 You may not think that you have any form of hearing loss. It’s usually subtle, except in severe cases. You may have hearing loss and not realize it, especially if it’s in the high-frequency range.
There are two different frequencies: high-frequency and low-frequency. A person with high-frequency hearing loss has trouble hearing sounds between 2000-8000 Hz. Some examples of these sounds include birds chirping, children’s voices, and high-pitched instruments like flutes or violins. A person with low-frequency hearing loss has trouble hearing 2000 Hz or lower sounds. Some noise examples include a large dog’s bark or low-pitched instruments like the tuba. Hearing loss in low-frequencies is also known as reverse-slope hearing loss. Causes of High-Frequency Hearing Loss High-frequency hearing loss is common among people with loss of hearing. The causes of this particular hearing loss include:
Symptoms of High-Frequency Hearing Loss One of both ears can be affected by high-frequency hearing loss. The range of severity is as different as the symptoms. Some may not notice it, while others see a significant change. Here are the most common signs to observe:
Are There Preventative Measures to Avoid High-Frequency Hearing Loss? Like noise-induced hearing loss, the only way to prevent high-frequency hearing loss is by avoiding loud settings and wearing proper hearing protection when necessary. If you cannot hear someone speaking to you within arm’s length, this means your environment is too loud. Aging and genetic factors can also cause high-frequency hearing loss, making it unavoidable for some people. Treatment Options for High-Frequency Hearing Loss A pure tone screening test determines whether you or a loved one have high-frequency hearing loss. The test will have a range of various frequencies played for the patient to listen to and identify. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and pure tone screening. There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but a hearing aid can help manage your symptoms. Our specialists at Pure Sound Hearing will be able to guide you through your treatment options and recommend hearing aids if necessary.  There are sounds all around us, in every environment, and from the people who communicate with us. Think of the sounds that you can’t miss. Perhaps it’s the sound of a loved one’s voice, your favorite music, or critical instructions from a medical provider. Think about the people you want to reconnect with and the special moments by incorporating these tips into your journey towards better hearing.
Regular Exercises Obesity is related to hearing loss. The heart must work harder to circulate blood throughout the body, including your ears. Simply walking or practicing a more rigorous exercise routine can help with your overall health, which impacts your hearing health. Take Advantage of the Technology Concerns about alerting systems when you have difficulty with hearing are common among people with hearing loss. Modern technology can transform your doorbells, smoke alarms, and timers into flashing lights or vibrations. Smartphones may stream audio straight to your hearing aids while providing captioned videos or flash visual alerts for incoming calls. Hearing aids can also translate other languages through a captioning app. The Loop System Throughout the U.S., most public spaces, such as museums and theaters, have a hearing loop built into their venues. This allows your hearing aid devices to wirelessly connect through the t-coil setting in your hearing aid. Participating sites should feature a hearing loop logo on the building. Protect Your Hearing About 466 million people around the world have hearing loss. This includes 34 million children. The primary and only preventable cause of hearing loss is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). So if you are at a loud concert, watching live fireworks go off, riding a snowmobile, or using loud power tools, limit your exposure by wearing hearing protection or taking breaks in between these boisterous spaces. Caption Call Do you have difficulty hearing during a conversation over the phone? You might be approved for a landline phone that displays captions as the person speaks on the other line. In some participating states, this telephone is free if a qualified hearing care provider certifies that you have hearing loss and would benefit from using the phone. The caption call phone also works with hearing aids. You just need a standard phone line and connection to the internet. Users can add captions to their smartphones and tablet. Get a Hearing Test Making a hearing test is simple. Why not schedule one for the entire household? Adults should get their hearing tested annually or more often if they notice something wrong with their hearing. Early detection is key to early intervention, which can help significantly in the long run. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Although hearing loss symptoms vary from each person and situation, they generally include:
It's time to get your hearing professionally tested if you are experiencing one or more of the listed symptoms. A hearing aid instrument specialist will be able to serve your needs. A total hearing evaluation A professional hearing aid specialist will evaluate your hearing history to see if you have a loss and, if so, to what degree and nature.
What’s next if you have hearing loss Your hearing aid instrument specialist will gather the results from all the information. The nature and degree of hearing loss will be addressed. The cause of your hearing loss and its effects on your life will determine treatment recommendations. The hearing aid instrument specialist may only have to remove ear wax or debris from your ears so that you can hear better. Or, there may be fluid in the inner ear or some other medical cause for surgery. But hearing aids will generally be the best form of treatment. Recognize your hearing loss, and then seek treatment. Get an evaluation if you have the symptoms of hearing loss. You can contact one of our hearing aid instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a consultation.  In most cases, hearing loss isn’t as easy to notice as any other symptoms - but that doesn’t make it less urgent to seek treatment.
1. Do you find it easy to hear but difficult to understand what others are saying? Does it sound like they are mumbling or talking too quietly? 2. Group conversations may be hard to keep up with, especially if there’s background noise. 3. Do you often ask others to repeat themselves? It might be a sign of hearing loss. 4. Have other people outright said that you have problems with hearing? 5. Do you rely on your spouse or a close family member/friend to help fill in the parts you missed during the conversation? 6. Do you crank up the TV or your music so loud that others ask you to turn it down? 7. Do you have trouble with conversations over the phone or during video calls? If you said “yes” to any of these scenarios schedule a hearing test with Pure Sound Hearing. A hearing test can be conducted by a licensed hearing healthcare professional. The test is painless, and the person who performs the test determines whether you have hearing loss. Sometimes it might be impacted earwax. If you do have hearing loss, and hearing aids would be beneficial to you, your hearing healthcare provider may also be able to provide and program your hearing aids for you. Everyone’s hearing loss is unique, so calibrating your specific hearing needs in a programmable setting is necessary to get the most out of your hearing aids. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers. It’s World Hearing Day! What 3 Ideas Should You Take Away from this Year’s Day of Awareness?3/3/2023
 Each year on March 3rd, World Hearing Day is recognized to promote hearing loss prevention while seeking early detection and immediate treatment to care for your ear and hearing health. Every year the World Health Organization (WHO) selects a different theme. This year’s theme for 2023 is “Ear and hearing care for all!”
This message will emphasize the significance of incorporating ear and hearing healthcare in patients’ primary care as a fundamental part of universal health coverage. The Main Ideas
If you need a hearing test and hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing.  Is it time for you to get better hearing aids? Do you need an upgrade? If you’ve been thinking about it, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to get a free hearing aid trial.
Hearing aids with clarity and quality performance is now better than ever. Audibility and speech understanding, as well as a comfortable fit, can also be addressed. The technology is so good you can even understand the subtle tone of someone’s voice. But there may be other reasons why you need to change your hearing aids. Your hearing ability may have changed--it may have gotten worse. Or, you may have had a change in lifestyle, such as in your work, where you need to be involved in conference calls or team projects. Maybe you are enjoying retirement or attend more appointments for your health and need to hear important information? Wireless technology addresses various listening needs using automated programming for different settings. They’ll even reprogram on their own for specific environments you frequent, for example, offices, restaurants, or entertainment venues. Schedule a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers by getting in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing.  A 2012 New York Times article stated that loneliness is harmful at any age. It tends to hurt older adults more because it can lead to early death or loss of physical functioning, like bathing, getting up, dressing, and eating. The article outlined a six-year study on people aged 60 and older. Seniors who weren’t lonely were more likely to live longer than the ones who were.
What is the link between Hearing Loss and Loneliness? Because humans are social creatures, it is not hard to see why loneliness affects your health negatively. With hearing loss, people often withdraw from social interaction out of frustration with the inability to keep up with conversations. But since loneliness is subjective (like living alone and feeling okay about it) and is not the same as social isolation, which is objective (you either maintain social interactions or you don’t), you have to look at the objective side. You can surround yourself with people and still feel lonely. But one often leads to the other--social isolation often leads to loneliness. Hearing aids as a buffer against Loneliness. A 2016 study found hearing aids are a buffer against loneliness because it improves relationships. It’s easier to communicate with others. There’s less frustration and more confidence. Hearing exercises your brain, reducing or slowing down the onset of dementia. There were positive effects on physical and mental health. If you are having trouble hearing and feel lonely, hearing aids could help. Please contact one of our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing.  In general, dating can be nerve-wracking. Adding hearing loss to the mix can make it downright intimidating. Maybe you’re unsure as to when you should mention your hearing loss.
It’s one thing to experience the complexities of dealing with hearing loss in everyday situations, but those feelings can intensify while navigating your dating life. To make dating easier for someone with hearing loss, follow these guidelines and feel confident enough to advocate for yourself. 1. Remind yourself that you are more than your hearing loss. If you’re feeling apprehensive, talk to friends and family about this situation to regain assurance about the best parts of yourself. 2. Be upfront and honest with others. Most dating initially happens online these days, and you might not feel comfortable sharing certain information on your online profile. The truth will eventually slip out as the relationship deepens. So it’s useless to lie about something as important as your hearing health. Being honest about it and seeing the person’s response would help you understand if they have enough compassion and whether they are open to learning how to better communicate with you. You also have the choice of waiting to bring up your hearing loss to find out whether there’s a genuine interest between you two. If the first chats or dates happen online, carefully look at the accessibility options. Every service offers different access options for live-captioning and noise reduction. 3. Find what works best for you. If you don’t like navigating through dating sites made for the general public, there are different ones specifically for deaf or hard-of-hearing singles. It can be easier and more comfortable to hang out with other people who experience difficulty with their hearing. With the Association of Late Deafened Adults (ALDA) and Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), there’s a good chance of finding friendships. Local chapters are available so you can meet people in real life and possibly meet someone for a date. 4. Select a location for a date. When you decide to meet, find an optimal environment. Walking in the park or taking a leisurely hike lets you be active while learning more about each other. If you dine indoors, find a place with carpeting on the floors - maybe even on the walls. Upholstered furniture would be better than areas with hard surfaces. Go during off-hours - it will be quieter. Museums and botanical gardens are peaceful spots that will make communication easier. If you go to a movie, inform your date that you need captions. Maybe you’ll both be interested in seeing a foreign film. 5. Keep things fun, easy, and light. Don’t force yourself or your date to feel pressured into understanding everything all the time. Let your partner know they are not responsible for updating you about every detail in every situation. Missing things during conversations are bound to happen. Tell them not to stress out about it and hold them to it. Have a sense of humor about it. Laughing at yourself is a sign of maturity. Talk about a silly misunderstanding related to your hearing loss. 6. Keep up with good communication. A successful relationship requires expressing your needs and understanding your partner’s needs. Hearing and listening are two different things. There’s the physical aspect of hearing. There is also the awareness, sensitivity, and frequent clarification needed with listening. If you don’t feel comfortable communicating your needs to the person you date, move on to someone who will reciprocate your needs. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and need a hearing test, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing.  Did you know that 25 percent of people with hearing loss, don’t realize they have it?
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is the most common type of hearing loss. It’s also the type of hearing loss that occurs very slowly over time, making it difficult to notice the loss until it’s too late to treat it. Early signs of hearing loss are hard to recognize, but it is possible to identify them. There are clues that you, or others in your life, need a hearing test. 9 Signs You Are Experiencing Hearing Loss 1. Everyone sounds like they’re mumbling Do others sound like they aren’t speaking clearly? Are you able to hear certain speech sounds, but not other sounds? Most people with hearing loss start to notice they cannot hear women with high-pitched voices, or children’s voices. If everyone sounds like they aren’t speaking clearly, you should get a hearing test. 2. Not being able to follow a conversation Can you mostly hear when others speak, but have difficulty following along during a conversation? When a person loses their hearing, the brain has to work harder to listen, interpret, and fill in the blanks. This makes it challenging to follow along during conversations. If more than one person is talking, it becomes even more challenging. 3. Others notice your hearing loss before you do If your family members are constantly telling you to turn the volume down on your TV, computer, or any other device, it’s time to get your hearing tested. If you are both feeling frustrated when trying to communicate with each other, it’s definitely time to get your hearing tested. 4. Easily distracted when there’s background noise No matter what level of hearing abilities you have, background noise can distract you from your conversations. Most people with healthy hearing can mentally block out most noises and focus on the person/people they are talking to. Someone with hearing loss will stop being able to do this because they are too tired to block it out. Staying on task can be difficult, so if you are easily distracted it’s time to get your hearing checked. 5. Difficulty hearing phone conversations Some people with hearing loss cannot hear others clearly enough over the phone. The reception can make this experience worse. Speech that is heard through any phone sounds slightly different than human speech. For anyone with hearing loss, this can make conversations more challenging. 6. Tinnitus Tinnitus and hearing loss often go hand-in-hand, but not always. It’s usually a high-pitched ringing noise that is heard with no outside source. It gets worse when the person who has it is in a quiet environment. Tinnitus can also sound like a beeping, chirping, hissing, humming, thumping, or roaring sound. If you notice these noises, which tend to occur after being exposed to very loud sounds, get help immediately. 7. Unequal levels of noise Hyperacusis, also known as hypersensitivity to some noises, is a rare symptom of hearing loss. Losing your hearing can actually make certain sounds louder. Your brain will compensate for the hearing loss by making different sounds louder. 8. Forgetting conversations you had Do some conversations go through one ear and out the other? It may not be your memory, but rather the fact that your brain is overworked and therefore you have trouble recalling conversations that you weren’t able to hear in the first place. 9. Problems with balance It’s possible, but rare for hearing loss alongside balance problems. The inner ear controls equilibrium, and anything that affects its function can make it harder to remain balanced and standing upright. If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Just like a new pair of shoes on your feet, a “break-in” period is necessary for hearing aids. They might initially feel snug but should not feel painful after wearing them for a while. You need to adapt and it takes time to get used to the sound and feel of the hearing aids. Be sure to take breaks each day. After the first week, the hearing aids should be comfortable and unnoticeable to you. But if your ears feel irritated from the hearing aids, get in touch with your hearing instrument specialist for adjustments. There are three questions you can ask yourself:
Do you need to reinsert your hearing aids? Ask yourself if you need to reinsert your hearing aids. Before leaving your hearing instrument specialist’s office, there’s no doubt that you’ve practiced inserting your hearing aids with their guidance. Depending on the model and style you get, there is usually a specific way to insert them. Your hearing aid provider will address this before you leave. Also, you need to insert the hearing aids completely, even if they feel snug, so you don’t feel discomfort. Attempting to alleviate the snug feeling by partially inserting them will not benefit your hearing. Are your hearing aids ill-fitting? Ask yourself if there’s an area on your ear that is uncomfortably rubbing against the hearing aids. Contact your hearing instrument specialist if you notice this type of problem. Perhaps your hearing aids need to be remolded, or the dome needs to be a different size. Impressions may need to be retaken and sent to the manufacturer to create a new mold. Are allergies the culprit? Ask yourself if you are experiencing an allergic reaction. Certain earmold materials, like silicone, may be irritating. Perhaps the chemicals used to clean and disinfect the hearing aids irritated your ears. See your hearing instrument specialist if you suspect these might be a reaction to your hearing aids. You won’t be sorry for investing in hearing aids. They will highly benefit your life by increasing your health and social life. With some practice, patience, and support, you will love your hearing aids in no time. For help with answering your questions about hearing aids, please contact our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing.  Do you often find yourself in situations where you cannot hear others during a conversation? Do you keep asking others to repeat themselves? Does it make you feel like a pest and get frustrated? If so, don’t stop communicating altogether; communicate more. The following three ways will help you better improve communication when you have hearing loss.
1. Be Honest With hearing loss, conversations don’t have to be challenging. Be honest about your situation. Let people know you have trouble hearing. Most people will be accommodating. It is better to speak up about hearing loss than to withdraw and not socialize. Being upfront about it will lessen the pressure on you to keep up with the discussion. Mingling more often will reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. The burden to adapt should not be yours alone. People around you need to adjust their communication styles to suit your needs. But they can’t do so if you are not honest with them about your hearing loss. Tell them what’s going on so they can help you by changing how they communicate. Whether it's finding an area with better lighting so you can see each others facial expressions and gestures, or using a caption app, people are usually willing to make accommodations. 2. Find ways to Control Your Environment With hearing loss, some environments are better than others for holding conversations. But you have the power to adjust your situation. For example, asking to sit on a particular side of the dinner table or eat at a quieter restaurant because you can hear better from one ear than the other is a proactive stance. Such requests are reasonable, so friends and loved ones should understand. Choose an optimal setting for social interaction. We know that’s not always a possibility. Try to manage unavoidable, noisy situations. Get next to whoever is speaking. Observe their hand gestures, and read their lips. Pay attention to their body language. If understanding someone is still tricky, be sure to tell the individual so they can attempt to ease the situation. Pretending to understand is not very helpful and can last only so long. 3. Find a Solution instead of Struggling to Hear Open communication is key in dealing with hearing loss. Don’t just be honest with others but also be honest with yourself. Don’t continue to struggle. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing and make an appointment to discuss your hearing loss and possible solutions.  Having “selective hearing” is an excuse often given by someone who is distracted, preoccupied, or daydreaming. It also describes a situation when a person misses part of the conversation that doesn’t seem crucial to them. Their brain makes certain sounds a priority over others.
When it comes to children, if there are too many distractions and sounds, the brain will filter out the things deemed unessential. Learning about and better understanding what easily distracts you and your children can significantly improve communication. Selective Hearing Think about a typical morning. Multiple noises are happening all at once. Maybe you are listening to the TV while hearing the sounds of clinking dishes and silverware being loud as everyone in your home is quickly fueling up for the day, or someone is asking you a question as they rush to get ready. Even though these noises happen simultaneously, you focused on the traffic report. The brain automatically manages sensory information by placing them at low levels of awareness through this process:
4 Ways to Manage Selective Hearing
Ask yourself, “Do I have selective hearing, or do I have hearing loss?” The only way to know for sure is to contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test to determine your hearing status.  When you have hearing loss and don’t have hearing aids, the inability to hear clearly can make you feel depressed and isolated from others. When it is hard to hear, it is hard to comfortably participate in one conversation, let alone in group conversations and activities.
Hearing aids ease the stress of struggling to listen. Communicating with others can still be challenging while wearing hearing aids, but not as strenuous as before using hearing aids. You may still need others to face you when they speak, and only one person should speak at a time while making sure you are paying attention to them. Hearing aids feature directional and omnidirectional microphones. Directional microphones pick up sounds from an assigned direction, usually from those facing you. Omnidirectional microphones pick up sounds that occur from any direction. Programmable Hearing Aids A hearing instrument specialist can program your hearing aids, and you can select appropriate settings for different situations. For example, let’s say you are talking to some people in a crowded environment. Maybe you only need to focus on a conversation with those people while blocking out background noises. Your hearing instrument specialist can program a setting through an app on your smartphone. All you need to do is open the app to access it. You can also use speech-to-text apps to help facilitate conversations. If you are driving or biking in a busy area, you can place your hearing aids in an omnidirectional setting, which lets you hear in all directions to be more aware of your surroundings. For a complimentary hearing test and hearing aid trial, contact us for a consultation with a hearing instrument specialist at Pure Sound Hearing.  Artificial intelligence (AI) is now a reality. One way it’s being utilized is with your health. An AI medic will be your guide. Your clinical norms can be directly collected and stored on the cloud for your AI medic to check on at a moment’s notice before symptoms appear. The data gathered will be used to suggest modifications in lifestyle to prevent severe health problems from happening. For example, if you wear an Apple Watch, there’s a feature that signals users to stand and walk around for a minute if they have been sitting or lying down for too long. You may also set your watch for a certain amount of time to exercise. You can set up notifications for every few hours each day.
If you have any symptoms that appear before a medical problem occurs, the artificial intelligence medic will alert paramedics and emergency contacts beforehand. Wearable sensors - also featured in hearing aids - make it possible to detect falls and abnormal heart rates, identify sounds, and track your fitness routine. Bio-sensors can aid in hearing, too. But nobody wants to walk around with a cap of electrodes connected to hearing aids and monitoring EEG signals so that it also picks up conversations. Future trends will dictate how hearing wearables will look and work. Be prepared for more significant changes on the horizon. Digital technology will work on a whole new level. Contact one of our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing for more information.  Some people are born with hearing loss, while others may experience it due to aging, exposure to loud noises, or a combination of both. Since many people now live longer, hearing loss is a common problem and trade-off to living a fulfilling life. So, here are three actions to take if you have hearing loss:
What happens at your appointment Four things will happen during your appointment. 1. You will complete the paperwork concerning your health history and do a hearing questionnaire. You may want to keep a daily record of observations to your hearing health and refer to it while filling out paperwork or answering questions during the appointment. 2. You will undergo an evaluation. The evaluation includes a visual inspection of your ears and a hearing test. 3. There will be a review of your audiogram--the graph that measures your specific hearing loss. 4. There will be a discussion of treatments and the next steps. This step includes a technology demonstration and a hearing aid recommendation if hearing aids are needed. The success of hearing aids Hearing aids can treat most hearing loss. They aid 90 to 95 percent of people with hearing problems. They will be fitted, programmed, and customized to your listening needs. The differences between hearing aids There are a large variety of sizes, styles, colors, and technology-induced kinds of hearing aids from which you can choose. Your hearing instrument specialist is your ally. You should pick a hearing instrument specialist you like and trust. You will need tips, advice, hearing aid maintenance checks, and tune-ups. They are available to answer any questions you may have regarding the devices. Get in touch with one of our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing.  The property by which sounds organize on a frequency-related scale is pitch. For those who experience hearing loss, sounds with higher pitches are often the first to go and the hardest to get back. In other cases, these high pitches can seem louder than usual, which can cause pain. For example, the high frequencies of bus brakes squealing may be painful, but the low frequencies of a jackhammer may not.
If you lose high frequencies, it would be harder to hear children's or high-pitched female voices. If low frequencies go, it would be harder to hear deeper male voices. So, it is good to better understand the pattern of your hearing. For some people, the pitch varies widely in terms of hearing. Any way you look at it, you might limit your interaction with those people and situations you can hear best, which means you will miss out on a lot. If you are frustrated with your hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing aid providers.  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.  You don’t think twice about getting annual check-ups for your teeth, eyes, or general health, so why not do the same for your hearing health?
Your hearing can deteriorate gradually over time, so it’s always good to get it checked out before it becomes more challenging to manage. The overall quality of your life depends on hearing. From education to enjoying simple things like the sound of laughter or nature, being able to hear can impact your mental health (depression caused by social isolation) as well as your physical health (balance problems). Like every other health problem, catching any issues early can significantly help with your care and treatment options. Too many people with hearing loss wait years to seek treatment. By the time they finally get help, it’s often so bad that they experience other problems dementia, or speech problems. Get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  There is a gene that causes deafness in nearly 100 different breeds of dogs. When dogs become deaf, like humans, it can happen slowly over time or suddenly. The deafness depends on the cause of hearing loss. Some pet owners may think that their furry companion is just being disobedient when the animal is actually hard of hearing.
The primary sign of deafness in dogs is not responding to commands or other noises they usually react to, such as noisy toys, or doorbells. Dogs that have hearing loss also tend to bark excessively. A Hearing Loss Diagnosis in Pets If you notice a change in your dog’s behavior, seek help from a veterinarian. This can help confirm the hearing loss and seek treatment. Check your dog’s ears for any obstructions, and record any symptoms that you notice so that they can be discussed at their next appointment at the vet’s office. 5 Possible Causes of Hearing Loss in Dogs
Check out our article: Can Dogs Wear Hearing Aids? Taking Care of a Dog with Hearing Loss If you notice signs of hearing loss in dogs, this doesn’t always mean that their quality of life is worse. It’s crucial to find a way to maneuver pet care in a conducive manner. Your dog may need to be retrained with non-verbal commands. Begin by figuring out the best way to gain your dog’s attention by stomping your feet or rapping your hand on a hard surface when entering a room they are in. Be patient with your dog when using these new techniques. It’s going to take time for them to learn these new commands and adapt. Positive reinforcement and consistency are essential. If you are a human with hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers.  The holidays are coming, so people are getting ready to gather with friends and family to celebrate! Planning and communicating through texts, emails, social media, and phone calls can get hectic.
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. It is commonly associated with hearing loss that has gone untreated, so we also want to remind people to monitor their hearing health - which often goes unnoticed. Alzheimer’s is Not a Natural Part of Aging Alzheimer’s is a disease that impacts the area of the brain that manages memory, speech, thought processing, and problem-solving. The most common type of Alzheimer’s is dementia. Not all elderly people develop Alzheimer’s. Simply being a little forgetful does not indicate that you have Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s can manifest itself as standing in a familiar spot and not knowing where you are, getting lost in familiar places, difficulty handling money and paying bills, repeating yourself over and over again in a short span of time, taking longer to complete simple tasks, having poor judgment, losing things or putting them in strange places, or changes in mood and personality. Dementia and Hearing Loss Over 48 million people in the U.S. have some range of hearing loss. Most people who would benefit from hearing aids do not use them. Several factors can account for the reason why including the stigma that comes with hearing loss, the cost of hearing aids, or not believing their hearing is as bad as it actually is. Evidence and professional research have associated dementia with hearing loss that went untreated. Problems with hearing can affect the way the brain functions and researchers believe that untreated hearing loss shifts cognitive performance - overworking some areas while not using others - which raises the chances of dementia. The brain works like muscles in the body, they become atrophied if you don’t exercise them. Hearing is an exercise for the brain. When you find it difficult to process information during conversations due to hearing loss, this is known as cognitive overload. Struggling to process sounds, while reading people’s lips when they talk, or reading non-verbal cues causes stress to the brain. As a result, other parts of the brain that are used to solve problems or create memories can’t function properly. Brain imaging that was done on seniors who had untreated hearing loss showed evidence that there were areas of the brain which were inactive. Isolation and Dementia caused by Hearing Loss A healthy brain thrives on socializing, exercising, and keeping up with your hobbies. Those with untreated hearing loss have been shown to be socially isolated due to struggles with hearing and communication. Alienating themselves feels easier and less frustrating than trying to make out a conversation with someone. Hearing loss that goes untreated can have a ripple effect on your life and mental health. It’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible. Get Your Hearing Tested Immediately If hearing aids are recommended after your hearing test, studies have shown that seniors who have hearing loss and cognitive problems can find hearing aids to be helpful. Contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation from one of our hearing aid providers. They’ll go over your hearing test results and recommend the appropriate treatment options. Do You Have Trouble Hearing? Check out these 5 Apps to Help with Communication and Hearing Health.10/18/2022
 If you have difficulty with hearing, conversing with others, and find yourself feeling left out in certain situations, in addition to using hearing aids, you can try an app.
Here’s a list of five apps to help you communicate with the people around you.
If you, or a loved one, are noticing hearing loss please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Nearly 2.5 billion people around the world are estimated to have some range of hearing loss by 2050. Hearing loss usually occurs slowly, so it’s difficult to figure out there’s any loss until it becomes a little more severe. High-frequency hearing loss is more common than low-frequency hearing loss. Examples of high frequencies are children’s voices and domestic fire alarms. Examples of low frequencies are deep voices and diesel engines.
Primary Causes of Hearing Loss Hearing loss usually gets worse as you age. Here’s why:
The Inability to Hear Certain Volumes A normal, healthy ear can harness sounds that range from a single decibel to sounds in triple decibels. As hearing abilities worsen, the volume that is needed for the ear to pick up sound rises. If there’s mild hearing loss, a person will not be able to hear sounds under 20 dB (decibels). A person with moderate hearing loss cannot hear noises between 41 to 55 dB. When a person cannot recognize sounds between 55 to 70 dB, it can negatively impact their quality of life. The average volume of human speech reaches 65 dB. Not being able to hear others speak can cause confusion, and create isolation because one or both parties are unaccommodating. As a result, this can lead to loneliness and depression. Those with profound deafness cannot hear any sounds under 90 dB. Having a verbal conversation is nearly impossible. Loss of Sound Frequencies A young person with healthy hearing abilities can hear from 20 to 20,000Hz. The higher frequencies are harder to hear as people age. On average:
Most sounds that we hear on a daily basis range between 2,000 and 5,000Hz. The sounds of birds singing can range between 1,000 to 8,000Hz. The majority of human speech frequencies range between 2,000 to 4,000Hz. When a person can no longer hear frequencies below 7,000 to 8,000Hz, their hearing abilities have significantly declined and should be tested. The inability to hear frequencies is why some struggle to hear a conversation when there’s any background noise. What Are Early Symptoms of Hearing Loss? It’s tough to notice early symptoms of hearing loss. A person’s ability to hear high frequencies will start to worsen when a person reaches their 30s, but no negative effects will be noticeable. Here are early symptoms of hearing loss:
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, schedule a complimentary hearing test and consultation with us at Pure Sound Hearing. The appropriate solution will be recommended by our providers.  You hear with your ears. Your brain interprets the sounds. We’ve discussed the importance of protecting your ears when in loud environments or while listening to any audio sounds, but brain exercises are just as crucial so that it can make sense of the sounds. Here are some exercises that can be done alone or with another person.
Partnered Hearing Exercises If you’ve been isolated from family and friends, and now feel comfortable and safe enough to reconnect with them, try some of these exercises with at least one of them. Tuning out Background Noises Environments that have too much background noise can be distracting for anyone, especially those with hearing problems. It’s good to practice tuning these distractions out in a relaxed setting. Turn the TV or a podcast on at a normal listening volume, and talk to your family or friend. Concentrate on the discussion you’re having, and ignore any background noises. Take a pause from the exercises as needed. Motionless Marco Polo A more fun game to play is similar to the pool game Marco Polo. Shut your eyes or put a blindfold on. Your partner should quietly move around different areas of the room. Guess what they are standing by so that you can estimate the direction they are speaking from, and the distance they are standing from you. Solitary Hearing Exercises If you live alone or your partner is away from the home for most of the day, try some of these exercises. Meditation Meditation does not strictly require people to hear, and in fact, studies have indicated that those with hearing loss have found meditation to be helpful. Meditation doesn’t just benefit your ability to focus, it also stimulates blood flow to your inner ears which is important for healthy hearing. Check out these apps for guided meditations. Sound Isolation Sound isolation is another mindfulness exercise to help your brain recognize sounds. Follow these three easy steps to practice listening:
If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and need a hearing test, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  There are a number of factors that need to be considered when getting your hearing tested. Do you or a family member suspect that you have trouble with your hearing? Or do you notice further hearing loss after receiving a hearing test?
Your age and work environment are also important factors to consider. You should schedule an annual hearing test if:
If you are noticing any additional loss before your annual hearing assessment, contact your hearing healthcare provider to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The Difference between a Hearing Test and a Hearing Screening A hearing test is provided when you, a loved one, or a healthcare provider think that you may have hearing loss because you’ve been having the common symptoms. A hearing test is conducted by having the patient sit in a sound-proof booth while getting their existing hearing levels measured and recorded on an audiogram. This is known as a comprehensive hearing exam. A hearing screening is provided when you don’t show signs or symptoms of hearing loss. A screening takes less time and is simpler than a test. If you are frequently exposed to loud noises on the job, you can participate in a screening program. What to do if Your Hearing Loss is Confirmed If you have already been told that you have hearing loss through a previous test, you need to be retested regularly by your hearing care provider. You should make observations about your hearing health with a hearing journal, in case you notice any changes. Hearing loss happens slowly, so you may not immediately notice a difference. Get a Checkup for Your Hearing Aids It’s important to understand that wearing hearing aids means that you are going to need to get them adjusted/reprogrammed, especially if they’re a new pair of hearing aids that you’re trying out. Your hearing loss may decline from moderate to severe, which makes the initial programming for your devices ineffectual for your latest degree of loss. The average lifespan of hearing aids is three to seven years. This depends on how often you use streaming features, keep up with daily and professional cleanings/maintenance, and the amount of exposure to cold, heat, and moisture. If you suspect that you have hearing loss, get a complimentary hearing test and consultation from Pure Sound Hearing. We have offices located in Elizabethtown, Lititz, and Strasburg.  The month of September highlights Deaf Awareness and Healthy Aging. It’s a time to learn and raise awareness of the culture and history of the Deaf community while continuing to advocate for the rights of Deaf people, while also reflecting on better habits that you can start to incorporate into your routines as you age.
Here are some interesting facts about the Deaf community:
If you want to learn sign language, you should always get lessons from a Deaf teacher. The center of Deaf culture and community is sign language. Deaf people are experts in their own language, therefore students should consult them so that they can be paid for their work. Deaf people have historically been stigmatized and discriminated against by the hearing society for being deaf and using sign language, so if hearing teachers take Deaf jobs and profit from teaching would be considered cultural appropriation. Healthy Aging No matter what age you are, it’s never too late to pick up healthier habits. This will help you out in the long term.
Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers. |
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