 There are challenges when it comes to aging. Some of the leading struggles are health-related - mainly hearing and vision. Many studies have shown that 10 to 20% of people over 70 years of age, experience dual sensory loss.
Let’s Define Dual Sensory Impairment/Loss This is when an individual starts to notice that their vision and hearing are in decline. Some people are born with these problems, while others can develop them as they age. Deaf-blindness refers to people who have severe vision and hearing loss. Genetic conditions, such as Usher’s syndrome, a traumatic brain injury or being exposed to a loud blast, may result in dual sensory impairment. Why Should You Get Treatment? Dual sensory impairment has been connected to social isolation and a poor quality of life. This condition has not been thoroughly studied, under-recognized, and under-diagnosed. This is especially true when there are only mild symptoms, where it’s more likely to be undetected by the patient who is experiencing it, or the initial signs may only occur in one area at a time (hearing or vision loss). It might seem normal to experience hearing and vision loss as you age, but losing both of these senses has a serious effect on your overall well-being, safety, and quality of life. As mentioned our blog, hearing loss has been associated with cognitive decline. Studies show that people who have been treated for their dual sensory impairment experience a better quality of life and a lower risk of death compared to those who are not treated. An Overwhelming Feeling From Dual Sensory Loss In addition to other health concerns that are linked to aging, dual sensory loss can be overwhelming. In the elderly, it weakens their senses. Those who experience hearing loss may depend on their vision, whereas people who experience vision loss may depend on their hearing. Audiobooks can aid the vision-impaired and captions can help the hearing-impaired. These accessories are not as useful for those with dual sensory loss. Getting Treatment for Dual Sensory Loss Most people who have dual sensory loss continue to experience functional hearing and vision. They can benefit from rehabilitation after being properly diagnosed. A rehabilitation therapist may help a patient adapt to their sensory loss. Assistive devices and coping strategies will be used as treatment options. This will make daily responsibilities and communication less complicated. Preventing Dual Sensory Impairment It’s difficult to control your family’s medical history when it comes to vision and hearing loss, but the latest research has shown that leading a healthy lifestyle can lower your chances of being diagnosed with dual sensory impairment. Tips to prevent Dual Sensory Impairment:
Where to get help If you, or a loved one, are experiencing changes in your hearing contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We will be offering curbside services. If you are visiting us for a repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.
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 Turner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is found in one out of every 2,000 - 4,000 female births. Girls who are not developing at the same pace as their peers and experience recurring ear infections should get the child’s family doctor to test them for Turner syndrome. It is important to get an early diagnosis for proper treatment. Anyone who has this disorder is more prone to higher rates of autoimmune disorders, chronic ear infections, heart, liver, and kidney abnormalities, and hearing loss.
More Insights on Turner Syndrome In the 23 pairs of sex chromosomes within the human body, there are two sex chromosomes that separate men from women. Males have one X and one Y chromosome in their cells, whereas females feature two X chromosomes. Turner syndrome occurs when females do not have all or part of the second X chromosome. This syndrome restricts the female body from its natural growth and maturity. It may be diagnosed during pregnancy, infancy, late pre-teen, or early adolescence. Anyone who is affected by this condition may notice certain physical traits such as down-turning eyelids, short stature, low set and prominent ears, and a small jaw. Generally, a blood test is used in order to diagnose this syndrome. Turner Syndrome and Hearing Health In a study that was published in the Brazilian Journal of Otolaryngology, individuals with Turner syndrome have several issues concerning their hearing. This indicates that they should frequently get their hearing tested. The prevailing problems that occur are chronic ear infections, conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid solutions for your individual needs. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We will be offering curbside services. If you are visiting us for a repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  Imagine if you were to wake up one morning and suddenly felt so dizzy, that you fell over and realized you couldn’t stand up. Then you notice that you’ve lost all hearing in one of your ears.
These are symptoms of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), or sudden deafness. It is an unexplained or rapid form of hearing loss, that is not the result of “noise trauma” - like a loud explosion that occurs right by your ear. SSNHL inflames the inner ear, and typically only affects one ear. In some cases, SSNHL may also produce signs of vertigo and tinnitus. Statistics on SSNHL According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-NHS), approximately 66,000 Americans experience SSNHL each year. It can occur at any age, but SSNHL is generally diagnosed in adults between their late 40s to early 50s. This can be a frightening experience for patients. There’s confusion at the sudden inability to hear, but then the symptoms cause them to believe that they are having a life-threatening emergency, like a stroke. What to do if you experience sudden hearing loss If you abruptly have difficulty hearing out of one ear, do not just assume it is clogged due to allergies, or a respiratory infection. Do not assume that it will just get better without any intervention. About half of those who have SSNHL will eventually recover some of their hearing in the affected ear within a week or two. Early diagnosis and treatment will help improve the odds. Always see your primary care physician within 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor will begin by ensuring that there is no physical explanation for your sudden hearing loss (Earwax obstructing the ear canal, fluid in the ear, or a punctured eardrum. An examination of other considerations for possible causes may include trauma to the head, exposure to particular chemotherapy drugs, or neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis.) For approximately 90 percent of patients, doctors will not be able to narrow down the exact cause. Some research has connected it to metabolic syndromes (a group of ailments, including high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, in addition to a larger than average waistline) Get tested by multiple specialists If your physical exam shows no clear reason for your sudden hearing loss, you can visit us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free pure-tone test. This is a test that is conducted by our hearing instrument specialist where you listen for a beeping noise while wearing headphones and signaling when you hear the tone. If the test concludes that you have lost at least 30 decibels of hearing in one ear during three consecutive frequencies, you may have SSNHL. You might be advised to speak with your doctor about treatment options. If your hearing does not improve within three months, you may be fitted for hearing aids. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  When you get a cold or flu, it makes you feel miserable. Your ears, nose and throat are all connected to each other, so when one area experiences a problem, the other areas do too. Pressure in your ears is one of the symptoms that occur as a result of a condition that affects your nose, throat or sinuses.
Ear Pressure There is a small pathway that connects your middle ear with their throat. This is known as the Eustachian tube. This tube balances the pressure that builds up in your middle ear by opening whenever you sneeze, swallow or yawn. This stops air pressure and fluid building up in your ear canal, which is positioned behind your eardrum. If the Eustachian tube becomes clogged, sounds may become muffled and you might not hear very clearly. You may also feel pain, pressure, or a fullness in your ears. Side effects from allergies, sinus infections, colds or flus, can create a partial blockage in the openings of the Eustachian tube. Inflammation tissue and mucus that is secreted are signs of dysfunction in the Eustachian tube. If you travel by air or go up in elevated altitudes, this can also cause malfunctions to your Eustachian tube. Issues regarding your sinuses As previously mentioned, your ears, nose, throat and sinuses are interconnected. If there is an issue with one area, it can affect another area. Congested sinuses can lead to pressure and feelings of fullness in your middle ear. Common causes of sinus congestion:
Remedies to relieve sinus congestion and pressure:
Fluid Buildup If there is an issue with your drainage tubes, fluid may buildup in your ears. This flaw can lead to trapped fluid behind your eardrum. Here are some possible symptoms when fluid becomes trapped:
Root causes:
It is vital to determine what is stopping the tubes from properly draining fluid. If this issue goes untreated, the fluid buildup behind your ear can lead to a rupture. How to remove fluid from your ear canals:
Earwax buildup This occurs when wax (cerumen) is pushed deep and becomes impacted within your ear canal or obstructs the entire width of the canal. Earwax blockage can lead to hearing loss, dizziness, pain in the ear, feeling of fullness in the ear, pressure and tinnitus. Cleaning your ears with a cotton swab can inadvertently lead to blocked up ears. Hearing aids or earplugs can also lead to more earwax buildup. The best, and safest method to extract earwax from your ears is by flushing warm water or a saline solution in your ear canal for a few minutes. An irrigation kit may be used. After the water makes the wax softer, it will make its way out to the outer ear where you can wipe it away. Allergies Allergies are another possible cause of ear congestion. Antihistamines and decongestants can relieve ear pressure caused by allergies or other symptoms. Antihistamines can be sold over-the-counter or prescribed by your healthcare provider. Traveling by Air During takeoffs and landings, the sudden shift in air pressure can lead to a change between air pressure in your middle ear and your surroundings. The imbalance stops your eardrum from vibrating when it should be. Pain, feelings of fullness and pressure in the ear can all be signs of airplane ears. How to treat Airplane Ears:
Middle Ear and Outer Ear Infections Middle ear infections (otitis media) can lead to many different symptoms like dizziness, hearing loss, pain in the ears. The cause of middle ear infections are viruses that induce respiratory infections. An outer ear infection (otitis externa) is known as swimmer’s ear. They are generally caused by water that becomes trapped in your ear. This is an ideal condition for bacteria to grow and thrive. Usually, ear infections will clear up on their own. Pain and other symptoms can be relieved with ear drops and pain medications. If your symptoms get worse, even after treating them from home, contact your healthcare provider. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need hearing aid service, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member from our office will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Hearing loss individually related to cognitive decline for adults with normal hearing
According to JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surgery - a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association which covers every aspect of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the head, neck, ear, nose, and throat - the connection between cognitive decline and hearing loss may be present during earlier stages of hearing loss than previously acknowledged. The present threshold of 25 dB that is associated with adult hearing loss might actually be too high. Analysts from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons studied statistics from individuals who were at least 50-years-old and had undergone pure-tone audiometry and cognitive testing in the Hispanic Community Health Study and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study. They discovered that hearing loss was individually related to a cognitive decline for adults who had normal hearing (an average pure-tone of ≤25 dB) for all cognitive tests. The greatest deterioration in an individual’s cognitive abilities was discovered in those who were beginning to show signs of hearing impairment. Additional Research Needed Justin S. Golub, MD, MS, the assistant professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and a hearing specialist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital stated that physicians used 25 dB - the sound of a whisper - to characterize the threshold between an adult’s healthy hearing abilities and their mild hearing loss, but this an arbitrary level. It was previously accepted that cognitive deterioration would not start until individuals passed this threshold, but no one verified this. Researchers have proposed that any future studies that explore whether hearing loss treatment can prevent worsening cognition and dementia should examine a lower threshold that would define hearing loss instead of the commonly used 25 dB threshold. Other Health-related Issues caused by Hearing Loss Many individuals who have hearing loss believe that they can navigate through life without seeking treatment. While it may be true for some people, hearing loss can have a negative effect on other areas. In addition to cognitive decline, loss of hearing it may cause dementia, depression, and social isolation. It is best to get hearing loss treated as early as possible. Hearing aids cannot restore hearing abilities that have been lost, but it can preserve the remaining hearing abilities that you still have. Those who cannot hear very clearly are less inclined to socialize. Subsequently, they engage in less stimulating discussions. If this pattern goes on over the course of several years, it can have a significantly negative effect on a person’s cognitive abilities. According to The Lancet, preventing or getting treatment for hearing loss can lower the likelihood of dementia by over 9%. The National Institute of Health is now providing funding for a study on the use of hearing aids and how it may slow cognitive decline in older individuals who have hearing loss due to their age. If you, or a loved one, are showing any signs of hearing loss, please contact us immediately at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Our hearing instrument specialists will recommend the appropriate solutions for your hearing needs. Remember that the ability to hear is precious, so don’t wait until it’s gone to get treatment. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  There are a multitude of reasons why a person can lose some or all of their ability to hear, from birth or genetic conditions to a sustained injury.
In recent studies, there have been some cases where people who have severe headaches, particularly migraines, are more likely to encounter problems with their hearing. This research indicates that there is a more decisive relationship between migraines and sudden hearing loss. Anyone who experiences persistent or debilitating migraines, should regularly get a hearing test. Migraines can be its own problem, but when it simultaneously occurs with other conditions like hearing loss, the outcome can be relentless. Migraines Most people have never experienced a migraine headache. According to the National Institute of Health, about 12% of Americans suffer from migraines. Migraines can have much more severe symptoms than the average headache. These symptoms can be induced by alcohol consumption, dehydration, or fatigue. Here are some critical symptoms of migraines, or secondary headaches:
During a migraine, you may experience changes in your vision, which could range from blurry sights to seeing auras (bright spots or lines). Feeling pain on the side of your head is also a common symptom. Some migraines can be affected by sound rather than bright lights. Other migraines can be brought about due to stress or anxiety. The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Migraines Even though migraines can be their own separate problem, they can also lead to other health issues like hearing loss. In a study that was conducted by Egypt’s Assiut University Department of Neurology and Psychology, migraines are a neurological disease that can directly affect how the brain responds to sound over time. This could be the result of poor blood flow or lack thereof, due to the way in which migraines impact brain function. Hemiplegic migraines can be physically debilitating, and may be more likely to cause hearing loss. What Type of Hearing Loss can be caused by Migraines? Researchers from Assiut University and Taipei Veterans General Hospital found that people who suffered from migraines are about two times as likely to develop sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). This is a rapid form of hearing loss that can take place in one ear or both ears. It may occur gradually in the course of many days or it can happen immediately. SSHL does not have physical blockage. People who get migraines tend to experience SSHL. This implies that the connection between hearing loss and migraines needs more research. Migraines are obviously not the singular cause of hearing loss, but most people are unaware that it is a potential risk. Treating Hearing Loss that is caused by Migraines If you are currently experiencing migraines, including the type that amplifies sound, get treated for it. Getting help for your migraines might reduce or eliminate your chances of being diagnosed with SSHL. If you have migraines and hearing loss that occurs suddenly, get medical treatment right away. Sudden hearing loss can be caused by head injuries or infections. If you notice a loss in your ability to hear, you can talk to a hearing instrument specialist who will help you choose a hearing aid option that works best for you. Hearing aids can help to preserve the hearing abilities that you still have, while slowing or stopping it from getting worse down the road. Immediate treatment showed that 85% of individuals who have SSHL, can regain their hearing. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aids for a wide range of hearing loss. This is a friendly reminder that our offices are only open by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Hearing loss diminishes a person’s speech perception, particularly when they are in busy settings. It is less known, however, as to why some people with normal hearing also experience difficulties with speech perception in noise (SPiN).
Some of the things that influence the ability of SPiN in adults who have normal hearing are top-down cognitive functions of attention, restriction and working memory. Restriction in the cognitive level could be considered as the capacity to suppress background noises in order to comprehend speech. Research on Sensory Inhibition to SPiN in Those with Healthy Hearing Inhibition of background noises exists at a bottom-up, sensory stage as a natural process. It functions, even while the listener is not fully paying attention. At this level, it’s viewed as fencing in sensory information that leads to cognitive centers. A lack of sensory inhibition might lead to an overload of auditory noise to reach cognitive centers, which can destroy these resources and cause a weak SPiN performance. In a study conducted by Julia Campbell, Ph.D., Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA, an assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders in the Central Sensory Processes Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin, she and her colleagues wanted to discover whether sensory inhibition correlated to SPiN ability in people with healthy hearing and identify hidden cortical inhibitory networks in this group. Test subjects were asked to view a silent film while being presented with identical sound pairs. They were instructed to not pay attention to the sound. Participants who had typical sensory gating, or inhibitory function, should display a large suppression and latency decrease of the CAEP S2 response compared to the CAEP S1 response as the repetitive sound is perceived as non-novel. They found this predicted response in participants who had typical SPiN, but not in participants who had mild SPiN deterioration, which was consistent with reduced sensory inhibition in this group. Campbell and her colleagues also noted that listeners who had mild SPiN deficits had atypical cortical inhibitory networks that underlie the gating response, which affected prefrontal, frontal and parietal cortical regions. All of these results indicated that people with normal hearing and mild SPiN damage might have decreased inhibition in the sensory level. This has shown that there is an insufficient and abnormal activation of cortical inhibitory networks. This absence of sensory inhibition might provide unnecessary noise to reach cognitive centers and impede speech perception. If you have difficulty with understanding speech, or if you, or others, are noticing that your own speech is slurred, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Being infected with the mumps can last for a couple of weeks, but there are lifelong side effects - specifically for your hearing health. There has been a rise of this virus since 2015. In the winter of 2019, an onset of this virus in the Northeastern region of the U.S. urged public health officials to advise parents to vaccinate their children and themselves in order to slow down the spread of this disease.
The Mumps The mumps are part of the same family of viruses that are known to produce measles and a number of respiratory infections. It can quickly spread from person to person via infected saliva - so when a person coughs or sneezes. It usually takes up to two weeks for a person to show signs of illness after they’ve been exposed. The symptoms of Mumps
What complications can occur? Other than hearing loss, the mumps can lead to inflammation and swelling in the brain (including membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord), breasts, ovaries, pancreas and testicles. Most of these problems are very uncommon. How can the mumps induce hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the more startling symptoms of the mumps. It’s still uncertain as to how exactly mumps cause hearing loss. Some specialists believe that it can lead to a damaged cochlea - the snail-shaped structure inside your ear that stores the stereocilia and stria vascularis. The stereocilia, A.K.A. the tiny hair cells, convert sound waves into nerve impulses. The brain then interprets those signals as sound. The stria vascularis circulates blood to the inner ear. The auditory nerves may also become damaged, which can affect a person’s ability to hear. Anyone who experiences hearing loss due to side effects of mumps probably have sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss usually occurs in one ear, which is known as unilateral hearing loss or single-sided deafness (SSD). Normally, this type of hearing loss is reversible, but if left untreated it can become severe and permanent. A child can lose most of their ability to hear in one ear. Measle and rubella may also induce sensorineural hearing loss. Healthy hearing can’t be restored, but there are ways to help with hearing and communication: Hearing aids: These devices might be useful if you experience mild-to-moderate hearing loss. A hearing instrument specialist can help you choose the best hearing aid style and brand that works best with you and your lifestyle. Bone-anchored hearing devices: These could be a possible solution if you experience SSD. This is a surgically embedded electrode array device that circumvents the damaged cochlea, and creates a direct stimulation of the auditory nerve. American Sign Language (ASL): This is a language that has its own grammar and syntax. It utilizes body language, facial expressions and hand gestures. Cued speech: This is a type of sign language that utilizes hand gestures and mouth shapes. Hearing loss that is caused by mumps is uncommon. Studies show that 1 - 4% of those who are infected with mumps end up with hearing loss. Prevent the Mumps The best way to prevent getting the mumps is through immunization. Discuss vaccinations for your children and adults in your family who haven’t had the mumps yet and have not received a vaccination - or are in need of a booster shot. Mumps is a disease that arises during childhood. Parents are recommended to get their children immunized between 12-15 months of age, a booster shot at 4-6 years of age and another booster during their teenage years. The vaccine is usually given to a child three times - around a child’s first birthday, when they reach kindergarten, and again during high school or college. The final booster is vital. Studies have shown that anyone who only had one or two mumps vaccines were at higher risk of getting the mumps than those who received all three boosters. Anyone who was born prior to 1957, and has not had the mumps should talk to their primary healthcare physician about receiving an immunization, particularly if they are frequently in a high-risk environment - like a hospital or school, or near the epicenter of a current mumps outbreak. Do you speculate about hearing loss? If you, or a family member, are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid devices from top name brands. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  About one-third of people ages 65 and up experience some range of hearing loss. This percentage doubles for those who are at least 75 years old. The average person who recognizes that they have hearing loss usually waits seven years until seeking treatment, and a fraction of those who can benefit from hearing aids actually wear them. This means that there are many drivers on the road who cannot hear very well.
It is not illegal to drive when you have hearing loss (in the U.S., some states have car requirements for those who are hard of hearing), but that does not mean that it’s safe. According to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, older adults who have hearing loss performed poorly on their driving tests if they had more distractions than those who do not have a hearing impairment. This study suggests that the extra effort needed in order to hear adds extra stress to your brain, and you need to use multiple senses in order to safely navigate on the roads. Hearing loss causes mental fatigue. It’s harder to be a safe driver when you have hearing loss. If you’re tired, when you need to hear signals from other vehicles, and when you need to be fully aware of your surroundings there are a lot of risks involved. Due to its gradual process, you may not know how severe your hearing loss may be. Other people who you interact with will probably notice your hearing loss before you do. Everyone should get their hearing tested each year. Anyone who is 55 and older should get a baseline hearing test, and then schedule regular checkups. 7 things that Drivers Should Do if They Have Hearing Loss 1. Work with a hearing instrument specialist. You may know someone who has hearing aids but doesn’t use them because they may feel uncomfortable or even distracting with whistling or feedback noises. Hearing aid technology has significantly evolved and continues to make more advancements. Patience is still needed during your initial fitting as you go from not being able to hear clearly, to hearing sounds that you haven’t heard in years. Proper follow-up appointments and maintenance is necessary in order to get the most use out of your hearing aids. It takes time to learn how to use the devices and program them so that they work for you. 2. Get an eye exam. If one of your senses begins to worsen, nerves connected to your other senses will become heightened. The ability to see is the most important sense to have when you drive. If your hearing is becoming worse, get hearing aids and a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription. It’s important to hear and see as best as you can when you drive. 3. Broaden your fields of vision. Since you are mainly depending on your ability to see, you have to be able to absorb as much visual information as possible. Use a clip-on, wide-angle rearview mirror to help you see and process your environment. There are some states, like New York, which mandate drivers who report that they have a hearing impairment to use a larger full-view rear view mirror. 4. Decrease background noise. Driving with distractions (i.e. music or traffic) will make it more difficult to notice important sounds that you need to hear in order to safely drive. Close your windows and reduce the volume on your car’s stereo in order to focus on driving. If you wear hearing aids, ask your hearing instrument specialist to program directional microphones or you can use a remote microphone accessory to hear your passengers without forcing them to shout at you. 5. Keep distractions to a minimum. This is a tip for all drivers, no matter how good they can hear, but it’s especially important if you are hard of hearing. Eliminate or minimize phone usage while driving. If you have to talk to someone while steering your car, hearing aids that have Bluetooth® technology can sync up to your smartphone to make calls easier and safer. 6. Make sure you have an easy-to-use navigation device. Everyone uses GPS to help them navigate while driving. Bluetooth®-enabled hearing aids can be synced up to your devices when it provides turn-by-turn directions so that it’s easier to hear. Install the GPS device or your smartphone onto a dashboard holder so that you can easily look at it without looking down. You may also use one of the Heads Up Display (HUD) apps, which projects the directions onto the windshield of your car, without blocking your view of the road. 7. Keep up with researching the latest technology. Automobile and hearing aid technology are always evolving. In the future, drivers who have difficulty hearing will have the assistance built into their car. Automobile manufacturers are in the process of developing technology that provides visual and vibration alerts (on the steering wheel or the seat) if emergency vehicles approach the car. Hyundai Motor Group made an announcement that its Audio-Visual Conversation and Audio-Tactile Conversion technology will be available for hearing-impaired drivers. If you, or a loved one, is a driver who has difficulty hearing, for your safety, their safety and the safety of others, please get a hearing test. At Pure Sound, you can get a free hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing instrument specialists. We offer a variety of hearing aid styles and brands for a wide range of hearing loss. Please be aware that our offices are only open by appointment and for essential visits at this time. If you are in need of hearing aid service, we kindly ask that you wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to retrieve them. If you need hearing aid supplies, such as batteries or cleaning tools, please call us prior to stopping in at one of our offices.  Starkey's Livio AI There is so much research about the link between hearing loss and cognitive health, but there's still more research that needs to be done. What is known about hearing loss? Adults who suffer from hearing loss tend to display cases of steeper cognitive decline than those who have healthy hearing abilities. In one study, elderly adults who have hearing loss are at two-to-five times more likely to develop symptoms of dementia than those with normal hearing. In that same study, every 10 dB that was measured in hearing loss, there was a 20% rise in the possibility of developing dementia. Theories to these links Hearing loss that goes untreated for too long, may restrict the brain from collecting neural information. This is known as the "use-it-or-lose-it" theory. It is very important to keep your mind active by listening to sounds. Those who suffer from hearing loss may cut back on socializing with others. The worst combination of an increase in cognitive decline is being socially isolated, depressed and suffering from cognitive decline. The theory is that those who have hearing loss are less inclined to engage in social situations. This is what can cause depression and isolation, which can lead to cognitive decline. Attempting to listen and comprehend speech sounds requires a number of parts in your brain, including its working memory. When the brain is focused on listening, many of its other areas cannot be utilized anywhere else. How can hearing aids help? Hearing aids can stimulate the brain by allowing users to hear and interpret information. These devices can make people feel more confident and encourage them to participate in life again. This lowers their risks of depression and social isolation. Hearing aids can help reduce the cognitive strain that a person may use in order to listen. A study from 2015 showed a similar rate of cognitive decline between those who wore hearing aids, and those who did not need to wear hearing aids. It implied that wearing hearing aids can delay the development of cognitive decline. Starkey's Livio AI hearing aids not only provide a high-quality hearing experience, but they also use sensors and artificial intelligence to give you an assessment in regard to your cognitive health. Your Brain Score is measured on a daily basis Use Time - This measures the length of time that your hearing aids are worn. This is vital because wearing hearing aids helps to lower your chances of cognitive decline due to hearing loss. Engagement - This feature measures how much time is spent in environments where the hearing aid user has discussions with other people or streams phone calls. It helps the user participate more when in large groups. Actively Listening - This measures the different types of circumstances that the user encounters in their day. These different environments help stimulate brain development. The Thrive Hearing app can keep a record of your Brain Score to show how much progress you've made. Use it to observe and evaluate your cognitive health.  Pair Starkey's Livio AI with the Thrive Hearing app! If you, or a loved one, would like a free trial of the Livio AI hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation.
 Are you feeling worn out by the end of the day? Fatigue caused by hearing loss is very real.
Facts About Fatigue The actual definition of fatigue is difficult to fully describe. Generally speaking, everyone knows what it is based on their personal experience with it. The most distinct type of fatigue manifests in a physical form. This can be recognized based on physiological activity and metabolic energy that preserves it. When the energy (glucose) becomes depleted, it reduces a person’s ability to sustain activity. Feelings of fatigue are different for everyone. Some may simply feel exhausted, while others have an almost disabled reaction, such as a full on resistance to continue on with their daily life. Everyone has had some form of physical fatigue in the past. Physical exercises are not the only cause of fatigue. A continuous use of mental energy and effort can bring about fatigue. This is known as a cognitive or mental fatigue. Others have identified ‘emotional fatigue’ as a separate type of fatigue, which is induced by stress. Subjectively, all forms of fatigue have been characterized as a condition that drains the energy out of a person. Are there any Positive Aspects of Fatigue? Fatigue can actually protect us. If you do not start to feel tired in the event of experiencing physical fatigue, you may exhaust all of your body’s energy on one single task, and not be able to recover from it without resting. Fatigue halts you in your tracks for a reason. Modern Research on Fatigue and Hearing Loss Time and again research has shown that fatigue is experienced at greater levels among those with hearing loss, than those who do not have hearing loss. In other scenarios, fatigue that is experienced by someone who is undergoing cancer treatments is much more severe than someone who has hearing loss. Not all people are impaired when they experience fatigue. Based on current research, there isn’t a direct link to the severity of hearing loss and fatigue. Recounts of fatigue due to hearing loss included the mental strain of comprehending speech, the effort involved in managing hearing loss (for example, planning where to sit beforehand to ensure that you have the best seat in order to understand what is being said), feelings of emotional stress between yourself and family/friends. Transient Fatigue vs. Persistent Fatigue Transient fatigue is an average form of fatigue. It just becomes part of your daily routine. Everyone experiences this type of fatigue after engaging in strenuous activities for a long period of time, but it disappears after a while when you take a break and rest. If you do not take a break that lasts long enough, that’s not enough recovery time. As a result, fatigue can build up and eventually become persistent. This causes a dangerous cycle of intensifying fatigue that will not go away. Real Life Scenarios on the Effects of Hearing-related Fatigue Different groups of people that are studied must have factors such as age, career, and other health conditions taken into consideration. Measuring a person’s general fatigue, are commonly used for cancer patients and people with other severe conditions. When the proper measures are used, it shows that the cause of hearing loss has been based on incidents of fatigue in a person’s daily routines. The influences differ between each person. Some people might not socialize as often to make sure they have time to regain energy from exhausting experiences. Others may just keep going and be just as engaging and active as everyone who is present, but they won’t enjoy it as much as everyone else. Anyone who has a job probably doesn’t have control over the amount of activity they engage in, and they may wind up feeling fatigue. This could result in feelings of exhaustion outside of work, a loss of earning power or withdrawing early from work. Can Hearing Aids reduce feelings of Fatigue? There was a study conducted, which examined fatigue before and after a hearing aid fitting. It concluded that there was an unequivocal decline in fatigue that was linked to hearing. Fatigue was shown to continuously remain lower for 6 months after the hearing aid fitting. Research still needs to be done to learn more. Even though we know that fatigue and activity are closely linked, there isn’t enough information on the effects of how hearing aid fittings affect a person’s levels of activity. 3 Main Points of Listening Fatigue Research
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and fatigue, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands and styles for your individual needs. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We will be offering curb-side services and ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  Tinnitus is the perceived sound of incessant buzzing, clicking, hissing, ringing or whistling noises.
Are you one of the millions of people across the globe who experience tinnitus? If so, you are well aware of how it affects every aspect of your daily life. If untreated, this condition can result in depression and stress. According to the American Tinnitus Association, there are millions of Americans who suffer from tinnitus. With a vast number of people who experience these symptoms, it’s important to discredit any false information. Learning about the facts of tinnitus can guide you to find the appropriate treatments that can help to reduce symptoms and improve your overall health. Myth #1: Tinnitus is a disease. Tinnitus is a symptom of a hidden medical condition, NOT a disease. Brain damage, dangerous noise levels, heart disease, or a traumatic brain injury can all cause tinnitus. Tinnitus, which can lead to hearing loss, can be induced by certain medications. There is currently no known cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments that can help reduce the symptoms. Myth #2: Tinnitus is not real. Some might think that the symptoms of tinnitus are imagined, or that it’s just all in their head. There aren’t any tests that will indicate that you have tinnitus, but that doesn’t make the symptoms any less real. There are millions of people across the globe who suffer from mild to severe cases of tinnitus. Myth #3: I can’t do anything about my tinnitus symptoms. There is ongoing research and the treatments are always changing and getting better. A hearing healthcare specialist can provide solutions to help treat your symptoms and make them more manageable. Myth #4: Only people who have hearing loss can get tinnitus. Even though it’s true that people who experience hearing loss can also suffer from tinnitus, a person can also get tinnitus if they do not have hearing loss. Exposure to blaring noises from concerts, an explosion, or loud machinery, may lead to experiencing a brief ringing sensation in the ears. As previously mentioned, there are certain medications that can induce tinnitus. Even if you do not believe that you have hearing loss, it’s still a good idea to get a check up from a hearing healthcare provider. Myth #5: Tinnitus will disappear if I have a healthier diet. Some have made claims that additives and food, like alcohol, caffeine and sodium can make symptoms of tinnitus, worse. Consuming any of these items is typically not the main cause of tinnitus. Your overall health requires a balanced diet, exercise, and adequate sleep. Your tinnitus has to be treated individually. Reducing symptoms of tinnitus MIGHT include changes to your diet and exercise routines, but they will not cure you of your symptoms. Myth #6: Everyone who has tinnitus will end up going deaf. Even though tinnitus and hearing loss usually occur together, they are two separate syndromes. If you have tinnitus, it does not mean that you also have hearing loss. If you have some hearing loss, it does not automatically indicate that you will be completely deaf. Hearing aid devices can simultaneously help to keep your residual hearing intact and help drown out tinnitus symptoms. Myth #7: Hearing aids cannot help relieve tinnitus. The latest advancements in hearing aids, actually can tackle the problems of tinnitus and hearing loss by enhancing external sounds. This masks internal sounds caused by tinnitus. Other methods of tinnitus relief may include better diets, exercise, meditation, and managing stress. Myth #8: Tinnitus is only caused by listening to loud music, or media, through earbuds. Listening to music at dangerous noise levels can lead to tinnitus, but there can be other causes. Tinnitus can affect anyone, but there isn’t always a clear reason. The risks are not eliminated, simply because you don’t regularly listen to loud music/media or listen to these things through earbuds. Myth #9: There’s no harm in having tinnitus. Usually tinnitus is harmless. For some, it can be a sign for an underlying health issue, like acoustic neuroma, heart disease or high blood pressure. Don’t ignore the symptoms. Get checked out for it. For anyone who has tinnitus that is severe, chronic and/or causes distress, it can reduce their quality of life, and affect personal and professional relationships. There have been cases where some people’s tinnitus symptoms have led them to experience suicidal thoughts. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing tinnitus, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a consultation. We offer a wide variety of hearing aid solutions that can be tailored to your specific needs by our hearing instrument specialists. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need hearing aid service, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member from our office will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  It is common knowledge that overeating is unhealthy, especially over a long period of time. Obesity is a major health condition that is not only linked to diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease, but it is also a factor that can cause hearing loss. Out of about 48 million Americans, roughly 20 percent of the population have hearing loss. In adults it’s almost twice that number. Approximately 93 million Americans are obese. This is a serious health concern.
The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Obesity Studies have indicated that there is a link between obesity and hearing loss, but that precise connection is still being studied. It is hypothesized that the connection between the two factors affects the circulatory system. Hearing loss has also been associated with diabetes and high blood pressure - two other factors that are tied to obesity. Ears detect sound with stereocilia, tiny hairs located in the inner ears. Stereocilia require a steady flow of blood and oxygen in order to properly function. Obesity causes the blood flow to become restricted. As a result, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood throughout the entire body. This will cause your inner ears to not function properly, due to the lack of blood flow. This can cause irreversible damage to the ear. Diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure impact the inner ear in a similar way: each of these diseases adversely affects your circulation. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital as you get older. Age-related hearing loss is connected to a high fat mass index. During adolescence, your body’s metabolism was more efficient and worked quickly. This is why it’s important to try and keep up with healthy eating habits that were followed at a younger age. Your hearing health, and general health will benefit from a healthy diet and exercise. Obesity, Hearing Loss, and Treatment If your hearing loss was caused by obesity, you won’t get it back, but it’s good to maintain hearing health precautions and take care of your overall health to preserve the hearing abilities that you still have. Get your hearing tested to determine your range of hearing loss. Permanent damage to your hearing may be treated with a hearing aid or assistive listening device. If your hearing loss is not too severe, talk to your doctor before your health gets worse. You can ask for suggestions to make an exercise and diet plan to reduce the impact of obesity on your hearing health and overall well being. Your doctor will most likely recommend a cardio intensive exercise routine, which will circulate your blood and improve your general health. You will probably benefit from this by having better mental health, which can help reduce depression. Preventing Obesity-Related Hearing Loss Maintain a healthy diet and regularly exercise to avoid obesity-related health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Following a healthy diet will keep your hearing healthy in check. You can talk to a nutritionist to help you achieve these goals. The nutritionist will encourage you to consume foods with the proper balance of nutrients. These will include foods that are high in iron. A lack of iron in your diet can worsen your hearing loss and lead to tinnitus. Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices. A Guide to Sanitizing Phonak’s Roger Devices for Students in the Classroom During COVID-197/17/2020  Phonak's Roger Select microphone. Recommended Sanitation Procedure of Roger Devices in Classrooms
As we continue to live under these uncertain conditions, Phonak has devised a sanitation plan that is specifically for COVID-19. These guidelines are meant to be practiced in classrooms, where Roger products are shared between users. The novel coronavirus is a respiratory virus that can spread via droplets that are created when an infected person coughs or sneezes. When multiple people are sharing any of the hand-held or body-worn devices, like the Roger mic, there’s a risk of transferring the virus from one person to another. Asymptomatic individuals can be carriers of this virus, so it’s important to sanitize in between users. This recommendation applies to the following Roger products that are used by multiple students to reduce the risk of transmission:
Recommended Disinfectant Use a surface disinfectant, as directed in the instructions on the bottle. This is most effective in killing viruses. Do not use disinfectants with skin moisturizers, ointments, salves or creams. Do not use bleach (e.g. those which contain chlorine or peroxides) and disinfectants that have ethanol. These can damage materials. Use the following types of disinfectants:
Proper Cleaning Steps
Be aware that alcohol-based cleaning disinfectants can damage the device’s coating and electronic elements. If you’re a parent who has a child with hearing loss, or a school administrator who has a student with hearing loss, please call us at Pure Sound Hearing to discuss using the Roger Select ™ Microphone. If you, or a loved one, are looking for new hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  Modern life is a fast-paced world that puts us up against many challenges. The stress caused by this velocity can wear you down if you don’t take time out of your day to effectively manage it. Stress can lead to unexpected obstacles, such as a poor night’s rest that can interfere with your ability to accomplish tasks at work.
The Fallout of Stress The human body receives a rush of energy or strength by releasing chemicals into the bloodstream in order to handle stress. This is a normal reaction from our bodies. It supports us through demanding moments, but excessive amounts of stress can deteriorate and weaken your body. Stress isn’t just emotionally tiring, it can lead to additional health problems by diminishing our immune system, cause anxiety attacks, diabetes, headaches, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal complications, migraines, and more. The Connection between Stress and Hearing Loss The body’s response to stress leads to adrenaline being overproduced. This causes a restriction of blood flow to the ears, which is how it affects a person’s ability to hear. Delicate hair cells, or cilia, are found in the inner ear. They need constant blood flow in order to receive the proper amount of oxygen and nutrients. Each day when stress builds up, it may lead to a disruption of the blood flow to the rest of the body. Without steady circulation, these hair cells can become permanently damaged. Hearing loss can occur if an individual becomes overstressed to the point where blood no longer flows to the ears. Stress, Hypertension and Hearing Loss Hypertension is high blood pressure that occurs alongside stress. There are serious consequences of these symptoms that can harm the health of your hearing. High blood pressure weakens blood vessels, which affects the rest of your body - including your ears. If there is damage to the blood vessels in your ears, your hearing can be impaired. Recurring episodes of stress that manifest in the form of hypertension normally cause hearing loss and tinnitus. Hearing loss symptoms that are caused by stress include feelings of fullness, blockage, pain or pressure in the ear(s). Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Over the years studies have associated stress with tinnitus. It is both a cause and a symptom. Tinnitus is the perceived buzzing, hissing or ringing noise in your ears when there is no outside source of the sound. It is normally caused by excessive exposure to loud noises or even some medications. It can linger and then fade away, but it has a tendency to occur when a person is feeling stressed. A study found that 53% of patients who have tinnitus claimed that their symptoms began amid a stressful point of their lives, or became severe during a stressful period. It’s a continuous series of stress that induces tinnitus, which leads to more stress, and that stress leads to more episodes of tinnitus. How You Can Relax If you experience hearing loss that was caused by stress, you first need to lower those levels of stress in order to thwart more damaging effects. Pause everything for a moment. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, rest your mind. You can stop for 20 minutes and simply close your eyes. Engage in regular exercises. Stress impacts your brain as well as your body. If your body feels great, your mind will too. Exercise and other physical activity create endorphins (chemicals in your brain that are essentially used as natural painkillers), and they improve sleep, which lowers stress levels. It only takes 20 minutes of exercise each day to increase your blood flow, which in turn will improve the health of your mind and body. Discuss ways to reduce stress with a friend or healthcare professional. Talking to someone who has experienced what you have, or has credible knowledge, can encourage you to get through it. Mediation. This can help your body and mind focus and relax. You can go out to a quiet place in nature, listen to calming music or a mediation podcast. Participate in your favorite activities. Take out time each day to do something that you enjoy. It can be as simple as listening to your favorite music or reading a book. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, and/or tinnitus, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid solutions that can be customized for your particular needs. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. One of our staff members will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Statistics on Language Development in Children with Hearing Loss
We have discussed the impact of untreated hearing loss on children and how it affects their performance in school. Research has shown that hearing aids and other listening devices can reduce the impact of hearing loss. In a study that was conducted by the University of Iowa, it indicated that children who have a hearing impairment have an easier time learning language and speech when they wear hearing aids. Researchers studied 180 preschool-aged children from six U.S. states, who have difficulty with hearing. Each child who wore hearing aids had better speech and language development in contrast with children who did not receive treatment for their hearing loss. The study showed that the longer the child wore hearing aids, the more improvement there was on their development in language and speech. It is important to mention that the research revealed how any range of hearing loss, from very mild to severe, can put a child’s language acquisition and ability to learn at high risk. That risk can be reduced with early and aggressive intervention. How does hearing impact the development of speech and language? Hearing directly affects communication; it will also influence the way a child learns in general, and more specifically how they learn syntax, vocabulary. Their academic achievements, the ability to socialize, their future career and salary are also impacted by their hearing health and communication. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association have determined that there are four ways that hearing loss can impact children:
Children who have a hearing impairment tend to have difficulty with learning more abstract words such as, “before” and “after”, or comprehending words that have more than one definition. They tend to have problems hearing the following speech sounds: “f”, “k”, “s”, “sh”, “t”, and “ed”. This affects how they compose sentences and which words they will incorporate in their vocabulary. As the divide between children with healthy hearing abilities and those with hearing loss becomes larger as they age, kids with hearing loss can catch up to the right level if they get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. When should children with hearing loss get treated? The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (2007) advises parents to get their infants a hearing screening by the time they are a month old. Newborns who fail their hearing screening should get another screening by the time they are three months old. Babies who have tested positive for permanent hearing loss should get help and treatment by the time they are six months old. This is one of the reasons for all infants in the U.S. to get screened soon after they are born. Every state has its own method of newborn screening. Before an infant leaves a hospital, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises a hearing screening for babies who are born inside of the hospital. Those who are not born inside of a hospital should have a visit to a hospital or clinic within a few days after they are born. Hearing loss in infants: The signs and symptoms Birth to 4 Months
4-9 Months
9-15 Months
15-24 Months
What should you do if you suspect that your child has a hearing loss? The National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) states that the initial three years are a very important time to acquire speech and language. This is when the brain is malleable and still developing, which makes it the best time to absorb language. Infants should be exposed to sounds and language to help them learn during that time and in the future. During their first three months of life, babies should react to loud sounds and be soothed by a familiar voice. Babies who are three to six months old should follow sounds with their eyes, become alert by noisy toys, react to music and laugh, babble or make gurgling noises. If your child does not react to sounds, talk to your child’s pediatrician. They might give you a referral to a pediatric audiologist and a speech-language pathologist, who will do a more thorough examination. Get treatment immediately Do not postpone treatment for your child’s hearing health. Research has proven that early intervention can improve development in language and speech, along with your child’s social skills and academic performance. Children who are four weeks old can receive hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Most babies and young children are fitted with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. The earmolds on these devices are able to help with a number of different types of hearing loss. They are also easy to adjust, clean and can be detached and altered as your child grows. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids to talk to one of our hearing instrument specialists, who can help you decide which hearing aid treatment options would work best for your child. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Lit candles are nice for setting a romantic mood, creating a pleasant aroma in the air, or even as a guiding light during a power outage. Candle wax is not appropriate for pulling out earwax or curing a sinus infection through a dangerous and ineffective method known as ear candling.
Ear Candling Explained It is uncertain as to when exactly this practice started. There have been some records of it that originated from Hopi Indians, who engaged in the tradition as part of their spiritual healing. The routine involves positioning the tapered end of a 10-inch hollow candle inside a person’s ear and then burning the other end. Those who practice this believe the flame produces a suction that will extract earwax from the inner ear. People who practice ear candling believe that pathways inside the head are all connected, therefore draining the canal of earwax will leave a person with a clean head. This is false! Those who practice this technique also believe that sinus pain and pressure will be relieved, it can treat tinnitus, swimmer’s ear and Meniere’s disease. There are NO scientific studies that back these claims. Why You Should NOT Practice Ear Candling Healthcare professionals have strongly spoken out against ear candling. Here are some of those reasons:
In Conclusion Instead of attempting to use candles for earwax removal, it’s better to use them to set the mood or get rid of the stale smell in the air. If your ears feel full and you can’t hear, seek treatment from a medical professional. If you get treatment from your healthcare provider, but continue to struggle with hearing, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Hearing aids or an assistive listening device may help with your hearing problems. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Just about every surfer has shared stories about the injuries they got while surfing gnarly waves. It may have been a head bunt with their board, a hand cut on a fin, or even a dislocated joint from a huge wave. While these are rare injuries, they do help paint a more interesting narrative.
Surfer’s Ear: How it happens and who can get it This blog has frequently discussed swimmer's ear, but there’s a syndrome of surfing that is more prevalent, yet rarely acknowledged. It could actually be more dangerous. This syndrome is known as surfer’s ear (exostosis). Surfer’s ear occurs when the ear(s) become(s) irritated from cold water. This normally happens as a result of long exposure to cold water. Surfers, old and young, can experience it. What happens is, over time, the ear canal becomes irritated and as a result bone will start to grow in that area. This causes the canal to become more and more narrow, which leads to hearing loss. Ultimately, the bone growth becomes very obvious because a person with this problem can experience complete hearing loss. The only treatment for this issue is cutting off or shaving the bone growth. This procedure would need a recovery period of six to eight weeks. Surfer’s ear doesn’t just lead to hearing loss, but the bone growths will trap water which leads to frequent infections. This leads to high risks for people who spend a lot of time in the water to surf. Wetsuits are providing surfers with the opportunity to go into the water almost year round, raising the risks for surfers of all ages. About one in three surfers experience this problem, and if left untreated it can lead to pain and severe hearing loss. Are there Treatments for Surfer’s Ear? The only real cure for surfer’s ear is surgery. It’s best to take preventative measures, like wearing earplugs, prior to going into the water. You can also try these Swedish company's earplugs that are specially designed for surfers. Sound waves can be heard, while the real waves stay out. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, for any reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Swimming or running through a sprinkler is a great way to spend a hot summer day. There’s a chance that all of the contact with water could raise the risk of water becoming trapped inside your ears. Some symptoms of water being trapped in your ears are sensations of fullness inside your ear canals, and/or feelings of water moving around in your ears. It can occur in just one or both ears.
If the water doesn’t drain out on its own, this could cause otitis externa, which is more commonly known as swimmer’s ear. The reason behind Water becoming Trapped inside the Ears There are several reasons why water can stay stuck inside of your ears. One reason is if a person has narrow ear canals. Another reason could be that there is something that is obstructing the ear canal, like too much earwax or a foreign substance. Some People are more likely to Experience this than Others Children and adults who spend a lot of their time in the water are at a higher risk than others. Water can get stuck in your ears anytime you submerge yourself in water. If you turn yourself upside down, for example during a flip or handstand, water can become trapped in your ears. 7 Tips to Remove Water from Your Ears
DO NOT insert any objects in your ear, like cotton swabs, hair pins, or other small objects. This can damage your ears. Are there Risks to having Water Trapped in Your Ears? In some cases there are risks to having water trapped in your ears. Everyone’s ears produce earwax (cerumen), which is waxy and water repellent. In most cases, water will gently fall out on its own. If it doesn’t, this can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which could cause swimmer’s ear. Bacteria thrive in a wet and humid environment, with an ear canal that is full of scratches and abrasions, or reacting to allergies and other skin diseases. What are Early Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear? The following could be mild symptoms swimmer’s ear:
Contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, or if water has been trapped inside your ears for days or weeks. Preventative Measures Wear earplugs that are specially designed to use in water. They might be pricier than the average ear plugs that you get from the drugstore, but they can be customized to fit your ears and they are reusable and washable. Monitor the Health of Your Ears If you notice any changes in your hearing, keep a record of it and talk to a hearing healthcare provider. A hearing test can be conducted in order to determine whether or not you are experiencing hearing loss and how severe the loss is. Getting early treatment, with hearing aids or other listening devices, will help you keep the hearing abilities that you still have. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  This Fourth of July will probably look different than past celebrations. It’s still important to take extra safety precautions, especially if you have hearing loss. Whether you need to maintain social distancing between yourself, friends and family, wear a face mask, or wear hearing protection, there are measures that can be taken to care for your overall health.
In preparation for your festivities, here are some facts about noise and healthy hearing tips to consider. Fireworks are at the center of the Fourth of July. Please be aware that damage to your hearing can happen due to excessive noise exposure. It only takes one short burst of loud noise to possibly cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Fireworks can generate the same amount of noise that a jet engine produces. That’s somewhere between 125-155 decibels (dB). As mentioned in previous blog posts, 85 dB is the threshold of noise that a human can tolerate before it causes hearing damage. Being in close proximity to fireworks can instantly cause hearing loss. Faint noises: 30 - 40 dB. These include sounds like a whisper or a quiet room. Moderate noises: 50 - 60 dB. These include sounds such as moderate rainfall and normal conversations. Very loud noises: 70 - 90 dB. These include vacuum cleaners, alarm clocks, city traffic, hair/hand dryers, motorcycles, truck traffic. Extremely loud noises: 100 - 130 dB. These include noises from power tools, a lawnmower, a snowmobile, or rock concerts. Painful noises: 140 dB or more. These include noises from fireworks or gunshots. When sounds are heard the stereocilia (delicate hair cells) located in our inner ear vibrate. This creates nerve signals that are interpreted by the brain as sound. It is possible to experience too many vibrations in the stereocilia. Exposure to loud noises can harm to these hair cells, and lead to sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. The first cells that become permanently damaged are the ones that vibrate the fastest. These are the ones that provide clearer higher-frequency sounds, such as chirping birds or the sound of children and some women speaking. You can still enjoy fireworks without risking your hearing health. It’s best to see a professional fireworks display, and maintain an appropriate distance to enjoy the visual aspects. If you are not sure how loud the fireworks will be, or won’t be able to enjoy the show at a distance, carry some earplugs with you to wear. Your earplugs need to closely fit your ear canals and seal off as much noise as possible in order to sufficiently block out excessive noises. Read the instructions on your earplug packaging for proper usage. Earplugs are an inexpensive and simple way to protect your ears. Here are some warning signs if you are exposed to dangerous noises, and experience hearing loss:
If you are experiencing hearing loss that was caused by any loud noises, like fireworks, or another reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Our hearing instrument specialists will go over the best treatment options with you. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Are you unable to hear as well as you usually do? There are many factors that can contribute to hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss, or even viral infections.
Your hearing loss could be temporary or permanent, based on how it was caused. If You Experienced Sudden Hearing Loss, Get Treated Immediately. If you have quickly, or suddenly, lost your hearing in one or both ears - and you cannot narrow it down to any clear causes - seek medical attention as soon as possible. You might have harmful inflammation that can be treated with steroids. If you wait too long, or do not seek medical treatment, the hearing loss could become permanent. Do You Need to Seek Medical Treatment as Soon as Possible? Follow this checklist as a guide for knowing whether you need immediate medical treatment:
If you responded “No” to each of these questions, it might be sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), which immediately needs to be checked out by a medical professional. Frequent Causes of Temporary Hearing Loss Overall, temporary hearing loss does not just abruptly occur. It happens slowly in a span of days or weeks by the time you notice it. Temporary hearing loss could be caused by a blockage located in your ear canal, or a similar health-related condition. Here are some possible cause: An Ear Infection In some cases, a lousy cold can lead to an ear infection. This could then lead to muffled hearing. This particular condition usually occurs in children, but it can happen at any age. Ear infections tend to heal on their own, but you should see your healthcare provider if the infection needs to be treated with an antibiotic. Excess Earwax The tiny hairs and glands located inside your inner ear create cerumen, A.K.A. earwax. Your earwax should naturally fall out of your ears, or by gently washing your ears. In many cases, it will build up and obstruct your ear canals. When this occurs, your ears may feel plugged, you might experience tinnitus, or some loss in your hearing. If the wax cannot gently be removed, with a warm washcloth or an earwax removal kit, consult a hearing healthcare provider or your doctor. Do not use sharp objects or cotton swabs to remove the wax. These items may push the earwax deeper into the canal which could puncture the eardrum. Vigorous Exercises or Stress Did you know that certain exercise routines can induce hearing loss or tinnitus? Overexerting yourself well past your personal fitness level could result in temporary hearing loss. Usually in these instances, your hearing should go back to normal within a few hours. See your healthcare professional if the symptoms linger. Severe stress can also lead to issues with hearing and tinnitus. Blaring Noises It is very common to temporarily lose your sense of hearing or suffer from tinnitus after being exposed to loud noise, whether it’s from a rock concert or if you operate a loud power tool. This type of hearing loss is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Your hearing will probably go back to normal after the concert or after you finish using the power tool, but it’s always a good idea to wear earplugs or earmuffs as a precaution. It’s crucial that you do everything possible to prevent hearing damage. Repeated and extensive exposure to loud noises can result in permanent hearing loss. What are the Prevailing causes of Permanent Hearing Loss?
If you believe that your ability to hear has changed, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Our hearing instrument specialists can go over the best treatment options with you. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss can appear alongside a number of disorders, such as immune-mediated inner ear disease, Ménière's disease, and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). It’s a difficult condition to manage because of the different fields of diagnoses and researchers’ understanding of underlying causes are mainly theoretical. As a result, there are very few treatment options.
Causes and Related Disorders of Fluctuating Sensorineural Hearing Loss Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is a rare disease that causes rapid and progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) that fluctuates for weeks or months. The progression of this hearing loss occurs too quickly, therefore it is not considered to be caused by aging but it is also too slow to be considered sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). AIED can manifest as part of other autoimmune-mediated syndromes, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or as part of Cogan’s syndrome, which includes inflammatory ocular symptoms (conjunctivitis, glaucoma, or uveitis) along with hearing loss and vestibular symptoms. It’s been recently discovered that autoinflammatory disorders play a factor in fluctuating hearing loss. Theories have been discussed on the underlying process of this disease which cover circulating immune complexes to conditioned immune cell-mediated damage in AIED vs. dysfunction of the body’s existing immune defense system or the innate immunity. The reason why proper diagnostic measurements for these diseases are difficult to grasp is because it needs audiologic proof of fluctuating hearing loss and a positive response to immunosuppression. SSNHL is a broad term that is used to describe hearing loss that occurs within a brief period of time - under 72 hours. Most instances are considered unilateral with no defined cause. There are three theories on the underlying cause of SSNHL:
For people who are smokers, have a history of smoking, or have hearing loss that was the result of vigorous activity and may cause trauma to the cochlea, the first two theories are possible. In other people who do not have these risk factors, the viral theory - which suggests that severe infections or reactivation causes inflammation and membrane damage - may be a possibility. This theory was backed up by clinical studies that indicated more levels of specific viral antibodies, in vitro animal research, and temporal bone biopsies that revealed atrophy occurring in the inner ear. The causes can be classified under:
Ménière's disease is another class of disorders that are characterized by variables of the following symptoms:
Ménière's disease is defined as a condition with two or more impulsive episodes of vertigo that endures for more than 20 minutes, but less than 12 hours, an audiogram that indicates low - to medium - frequency sensorineural hearing loss in one ear at any point, and fluctuating aural symptoms like aural fullness, hearing loss, tinnitus. It usually occurs in one ear, but it may begin in one ear and then affect the other ear. It rarely starts by being found in both ears at the same time. Before the final diagnosis of Ménière's disease is made, other possible causes, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or vestibular migraine, need to be dismissed. Contributing Factors
Studies of Epidemiology indicate that some cases of Ménière's disease could be caused by an irregular mutation or an autosomal (any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome) dominant inheritance. Allergy-linked Ménière's disease is induced through environmental or food allergies. The theory is that systemic hypersensitivity to allergens could result in inflammation to the inner ear, which would then cause Ménière's disease. There are many medical and surgical treatments for vestibular and balance problems, fluctuating hearing loss, but they are often inadequate and do not help prevent inevitable hearing loss. Hearing aids could be the best solution to this problem. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus or aural fullness, or episodic vertigo please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  General Hearing Loss Statistics
Hearing loss is defined as the inability to hear sounds at 25 decibels or under in speech. This usually leads to problems with comprehending conversations and hearing particular sounds. About 48 million Americans have some range of hearing loss. That’s more than 20 percent of the entire adult population in the U.S. Women and Hearing Loss Women are shown to have a lower risk of hearing loss than men. Among those between the ages of 20 and 69, men are twice as likely than women to acquire speech-frequency hearing loss. It is not completely understood as to why women typically have fewer experiences of hearing loss. Some research has indicated that the female hormone estrogen might protect the inner ear. Estrogen affects many cells, which include the heart, brain, and blood vessels. Women tend to experience hearing loss more often after menopause. During this time, the levels of progesterone and estrogen begin to decline. This is another reason why sex hormones are likely to influence hearing loss. Some researchers suspect that hormone replacement therapy may reduce the risks of hearing loss. Other studies have challenged this hypothesis and highlighted the major side effects of hormone therapy. The study included about 81,000 women who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study II (the first large-scale research study to examine hormone therapy and its link to hearing loss in menopausal and postmenopausal women). The women were between 27 and 44 years of age at the start of the study. They were clinically followed for 22 years between 1991 and 2013. During the study, women self-reported their hearing loss and usage of oral hormone therapy. About 23 percent of the women reported some range of hearing loss during the follow-up period. The hormone therapy used estrogen therapy or estrogen plus progestogen. The study concluded that oral hormone therapy in postmenopausal women, and extensive use of oral hormone therapy, was indeed linked to a higher risk of hearing loss. This indicates that hormone therapy raises the risk of hearing loss. The longer they use them, the higher the risk will be. The study also found that those who were older and experienced menopause had a higher risk of hearing loss. The reasons behind this are still unknown. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, include coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, and in some cases it may cause neurological symptoms.
A study was conducted on 214 patients who had different degrees of respiratory problems due to the coronavirus. There were 36.4% of patients who showed neurological symptoms that were linked to the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscles. There was also evidence that the virus could damage the hearing structures located in the inner ear. As of now, there is not a lot of evidence that directly correlates COVID-19 with tinnitus. The American Tinnitus Association reported that pre-existing behavioral conditions might raise the risk of tinnitus, due to stress and depression that is linked to social isolation and not coming in contact with others to prevent infection. For example, those who already have an anxiety disorder are about seven times more likely to suffer from chronic and severe tinnitus. In a time when people are being more cautious due to the risk of infection, while socially isolating in order to prevent the spread, anxiety and depression have been prevailing emotions that are being experienced by many. Medications as a Possible Risk of Hearing Loss It is currently unknown as to whether a coronavirus vaccine would be considered ototoxic (medications that are harmful to your ears). The quinine family of drugs, an anti-parasite drug, has been used as a prophylactic preventative for malaria. It has some history of being ototoxic. Hearing Healthcare Providers are utilizing new Safety Measures Our current concerns are preventing the spread of COVID-19. Treatment for hearing loss - like many essential healthcare services - incorporate practices that make it challenging, but possible, to safely social distance. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), curbside services and appropriate in-office social procedures are being implemented to substantially limit potential exposure to both the patient and the healthcare provider. Hearing well is very important, especially under these circumstances. Visitors who stop by Pure Sound should know that we are delivering the best hearing practices, services and safety measures. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need hearing aid service, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member from our office will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  It has been a few months since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have strongly recommended that all Americans wear a face covering when they are out in public.
Every hospital in the country is assuming that anyone who enters their doors may potentially be a COVID-19 case, so wearing a mask is required and patients are being asked to arrive alone. These new safety measures are making communication more complicated for the 60 million Americans who have some range of hearing loss from mild to severe or deafness in one of both ears. Most people who experience hearing loss have never had a hearing test and do not wear hearing aids. This is especially true among individuals who are affected by inequality when it comes to healthcare. For example, only about 5 percent of Hispanic/Latino adults who experience hearing loss actually use hearing aids. The Problems with Face Masks when it comes to Speech and Hearing Whether you realize it or not, our brains are meant to utilize visual cues. In order to fully comprehend speech, you need to watch a person’s lips move as they speak. Wearing a mask that covers the mouth blocks out those visual cues. Face masks muffle speech sounds. Wearing a mask over your hearing aids can knock off your devices. If you also wear eyeglasses, your ears are doing a lot of heavy lifting just so that you can see, hear, and safely breathe. The social distancing rules of remaining 6 feet apart can also make the ability to hear others and comprehend speech very difficult. When there is too much distance between people, it becomes more challenging to hear. Moving further apart causes additional stress and strains to hear that those with hearing loss already deal with. Hearing Background Noises Background noise, especially in hospitals, makes it difficult to hear and comprehend important information. Your memory becomes disorganized, even if you heard what was just said. Noise levels were measured in a Veterans hospital located in Portland, OR. Researchers recorded background noises from medical and surgical wards and also tested patients who were acutely ill. In the best circumstances that have little noise, patients who had mild to moderate hearing loss could only remember 58% of important words. This lowered down to 30% of being able to recall important words at the highest levels of hospital noise that was tested. Each of these interruptions may result in serious ramifications. Hearing Loss that Goes Undiagnosed In these situations, people who experience hidden or undiagnosed hearing loss may be exposed if their coping strategies begin to fail. In this current situation, anyone who has difficulty hearing or cannot hear at all, may put their life or the life of their loved ones at risk. If you cannot accurately hear recommendations from your healthcare provider, learn about services that are available so that you can safely navigate through your life. This is helpful advice for patients in hospitals, nursing homes or in quarantine, who are isolated without the help of family or friends. Tips to Effectively Communicate
Choose how You Want to Communicate Using real-time captioning can greatly improve communication access via online education, telehealth and virtual meetings. Let others know what your best means of communication. Use different systems of communication. If you have difficulty understanding when others talk, ask them to rephrase what they said, write down the message on paper or through a text message in the notes section of your smartphone. Use real-time captions or other assistive listening technologies. If you use ASL, certified interpreters can be accessed through video relays. Communicate in a quiet environment that doesn’t have a lot of distracting background noise. If the person has a clear face mask or protective face shield, ask them to wear it so that you can read visual cues or read lips. If you have a hearing and visual impairment, bring a place card with your name and condition listed on it, along with ways to communicate with others. Make sure you wear your hearing aids, eyeglasses or contact lenses. Follow these recommendations to help you navigate a little easier and more effectively through these uncertain times. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid solutions that can be individually programmed for your specific needs. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need hearing aid service, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member from our office will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices. |
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