 Pictured: ReSound LiNX 3D Hearing loss is a prevalent health problem that people across the globe currently experience. Seeking the proper treatment should be based on the severity of your hearing loss, its underlying cause, type of hearing loss, and your personal lifestyle.
You should start your hearing loss treatment with a simple hearing test that is conducted by a professional. The Importance of Treating Hearing Loss Hearing loss that goes untreated in children will adversely affect their development in language acquisition, learning, and socializing with others. Older adults who experience untreated hearing loss typically struggle with following along in conversations. As a result, they might withdraw from activities and other things that they usually enjoy. This leads to social isolation, depression, cognitive decline, and an increase in falls for those who are at least 66-years-old. Research has shown that Hearing Aids Help with the Following:
Treating Age-Related Hearing Loss Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), is the most prevalent type of hearing loss. As we age, the cilia (hair cells located in the inner ear) start to lose their function. Half of the adults who are 75 or older have hearing loss. Presbycusis is a type of sensorineural hearing loss. This indicates that the loss of hearing begins in the inner ear and/or the auditory nerve. It’s usually caused by damaged hair cells in the inner ear. In addition to aging, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is also a major cause of this type of hearing loss. Unfortunately, sensorineural hearing loss is permanent. The cilia are irreparable when they become damaged. Anyone who experiences this type of hearing loss can use hearing aids as their best option. Many people gradually lose their hearing as they age, and it needs to be treated. It’s important to get a regular hearing test because you probably won’t notice the subtle loss of hearing. The earlier you get treatment the more likely you will be able to preserve the hearing that you still have. The ability to hear is important for your safety and overall health. It helps you stay connected to the people in your life, and your surroundings. How can Hearing Aids Benefit You? If your hearing instrument specialist recommends hearing aids, based on the results of your hearing test, they will patiently work with you to calibrate the devices to your individual hearing needs. This method is known as a fitting. The fundamental goal of a hearing aid is to amplify sounds. Modern hearing aids can be customized and programmed to your particular needs, like increasing important sounds such as speech noise, while reducing background noise. Hearing aids cannot imitate the same normal hearing that you used to experience, but they are helpful for anyone with mild to moderate hearing loss. Hearing aids can be worn behind or inside the ear. It depends on your severity of hearing loss and personal preferences. If you are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid options and brands for a wide range of hearing loss. Assistive Listening Devices Hearing aids are very useful but don’t always address every single person’s needs. Those who cannot benefit from hearing aids can use assistive listening devices (ALDs) in situations where hearing is difficult. These devices can improve your experience while you watch TV, listen to music, or talk to someone over the phone. You may use amplified phones, captioned phones, FM systems, TV hearing devices, smartphone apps that use captions, and hearing loops that are connected to hearing aid telecoils (T-coils). Scroll through this page to see the options that we have available at Pure Sound. Do You also have Tinnitus? As you age, it’s common to encounter tinnitus if you begin to experience hearing loss. Tinnitus is one of the first signs of hearing loss. Just about all modern hearing aids have a “tinnitus masking feature”, which helps drown out the buzzing or ringing noises. Talk to your hearing instrument specialist for available tinnitus treatments. Where to Get Help Hearing loss is common, but modern hearing technology can help with nearly any hearing problem that you have. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and/or tinnitus, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation.
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If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and need hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and 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.  Martha is always ready to help our patients with their questions and hearing aid needs in our Lititz office.
If you, or a loved one, would like to schedule a hearing test, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing. Ask about our latest ad. for professionally fit, premium hearing aids.  Hearing aids can only be recommended for someone hard of hearing when they seek help. As frequently mentioned in this blog, the average person with a hearing loss usually waits after 10 years of hearing decline to actually get help. The decline is usually not noticeable at first, and then most people think it’s not a big deal. If you find it difficult to follow along during conversations, frequently raise the volume on some of your devices or TV, or ask others to repeat themselves, you might need hearing aids.
Hearing Instrument Specialists and Hearing Aids A hearing instrument specialist recommends and helps you choose hearing aids. If you are new to hearing aids, you will probably have a lot of questions, especially before your first appointment. Hearing instrument specialists can give you a lot of information and advice on hearing aids and hearing loss. Before determining which hearing aids are best for you, get a hearing test. At Pure Sound Hearing, our hearing instrument specialists will conduct a pure-tone audiometry test. The test incorporates playing a series of tones with an audiometer. The hearing tone test measures which frequencies of tones you can hear. The outcome of your hearing test will provide an accurate depiction of the severity of your hearing loss. You may discover that you can hear better in one ear than the other, or there are certain frequencies that you can or cannot hear. The results of the test will help you and your hearing instrument specialist determine which hearing aids would work best for you. Hearing Aid Fitting and Adaptation After choosing the hearing aids that feel most comfortable to you, a hearing instrument can properly fit the devices in your ears. After the fitting, there is an adjustment period which is when your brain, which has not clearly heard sounds in years, can get used to hearing those sounds again. Good maintenance and care are necessary for your hearing aids to perform at their best. You need to clean the devices regularly, and the batteries will eventually need to be replaced. It is recommended that you get a professional cleaning done at least every 6-months. Everyone adapts to hearing aids at a different pace. Some people get used to wearing them within a few days, while others can take months. Your hearing instrument specialist will give you a better idea of what to expect. Protect Your Hearing Health In addition to guiding selecting hearing aids, fitting and programming the devices, and proper maintenance, a hearing instrument specialist can also give you tips on protecting your hearing health. Don’t hesitate to contact them for help. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing 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 are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before stopping in at one of our office locations.  A WSAudiolgy product. Makers of Signia, Widex, Rexton, and TruHearing. NEW PRODUCT!
"Sean was attentive to my needs for fitting the hearing aids. The hearing test was very complete. Very pleased with the hearing aids so far." -Randy S. Lancaster, PA The first 15 callers who purchase an in-stock aid set will receive a FREE TV Link and Lithium-ion Charger, a $650 value! CALL 717-945-1477 for a FREE hearing test at any office! Our office locations: Strasburg 100 Historic Dr. #113 Elizabethtown 99 Masonic Dr. #102 Sycamore Square Lititz 1170 Erbs Quarry Rd. #2-2 Brighton Shoppes Mount Joy 1013 W. Main St. #5 Florin Shoppes, Rear *With approved credit **Extra purchase and set up fee required **Accessories must be returned of aids are returned.
 After receiving your new hearing aids and wearing them, there is an adjustment period - especially for new hearing aid users. The first days of wearing your new devices are important for your journey towards better hearing. This is usually when you determine whether you want to continue wearing the devices. Here are 13 tips on how to smoothly transition into a daily hearing aid user.
1. In the beginning, they will feel strange. Do not feel discouraged. In the same way that your feet need to break in a new pair of shoes or your nose needs to get accustomed to the feeling of eyeglasses resting on it, your ears need time to get used to hearing aids. If you wear eyeglasses, here is some advice on which style of hearing aids you should wear. 2. In the beginning, only wear the hearing aids for a few hours each day. Based on your comfort level, you may wear your new hearing aids in familiar environments and situations during the initial wearing period. Hearing instrument specialists would recommend that you try wearing them from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed. You will eventually become less and less aware that you are even wearing hearing aids. When your brain can recognize and filter out more sounds, in addition to determining whether a noise is bothering you, this can help your hearing instrument specialist adjust the devices to your specific needs at your follow-up appointment. Wearing your hearing aids more often, even when there is very little noise occurring, allows you to detect the sounds and filter out noise. As a result, your brain will acclimate at a faster rate. 3. Start listening in a quiet room. During your first day, find a quiet room to sit in. Simply listen to faint sounds and your brain will eventually get used to them, such as the sound of your refrigerator humming or a tea kettle whistling. Initially, everything might seem too loud. That’s only because your brain probably hasn’t heard these noises in a long time, so it’s getting used to hearing these sounds again. You can keep a journal to make note of what’s bothering you, and bring them up during your follow-up appointment if they are still bothersome. Your hearing instrument specialist will make the necessary adjustments. 4. Do not adjust the volume too often. Most modern hearing aids will automatically adjust to your environment, so you probably won’t need to make manual adjustments too often. If you raise the volume levels, do not make them too loud. It’s not advised that you make your hearing aids do what fully-functioning ears cannot do, for example, hear faint sounds from afar. This is not how hearing aids work, and you’ll actually cause more damage to your hearing. Most people with hearing loss want to hear clearer, not louder. 5. Practice talking with a group of people. You will want to start having conversations with close friends and family. Their voices will be easier to identify. Due to current circumstances, it is advised to set up a Zoom chat or FaceTime with one another. Active listening is a key factor in hearing. A speaker’s face must be easy to see, so ask others to look directly at you and make sure the area that you are talking to them in isn’t dark, but brightly lit. This will help you see their facial expressions, read lips, and notice their body language. 6. Ask friends and family to turn the TV to a “normal” volume setting. Your new hearing aids should help you hear better, therefore, you can lower the volume levels to how people with normal hearing would set it. Ask your friends or family members to set the TV to an appropriate volume level, and try to keep it at that level. 7. Read the captions or subtitles to movies or shows. Listening to words while reading them, is a good method to retrain your brain to associate the sound with language. You can do this by switching on the captions while watching a movie or show. 8. Listen to an audiobook and read along with a physical or digital copy. This is similar to the previous tip. Listen to the audio version of a book, while the physical copy or digital copy on your tablet. You may also ask someone to read to you out loud while following along. 9. Read aloud to yourself. Initially, your own voice will sound different when wearing hearing aids, but eventually, you’ll get used to it. Reading out loud will help you quickly become accustomed to your own voice, and retrain yourself on how to speak at a normal volume. 10. Close your eyes and engage in some listening exercises. Try to identify the direction that the sounds are emanating from, without looking around for the sound’s source. You may also try to listen to determine the difference between sounds and speech patterns. 11. If your hearing aid features telecoils or t-coils, use looping systems. Many public spaces have looping systems set up that transmit wireless signals, which are then received in the telecoil feature of a hearing aid. Not all hearing aids have t-coils. Some phones also feature looping systems. Ask your hearing instrument specialist whether your hearing aids have the telecoil. If they do, request that they are activated when fitting and programming your device. 12. Make talking on the phone easier by placing the receiver over your hearing aid’s microphone. If you still prefer to use a phone to talk to someone, it’s recommended that you slightly tilt the phone forward so that the receiver is hovering over your microphone. This will help you hear better. For behind-the-ear models, the microphone is typically located on the hearing aid part that rests behind the ear. Angling the phone will help reduce the amount of feedback when holding the phone to your ear/microphone. Or, you can make things much easier by using Bluetooth® to stream your phone calls directly into your hearing aids. Talk to your hearing instrument specialist about this. 13. Steadily begin to wear your hearing aids all day. After two weeks, your hearing aids should be worn from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep. If you go swimming or take a shower, remove the hearing aids. If your hearing aids become submerged in water for any amount of time, contact your hearing instrument specialist. If you own a hearing aid dryer, put your hearing aid in it. You may also use some uncooked rice to soak up the moisture and dry it out. Your brain must adjust to sounds so that they will become effective in your journey towards better hearing. Hearing aids can change your health and your life for the better. If you or a loved one would like a free trial for hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  Hearing aids are a marvelous wonder for anyone who wears them. If they are well cared for, these devices should last for a very long time. They are delicate and need to be regularly monitored to detect any problems with them. In some cases, you can handle these repairs on your own, but there may be a more complicated issue that your hearing instrument specialist can fix for you.
Difficulties with volume levels If noises sound muffled, no matter how loud the volume is, that could indicate that there is a problem with the hearing aid’s tubing. The tubing can become clogged with earwax or moisture, which can alter the sounds you hear. Some people can replace the tubing on their own, but you can also stop in at your hearing instrument specialist’s office to get it repaired. You hear whistling noises through the hearing aid This could be caused by the earpiece, or the hearing aid’s dome, which is placed inside your ear canal, is not correctly placed on. You can check if this is the problem by removing the dome, then carefully placing it back on. There could be too much earwax obstructing the dome, so you can use a loop brush cleaning tool to clear out any excess wax. You can also use an earwax softener to remove excess earwax in your ear canals. DO NOT use cotton swabs or Q-Tips. These will push earwax deeper into your ears. Your hearing aid might be “dead” If your hearing aid stops working, you could have low batteries or a low charge, if you have rechargeable hearing aids. Simply change out the old batteries and replace them with a fresh pair of batteries. If that still doesn’t resolve the issue, make sure there isn’t any earwax that’s obstructing the tubing. The tubing may need to be replaced. If none of these solutions help, go to your hearing instrument specialist so that they can fix it. Your ability to hear is intermittent Intermittent hearing aid performance can be traced back to the battery. Change your battery again and notice whether that was the issue. If that doesn’t work, contact our office and let us know. You notice a decline in your hearing If your hearing appears to be getting worse, even if your hearing aids are working perfectly fine, your hearing aid might need to be reprogrammed or replaced with a new model. Contact us and discuss this with one of our hearing instrument specialists. If you are experiencing any of the previously mentioned problems with your hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids. We offer hearing aids, hearing tests, retests, hearing aid repairs, and hearing aid supplies. 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.  Our digital media assistant, Vi, is working on some blog research. Learn more about protecting your hearing aids in cold winter weather.
If you are experiencing problems with your hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing. We are offering curbside services at our office locations in Elizabethtown, Lititz, Mt. Joy, and Strasburg.  If you don’t take proper care of your hearing aids, frigid winter weather can lead to problems for your devices. Although the hearing aids can be repaired, the device’s overall function requires taking serious preventative measures.
How Hearing Aids are Affected by Cold and Moisture Extreme climate can negatively impact hearing aids, along with their batteries. It’s not simply the chilly temperatures that cause the damage, rather it’s the condensation that develops as a result of changes in temperatures. This moisture is what damages the electronic components of the hearing aids. Severe temperature shifts can lead to condensation, which could lead to deterioration in the electronic make-up of the hearing aids. Moisture is always present in the colder seasons, due to intense temperature shifts that are prevalent during the winter season. Take, for example, if you are walking through very cold weather, you’ll probably be wrapped in warm clothes with a hat covering your ears. When you go indoors, it might be significantly warmer because the thermostat is turned up. After removing your coat and other winter clothes, the shift in temperature can create condensation inside your hearing aids. If you were sweating from the warm clothes or from moving around, sweat may have dripped from your head, which can lead to damaged hearing aids and hearing aid batteries. How do You know if there is Moisture Damage to my Hearing Aids? Any ounce of moisture can destroy your hearing aids’ microphone and receiver. It can also obstruct the tubing that is connected to the domes or earmold, which can lead to corrosion. Here are some common signs that your hearing aids are damaged from moisture:
Hearing Aid Adjustments After your hearing aids have been exposed to moisture, check the following:
If none of these appear to be the problem, there may be moisture in the hearing aid. For behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, examine the outside and inside part of the tubing for moisture droplets. For earmold users, an earmold puffer can be purchased and used. This device will blow out moisture. If you wear in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, it may be a little more difficult to extract moisture. If you don’t already own a hearing aid dryer to store your hearing aids in, getting one would be handy to dry them and prevent damage. What to Wear with your Hearing Aids in Cold Weather It’s not easy to stop moisture from getting in your hearing aids, but there are some things that you can do to try and keep your hearing aids dry and fully functioning. Protect Your Hearing Aids with Earmuffs Earmuffs not only keep your ears warm, but there are special pairs that can protect your hearing from dangerous noise levels. If you already have hearing loss, it’s a good idea to prevent further damage by taking precautions and reducing the amount of time spent in loud areas. Noise-reduction earmuffs are not simply for winter. They will be helpful in any noisy environment, from areas that require you to operate heavy machinery to watching and hearing fireworks. Protect Your Hearing Aids with Sweatbands If you are active in the wintertime and wear hearing aids, your sweat could be a damaging factor for your hearing devices. You may also encounter heavy snow or freezing rain. Reduce the amount of moisture you expose to your behind-the-ear hearing aids. If they are exposed as a result of sweat or precipitation, invest in sweatbands. These will absorb the sweat from your body instead of allowing the moisture to ruin your hearing devices. They typically repel moisture and block the sound of wind from your hearing aids. Wise Investments for Your Hearing Aids
Protect Your Ears in the Winter If your ears hurt when exposed to cold weather, this could be frostbite. Please keep your ears covered in frigid weather to reduce feelings of frostbite. Too much exposure to extreme elements of cold and wet conditions can cause exostosis. This is also referred to as “surfer’s ear”. It occurs to those who spend a lot of time in or around cold water. Exostosis occurs when exposure to cold leads to abnormal bone growths on the bone that surrounds the ear canal. As a result, there can be an obstruction in the ear canal, which raises the risk of infection caused by trapped fluid. The condition can be corrected through surgery, but it’s still advised to keep your ears warm and dry. Cold Weather and Tinnitus Tinnitus can trigger some people’s tinnitus. Research indicates that people search the internet more frequently about tinnitus during the winter. It’s not completely known as to why tinnitus cases rise during the winter season. It may be affected by colds and cases of the flu (which can cause more pressure in the ear), consuming salty foods that cause high blood pressure, as well as higher rates of depression and stress. All of these factors can trigger tinnitus. Sudden Pressure Change A shift in barometric pressure can lead to a clogged feeling in your ears during any season. Common respiratory infections that occur during certain periods of the year can leave you feeling lousy. You can learn more about clogged ears from this link. Why do Ear Infections frequently occur in Winter? In the winter, parts of your body get colder which leads to poor blood circulation. This includes blood that is circulated to your ears. The winter season also brings a higher risk of bacteria and virus infections. When you combine these factors, you have a high risk of sinus infections and a condition called otitis media - an ear infection. Otitis media cause painful swelling and inflammation in the middle ear. The swelling and infection can build and add pressure behind your eardrum, which obstructs the fluid that drains from the Eustachian tube. Most ear infections can be treated with antibiotics, but the fluid needs to run clear, or else you can experience temporary hearing loss. The flu and colds should be treated immediately with medication, rest, and consuming fluids. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and need a hearing test, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  Pictured: Signia Insio Nx Guidance from Hearing Instrument Specialists
When making an important purchase - whether it’s for a vehicle, eyeglasses, or hearing aids - receiving guidance or an opinion from an expert has been helpful for many people. The patient demographics for hearing aids has significantly shifted. Today’s hearing devices are much more intricate, therefore it’s important to stress how essential hearing instrument specialists are to hearing aid users. Hearing aids have undergone considerable research and development in their technology. There are different levels of efficiency based on the brand and style. These ever-advancing pieces of technology continue featuring newer algorithms based on the manufacturer’s software for each unique hearing loss. The only way to know if a hearing aid is suitable for you is to try them with the guidance of a professional. Choosing Hearing Aids Selecting hearing aids is a team effort between you and your hearing instrument specialist, where good communication is necessary. Patient-centered care or mutual decision making is important to make the proper treatment options based on the results of the patient’s hearing test. Topics such as personal lifestyle - such as how active the patient is inside or outside the home - and what is to be expected from the hearing aids should be considered. The hearing aid test drive (HATD) is used in today’s hearing health care practices. This is patient-centered care, and a shared decision-making process, where patients are critical in their treatment options. With the help of their hearing instrument specialist, they may try out the hearing aids in their own home, work environment, and/or social situations to determine whether the device works for their individual listening needs. If you, or a loved one, need a hearing test, hearing aids, and trial please contact us for a free hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing. We offer a variety of hearing aid styles and brands which include HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron, and Widex.  Hearing loss is common among Americans, so there’s a good chance that you know someone who has difficulty with their hearing.
Poor hearing has been linked to adverse physical, psychological, and social well-being. These conditions can become more prominent during the holidays, and even more so during COVID. Christmas and the holiday season can give you a great chance to provide or receive a very purposeful gift. Here are some gift ideas for the person in your life who experiences hearing loss:
Give the gift of hearing to someone special, by supporting small businesses like Pure Sound Hearing. If you have questions about any hearing aid supplies or accessories, contact us at Pure Sound. 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.  Martha is in our Lititz office, preparing a hearing aid delivery for one of our patients!
If you, or a loved one, need hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of styles and top name brands from HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, and Widex.  As frequently mentioned in the blog, hearing loss generally goes unnoticed because it occurs gradually over time. There are usually subtle signs before you, or a loved one, realize that you need a hearing test. Have you noticed that you turn the volume up to hear your T.V. or listen to music? Even after a person is informed that they have hearing loss, on average, most of them wait about 10 years before they will get hearing aids.
What is Auditory Deprivation? Please avoid the mistake of putting off your hearing health. Untreated hearing loss can lead to auditory deprivation in the long run. The sections of your brain that are vital for hearing can shrink or become atrophied due to lack of use. Auditory deprivation is when the brain struggles to comprehend and process information because it is not receiving enough stimulation. The brain will become active when it hears sounds and turns it into information that can be understood. Untreated Hearing Loss and Brain Atrophy Hearing is an activity for the brain. Ears funnel sounds to the brain as electrical impulses through the auditory nerve. Your brain will then translate the electrical impulses into sound. Hearing loss leads to sensory deprivation. The auditory segment of your brain requires sounds to stimulate it and keep the mind agile. Mild hearing loss can lead to an under-stimulated brain, so it’s important to get help for your hearing loss as soon as you, or a loved one, notices these symptoms. Untreated hearing loss can lead to atrophied auditory pathways, due to lack of usage. When fewer sounds travel to the brain, the brain will respond by adjusting the way it works. Subtle hearing loss causes the brain to deal with auditory processing by focusing more on visual processing. Exercise Your Hearing Abilities If you don’t seek help for your hearing loss, it will become much more difficult to comprehend and process information. In other words, you might be able to hear speech sounds but not understand what is being said. You may feel as though you have cognitive decline, but it is actually hearing loss. But remember, untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline. Can Auditory Deprivation become Permanent? There is still uncertainty as to whether the atrophied sections of the brain that convert sound is permanent or not. It can be different for each individual. On a hopeful note, the brain is extremely flexible. It can adapt and shift when stimulated. New connections can be made for more information to be understood. A study found that negative shifts in the brain can be improved when hearing aids are worn regularly. What causes Auditory Deprivation? Auditory deprivation is usually caused by a lack of treatment for a person’s hearing loss. For instance, if a person has hearing loss and receives hearing aids, but does not wear the hearing aids regularly (or at all), this can lead to auditory deprivation. If a person with hearing loss does not receive auditory stimulation, the connection between the ears and the brain becomes ineffective. The auditory nerve will start to atrophy and become weaker. A different reason as to why auditory deprivation can occur is if a person experiences hearing loss in both ears, but only wears a hearing aid in one of their ears. Auditory deprivation may also occur if the hearing aids do not fit correctly or properly programmed. This is why it’s important to have follow-up appointments and work with your hearing instrument specialist to tailor the hearing aids for your specific needs. Unlike eyeglasses, hearing aids may require a custom fit and will definitely require a customized program for your particular type of hearing loss. Your hearing will shift over time, so it’s important to regularly schedule appointments with your hearing instrument specialist. Two Hearing Aids are Better than One Only wearing one hearing aid - when you have hearing loss in each ear - will lead to poor results. The ear that wears the hearing device will remain strong, but the other ear that does not have a hearing aid will become weaker and atrophy at a faster rate than the ear that is aided. Remember, Adapting to Hearing Aids Takes Time It will take time to adjust to listening, putting your hearing aids on, and wearing them from the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep. This is particularly true if it has been a long time since you’ve been able to hear clearly. You’ll be able to hear things like the hum of your refrigerator, the clicking sound of your blinker lights, birds chirping outside. It may be overwhelming at first, but your brain will eventually become accustomed to the sounds that you haven’t heard in years. Wearing hearing aids all day helps the brain acclimate to the sounds, but it requires a lot of time and patience. How to Prevent Auditory Deprivation It is possible to prevent auditory deprivation by taking safety precautions when you know that you’ll be in a loud environment. Wear earplugs or earmuffs when attending a concert or any other noisy setting. You should get your hearing tested annually, whether you are having trouble hearing or not. Mild hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline. If you, or a loved one, need a hearing test, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer several hearing aid styles and brands for a wide range of hearing loss. 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.  On average, hearing aid users replace their hearing devices between three to five years. You may need to replace them before that. Technology is as ever-changing as your hearing loss. Hearing aids that are worn out could indicate that it’s time for an upgrade.
Has there been a Shift in Your Ability to Hear? A human’s ability to hear is always evolving. More powerful hearing devices will be more helpful for hearing loss that has shifted from moderate to severe. Modern technology has made so many advancements that older models can’t compete with them. With the help of an experienced hearing instrument specialist, many modern hearing aids can now be programmed to block out background noises and even the sound of wind. Has there been a Change in Your Lifestyle? As long as they are charged or having functioning batteries in them, your hearing aids are constantly working. If you have an active lifestyle, that can wear down your devices. There are hearing aids, like Starkey’s Livio AI, which help support an active and healthy lifestyle with the Thrive Hearing app. Your physical health will also determine which hearing aids would work best for you. If you suffer from arthritis, behind-the-ear hearing aids will be easier to put on than devices that are placed inside your canal. Today’s hearing aids can conveniently stream audio from phone calls, tablets, or TV directly into your ears. Do Your Hearing Aids Need to be Repaired? Are you hearing aids frequently being sent out for repairs? If this is the case, you may need to invest in a new pair. Exposure to elements such as debris, dirt, humidity, sweat, and wax will wear down your devices at a faster rate. Proper maintenance such as light cleanings, thorough cleanings from a professional and keeping the devices dry in a dry aid kit will help them last longer. If they’re not jostling around in your purse, bag, or pocket - or if they are dropped - the device’s algorithms can be impacted. If you, or a loved one, need to replace or repair your hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing.  When selecting a hearing instrument specialist, you need to think about the options that are available for you in your area. Having a number of choices is good, but knowing which one is suitable for you is not always obvious. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some things that you should consider.
Excellent Communication Skills Someone with good communication is important for any type of service. This rings particularly true when dealing with your health and selecting a product that will significantly improve your life. Your hearing instrument specialist should be good at effectively communicating with you, in addition to listening and accommodating to your hearing needs. They should review your personal requirements and make recommendations based on your concerns. They should also have a team at the office with whom you can easily communicate and voice your questions or needs. Is Your Hearing Instrument Specialist Knowledgeable about the Latest Technology? Since your hearing instrument specialist is going to help you select hearing aids or an assistive listening device, they should have thorough knowledge about the products that they provide. If you have an interest in pairing your hearing aids with your Bluetooth®-connected devices, your hearing instrument specialist should be able to show you hearing aids and other listening devices that would work with your lifestyle. Full-Services for Hearing Aids You should receive a thorough service from your hearing instrument specialist, that satisfies your particular needs. Prior to showing you any products, they should go over your general lifestyle, which includes your daily activities and recreation. A detailed explanation should be provided when going over hearing aid options and fitting them. The hearing aids should feel comfortable during the fitting process. If the devices do not feel comfortable, let your hearing aid provider know. In addition to simply providing you with hearing aids, full-services are also arranged to help you care for your hearing health. Long-Term Hearing Aid Care A good hearing instrument specialist should stress the importance of long-term care for your hearing aids and hearing health. If you were fitted for a hearing aid, they should have you schedule a follow-up appointment in the near future. This gives you a chance to talk about how your new device feels and functions. You can also get adjustments if they are needed. Repairs and cleaning services should be provided in order to get the most out of your hearing aids. At Pure Sound Hearing, you'll find these qualities in our hearing instrument specialists. Feel at ease knowing that you will be on a journey to better hearing. If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids and hearing aid care, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid styles and brands which include HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron, and Widex.  It’s been a long day, but Sean still has plenty of energy to flash his big blue smile.
We are offering curbside hearing aid services at all of our office locations. 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 in Elizabethtown, Lititz, Mt. Joy, or Strasburg.  Signia Pure 10 Nx When choosing a new pair of hearing aids, it’s important to think about how long the devices will last. It’s similar to purchasing a car, where the mileage might be different for each car model.
Many of today’s high-quality hearing aids have a lifespan of three to seven years. It’s important to take into consideration the fact that even if two different people get the same hearing aids, they can last for very different lengths of time. What Influences How Long Hearing Aids can Last? There are at least nine circumstances that can affect the lifespan of hearing aids:
1. The components that are used to produce the hearing devices Even though hearing aids are designed and built to be sturdy, hearing aids are constructed out of metal, plastic, silicon, and many other components that can eventually wear down. Most modern hearing aids feature a protective nano-coating that repels dust, liquid, and moisture. It should still be treated with a lot of care to protect them from any physical and internal damage to the electronic components. 2. Advancements in technology Old hearing aid models can become obsolete. Between five to 10 years, hearing aids manufacturers might stop producing replacement pieces for certain devices, making repairs to earlier models very difficult or unattainable. Software that is used to program hearing aids gets updated over time, and ultimately becomes antiquated. This creates huge obstacles to reprogramming old hearing aid models. Advancements in hearing aid technology move very quickly. Technology that was considered top-of-the-line six to seven years ago would be considered outdated today. Many people who get hearing aids, seek to benefit from the latest technology that will be available in four to five years. 3. The style of the hearing aids Generally speaking, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids have a longer lifespan than in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. This is because more of the electronic parts rest inside the ear canal, which is a damp environment. The latest advancements in nanocoatings for internal and external units might be able to improve the durability of these hearing aid styles. 4. The frequency of cleaning The majority of people would never go months without cleaning their body, face, or hair. Unfortunately, most hearing aid users forget or don’t think about the effects of exposure to outdoor environments. Dust, moisture, oil, and sweat, caused by high humidity and sunlight can clog up your hearing aids. In addition to all of that, your earwax can also block up your hearing aids. Some hearing aid users only get their devices cleaned by a professional twice a year. This damages the hearing aids and can cut their lifespan. To lengthen their lifespan, it is recommended that they are cleaned as directed by your hearing instrument specialist and professionally cleaned by your hearing instrument specialist every six months. 5. The frequency of maintenance Most hearing aids feature parts that can be readily replaced. These include dome earpieces, earmold tubing, and wax guards. These are replaced by your hearing healthcare provider during regular maintenance visits. Other hearing aid parts can also be replaced, such as the battery doors, earmolds, external speakers, and covers for the microphone. It’s important to take care of your hearing aids so that they can last longer. 6. Where the hearing aids are worn Hearing aids that stay in damp or dusty environments, may malfunction. If you have concerns about the environments that you frequent with your hearing aids, talk to your hearing instrument specialist for guidance. They may recommend that you use a sleeve to preserve the hearing aids or schedule more professional cleanings to prolong the life of your hearing aids. 7. How the hearing aids are stored How you Store your hearing aids, when they are not being worn, can also affect a hearing aid’s lifespan. Hearing aids that use disposable batteries should be stored while the battery door is open, and placed inside a dehumidifier. This will help remove moisture and keep your devices dry, which will extend its lifespan. Discuss storage units and dehumidifier options with your hearing instrument specialist. The lithium batteries in rechargeable hearing aids last for four to five years. It’s like the battery life of your smartphone - the longer you own the device the shorter the lifespan becomes. If your battery is draining faster than normal, talk to your hearing instrument specialist about replacing your lithium batteries or getting new hearing aids. 8. A person’s body physiology In some cases, bodily fluids can significantly affect the metal and plastic parts of hearing aids and usually discolor or diminish those parts quicker than others. Some people produce a lot of earwax, oil, or sweat, which can affect the hearing aids' lifespan. If you experience any of these issues, mention them to your hearing healthcare provider when choosing your hearing aids. 9. A person’s individual hearing needs The changes in what you personally need for your hearing health may also affect how long your hearing aids last. In some cases, after many years, your hearing loss may become so progressive to the point where you may need a more powerful device. Your individual lifestyle might change and you may need a hearing aid that has more - or less - features. If you, or a loved one, need hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. If you need additional information or advice on how to clean and maintain your hearing aids, contact us. 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.  Modern technology has changed the way we hear, and there are always new specialized advancements being made. In addition to enhancements in hearing aid features, the latest technology provides its users with total control over the devices.
A wide range of hearing technology is readily available through your smartphone or tablet devices. Features such as hearing loss simulation, communication tools, hearing aid control and amplification can be used on your smartphone or tablet. There are so many apps available these days, so it might be difficult to find the one that works best for you. Here are five of the top hearing loss and tinnitus apps: 1. Clear Captions: This app is for people who have difficulty while speaking to others over the phone. Whether you wear hearing aids or not, Clear Captions is a useful tool to communicate with others. After turning the app on, Clear Captions automatically generate captions of your phone call. This allows you to simultaneously listen and see the words of the person who is speaking, thus reducing your frustration. In order to use Clear Captions for free, you must be diagnosed with hearing loss and be a resident of the U.S. Submit your certification of hearing loss (provided by your hearing health care professional) and you will be given access to the Clear Captions app - and other services/equipment - free of charge. The smartphone app is currently only available through the Apple App Store, so you will need an iPad or iPhone to access it. You may also access Clear Captions with certain landlines, so it can be utilized without a smartphone. 2. Signia app: The Signia app is easy to use, provides connectivity, and advanced functionality. Your smartphone with the downloaded Signia app lets you control your hearing aids discreetly and quickly. You can control the volume level, programs, sound balance, improve directional hearing aids and allows you to tweak adjustments when needed. For connectivity purposes, if you use StreamLine TV or StreamLine Mic, use the Signia app to smoothly and instantly adjust the settings. If your hearing aids feature tinnitus therapy, you can change the settings to reduce your symptoms. This app is available for Android and iOS. 3. Sound Scouts: This hearing test app is for teens, adults and children ages 4 and up. You still need a hearing test from a professional, but the Sound Scout app’s hearing test lets users monitor their hearing health at the push of a button. It’s a great tool to use for those who feel anxious about getting a hearing test because it prepares them for what they should expect. It utilizes interactive tests, images and animation. Sound Scouts is available for both Android and iOS, which lets you use it on different devices. The creators of this app recommend that people of all ages, who are being tested, wear a good quality pair of adult headphones while using the app. After the headphones are placed on, download the app and begin the hearing test. 4. Noise-induced hearing loss: Also known as NIHL, being exposed to excessive noise can damage your hearing health. It’s difficult to determine when noises are too loud. These apps let users monitor the volume in their surroundings, so that you can know when you’ve reached your hearing threshold and protect yourself. NIHL is the only preventable type of hearing loss, but it’s not always possible to determine when you are exposed to hazardous levels of noise. Many people have hearing loss or tinnitus due to this exposure. In the future use these apps, if you plan to go to a public space that might be too loud. 5. Purple P3 Mobile: Purple Communications provides a number of VRS (video relay services). Now it offers the option of remaining connected from anywhere with the P3 mobile app. This app is available on iOS and Android. Functioning as a VRS allows P3 to easily communicate with others through the telephone. An ASL interpreter will be available. Just open the app and indicate who or where you would like to call. P3 includes smartwatch notifications, incoming call notifications, number lookup, a selection of themes, and full screen notifications. Get Help for Your Hearing If you are noticing that you, or a loved one, are becoming more isolated and depressed due to hearing loss, get help. At Pure Sound, our hearing instrument specialists will patiently work with you to find the hearing aids that work best for you and program the devices for your specific needs. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require 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.  Studies in Children Who use Hearing Aids
In a study on children with hearing loss, there have been significant improvements in speech production, speech perception and language skills for those who have consistent listening experiences and properly fit hearing aids. The study showed the communication abilities of children who had hearing loss was far behind those who had healthy hearing. Adolescents who have hearing loss encounter difficulties while in a social environment. There have been instances of practical shortcomings, and more peer related issues than same-age peers who have healthy hearing. In the past, children and adolescents with hearing loss have not been easily accepted by their peers and faced higher rates of bullying, social isolation, and loneliness compared to those with normal hearing abilities. They have also been less likely to make friends and keep them, compared to their hearing peers. These unsuccessful interactions with peers have a short-term and long-term effect on their mental health and social life. Some studies concluded that children and adolescents who are socially isolated and lonely, are those who may or may not use a hearing aid. Many of these studies were based on older generations of children who had hearing loss, not modern groups of children who were able to have their hearing loss identified at an early age and whose parents sought intervention. Communication Improvements in Children who use Hearing Aids Early hearing loss detection and treatment offered hope for better communication in children with hearing loss. This included better speech production, speech perception, speech intelligibility, and language acquisition. These skills of developed communication - especially speech intelligibility and language acquisition - guide the foundation of social relationships with peers, particularly those with normal hearing. Social interactions with peers determines the psychological well-being and quality of life across one’s lifespan. If you have a child, or grandchild, who is experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound 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 repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before stopping in at one of our office locations.  Our patient care coordinator, Martha, is picking out some domes for a patient's hearing aids. If you need to replace your hearing aid domes, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing before stopping by at one of our office locations.
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 have any problems with your hearing aids or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS)
A hearing instrument specialist is a state-licensed professional who can assess a person’s issues with their hearing health. They will then offer hearing aid options and work with a patient to properly program and fit the devices. A hearing instrument specialist tends to concentrate on adults with common forms hearing impairments, like age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), or noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). When should You See a Hearing Instrument Specialist?
Get Treatment for Hearing Loss Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule a free hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing instrument specialists. We offer many different hearing aid brands for a wide range of hearing loss, 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 at 717-945-1477 before visiting one of our office locations.  There are many things to think about when a loved one lives in a nursing home. Are they receiving adequate care? Are they eating properly? Are they safe? Everyone wants what is best for their loved ones. More pressing needs like hygiene and their primary care tend to get addressed first. Caring about their hearing health may become less important.
Moving into a nursing home is not a smooth transition for anybody. Also having hearing loss and living through a pandemic that impacts the health and well-being of older individuals can lead to feelings of anxiety, frustration, and isolation. Hearing Healthcare is Neglected in Nursing Homes Studies have shown that between 70 to 90 percent of people who are in long-term care experience hearing loss, but most staff members in nursing homes are unaware of their disability. In a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, 30 out of 279 residents in nursing homes had a hearing test within the last year. The study also found that 81 percent of the residents did not receive any care for their hearing health. In some cases, even if a resident wore hearing aids, they went unused due to the maintenance that was needed. Other reasons why some hearing aid users don’t wear hearing aids:
Hearing Loss that goes Untreated Leads to Poor Quality of Life As we age, many of us will develop presbycusis (age-related hearing loss). The ability to hear the environment around you is important for a good quality of life. Anyone who has hearing loss and cognitive decline is more likely to experience problems when it comes to living in a facility for long-term care. Hearing loss typically goes undetected in patients who have Alzheimer’s, which leads to more incidents of anger, anxiety, and confusion. Symptoms of cognitive damage can worsen with hearing loss. This emphasizes the need for caregivers and staff members to be more aware of an elderly person’s hearing loss. Regular hearing tests or screenings should be conducted. Hearing aid use and maintenance should be just as important as the daily medication that they receive. There are some things that can be done to make sure that your loved one is getting adequate care for their hearing health. It needs to be a team effort. Build a positive relationship between you, your loved one, and the staff. Good communication can help build a solid foundation. Familiarizing yourself with the nursing home’s policies on hearing aids and hearing care can help put everyone on the same page when it comes to the hearing health of your loved one. Communicating through COVID Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing home staff are required to wear facemasks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of the residents. When possible, residents should also wear them. Masks tend to muffle sounds and make it impossible to lipread, which is why many residents in nursing homes are having additional problems when it comes to communication. Here is an article that shares tips on how to communicate with people with hearing loss, while wearing a mask. Advice to Care for Hearing Aids in a Nursing Home Place a Label on the Hearing Aids Hearing aids that go missing are sometimes difficult to find and expensive to replace. The tiny devices can get collected in bedsheets when the staff changes them. You may want to write your loved one’s name on a label and place it onto the device. You can also use the “Find My Hearing Aids” feature in the TruLink Hearing Control app on a smartphone. Create a designated Storage Space when they are not being Used Hearing aids that use disposable batteries can be stored in a hard plastic case, like the one that came with the devices when they were purchased. Rechargeable hearing aids should be placed in the charger overnight. Use a Cord and a Clip A cord and clip can be used to connect to the hearing aids at one end and clips onto the hearing aid user’s clothes. They can also prevent the hearing aids from falling onto the floor (and getting trampled on) if they fall off of the ears. Some options that can be used are the Ear Gear and Earstay. Maintenance Work One can only hope and imagine that the nursing staff would be able to take care of each resident’s hearing aid needs, to make sure that the devices are thoroughly cleaned, functioning at their best, and are being worn by the user. Due to the time constraints, and other tasks that the staff needs to tend to, your loved one’s hearing aids won’t be a high priority. Family members need to help with that maintenance. The devices need to be cleaned regularly to remove debris that builds up, otherwise, it can clog the microphones and amplifiers, rendering the device useless. If the hearing aids use disposable batteries, they should be checked each week to replace them with fresh batteries. Discuss Hearing Aids with Staff Talk to the staff and mention that your loved one needs to put the hearing aids on when they wake up in the morning and removed before going to bed at night. Based on a nursing home’s policies, this should be an easy task that can be taken care of by a staff member. Ask them about their policies for hearing aids when you first meet and discuss your loved one’s move into the home. Do some research and learn about the rights of nursing home residents in your area. When someone lives in a nursing home, they have the same rights as everyone else in the community along with 32 additional rights under the federal law known as the Older Americans Act. They have a right to wear and get help with the devices that they need to function on a daily basis. Make sure they are receiving regular care for their hearing needs. Work with your loved one’s nursing home and ensure that they are getting regular appointments and check-ups. It is common for residents in nursing homes to be treated as tasks rather than individuals who all have different needs. Some nursing homes include policies where they will cover a deductible for a lost or damaged hearing aid. Find out what the nursing home’s policy is for your loved one’s lost or damaged hearing aid so that you know and understand what would happen if this were to occur. Advocate for Hearing Care The best thing you can do to help a loved one who resides in a nursing home is to be an advocate for their long-term care. This includes taking their hearing health, particularly age-related hearing loss, into consideration. Be part of the initial planning for hearing care needs and in any follow-up appointments. Family members can discuss what their loved ones with hearing loss need and what their personal preferences are, such as whether their loved one prefers leaving the hearing aids out while sleeping at night. If you, or a loved one, are in need of a hearing test and hearing aids please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment. We offer a wide variety of hearing aid styles and brands for your hearing needs. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We will be offering curbside services. If you are visiting us for a repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  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.  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.  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. |
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