 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:
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. 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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 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.  Do have hearing loss and experienced the frustrations of communicating with people at a hospital? Here are some tips for managing your hearing loss during a hospital visit.
Hearing loss can be equally as important to address as the healthcare emergency that landed you in the hospital. Not being able to completely understand the medical professionals who are taking care of you can be just as scary as your health emergency. Hospitals can be busy and noisy. People rush in, there are loud machines or announcements over the intercoms, and all sorts of people - from personnel to other patients and their loved ones - are around you and talking all at once. From masked staff members to healthcare workers with unfamiliar accents, it can be overwhelming. It’s important not to guess or tell people who are helping you that you understand what they are saying when you don’t. An incorrect response could put your entire health at risk. A lot of people, particularly the older population, go to the hospital without hearing aids. Many people with hearing loss don’t even have hearing aids due to financial reasons, or denial about their hearing loss. When you are in a noisy and busy environment, like a hospital, your hearing loss can lead to more problems. People who have Hearing Loss are More Prone to Hospitalizations Approximately 40 million adults in the U.S. have some range of hearing loss and are more likely to require hospital care. According to research from Johns Hopkins, of these 40 million adults, untreated hearing loss has a 17 percent higher risk of visits to the emergency room. They are also more likely to stay in the hospital, spend more days in the hospital, and have a 44 percent risk of being readmitted within 30 days. Practices the Hospitals can Implement Hospitals can help patients with hearing loss by:
Make sure to Advocate for Yourself, or Get Help from a Loved One Let staff, personnel, and other medical professionals know that you have hearing loss. If necessary, caregivers may need to take on this role. It is very important that you speak up about your hearing loss, and ask for accommodations. Hearing loss is an invisible disability. On rare occasions, patients have been sent to the “behavioral health” unit where individuals with mental health issues go after misunderstanding or mishearing a question, or even misspeaking. Wearing Hearing Aids in the Hospital Even though it is recommended to wear hearing aids from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, some people leave them at home because they are afraid of losing them. If you decided to do this, alert the hospital staff about your hearing loss. Ask for a hearing amplifier. Plan ahead of time and practice using captioning apps. Otter is a great choice. With this app, conversations can be transcribed in real-time on your smartphone. For legal reasons, hospitals cannot provide this for you, but you may use it yourself. If you choose to bring your hearing aids, and they need to be recharged, bring your charger along. The hospital that you go to might be able to track down a charger for you. Remember to carry extra batteries. You can always ask staff members if they have hearing aid batteries available for you. Hearing is Important to make Proper Medical Decisions Making medical decisions can happen at any stage during your hospital visit, especially if you arrived for an emergency. Whether you can hear or have trouble with hearing, it can be difficult to understand complicated or unfamiliar medical terms/procedures. Whenever possible, have a friend or family member with good hearing and concentration involved in your decision. You may also use a transcriber on your phone. Make sure it’s accurate, and get help from the medical staff to verify its accuracy. If you find it too distracting to listen and watch at the same time, record the conversation and read the transcript at a later time. Remind doctors, nurses, and other staff members that you are hard of hearing and ask them to speak up or repeat themselves when necessary. What if Your loved one won’t Admit They Have Hearing Loss? You cannot assume medical staff members will notice that your loved one has hearing loss. On average, only about half of the staff employees will be able to recognize this. Make sure that you inform staff members during the initial admittance and when seeing new medical staff members that your loved one has difficulty with hearing. This is especially important in hospice care and nursing homes. If you or a loved one, experiences hearing loss and want an easier experience interacting with medical staff, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing. We offer assistive listening devices that can help make your emergency visits pan out better, or we can show you how to use transcription apps. Receiving Services from a Hearing Care Provider can Improve Overall Experience with Hearing Aids1/18/2022  We have mentioned the reasons why it’s best to receive services from a local hearing aid provider.
Hearing care services are usually included with the cost of hearing aids. Learn more about hearing care plans offered by Pure Sound by visiting our Unbundled Pricing page. This includes cleanings, re-fittings, re-programmings, and any other issues that may arise during your adjustment period. You will not receive these same services if you purchase them online or over-the-counter (OTC). Adapting to hearing aids takes time and patience. Additional tuning and adjustments are necessary in order to get the most out of your journey towards better hearing. Hearing Aid/Care Services are Generally NOT included with the Purchase of Cheap Hearing Aids Cheaper hearing aids usually do not feature these services to care for the devices. This is why they are cheaper. It’s also why many customers leave feeling unhappy with their purchase. It’s a waste of money. In fact, you will need more care and maintenance because the cheaper hearing aids are not carefully fit or programmed by a hearing aid specialist. The investment that you make with your hearing aids is important for your hearing health, which can impact your overall health. Make sure that you are happy with your hearing aids by ensuring that you will have access to extra services when they are necessary. If you are in need of hearing aids with professional care and services, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to set up an appointment with one of our hearing instrument specialists.  If this is the year you plan to travel, take a much-needed vacation, or have a long-awaited family reunion, you’ll want to cherish those moments by being able to hear as best as you can.
A few ways that you can prepare for this are by receiving a hearing test, a new hearing aid upgrade, a professional hearing aid cleaning, or maybe a repair. After extensive periods of isolation and communication with masks, you’re probably anticipating a reconnection with loved ones through conversations, laughter, and the simple joy of each other’s company in person. Our hearing instrument specialists are ready to help you with the professional care that you deserve.  If you currently experience hearing loss, protect your hearing from getting worse and discover what helps you hear better.
How to Stop Your Hearing from getting Worse Medication and surgery are not treatment options for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Hair cells that are damaged cause permanent hearing loss, so it’s very important to protect your hearing. If you experience hearing loss, here are some tips to stop or slow down the additional loss.
Consider a Device to Help You Hear Hearing Aids
Assistive Listening Devices (ALD)
If you or a loved one notices a change in hearing abilities, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Purchasing new hearing aids is a crucial decision that can make positive changes in your life. Your hearing health and overall body and mental health can have significant improvements. Take your time and seek guidance from a professional hearing instrument specialist who will discuss your hearing needs and concerns that you may have.
Hearing Aids usage in Society People of all ages wear hearing aids. Some are visible with bright colors, while others are more discreet and practically invisible. Technological advancements allow them to not only help with your hearing and brain health, but they also help you stay social with others on their own or with the help of Bluetooth®-connected devices, like your smartphone. Some people who need hearing aids, do not wear them for various reasons including:
Early inaction can be devastating to your future hearing health. When the signs of hearing loss become more noticeable by yourself, your family, friends, co-workers, or others with whom you interact, it’s important to act as soon as possible. Common Misconceptions about Hearing Aids ‘They don’t help.’ While this may be true with the earliest models, hearing aid technology has advanced quickly - especially within the past few years. The earlier models were bulky, aesthetically unappealing, and didn’t improve people’s hearing. One of the most common complaints about them was loud feedback noises. These are the loud squeaking noises that hearing aids sometimes make when embracing another person. A simple fix to that would be to see a hearing instrument specialist who can fine-tune the hearing aids so that the feedback noises stop. Some have claimed that using a hearing aid can ruin their natural sense of hearing, by making them dependent on the devices. But once your hearing is gone, it does not come back. What hearing aids do is help to keep the hearing abilities that you still have, or slow down the hearing loss and early onset of dementia. Remember, they’re called hearing aids and not hearing restorers. Many people have found them very helpful for healthy brain function. Steps to Take towards Better Hearing Hearing is a very important sense. Hearing loss can lead to anxiety, depression, lower-income, and personal safety issues. Here are some things you can do to avoid or better manage these issues.
What should You know about before buying Hearing Aids? Visit an experienced hearing aid instrument specialist. They will help you find the right solution that will benefit your hearing needs.
Additional Accessories There are so many accessories that can be paired with your hearing aids to make watching TV, making phone calls or talking to others easier for you. Downloadable apps (decibel meters, captioning, etc.) can also be used to help. Available accessories will depend on the hearing aid manufacturer, model, and price. The more specific you are about your listening needs, the more effective your provider will be in advising the best choices for you. Hearing aids feature artificial intelligence (AI), so they can adapt to different environments and block out distracting background noises to make your listening experience easier. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing if you, or a loved one, would be interested in a complimentary hearing aid trial.  Signia Active Pro in black and silver, featuring standard domes. Hearing aid domes are paired with receiver-in-ear (RIC) hearing aids. They are inserted in the ear’s canals to secure the amplifier, clench the hearing aid’s tube in place and form a seal over the canals. There are many sizes and styles, and it’s important to get a proper fitting from a hearing instrument specialist to ensure a correct fit for optimum comfort and hearing.
A proper fitting also guarantees that you are getting the most out of your hearing aids, otherwise sounds can leak out and the devices will wind up being ineffective. Wearing the right dome with the correct shape and size ensures that the hearing aids are functioning as they were meant to while feeling comfortable throughout your day. Hearing aid domes, on average, should be replaced every two to three months - depending on how worn they are. You can consult your hearing aid provider about how often you should change out your domes and best practices to take care of them. It's important to be cautious when inserting and removing the domes from your ears. They could get stuck. Selecting the Proper Shape Domes are available in three fundamental shapes: Open Dome This style receives some natural sounds, which provide improved quality of sound with better sharpness. Unfortunately, it also weakens the amplification of bass sounds, and hearing aids with open domes usually need more power because some sound leaks out from the vents. This style prevents occlusion, where your own voice sounds echoed as though you’re in a barrel. It’s best for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. Feedback noises might also be a problem for anyone with moderate hearing loss. If that’s the case, talk to your hearing instrument specialist for different options or a refitting. Closed Dome These are also known as vented or tulip domes. This style features less venting than an open dome, which is useful to amplify sounds if you have difficulty with hearing lower frequencies. It decreases the intensity of higher frequencies but is generally more helpful for anyone with moderate hearing loss. Power Dome If you have severe hearing loss, power domes should be used with your hearing aids. These domes completely seal the ear canal, which provides the best amplification with very few sound leaks. It’s important to note that these significantly increase bass and lower the sharpness of sounds. Power domes also cancel feedback noises. Selecting the Proper Size Generally, the hearing instrument specialist who fits the hearing aids will pick the right dome size and make sure it’s the correct fit. The dome should be slightly larger than the patient’s ear canal to seal the ear canal, but there shouldn’t be too much pressure on the ear’s skin. This will cause discomfort and redness to the ear. A dome that fits perfectly should make a light rustling noise when it’s inserted or removed. There should be some resistance. What if it’s too small? Hearing aid domes are considered too small if they show little resistance when inserted or removed. Very small domes might not make a noise when inserted or removed. If the domes are too small they won’t be very effective, and they will not securely fit the hearing aids in the ear. What if it’s too big? You’ll know if a dome is too big if your ears immediately feel uncomfortable within moments of contact. Open domes may cause more pressure in the canals when the vents deform, and other people’s voices might sound deeper and less clear. Power domes could become very uncomfortable, and soreness or swelling could occur due to the pressure in the canal walls. If the sizes are too far off, the dome could fall out of the ear or deeper into the ear. This might result in a trip to get it removed by a professional. You should not attempt to take the domes out of your ears on your own. It could result in pushing the domes even further into the canals, which could damage the eardrum. The best domes for you, are ones that fit comfortably, securely and provide the best sounds with your hearing aids. There are different dome styles and sizes for different brands of hearing aids, so you may need a few trials before settling for the right pair. If you, or a loved one, need hearing aids and a proper hearing aid fitting, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing. Our hearing aid providers are ready to help you.  Exercise is an important part of maintaining your overall health. If you’re a hearing aid user who practices physical exercises regularly, it’s advised that you wear your devices during workout sessions.
3 Reasons why Hearing Aids should be used during Exercise Routines
Be prepared by bringing Hearing Aid Gear during Workouts To get the most out of your workout, reduce distractions and feel confident while wearing your hearing aids by being prepared. Here’s a suggestion of supplies you should keep with you.
How to take care of Your Hearing Aids after Your Workout If you frequently work out, be cautious about wear and tear. This will help your hearing aids last longer, after each workout session.
Keep up an Active Lifestyle According to the Hear the World Foundation, 70 percent of hearing aid users have said that they wear their hearing aids while participating in sports and did not experience any problems. About 37 percent of users said they enjoy participating in sports more when wearing them. So if you aren’t already wearing hearing aids while playing sports, try it out. Be aware of Dangerous Noise Levels in the Gym Gyms are well-known for blasting music too loudly during workout sessions. This can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus. If you lift very heavy weights, while holding your breath, this can also cause hearing loss and tinnitus. It’s important to protect your ears from lesser-known risks to hearing health. Special settings can be programmed into your hearing aids for all sorts of environments, like gyms. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing and talk to one of our hearing instrument specialists about programming a customized setting in your hearing aids before your next visit to the gym, or workout session from home.  Bluetooth® has allowed the design and function of hearing aids to provide more for its users than ever before. In addition to better hearing, now you can stream audio from your TV, smartphone, or any other Bluetooth®-enabled device directly through your hearing aids.
Your regular usage of smartphones and other devices has become just as important as using the hearing aids themselves, so it’s important to find a hearing instrument specialist who knows the technology. What is Bluetooth®? In simple terms, Bluetooth® is a technology that can wirelessly connect at least two devices. For nearly every app, Bluetooth® is used to link the devices - similar to how the ‘USB’ has become the universal plug and outlet for cables and ports. Bluetooth® devices connect by using a very high frequency of 2.4 GHz (24,000,000,000 Hz). This puts Bluetooth® in the level of radio frequencies. This means that it is prone to become intercepted by walls, or any other physical barrier and can be absorbed by bodies of water (the human body). Wi-Fi can also be transmitted at this frequency. Therefore, wireless phones in your home, personal computer accessories such as a wireless mouse, and a keyboard can be used with Bluetooth®. So it’s important to remember that distance from your internet source and interference can impact your device’s ability to function. What does it mean to pair something with Bluetooth®? Connections for your Bluetooth® devices are loaded up through a ‘pairing’. In this process, the two devices become acquainted with one another. They will share device addresses, connection information, and passwords to make a secure process. They will also be able to reconnect when it is necessary. Practice and Play Around with Your Hearing Aids If you are feeling overwhelmed by your hearing aids and Bluetooth® technology, play around with your devices to get a better understanding of them. It will take time to get used to. Remember, you can always contact your hearing aid provider for questions and concerns that may arise. If you, or a loved one, would like to learn more about Bluetooth® and hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary consultation.  Hearing aids need proper maintenance and repairs by a professional. This is not only for the device itself but also to care for your overall hearing health. Here are some instances when you should get in touch with your hearing instrument specialist:
Damage due to Weather Conditions The most common problems that people with hearing aids encounter are harsh environmental conditions. These issues occur due to the environments that you frequent, your lifestyle, and the weather. If you exercise or spend a lot of time outdoors, you are probably sweating profusely. Sweat and other forms of moisture can cause immediate damage to your hearing aid devices. If you live in a hot or humid region, the weather could damage your hearing aids. Even though most modern hearing aids are sturdy enough to repel dirt and moisture, constantly putting your hearing aids under these extreme conditions is not advised. Proper care is necessary when it comes in contact with water. Some hearing aids are waterproof, but if the device becomes submerged for any amount of time, you should contact a professional and get advice on what to do. If you have a hearing aid dryer, place your wet hearing aid in it. If you have uncooked rice, you may place your wet hearing aid in a bowl and cover it with the dry grains. Get in touch with your hearing instrument specialist for advice on what to do to take care of it. Schedule regular visits with your hearing instrument specialist. They will check and perform maintenance work on your device to make sure that it is performing at its best. Feedback Noises If you are experiencing irritating feedback noises from your hearing aids, schedule a visit with your hearing instrument specialist. Feedback can be caused by many things, but it’s always a good idea to inform your hearing instrument specialist of any problems that you are experiencing with your hearing aids. If you experience feedback noises, it’s important to get the issue repaired as soon as possible. The hearing aid can have long-term damage and may need to be replaced altogether. The cause of the feedback is generally due to either a poorly-fit hearing aid or the volume might be too high. Proper dome sizes or customized molding should be used to reduce or eliminate the feedback noises. Corroded Batteries A common issue with hearing aids is battery corrosion. If your hearing aids are deteriorating because of the battery, schedule an appointment with your hearing instrument specialist. They will resolve the problem and check to make sure there is no serious damage to your hearing aids. A number of things may lead to corrosion. The main culprit is moisture. After just a few days, a white powder may build up. This powder build-up can cause permanent damage to the hearing aids, so it’s important to check for any residual powder every day. If you need hearing aid maintenance, repairs, or supplies, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing before stopping by at one of our office locations in Elizabethtown, Lititz, or Strasburg.  Most would argue that our sense of hearing and our sense of sight are the most important senses. If either of these senses weakens - especially as we age - it needs to be treated immediately.
Anyone who receives eyeglasses, contact lenses, or Lasik surgery usually doesn’t wait until it gets so bad that it becomes irreversible. The reason behind this is because the impact of vision loss is immediate, and it’s more obvious that it needs to be treated. The inability to drive, read, use a computer, or watch TV is serious, and it’s more evident than hearing loss. That’s not the case with hearing loss. 3 Reasons why Hearing Loss goes Untreated 1. Hearing loss sometimes happens gradually, so it’s not immediately noticeable unless you get a hearing test. Hearing tests are generally not automatically given to patients unless they voice concerns to their healthcare provider. 2. Another reason may be that most people don’t take it seriously. They may think, “It’s not a big deal.” 3. Not being able to afford hearing aids is a major factor that goes into untreated hearing loss. 6 Myths about Hearing Aids 1. “They make too many squeaking noises.” A squeaking noise can easily be fixed with help from your hearing instrument specialist. They can make readjustments for a better fitting hearing aid. 2. “There is no treatment for hearing loss.” Even though hearing loss is irreversible, you can still do something to help slow down the loss and save your brain from cognitive decline. Hearing aids can amplify sounds, and use directional/omnidirectional microphones to hear others in your surroundings. Anyone with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss can get help with hearing aids. A professionally trained hearing instrument specialist can program your devices to hear sounds that you couldn’t without your hearing aids. 3. “My primary healthcare provider would have informed me that I have hearing loss.” As previously mentioned, general practitioners are too busy to give patients a hearing test. So unless you mention any problems with your hearing, they won’t test your hearing. In a recent poll, 80 percent of adults over 50 stated that their doctor did not ask them about their hearing in the past two years. One-third of patients have not had their hearing tested for over a decade. 4. “Hearing aids are too complicated.” The latest hearing aid technology has become more complex with advancements that make using them easier. Rechargeable hearing aids allow users to place the hearing aids in a charger so that it eliminates the hassle of changing batteries. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and programmed sound processing technology will automatically hone in on speech and block out distracting background noises. Sounds are detected based on the direction from which it emanates, and automatic or manual adjustments can be made so that you can hear your best in any environment. If you are tech-savvy and prefer playing around with hearing aid features and apps, you have the freedom to do so. If you are less tech-savvy, and simply need to put them on when you wake up and remove them before going to bed, a hearing instrument specialist can install programs and settings for you. All you need to do is wear them. 5. “Hearing aids will make me stick out and look old.” Even though people of all ages wear hearing aids, for some, there is still a stigma around wearing hearing aids. In today’s society, that stigma is going away:
6. "Hearing aids are not worth the cost." Throughout this blog, we’ve discussed the potential strains on a person’s mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life if their hearing loss goes untreated. With time and patience, hearing aid users eventually discover life’s benefits of wearing their hearing aids on a regular basis. One way to get affordable hearing aids is through Pure Sound Hearing. Contact us to schedule a free hearing test and consultation. Our providers will help you select the right hearing aids for your specific needs.  It’s that time of the year when family and friends are gathering together for the holidays. If you experience hearing loss, it can feel frustrating to communicate with others.
What can you do to Communicate Better? If you believe that you may have hearing loss, schedule a hearing test immediately. Whether it’s mild or severe, a hearing test can determine whether you need additional treatment. If you do have hearing loss, your hearing instrument specialist can give proper recommendations for hearing aids. They will go over your lifestyle, goals, and budget and fit you with the appropriate devices. Do You Struggle to Hear in a Busy/Crowded Environment? Wearing hearing aids is helpful, but here are some extra tips to help with communication.
Selecting the Proper Devices Everyone’s hearing loss is different. What works for one person may not work for you. Choosing a hearing aid that focuses on speech and helps block out background noise may be helpful for most people with hearing loss. Many hearing aids feature advanced technology including Bluetooth®-connection to your smartphone and other devices, apps, customized programs, algorithms with noise reduction, remote microphones, and multi-directional microphones. Give the gift of hearing and communication by contacting us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid professionals.  One of the first signs of hearing loss is being able to hear in quiet spaces, but struggling to hear when there’s too much background noise.
Even people with normal hearing abilities can have trouble deciphering speech if they’re in a noisy area. This is because context clues are used throughout a conversation. These are clues that we can decipher in order to fill in the blanks that are caused by too much background noise. Background noise blocks out certain speech sounds, such as consonants. So sounds like “F”, “K”, “P” “S”, “Ch”, “Sh”, and “Th” might be difficult for anyone to hear in a busy setting. If you also have hearing loss, you will probably strain your brain just to try and hear. The brain is not always adept at isolating speech sounds from background noises or filling in the blanks for sounds that are missed. Listening fatigue is a consequence of this exhaustive effort. How Can Hearing Aids Help? Modern hearing aids can differentiate between speech sounds and background noise. Noise tends to stream steadily, without too many changes in its frequencies or volume. Hearing aids can analyze and separate each sound that’s harnessed by the microphone (nearly 55 million times per hour), then compute noise and speech differently so that speech sounds are louder and background noise is suppressed. Proper Hearing Aids, with the Right Fitting and Programming can Change the Way You Hear. Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) or Personal Sound Amplifiers (PSAPs) are designed to amplify all sounds. This is why they are a cheaper option that makes noisy environments more challenging. Modern hearing aids that are properly fit and programmed by a hearing instrument specialist make a world of a difference in the way you hear. So it’s not just important to find a hearing aid that works for you, you’ll also need to find an experienced hearing instrument specialist who can customize your hearing aids for your specific listening needs.  Today’s hearing aids feature advanced technology, that does a better job at processing sound. Bluetooth® connectivity is featured in every modern hearing aid, allowing users to stream phone calls, music, TV, movies, etc.
The People Who Need Them are not Purchasing Them According to hearing aid industry surveys, just 34% of Americans who need a hearing aid actually wear them. In the UK this applies to 41% of the population who need a hearing aid. This can be easily solved by providing access to this technology. Of those who are aware of their hearing loss, and have not sought treatment:
Of those who do not wear hearing aids, but have been recommended hearing aids by a professional:
There is Value in keeping a Healthy Functioning Mind, Body, and Spirit The value that hearing aids provide should outweigh the cost. Hearing aids can help you become social again. Hearing on a regular basis helps with brain function. An active mind can help you improve your performance in school or at your job. Communication is important in every aspect of your life. This includes hearing and discussing important information with various healthcare professionals, colleagues, classmates, family, and friends. Isolation, which can lead to depression, is common among people with hearing loss that goes untreated. Hearing Aids are Almost like any other Type of Technology Face it, you know that you can’t live in our modern world without smartphones or computers. It’s how we communicate with one another. The same idea applies to hearing aids. If you have trouble hearing and do not have hearing aids or an assistive listening device, it’s extremely difficult to live your life. The average patient does not know how to set up their hearing aids, which is dangerous and renders the devices useless to them. They can over-amplify, which leads to worsened hearing health. A skilled hearing instrument specialist is trained to set up the software for your hearing aids. They can also help with proper fittings and programming for your specific hearing needs. If you are experiencing hearing loss, get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. We offer discount hearing aids, professional fittings, programming, assistive listening devices, hearing aid cleanings, hearing aid accessories, supplies, and professional advice for your hearing aid needs.  In some instances, maybe when you talk, it might sound like you are in a barrel, have a head cold, or your voice reverberates.
This is known as the occlusion effect. It’s when an object blocks the outer part of your ear canal, and as a result, your own voice appears to have a booming, an echo, or a hollow sound when you speak. This effect is usually bothersome to new hearing aid users, but even long-time hearing aid users can find it annoying. There are some tips to help reduce these issues. How to Reduce Occlusion or Echo Noises in Hearing Aids Bring up this problem with your hearing instrument specialist. There are a few techniques that they can try in order to help reduce the nuisance coming from your hearing aids. Reprogram the hearing aids When you contact your hearing instrument specialist, explain what you are noticing while wearing the devices. A few easy adjustments to the hearing aid program can significantly reduce the occlusion effect. The typical repair for this is decreasing the amount of low-frequency gain that the hearing aids provide. Use a larger vent on the hearing aids If you use in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids or custom earmolds with behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) style hearing aids, your earmold probably features a “vent”. The vent essentially helps circulate air into your ears and makes the noises that you hear sound more natural. Making the vent’s diameter larger will significantly lower the occlusion effect. Talk to our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing to implement this adjustment. Trim down the length of the canal on the earmold The earmold’s “canal” is the piece that rests in the deepest part of your ear canal. In some cases, shortening the length of the canal portion of the earmold will greatly diminish the occlusion effect. If you are wondering whether this would be the best solution for you, slightly and carefully pull each of your hearing aids out of your ears by a few millimeters. If you notice that the occlusion has decreased, this indicates that shortening the length of the canal will be helpful. Contact our office and let one of our hearing instrument specialists know what issues you are having with your hearing aids, and find out if this solution would fix your problem. Get New Earmolds This would be a last resort. In some cases, hearing aids parts need to be replaced or in this case, rebuilt differently with a new ear impression. The earmolds may need to securely fit deeper in the ear canal, looser in the canal, or more tapered at the end. Please be Aware Sometimes when you make modifications to your hearing aids, when one issue gets fixed, other problems may arise. For instance, getting a larger vent for the earmold may affect the amount of gain the hearing aid can provide for you. Shortening the length of the hearing aid’s canal might cause feedback noise or the whistling noise that occurs due to hearing aids that are poorly fit. The main point is that these are things to take into consideration. The problem may not be completely fixed, and more problems may arise. The reality is, nearly all hearing aids might cause users to hear an echo. It’s something that users will become accustomed to as long as they practice wearing their hearing aids from the moment when they wake up, to the moment when they are getting ready for bed. Adapting to hearing aids take time, and wearing them as often as possible will help in the long run. If you or a loved one are experiencing an echo sound with hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment and our hearing instrument specialists will help.  Signia Active Pro hearing aids in Black/Silver colors. If you're looking for high quality hearing aids with a sleek modern design, Signia Active Pro might be the devices for you. Signia Active Pro has a user-friendly design that makes these hearing aids look just like a pair of modern earbuds, but with built-in audiological high-tech. Features:
Top Audiological Performance The Signia Xperience YourSound technology is based on acoustic-motion sensors with Li-ion rechargeability and Bluetooth®- connection. When you're out at restaurants or any public space with Signia Active Pro, you'll still be able to hear the conversations that you have with others. Background noises and chatter from other patrons will stay soft so as not to distract you.
If you'd like to learn more about Signia Active Pro, get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  If you have hearing loss, you may have noticed frustrations from family or coworkers. Some moments may pass by smoothly, while other times there may be pure confusion and then outright anger.
Poor Communication One common issue that people with hearing loss, or friends, family, and colleagues of those with hearing loss experience, is miscommunication. In some instances, it might have already been difficult to communicate with one another, even with healthy hearing. If one person in the relationship cannot hear due to a hearing impairment, it can lead to more frustration. If you get into an argument with your partner, and they need to frequently repeat themselves, they may give up trying to talk to you. As a result, the quality of communication will worsen and cause distress in the relationship. It is important to communicate clearly and efficiently to make a relationship work. Here are some tips to accomplish this:
Arguments Arise Due to miscommunications, arguments can easily occur. One partner might feel as though the other is not listening to them. This is usually not what’s happening. Or, the partner with hearing loss refuses to get treatment for their impairment and arguments arise from that situation. It’s important for each of you to communicate what’s bothering you, in order to find a solution for your strained relationship. Can Hearing Aids Help Improve Relationships? The first step you can take to address your hearing loss is by scheduling a hearing test. Your hearing healthcare provider will be able to determine the degree of hearing loss, and what hearing aid solution would work best for your listening needs. Here are some things that will be discussed with your hearing healthcare provider:
Hearing Aid Styles Available There are so many different styles of hearing aids. Your hearing instrument specialist can show you which style would best suit your needs. The style available at Pure Sound Hearing include:
For a complimentary hearing test and hearing aid trial, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment.  Rexton's CROS Hearing Solutions Whether you follow trends or not, it’s still a good idea to keep up and learn about what’s new when it comes to hearing aid technology.
Hearing Aids: The Multifunctional Devices Hearing aids have changed, and continue to change each year. Hearing aids are not only meant to help you hear better but they also help users communicate easier with others. Hearing Aids for Android Users Google revealed that they are developing technology that will be compatible with Android. Anyone who wears hearing aids will also benefit from additional features with their smartphones, such as allowing them to use Google Assistant and other services. This feature is already available on iPhones. Artificial Intelligence and Hearing Aids Every industry in the field of technology uses AI, and that includes the category of hearing aids. AI is currently used to make sure all devices are upgraded and offer the best experience to its users. For example, hearing aids have already been using AI. The devices learn to adapt to your different environments and automatically adjust them to provide an optimal listening experience for you. If you or a loved one are experiencing difficulty with hearing and need a solution, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Today’s doorbells, sound systems, refrigerators, and even washing machines can be connected to your smartphone through an app. It’s obvious that today’s hearing aids, most of which feature Bluetooth® technology, can also be connected to your smartphone through an app.
Apps can help new hearing aid users adjust to their hearing devices, by combining something familiar with something new. Hearing aid apps can help novice hearing aid users personalize their devices and smoothly transition into experienced hearing aid users. Everyone who wears a hearing aid is different, and they have unique listening needs. Apps let each person customize the devices to their particular needs. Hearing aid apps There are so many different apps that can be paired with your hearing aids to improve how you experience listening in different environments. Decibel meter apps can show you how loud an area is. There are other apps that record how often and how long you use your hearing aids, while providing brain exercises that are related to hearing. Brain health is important to monitor. The ability to hear is crucial, to reduce risks of cognitive decline or brain atrophy due to lack of stimulation. Apps for Bluetooth®-connected hearing aids are available on Apple and Android phones. 4 Features on apps Features that are available on hearing aid apps include:
Learning how to use Your Hearing Aids The best guidance on how to use your hearing aids will be through your hearing instrument specialist. You can review the manual instructions, or learn about the features of your hearing aids through our Pure Sound Hearing website. On our homepage, hover the cursor over the “Products” tab, and select the brand and style of your hearing aids to learn more about them. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Keep a Hearing Journal When you have another visit with your hearing aid provider, bring along any important notes that you made if there were any problems with the device or while using the apps. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, please get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. Our providers will discuss your results and hearing aid solutions for your specific listening needs.  Whether you are gathering in person with family and friends or preparing for a socially distanced holiday this year, we’ve got you covered with some tips on how to communicate with loved ones.
Check out the following articles to help you get ready for the holiday season! Hear For the Holidays 7 Tips for the Hard of Hearing During the Holiday Season Managing Your Hearing Loss this Holiday Season What are some of the Leading Apps for Smartphone Captions? If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and need hearing aids, please get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Your day-to-day routines, which include maintaining good oral health and keeping your household in order, are linked to a lower risk of dementia. These daily activities affect you in one way or another, so it’s important to take care of your brain health.
Dentist Visits Regular trips to the dentist, in addition to brushing and flossing, will help to prevent harmful bacteria from building up and possibly contributing to poor cognitive health. The uneven distribution of good and bad bacteria could cause gum disease, which has been associated with cognitive decline in older adults. You can help to prevent this by regularly brushing twice a day, and making oral hygiene a priority. Clean House and Exercise Keeping your house clean is also important for your overall health. Doing daily chores, such as cooking, laundry, vacuuming, or yard work will get you moving. You are exercising at the same time, so it’s great to get your workout and chores done in one go. A clean house is always nice to look at, and it reduces the stress and anxiety that a cluttered home may cause. Exercise is important for people of all ages. It can help reduce the risks of dementia in older adults. Even some physical activity is better than not doing anything. A walk outside or using a muscle-strengthening exercise can help your overall health. Socialize Another great way to reduce your risks for dementia is to socialize on a regular basis. Socializing requires communication and listening. So, if you are having trouble with clearly communicating and hearing maybe you need a hearing test and hearing aids. We also provide assistive listening devices and demonstrations for live transcribing/caption apps. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment.  According to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, wearing hearing aids has been linked to a delay in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, dementia, and depression caused by social isolation.
The ability to hear allows you to stay connected with family and friends. Conversations, enjoying music or movies together, and laughing at jokes are just some of the important aspects of a fulfilling life. A number of health issues have been associated with hearing loss that goes untreated, including cognitive decline, more risk of being hospitalized, depression, and falls due to balance problems. The various combinations of bad health conditions that are associated with untreated hearing loss can be helped by seeking guidance from a hearing aid provider. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Hearing aids have come a long way, in regards to their technology. Just about every modern hearing aid is Bluetooth®-connected to your smartphone. Here is our compilation of articles for recommended apps that can be used to have an optimal experience with your hearing aids.
If you, or a loved one, would like a free hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing instrument specialists, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Our providers will patiently work with you to ensure the best possible listening experience.  Signia's Pure Charge&Go Technology is an ever-changing endeavor, with improvements and modifications to make your life more comfortable and convenient. Over the years, advanced developments in technology give your hearing instrument specialists a chance to recommend and program state-of-the-art features and settings that improve the way you hear.
Advanced hearing aids are essentially the same as your basic hearing aids, except there are more features that can benefit the user in different situations. While basic hearing aids can amplify sounds and help you hear, they do not have the same variety of features and setting options. When choosing the best option that works for you, you must let your hearing instrument specialist know what you are looking for in terms of how you communicate with others on a regular basis, what type of environments you frequent, etc. Basic Hearing Aid Features The main difference between basic and advanced hearing aids is the remote settings and manual controls. As mentioned earlier, basic hearing aids can still help you hear better but they might not be able to effortlessly change channels. You will probably need to manually adjust the settings as needed. For example, to raise or lower the volume, you may need to remove the hearing aids from your ear and then press a button on them. Basic hearing aids usually only feature two channels. These channels process distinct types of sounds. This makes it difficult to customize settings for various environments. You’ll need more channels in order to truly customize your hearing aids. Basic hearing aids may not provide advanced speech processing or be able to reduce distracting background noises. These hearing aids generally have basic directional microphones. Advanced Hearing Aid Features The great thing about advanced hearing aids is that they have various features and settings, and they automatically switch to these settings based on where you go. There are more channels, so sounds can be isolated. This gives users a more natural listening experience where sounds can be heard more clearly. Just about every modern, advanced hearing aid is connected with Bluetooth®. This lets you link your smartphone, TV, computer, sound system, or any other Bluetooth®-connected device with your hearing aids. With help from your hearing instrument specialist advanced hearing aids can be programmed to reduce noises, like the wind. This makes them easier to wear if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Data logs are also available in these hearing aids. A lot of information can be stored in these devices, including volume settings and preferred listening environments. This helps make a personally tailored experience for each user. The convenience of pairing a digital hearing aid with your smartphone cannot match that of simply using a basic hearing aid. Downloadable apps make it easier to adjust the volume and streaming options directly into your hearing aids. If you are unsure as to what type of hearing aids you should use, consult your hearing instrument specialist to learn about available options. They will help you determine the best options for your specific listening needs. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test, consultation, and hearing aid trial. |
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