 A common concern among new hearing aid users is whether the devices will get in the way of their eyeglasses. The need to wear an extra item on your head can be daunting. Luckily for you, hearing aids do not always interfere with your eyeglasses. Most people are able to wear them with comfort and ease.
Hearing and Vision Impairments The inability to hear or see are some of the most common health problems. About 38 million people in the U.S. have some range of hearing loss. One out of three Americans between 65-74 years old experience hearing loss due to a number of reasons which are not simply limited to excessive exposure to noise, aging (presbycusis), and genetic factors. For example, certain medications have also been linked to causing hearing loss. Your vision, similar to hearing, also worsens as you age. About 12 million people across the country, who are over 40 years of age, have some form of vision problem. Some of the most prevalent sources of vision loss are macular degeneration and complications with vision due to age-related cataracts, diabetes, and glaucoma. Anyone who loses their eyesight is also prone to lose their peripheral vision, experience sensitivity to light, have a reduced depth of vision, and have color blindness. All of these complications interfere with a person’s ability to accomplish daily tasks and live their life to the fullest. How Hearing Loss and Vision Loss Impact You Having a hearing loss can drain so much of your energy. That energy depletes even quicker when you also need to focus on seeing. During the pandemic, many people struggle to communicate due to face masks. The brain becomes strained and overworked when it does not have access to all visual cues or clear speech sounds. This energy that is used to communicate and hear is causing listening fatigue. The inability to hear can lead to poor quality of life by causing embarrassment and social isolation. If you were unable to see clearly while driving or hear important information during an appointment, would you seek help? Most people immediately get help for their vision loss when they become fully aware that there’s a problem, but it’s rare that they seek professional help for their hearing loss. It may be due to social stigma, embarrassment, or denial. Hearing loss also happens gradually, so a person who experiences it may not realize anything is wrong until much later in life. Many people with hearing loss describe others’ speech as “mumbling” and “soft-spoken”, or blame a bustling restaurant for their inability to hear during a conversation. These may actually be signs of the early stages of hearing loss. Many people wait years until the hearing is at its worst, or when family and friends begin to notice, to get a hearing test and seek help. 5 Tips for Living with Hearing Loss and Some Vision Loss
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 How many times have you woken up in the middle of the night because of a noise that roused you from your slumber?
Even though this poorly affects your health, the World Health Organization found that the primary danger that noise pollution can do to people’s health around the globe comes from noise that we don’t notice while we’re in a deep sleep. In other words, noise does not have to wake you to harm your sleep. Hearing loss could actually be connected to disrupted sleep, which makes people with hearing loss more susceptible. Researchers do not currently know how noises at night impact people with hearing loss. Disruptive Noises, Sleep, and Health If your sleep is constantly being interrupted - or you only get a few hours of sleep - this can increase your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Anyone who hears traffic noises at night is more prone to experience heart disease and take medication to aid with sleep. This will not effectively improve their quality of sleep. When you are asleep, you go through two types of light sleep (stage 1 and 2), deep slow-wave sleep (stage 3), and rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. In stage 3, the muscles begin to relax, as do the rate of your pulse and breathing. This stage has an important role in your immune system. Your dreams occur during stage 4, which is important for learning, memory, and creativity. Noise appears to prolong stage 1 sleep and decreases both stage 3 and 4 sleep. Signals in your body may be set off, the way adrenaline and cortisol are triggered. As a result, you may notice a faster heart rate and your blood pressure might rise. All of these things can happen in your body while you are unconscious. Your body is essentially protecting you as you rest. Early primates needed to be ready for danger during the night, but this normally doesn’t apply to us in modern times. It’s an unnecessary alarm. The noise does not even need to be very loud to poorly affect a person. There was a study on hospital equipment that made approximately 40 decibels (dB) of noise. There were quantitative impacts on electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements of brain activity during sleep in healthy adult test subjects. They essentially compared the health impacts of noise on a person to secondhand smoking. Does having Hearing Loss Reduce the Risk of Poor Sleep? The answer is, no. According to Evidence for an Association Between Hearing Impairment and Disrupted Sleep: Scoping Review hearing loss is associated with insomnia and other interruptions during sleep. It is still unknown how noises that occur at night impact hearing loss. Nathan Clarke, a researcher on hearing loss from the University of Nottingham, explained how evolution shows us that individuals with hearing loss may need to exert more energy to process noises in the night that may indicate potential danger. As of now, there is little evidence to back up this claim. Tinnitus can worsen your sleep. A study on approximately 300 Israeli workers, who were exposed to industrial noise, showed that those who had symptoms of tinnitus had the most trouble with sleep. The hearing loss was connected to insomnia, no matter what age they were or how long they had been exposed to the noise. In a different study, individuals with tinnitus and hearing loss had a significant improvement in their sleep after receiving hearing aids, but this was not the case for those who only had hearing loss. In a study of about 7,000 Japanese volunteers, people who have hearing loss are more inclined to sleep for over eight hours. It is uncertain as to what this indicates about being susceptible to disturbance. Getting Help and Useful Equipment If you usually wake up tired from your slumber, you should consider getting checked for sleep apnea. People who experience sleep apnea struggle to breathe during sleep and have short, unconscious moments of waking up. Sleep apnea can be partly responsible for hearing loss. In one study, it was discovered that the more frequently you were interrupted due to sleep apnea, the worse your hearing was. This included high-frequency and low-frequency hearing loss, even if you don’t snore. Another small study showed that bed partners of people who snore had a greater risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  Recently, the choices for purchasing hearing aids have become more complicated. There are merchants that only sell online, big-box stores, and new or unlikely businesses that tout their own hearing care solutions.
It’s important to know that seeing a professional hearing instrument specialist is still the leading choice in treating your hearing loss. You have a Distinctive Range of Hearing Loss, so You’ll need a Solution for Your Particular Needs The complexities of hearing loss require help from a professional who understands how to treat it. Each individual who experiences difficulties with their hearing needs to communicate with their hearing instrument specialist so that they can tailor a solution for them. Proper fittings, programming, and guidance from an experienced hearing instrument specialist are the best steps toward better hearing. Modern Hearing Aids: Refined and Effective If a healthcare professional recommended hearing aids to treat your hearing loss, you are in luck. Today’s hearing aids feature advanced technology that makes listening and engaging in conversations easier. The difference between an “OK” and an “Amazing” Listening Experience The only person with the skills and training to fit and program a hearing aid for your individual needs is a qualified hearing instrument specialist. They will ask you about environments where you spend most of your time, what it’s like when you communicate with your loved ones or other people you talk to on a daily basis, the frequencies that you struggle to hear, whether one or both ears are affected, the variations of hearing loss/lack of hearing loss in each ear. Other topics that you might go over:
Investing in Hearing Aids Hearing aids are a major investment, so it’s important to be able to get the most out of them. With time and patience, they can change your life for the better. Imagine the improvement in communication, less isolation, better overall health, and well-being. These things are possible - so get your money’s worth. Receiving these devices from a professional and getting their advice, will help you achieve these goals. Also, if you need help you can always contact your hearing instrument specialist. Local Hearing Aid Providers There have been so many changes in hearing aid technology. The one thing that remains consistent is the support and care from local hearing aid providers who are able to deliver the best possible results. Get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing, and talk with one of our local hearing instrument specialists in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They are here to listen and patiently work with you or your loved one.  Our experiences change as we age. There are more responsibilities and different priorities that we need to deal with. We’ll notice that some family members will need additional help and care.
If you recognize any of these things, you’re probably the caregiver in your family. There are some tips on how to handle this role to make your life easier. Attention to All Caregivers Anyone can be a caregiver. Maybe you are taking care of a sick or aging parent, relative, friend, or child with special needs. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s important to know that you aren’t alone. The Family Caregiver Alliance has reported that annually, nearly 44 million Americans assist with 37 billion hours of unpaid, ‘informal’ care for adult family members and friends who have chronic conditions or illnesses. Most people manage these situations with some or no help from a professional. Out of this population, there’s a large number of people who need aid and assistance as a result of an injury - or age-related hearing loss. What is Age-Related Hearing Loss? The term presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, has been used and described in our previous blog posts. When you think about a caregiver, managing hearing loss probably doesn’t immediately come to your attention as the main part to consider. Aging and looking after hearing problems could become a significant responsibility that you will also need to handle. Hearing loss that goes untreated can cause cognitive decline and depression due to social isolation. It can impact your self-worth and general outlook on life, which can make things more challenging as you age. If you notice or even suspect a loved one has hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. Just like with any serious health problem, it’s important to receive early treatment and care to help slow down or even prevent worsening effects. At Home Care for Your Hearing Needs It’s important to be able to care for your hearing loss on your own, with the guidance of a hearing healthcare professional. If you are a caregiver for someone with hearing loss, start by making sure that the hearing aids and/or assistive listening devices are properly functioning. Batteries and wax guards should be switched out regularly. If the person you are caring for hears whistling or anything abnormal with their hearing aids, their device probably needs to be repaired. You can clean their hearing aids from dust and earwax buildup, and make sure they are dry. Professional-grade cleaning wipes or soft cloth should be used to wipe the hearing aids down. The way their home is arranged is also something to look into. You should ask the person with the hearing impairment whether they can hear the TV, or if it’s easy for them to answer the telephone or their smartphone. If they do find it difficult to use these devices, maybe you should rearrange some furniture or the entertainment system. Most modern hearing aids feature Bluetooth®, so streaming media or phone calls are easier. A major part of caring for someone with hearing loss is working as a team to find the best solution for their unique lifestyle and needs. You should also consider creating a quiet and comfortable atmosphere. Struggling to hear can lead to listening fatigue, so help make their living space calm and relaxing. Don’t Forget to Take Good Care of Yourself It’s easy to feel burnt out in these situations. It happens to every caregiver. The most common signs of stress in a caregiver are fatigue, consistent feelings of worry, and depression. If you notice any of these feelings, address them immediately. Taking care of your own needs is just as important as taking care of your loved one. There are support groups available or even consider advice from a medical professional. If possible, talk to loved ones - even the person who you are caring for. Make reasonable expectations. A conversation could help with future tensions that are felt by everyone involved. Make an Appointment with a Specialist Setting up an appointment with a hearing aid specialist is important for caregivers with loved ones who have hearing loss. They will help keep the devices functioning properly, repair them, provide professional cleanings, cleaning tools such as professional-strength cleaning wipes, and other accessories. Remember to keep information on your loved one’s hearing aid warranty on hand, in case it is needed, and go to their appointment with them. If you, or a loved one, need a hearing test or new hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  The difficulties caused by severe to profound hearing loss are not simply that they are a little worse than mild to moderate hearing loss. There’s much more to it.
Insight on the repercussions of Severe to Profound Hearing Loss (SPHL) Patients who have mild to moderate hearing loss experience frustration, confusion, and isolation - which can lead to depression - due to feeling less confident during social situations where listening environments are challenging. Patients with severe to profound hearing loss experience the same problems, but there are additional struggles. When anyone who has difficulty with hearing also needs to put extra effort in trying to listen to others, they can experience fatigue. People that you communicate with may not be accommodating or sympathetic, which discourages you from trying to fit in or reach out to others. SPHL makes itself known in every Situation If you have severe to profound hearing loss, you probably have a lot of trouble with communicating in noisy environments AND in just about any conversation that you engage in, or attempt to engage in. This invisible boundary can hinder your ability to create and build upon relationships. Having friendships or work relationships with others is important to understand where we fit in this society. Communication isn’t the only problem that you may have. You might feel less confident if something sounds confusing, or isolated if you miss the punchline to a joke that someone makes and everyone else laughs except for you. You could also feel as though you need to rely on others to speak clearly or translate things for you. Sometimes, those moments during a conversation lose their magic or significance when it needs to be repeated. How Hearing Loss affects Your Mental Health If your interpersonal relationships are negatively impacted by your hearing loss, that can also negatively affect you. It’s easy to see how isolation can snowball into other problems in relation to your mental health. Anxiety and depression have been closely associated with severe and profound hearing loss. Anxiety and depression significantly increase the chances of social isolation, which can be an issue caused by miscommunications, so the cycle continues. There have been studies on high rates of depression among people who have normal hearing abilities who communicate with people who are hard of hearing. So it’s not necessarily hearing loss that’s at the center of the problem, but the constant interruption of how a normal conversation should be. Hearing Aids and a Healthy Social Life In addition to receiving a great pair of hearing aids that are properly fitted and programmed by a hearing instrument specialist, and possibly auditory training sessions, people with hearing loss MUST HAVE contact with others who are having the same challenges as they are. Whether it’s advice from someone with firsthand experience or just an empathetic person who understands what they are going through, it’s important to have those relationships. Find those communities, whether it’s an online group or a local hearing loss association chapter. There will be people in similar situations that you can connect with. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aids and some listening devices for your journey towards better hearing.  Nearly 48 million Americans experience some range of hearing loss, but most are unwilling to acknowledge it. Due to the ageism that is deeply steeped in society, many people see hearing loss as a sign of getting old, so it’s ignored and goes untreated.
The aesthetics of hearing aids or their cost is also a concern for many individuals. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, the average person waits at least seven years to seek help. There are serious consequences to untreated hearing loss. Here are nine reasons why you - or your loved one - should get treatment. 1. Wearing Hearing Aids is as Natural as Wearing Eyeglasses While it’s important to note that hearing loss and vision loss are not the same things, - nor does treatment for them work the same way - normalizing the use of hearing aids the way wearing eyeglasses has been accepted is important. Presbyopia, or the inability to focus on close objects due to age-related deterioration, is the visual equivalent to presbycusis (age-related hearing loss). For some, hearing aids may not be considered a trendy accessory - although they are available in bright colors. There are more discreet styles that rest in the inner ear canal. Many famous people also rely on wearing hearing aids like Halle Berry, Jodie Foster, Robert Redford, Rob Lowe, and Whoopie Goldberg. 2. Mild Hearing Loss can change Brain Function Ears transmit information to the brain, therefore when hearing loss occurs the brain will also change. As hearing loss progresses, the areas of the brain that process visual and sensory elements will start to utilize parts of the auditory cortex to comprehend sounds. This change results in an under-stimulation - which leads to deterioration - of the auditory cortex. 3. Untreated Hearing Loss Negatively impacts Memory and Cognitive Abilities You may have had trouble hearing in a crowded room. Your frontal and prefrontal cortex - these are the areas of the brain that assist with thinking, focusing, concentration, and remembering things for brief periods (A.K.A. - working memory) - become more active. These are the parts of your brain that listen, so they won’t be effective if they become deteriorated due to hearing loss. When it comes to the way their brain processes speed and executive function, research has shown that individuals with hearing loss have shortcomings. As frequently mentioned in this blog, hearing loss has been linked to dementia. In 2017, The Lancet published an international study that concluded that hearing loss is one of the biggest modifiable risks for developing dementia. There’s a lot of hope in the fact that a person with hearing loss can manage their memory and cognitive abilities, and adapt to life like any other person with a hearing aid that is fit and programmed by a professional. 4. The Safety and Security of Hearing Better Some ranges of hearing loss may put your life in danger. If you can’t hear a smoke alarm, house alarm, sirens, severe weather warnings, or even a doorbell, this can put you at greater risk. According to research from Johns Hopkins University, the National Institute of Aging found that anyone with mild hearing loss is three times more likely to fall than people with healthy hearing abilities. 5. The Stress of Straining to Hear Mild hearing loss can cause stress. This stress can lead to anger, anxiety, depression, frustration, headaches, and irritability. 6. Interpersonal Relationships can Suffer Relationships can become strained if you don’t have a partner/spouse, family members, friends, or colleagues who are patient with you. Following along during conversations can be challenging. It can require more concentration and fatigue. After a while, you may no longer enjoy socializing and begin isolating yourself, which can lead to depression. 7. Hearing Health helps Your overall Health Getting a routine hearing test and treatment, if necessary, is one step towards better overall health. A good diet and an exercise routine are also great ways to help your overall health, which can impact your hearing health. 8. Hearing Aids have seen Great Technological Improvements Hearing aids can be discreetly placed in the ear canal or even behind the ears. Digital signal processing lets your hearing instrument specialist tailor the devices for your specific listening needs, which improves your hearing health and cognitive health. This gives users a customized listening experience. 9. It’s Almost Impossible to Mask Your Hearing Loss If you are constantly asking others to speak up or repeat what they’ve said, you might need hearing aids. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment for a hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing instrument specialists. They will help you find the right solution for your hearing needs. If You have noticed Difficulty with Hearing, You might also Experience Feelings of Anxiety.7/13/2021  Anxiety is an unrelenting and intense state of alertness. While this is completely normal when you encounter stressful circumstances, for some people it becomes an unmanageable condition that consumes their thoughts.
Hearing loss can provoke or even encourage these anxieties, but there haven’t been comprehensive studies on this matter. These worries aren’t simply about hearing loss, but also missing out on important information, embarrassment from a misunderstanding, thoughts of hearing aid batteries running out of power, or feeling left out of job opportunities/social circles. Experiencing Physical Anxiety You may have had strong feelings of anxiety which led to physical symptoms, such as:
If any of these symptoms are becoming so frequent that they are negatively impacting your life, you should seek help from a professional. This might include treatment for hearing loss and anxiety. What Triggers Your Anxiety? Anxiety is separated into five categories:
If you were in an automobile accident and suffered a head injury, you might suffer from rapid hearing loss and other symptoms of PTSD. Your specific symptoms and treatment may be different from someone who is gradually losing their hearing and constantly pays attention to signs of dementia (but it’s only their hearing that’s been impacted). People with hearing loss might have tinnitus or Ménière's disease, which can also be distressing and lead to anxiety. The Statistics on Anxiety and Hearing Loss Constantly struggling in everyday circumstances that aren’t a problem for most people can lead to stress. Anxiety is one reaction to this stress. Over a 12-year study, about 4,000 French citizens who were at least 65-years-old, and had hearing loss at the beginning of the study had a higher risk of developing symptoms of anxiety over time. People who had vision loss were not more likely to show symptoms of anxiety. This may be due to the reduced stigma in wearing eyeglasses over wearing hearing aids. Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Severity Raise the Risk of Experiencing Anxiety The link to hearing loss and tinnitus severity was found in adults of every age group. The study found in 17,000 adult participants, there was a higher risk of anxiety if your hearing loss was more severe or you had tinnitus. This does not automatically conclude that you will be anxious due to hearing loss. In five studies that examined symptoms in hard-of-hearing individuals, between 15 to 31 percent of participants had significant symptoms of anxiety. So overall, most people did not have these symptoms. Among the general population, anxiety is common. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately 18 percent of American adults have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Are You Anxious in Social Situations or Simply Frustrated due to Problems with Hearing? As frequently mentioned in this blog, age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), slowly happens over time. Many people don’t notice it, until much later in life. You can be slowly overcome with feelings of loneliness, which contribute to your mental health - i.e. anxiety. People who have social anxiety fear any circumstance where they may be negatively judged, whether it’s with people that they work with, or engaging in small talk. Hearing loss can lead to situations that can frustrate others. When you are unable to hear clearly, you may not notice when someone is about to talk or has not finished speaking, and interrupt that person. You might pretend that you can hear, or make a guess as to what was said, and give an inappropriate response. Maybe you didn’t hear a joke - so you’re the only person who didn’t laugh. Hearing loss can make you feel isolated and create awkward social situations. If you still enjoy being social with others, you probably have mild social anxiety. If the simple act of sitting with others makes you anxious, you probably have extreme social anxiety. Those with GAD might have a lot of worries and struggle with physical symptoms for days prior to a date or a job interview. Tips for Communication
Can Having an Anxiety Disorder Negatively Impact Your Hearing? A French study conducted on 10,500 Taiwanese adults concluded that there was a higher risk of anxiety among those who experienced sudden hearing loss (SHL). Participants in the study who were diagnosed with GAD, but not hearing loss at the beginning of the research were more likely to develop hearing loss than individuals who did not have GAD. The adults with GAD were not more likely to experience worsening vision. Additional studies are needed to determine why hearing might be impacted by anxiety. Treatment for Anxiety is Available Most people who have anxiety are not treated. It often gets overlooked. If you want to get help for anxiety, you will need to reach out to your healthcare provider. Exercise, meditation, or medication may be suggested. Hearing Aids of Assistive Listening Devices If hearing loss is causing your anxiety, hearing aids can significantly improve your condition. They cannot restore your hearing back to normal, but they can help you manage the anxiety that you feel with communication and listening. Phone apps that provide captions and decibel readers can also be helpful. If the sound of your alarm causes anxiety, you can set one that creates a light that slowly shines like a sunrise, or even a gentle shaking alarm to wake you from your sleep. If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety, or any other concerning symptoms, due to hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test and consultation.  The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) reveals innovation in new products and possible trends that are set for the future. The 2021 trade show focused on inclusive tech, which encourages everyone to actively participate in life.
The significance of this is being able to provide access to others. Healthy hearing paves the way for people to enjoy and fully participate in what matters, and those who matter to them, in their lives. For example:
Forms of inclusive tech presented at the 2021 CES
Modern hearing aid features include:
There have been so many new advancements to improve your life, overall health, and hearing. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test, hearing aid trial, and consultation to learn which digital hearing aids would work best for you and your lifestyle.  The third most prevalent chronic disease that affects the elderly is hearing loss. Hearing loss has been linked to weakened overall health including depression, loneliness, isolation, and poor physical health. Hearing loss usually goes untreated, where only 11 percent of older adults who experience hearing loss own hearing aids and about 24 percent of them do not use the devices.
Hearing loss is linked to a faster rate of cognitive decline in elderly adults, which can result in dementia. The majority of studies on cognitive decline are centered on older adults, but recent evidence showed that the onset of hearing loss that occurs in mid-life is associated with being diagnosed with dementia before the age of 60. Therefore, in mid - and later- life, hearing loss raises the risks for dementia and cognitive decline. Prior to Hearing Aid Usage Before receiving a hearing aid fitting, the male and female test subjects had no significant difference in hearing loss. The range of hearing loss was not connected to the person’s age. Mood and anxiety levels were within normal limits, with 17 percent of participants who reported experiencing higher anxiety and/or depression. This may partly be due to the fact that a participant’s degree of hearing loss was only mild to moderate. As a result, the effects of hearing loss on their mental health and loneliness were not as severe. Receiving higher education has also been shown to have a protective effect against symptoms of anxiety and depression. About 44 percent of these participants reported feeling lonely. The average Health Utilities Index mark 3 (HUI3) for overall quality of life scored at 0.74 (the maximum score is 1). An analysis showed that the range of hearing loss, and a person’s age, predicted poorer executive function. Strengthening education attainment was linked to better managerial function and visual learning. The Results After 18 Months Cognitive function was reexamined in 37 participants 18 months after receiving their hearing aid fitting. Twenty-eight percent of the test subjects used their hearing aids for over 90 percent of their waking hours, and 31 percent of the test subjects used their device for 60-90 percent of waking hours. Speech perception in quiet environments and overall quality of life improved significantly with the majority of the group. About 57 percent of the self-reported listening disability scores significantly improved. Individuals who had high symptoms of anxiety and depression did not report experiencing either of those conditions at 18 months. Participants who were severely lonely at the beginning of the experiment were not at 18 months. The group’s average performance improved for measures on executive function, psychomotor function, attention, working memory, and visual learning. There was no decline during the 18 months. During a follow-up, 30 percent of the follow-up test subjects were better at executive function, 67 percent were stable, and the condition of three percent worsened. There was an improvement in the working memory, visual attention, and visual learning for the female participants. When the cognitive changes from hearing aid usage were studied, considerably greater gains in executive function were discovered in participants who used their hearing aids or assistive listening devices for over 90 percent of their waking hours, compared to those who used their devices for less than 90 percent of their waking hours. Women test subjects used their hearing aids on a more regular basis and for longer periods of time than men, at 56% vs. 33% during a span of 14-hours per day. More gain in executive function, and improvements in three other test subsets among female participants, recommend a dose-effect of hearing aid usage on cognition. Prior studies reported this contrast in hearing aid usage between men and women. They imply that it could be because women value social communication more than men, have a greater awareness of the root causes of hearing loss, and struggle with more stress and anger as a result of hearing loss. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and believe hearing aids would be helpful, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a wide selection of hearing aid brands and styles for your listening needs. Do You Experience Pain in Your Ears While Aboard an Airplane? Here are Tips on How to Avoid it.7/7/2021  As more people are getting back to traveling by plane, ear pain caused by air pressure may be inevitable for some.
Usually, the pain that you feel in your ears is a minor discomfort. In other cases, it can turn into a serious issue. In rare occurrences, ear pain and pressure can result in hearing loss. More Ear Pressure The shifts in air pressure affect the pressure in your ears. Generally, the air pressure in the inner ear and the air pressure outside are nearly identical. When you walk up a large mountain, the slow speed of your ascent gives your body time to distribute the pressure, which equalizes it while walking. The discomfort you feel, due to increased ear pressure only happens during a quick shift in altitude. The pressure inside your inner ear and the pressure coming from outside do not have enough time to equalize. This is known as ear barotrauma. When the airplane that you aboard take flight, it starts its ascent, and the air pressure in the inner ear quickly passes the pressure outside. The eardrum swells outward, like a loaf of bread that rises as it bakes in an oven. On the contrary, when the air pressure in the inner ear quickly gets lower than the air pressure outside, the tympanic membrane will get suctioned inward like a vacuum. The Eustachian tube becomes flat and needs your help to bring airflow into the inner ear so that it can function properly. It doesn’t matter if you are rapidly going into a high altitude or low altitude, when the eardrum stretches it can be painful. When experiencing this, since the eardrum cannot vibrate you will also notice some hearing loss and muffled noises. 3 Ways to Prevent Ear Pain in Flight When flying on an airplane, you may have felt the shifting altitudes on your ears, i.e. feelings of fullness in the ear and popping. Pressure needs to be equalized by presenting as much air as possible through the Eustachian tube. Here’s how to do that: 1. Swallow or yawn - Doing this will help airflow through the nose to the middle ear, which will equalize the pressure. When you swallow, the clicking or popping noise that you might hear is actually a tiny air bubble that drifted from the back of the nose and into the middle ear through the Eustachian tube. This tube makes sure that there is regular airflow in the middle ear. This air becomes absorbed into the inner ear’s membranes and the cycle repeats. This continuous air flow makes sure that the pressure on each side of the ears remains equal. Swallow or yawn as many times as necessary. When flying on an airplane, make sure the Eustachian tubes are working more than usual and open them up more often in order to adapt to the pressure change. 2. Chew gum or suck on hard candy - Doing this will encourage you to frequently swallow, which helps to equalize air pressure. 3. The Valsalva Maneuver - To do this maneuver, inhale air and hold your breath. Then close your mouth and pinch your nose shut. Gently release the air out until your ears pop. This will open up the Eustachian tubes. This maneuver is not meant to be used if you have allergies or a cold, because it may lead to a severe ear infection. You should use the Toynbee maneuver. This is when you close your mouth and nose while swallowing several times until you reach equalized pressure. Repeat either technique as necessary. 6 Additional Tips
Airplanes and Ear Pain in Children The Eustachian tubes in children are significantly smaller and narrower than in an adult. This is why a change in air pressure is much more painful for them. Sucking on a bottle or pacifier is helpful in order to increase the number of times the child swallows, especially when the plane is about to descend. Older kids can suck on a lollipop, drink through a straw or blow bubbles through a straw in order to relieve pain in the ears. Before the plane ride, you may talk to your pediatrician about ear drops for pain relief. The Risk of a Ruptured Eardrum If you have allergies, a cold, flu, or any other similar illness, you may want to change travel plans. It would be considerate to the other people on the plane, and your illness may include a blockage of the Eustachian tube, which would prevent pressure equalization. If your eardrum becomes ruptured or if you have a severe infection, either one may lead to hearing loss or permanent damage to your ear. If you experience hearing loss due to a plane flight, and your hearing has not gone back to normal, within several days after your flight, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Elizabethtown, Lititz, Mt. Joy, or Strasburg.  It’s summertime, which for many means it’s time for a swim! Children who have problems with their ears would normally be recommended with wearing earplugs. Does your child need them? Which ones work the best?
Determining whether Your Child needs Earplugs The ears are prone to getting water stuck inside the canals, so it’s important to wear earplugs:
Other children may be advised to regularly use earplugs while diving or swimming in untreated water, like lakes, rivers, and oceans. Wearing plugs can help prevent bacteria from going into the ear canals. Should Earplugs be Worn in Chlorinated Water? Generally, earplugs are unnecessary for most children when going into treated water, like a public swimming pool. Although, there is one exception. If you have a child, or grandchild, who wears tubes in their ears and prefers swimming in the deep end, they should wear earplugs. When diving and swimming in deeper water, the pressure intensifies in your ears and water could seep into them. If you, or any children in your family, are on a swim team and often get water stuck in the ears, it’s always a good idea to wear earplugs for preventative measures. If a child wears ear tubes, earplugs should also be worn whenever the ears become submerged in soapy water during baths. Soap acts as a lubricant, which lessens surface tension and allows water to enter the tubes. Is it Safe to Swim when You have an Ear Infection? Swimming underwater can lead to pressure changes that cause pain for any child with an ear infection. If an ear infection with a ruptured eardrum (A.K.A. ruptured acute otitis media) occurs, DO NOT swim or submerge yourself underwater until the infection goes away. Swim Earplug Styles You can choose between two styles of earplugs: custom-fit plugs and one-size-fits-all swim plugs. They are both capable of keeping your ears dry, but based on your personal preferences there are advantages and disadvantages. A hearing healthcare provider can help you get the right kind for you and your child. Customized Earplugs for Swimming A custom-fit earplug used for swimming would need to be ordered through a hearing instrument specialist. The great things about these customized earplugs are the excellent comfort, quality, and durability compared to cheap drugstore earplugs. You can wash and reuse them, which is more hygienic, cuts down on waste, and saves you money. These earplugs are a little pricier. They are sometimes easy to misplace and cost more to replace as opposed to a pair from your local drugstore. You may wear a swim ear band to help prevent them from falling out and losing them. Plugs that are One-Size-Fits All There is the option of purchasing a one-size-fits-all earplug that can be purchased from any drugstore, online, and even at a local hearing aid business like Pure Sound Hearing. These can be made from foam, silicon, or putty material. It’s convenient to find them and cheaper than a custom swim earplug. If you lose them, it’s easy and less costly to replace. A custom fitting is unnecessary for these plugs, and they are available in bright colors so that they are easy to find in just about any environment. Kids can put them in on their own. These earplugs are generally not washable, which makes them unhygienic. They tend to get disposed of after one or two uses, due to debris and earwax buildup. If you use swimming earplugs that are made out of putty, there’s a chance that small pieces of putty could get stuck to your ears after removing the earplugs. One-size-fits-all silicone plugs are washable, so you can feel safer about preventing ear infections. If you, or a loved one, need hearing aids or other hearing care solutions, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for guidance towards better and safer hearing.  Did you know that the month of June is dedicated to men’s health?
On average, men tend to ignore their health at a higher rate than women, which leads to so many other health problems down the road. It’s important to raise awareness on men’s health, particularly preventative health measures that can be detected and treated if it’s caught in the early stages. Hearing loss is more common in men, due to the fact that they are more likely to work in an environment that’s louder than the average work setting - including construction zones, mines, industrial areas, etc. Hearing loss that goes untreated can lead to more risks of falls, lower opportunities for employment, lower salaries due to an inability to accurately perform tasks, social isolation which can lead to depression and dementia. Preventative care isn’t the only reason to treat your hearing loss. Healthy hearing is good for your overall health. Being included in conversations or enjoying music or TV, and not missing out on things like a good joke and laughter is important for your mind, body, and spirit. The old stigma of wearing hearing aids is no longer valid among the younger generations. Many people wear their devices proudly, but if you’re still uncomfortable with visible hearing aids Pure Sound has discreet hearing aids available. Get back to enjoying the sounds of music, fun, and laughter. Contact us at Pure Sound to schedule a hearing test and consultation.  Are you hard of hearing and experienced a vibrating sensation and the sounds of rumbling in your ear? You may not be able to completely describe this new feeling, as it may not resemble your average type of tinnitus.
The rumbling is actually a common symptom of tinnitus. It tends to occur as a way of protecting your ears from noises that are too loud. There are some treatable conditions that may cause this rumbling. What causes the sound of rumbling in your ears? In some cases, the rumbling sound resembles rushing water or wind that’s whisking through the air and into your ear. As mentioned, a rumbling sound is used to safeguard your ears. The ears protect themselves by tightened muscles in the inner ear, which suppress sounds. These muscles are known as “tensor tympani”. These muscles can pull the malleus (a bone that helps with the ability to hear) in the ear away from the eardrum. Therefore, the eardrum cannot vibrate as much as it normally should. This stifles the ear, causing the rumbling noise. This could happen while:
It’s important to note that these sounds are not experienced by everyone, but some people do notice the rumbling sounds during these occasions. Hidden Medical Reasons In some cases, there are underlying medical issues that can lead to a rumbling sensation to the ear. These causes can include:
There are treatments for both of these conditions. Some people can consciously generate these sounds. In some instances, you can control this rumbling sound. There’s a small subdivision of people who have the ability to contract their tensor tympani muscles in their inner ear whenever they want. Some people create the sounds subconsciously. One way to notice whether you are creating the sound is if you anticipate hearing the rumbling sound when you are about to do a specific thing, such as yawn. If you have the ability to control when the tensor tympani muscles contract, this could be useful for protecting your ears from louder inner noises. If you can tense your muscles, you may also be able to shield against low-frequency noises so that you can hear higher (and usually more difficult to hear) sound frequencies that are higher in pitch. Being able to contract these tensor tympani muscles isn’t something that you should be worried about. Tonic Tensor Tympani Syndrome (TTTS) This is a rare type of tinnitus. This is a form of objective tinnitus, meaning that both the person with the condition and others can hear a sound. Patients with TTTS hear sounds in a different way. TTTS is also considered a form of pulsatile tinnitus. This means that the condition is related to irregular blood flow. Individuals with high blood pressure, blood vessels with calcifications, and other conditions can have this type of tinnitus. Is Tonic Tensor Tympani associated with Tinnitus? As frequently mentioned in this blog, tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a noise when there isn’t an identifiable source of the sound nearby. People have often described it as a chirping, clicking, hissing, ringing, roaring, or whooshing noise. The impact of tinnitus on hearing health varies from person to person. Some experience tinnitus due to irregularities in their blood vessels. Others encounter issues with muscles in their ears, including the tensor tympani muscles. There’s a possibility that the rumbling noise is tinnitus, particularly if it doesn’t happen when chewing or yawning. If you or a loved one are experiencing tinnitus and/or hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  Symptoms of tinnitus can be stressful. Did you know that negative feelings that are connected to tinnitus can make your symptoms worse? Let’s learn more about the link between tinnitus and pessimism. Hopefully, this will help you break the cycle of negative thoughts circling in your mind.
Tinnitus and its connection to Anxiety The brain and nervous system are designed to respond to threatening encounters, to help you survive. This is known as the fight or flight response. Your brain can not always distinguish the difference between perceived danger and actual danger. This is the reason why you may feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins when you hear a ringing or buzzing noise in your ear, as though you are running away from a bear or other dangerous predator. Tinnitus induces stress, which signals to your brain that your life might be in danger. Your fight or flight response is triggered, which causes a physiological reaction such as a higher heart rate and sweating, which is commonly associated with anxiety and fear. Your Inclination to Negative Thoughts Any thoughts that you associate with your tinnitus can regulate how you react on an emotional level. Your emotions may intensify your suffering. They also structure how you remember things. This is known as negative memory bias. When you correlate your symptoms of tinnitus with the side effects, it will create stress any time you think about it. That makes sense. You are more likely to think about tinnitus when it negatively impacts your daily life. You can shift your frame of mind to control how you react to the symptoms to alleviate the irksome noise. Dealing with Your Negativity
If you, or a loved one, are still experiencing tinnitus, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a consultation. Most modern hearing aids have a tinnitus masking feature that needs to be programmed for your specific listening needs. Our hearing instrument specialists are ready to help you.  As regular readers already know, hearing loss is one of the most common health problems. You also know that hearing loss can be a pathway towards cognitive decline, dementia, and social isolation which can lead to depression. Many people do not take this issue seriously enough.
Studies on Hearing Loss Research from the Lancet suggests that receiving treatment for hearing loss in midlife is one of the ways to prevent or delay the onset of dementia. According to these latest studies, and previous knowledge of the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline, healthcare professionals encourage everyone to take their hearing loss more seriously and immediately get treatment for it. Medical care may help to prevent, delay or reduce the impact of hearing loss. If you are ready to seek help for your hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  A study conducted in 2019 from the University of Michigan analyzed 114,862 adults who were at least 66 years of age, and were diagnosed with hearing loss.
These test subjects were separated into two groups: individuals who wore hearing aids and individuals who did not wear hearing aids. Analysts discovered in those three years after their hearing loss diagnosis, people who received hearing aids showed lower rates of depression compared to people who did not get hearing aids. Earlier studies associated untreated hearing loss with social isolation, which leads to depression. This is one of the first studies to indicate that the use of hearing aids is linked to a lower risk of depression for those with hearing loss. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and depression due to social isolation, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aids from name brands that include HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex.  Newborns in Australia who fail their routine hearing screening test, have been asked to enter an experimental trial to determine the most common growing cause of the hearing loss.
The study is being conducted by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the University of Melbourne, and four maternity hospitals. The objective of this research is to explore methods to determine whether hearing loss is found in young infants, who were born with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection at a faster rate. Congenital CMV may be innocuous but it can also potentially cause hearing loss, along with additional neurodevelopmental disorders like cerebral palsy and vision loss in some infants. Providing a saliva swab testing kit to parents of newborns will help researchers discover the virus in the baby during the first three weeks of being born. Researchers from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne would like to screen 200 babies for the trial study, where three or four may have congenital CMV. If this study is seen as a way to conduct timely diagnostic testing for congenital CMV, the team may use this screening nationwide. If there’s a child in your family who you think may be experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer hearing aid solutions for people of all ages and ranges of hearing loss.  After a man from Texas contracted Covid-19, he suffered from a number of symptoms. One of these symptoms was tinnitus.
It is uncertain as to whether tinnitus has a direct link to Covid-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe tinnitus as a symptom, but hearing issues are linked to other viruses. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), listed tinnitus, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, etc. as symptoms of long Covid. The Journal of International Audiology studied about 60 cases. The data uncovered that 15 percent of adults who had Covid-19 reported experiencing tinnitus. The researchers concluded that the participants in the study were detailing the symptoms of a new ailment or an existing one that was getting worse. There has been some confirmation that Covid-19 could provoke symptoms of people with tinnitus, prior to becoming infected with the virus. According to a study published in the Frontiers in Public Health journal, in a survey from 3,100 individuals who had tinnitus, 40 percent of the 237 respondents who contracted Covid-19 reported that their symptoms were “significantly exacerbated” after becoming infected. As mentioned in our previous blog posts, many viruses can poorly impact our hearing health. This includes measles, mumps, and rubella. Medications that are taken to reduce the spread of Covid, might worsen symptoms of tinnitus. We are well aware of the vicious cycle that can occur from stress-induced tinnitus. The study mentioned how an increase in stress for just about everyone due to fear of catching the virus, or social distancing have intensified feelings of isolation and loneliness. Home-schooling has also increased levels of stress, as have people over consumption of coffee and/or alcohol. There are nearly 200 causes of tinnitus, some of which include exposure to loud noises, hearing loss, stress, and perforated eardrums. There is no cure for tinnitus, but therapy for cognitive behavior - or talk therapy that’s meant to refocus your thoughts and behavior - or training on how to acclimate yourself to the condition is available. If you or a loved one are in need of treatment for tinnitus, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing.  Exercise is important. As we navigate through this period of social distancing, exercising outdoors has become more and more popular - especially with the warmer climate. Being physically active is not only beneficial to your hearing health, but also your overall health.
Whether you simply go on daily walks or engage in intense workouts, it’s important for hearing aid users be aware of potential risks and helpful tips. We have rounded up these previously posted blog articles for your convenience: Remember to take care of your hearing health, while taking care of yourself. If you need a hearing test, supplies for your hearing aids, a pair of new hearing aids, or even a deep hearing aid cleaning done by a professional, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing.  Have your ears ever felt like they were blocked up with water after taking a swim? It’s a frustrating feeling when you still feel the obstruction for the following days. This symptom is caused by a bacterial infection known as acute otitis externa A.K.A. swimmer’s ear. Generally speaking, it’s harmless, but you should still get it checked out by a hearing healthcare provider. If it goes untreated, it could affect your ability to hear.
How Swimmer’s Ear Affects Your Hearing Swimmer’s ear can occur after being in any body of water, although it typically develops after spending time in hot tubs, lakes, oceans, and rivers. Due to the greater amounts of bacteria that are found in these areas, water that becomes trapped inside the ear is more likely to lead to painful infections on the skin. Your inner ear is the ideal place for bacteria or fungi to grow and thrive. Skin irritations caused by some hair products can worsen the condition when there is an infection. If this condition spreads throughout the body, it can cause harm to other areas, not just your ears. Most people who have swimmer’s ear also experienced pressure and pain in their ear, along with redness in their skin, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pus or fluid drainage. Under more serious instances, temporary or permanent hearing loss could occur when sensitive organs located in the inner ear are compromised and the infection begins to develop in the brain and base of the skull. Your inner ear has tiny hair cells, which are called cilia. These hair cells collect the quality of sounds. The hearing nerve cells are delicate and cannot regrow. When infection damages the cilia, it causes some permanent hearing loss - depending on how many of the hair cells are destroyed. When Should You Get Treatment? If you have any concerns about your ears or hearing, please consult a hearing care professional as soon as possible. Early treatment can help to slow down and prevent further damage. Here are some ways to know if your inner ear is infected due to trapped water:
It’s advised that you do not swim, fly in an airplane or drive up to elevated areas like the mountains, to prevent the chances of your ears popping. Your ears will need time to heal. If you get proper treatment, the symptoms of swimmer’s ear should go away in 14 days or less. Preventing Swimmer’s Ear Here’s what you can do to make sure your ears are safe when you swim: Use earplugs or custom-molded ear protection to prevent water from penetrating your ear canal. Before dipping into a pool, the water should be chlorinated or filtered to avoid high levels of bacteria. If you are going to be in a natural body of water, do not go to stagnant locations and find out whether the water’s sanitation levels are available for the public to view before heading out there. After your swim, you should try to remove excess water from your ears in your own home. The safest method is to lay your head on its side, move your jaw around by chewing or yawning to pop your ears and release the pressure, you may also try to place a warm compress on your ear, or place your ear over a bowl of warm steaming water. Do not use a hairdryer or hand dryer to make the water evaporate. The loud noises from those appliances could worsen your hearing. If you or a loved one have been experiencing sudden hearing loss after being in the water, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  Having a hearing loss is not always easy. Consider yourself lucky if you have patient and supportive people in your life.
Identifying with Hearing Loss Hearing loss is a part of a person. It’s not who they are as a whole, and it hasn’t changed who they fundamentally are. The World Health Organization has reported that more than 5 percent of the global population experiences some range of hearing loss. There are many different levels of hearing loss, communication styles, and use of hearing devices. Things to Consider for the People in Your Life who have Hearing Loss 1. Keep them included in conversations One of the biggest challenges for people who have hearing loss is communication. This is especially true when in group conversations. Most tend to smile along and pretend they can hear. Simply take the time to repeat something, or enunciate words clearly, to make everyone feel included. Do not respond with “Never mind.” This is very discouraging to someone with hearing loss. Having hearing loss can be incredibly isolating, so be sure to make them feel included if you are having a conversation. 2. Limit to one on one time Hearing loss can be lonely. In some instances, people with hearing loss may feel overwhelmed if there are too many people talking over each other in a conversation. If you notice someone with hearing loss leaving a group or declining social gatherings, ask that person if they’re ok. Offer to "be their ears" and repeat things or paraphrase things for them if necessary. Isolation can harm their mental and emotional well-being. Perhaps they prefer being alone with one other person. There are quieter venues with great lighting that are less busy. 3. Patience is key Communication requires a speaker and a listener. When speaking, make sure you face the person who is hard of hearing. If they didn’t understand you the first time, repeat yourself or explain it in another way. You may also write or type out what you say or even use a speech-to-text app. It may be frustrating at times but practicing to communicate is key. 4. Remember, people with hearing loss want to be treated with respect just like everyone else. Everyone has their own unique traits. They may choose to embrace it while others have not, but it’s important to treat one another with respect regardless of their differences with consideration. If you or a loved one experiences difficulty with hearing, please get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  Do you know why many people who need hearing aids do not wear them?
Some people are in denial that they have hearing loss. A number of people don’t even realize that they have hearing loss until it becomes severe. Hearing tests are generally not conducted during your annual doctor’s exam, unless there’s a cause for concern and the patient specifically requests that one is administered. Hearing loss and wearing hearing aids was stigmatized in earlier generations, so most people don’t bother to seek help or treatment. If you prefer a hearing aid that is more discreet, there are so many hearing aid styles that are so small and nearly invisible to the naked eye. They can repel moisture and dust, connect wirelessly to any of your Bluetooth®-enabled devices, and some can even keep track of how active you are by letting you know how many steps you’ve taken or how active you keep your brain. Many people choose to be in denial about their hearing loss. Hearing loss is sometimes a gradual process, so it’s difficult to recognize that you are experiencing it. Most people who are hard of hearing may believe that everyone who they hear is mumbling as they talk. They may raise the volume to their TV or stereo system. They might have trouble listening to people speak if there’s too much background noise. None of these signs seem serious enough to get help. This struggle to hear will eventually get worse, so it’s important to get help immediately in order to preserve the hearing that you still have. Hearing loss can happen for a multitude of reasons from aging to noise-induced hearing loss, or viruses like the measles or mumps. Common Misconceptions About Hearing Aids Some people don’t think that hearing aids are helpful. Just as hearing loss can be a gradual process for many, acclimating to hearing aids is also a gradual process that takes patience. One issue that patients frequently notice are loud feedback noises that come from hearing aids. These noises are caused by a poor fitting. If you are hearing feedback noises, let your hearing instrument specialist know this so that they can make adjustments as necessary. There’s also the false notion that you’ll need to train your ears more vigorously. Others believe that using a hearing aid actually causes harm to your ability to hear, or wearing hearing aids will make you completely dependent on the devices and the technical support that they provide. This is false. The reality is, hearing cannot be restored. Once it’s gone, it is gone forever. What hearing aids can do is slow down your hearing loss and help keep the hearing abilities that you still have. It’s important to constantly hear sounds, so that your brain stays active. If your brain stops being active, you will have higher risks of dementia. Learn more about why it’s important to wear your hearing aids all day and every day. Visit our Pure Sound Hearing offices to receive a complimentary hearing test and consultation. Contact us to schedule an appointment in Elizabethtown, Lititz, Mt. Joy, or Strasburg.  We have some continuing coverage on Better Hearing and Speech Month.
This time of the year is meant to encourage people to get their annual hearing test and raise awareness about hearing health, communication, and hearing loss prevention. It’s important to always be aware of your hearing health, and immediately seek help if you notice any unexpected changes in your ability to hear. Communication as You Age The Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) has indicated that 48 million Americans are affected by hearing loss. Seeking professional help is crucial in order to receive proper treatment and address any problems that may worsen. Your hearing is not the only thing that is negatively impacted. Untreated hearing loss can affect your mental and physical health. This includes:
Fortunately, hearing aids and other assistive listening devices, like Phonak’s Roger Select microphone, can significantly improve a person’s hearing. Hearing tests are easy and painless. You can even schedule a free hearing test with us at Pure Sound Hearing. Raising Awareness on Hearing Health and Speech Issues Join us, and all hearing healthcare providers, in spreading awareness about hearing health and speech issues. You can share helpful information, encourage your family and friends to get a hearing test, or discuss your personal experiences with hearing loss. If you have difficulty with hearing and verbal communication, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment. We offer a wide selection of hearing aids that can be customized for your specific listening needs.  If you have been experiencing hearing loss and need to get your hearing tested, we strongly recommend making an appointment with us at Pure Sound Hearing. It’s the perfect time to do so because May is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM).
The main purpose of BHSM is to raise awareness of the pervasiveness of hearing loss. About 48 million Americans experience some degree of hearing loss, but the average person waits 10 years before seeking help and treatment. Here’s why some people put off getting their hearing checked:
No matter what their reason is for not getting immediate help, hearing loss harms their overall health. If you cannot hear, you can miss out on important conversations - including medical discussions with your healthcare provider. Hearing loss has also been associated with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and general cognitive decline. These health issues can significantly impact your life. Our specialists at Pure Sound Hearing can help you select the appropriate solutions for your hearing needs. No matter how long you’ve been experiencing hearing loss, we can help you on your journey to better hearing. Contact us to schedule an appointment.  We’ve talked about tinnitus on this blog many times, but we haven’t discussed pulsatile tinnitus.
Many experience a common form of tinnitus where a ringing or buzzing sound can be heard after being at a concert or a noisy environment. Usually, it fades after a while, but in some cases, it does not. This is how most people experience tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus is a less common form of tinnitus. It’s also known as pulse-synchronous, rhythmic, or vascular tinnitus. It’s like regular tinnitus, in that only the person affected can hear the continuous noise, but the sound is different from the typical buzzing or ringing. This type of tinnitus follows the rhythm of your heartbeat. It tends to have a thumping or whooshing sound, at a consistent beat. It may be detected by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. This is the only characteristic that distinguishes pulsatile tinnitus from regular tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus happens due to a specific health issue. The primary causes are abnormal blood vessels, high blood pressure, anemia, atherosclerosis, tumor growths in the head and/or neck, and connective tissues found between the arteries and veins. Pulsatile tinnitus can be a symptom of an underlying disease that requires treatment. Treatments offered for Tinnitus from Pure Sound Hearing Hearing aids may be paired with apps on your smartphone. Talk to our hearing instrument specialists if you experience tinnitus. Two Types of Tinnitus The most prevalent kind of tinnitus is known as subjective tinnitus. These symptoms can only be heard by the person who is experiencing them. This can be chronic or temporary. Objective tinnitus can be detected by a healthcare professional. It generally moves at the same pace as your heartbeat, but there can be other rates of speed. Getting treatment for both subjective and objective tinnitus is available. Make an appointment with Pure Sound Hearing if you need help with tinnitus, or have difficulty hearing. We offer free hearing tests and consultations at our offices in Elizabethtown, Lititz, Mt. Joy, and Strasburg. |
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