 The 2020 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough award went to Starkey’s Livio AI in the category for “Best Intelligent Personal Assistant”.
The AI Breakthrough Award recognizes leading companies, technologies, products, and services in the competition of artificial intelligence who can solve problems and make significant changes in hearing aid technology. Livio AI has a multitude of features that help users have quality listening experiences. Double tapping the hearing aids, or using the Thrive Hearing Control app, gives quick access to features that track your health. You may also ask general questions about the weather or set a reminder about taking your medication. Livio AI became prominent amidst over 2,000 international nominees. The products and services were evaluated by a committee that had backgrounds in academia, tech, business, and sales. They were judged on: Innovation, Functionality, Performance, Ease of Use, Impact, and Value. Hearing aids are meant to give users both the finest listening experience and improve overall health. AI makes it possible to provide upgrades from customized features to the ease of access. If you, or a loved one, would be interested in a free hearing aid trial of Starkey’s Livio AI, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We will be offering curbside services. If you are visiting us for a repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.
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 Have you ever heard the seemingly incessant sounds of a child screaming, thumping music from a teenager’s bedroom, someone who was vacuuming an entire house, or never-ending traffic noises? On a typical day, you might hear a lawnmower, barking dogs, loud sirens, or workers at a construction site.
Harmful Sounds in Your Environment Noise pollution is dangerous because it’s invisible. Most people don’t have a second thought about it. Without the proper precautions, it can be harmful to your hearing health and - in some cases - unavoidable. Define Noise Pollution Noise pollution occurs when there is excess noise that is so loud that it can damage a person’s ability to hear. As a result, their daily activities can be interrupted, whether at home, school, work, or during their downtime. Noise Pollution is a Serious Problem About 30 million Americans are regularly exposed to dangerous levels of noise. This is an increase of 10 million from the previous few years. There are millions across the globe who are affected by noise pollution. Most Common Sources of Noise Pollution This mainly depends on where you live, what your job is, and what your hobbies are. A construction worker who lives in a bustling city and regularly takes the subway is more likely to hear a lot of noise pollution than a bank teller who lives in a quiet neighborhood and typically drives alone. Generally, these are the leading sources of noise pollution.
How does noise pollution affect your health? Do you ever feel annoyed when you hear a car alarm? How about the wailing sound of an emergency siren? It’s normal to hear all of these sounds at once in large cities. It’s stress-inducing, and experiencing recurring stress is not good for your health. The noise can be distracting, harm the health of your hearing, and lead to a poor night’s sleep which affects your ability to function throughout the day. Chronic noise in your environment can lead to sleep deprivation, irritation, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), heart disease, harm to your endocrine system, higher risks of diabetes. The following are related to excessive exposure to noise:
Noise Pollution Awareness Noise pollution is just beginning to be made aware of, in addition to how it affects your hearing and overall health. There are some organizations that are working to make the world safer and quieter. Silencity, a New York City-based organization, increases awareness on the dangers of noise pollution and searches for restaurants and public areas where people can have a quiet and safe visit. Pipedown, a UK-based organization, works to eliminate music inside of restaurants and shops. Noise-free America advocates for both political and public awareness on the harmfulness of noise pollution. Protect Your Hearing from Noise Pollution Stronger initiatives to decrease noise pollution are needed in every bustling city. Here are some tips to protect your hearing and health against harmful noise pollution.
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a vast selection of hearing aid brands and styles for a wide range of hearing loss. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  All of a sudden your entire life is about hearing people that are 6 feet away, with a mask, versus right in front of you. Hearing loss takes on a greater challenge in a time like this. For many folks isolation can lead to all sorts of other problems. At Pure Sound we have Hearing Aid Technology built for this time. Mask Program Enhanced speech intelligibility program to compensate for the negative acoustic effects of a mask - simply push a button
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 This is a question that is frequently asked. Some people say that after wearing hearing aids for a couple of weeks, they notice that the ability to hear without their device is more challenging than before they started wearing them. This is all based on one’s perception. Wearing hearing aids has actually been proven to preserve and sharpen the hearing abilities that you still have while delaying the natural progression of hearing loss.
Why Do Some People Believe that Hearing Aids are Harmful? After wearing hearing aids for a few weeks, you become accustomed to how much better you can hear while wearing them. When you remove them, there is a noticeable difference. You may feel as though your natural hearing abilities have worsened, but forgot just how bad your hearing was before you started using hearing aids. Hearing loss is a gradual process. Most people wait between seven to ten years before they decide to get any help for their hearing loss. During this time, their hearing will get worse and the brain shifts to accommodate their new way of hearing. Your brain will start to recognize this level of hearing as normal - so you won’t immediately notice the difference. As a new hearing aid user, your brain will need to adapt to new sound levels and relearn to recognize sounds that you may have not heard in years. Initially, the volume and clarity may sound harsh, but after your brain acclimates to them, and you remove your hearing aids, you will notice a stark contrast in your hearing loss. This experience is similar to being in a dark room for a while, switching a light on, and having your eyes adjust to the light. You can see things, even if they are only shapes and colors. Then, after you emerge from the dark room or switch the light on, it will seem too bright because your eyes need to adjust. After they do, your vision becomes clearer. If you turn the lights off and stand in a dark room, you can’t see any shapes or colors. Your vision hasn’t worsened, instead, your brain and eyes took the time to adjust to the dark. This is the same case with your ears and wearing hearing aids. A Proper Fitting is Crucial Another concern when it comes to hearing aids is that the devices may harm your eardrums. To avoid that issue, the hearing aids need to be properly fitted and programmed by a professional hearing instrument specialist. Purchasing a pair of hearing aids over-the-counter, online, or a used pair, may not only be ineffective, but it can damage and worsen your hearing health. Hearing aids that are not properly fitted can cause sores, irritation, dry skin, or earwax buildup. If it’s not in the correct setting, sound can be over-amplified and cause more hearing loss. If the setting is too low, you won’t benefit from the device and actually worsen your hearing. To get the most benefits from your hearing aids, talk to a professional hearing instrument specialist who will evaluate your needs, and recommend the best designs and features for your lifestyle. It’s important to find the right hearing aids to improve your hearing health and avoid additional loss. After you begin to wear your hearing aids, you still need to continue to take care of your ears and hearing health. Always protect your ears from coming in contact with loud noises, which could harm your eardrums. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing instrument specialists. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We will be offering curbside services. If you are visiting us for a repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  The rate of satisfaction among hearing aid users is over 70 percent. Even though they provide people with a better overall quality of life, there is still a stigma around wearing them and misconceptions about how they function. Millions of Americans currently wear them, but there are about 25 million more who can benefit from the technology but choose not to wear them.
There are many reasons for this. Some believe that it makes them look old, while others deny their hearing problems or don’t think hearing aids will help. What are hearing aids? Hearing aids are small electronic devices that may be worn behind your ears or inside your ear canals. Hearing aids have three main parts: the amplifier, microphone, and speaker. Sound travels through the microphone and is transformed into electrical signals which are then transferred to the amplifier. The amplifier boosts the signals’ power and sends them to the ear via the speaker. Modern hearing aids are significantly smaller and have more power than older hearing aid models. With the latest advancements in digital hearing aid technology, speech sounds are easier to distinguish in noisy environments. The majority of modern hearing aids are Bluetooth®-enabled, which means they can connect to your smartphone and other devices that feature Bluetooth®. Are hearing aids helpful for my hearing? This answer depends on the type of hearing loss that you experience. There are two main types:
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is a subdivision of sensorineural hearing loss. It happens gradually as people age. This is a very common form of hearing loss, and can usually be treated with hearing aids.
What are the important things to look for when selecting a hearing aid? This will be based on your personal lifestyle, degree of hearing loss, and budget. Someone who is very active with travel or athletic activities will probably need a different model of hearing aids than someone who has a more sedentary lifestyle. Your hearing healthcare provider will ask you some questions, which will help you choose the strength of amplification that is needed for you to hear. They will then patiently work with you to ensure that your hearing aids are functioning correctly. What is the length of the adjustment period? Adjusting to hearing aids may take a long time. Based on the severity and how long you waited to get treatment for your hearing loss, the adjustment period is different for everyone. Even though it’s our ears that harness sounds in whatever setting you are in, your brain converts the sounds into something that is discernible. Hearing loss that goes untreated can lead to the auditory section of your brain to atrophy. As a result, it will take much longer for your hearing to improve. Hearing aids need to be worn each day or as recommended, in order to get the most benefits from them. What is the lifespan of a hearing aid? Hearing aids can last for up to three to five years, with proper usage and maintenance. It’s important to not only keep them clean and free of moisture, but it’s a good idea to get a deep cleaning from a professional every now and then. Can hearing aids be returned? Most hearing aid providers, like Pure Sound Hearing, offer a trial period so that you can make sure that you are satisfied with your devices. Talk to your hearing healthcare provider about their policies prior to purchasing. How do I know if I need a hearing aid? It is recommended that you get your hearing tested regularly in order to determine whether you need hearing aids. A comprehensive hearing test will include a hearing assessment, and a general discussion about your lifestyle in order to determine the best treatment and expectations for your hearing health. After completing the hearing test, your hearing healthcare provider will discuss the results and whether hearing aids would be beneficial to you. If you or a loved one, notices changes in the ability to hear or if there is suspected hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Our patient care coordinator, Martha, is ready to greet you at our Lititz office!
This is a reminder that Pure Sound will also be offering curbside services for any of your hearing aid needs. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us at 717-945-1477 before visiting one of our office locations.  Whether you wear hearing aids or not, it’s important to get your hearing checked on a regular basis.
A survey conducted by Reuters concluded that 33% of seniors who wore hearing aids also benefited from using regular hearing services. Regular Checkups are Necessary After You Start to Use Hearing Aids Your hearing shifts as you age. When these changes happen, it’s important to have your hearing aids reprogrammed to support your latest needs. If you start to notice any changes in your hearing, immediately schedule an appointment with your hearing instrument specialist.
The Risks of Not Scheduling Your Follow up Appointments If you don’t have any follow up appointments after getting your hearing aids, they won’t perform at their optimum levels. You will likely become frustrated with the devices and will cease to wear them. Hearing aids not only help you hear more clearly, but they can support your overall health. Hearing loss has been linked to cognitive health, depression and social isolation. If you are in need of hearing aids and hearing aid care, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. You may also schedule regular follow up appointments with us, and feel at ease in knowing that your hearing aids are functioning at their best. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Hearing loss individually related to cognitive decline for adults with normal hearing
According to JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surgery - a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association which covers every aspect of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the head, neck, ear, nose, and throat - the connection between cognitive decline and hearing loss may be present during earlier stages of hearing loss than previously acknowledged. The present threshold of 25 dB that is associated with adult hearing loss might actually be too high. Analysts from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons studied statistics from individuals who were at least 50-years-old and had undergone pure-tone audiometry and cognitive testing in the Hispanic Community Health Study and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study. They discovered that hearing loss was individually related to a cognitive decline for adults who had normal hearing (an average pure-tone of ≤25 dB) for all cognitive tests. The greatest deterioration in an individual’s cognitive abilities was discovered in those who were beginning to show signs of hearing impairment. Additional Research Needed Justin S. Golub, MD, MS, the assistant professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and a hearing specialist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital stated that physicians used 25 dB - the sound of a whisper - to characterize the threshold between an adult’s healthy hearing abilities and their mild hearing loss, but this an arbitrary level. It was previously accepted that cognitive deterioration would not start until individuals passed this threshold, but no one verified this. Researchers have proposed that any future studies that explore whether hearing loss treatment can prevent worsening cognition and dementia should examine a lower threshold that would define hearing loss instead of the commonly used 25 dB threshold. Other Health-related Issues caused by Hearing Loss Many individuals who have hearing loss believe that they can navigate through life without seeking treatment. While it may be true for some people, hearing loss can have a negative effect on other areas. In addition to cognitive decline, loss of hearing it may cause dementia, depression, and social isolation. It is best to get hearing loss treated as early as possible. Hearing aids cannot restore hearing abilities that have been lost, but it can preserve the remaining hearing abilities that you still have. Those who cannot hear very clearly are less inclined to socialize. Subsequently, they engage in less stimulating discussions. If this pattern goes on over the course of several years, it can have a significantly negative effect on a person’s cognitive abilities. According to The Lancet, preventing or getting treatment for hearing loss can lower the likelihood of dementia by over 9%. The National Institute of Health is now providing funding for a study on the use of hearing aids and how it may slow cognitive decline in older individuals who have hearing loss due to their age. If you, or a loved one, are showing any signs of hearing loss, please contact us immediately at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Our hearing instrument specialists will recommend the appropriate solutions for your hearing needs. Remember that the ability to hear is precious, so don’t wait until it’s gone to get treatment. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  Statistics on untreated hearing loss
Hearing loss that goes untreated can lead to higher healthcare costs in the long run. Several studies have shown that getting your hearing loss treated pays off for your overall health, and from a financial perspective. In the past there have been many established links between hearing loss and dementia, diabetes, falls, heart disease and strokes. Now, studies have shown that hearing loss that goes untreated can lead to higher costs in healthcare. According to researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, elderly adults who do not receive treatment for their hearing loss have significantly higher costs in healthcare compared to individuals who do not experience hearing loss. That amounts to an average of 46 percent, with a total of $22,434 per person for over a decade. A study from the University of South Carolina concluded that people with diagnosed hearing loss had 33 percent higher costs in health care than individuals who did not have hearing loss. How does untreated hearing loss contribute to higher healthcare expenses? The primary reason why healthcare expenses are much higher for those who do not get their hearing loss treated is due to the fact that people with hearing loss have difficulty communicating. As a result, they wait much longer than the average person to get treatment. The longer a person waits, the more difficult it is to treat the hearing loss. Another explanation could be that the hearing impaired person did not correctly hear or understand the treatment instructions. This would postpone the healing process, which may result in more healthcare costs. These studies bring attention to why it’s crucial to treat your hearing loss immediately. Do not allow your fears or worries to stop you from seeking help if you believe that you have hearing loss. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you need your hearing aids repaired, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing a facemask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Have You ever Dropped Your Hearing Aid Outside?
Whether you’re a novice or a pro when it comes to wearing hearing aids, it’s likely that you have or, in the future, will drop one of your hearing aids outside. If you reside in a cooler climate, you probably wear a hat or something to keep your ears warm. Whether it’s a hat or headband, you might accidentally knock off your behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid while removing the headgear. It’s imperative to wear your hearing aids while you are outside in order to enjoy your time and as a safety measure. Be sure that if you are doing anything which involves touching your ear, head or neck area, you promptly make sure that your hearing aids are still securely in your ears. You can always use a specially designed clip to attach to your clothing. You could also talk to a hearing instrument specialist about having a custom earmold created to comfortably and securely keep you hearing aids in place. What to do if You Drop Your Hearing Aid Outside Stop everything that you are doing and ask that everyone you are with to remain still. Begin searching for the device(s) at the top of your head and continue down. Do not move your feet around. Check if the hearing aid got caught on your clothes. Think of where you were the last time you remember that both of your hearing aids were in your ears, and whether you brushed your ears up against anything. Hopefully a careful and thorough pat down. You can also use the Find My Hearing Aids feature through the TruLink app. How to Prevent Dropping Your Hearing Aid Down the Drain or in the Toilet This frequently happens to many people who normally remove or put on their hearing aids inside the bathroom. It might be a good idea to keep your hearing aids in your bedroom. You can then sit down to insert or remove the devices, and place them in their case. If you have to insert or remove your hearing aids by a hard surface, like a kitchen counter, put a soft towel down to cushion the area in case you drop them. If the bathroom is your only choice, plug your sink and keep your toilet lid closed. What to do if You Drop Your Hearing Aid Down the Drain or Toilet If this occurs in a public restroom, you may consider replacing it altogether. If it happens in your home and the toilet or sink are clean, remove it as soon as possible. Most hearing aids feature a protective nano coating, which can be disinfected with a hearing aid wipe. Do not use alcohol to clean your hearing aids, this can break down the hearing aid material. If the hearing aid is soiled from an unflushed toilet, it’s considered a biohazard and should be disposed of in that manner. If your hearing aid falls down the sink, do not turn on the spout. A plumber or someone who knows how to use a pipe wrench might be able to remove the trap from underneath the sink and recover it. What Should You do if You wear Your Hearing Aid in the Shower or Pool? Modern hearing aids are so comfortable that you may forget they are in your ears. If you make the habit of removing your hearing aids prior to taking a shower, you shouldn’t have this issue -- unless your normal schedule changes and you go on vacation. Taking a break from your normal routine during vacation may lead to a higher chance of entering water while wearing your hearing aids. Rather than take your hearing aids out before your shower, make a habit of feeling around for your hearing aid devices with both hands prior to entering water. You could even hang a note near the shower or clip one to your swimsuit or towel. Having a storage case for them is also a helpful tool to have. What to do if You wear Your Hearing Aid in the Shower or Pool
What Should You do if Your Hearing Aids are Swallowed by a Child or Pet? This scenario occurs more often than you’d think. Children and pets are extremely curious, and tend to explore things using their mouths. Some adults have accidentally consumed hearing aids, when left near certain foods like bite-sized candies or snacks. What to do if a Person or Pet Swallows your Hearing Aid If a person accidentally eats your hearing aid, thoroughly inspect the mouth for the device, any broken pieces or hearing aid batteries. A person should seek immediate medical care if they swallow a hearing aid or a hearing aid battery. If you see your pet eat your hearing aid, carefully remove it from their mouth. Be sure to thoroughly check if anything from the device broke off and if the batteries are still in the hearing aid. A battery ingestion can be fatal. Contact your pet’s veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet swallowed a battery. After making sure the person or pet is safe and no longer has the hearing aid, or hearing aid batteries, inside their mouth, clean them with an alcohol wipe and check if they still work. If your hearing aid is not properly functioning, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing instrument specialists. Make sure you bring every single piece of the hearing aid that you were able to retrieve to our office. What Should You do if You frequently forget Your Hearing Aids at Home? This is the most common mishap. Go back home to get your hearing aids. Routinely wearing the devices is important, so that you can fully communicate and support your brain health. Hearing loss is a continuous experience, so wearing hearing aids is important to help with that loss. The best way to prevent yourself from leaving home without your hearing aids is to create a routine. Wear them as recommended by your hearing healthcare provider. If you don’t wear them all of the time, store them in a special case and keep them with something that you never leave the house with, like your car keys, wallet or purse. You may also leave a Post-it note on the inside of your door that you frequently leave the house from, reminding yourself to wear your hearing aids, or even put a reminder on your smartphone. What to do if You Forget Your Hearing Aids at Home Simply go back and get them. If for some reason you can’t go and get them, use a talk-to-text app to communicate, or let others know so they can help you as needed. What should You do if You are Unable to find Your Hearing Aid? If you wear Starkey’s Halo or Halo 2 hearing aids, there is a feature called “Find My Hearing Aids” in the TruLink Hearing Control app for your smartphone. If you do not wear Starkey’s Halo or Halo 2 hearing aids, contact your hearing health care provider for help. If your hearing aids are still under warranty, you might be able to replace them at a low cost. If you, or a loved one, are looking for new hearing aids, need a replacement for your hearing aids or would like custom-fit hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  Hearing aids are important to wear each day from dusk until dawn. These tiny devices can improve your overall health, and you’ll recognize them right away. Some of these enhancements can include a healthy mind and job efficiency. You will also notice a difference in your daily life. After wearing hearing aids, your brain will start to relearn a lot of noises that you haven’t heard in years.
Here are 5 other Immediate Benefits from using Hearing Aids 1. Speaking to People over the Phone becomes Effortless Smartphones, iPads and other devices that are used to communicate with others is a great way to remain connected with friends, family and colleagues. Anyone who has untreated hearing loss may have difficulty with understanding distinct sounds. Whether you realize it or not, each of us rely on lipreading and seeing facial expressions in order to piece together what others are saying. If both of you don’t have access to FaceTime or video chat/conferencing, you won’t be able to read each others’ lips or see each others’ faces. Our ears are not skilled to decipher visual cues, which makes talking on the phone more difficult. A good pair of hearing aids can compensate for those problems, making those conversations easier and more enjoyable. All digital hearing aids feature Bluetooth® technology, which allow users to have a better means of communication with others. You can listen and talk without holding your smartphone so close to your ear. The Bluetooth® technology can stream phone calls, music and other media directly into your hearing aids. 2. Hearing Sounds that You’ve Missed out On On average, most people wait a decade before they seek treatment for their hearing loss. The daily sounds of birds chirping or rainfall are missed. Hearing loss usually occurs gradually, so many people don’t realize that they can’t hear these sounds as clearly. A pair of good quality hearing aids, that are programmed by a professional instrument specialist, can help you hear some of these sounds again. Keep in mind that hearing aids will only help to enhance your residual hearing abilities. Sitting or walking through nature, can reintroduce the sounds of crackling leaves, cicadas, crickets, the sounds of an oncoming storm. Not only can hearing aids help to reduce the risks of anxiety, Alzheimer’s, dementia, but you can improve your overall health by being able to slow down and enjoy hearing the sounds of nature. If you’re wondering whether hearing aids will benefit you, talk with one of our hearing instrument specialists by taking a free hearing test and consultation. 3. Feel more Confident and be more Independent Your ability to hear is connected to your brain health. Undetected and untreated hearing loss can cause isolation, which may lead to depression, loneliness, and other psychological disorders. Using hearing aids can help reduce some of these problems. A reduction in stress is one of several benefits to wearing hearing aids. Your confidence while wearing hearing aids won’t go unnoticed. 4. Listen to Your Favorite Records and Radio, and Discover New Music and Podcasts Think about some of your favorite songs or pieces of music that you’ve resorted to playing over and over again in your mind. Hearing loss can make it difficult to comprehend lyrics. Wearing hearing aids to a live concert will provide a deeper and clearer listening experience. It’s the same for new music and podcasts. Listening to them will also be easier. You’ll be able to laugh and ponder on words that you had normally missed out on. 5. Rediscover Your Favorite Movies and Shows Think about your favorite comedy show, documentary, drama, musical or thriller. Your new hearing aids will give you a chance to rediscover these things. Modern hearing aids feature direct streaming, which will stream sounds from your computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or TV, directly into your hearing aids. Videos can be viewed wirelessly, music can be listened to wirelessly and even phone calls can be made wirelessly. Are you ready to reap the benefits of hearing aids? Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test, consultation and hearing aid trial. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. One of our staff members will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Loop Systems
The first magnetic induction loop communication system was created by Joseph Poliakoff in 1937. The first wearable hearing aid that included a telecoil was the Multitine VMP in 1938. Induction loop usage became popular, but then declined after improvements were made to AM, FM and infrared technologies. Currently, loops are an economical way of strengthening the performance of hearing aids. How do Loop Systems Work? Loop systems are composed of three parts: a microphone or another device that creates an electrical signal that you want to hear (for example a TV), a loop amplifier, and a loop wire. In some instances, the amplifier and the loop are placed in one single device (neck-loop or a silhouette). This is the side that controls the transmission. Your hearing aids that have the telecoils are the receiver. Audio signals that are gathered by the microphone or straight from the source of the sound, like your TV or stereo. The electrical option is intensified by the loop amplifier, which transmits through a loop wire that encloses the surrounding area. When the sound signal moves through the loop of the wire, a magnetic field is created in that loop area which imitates the frequencies of the original sound signal. Hearing aids convert sound signals into sounds that you can hear and comprehend. When changing your hearing aids from a microphone to the telecoil, it links the small coil of wire (t-coil) to the hearing aids’ amplifier rather than in the microphone. This tiny coil can easily pick up magnetic fields, like the one that is created by the loop system. The hearing aid amplifies the signal and you can hear a close reproduction of the original speech sound. Induction is the method of inducing electrical currents in a wire that is the result of currents moving through a nearby wire. This is where the term induction loop system or simply “loop system” comes from. Telecoils A telecoil is a very small coil of wire located inside of a hearing aid. It gathers electromagnetic signals from devices like loop systems and telephone handsets. The word telecoils has many monikers including T-coils, T-switches, telecoils, telephone coils or audio coils. A loop system usage requires hearing aids that have telecoils. Many who are hard of hearing are unaware if their hearing aids feature telecoils. Prior to making your hearing aid purchase, decide whether or not you want telecoils installed. Be aware that telecoils do use up space in the hearing aid, so they won’t be featured in the smaller hearing aid devices. Hearing Aids that have Telecoils should have a Switch In the U.S., there are no more 30 to 40 percent of current hearing aids that include telecoils. Telecoils only fit in the in-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid styles. If your digital hearing aids feature a telecoil, there should be three programs that you can switch between. The three modes are “M” for microphone only, “T” for telecoil only, and “MT” for both the microphone and telecoil working at the same time. Hearing aids that are only switched in the “T” mode, only allows you to hear sounds that come through the telecoils. For example, if you are with a group of family members and the person seated next to you asks you a question, you will not be able to hear them at all. You would need to switch your hearing aids back to the “M” mode and the person would need to repeat themself. While in the “M” mode, you’ll miss any sounds that are being collected by the loop system. The “MT” mode allows you to hear through the loop system and other people who are speaking around you by using the microphones that are built into the hearing aids. You can listen to your TV with a loop system. If it’s very quiet and the hearing aids are set to the “MT” mode, you’ll be able to hear your phone ring while watching and listening to your TV. The “T” mode can be used when there’s a lot of commotion surrounding you. It blocks out all of the interference, so that you only hear sounds through the loop system. Tips on Telecoil Usage While using telecoils, if you tilt your head as you hear a room loop the sound’s volume shifts. It may not matter if there is a strong loop signal, particularly with amplified telecoils. If you are seated in a space where the signal is weaker, you might notice that you hear better when your head is positioned at a certain angle. You may feel silly, as though you are treating your head like an antenna. Try tilting your head in different angles to find out which angle you should use for the best signal. You can do the same thing with a phone. Holding a phone up to your telecoils can affect how loud you can hear the person on the other end. Some hearing aid users need to position the ear-piece behind the ear instead of directly over the ear. This depends on what type of phone you use and where the telecoil is positioned in the hearing aids. If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  This pandemic has been difficult for many people, including those with hearing loss. Everyone has become even more isolated. For the hard of hearing population there are struggles in communicating with others due to wearing facemasks, or captions that are unavailable in video conferencing. These changes and struggles have provided others, who do not regularly experience hearing loss, with an awareness of these issues.
Fortunately, there has been more attention given to the various communication needs of people who have hearing loss, particularly in hospital settings. Tech companies are creating new options to help with communication. Free Auto Captioning in Video Conferencing Platforms On Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, free auto-captions are available on all video calls that are made through their platforms. Webex also announced that they will be doing a trial of auto captions. Providing accurate auto captions is not only practical for the stability of a business, it’s helpful for everyone no matter how good or bad their hearing abilities are. It’s also the honorable thing to provide for employees so that the calls can be more inclusive. Not only do people who experience hearing loss benefit from these captions, but people whose second language is English can also find the auto-captions helpful. New Apps for the Hard of Hearing are Quickly Becoming Available Tech companies have been dashing to provide new products by increasing the need for apps that make working and communicating remotely easier. One of the top apps is Chatable. This app, along with Ear Machine and Google’s Sound Amplifier gives the user sound amplification through their headphones that are connected to your smartphone. Each of these sound amplifier apps have been proven to be beneficial when someone is speaking with a mask on. Ear Machine and Google’s Sound Amplifier are free apps. Chatable has a version that is free. To get the most out of it, including the highest levels of background noise blockage, there is a $12.99 charge per month. It’s heartwarming to see the hearing loss community come together at this time to guide, share information, support one another and advocate for your needs. Collectively, you have all made an impact to help each other navigate through this crisis a little easier. If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids or an assistive listening device, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Are you a medical professional who performs auscultation as part of your routine job?
For those who are not in the medical field, auscultation is the process of using a stethoscope in order to listen to the internal sounds of the body. This method allows medical professionals to examine sounds of the heart and lungs in order to make a diagnosis. For hearing aid users in these medical fields, a frequent concern is how their hearing aids can connect to the stethoscope. The difficulty with auscultation and hearing loss is that the heart rhythms and breaths from the lungs are faint, low frequency sounds. Using an amplified stethoscope will help make up for the hearing loss by amplifying bodily sounds. Please be aware that there is a hearing limitation when hearing aids are used. The low frequency levels that are needed for auscultation are far below the frequency region that is needed for speech comprehension. The frequency range of lung sounds is between 70 hertz (Hz) to 4000 Hz. The greatest signal detection is below 2000 Hz. The range of frequencies for the heart beats is between 20 Hz to 650 Hz. Sometimes auscultation is carried out in busy environments. Deciding on the solution that works best requires you to work closely with your hearing aid provider. Be sure that you are informed and given guidance on the fact that heart and lung sounds may not be heard in the same way when listening to them with hearing aids. Make sure you select the right stethoscope that complements your personal listening needs, the severity of your hearing loss, your style of hearing aids and the accessories that you use. Programming suggestions for Phonak Marvel Hearing Aids Use amplified stethoscopes with headphones and hearing aids. The earpieces on stethoscopes were developed for unoccluded ear canals. As a result, the earpieces have to share space that is occupied by hearing aids. One suggestion is to wear an amplified stethoscope that has over-the-ear or on-ear headphones. The hearing aids can stay inside the ears while conducting auscultation. Structures for amplified stethoscopes with headphones:
Hearing Aid Streaming and Amplified Stethoscopes Signals from a stethoscope can be streamed through Phonak’s Marvel hearing aids. There are different programming options based on the chosen stethoscope. These options include:
No matter what type of stethoscope you choose, take these factors into consideration when choosing a hearing aid:
Streaming Factors to Consider
There are many amplified stethoscopes that are available on the market. Each patient has different ranges of hearing loss, so a strong bond between a hearing aid provider and a client is important in order to find the best solution. Clients in the medical field might need to practice and figure out what they need to listen for in regards to bodily sounds that are heard differently with hearing aids and without hearing aids. Recommend that the clients test out the stethoscope with their hearing aids to make sure that all of the devices are suitable for their hearing needs. If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Phonak's Audeo Marvel Many are aware of smartphones, smart TVs and smart speakers, but now there are smart hearing aids that are widely available.
What’s a smart hearing aid? This refers to hearing aids that can be connected through Bluetooth® technology to mobile phones and other Bluetooth®-enabled devices. Bluetooth® hearing aids have become more and more popular. Bluetooth® Defined Bluetooth® is wireless digital technology that lets your devices (laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, TV, etc.) connect to one another within approximately a 30 feet range. This technology is used instead of wires that usually connect your devices together. Bluetooth® was first introduced to the public in 2000, and continues to be used to this day with smartphones and other electronics. It’s easy to use and has a low power expenditure, making it the most popular method of connecting several devices such as headphones, speakers and even hearing aids. Bluetooth®-connected Hearing Aids Smartphones that feature Bluetooth® and pairing them with hearing aids is not a unique concept. Back in 2006, Starkey, the Minnesota-based hearing aid manufacturer, announced that ELI was the first hearing aid that would be compatible with phones that had Bluetooth®. It was named by Time magazine as one of the best inventions of 2005. Within the following years, several other hearing manufacturers offered their own hearing aids that featured Bluetooth® technology. Unfortunately, they all had the same defects. In order to stream audio from a cell phone device, they each needed a separate streamer, or hearing aid Bluetooth® adapter. Most users were unwilling to carry a Bluetooth® hearing aid streamer, making Bluetooth® hearing aids unpopular for almost a decade. Back then, most professionals in the hearing aid industry believed that the Bluetooth® feature in hearing aids was a clever advancement in technology, but the general public were not prepared to use it. Most hearing healthcare providers chose not to introduce the concept of Bluetooth® to patients, and completely dismissed the trend. Later, the wave of excitement over this advancement could not be ignored. Bluetooth®-connected Hearing Aids and iPhones Until just a few years ago, an overwhelming number of hearing aid users who wanted Bluetooth®-connected smartphones had to utilize a Bluetooth® adapter (streamer) in order to do this. Hearing aids that had Bluetooth® included were not available to the general public, mainly because Bluetooth® technology used up too much power in smartphones. This is the reason why the extra streamer accessory was required. Fortunately, in 2011, the development of a Low Energy Bluetooth® and a partnership between Apple and the GN ReSound made direct connectivity from iPhones to hearing aids a reality. The by-product of this teamwork is the ReSound LiNX, which was first shown in 2014 at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, NV. This is also when the term “Made for iPhone” (MFi) was introduced. This direct connectivity allows iPhone® users to stream audio from their phone to their hearing aids, use their phone to adjust the hearing aid setting, and more. During the following years, nearly every leading hearing aid manufacturer adopted this innovation and offered hearing aids that were specifically made to use with the iPhone®. By 2016 “Made for iPhone® hearing aid” became widely known and available. Unfortunately, even though the Made for iPhone® hearing aids were common, most hearing aid users still didn’t have direct connectivity. About 75% of all smartphones around the world were powered with Android. This need for non-Android powered devices drove manufacturers to refine a Bluetooth® connected hearing aid that would be compatible with non-iOS devices. Bluetooth®-connected Hearing Aids and Android Phones For years, direct connectivity has been available for iPhones® but it’s a new perk that Android users can enjoy. Currently, most hearing aids on the market cannot directly connect to an Android phone. A Bluetooth® adapter is needed in order to connect. ReSound started the hearing aids that were Made for iPhones®, and Phonak continued it. Between 2014 to 2018, when every other leading hearing aid company was prioritizing their Made for iPhone® hearing aids, Phonak went in a different direction. Phonak started developing Bluetooth® hearing aids that could link up to every type of smartphone - Google, iPhone®, Motorola, Samsung, etc. In 2018, the Phonak Marvel, A.K.A. the “Made for All” hearing aids were introduced to the public. This “Made for All” hearing aid can be used with any smartphone (Android, iPhone® and most older cell phone models). This direct connection allows users to stream sounds from their phone to their hearing aids, use their phone to adjust settings of the hearing aids, and use their hearing aids like a Bluetooth® headset. Unlike iPhones®, Phonak’s “Made for All” hearing aids can connect to a vast number of devices and feature genuinely hands-free calls. What are some of the Benefits and Features of Bluetooth® Hearing Aids? Oticon OPN S: Audio streaming, live listen, volume and program adjustments, a gauge for battery life, adjustment for tinnitus therapy, remote programming, hearing aid finder, compatibility with Apple® watch, hearing aid diagnostics and IoT capable (Internet of Things - this lets your hearing aids connect to other IoT devices, like your doorbell). Phonak Marvel: Audio streaming, live listen, volume and program adjustments, a gauge for battery life, adjustment for tinnitus therapy, remote programming, adjustment for microphone directionality, adjustment for bass/treble, transcription of conversations and hands-free calling. ReSound LiNX: Audio streaming, live listen, volume and program adjustments, a gauge for battery life, adjustment for tinnitus therapy, remote programming, adjustment for microphone directionality, adjustment for bass/treble, hearing aid finder, geotagging, hearing aid software updates and compatibility with Apple® watch. Signia Pure: Audio streaming, live listen, volume and program adjustments, a gauge for battery life, adjustment for tinnitus therapy, remote programming, adjustment for microphone directionality and adjustment for bass/treble. Starkey Livio AI: Audio streaming, live listen, volume and program adjustments, a gauge for battery life, adjustment for tinnitus therapy, remote programming, adjustment for microphone directionality, adjustment for bass/treble, hearing aid finder, geotagging, hearing aid software updates, hearing aid diagnostics, conversation transcription, language translation, step counter, fall detection. Widex Evoke: Audio streaming, live listen, volume and program adjustments, a gauge for battery life, adjustment for tinnitus therapy, remote programming, adjustment for microphone directionality, adjustment for bass/treble, hearing aid finder, geotagging, hearing aid software updates, compatibility with Apple® watch and A/B sound comparisons. How do you Pair Hearing aids with Your Android Phones? Prior to pairing your hearing aids with your Android phone, make sure your hearing aids are compatible with your smartphone. If you do not know whether your hearing aids are compatible with your phone, contact your hearing instrument specialist.
Your hearing aids should now be linked up with your Android phone. What are the best Bluetooth® Hearing Aids of 2020? According to San Diego-based hearing providers and web professionals, ZipHearing, there are three things to consider when determining the best Bluetooth® hearing aids:
#1: Phonak Marvel The Phonak Marvel was first released in 2018. It has been awarded the Gold Stevie 2019 Innovation of the Year, CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree and was the 2019 Edison Awards Finalist. Features
#2: Starkey Livio AI Starkey’s Livio AI was released in 2018. It has been awarded the Silver Stevie 2019 Technical Innovation of the Year, 2019’s CES Innovation Award Honoree, Red Dot Design Award 2019, 2019 SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards Finalist and Silver Muse Design Awards of 2019. Features
#3: ReSound’s LiNX Quattro ReSound’s LiNX Quattro was released in 2018. It was awarded with Good Design Award of 2018, CES Innovation Award 2019 Honoree and the UX Design Awards of 2019. Features
If you or a loved one would be interested in a free hearing aid trial of Phonak's Marvel , Starkey’s Livio AI, ReSound’s LiNX Quattro, or any of our other hearing aid options, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  Starkey's Livio AI There is so much research about the link between hearing loss and cognitive health, but there's still more research that needs to be done. What is known about hearing loss? Adults who suffer from hearing loss tend to display cases of steeper cognitive decline than those who have healthy hearing abilities. In one study, elderly adults who have hearing loss are at two-to-five times more likely to develop symptoms of dementia than those with normal hearing. In that same study, every 10 dB that was measured in hearing loss, there was a 20% rise in the possibility of developing dementia. Theories to these links Hearing loss that goes untreated for too long, may restrict the brain from collecting neural information. This is known as the "use-it-or-lose-it" theory. It is very important to keep your mind active by listening to sounds. Those who suffer from hearing loss may cut back on socializing with others. The worst combination of an increase in cognitive decline is being socially isolated, depressed and suffering from cognitive decline. The theory is that those who have hearing loss are less inclined to engage in social situations. This is what can cause depression and isolation, which can lead to cognitive decline. Attempting to listen and comprehend speech sounds requires a number of parts in your brain, including its working memory. When the brain is focused on listening, many of its other areas cannot be utilized anywhere else. How can hearing aids help? Hearing aids can stimulate the brain by allowing users to hear and interpret information. These devices can make people feel more confident and encourage them to participate in life again. This lowers their risks of depression and social isolation. Hearing aids can help reduce the cognitive strain that a person may use in order to listen. A study from 2015 showed a similar rate of cognitive decline between those who wore hearing aids, and those who did not need to wear hearing aids. It implied that wearing hearing aids can delay the development of cognitive decline. Starkey's Livio AI hearing aids not only provide a high-quality hearing experience, but they also use sensors and artificial intelligence to give you an assessment in regard to your cognitive health. Your Brain Score is measured on a daily basis Use Time - This measures the length of time that your hearing aids are worn. This is vital because wearing hearing aids helps to lower your chances of cognitive decline due to hearing loss. Engagement - This feature measures how much time is spent in environments where the hearing aid user has discussions with other people or streams phone calls. It helps the user participate more when in large groups. Actively Listening - This measures the different types of circumstances that the user encounters in their day. These different environments help stimulate brain development. The Thrive Hearing app can keep a record of your Brain Score to show how much progress you've made. Use it to observe and evaluate your cognitive health.  Pair Starkey's Livio AI with the Thrive Hearing app! If you, or a loved one, would like a free trial of the Livio AI hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation.
 If you are experiencing hearing loss, it is important to recognize that an assortment of hearing aids are available for a wide range of hearing loss and lifestyles.
Here are three essential matters to consider when choosing hearing aids that work for you: 1. Do you frequently visit loud environments? No matter what type of public spaces you visit these days, there’s a set of unique issues for those with hearing loss. Some of these problems can be fixed with the proper hearing aids. Nearly every type of hearing aid features noise reduction that can block some background noise if you are in a noisy setting. Directional microphones pick up sounds that you are facing and trying to hear. There are some hearing aids that have better features or accessories that are helpful if you’re in a busy environment. 2. Do you have concerns with dexterity? Health problems, like Parkinson’s disease or diabetes, can induce numbness, shaking, and a tingling feeling in your fingers. Anyone who grapples with fine motor skills, probably won’t find smaller hearing aids that need tiny batteries to be suitable for them. A better choice may be behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. These are slightly larger devices that are easier to use. If you have difficulty with putting your hearing aids on, cleaning them or changing the batteries, you may not wear them as often as you should. Address your dexterity concerns when going over hearing aid options with your hearing aid provider. Make sure you can comfortably operate and take care of the hearing aids on your own. 3. Do you feel self-conscious about wearing hearing aids? Accepting the fact that you have hearing loss can be difficult. Some people think it makes them feel old or weak, and wearing hearing aids makes them look old. Hearing loss is very common, and it affects people of all ages. Hearing aids are available in discreet, or nearly invisible styles. Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) style hearing aids feature an ultra-thin tube that is barely noticeable. Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are less noticeable than the RIC devices. They rest completely in your ear canal, so no one may realize there’s a device in your ear. Stop isolating yourself from family, friends or colleagues, and feeling frustrated about not being able to hear. Wearing a hearing aid, no matter how large or discreet, will allow you to participate in life again. Isn’t that worth something? If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aids from name brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Instructions for inserting the device into your ear
1. ) First, insert a battery in the battery door. 2.) Press shut the battery door. 3.) Place the hearing aid in your ear canal. The red color on the device indicates that it’s for your right ear, and the blue color on the device indicates that it’s for your left ear. 4.) Put the back of the hearing aid, with the case, on top of your ear so that the wire with the dome hangs closer to the front of your face. Pinch the wire and firmly insert the dome into your ear canal. Instructions to remove the device from your ear 1.) Pinch the end of the wire that goes into your ear canal. 2.) Remove the dome out of your ear canal and take the hearing aid device from your ear. 3.) Switch off your hearing aid. 4.) If you don’t wear your hearing aids overnight, or if you are not using the devices, turn the hearing aids off. This helps to conserve the battery life. If you need any additional help or instructions while using your hearing aids, don’t hesitate to contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids. Our staff is more than willing to help. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Have you ever felt exhausted after going out with friends or family? How about feeling fatigued after a meeting with colleagues, or due to frequently interacting with others as part of your job?
Maybe you collapse in bed or on your couch. You don’t simply feel tired, you may feel physically, mentally and emotionally drained. Resting your ears and eyes is necessary to recharge. Communication and Energy Depletion Being deaf or hard of hearing doesn’t simply affect your communication. It also drains the energy that you use throughout the day, in order to lipread while remaining focused on others and your environment. You’re required to process and piece together what you hear, like the game Wheel of Fortune. You hear someone say a phrase, and you need to figure out what they said based on the context, topic being discussed, their facial expressions, body language, etc. And then you need to respond to the person. This is not common knowledge. There is less attention on this subject matter when it comes to deaf and hard of hearing children/teens. Awareness for these individuals tends to focus on language acquisition and communication, not so much on concentration fatigue. Many deaf and hard of hearing children/adolescents haven’t been given the opportunity to discuss the effects of hearing loss on their lives or how to manage it. Taking regular breaks and being honest with adults if they feel tired, without worrying that they will be seen as being lazy. When these deaf and hard of hearing children/teens become adults, it may still take time before they feel comfortable revealing that they need a break from work or are too tired to engage while hanging out with friends. Anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing can do anything, they just need to take a break and rest a little more often than others. To all parents and teachers, please be aware of this - especially during the school year. If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids or listening devices, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands and listening devices. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  Phonak's Roger Select microphone. Hearing aid accessories are being deemed as essential pieces of technology in the age of COVID-19, with the practice of social distancing and wearing face masks.
Usually, wireless accessories for hearing aids have been viewed as an additional device that users need in order to enhance their ability to hear in busy settings. Prior to the introduction of Bluetooth® streaming services, accessories were used to stream phone calls and TV shows. Right now, most hearing aid accessories appear to be outdated or unnecessary because their functions can be covered by digital, wireless hearing aids. This can be true for many accessories, but not so much for accessories that help users hear over a long distance or too much background noise. During the pandemic, communication has become more challenging for everyone - especially those with hearing loss. It’s important to reconsider how hearing aid accessories, like wireless technology, can be used to help with speech comprehension. The Availability of Wireless Hearing Accessories Hearing aid users have voiced their concerns about the difficulties faced when it comes to background noise plus social distancing. Phonak’s Roger technology can be a solution to these problems. Roger technology has the ability to conquer the challenges of these environments. Roger is easy to use and connects directly with your hearing aids using RogerDirect and Phonak’s Marvel hearing aids. Many people are not using Roger. Historically, most wireless hearing aid accessories, like Roger, were perceived as an add-on or even non-essential for a hearing aid fitting. Normally, the use of Roger is only taken into consideration when a patient expresses concern over their frustration and difficulty in hearing sounds at a far distance. Even with this technology, a person may still struggle with hearing and require additional devices to help them. Our current situation in the time of COVID-19 makes it more challenging for people to live with hearing loss while maintaining social distancing, dealing with face masks and telemedicine. Using Roger Technology during COVID-19 and Social Distancing Practices Whether you can hear well or are hard of hearing, COVID-19 has altered the way we communicate with one another. Those with hearing loss are now at a huge disadvantage. Communication is more challenging. Roger technology has improved communication for those with hearing loss by:
Roger technology allows users to stay safe while continuing to participate in the conversation. It’s not just a hearing aid accessory, but it provides convenience for users and those with whom they communicate. If you, or a loved one, would be interested in the Roger Select TM microphone, or hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing instrument specialists. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Adjusting to hearing aids can take up to four months. This means within approximately four months you should be able to comfortably adapt to your hearing aids and get a lot of benefits from them. You’ll start to notice little things like maybe the sound of running water in the sink, or birds chirping. If you don’t hear noises that you recognize right away, don’t worry and be patient.
If you are concerned or have questions in regards to your hearing progress, contact your hearing instrument specialist. It’s normal to get your hearing aids adjusted multiple times during your trial period. Hearing aids are an investment in your health, so your hearing aid provider will be more than willing to work with you in order to get the most out of your hearing aids. Communicate what your hearing needs are with them. Have a Realistic Outlook Think back to the time when your hearing loss was very slowly getting worse. You, or your loved ones, noticed your inability to hear specific speech sounds due to background noise, or normal sounds of the environment that they were in, like traffic noises. Hearing Sounds Again Requires Practice After you start to wear hearing aids, sounds that you have not heard - possibly in many years - will need to be relearned and stored in your brain. It takes practice and patience to not only relearn these sounds but also to selectively concentrate and sift out those sounds. Patience is the Key It takes time to adjust to your hearing aids. Try to be as patient as your loved ones were before you got your hearing aids and you struggled to hear them. Our specialists recommend wearing your hearing aids as often as you can, in order to be able to distinguish the differences between the noises around you. You may think that the room you are in is completely silent until you notice the subtle sounds of food sizzling in your skillet, or birds chirping outside. Give Yourself a Break You may get listening fatigue during your adjustment period. This is similar to rehabilitating and retraining a muscle that you haven’t been able to use for quite some time. There are worthwhile benefits to your determination to hear better. You, your loved ones, colleagues and others who you interact with will be grateful for your efforts. Getting your hearing tested and being fitted for hearing aids is the first and most important step, but there is so much more work to get the most out of your hearing aids. Adapting to hearing aids could be compared to learning how to drive. It’s a careful process that takes commitment, discipline, patience and time. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing difficulty with hearing, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer hearing aid brands from HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex.  Even though summertime is coming to an end, the heat and humidity continue to linger in the air. Here are some tips on how to keep your hearing aids safe under these conditions.
7 Steps to take Care of Your Hearing Aids in the Heat Any plans that you have can potentially endanger the quality of your hearing aids. These risks can be avoided by taking some practical safety measures.
Hearing Aids that are Water-resistant vs. Waterproof A waterproof hearing aid does not exist, but hearing aids can be water-resistant. Water-resistant hearing aids can protect the device from water damage and are more durable against this element. This is not a pass to dip your hearing aids into water. If you shower with your hearing aids on, they should still work. If you go swimming, that can cause some significant damage. The water-repellent coating of the device, along with the lithium-ion batteries, are what make hearing aids last longer. This does not mean that the devices are indestructible. A full plunge into water can seriously damage the devices. Which Hearing Aids can Withstand Heat, Humidity and Water? If you have hearing loss, or need to get new hearing aids, you might want to try some water-resistant options. Signia hearing aids have some of these choices available. Most of them have the IP68 proof of standard for resisting dust and water. All Signia hearing aids feature a hydrophobic coating, which resists dirt and water from penetrating through the hearing aids. This does NOT put an end to all water damage, but it can protect the devices against dirt and sweat. It does feature protective filters that go over the microphones and receivers, so as long as you take proper care of your hearing aids, they will last a long time. If you, or a loved one are looking for new hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  Starkey's Livio AI - Winner of the 2019 Red Dot Design Award Modern hearing aids are more advanced and intricate than they were before. They use state-of-the-art computer processors, microelectronics and wireless radios. They are designed and programmed to strict requirements in order to provide the user with the best possible hearing experience. Some of these devices, like Starkey’s Livio AI, feature a moisture resistant coating that repels dirt, dust, moisture, water and wax.
Even with these advanced features, hearing aids can still malfunction and parts may still need to be replaced. If you wear your hearing aids every day from dusk until dawn, as they should be worn, they may come in contact with elements of the earth (rain, pollen), along with some other chemicals that you may use on your body (hair spray, lotion, or makeup), or oils and sweat from your own body. In addition to all of this, hearing aids sometimes fall to the ground, if they’re not in a case they get knocked around in your bag or purse, or the wires get twisted when putting them on or removing them. You put them through the wringer, yet they usually continue performing for you. The Lifespan of Hearing Aids Normally, hearing aids that are regularly cleaned and properly maintained last about five years. This care includes a check up and thorough cleaning at least every six months. During those five years, hearing aid devices will most likely need to be repaired. After they’ve reached five years, it’s important to think about investing in a new pair of hearing aids or getting the old ones repaired. Even the sturdiest hearing aids available will eventually break down from daily usage and exposure. Advancements in Hearing Aid Technology Frequently Improve Just like other technology (smartphones, TV, computers) new hearing aids aren’t just more reliable, but the technology improves year after year. That indicates that the sound quality is better, distinguishing multiple sounds from one another will be easier, there will be more advances in Bluetooth® technology, more options for accessories, and features that make daily life easier. Regularly investing in new hearing aids allows users to have reliable hearing, which improves your overall health, and reduces isolation which can lead to depression. If you, or a loved one, need hearing aids please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  ReSound LiNX Quattro ™. Pictured: Rechargeable 61 RIE Small and long-lasting with a charging case. ReSound!
Earlier this year, ReSound was named winner of the 2020 BIG Innovation Award, by the Business Intelligence Group. ReSound has developed pioneering advances in connectivity functions, streaming features and a foundation in new technology for hearing aid users. It was awarded because of the development of the world’s first hearing aids that were able to directly stream sound with Bluetooth® Low Energy. This streaming feature can be used by anyone who has Android iOS and wears hearing aids with Bluetooth®, like the ReSound LiNX Quattro™. About 75 percent of mobile users have an Android phone or device, making ReSound’s modernizations easy to use. The Innovation Award winners are a declaration of the vision, enthusiasm and dedication of hearing aid users across the globe. ReSound is leading in this field, while making breakthroughs that improve the day-to-day lives of not just hearing aid users, but also the people who they interact with. At Pure Sound, we offer a variety of hearing aid solutions, including ReSound’s LiNX Quattro™. Contact us if you, or a loved one, would be interested in a free hearing aid trial. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Modern hearing aids have become more refined in recent years. The most convenient development has been pairing them with your smartphone (Apple iPhone and Android). Here are 10 features that can be used with your smartphone-connected hearing aids.
Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need hearing aid service, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member from our office will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices. |
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