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Problems and Solutions: My Hearing Aids Feel Uncomfortable and Everything Sounds Too Loud. How do I Adjust to This?

7/1/2022

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As we’ve mentioned before, adapting to hearing aids takes time. Wearing your hearing aids every day, for as long as you can, will help you adjust to them and the sounds that you've missed out on. Eventually, there may be moments when you forget that you’re even wearing hearing aids.

Learn as much as possible about your hearing aids from your hearing instrument specialist. They are professionals when it comes to the hearing aid’s technology and understanding how the devices work. With your hearing instrument specialist present, practice placing your hearing aids in and removing them. They can give you tips on how to do it safely so that you don’t snap the receiver’s wires. Cleaning tips, replacing the batteries, and identifying the left hearing aid from the right hearing aid will be crucial so that you can get the most out of your hearing aids. 

Ask how to test them in different environments where you have a difficult time hearing. Some hearing aids automatically adjust the volume and settings, while others require manual adjustments that can be made through your smartphone. Work with your hearing instrument specialist until you are satisfied with them. They will be available when you need help. 

Common Problems that Arise

Do the hearing aids feel uncomfortable?

Wearing a new pair of hearing aids can feel like breaking in a new pair of shoes. They may initially feel too tight and uncomfortable. Talk to your hearing instrument specialist to find out how often you should wear your hearing aids each day during your adjustment period. Most would say to wear them from the moment you wake up, until the moment when you are getting ready for bed. But it might depend on your comfort level. 

Are you hearing feedback noises?

Loud whistling sounds can come from your hearing aids if they don’t fit properly, or if it’s obstructed by earwax or fluid.  
 
Does your voice sound too loud?

The occlusion effect is the blocked-up feeling you hear that makes your voice sound louder. This can seem startling to new hearing aid users. A correction may need to be made by your hearing instrument specialist. Most people get used to the sound as they adapt. 

Are background noises too loud or distracting? 

If you are hearing background noises or other people’s conversations, instead of the individuals who you are speaking with, your hearing aids will need additional adjustments. 
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Is there a buzzing sound when using your smartphone?

Hearing aid users may notice interferences from frequencies that are caused by smartphones or cellphones. There are more improvements in digital hearing aids and smartphones, so these problems do not occur as often as they used to.  

If you are experiencing any problems with your hearing aids and need an adjustment, repair, or new hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary consultation.
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Are Your Hearing Aids Constantly Falling Out? Here are 6 Tips to Keep Them Securely in Your Ears.

7/1/2022

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Hearing aids are amazing pieces of technology that help you hear better and communicate with people easier. One of the downsides is that they sometimes fall out of your ears. This can create some anxiety, especially if you are outside of your home. Here’s some advice on how to keep your hearing aids from falling out.

6 Tips to Keep Your Hearing Aids Fitting Securely in Your Ears

1. Test whether your hearing aids tend to fall out during certain activities.

Do you notice that your hearing aids usually fall out of your ears during a certain time of day? Maybe it’s when you’re eating, speaking, or working out - sweat from your ears can loosen hearing aids and cause them to fall out. This indicates that your hearing aids are poorly fit, and you’ll either need a different size hearing aid dome or a customized earmold. If you have other dome sizes, try those out before seeking help from your hearing aid provider. If you need different hearing aid domes or would like a customized earmold, get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing.    

2. Examine the inserts that you are placing in your ears.

If your hearing aids keep falling out of your ears, it may be due to the size of the removable foam or silicone earpiece. If the earpiece is too big, it will be challenging to insert them into your ear canals and they’ll slide out. If the earpiece is too small, rapidly moving your head or even leaning forward will cause it to fall out. The foam tips should be switched out every 2-3 weeks; silicon tips should be replaced every 4-6 months. If they have not been replaced for a long time, this might be the problem. If the ear molds were customized to fit your ears, you may need to be re-fit. As you age, the size of your ears changes so it’s not an unusual request.

3. Pay attention to the way you insert your hearing aids.

In some instances, hearing aids may loosen from your ears because you are not inserting them properly. Be sure to insert hearing aids properly and in the correct ears for customized-fit devices. The hearing aid should fit evenly, and right up against the ear canals, or against the outer ear lobe if the hearing aids are larger. If they don’t slide in comfortably, use a mirror to look and check to make sure they are going in properly. Read through the owner’s manual, or ask your hearing instrument specialist for advice. 
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4. Clear out earwax.

If you don’t find any problems with your hearing aids, maybe earwax build-up is causing your hearing aids to fall out. Earwax build-up can push your hearing aids out of your ears. Safely clean your ears. Do NOT use Q-Tips or anything small that can be inserted into the ear. The irrigation and suction methods or a curette tool may be used by a professional to clean your ears out. With the irrigation method, a syringe containing warm water is held to your ear and the water flows behind the obstruction and pushes it out of the ear. The suction method uses a suction machine to clear the wax from the ears. A curette tool is a thin metal hook that is gently scraped in the ear canal to scoop out the earwax. 

5. Use hearing aid accessories.

If you have an active lifestyle, you may have a challenging time keeping your hearing aids on after exercising or engaging in a long activity. This is particularly true if you end up sweating during the exercise/activity. Try using an accessory such as a clip, headband, or strap. 

6. Maybe you need new hearing aids.

If you’ve had your hearing aids for more than five years, they may not fit anymore because the shape of your ears has changed. Everyone’s ears tend to become larger and stretched out as they age. The ear molds on your hearing aids should be replaced every 5-7 years.

These are just some of the most common causes as to why hearing aids slip out of the ears. If none of these reasons apply to you - or you are still having difficulties after figuring out the cause of your hearing aids falling out of your ears - schedule an appointment with one of our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing.   
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How can Better Sleep Help Ease Symptoms of Tinnitus?

7/1/2022

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Are you ever roused from your sleep by the sound of tinnitus? For 1 out of 5 adults, it’s a common problem that interferes with a restful night.    

A research team from the University of Oxford hypothesized the reason for this phenomenon, which may also hold the key to improving treatment options for tinnitus.

Why does Tinnitus Stir You from Your Sleep?

Researchers came up with a new model for how tinnitus interferes with sleep using current evidence. 

When a person falls asleep, the brain obstructs noises that are occurring in the room. For example, this is how people can fall asleep to certain music or a TV that’s playing something. It’s uncertain how this occurs. It is also unknown how a person’s sleep patterns change when responding to internal experiences of pain or tinnitus.

There are five stages that your brain repeatedly goes through when you sleep. Non-REM sleep falls under stages 1, 2, 3, and 4. The fifth stage is REM sleep. The stages where you do not dream make up about 75% of your total sleep time. The brain produces different kinds of wave activity that gradually disperse throughout the brain during that time.

Initially, the wave activity might repress the brain signals that cause tinnitus. When the wave is less severe, tinnitus symptoms might worsen and then wake you up or interfere with a deeper rest. 

Tinnitus might cause the Brain to Stay Awake    

This can cause wakefulness in a resting brain, which can stop you from starting the dreaming stage known as REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Night terrors, which have been connected to adults with tinnitus, also occur during this transition stage. 

Sleep patterns are connected to the way tinnitus develops. This information will help researchers figure out a moment when providing tinnitus treatment will be the most effective before it becomes permanent. The research will also help them find out how the quality of sleep is affected by tinnitus. This may evolve into other research about whether better rest can help repair irregular activity in the brain that is connected to tinnitus. 

Tinnitus and Poor Rest  

Those with tinnitus tend to be light sleepers. In a survey of over 14,000 Japanese residents between the ages of 45 and 79, roaring tinnitus nearly tripled the risk of insomnia. Even a mild case of tinnitus made it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested. Sleep apnea was another condition connected with tinnitus. It can cause snoring, sleepiness during the daytime, high blood pressure, stroke, and other health issues.

Difficulties with sleep are different for each age group. Night terrors, which are common in young boys, are connected to adults (age 20-44) with tinnitus. 

Poor rest can lead to difficulty in managing tinnitus symptoms or any other chronic conditions. Women with tinnitus and bad rest are more likely to experience headaches, neck pain, or feelings of anxiousness, whereas men are more likely to experience depression. 

Even though there’s no cure for tinnitus, counseling and different therapies - including sound therapy - can reduce the severity of the problem and make sleeping easier.

Tips for Better Rest

First of all, stop looking at your phone, computer, and TV screens. The blue light from your devices causes your brain to remain active. 

Try listening to restful music for two hours. It’s important to only listen for two hours - after that period of time, the white noise may over-stimulate the brain.

This technique was tested on 30 patients with tinnitus by an audiology and speech specialist at Gaziantep University in Turkey.    

Some patients claimed they stopped noticing their tinnitus, and others heard quieter tinnitus noises after six months. These patients’ symptoms of depression also felt eased. The objective was to help patients “fall asleep with less exposure to the disturbing effects of tinnitus”, instead of stopping them from waking up. On average the length of the first non-REM sleep cycle is 70 to 100 minutes, therefore it should only take about two hours to cover up your tinnitus.

If these techniques did not prove to be effective, try hearing aids. Hearing aids feature a tinnitus masking technology, so the symptoms won’t be noticeable as long as you are wearing them. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test and consultation from one of our providers. 
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6 Easy Maintenance Practices for Hearing Aids

7/1/2022

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If you’re looking to extend the life of your hearing aids, good maintenance is crucial. Here are six tips that you may not have considered:

  1. Turn off hearing aids when you are not wearing them. They should be worn from the moment you wake up until the moment when you’re getting ready for bed, but if you take a shower or go into any body of water, switch them off after removing them. 
  2. Replace batteries immediately after they die.
  3. Keep replacement batteries and hearing aids away from children and pets. They may swallow them. 
  4. Keep your hearing aids and unused batteries in a cool, dry environment. Heat and moisture can harm your devices.
  5. Clean your hearing aids as instructed. Earwax, dirt, and debris can clog the microphones and receivers. Your hearing aid provider should have gone over cleaning instructions with you during one of your earliest appointments.  
  6. Do not use hairspray or other hair care products when wearing hearing aids. It can cause them to malfunction. 

If you are having any problems with your hearing aids and need help, make an appointment with one of our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing.  
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Improve Hearing Care and its Services by Inviting a Family Member to Your Hearing Appointments

7/1/2022

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When you notice difficulties with hearing, it’s not just your hearing that you’ve lost. It’s also a loss of good communication. The family member with whom you communicate regularly needs to be a part of your journey to better hearing. That means bringing them along to your hearing health care appointments.  

Do You and Your Family Members Feel Frustrated when Trying to Communicate?

Hearing aids or assistive listening devices (ALDs) may be recommended if your hearing healthcare provider determines that you have hearing loss. Understanding how you usually communicate with your family and finding effective ways to communicate will benefit everyone. Inviting a family member to your appointments will help them get involved in the entire process, making your relationship easier to manage. 

The Complexities of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids can be complex, so having another family member at the appointment who can easily listen and follow instructions is always helpful. It can also help a non-hearing impaired person learn and be more aware of the intricate workings of hearing aids/hearing loss.  

Patients and Family Members can Learn About the Unique Problems that come with Their Hearing Loss

Self-assessments from the patient, and the way family members respond to them is an important step toward a journey to better hearing. 

Maybe the family member will recall moments when they noticed their loved one wasn’t totally engaged or responded awkwardly to a question.   

Does Having a Family Member at Appointments Make the Time Spent at the Office Longer?

This is not true.

Most of the appointments are quicker and easier because there is another person learning the information that’s being discussed.

Other Recommendations when Bringing a Family Member to Your Appointment

The patient’s well-being is of utmost importance. Being able to discuss how the patient and their loved one are feeling about their hearing loss and finding a solution to improve communication, can also improve their relationship. 

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. ​
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Be Aware - Humid Environments can Damage Hearing Aids

7/1/2022

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Whether you engage in a vigorous workout routine, spend time outdoors on a sunny and humid day this summer, or store your hearing aids in a bathroom while taking a hot shower, it’s important to take care of your hearing aids when they come in contact with moisture. 

Hearing aids are electronic devices that feature a microphone, speaker, volume amplifier, and plastic tubing that connects the hearing aid receiver dome with the body of the devices (the hard plastic casing that holds the battery, microphone, speaker, and amplifier). Just like with any electronic, too much moisture can damage hearing aids. There’s no such thing as a waterproof hearing aid. It is recommended that you remove your hearing aids when taking a shower, a bath, or dipping into a body of water.   

Hearing aids can last for nearly six years if you keep up with daily cleaning routines, and professional cleanings every six months or less depending on how much debris builds up on the hearing aids. These devices rest inside the ear canals while trapping moisture, earwax, and heat. It’s a breeding ground for bacteria. Feedback noises can occur if the hearing aids are not properly fit, and cleaned. You can also reduce the risk of ear infections and the cost of hearing aid repairs by practicing daily cleanings yourself. 

Humid Environments

Humidity can cause moisture to build up in your hearing aids, which is inevitable if you are outdoors in scorching temperatures or working out. Humidity is one of the top complaints from hearing aid users. Not only can it damage the hearing aids, but the battery life can also deplete quicker, making the devices less effective. 

Getting Rid of Moisture in Your Hearing Aids

One of the ways to reduce the amount of moisture buildup in your hearing aids is by using a dehumidifier. These are boxes or kits that you can purchase from Pure Sound Hearing.

Simply take the hearing aids and place them in the box or kit when they become damp. They can also be placed in the box overnight to dry out. You may also use the beads from silica gel packets/desiccants or dry, uncooked rice that’s placed in a bowl or jar, and then place the damp hearing aid in the desiccant or uncooked rice. 

If you wear your hearing aids during a workout or while doing chores outdoors, wear a sweatband/headband to prevent sweat from dripping onto your hearing aids. 

Pure Sound Hearing offers professional-strength cleaning wipes and a loop brush cleaning tool for your hearing aids. Stop by at one of our office locations to purchase them.  
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If you need a professional cleaning for your hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment. 
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Are You Struggling to Adjust to Your New Hearing Aids? Here are 7 Tips.

6/10/2022

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Most new hearing aid users are unprepared for the amount of time it will take to get used to their hearing aids. In addition to learning how they work, you will probably be overwhelmed by noises that you haven’t heard for a long time. Your brain needs time to adjust. Your hearing instrument specialist will be an integral part of this process, so don’t hesitate to contact them in between appointments if you have questions or concerns. 

Your Own Voice may Sound Different

Hearing aids are not going to restore your hearing back to normal. Your voice is going to sound different when you hear it while wearing your hearing aids. 

Initially, your voice will sound strange. Some have described that it’s similar to an echo sound or like you’re in a barrel. It may sound louder than usual. The noises you make from chewing and swallowing may also be more prominent. They’ll be irritating, but eventually, you’ll acclimate to the sounds and won’t notice them as much as long as you wear your hearing aids from the moment you wake up to the moment when you go to bed. Obviously, you should not wear them if you are going to take a shower or go into any body of water. If you are still noticing these noises, contact our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound for help. 

How to Adjust to Your Hearing Aids

1. Wear Your Hearing Aids in Your Home

Begin wearing the devices around your house or in other quiet places. Have one-on-one conversations. Inform family, friends, and colleagues about your hearing aids so they can support you and help keep you on track as you work towards healthier hearing. Practice listening while wearing them by reading out loud or talking to someone. This will help you adjust to your own voice. 

2.  Practice Wearing Your Hearing Aids

To help you get used to the devices, try to find out where different sounds in your environment are coming from. Have a conversation with a loved one. When you are alone, listen to an audiobook or a podcast. 

3. Take Breaks from Your Hearing Aids

They should be worn for a few hours during the first day of using them, then gradually add a few more hours each day onwards. After you’ve adjusted to them, they should be worn all day, from the moment when you wake up to the moment when you get ready to sleep. 

4. Schedule Follow-up Appointments
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You should visit your hearing instrument specialist whenever necessary so they can make adjustments as needed. This could include changes to the programs on the hearing aids, or the way they fit in your ears. Discuss any problems that you are having with the devices with your provider. Most people schedule an appointment with their hearing instrument specialist about two weeks after their first fitting to get the hearing aids tuned or fix the volume.      

5. Attend a Hearing aid Demo Event

In addition to one-on-one appointments with our hearing instruments specialists, Pure Sound occasionally offers demo events for new hearing aid users. They are very helpful demonstrations that can make transitioning into a hearing aid user easier, and so you can get the most out of your hearing aids. 

6. Be aware that Adapting to Hearing Aids Takes Time

There will be moments of frustration or feeling overwhelmed by noises that you haven’t heard in a while. The sound of a refrigerator or any other background noise that most people don’t notice may suddenly seem distracting. This is due to the fact that your brain forgot the process of blocking out background noises and prioritizes some sounds more than the less important sounds. Adapting to new hearing aids requires relearning how to block out background noise. As you get used to the hearing aids, programs within the devices can be set up to block out the background noise. Just ask your hearing instrument specialist for this adjustment. 

7. If You feel Pain while Wearing Hearing Aids Notify Your Provider 

Based on your personal hearing requirements, you might wear hearing aids with customized earmolds. This means they should rest snugly against your ears. When you first put them on, the devices may slightly hurt your ears. If it’s very painful, inform your provider and schedule an appointment immediately so that they may correct the problem. Generally, hearing aids that have the receiver-in-ear with domes are easier to become accustomed to because they don’t make your ear canals feel plugged the way earmolds can. They also don’t hurt the ear canals.   

If you or a loved one are noticing hearing loss and may need hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.      
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Pairing Hearing Aids with Your Smartphone

6/10/2022

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If you are new to hearing aids, figuring out how to use them can be a learning curve. Like all technology, once you get the hang of it, will be easy.
 
Linking up Hearing Aids with Your Smartphone
 
Just about every modern digital hearing aid can be paired with a smartphone. Audio files from your phone, computer, or tablet can be streamed through your hearing aids. They can basically be used like wireless Bluetooth® headphones. Not every hearing aid that features Bluetooth® is compatible with every smartphone brand. Android and iPhone are the only two smartphone brands that pair with hearing aids. It’s simple to set up because the technology automatically pairs them.
 
Switch on the Bluetooth® Feature  
 
Through your smartphone, select the Settings app. Search for Bluetooth®, select it and switch it on. 
 
Find Your Hearing Aids Listed in the Settings app
 
Through the iPhone, go to the Settings app. Find and select the “Accessibility” feature. Then find “Hearing Devices”, and select it. Your hearing aids should be shown. Through the Android phone, after the Bluetooth® is switched on, your phone should have started searching for other Bluetooth®-enabled devices to link up to. It should only take a few seconds for your hearing aids to show up on the list. For either one of these smartphone brands, if your hearing aids do not show up on your phone, the battery doors might need to be opened and closed, or you might need to place them back in the recharger. This switches them off and on again so that your phone can detect them.
 
When your hearing aids are listed as an option on your phone, select them. They will start their connection, which may take 30 seconds or more. 
 
Pairing Additional Devices to Your Hearing Aids 
 
Smartphone Streaming Systems
 
Even if your hearing aids are not Made for iPhone or Made for Android, wireless streaming is still available between your smartphone and hearing aids. You’ll just need a small, separate device known as a streamer. It can clip onto your shirt collar, or hang around your neck and be covered by your clothes.
 
Alternative Streamers
 
Different circumstances - even those with smartphone-compatible hearing accessories - need a streaming device if you want audio transferred to your hearing aids. TV streamers, mini-microphones, and other devices can help you hear clearly. There are different styles of streamers that are unique to every hearing aid manufacturer. They are just as simple or, in some cases, more simple than connecting hearing aids to your smartphone. 
 
If you or a loved one need hearing aids and/or an assistive streaming device for listening, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary consultation.  
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Sound Frequencies: Decibels Defined

6/8/2022

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You may have experienced hearing a wide range of noises from the softness of a loved one’s voice to the sirens on a fire truck, or a more soothing sound of your favorite music. These sounds are measured using a decibel. This is a ratio between power, sound pressure, and voltage.  

Measuring the Intensity of Sound

Sound moves in the form of energy waves. It is measured via frequency and amplitude. 

  • Frequency: This is recorded via hertz (Hz), which measures the number of sound vibrations per second. In layman’s terms, this correlates to low or high sound in pitch. For example, a child’s voice is considered to be in the high-frequency range. Most older adults with hearing loss experience high-frequency hearing loss. They tend to struggle to hear sounds that are high-pitched. 
  • Amplitude: This is recorded via decibel (dB), which measures the pressure or forcefulness of sound. The more amplitude a sound has the louder it is. This is essentially volume.

The Increase in Decibels is Exponential

A 10 dB increase indicates that the sound is 10 times louder, and a 20 dB increase indicates that the sound is 100 times louder.

A List of Decibels for Common Sounds 

Simply being told a number for a decibel measurement probably doesn’t mean anything, unless you are a hearing healthcare professional or someone who frequently uses a decibel meter app. 

Hearing loss can occur with decibels as low as 70 (that’s after frequent or prolonged exposure).

These noises can lead to immediate and permanent hearing loss after one exposure at close-range:

150-160 dB - A shotgun/firearm

140 dB - A jet engine as it departs a runway/fireworks

120 dB - An emergency vehicle siren/concerts

These noises can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) after regular, prolonged exposure:

110 dB - A rock concert

105-130 dB - Sports events (based on the size and style of the arena/stadium)

105 dB - Playing music through earbuds or headphones at the highest volume

100 dB - A motorcycle

90 dB - Power tools/lawn mower

80-90 dB - Heavy traffic

Anyone with untreated mild-to-moderate hearing loss tends to struggle with hearing these softer sounds:

70 dB - Vacuum cleaner

60 dB - Normal conversation with one other person

50 dB - A conversation among a group of people

20 dB - Rustling leaves 

10 dB - Breathing

How are Decibels Measured?

Hearing loss is measured according to the lowest range of decibels that you can hear. A person with normal hearing can hear leaves rustling or water dripping into the sink or on the ground (~10 dB), but someone with mild hearing loss would not be able to hear that sound. Frequency and pitch are other parts of hearing loss. Loss of hearing in higher frequencies is more common than in lower frequencies. There are different combinations of decibel and frequency loss. 

Normal hearing ability: 10-20 dB

Mild hearing loss: 25-40 dB

Moderate hearing loss: 40-55 dB

Moderately severe hearing loss: 55-69 dB 

Severe hearing loss: 70-89 dB

Profound hearing loss: 90-120 dB
 
How can You tell if an Environment is too Loud?

If you are in a noisy area and concerned that you could lose your hearing, here are a few things you can do: 

  • Use a decibel measuring app. This can be downloaded onto your smartphone. 
  • You can use a basic 4-step rule: 
 
  1. Do you or others need to talk louder when you are standing right next to each other?
  2. Do you find yourself moving closer to a person if you can’t hear them when there are three feet, or less, between you?
  3. After attending an event that was loud, are speech sounds muffled? The sounds may have damaged your hearing.
  4. After attending an event that was loud, do your ears hurt? Are you hearing a ringing or buzzing noise? Sudden pain or ear ringing is a sign that the event was too loud. 

Be Cautious, especially if You Have Hearing Loss.

If you wear hearing aids, you need to be aware of the noise levels in your environment. Hearing aids amplify sounds, so you are still at risk of hearing loss just like everyone else. You can ask your hearing instrument specialist to program a special setting for these occasions. 

Do not turn off your hearing aids as a way to try and protect your hearing. If they are not snugly fit in your ear canal, they will not be able to block out harmful sounds when switched off. Instead, you won’t be able to hear the sounds that you want/need to hear. 

Work with a professional hearing instrument specialist to establish the correct hearing protection for the event that you will attend or the activity that you will be participating in. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.    
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Hearing Aid Domes: Tips for Maintenance

6/8/2022

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The Hearing Aid Dome

Domes are tiny, malleable, bell or mushroom-shaped silicone parts that are connected to the end of hearing aid tubing and rest deep inside the ear canal. These are also known as tips.

After the domes on hearing aids are inserted inside the ear, once the hearing aids are on, they transfer sounds from the microphone, into your ears. 

The dome is meant to secure the small speakers that transfer sounds to the ears. They are available in various standard sizes to fit a person’s unique ear shape. 

Domes are generally paired with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, which are also called receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) or receiver in the ear (RITE). Domes are attached to the hearing aids through a wire surrounded by a thin tube. These are available in various sizes. Your hearing instrument specialist can find the right dome and tubing that’s customized for your ears. 

These hearing aid styles place the speaker inside the ear canal, while the processor and microphone rest over the top of the ear. 

Should You use a Hearing Aid Dome?

Hearing aids that feature domes are primarily used by patients with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, particularly those who have high-frequency hearing loss.

These hearing aid styles are usually small. They feature a microphone and processor inside a small case and sit behind the ear. The speaker is connected to the processor through a thin tube or wire that sits behind the ear.  

This hearing aid style should not be worn by anyone with severe-to-profound hearing loss. A behind-the-ear (BTE) device that has an earmold would be more appropriate. A customized earmold has powerful amplification and is less likely to become damaged from moisture in the ear canal. 

Everyone is different, so personal preferences will vary from person to person. 

What are the Positive and Negative Characteristics of Hearing Aid Domes?

The Positives

An advantage of using hearing aid domes is the way it fits in your ear canals. Low-frequency sounds can still be heard through an “open fit”. 

Hearing aids need to be vented so that ears don’t become occluded. Natural sounds and airflow must travel through the ear in order for sounds to be pleasant and comprehensible.  
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Cleaning domes is a breeze. Simply use a soft cloth to wipe them off at the end of the day. If there’s debris or earwax on them, you can use a loop brush or professional strength hearing aid cleaning wipes. These can be purchased at our Pure Sound Hearing offices. 

Hearing aid manufacturers have the same sizes and styles of domes, so replacing them is inexpensive.

The Negatives 

Hearing aid domes need to be changed at least every two to three months due to wear and tear. It is possible to get a dome stuck in your ear, so it’s important to be aware of this and be careful. 

Discuss the frequency of changing out the domes and maintenance. DO NOT wear old domes with new hearing aids. They may not be compatible and could get stuck in your ears if they cannot remain fastened to the receiver.  

Domes are also prone to damage caused by earwax or moisture in the ear. They may also be tricky to handle due to their size and a person’s dexterity problems.

Work with a Professional Hearing Instrument Specialist

Get help from a hearing instrument specialist (HIS). They are highly trained to address a patient’s hearing aid needs. A poor fit can impact your ability to hear clearly, and comfort levels while wearing the hearing aids. Feedback noises can also occur due to a poor fit hearing aid. Everyone has a unique ear shape and range of hearing loss, so a HIS will be able to tweak and program an individual’s device to correspond with their particular listening needs.

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and need a hearing test, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. 
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Should You Wear Hearing Aids or Earplugs to a Live Concert?

6/8/2022

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If you wear hearing aids and plan to attend a concert this summer, consider some of these issues that may come up.

Whether you wear your hearing aids to a concert depends on your preferences. Some would recommend removing your hearing aids and wearing earplugs instead to protect your hearing. Depending on the music genre, the sounds will generally be loud enough for you to hear. 

If you choose to wear your hearing aids during a concert, you can turn down the volume on the devices. 

Additional protection like noise-canceling earmuffs can be helpful. These are better at canceling out sounds than earplugs while shielding the sound-transmitting bones that make up your ears. Encourage others who arrived at the concert with you to protect their hearing health.

Concerts run for about 60-90 minutes, so bring your hearing aids along. After the event is over you’ll need them to hear your friends. 

Ask the Venue about Accessibility Services

Prior to your visit, contact the music venue to ask about accessibility options. Most concert halls and venues feature systems to help audience members who can’t hear clearly, have mobility issues, or have any other problem that can interfere with how they enjoy their time at the concert. 

The T-Mobile Arena accessibility guide features different accommodation options. Captioning services can be provided to make sure you don’t miss anything. 

Make sure that the services which are listed on the venue’s website, will be available during your visit. The majority of venues need a warning beforehand so that they may accurately accommodate your needs. 

Get Recommendations from Your Hearing Instrument Specialist

All hearing aids are different with a variety of features, so talk to your hearing instrument specialist for recommendations. For example, some hearing aids feature telecoils or t-coils. 

T-coils can connect with loop systems within buildings. The loop system focuses on the music at the concert, while blocking out background noises like echoes. If your hearing aids feature a telecoil, your hearing instrument specialist will demonstrate how it works.

Hearing aids can also be programmed by your hearing instrument specialist so that you can have the best listening experience during the concert. 
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Preparing for a Live Concert   

To make sure you have a great concert experience, here are some tips.

Don’t go alone 

Not only is going with a friend more fun, but if your friend has stronger hearing abilities, they’ll be able to guide you through the area if the volume on your hearing aids needs to be turned down. 

Stand or sit near the stage

If possible, be closer to the stage or a speaker. There will be less interference from other audience members. If you depend on an ASL interpreter, you’ll be more likely to see them if you are near the stage. 

Be prepared when making purchases

Whether you are buying drinks, food, or merch, it can be overwhelming to choose when there’s too much background noise. Instead of making decisions on the spot, look online for merch or at a menu before selecting. 

Switch off hearing aids if necessary

If sounds become overwhelming, turn off your hearing aids or wear hearing protection. Make your friends aware of this before the show so they know the best way to get your attention. 

Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing if you need your hearing aids programmed before your next concert.  
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Hearing The Sounds of Summer

6/3/2022

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Summertime has arrived! If you are experiencing difficulties with hearing while having fun in the sun, find out how hearing aids can help.

Participate in Group Conversations Outside

Digital hearing aids can be programmed to focus on the conversations that you are participating in, rather than hearing background noises and other conversations going on around you. Directional microphones were created to pick up sounds that you are facing toward. When you or others speak, you typically face each other. Some directional microphones will change positions based on where speech sounds are emanating from. 

Background noises like the crackling from a campfire or other people talking can be filtered out, so you can concentrate on the conversation at hand or sing-alongs instead of struggling to hear through the other chatter and sounds. Listening fatigue is a common problem among people with hearing loss, so the less energy you need to use in order to hold a conversation, the better.

Your smartphone or an assistive listening device can also be used as a microphone. You can place the smartphone or assistive listening device onto a table, and while everyone is talking near it, the audio will stream directly into your hearing aids. You can also download speech-to-text apps on your smartphone, if necessary.     

Muffle Sounds of Fireworks

Modern hearing aids feature noise suppression. It will automatically or you can manually, lower the volume that you hear if there’s a sudden, brief noise - like a crashing sound if something falls over. Fireworks can still be enjoyed at a safe noise level. Ask one of our hearing instrument specialists about this feature for your hearing aids. 

Instantly Switch Hearing Aid Settings

All digital hearing aids are paired with a smartphone and apps. You can use them to control the volume, change your hearing aid settings, and more. Geotagging is another application that you can use. It makes a geographical “bookmark” for your favorite locations. Just optimize your hearing aids for a specific location, like a park or restaurant, and add a geotag. When you go back to that environment, your settings will automatically switch to those settings so that you can have an optimal listening experience.

Wind Blocking Technology

Would you rather enjoy the feel of an ocean breeze than hear how loud it is through your hearing aids?

With behind-the-ear (BTE) style hearing aids, the microphones rest over the back of your ears. As a result, they can harness lots of noise from gentle breezes to gusty winds. You can ask our hearing instrument specialists to create a special program so that you may switch to a channel on your hearing aids, so the sounds of wind are obstructed. 

If you or a loved one are looking forward to an easy, laid-back summer that’s not hindered by your hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation for a free hearing aid trial.  
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Are You Having Problems with connecting Your Hearing Aids with Your iPhone?

5/3/2022

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If you’re an iPhone user who wears hearing aids, you may have been experiencing problems with the latest software update (iOS 15.4) that had led to your device becoming disconnected from your hearing aids. Here are some tips to restore your connection:

Separate the Pairing

  1. Bluetooth should be switched on.
  2. Go to the “Settings” app on your phone.
  3. Scroll to “Accessibility”.
  4. Through the “Accessibility” feature, select “Hearing Devices”
  5. Press on the MFI hearing devices that show up and select “Forget this device”
  6. Press “Forget”, or “Confirm”
  7. Your phone should be searching for the hearing aids

Pair Your Hearing Aids Again

Restart each of your devices in order to place them in pairing mode. Put them near your iPhone.

  • If you have the button batteries, and non-rechargeable batteries, open and close the battery door.
  • If you have rechargeable hearing aids, switch them off and on by putting them in the charger until they are finished charging. Remove them to restore the power OR use the push button to place them in pairing mode.
  • The hearing aids will remain in pairing mode for three minutes.
  • The iPhone will detect the hearing aids in order to pair with them.
  • Devices that are recognized will show up on your iPhone screen (usually at the top, with “Patient’s First Name’s hearing aids R&L”).
  • Tap on the hearing aids.
  • The pairing needs to be confirmed by tapping “pair” (pairing confirmation needs to be done for each hearing aid if you have two).
  • Press on the hearing aid app and confirm the hearing aids have been connected. 

When the hearing aids have been paired, do not turn off your phone for a few days. You should occasionally lower the power so that it can reset. This connectivity issue typically occurs when the phone is switched off and then back on. Leave it alone for a while so that you don’t have to reconnect it every day. 

If you are still having trouble connecting your hearing aids with your iPhone or any smartphone, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for tech support from one of our hearing instrument specialists.
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Get the Most out of Your Hearing Aids with these 8 Tips

5/3/2022

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If you, or someone in your life, are a hearing aid user, making sure that the devices are working at their ideal function is crucial for healthy hearing, great communication, and good quality of life. Here are some tips that you may not be aware of when taking care of hearing aids.

1. Before Inserting and Removing Your Hearing Aids, Clean Your Hands.

Avoid bacteria from infecting your ears by regularly cleaning your hearing aids. Dirt buildup might not allow your hearing aids to function at their best. Clean your hands before inserting them and removing them.   

2. The Battery Door should Always be Closed

Unless you use hearing aids with rechargeable batteries, make sure that the battery door is firmly closed after the disposable batteries are placed in the hearing aids. If the door is opened, the hearing aids may not work or the sound amplification may be lowered.

If the battery door won’t shut completely, try flipping the battery around. Check if there’s any damage on the battery door, it may need to be fixed. 

3.  If a Friend or Family Member Hears Feedback Noises from Your Hearing Aids

Sometimes hearing aids might make a high pitches noise. This is known as feedback noise. It can happen for two different reasons: poorly fit hearing aids or the feedback loop is too close to a speaker/another device that makes a sound. Someone that you are with will probably hear this, but you may not be able to hear it as clearly.  

If this happens, remove the hearing aid(s) and cup it/ them in your hand. This will decrease the high-pitched noise and remove the hearing aid(s) away from whatever may be causing the noise. When the noise subsides, place the hearing aids back in your ears. The microphones and receiver should work correctly.  

4. Keep Hearing Aids Protected from Extreme Weather

Conditions that are too hot and humid or too cold can damage your hearing aids. The best place to store them is in a cool, dark, dry place. Use a special case for the devices when you are not wearing them. 

If they get wet, you can soak them in silica gel or even place them in a bowl of dry, uncooked rice.

5. Daily Cleanings

Hearing aids need to be lightly cleaned each day. Use alcohol-free cleaning wipes and cleaning tools to help remove dirt and debris. Every six months, we recommend getting a professional deep cleaning. You can get these cleaning wipes, tools, and services from our offices at Pure Sound Hearing. 

6. Use a Dryer

Hearing aids retain moisture from the body and other external elements like rainy weather. Like any electronics, moisture can damage the hearing aids, resulting in subpar efficiency. Get a hearing aid dryer to prevent this from happening. A dryer removes moisture from the devices so that they can work at optimum levels. 

7. Dome Replacements

The part of the receiver that goes into your ear canal is the dome. These should be replaced every four to six weeks. Hearing aids with domes that are not properly cleaned or replaced after four to six weeks, will not have the best possible sound quality. This is caused by clogged debris and bacteria. 

Your hearing aid provider can replace the dome for you, or you can change them on your own. Make sure that they are properly placed on the receiver or other problems may arise, like feedback noise or the dome might get stuck in the ear. 

8. Wax on Hearing Aids, Wax off Hearing Aids

Earwax can impede a hearing aid’s performance. Cleaning your ears and hearing aids regularly from earwax can help your hearing aids work at their optimal level.

Simply use a soft dry cloth or cleaning wipes to get the wax off from your hearing aids each night when you take them out before going to bed. Do not use cotton swabs to clean out the ears. They can worsen your hearing loss by pushing earwax further into your ears. Instead, clean them out with a washcloth dipped in warm water. 
  
Check out these additional tips. 

If you need a hearing test and maybe even hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. 
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What are the 3 Advantages of Visiting a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

4/19/2022

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If there have been any noticeable shifts in your hearing health and you think that you have some range of hearing loss, get it checked out immediately. Receiving a professional assessment for your hearing loss can narrow down the options that are available for you, and improve your overall health. Early detection is crucial for reducing additional loss.

First, you need to schedule an appointment with experienced hearing health care providers. Here are three advantages to seeking help from a hearing instrument specialist:

1. A hearing instrument specialist can give you a hearing evaluation. 

Most people believe that a hearing instrument specialist only assists you with your hearing aid selection process. That is one part of their job, but they also determine your range of hearing loss and advise you on whether hearing aids would be an appropriate solution.        

2. A hearing instrument specialist can pair the most suitable hearing aid to fit your listening needs. 

Hearing loss is unique to each individual. There is no “one size fits all” or “best hearing aid”. Hearing aids come in different styles, types, and brands. Finding out whether you have hearing loss after a hearing test is just the first, but most important, step towards better hearing. The next step is to figure out which hearing aids would improve your hearing. Results from a hearing test and a hearing instrument specialist’s expertise will help you find the right devices. Whether you have an active or sedentary lifestyle or need to work within a certain budget, a hearing instrument specialist will not only advise you on the best hearing aids for you but will also provide custom programming on the devices.   

3. A hearing instrument specialist will give maintenance advice, repairs, and aftercare services.

In addition to receiving the appropriate pair of hearing aids, your hearing instrument specialist will also be available for extra services to help guide you through getting the most out of your hearing aids. If you need any repairs, cleanings, or supplies for the hearing aids, they will be happy to provide these services. 

Get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing if you, or a loved one, are noticing hearing loss. Our hearing instrument specialists are available to administer hearing tests, guide you through your hearing aid selection process, and any other hearing aid maintenance services that you may need.  
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14 Tips: A Practical Guide for Effective Communication with Someone who is Deaf or has Hearing Loss

4/12/2022

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If you or someone that you know struggles with communication due to hearing loss, here’s a practical guide to follow:

  1. Only one person should speak at a time.
  2. Before you speak, get the person’s attention by waving or tapping them on the shoulder.
  3. Face the person. Do not turn away when you speak.
  4. Talk in a well-lit setting.
  5. Do not cover your mouth or chew anything while talking.
  6. Speak in short, decisive sentences.
  7. If the person you are speaking to wears a hearing aid, do not assume that they can hear everything you say. Hearing aids help with the hearing that a person still has, it doesn’t restore hearing loss.   
  8. Communicate in a quiet area, without too much background noise or other distractions. Go off to a quiet place if you’re in a loud environment.
  9. When speaking, ask whether it’s okay to speak at a slow or regular pace. Some prefer people who slowly speak to them, others prefer a regular pace because they read lips. Use gestures and facial expressions to emphasize your message. 
  10. When possible, use visual aids. You may point to printed information, or use images to get your ideas across during a business meeting or a healthcare provider’s visit. 
  11. Only about one-third of spoken words can be understood by speech reading. 
  12. When communicating through writing, remember that some who use sign language may not have good reading or writing skills.   
  13. If someone with hearing loss cannot understand you, write a note and ask what the best way to communicate with them would be. 
  14. If someone with hearing loss uses an interpreter, look at the person with hearing loss and not at the interpreter. 

If you, or a loved one, are noticing hearing loss please get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.
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Are You Driving with Hearing Loss? Here are some Safety Tips.

4/8/2022

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Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions among people of all ages in the U.S. When it goes untreated, can lead to problems that may impact the way you learn, work, and even drive.

Hearing while Driving  

Even though your sense of sight is the most important when it comes to driving a vehicle, hearing alerts you when an emergency vehicle is approaching, it lets you know when another driver is feeling impatient, or if your blinker signals are on. Hearing unusual noises coming from your car can make you aware of possible mechanical problems with your vehicle. It’s not only a safety issue for you, but also for others who are sharing the road with you.  

Mild hearing loss may not impact your safety while driving, but it is always a good idea to be prepared. If you have severe hearing loss, depending on where you live, you may need to abide by some restrictions.

Driving with Hearing Aids

Wearing hearing aids while driving is very helpful so that you can be more aware of your surroundings. They help you hear others on the road while maintaining a good auditory system so that your brain is healthy enough to remember how to interpret sounds. 

Keep Distractions at a Minimum

We are all aware of the dangers of using a phone while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2019, distractions while driving claimed nearly 3,200 lives. Here are some tips to reduce distractions:

  • Ask your hearing instrument specialist for a “car” setting for your hearing aids. Hearing aids can be programmed for all kinds of environments that you frequently find yourself in. Your hearing instrument specialist can adjust the direction of the microphone so that you can hear what someone else in the car is saying.
  • Hearing aid maintenance. Hearing aid feedback noise is very distracting and can happen at any moment. A properly fitted hearing aid from a qualified hearing instrument specialist can prevent these noises from happening. It’s important to get regular cleanings and check-ups every six months. Notify your hearing aid provider about any feedback noises or other issues that may arise.
  • Have fully charged hearing aids or carry a fresh pack of batteries. Always bring an extra pair of batteries with you. Do not remove the sticker tab from the batteries until you are ready to place them in your hearing aids. The battery will begin to drain once the tab is removed. If you hear a signal that your batteries are low while driving, do not try to change them while driving. Pull over to a safe area to change them.   
  • Lower the volume of the music or podcast. Keeping music and media at a low volume is helpful for residual hearing. It also reduces distractions and the listening fatigue that you may experience while focusing on the road. Adjust the volume before heading out so that you don’t need to change them while driving. 
  • Ask passengers not to distract you while driving. Even though you’ll be tempted to engage in conversation, doing anything other than driving can take your mind off of safety precautions. If you struggle to hear others in the car, as either a driver or a passenger, inform your hearing instrument specialist so they can make adjustments or other suggestions as necessary. 
  • Close your car windows to reduce outside noises. Most of today’s automobiles are designed to lessen road noise. If there are any ways to reduce noises that cause distractions, use them.
  • Concentrate on driving. Everything from texting to eating can wait until you arrive at your destination. You know this and have probably told others the same. Make this a habit and be a good role model to other people in your life. 
  • Phone usage. It’s best to avoid speaking on or using your phone while driving. Unless you have a car phone mount that you need for navigating, it’s safer not to use it. If you need to take a phone call, hearing aids are now available with Bluetooth® so that you may stream your phone calls. Bring this up with your hearing instrument specialist. 
  • Encounters with law enforcement. If you are signaled to pull over while driving, let them know right away that you have difficulty with hearing so that they can be more effective in how they communicate with you. You can obtain and show them a placard that indicates that you are deaf or hard of hearing.  

Visual Cues

Use visual cues to help piece together conversations. 

  • In addition to getting your hearing tests annually, make sure you get regular eye exams and wear proper prescription glasses or contact lenses. This is important for driving. Dual sensory impairment is common as we age. 
  • Get a larger rearview mirror. This can decrease your need to look back. Some states require this for hearing-impaired drivers. Get in touch with the Department of Motor Vehicles to find out if these restrictions are applied in your state. 
  • Be aware of flashing lights from oncoming vehicles and at railroad crossings. If you are in a city, use the windows on buildings and other reflective surfaces to give you a warning about vehicles that are approaching from behind you.

Drive Safely 

Be as aware as possible while driving. Make sure you have all of the tools you need to be a safe driver, who also has trouble hearing. Get annual hearing tests, wear your hearing aids, and keep up with hearing aid maintenance. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. 
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Why Should Golfers be Concerned with Hearing Health?

4/8/2022

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If you’re a regular golfer, you know that swinging the club and hitting the ball with just the right amount of force and at the right angle is an intricate skill.   

Golfers may not realize how much their hearing is used in the game. Here are five ways that better hearing can help you while playing golf. 

1. Hearing the Clubhead Hit the Ball 

Every experienced golfer knows that perfect hit. It’s when you hear the sound of your clubhead striking the ball at just the right spot. The scope and precision are usually guaranteed when you hear that sound.    

Being able to hear that strike is also necessary when you don’t hit the ball correctly. Learning from that mistake lets you make adjustments for the next shot. This is critical in order to chip and put, where you want to focus on skill rather than the force of the strike. 
 
2. Socializing during the Game

Playing the game with others is a huge part of golf culture. Coming up with a strategy, heckling, and mingling with each other is part of the fun. You may even run into other people that you know, or meet new people, in other parts of the course.

All of these instances require communication, so it’s important to have good hearing.

3. Would You be able to Hear a Warning?

Being on a golf course can pose a danger at times.  

The common, and most obvious, one is the possibility of being hit by a golf ball. The person who strikes that ball will hopefully shout a warning if the ball is headed towards anyone. 

Then there are the less common risks of encounters with animals - like bears or rattlesnakes. 

4. Walking the Course and Balance

Hearing loss can affect a person’s balance, and golfing requires good balance. Poor balance can lead to missed shots, falling from throwing your club, or an accident involving the golf cart.  

5. Focusing on the Game

It takes a lot of concentration to play golf. That’s why brain health is so important. We’ve mentioned many times how poor hearing can impact cognitive abilities. One study reported that seniors with hearing loss had a 30% to 40% higher rate of cognitive problems than peers who did not have hearing loss. Wearing a hearing aid can significantly reduce cognitive decline by nearly 75%.    
  
Thin-faced titanium drivers started becoming more popular in 2009. The sound of some clubs hitting a ball has been known to cause a very loud noise, so if you prefer using these clubs you should probably also wear hearing protection. Earplugs are a simple and discreet way to do this. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.
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Do You have Hearing Loss? Here are 5 Apps that will Help You Improve with Communication.

3/25/2022

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Are you frustrated about communicating with the people in your life, or even with short interactions with strangers? 
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Get use apps as tools for connecting with people in real-time. 

1. Live Transcribe

This app, which is used with Android smartphones/smartwatches, transcribes face-to-face conversations in real-time. Gallaudet University - the American school for deaf and hard-of-hearing students - developed a program that translates speech from over 70 languages and dialects to text that you read on your phone in just a few seconds. Bilingual conversations can be facilitated, and you can type your responses or prompts instead of saying them aloud. The app can also alert you if your smoke alarm, or any other alarm system you have set up, goes off.

2. SoundWatch

Did you know that artificial intelligence (AI) can be conveniently accessed through a wristwatch? This smartwatch-based application can alert you when there are sounds around you. This app was specifically created for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It learns to alert users to types of sounds that can be preselected - a car horn’s honk, a baby’s cry, running water, etc. It is not for emergencies or high-risk situations but provides a general awareness of your surroundings.  

3. Sound Level Meter from NIOSH 

This app utilizes a compatible smartphone device with a built-in microphone to measure the ranges of sound in your environment. Across the globe, researchers stated that approximately 16 to 24 percent of hearing loss occurs on the job. Excess noise exposure is one of the most preventable causes of hearing loss, so it’s important to be aware of sound levels in the environments that you frequent. 

4. Marlee Signs

This app can be used by children and adults to learn basic American Sign Language (ASL). Oscar award-winning actor, Marlee Matlin, who is deaf teaches the language. ASL, which is used in the U.S. and Canada, provides a connection with others no matter what range of hearing they may have. The app can be very helpful for anyone who has hearing loss or if you have friends or family members with hearing loss. There are a number of different kinds of ASL instructional apps, so explore forms of communication with finger-spelling, conversational signing, helping babies communicate, building vocabulary, and more.    

5. SoundPrint

This app features a decibel meter that is paired with the ability to upload results to a user community through a searchable database. Users can discover gyms, restaurants, subways, and other areas that are designated as “quiet”, “moderate”, “loud”, or “very loud”.  

If you are noticing any changes in your hearing and need a hearing test, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  
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What Should You Take into Consideration when choosing Apps for Your Hearing Aids?

3/4/2022

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There are so many useful apps that can be paired with your hearing aids. A remote control for your home security system, washing machine, lights, and various reminders are just a few we can name.  

Hearing aids are devices that you wear to hone in on noises and conversations that you want to hear while reducing background noises that you don’t want to hear. Using hearing aids also provides the benefits of changing and managing features and settings based on your specific needs. App selections should be based on:

  • Your preferences
  • Your severity of hearing loss
  • Your hearing instrument specialist’s recommendations
  • Your lifestyle needs, which include environmental factors 

The Ability to Adjust Your Hearing Aids

Your hearing aid provider should have explained how to adjust your hearing aids when you move from one type of environment to the next. The volume levels may change, noise filtering features may be used, and adjusting the bass, treble, and other sound features to your preference may be implemented. 

When pairing an app with your hearing aids, the app’s features and settings are controlled via smartphone or tablet. 

Get an App that Streams Your Favorite Sound Files 

Since hearing loss is a gradual process, it can lead to problems with comprehending speech sounds, specifically when there’s too much background noise. This is why it's crucial to have sound files that assist you so that you can hear someone speaking, even if you’re in a busy environment.  

You can Monitor Your Hearing Aids’ Status

You don’t always need to take your hearing aids to your hearing instrument specialist. You will quickly be able to determine the appropriate situations when they are due for service, when the batteries need to be recharged or replaced, and other important problems. 

Maintenances, such as cleanings, replenishing batteries/recharging the hearing aids, or replacing domes and keeping the devices in an overall good condition will lower risks of any glitches, which can negatively impact your hearing. Apps are also useful so that you can get advice from the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Hearing aid apps are a great help to hearing aid users, their family members, and caregivers to keep them organized and up to date. They can access notifications in regards to new features,  updates, appointment reminders/rescheduling. 

An App for Easy Access to Audio Sources

Apps allow you to directly link to music and other audio files. Stream your favorite music, videos, or podcasts through your hearing aids. While these sounds are streaming through your hearing aids, other people who are with you in your home can listen along on other devices. 

Before selecting your apps, take your hearing aid needs into consideration. Think about the style of your hearing aids, and then look for apps that pair best with them. Use your hearing instrument specialist’s recommendations. Learn more about the different hearing aid styles from our article “What are Hearing Aids, and How do they Work?”

Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. 
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Who is Committed to Providing The Best Hearing Aid Solutions?

3/4/2022

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The sale of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids is meant to lower the cost of hearing aids, which sounds like a good way to make sure that everyone who needs hearing aids will be able to afford them. But a salesperson who is promoting OTC hearing devices does not have the knowledge and expertise of a hearing instrument specialist. Receiving a proper fitting, professional experience, and long-term care for the devices is crucial in getting the most out of your hearing aids. Investing in a local business, like Pure Sound Hearing, ensures quality service. Here are six reasons why you should work with a hearing instrument specialist.

1. Tech-savvy

Hearing instrument specialists are licensed to sell hearing aids. They know the technology, are versed in proper care, repairs, and maintenance. Problems regarding feedback noise, corroded batteries, or anything else can be resolved with their help. 

2. The Fit

Comfort and performance are important factors in hearing aid usage. Standard hearing aid domes or a customized hearing aid that fits the contours of your ear ensures that you are not only hearing at your best but are also wearing devices that are securely fit. A secure fitting also ensures that feedback noises (the whistling sounds) are not blaring from the hearing aids. Customized programming for the hearing aids is also done by a hearing instrument specialist. They will base the programming on your preferences, lifestyle, and the environments that you frequent.   

Monitoring your progress, while making adjustments as needed can ensure that you’ll get the most out of your hearing aids. After receiving a new pair of hearing aids, you may notice discomfort, or feel like the hearing aids aren’t working. It’s important to remember this: adapting to hearing aids takes time. 

3. Your Relationship with Your Provider

Hearing loss is complicated. There are many types and causes, along with comorbidities that are connected to hearing loss. It can initially be difficult to become accustomed to hearing aids. Our providers at Pure Sound will be here to guide you and answer your questions along the way. 

4. Tinnitus 

Hearing loss and tinnitus (the constant ringing, clicking, or whistling sound) often, but not always, go hand in hand. Ongoing research is helping professionals in the hearing healthcare world understand more about it. Providing support and solutions through hearing aids can help patients make their tinnitus symptoms more manageable. 

5. Reliability
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Other than receiving the best support from a hearing instrument specialist, there is evidence that programming hearing aids on your own, or selecting a one-size-fits-all device (basically an amplifier) can cause more damage to your hearing. At Pure Sound Hearing, a series of tests will be performed to assess your hearing loss and make sure that the hearing aids provided will be tailored for your range of hearing loss. Too much amplification can do more damage to your hearing, and a poorly-fit hearing aid can lead to earwax build-up.

6. Hearing Aids are an Investment

Even though OTC hearing aids may save you money at first, over time, the poor quality of the technology and services (or lack thereof) will become evident. A hearing instrument specialist will provide warranty protection, professional hearing aid cleanings, advice on upgrades, and any advice you need on hearing aid care and maintenance. 
​

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. 
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Hearing Loss: Injuries connected to Falls among the Elderly are Physically, Mentally, and Financially Harmful.

3/1/2022

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Hearing loss has been proven to increase the risks of falls. Hearing loss takes a toll on how much energy the brain uses. As a result, the cognitive overload of information that the brain attempts to interpret impacts the ability to pay attention to other people or things for an extensive period of time. The inability to pay attention can easily lead to fatigue, confusion, and falls - which can lead to hospitalizations or death.  

If you are an older adult or care for someone who is elderly, you are well aware of how frightening and common falls are. 

For anyone who experiences hearing loss, wearing hearing aids can reduce the risk of falling. 

Not only are falls dangerous and have costly treatment, but they can take away your life of independence and cause worry among your loved ones who care for you.   

Reduce your risks of falls and become more independent with the use of hearing aids. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. 
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How will you Benefit from Receiving Help from a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

2/15/2022

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Hearing loss is common. There’s a procedure that you can follow in order to make treatment for your hearing loss go smoothly. One of those steps will be to schedule an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist. These are professionals who are knowledgeable about hearing aid technology and other assistive listening devices. They will be one of the most important people to see in your journey to better hearing. Here are some of the benefits that you will get from visiting one.

Hearing Aid Technology Experts

The primary help that you will receive from a hearing instrument specialist is their proficiency in digital hearing aids, and programming the devices. Hearing aids are intricate pieces of technology, so having someone who can answer your questions is always convenient.    

Extensive knowledge about each Style and Brand of Hearing Aids

There are so many different styles and brands of hearing aids to try out. Someone who knows about each type of hearing aid and how they function differently can help you narrow down your search. Your hearing instrument specialist will be very knowledgeable about each device and model. They will be able to steer you in the right direction and guide you along the way to a life of healthy hearing. 

Fit and Programmed Hearing Aids

A hearing instrument specialist is professionally skilled in fitting patients with hearing aids. They will determine the proper fit and demonstrate how the hearing aids work. They have the training and tools to fit and program the hearing aids for you. This will guarantee that the devices are functioning at their best and tailored to your specific needs.   

Repairs, Replacements, Restoration

Like all modern technology, there will be instances when your hearing aids will require repairs. That’s where help from your hearing instrument specialist comes in handy. They will quickly be able to provide repairs for your devices.  

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing any problems with your hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing. 
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Why are Follow-Up Appointments Necessary for Hearing Healthcare?

1/25/2022

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Getting Ready for Your Follow-up Appointments

Between now and your follow-up appointment with your hearing instrument specialist, keep notes or even a journal on your progress or any problems that you had with your hearing aids. 

Questions to consider: 

  • Are there certain situations where you get the most out of your hearing aids than other situations? 
 
  • Which environments are difficult to hear in? 
 
  • Can you hear other people’s voices when they speak to you?
 
  • Are the hearing aids easy to use, or are you having trouble with certain aspects? 
 
  • Do they fit tightly or loosely in your ear? 

Jot down any of your questions or concerns with the devices, and bring these notes to your follow-up appointments so that your hearing instrument specialists can address the issue.    

Discussing Your Progress, and any Bumps Along the Way

These are helpful meetings that are meant to let your hearing instrument specialist ask questions about your progress and any problems that you’ve encountered. Of course, if you are noticing issues with your hearing aids before the appointment, contact your hearing aid provider’s office to ask questions and voice concerns. The more detailed your questions are, the better help your hearing instrument specialist can provide.    

All of the challenging environments that you frequent give your hearing instrument specialist the information that is needed to make adjustments to the programming/settings.

​Adjustments can also be made if you find it difficult to communicate with loved ones. Let your hearing instrument specialist know the pros and cons that you experience while wearing them. Did something exceed your expectations? Were there any shortcomings? Give as much detailed feedback as possible, so that you can get the most out of wearing your hearing aids.    


Reviewing Hearing Aid Care and Maintenance Practices

You should have been given a lot of information on care and maintenance for your hearing aids. Your follow-up appointment will focus on reviewing these practices and clarifying any uncertainty about them. You’ll probably get a reminder on the function of each program/channel, how to access them, and if applicable, how to use your smartphone app.
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Finely Tuning Your Hearing Aids

With the observations, questions, and concerns that you expressed, your hearing instrument specialist will use that information to make readjustments to the hearing aids. They may add other programs, tweak existing programs, or maybe give you different domes or tubing. If some of your concerns suggest that your ears and brain are not smoothly working in conjunction with one another, after too many years of untreated hearing loss, some brain exercises may be suggested to help create a stronger bond between the ear and the brain. A listening app or auditory training can be useful in these cases.

What Happens Next?

If you purchase a pair of hearing aids from Pure Sound, towards the end of your trial period, contact us to schedule your follow-up. Depending on the adjustments that need to be made, you may need to schedule a follow-up sooner. The earlier any problems are addressed, the easier it will be to transition to a full-time hearing aid user. 

Get the most out of your hearing aids by contacting us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  
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Are You Concerned about Your Hearing?

1/25/2022

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It can feel scary and isolating when you lose your hearing. The subject isn’t always easy to broach. You may feel self-conscious about your hearing loss, or even from wearing hearing aids. 

You can feel less alone knowing that people who have hearing problems are more common than you’d think. 

If you think that you are losing your hearing, here are three steps you can take to guide your way toward a healthy hearing journey.

Do some research on Different Technology that’s Available

You may think that hearing aids are big, ugly, clunky devices that sometimes make a squealing noise. That’s no longer the case today. Modern hearing aids have a sleek design, and many are so discreet that they can’t be seen by the untrained eye. 

Schedule a Hearing Test

In some cases, hearing loss won’t become a major issue if you seek immediate help. Get your hearing tested as soon as you begin to notice trouble with your hearing. They are free in most cases. 

A hearing test that is conducted by a professional can detect whether you have hearing loss, along with answers and suggestions on how to treat it. 

Discuss Your Hearing Loss with Family or Close Friends

Hearing loss can lead to isolation, which can turn into depression. It can change the way you navigate through your day. It’s always a good idea to talk to family and friends so they can better understand what you are dealing with. You might even want to ask one of them to tag along with you to any hearing care appointments that you may have.   

If you have any concerns about the process or feel like you need to speak with someone who has similar experiences to your own, check out the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA).  

Book an appointment for a complimentary hearing test and consultation at Pure Sound Hearing. We have offices located in Elizabethtown, Lititz, and Strasburg. 
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