 Are you planning to commit to your hobbies in the new year? Everyone should take on a hobby to enjoy in their spare time. Hobbies can be a significant part of our life and bring enjoyment when life gets too stressful. Consider health and safety precautions before embarking on any potentially loud hobbies that can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Woodworking If you’re interested in woodworking, whether you’re a beginner who wants to build some shelves or a seasoned woodworker who wants a canoe, wearing earplugs or earmuffs is necessary when working with power tools. Power tools and decibel output Hammer Drill: 114 dB Chain Saw: 109 dB Circular Saw: 101 dB Hand Drill: 99 dB Router: 95 dB Belt Sander: 94 dB Table Saw: 93 dB Playing an instrument Whether you are learning a new instrument or have been playing for many years, you should wear hearing protection when playing very loud instruments and take breaks in between playing. Instruments and their decibel output (when played at their loudest) French horn: 90 to 106 dB Trombone: 85 to 114 dB Flute: 85 to 111 dB Cello: 82 to 92 dB Clarinet: 92 to 103 dB Piano (normal practice): 60 to 70 dB Piano (fortissimo): 84 to 103 dB Oboe: 90 to 94 dB Swimming Hearing protection does not only include safeguarding your ears from harmful sound waves, but it’s also helpful to keep your ears clean and prevent debris from entering your ear canals. Any style of earplugs will ensure air bubbles or water that gets trapped in the ear and will stay away from the ear canal or eardrum. Water that gets trapped can affect your hearing and may cause an ear infection. Earplugs reduce noise. They cannot cancel out all noise, so if you wear them while swimming, you’ll still be able to hear a lifeguard’s whistle. Earplugs are available in many different styles and sizes. Standard foam earplugs are available at Pure Sound Hearing. If you need earplugs, a hearing test, or hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Information on Hearing Loops added to Google Maps
Recently, Google Maps has started to add information on hearing loop accessibility on its website. Having a nationwide database of looped venues has been sought after for hearing loop supporters. Get in the Hearing Loop Committee (GITHL) of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and Google Maps, is the newest precedent that raises awareness and accessibility of hearing loops in public spaces. Hearing loops are comprised of a thin copper wire unobtrusively installed to surround the room/area and connect via an amplifier to the room’s public address (PA) system. The amplifier transmits the sound from the PA system to the loop wire. The loop wire will then transmit a silent electromagnetic signal to the hearing aid receivers (telecoils or t-coils). These telecoils are built into most digital hearing aids. The hearing aids convert the signal back into sound and, while the microphones in the hearing aids are switched off, the user hears most of the sound from the PA with limited background noise. This makes it easier to hear what is being broadcasted over the PA system. Even though proper volume levels are necessary, it’s essential to understand that clarity in speech is much more important than volume. Hearing Loops in Public Spaces The U.S. has incorporated hearing loops in theaters, places of worship, and other public places where people with hearing loss are bound to face challenges. Thousands of venues that provide access to hearing loops have been listed through the leadership of the GITHL committee and Google Maps. This process is still in the works. To find out whether a specific venue offers hearing loop communication access: 1. Go to maps.google.com. 2. Search for the name of a venue. The map will reload and display the venue on a street map. 3. A box will include information like the street address, phone number, hours of operation, etc. There will be a space underneath a row of blue circular icons that has a short description of the venue and a “more arrow” like this >. Press on the > arrow and “Assistive hearing loop” should show up if it is known to be available at the venue. Other accessibility information will be posted in this area, like wheelchair access or other accommodations. When viewing this on your smartphone or tablet, you can find the information on Google Maps by selecting “About”. This project will continue growing and the GITHL committee will work to find and verify hearing loop installations throughout the country. The public can participate in the listings in order to help uphold their integrity. Each venue listed through Google Maps has a “suggest an edit” or “update this place” prompt. There are additional links to add photos or leave a review. If it is mentioned that a loop system is missing at a venue that has stated their venue is looped, users may inform the GITHL committee at loop.locations@hearingloss.org. Those who install loops or others who set up hearing loss can suggest additions or revisions of listings on Google Maps by visiting this HLAA site and filling out the form. If you are a hearing aid user who has trouble hearing in public venues, get your hearing aids checked by a provider from Pure Sound Hearing. Did You know that Your chances of experiencing Hearing Loss Double for Each Decade of Your Life?10/18/2022
 The New England Journal of Medicine stated that the fourth leading cause of disability around the globe is hearing loss. One in three Americans between 65 to 74 years old experience hearing loss. The pervasiveness of hearing loss also doubles for each decade of life. It’s crucial for people of all ages to get regular hearing tests and interventions, but it is especially true for the elderly.
As frequently mentioned in our blog, hearing loss can lead to more hospitalizations, falls, isolation, and dementia. It can also increase anxiety, depression, isolation, and loneliness. Poor communication skills can strain relationships across every aspect of your life. The Primary causes of Hearing Loss
Being more aware, taking the right precautions, and making better decisions when it comes to your overall health can help with hearing health. If you, or a loved one, are noticing any changes in hearing contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Hearing loss can come in many different forms. Some have it from birth. Others get it from an autoimmune disease or medications. It can be caused by noise exposure after being in an environment with dangerous sound levels.
Physical abuse is rarely discussed as a culprit of hearing loss. Academy award-winning actress Halle Berry has hearing loss after being struck by a former boyfriend in the early 1990s. The impact caused her left eardrum to become punctured. Maria Halle Berry was born in 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio. She’s the youngest daughter of an English mother and an American father. Her parents got divorced when she was four years old because her father was mentally and physically abusive. Berry moved to New York City in 1989 to start her acting career. She became one of Hollywood’s most successful and highest-paid actresses of the early 2000s. Sadly, she personally endured abuse. She confirmed that she encountered battery and sexual assault as a child and adult. She stated in a speech during an NYC benefit that she “devalued” herself and didn’t deem herself worthy. She chose partners who were like her father. It wasn’t until after the abusive relationship where she lost 80% of her hearing abilities that she realized she needed to stop this vicious cycle. Berry still has 20% of hearing in her left ear. She was able to overcome this disability by winning an Oscar for best lead actress. She has been a strong advocate for domestic abuse prevention. If you, or someone that you know, are experiencing domestic abuse call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. If you, or someone that you know, are experiencing hearing loss please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  Exposure to loud sounds for an extended period can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Whether it’s noises you don’t like, for example, construction noises or noises from city traffic, or noises that you enjoy like a concert, your hearing is at risk.
The Loudest Instruments: A Study Researchers from the University of Queensland and the University of Sydney conducted a study to determine which musical instrument was most likely to cause hearing loss. The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene published the results in 2013. They studied 143 professional French horn players. The musicians who were 40 years of age and younger were 18 to 33 percent more likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss. Just 18 percent of professional musicians wore hearing protection. About 81 percent of those who wore hearing protection, only wore them ‘sometimes’ and 50 percent responded that they use generic foam earplugs or other substandard forms of hearing protection. A professional French horn player and doctoral researcher from the University of Sydney discovered from their research that they still need to educate horn players, their mentors, and hearing healthcare providers about protecting their hearing and the best way to accomplish this while not interfering with their ability to play. Everyone should take hearing loss seriously. Musicians, and anyone who is repeatedly exposed to loud noises, should get regular hearing tests. Any loss in the hearing range can make distinguishing different pitches difficult, cause tinnitus, or make some sounds abnormally loud. This can affect their performance and their musical career. Instruments and their Decibel Levels The French horn is the loudest instrument, but it’s not the only instrument that produces dangerous sound levels. Here are some common instruments and their decibel ranges:
Protect Your Hearing By wearing proper hearing protection, you can continue playing your favorite instrument while preserving your hearing abilities. Musicians can get custom earplugs that allow them to still hear the music while keeping their ears safe. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Sometimes having hearing loss while trying to watch a movie in theaters or at a drive-thru can be challenging. Will you be able to hear and follow along with the movie? Will it be worth your time and money?
Luckily for you, most movie theaters in the U.S. are required to provide closed captioning and audio descriptions. These laws were passed in 2018 through the Americans with Disabilities Act. This makes it easier for anyone with hearing loss to enjoy the movies. Be Sure to Wear Your Hearing Aids Most hearing aid users won’t need additional help. Those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss are still able to hear well in movie theaters when donning their hearing aids. Speech sounds tend to be clearer in movie theaters than watching TV or movies from home. This is mainly due to the volume level, sound system quality, and placement of the speakers. If you are concerned that the film will be played too loudly for you, slightly adjust the volume on your hearing aids to an appropriate level. Today’s hearing aids can be programmed to suppress loud noises so that your hearing health remains protected. Accessibility services at local theaters should be researched if you have severe hearing loss or are deaf. Get there early so that you can request accommodations and have time to set up the equipment. If things did not go as planned, you can ask for a refund. Here are some possible options that may be offered: Movie Captions Opened captioning - text will appear onscreen during the movie so that everyone in the audience can see it. Closed captioning - these captions are private and transmitted through a personal device. It’s rare to see open captions for a general audience. Some theaters have the option of “open caption” viewings for those who need/prefer to watch a movie with subtitles/captions, or if there’s a large group that requested a special screening. There are also captions for foreign films. With closed captions, it is required that you ask for a device that displays the captions at your seat. The device, technology, and availability will be different for each movie theater chain, so you’ll want to do some research before heading to the theater. If necessary, call or email the company. Accessibility Options from 4 Major Theater Chains Regal Theaters Regal had a plethora of information. They feature an accessibility services page, along with a list of every theater in each state and the accessibility options that are available in each local theater. Regal offers open captions through Sony Access eyeglasses. It allows audiences to see captions in their direct line of sight. Users can wear these over their regular eyeglasses. Prior to your visit, it is recommended that you contact your local theater to make sure that you will be accommodated as necessary. The movie descriptions should read “accessibility devices available.” AMC Theaters Last year, AMC announced they would be adding more showings that featured open captions. This is significant because AMC is the largest movie chain in the world. Other accessibility options from AMC include:
Landmark Theaters The accessibility page for Landmark lists which theaters have assistive listening technology and what they use. It’s different for each theater, but typically includes:
Marcus Theatres This large chain provides assistive technology that is similar to Landmark. Assistive Listening If your local theater does not provide the latest captioning technology, they may have assistive listening devices (ALD) like telecoils (which require your hearing aids to be paired with them), assistive listening systems (ALS) which are system-wide technology used in public spaces like a theater, airport, or lecture hall. Three types of ALS recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) include:
Every ALS must be an option for hearing aid users' access, whether they have telecoils or not. It’s easy to connect to a hearing loop if your hearing aids feature telecoils. Most people prefer using hearing loops out of the three types of ALS. If you are having problems hearing in theaters and need help with your hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a consultation.  Les Paul, has been bestowed with many titles including award-winning musician, innovator, creative genius, inventor of the solid-body electric guitar, multi-track recording, echo, over-dubbing, and other music advancements. He also wore hearing aids in both ears.
In 1969 his hearing started to deteriorate when a friend playfully smacked the side of his right ear, which led to his eardrum rupturing. It wasn’t a hard slap, but his friend’s open palm made contact with Paul’s right ear. The abrupt pressure popped his eardrum. A surgical procedure complicated his hearing, and he lost his ability to hear out of his right ear. A couple of years later, another guitar player slapped over his left ear, and again, that eardrum also popped. In total, he had five operations on his inner ear and eardrums. His hearing loss eventually became permanent, and he has been wearing hearing aids ever since. He always looked for ways to improve the quality of hearing aids and hearing health until he passed away in 2009. His work continues through the Les Paul Foundation, which provides yearly funding to Hearing Health Foundation’s Emerging Research Grants program to discover a cure for tinnitus. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation if you experience hearing loss and/or tinnitus.  Canadian-born singer/songwriter, Justin Bieber, recently announced that he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. This is a rare neurological disorder that causes paralysis in the facial nerves, a rash that can affect the ear or mouth, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Bieber posted an Instagram video that showed the 28-year-old with a partially paralyzed face. He mentioned difficulty with eating. The right side of his face remained still as he smiled and moved his nostrils. He also struggled to blink his right eye. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, about 5 in 100,000 Americans are affected by Ramsay Hunt syndrome. The cause of this disorder is the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox in children and shingles in adults. It is also known as “herpes zoster oticus” because of the physical characteristics of the ear rash. “Herpes zoster oticus” mainly refers to the ear rash, and it’s called “Ramsay Hunt Syndrome” if facial paralysis occurs in addition to the ear rash. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Treatment There are no preventative care measures for Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Patients can recover from it within a few weeks to several months. Early treatment is better for the best recovery outcome if it is treated within three days after noticing symptoms. Treatment options include antiviral medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain killers. Please find out from family members or ask your healthcare provider if you are susceptible to hearing loss before taking these medications. They can be ototoxic, and impact your hearing health. If symptoms of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome are left untreated, patients may experience permanent weakness of facial muscles or hearing loss. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and its Impact on Hearing A rash on the outer ear and external ear canal can form if you have Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. Tinnitus is also a common symptom. Some patients may develop sensorineural hearing loss if the nerve that’s affected can no longer transmit vibrations to the brain. There is currently no clear relation between the severity of facial weakness in patients with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and hearing loss, but one study from the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry reported nearly 19% of patients had an irregular audiogram. In a study in the journal “Medicine”, hearing loss was more severe in high-frequency ranges than in the low-frequency ranges for patients who had the Herpes zoster oticus virus. Hearing problems were worse in patients who had vertigo than in patients without vertigo in high and low frequencies. The range of hearing loss was not substantially different between patients who had and did not have facial paralysis from Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. Another study from Japan showed complete recovery in 85 out of 173 (49%) adults and 33 out of 42 (78%) patients who were under the age of 16. Complete recovery was shown in audiograms of 66% of children with audiometry documented hearing loss compared to 37.7% of adults. Healthcare and Recovery Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is not contagious. It can still develop in people who have had chickenpox, but those who have not had chickenpox should get their chickenpox vaccine and their shingles vaccine. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and/or tinnitus that was caused by any reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  If you wear hearing aids and plan to attend a concert this summer, consider some of these issues that may come up.
Whether you wear your hearing aids to a concert depends on your preferences. Some would recommend removing your hearing aids and wearing earplugs instead to protect your hearing. Depending on the music genre, the sounds will generally be loud enough for you to hear. If you choose to wear your hearing aids during a concert, you can turn down the volume on the devices. Additional protection like noise-canceling earmuffs can be helpful. These are better at canceling out sounds than earplugs while shielding the sound-transmitting bones that make up your ears. Encourage others who arrived at the concert with you to protect their hearing health. Concerts run for about 60-90 minutes, so bring your hearing aids along. After the event is over you’ll need them to hear your friends. Ask the Venue about Accessibility Services Prior to your visit, contact the music venue to ask about accessibility options. Most concert halls and venues feature systems to help audience members who can’t hear clearly, have mobility issues, or have any other problem that can interfere with how they enjoy their time at the concert. The T-Mobile Arena accessibility guide features different accommodation options. Captioning services can be provided to make sure you don’t miss anything. Make sure that the services which are listed on the venue’s website, will be available during your visit. The majority of venues need a warning beforehand so that they may accurately accommodate your needs. Get Recommendations from Your Hearing Instrument Specialist All hearing aids are different with a variety of features, so talk to your hearing instrument specialist for recommendations. For example, some hearing aids feature telecoils or t-coils. T-coils can connect with loop systems within buildings. The loop system focuses on the music at the concert, while blocking out background noises like echoes. If your hearing aids feature a telecoil, your hearing instrument specialist will demonstrate how it works. Hearing aids can also be programmed by your hearing instrument specialist so that you can have the best listening experience during the concert. Preparing for a Live Concert To make sure you have a great concert experience, here are some tips. Don’t go alone Not only is going with a friend more fun, but if your friend has stronger hearing abilities, they’ll be able to guide you through the area if the volume on your hearing aids needs to be turned down. Stand or sit near the stage If possible, be closer to the stage or a speaker. There will be less interference from other audience members. If you depend on an ASL interpreter, you’ll be more likely to see them if you are near the stage. Be prepared when making purchases Whether you are buying drinks, food, or merch, it can be overwhelming to choose when there’s too much background noise. Instead of making decisions on the spot, look online for merch or at a menu before selecting. Switch off hearing aids if necessary If sounds become overwhelming, turn off your hearing aids or wear hearing protection. Make your friends aware of this before the show so they know the best way to get your attention. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing if you need your hearing aids programmed before your next concert.  The creators of Barbie, an American doll manufacturer that has been producing these figures for 63 years, have released a new set of dolls in an effort to promote diversity and inclusivity.
There will be a number of new dolls in this diverse collection. A Barbie with hearing aids and a Ken doll with the skin condition vitiligo will be among these new additions. In the past, there have been other Barbie dolls in a wheelchair or with a prosthetic leg. Mattel’s Global Head of Barbie Dolls, Lisa McKnight, stated in a press release that more children will be able to “see themselves reflected” through these figures. McKnight also believes that children should be encouraged to play with dolls that do not look like them so that they can better “understand and celebrate the importance of inclusion.” The Barbie with hearing aids wears hot pink hearing aids in each ear. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and may need hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Pictured: Dave Grohl We’ve discussed many work environments that can contribute to hearing loss from construction zones to gyms. Well, it should be no surprise that musicians, especially rock musicians, are also vulnerable to hearing loss. Lots of famous musicians have hearing loss, tinnitus, or both. Research suggests that they are four times more likely to have hearing problems than the general population.
1. The former Nirvana and current Foo Fighters band member, Dave Grohl, recently revealed that he has had hearing loss for years. He cannot hear out of his left ear and crowded restaurants are the worst spots for him to visit. Masks make things worse for him. He read lips for 20 years, and has to remind people that he is a rock musician, he’s deaf, and he cannot hear what others are saying. 2. Pete Townshend of The Who has been open about his hearing loss for many years. He pinpointed the problem to studio headphones, not from playing live music. 3. Another member of The Who, Roger Daltry, said that he is “very, very deaf”. 4. Danny Elfman, who scored Edward Scissorhands, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Batman Returns, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and numerous other films, lost his hearing and developed tinnitus after playing frontman in his band Oingo Boingo. 5. Alice Cooper dons hearing aids after losing his hearing from being around loud rock music for 55 years. 6. Huey Lewis talked about how hearing loss and Menière’s disease cut his singing career short and recommended hearing aids. 7. Sting admitted that he has hearing loss, but still refused to get hearing aids. 8. Mick Fleetwood revealed that he has hearing loss, and played a “quiet” rock concert to raise awareness about hearing loss. The concert took place at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with 100 people in attendance. There were mixed responses. The band Eagles of Death Metal played two songs without amps. The audience listened with miniature radio receivers. Most just smiled. Later the band played three songs that were amplified through speakers, and the crowd jumped and danced around while waving their arms. The unamplified sound reached 62 decibels (dB) - which is normal - and the amplified sound reached 124 dB, which is the same noise level of a jet engine. Fortunately, there’s more awareness about this issue today. Musicians can even wear customized earplugs that are specially designed to wear while performing at concerts. If you are a musician, or someone who you know is a musician, with hearing loss please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  If you’re a regular golfer, you know that swinging the club and hitting the ball with just the right amount of force and at the right angle is an intricate skill.
Golfers may not realize how much their hearing is used in the game. Here are five ways that better hearing can help you while playing golf. 1. Hearing the Clubhead Hit the Ball Every experienced golfer knows that perfect hit. It’s when you hear the sound of your clubhead striking the ball at just the right spot. The scope and precision are usually guaranteed when you hear that sound. Being able to hear that strike is also necessary when you don’t hit the ball correctly. Learning from that mistake lets you make adjustments for the next shot. This is critical in order to chip and put, where you want to focus on skill rather than the force of the strike. 2. Socializing during the Game Playing the game with others is a huge part of golf culture. Coming up with a strategy, heckling, and mingling with each other is part of the fun. You may even run into other people that you know, or meet new people, in other parts of the course. All of these instances require communication, so it’s important to have good hearing. 3. Would You be able to Hear a Warning? Being on a golf course can pose a danger at times. The common, and most obvious, one is the possibility of being hit by a golf ball. The person who strikes that ball will hopefully shout a warning if the ball is headed towards anyone. Then there are the less common risks of encounters with animals - like bears or rattlesnakes. 4. Walking the Course and Balance Hearing loss can affect a person’s balance, and golfing requires good balance. Poor balance can lead to missed shots, falling from throwing your club, or an accident involving the golf cart. 5. Focusing on the Game It takes a lot of concentration to play golf. That’s why brain health is so important. We’ve mentioned many times how poor hearing can impact cognitive abilities. One study reported that seniors with hearing loss had a 30% to 40% higher rate of cognitive problems than peers who did not have hearing loss. Wearing a hearing aid can significantly reduce cognitive decline by nearly 75%. Thin-faced titanium drivers started becoming more popular in 2009. The sound of some clubs hitting a ball has been known to cause a very loud noise, so if you prefer using these clubs you should probably also wear hearing protection. Earplugs are a simple and discreet way to do this. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  “CODA”, an independent coming-of-age story about a teenager with deaf parents and a deaf sibling, made its way to the Sundance Film Festival and won four awards in the American dramatic competition. Has an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, along with many other nominations ranging from the Screen Actors Guild to the Independent Spirit Awards. It is an American remake of the 2014 French film “La Famille Belier”.
The title of the movie “CODA” is an acronym for child of deaf adults. Emilia Jones plays a teenager named Ruby who is the only hearing member of her family. They manage a fishing business in Massachusetts where Ruby helps her family on the water while being their interpreter. Marlee Matlin plays Jackie, Ruby’s mother, Troy Kotsur plays Frank, Ruby’s father, and Daniel Durant plays Ruby’s brother. Ruby is also a gifted singer and wants to attend music school. She is concerned that her family won’t be able to get things done without her help. They also don’t understand her passion for music. There were mixed reviews, ranging from sweet and sentimental to bland. Some were pleased with the inclusion of deaf characters but reprimanded for having a hearing character as the lead. CODA is currently playing in theaters and streaming on Apple TV+. For more entertainment, check out these other recommendations! If you or a loved one are experiencing any range of hearing loss and need a hearing test, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. How Can Art Therapy Help Patients with Chronic Conditions like Hearing Loss and Other Comorbidities?3/4/2022  Anyone with hearing loss can relay instances of anxiety-induced episodes that were caused by their inability to hear or clearly communicate with others. Sometimes it can feel like you’re in the eye of a hurricane. It’s important to always remember to slow down and breathe. Hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition in the U.S.
Art therapy can be healing for all chronic conditions. What is Art Therapy? The American Art Therapy Association describes art therapy as “an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.” Patients should focus more on the process of getting to a healthier mental state, rather than the result. Art therapy can happen in so many forms including dancing, drawing, music/singing, cooking, knitting, painting, sculpting, meditation, writing, and any other creative outlet that you can think of. No previous artistic experience is necessary, but the devotion towards exploring your creative side can be helpful when selecting how you want to interpret your inspiration. The Benefits of Art for Chronic Conditions in Patients There are so many complexities when it comes to a patient’s physical and mental health. Taking care of chronic conditions for a lifetime will take its toll. Anxiety, depression, isolation, and mental health can worsen the physical symptoms of these health issues. Various studies that were reviewed by the American Journal of Public Health indicate that art therapy helps patients manage their chronic conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, cancer, and other chronic illnesses for extended periods of time. This includes:
The great thing about art therapy is that anyone can be creative. It is crucial for each individual to find the proper medium, which takes time and experimentation with various mediums. If you have hearing loss and want to improve your life with art therapy that includes music and listening, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  This blog has covered various causes of hearing loss. There’s noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), presbycusis, hearing loss that is caused by illness, infection, or may be present at birth. While playing sports is a great form of exercise and helps build teamwork skills, it may also lead to a higher risk of hearing loss and tinnitus. Athletes are more prone to injuries and tend to be exposed to excessive noises.
Hearing Loss in relation to Sports Injuries Hearing injuries while engaging in sports on the field are one of the highest risks to an athlete. Damage to the ear or auditory system of the brain can be caused by a head or neck injury, which may lead to permanent hearing loss. In contact sports, like football, the injuries in athletes are more frequent. The majority of football players have experienced at least one concussion throughout their professional career. A number of them have had multiple head injuries, and endured damage to the inner ear or ear canal. These head injuries do not only affect cells in the inner ear, but they could also cause harm to the bones in the middle ear, or obstruct the ear canal. This creates challenges for sounds to reach the inner ear. Concussions and head injuries may also induce symptoms of tinnitus. Loud Stadiums The obvious loud noises that are associated with sports stadiums can also cause hearing loss. Athletes and fans express excitement over scores during live games. In addition to the music that plays during the games or at halftime shows, fans will cheer, shout, and stomp their feet. This can be overwhelming for the ears and cause hearing loss for athletes and fans. Hearing loss usually goes unnoticed at first, so there’s a risk for athletes who participate in games where the noise is intense. If You’re an Athlete, Protect Your Hearing It’s important for athletes to wear hearing protection, when they are in high risk situations. It’s also important for them to avoid injuries while playing on the field. Wear earplugs that are customized for your ears, so that they don’t fall out while engaging in sports. If You’re a Sports Fan, Protect Your Hearing If you’ve been to live gaming events, there’s a chance that you have been exposed to harmful levels of noise. If you have left an arena and notice everything sounds muffled or hear a buzzing/ringing sound, that indicates the environment was too loud and there may be damage to your hearing. Protect your hearing when you go to sports games, and encourage friends and family to do the same. You can easily purchase earplugs made from foam, plastic, or wax. You can tell if your environment is too loud if you find yourself shouting in order to communicate with someone who is sitting or standing right next to you. Get Your Hearing Tested There’s a higher risk of hearing loss among athletes, so regular hearing screenings and hearing tests need to be administered during their healthcare check-ups. Sports fans who regularly attend live sporting events, or even watch them on loud TVs, should also be conscious of their hearing health. Start by getting a baseline hearing test. This will show you your specific hearing range. When you go to follow-up appointments, you can use the baseline hearing test results and compare them with your latest hearing test results. Getting treatment for your hearing loss can help you keep the hearing abilities you still have while slowing down further loss. It will also be easier to adjust to your hearing aid or assistive listening devices, to improve your overall hearing and health. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing if you are experiencing hearing loss. Our providers will patiently work with you to find the best solutions.  According to a 2016 study from the JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, wearing earplugs is effective in preventing temporary hearing loss that is caused by exposure to loud music over the course of several hours.
In a study on 51 adults (with an average of people who were 27 years old), researchers randomly selected 25 people and asked them to wear earplugs that were provided by the researchers while attending an outdoor concert. The other 26 concert attendees did not wear earplugs. The earplugs had a reduced rate of 18 decibels (dB). Before and after the 4.5-hour concert, a standard hearing test was conducted on each participant. The authors of the report concluded that eight percent of the participants who wore earplugs for the duration of the concert had some temporary hearing loss; whereas 42 percent of the participants who did not wear earplugs experienced some hearing loss. Tinnitus - a beeping, buzzing, hissing, ringing, etc. noise that can be caused by exposure to loud noises - was diagnosed in 12 percent of participants who donned earplugs, compared to 40 percent of participants who did not wear earplugs. Hearing loss can be caused by a number of reasons from machinery used in a work environment to leisure activities. The only way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), is by wearing hearing protection - such as earplugs or earmuffs - or limiting the amount of time you are exposed to dangerous noise levels. If you or a loved one experiences hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noises or any other reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer many hearing aid styles and some assistive listening devices for your specific hearing needs. Forget Your Troubles and Just Get Happy: Don’t Let Hearing Loss Stop You from Enjoying Live Theater!9/28/2021  The wait is over. Live theater is finally back!
Fulton Theater in Lancaster Are you a hearing aid user who loves to experience live performances in the theater? Do you worry that your hearing loss will be an obstacle when trying to enjoy a play or musical? There’s a solution for you at the Fulton Theater in Lancaster, Pennsylvania! Assistive Listening Devices The Fulton Theater, on 12 North Prince Street, provides Assistive Listening Devices for audience members who use hearing aids and cochlear implants that have a Telecoil (T-Coil) feature. The discreet FM receiver can be used in any area inside the theater. The theater does not charge users for this receiver. They are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Audience Services Desk, located to the right of Fulton Theater's Main Entrance. American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation There are certified interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing that will be available during select performances. These performances take place during the second Saturday of each Premier Series production. To reserve these seats, fill out an Accessibility Ticket Reserve Form. If you need to cancel your reservation, reach the Fulton Theater at access@thefulton.org. Open Captioned Performances Subtitles are frequently used by many people, whether they have hearing loss or not. You are probably familiar with the term “closed captioning”. You may be less familiar with open captions. These are subtitles that cannot be switched off, whereas closed captions are subtitles that can be switched off. Open captioned performances take place on the second Saturday and third Tuesday during each Premier Series production at the Fulton Theater. These performances arrange live texts for audience members to read during monologues or dialogues that are shown on an LED screen, placed in a box off to the side of the stage, or suspended over the stage. These captions can be viewed from any seat inside the theater. The captioner will stream the subtitles while the actors speak. You may reserve tickets in person at the box office or online. There is the convenience of a Pay-What-You-Want plan for theatergoers who are hard of hearing or deaf, at each open-captioned performance. If you want to enjoy the theater again, but struggle with hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. Our specialists can offer solutions for your listening needs.  One thing that many people with hearing loss miss out on is enjoying the music that they grew up listening to, or enjoying their time hearing live music at venues. It’s possible to appreciate music again.
Here are some recommendations: 1. Understand your current hearing capabilities and hearing aids. This will guide you in using the hearing devices to their fullest potential.
2. Discuss solutions for listening to music with your hearing instrument specialist.
3. Practice listening
8 Tips for Listening to Music with Hearing Aids
5 Tips for Musicians
12 Tips for Hearing Aid Usage 4 Tips for People who use Hearing Aids
listening via earbuds, headphones, loudspeakers, and at live performances. 3. Discuss the impact of rehabilitation resources on the act of listening over an extended period of time. 4. Oversee and keep a log on the use and effectiveness of ALDs in various music settings. 3 Tips for Musicians who use Hearing Aids
5 Tips for Hearing Instrument Specialists
If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and tinnitus, or any other hearing issues, please contact us at Pure Sound for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  If you are looking for a good entertainment list for the summer, we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of uplifting and captivating choices that cover the topics of hearing loss or sound. Read, watch and listen if you need some time to relax. The Way I Hear It: A Life With Hearing Loss (Book) In this book, humorist, actress, public speaker, and hearing loss advocate Gael Hannan, shares life lessons and more. She offers advice and encouragement to both individuals with hearing loss and their loved ones. My Deaf Friend Can Do Anything You Can Do (Book) Other people’s misconceptions and stereotypes can hinder their ability to truly understand each other. This children’s book can give you and your family a chance to learn about the experiences of those with hearing and appreciate what everyone has to offer. Sound of Metal (Movie) This movie tells the story of Ruben, a heavy-metal drummer, who suddenly begins to experience profound hearing loss while on tour. It’s been praised by the deaf and hard of hearing community and has become a strong contender for the 2021 Oscars. See What I’m Saying: The Deaf Entertainers Documentary (Movie) This film follows entertainers with hearing loss, who pursue their dream careers. The award-winning 2009 documentary shows the very real highs and lows of drummer Bob, comic CJ, actor and educator Robert, and singer TL. Twenty Thousand Hertz (Podcast) This podcast covers topics on sound. What is it? How does it work? How can beings hear? The host, Dallas Taylor, also discusses topics like synesthesia (Ep. “Synesthesia” from Jan. 13, 2021), and tells the backstory of familiar sounds that you may recognize. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy this summer's list of entertainment! If you or a loved one are experiencing difficulty with hearing, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test and consultation.  Noise-induced Hearing Hoss: Your Environment and Your Entertainment
The most common form of hearing loss is aging. The second most common cause of hearing loss is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). NIHL is the only preventable type of hearing loss that we can control by wearing hearing protection or avoiding loud environments/forms of entertainment. Today, more people are taking proactive measures to protect their hearing health. It’s normal to see construction workers or people who use loud power tools to wear earmuffs or earplugs. In some workplaces, it’s mandatory. The combination of widespread knowledge and changes in safe hearing practices has grown alongside the universal usage of headphones and earbuds. Although more and more people are becoming aware of the dangers of noise exposure, just about every human being is constantly wearing earbuds to listen to a podcast, music, or have phone conversations throughout their day. How to Prevent Hearing Loss According to experts in the field of hearing health, you may listen to whatever media you’d like - but you need to limit the volume level and length of listening time. It’s important to find a good balance between the volume level and time spent listening. It is recommended to have the volume level at 80 percent, and listen for a maximum time of 90 minutes, with breaks in between. The type of listening equipment is also important. People who wear loose earbuds tend to raise the volume to hear better, which in turn damages hearing health. Over-the-ear, or noise-canceling, headphones block out background noises so that you don’t need to turn up the volume. When listening through your earbuds or headphones, please be aware of how loud your volume is and maybe set a timer so that you know when to give your ears a break. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  Hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors. It’s important to note that adults are not the only people who are at risk. About 15 percent of adolescents from the ages of six to 19 experience hearing loss in at least one ear. If a child’s hearing loss goes untreated, it can negatively impact their reading abilities, social skills and performance in school. Even mild hearing loss can lead to missing up to 50 percent of class lessons and discussions. Parents need to be aware of hearing loss in their children and how to properly treat it.
Hearing Loss due to Environmental Factors According to the CDC, 25 percent of hearing loss in children is caused by their environment. The toys that they play with can surpass the 85 dB threshold that is deemed as safe a noise level. Also, children are curious and have a tendency to hold things like speakers up to their ears. The holidays have passed, and your children or grandchildren now have a surplus of toys to play with. You can find out whether a toy surpasses the 85 dB threshold by using a decibel reading app. Some popular toys and their noise levels have been tested. Here’s a list of the Top 15 Noisiest Toys:
If any of these toys were given to your children or grandchildren, consider returning and replacing them with a quieter toy. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and need hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and free hearing aid trial. |
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