather and instantly receive a response directly through your Livio AI hearing aid. Are you, or a loved one, experiencing hearing loss? Contact us for a free hearing test and consultation. Starkey’s Livio AI is just one of many hearing aid options that you can try out at Pure Sound Hearing.  Did you know that 3 out of 5 older Americans and 6 out of 7 middle-aged Americans who experience hearing loss don’t use hearing aids?
Hearing loss is common. The risk of losing your hearing increases as you age. Most people do not seek treatment, but if they do it’s usually after experiencing many years of hearing loss. The 12 Consequences of not getting Treatment for Your Hearing Loss
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands for a wide range of hearing loss.  If you experience hearing loss, hearing aids can significantly improve your overall well-being, reduce isolation, and help with better communication skills. Using hearing aids also helps to delay the onset of dementia.
Hearing aids are still not used by many who would benefit from them. Millions of Americans can improve their hearing health and overall health, but they either never get them or wait too long to purchase them. The three main reasons why many people don’t wear them are due to the cost, access, and stigma that is sometimes surrounded by wearing them. An Increase in Hearing Aid Use From 2011 to 2018, hearing aids have had an increase in use from 15% to 18.5% in adults over the age of 70. This data was published this past December of 2020 by the medical journal JAMA: Internal Medicine. This means that many more older Americans have an easier time socializing with family and friends while reducing the risks of health problems that are associated with untreated hearing loss. The use of Hearing Aids is Unequal between different Socioeconomic Groups According to data that was collected, significantly fewer Black Americans reported an increase in purchasing and using hearing aids. That’s just a +.8% shift in 7 years. In contrast, there was a +4.3% increase in White Americans purchasing and using hearing aids. Based on levels of income, the number of people who owned hearing aids fell in the past few years (from 12.4% to 10.8%) among older adults who live under less than 100% of the federal poverty level. Basically, if you are White or have a higher level of income, you will probably use hearing aids. Why is there a gap in Hearing Healthcare Treatment? There is a gap in treatment for hearing health. The latest studies show that this problem is growing, especially among the most impoverished Americans. There are systemic problems in American healthcare that cause minorities and Americans with lower income not to have access to many different services, even if they have Medicare or Medicaid. What should You do? If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer various hearing aid styles and brands, along with assistive listening devices at discount prices.  Did you know that most hearing aid users do not use services that are available through their hearing aid provider?
According to a study from Johns Hopkins, only one-third of hearing aid users take advantage of the hearing care services that are accessible through their provider. Hearing aids are an important investment for not only your hearing health, but also your personal/work relationships, and your overall health. Just like with anything you invest in, why not get the most out of it? Receiving hearing aids from a professional hearing instrument specialist ensures that you will have the proper fitting, along with the maximum performance, satisfaction, and quality service. The hearing devices and hearing aid services that an experienced hearing instrument specialist can give you are verified. Hearing aids purchased over the internet may not work properly, and will most likely cost you more in the long run. At Pure Sound, we provide thorough testing, custom fittings, and tuning along with follow-up appointments, advice, and hearing aid cleanings/maintenance from our staff. Patients who do not utilize these services tend to become more discouraged about wearing their hearing aids. As a result, they do not get the most satisfaction from their hearing aids, which will exacerbate their hearing health. Avoid this situation for the sake of your health and investment. If you, or a loved one, need hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation at one of our offices in Lititz, Elizabethtown, Mt. Joy, or Strasburg. We're always here to help.  Hearing loss is a serious problem, but you can still entertain yourself while exercising your ears. Practice activities to keep your sense of hearing in tip-top shape. Here’s a list of apps and activities that hearing aid users and non-hearing aid users of all ages can do each day.
Children’s Hearing Exercise Apps Auditory Workout This app was developed for 4 to 12-year-olds who have auditory comprehension and processing disorders. It was created by a certified speech and language pathologist. The app features over 1,000 listening exercises that concentrate on correcting auditory attention and memory. Directions to exercise a person's comprehension are given verbally. In the game, a virtual basketball coach rewards users with a basketball for every correct answer. AB Listening Adventures (iPad only) Adults who care for children (ages 4 to 10) with hearing loss will love this app! The program guides and develops listening and language skills that use six different story-based games which concentrate on listening for various elements, plurals, pronouns, or minimal pairs. VocAB Scenes (iPad only) Children between the ages of 4 and 10, who experience hearing loss, can expand their vocabulary with fun and different scenes. These include outdoor fun in the water, beach scenery, a pet store, a swimming pool, camping, and a wintery setting. A caregiver or therapist can assist the child during listening exercises utilizing three different games for each scene to encourage language development and listening skills. Hearing Exercise Apps for Adults and Children Hear Coach (Android or iOS - iPad and iPhone) Starkey Hearing Technologies developed this app. It features listening games that teach the auditory system how to listen in numerous situations. The games are helpful for anyone with hearing loss, especially those who have difficulty hearing when there’s too much background noise. LACE Auditory Training programs (Computer/laptop, iPad, or Android device) LACE can be used by children and adults to practice listening and communication skills. It features a daily training program that develops methods on how to communicate in busy settings. The training sessions last about 20 minutes. Forbrain® Forbrain® uses a person’s voice to increase their attention span, sharpen concentration, memory, and pronunciation. This bone-conduction headphone (for children and adults), has a filtered microphone that is used while talking out loud or to a person. The architects of this headset advise using the program for a few minutes every day for a minimum of six weeks. Auditory Training - Use a Wide Range of Sounds Enhance your auditory memory by recognizing environmental sounds. Practice listening to voices with activities that incorporate 209 varieties of animal, musical instruments, transportation sounds, and more. Hearing Hunt Do you enjoy word searches? Then you will like Hearing Hunt. This game lets users listen to word-clues and try to beat the clock to figure out the words to search. The game has three levels of difficulty and can be used with Bluetooth®-enabled hearing aids. Games 4 Hearoes (iPad) This interactive auditory training program can help new hearing aid users recognize and remember sounds from their environment and vocabulary. There are 30 activities that concentrate on five main areas to help new users familiarize themselves with the sounds to gain confidence. AudioCardio (iOS) This app can teach your brain to detect noise by playing sounds that are just below detectable levels for you. After the training session, you can create a personalized “sound therapy” to listen to while engaging in other activities. The app’s developers claim that this will lead to an improvement in your hearing health. Hearing Exercise Offline Online brain games can be fun, but some day-to-day exercises for your brain can be done at home.
Solo Hearing Activities
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid styles and brands for a wide range of hearing loss.  According to the World Health Organization, one out of 20 people experiences debilitating hearing loss.
In this same report, the authors of this study predict that this number will double by the time we reach 2050. That means over 900 million people will have severe hearing loss. Along with this surge in hearing loss comes the rise in better hearing aid technology. The rising numbers can be reduced by being more aware of hearing loss/noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and taking precautions whenever possible. Receiving treatment as soon as you begin to experience hearing loss can make it more manageable and improve your overall health. If you or a loved one experience hearing loss and need treatment, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  Students may have Poor Academic Performance due to Hearing Loss
Do you have a student who is struggling in class? Do they interfere during class and have a hard time concentrating? Hearing loss is usually left out as a culpable reason for these struggles. Hearing loss, no matter how mild, can impact a student’s academic achievements. Hearing loss is just as common in adults, as it is in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that approximately 15% of children who are between the ages of 6-19 experience low or high-frequency hearing loss of at least 16-decibels in one or both ears. Research has indicated nearly 35% of adolescents with equal ranges of unilateral hearing loss are at risk of failing a grade level in school. Your child may have hearing loss, if they exhibit any of the following behaviors:
When it comes to hearing loss, it is important to seek guidance and treatment from a professional. Students who experience mild to moderate hearing loss, and do not get treatment, will not be able to keep up with their peers by one to four grade levels. Students with more severe hearing loss that goes untreated, usually do not achieve beyond levels of the third grade. Learning and Hearing Loss Being able to hear is very important in the developing stages of communication, language, and speech. Hearing problems can slow down a student’s progress while learning, which results in unsatisfactory academic performance. Subjects that revolve around language might be the most difficult for students who have hearing loss. It can be difficult to follow assignments that require learning a language, especially if you cannot hear high-frequency consonants such as ch, f, k, p, s, sh, t, and th sounds. Actively participating in conversations is difficult with hearing loss. The inability to properly communicate with others can be discouraging and complicated for a child with hearing loss - and their peers - to understand. This can lead to isolation and depression. Oftentimes, these children cannot catch up to their peers when it comes to socializing in a mature manner, which can make them feel out of place. Studies indicate early intervention, and treatment for hearing loss can improve a child’s academics and social life. A study from 2015 showed that adolescents who had severe hearing loss generally had lower scores than their peers with normal hearing. Children with hearing loss, who received treatment with hearing aids or cochlear implants, and more involvement from their parents had better results. If you or a child in your family experience hearing loss contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test and consultation.  If you are a new hearing aid user or a long time wearer who received new hearing aids, it is strongly encouraged to keep a journal about what’s bothering you when you wear your hearing aids and what you think needs to be adjusted.
Notice whether there have been any improvements, and what difficulties you experience. The Advantages of Recording Experiences with Hearing in a Journal Anyone who has mild to moderate hearing loss struggles with similar problems. Usually, many voice concerns with understanding speech in busy areas. Hearing aids can help with speech comprehension and reduce the strains of hearing. The benefits of hearing aids can be overlooked by users, due to other hearing problems that they have. Writing in a daily journal can help determine the progress that you experienced since wearing hearing aids, and the difficulties that you still face. You can take into consideration what your expectations are, and then talk to your hearing aid provider to find out whether they are practical or not. Our Experience with Hearing Humans use a number of sensory stimuli (auditory, visual, taste, smell, and touch) in order to shape our experiences in certain environments. A hearing aid helps the auditory stimuli that someone with hearing loss would normally miss. Wearing a hearing aid can feel overwhelming for a new user. In many cases, new hearing aid users go years without getting help for their hearing loss. As a result, hearing sounds that haven’t been heard in years can feel overstimulating. It requires the brain to relearn and process these sounds and information. Therefore, it takes a lot of time and patience to adapt to hearing aids. This can be a different experience for each user. Auditory stimuli can form positive or negative listening experiences. Positive experiences that relate to comfort, excitement, happiness, joy, and peacefulness. This can include music that you like, laughter, a friendly and familiar voice, and sounds of nature. Negative experiences like anger, frustration, or fear can be caused by hearing intense or discomforting sounds like screaming children, sirens, or sudden explosions. General noise is usually what bothers hearing aid users the most. Bad experiences with hearing aids can drive users to stop using the devices all-together due to unfulfilled expectations. It’s best to try out your hearing aids in the real-world and ask for advice or adjustments as necessary from your hearing aid provider. These things will help to improve:
Keep a Hearing Journal Record your daily experiences with hearing. For hearing aid users, it would be best to jot down what you are experiencing while wearing your hearing aids. Daily logs let hearing aid users record good and bad incidents. These will give you and your hearing aid provider useful understanding about your regular listening activities, the environments you frequent, partners, feelings, expectations, hearing aid usage and adjustments, and the benefits of hearing aids when used in those listening circumstances. Here are more helpful reasons to keep a hearing journal:
Most contemporary hearing aids keep track of how often you use the devices. Generally you will learn how long you wear your hearing aids each day, how frequently you use the volume control and your exposure to different listening environments. Your hearing aids will not record personal experiences you have on certain days, in one particular type of environment. This is why you should keep a journal. Here are some topics to think about when writing in your journal:
It’s very important to record the good and the bad experiences. The only way to improve those negative experiences, is by recalling/reading over them and determining whether the expectations you have are realistic. Take into account whether you still need to adapt to those environmental sounds, if professional advice or support from loved ones can provide a better outcome, or if an adjustment to the device is the only resolution. Whether you are a novice hearing aid user or a long time wearer, here are some additional tips for you. Don’t wait any longer to get help. Bring your hearing journal with you to your hearing healthcare appointments. Have a discussion with your hearing care provider. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. |
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