 Whether you are a new or long-time hearing aid user, you have probably had some concerns or personal experiences with device damage. Depending on how extensive the damage is to these digital devices with intricate electronics, getting them repaired or replaced can be costly. Proper cleaning and maintenance can prevent you from needing serious repairs and replacements.
Careful and Thorough Cleanings If you wear your hearing aids for the entire day, they need proper maintenance. When you’re ready to wind down for the day and go to bed, clean them out using a soft, dry cloth and a loop pick/brush. These tools should be provided to you after purchasing your hearing aids. If you are missing these tools, go to your hearing aid provider’s office to get them replaced. At Pure Sound, we recommend scheduling a cleaning with our office every six months, or less if you need a professional cleaning. You can check if there is any damage to the hearing aids. If your ears are full of wax, gently wipe off the ears with a warm washcloth or clean them with warm water while showering to remove excess dirt and wax. Do NOT clean your ears by inserting anything small, like a cotton swab or a hairpin, into your canals. Inserting a cotton swab into your ears can cause earwax to get pushed further into the ear canals, leading to impacted earwax. A hairpin or anything of that size may puncture your eardrum, leading to further hearing loss and damage. Do Not Drop Your Hearing Aids Dropping your hearing aids, especially on a hard surface, can damage the devices. Depending on the impact of the fall, they may be irreparable. In most cases, if your hearing aids fall to the ground, you might need to get them repaired by your hearing aid provider, or they will send them out to the manufacturer for repairs. To avoid these problems, when you remove your hearing aids, sit down and place a towel down as a safety net in case they fall. Remove Your Hearing Aids before Going to Bed Even if your hearing aids are properly fitted or customized for your ears, they may still fall out when tossing and turning at night or as you rest your head against them. Prevent possible damage or losing your hearing aids by removing them and keeping them in a storage box. If you wear rechargeable hearing aids, you should place the hearing aids in a rechargeable device for storage and to recharge them for the following day. Remove Your Hearing Aids when You’re Near or Go into a Body of Water. Hearing aids are water resistant but not waterproof. The devices should work fine if you experience perspiration or briefly get caught in the rain. If you go swimming or shower/bathe, the devices should be removed and placed in a dry space. Hearing aids are becoming more intricate, with novel features and ways to adjust them in any circumstance or environment. It’s important to understand that even with these advancements, proper care and maintenance will always be crucial to prevent repairs and replacements. If you need professional cleaning or repairs done to your hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for an appointment.  There are sounds all around us, in every environment, and from the people who communicate with us. Think of the sounds that you can’t miss. Perhaps it’s the sound of a loved one’s voice, your favorite music, or critical instructions from a medical provider. Think about the people you want to reconnect with and the special moments by incorporating these tips into your journey towards better hearing.
Regular Exercises Obesity is related to hearing loss. The heart must work harder to circulate blood throughout the body, including your ears. Simply walking or practicing a more rigorous exercise routine can help with your overall health, which impacts your hearing health. Take Advantage of the Technology Concerns about alerting systems when you have difficulty with hearing are common among people with hearing loss. Modern technology can transform your doorbells, smoke alarms, and timers into flashing lights or vibrations. Smartphones may stream audio straight to your hearing aids while providing captioned videos or flash visual alerts for incoming calls. Hearing aids can also translate other languages through a captioning app. The Loop System Throughout the U.S., most public spaces, such as museums and theaters, have a hearing loop built into their venues. This allows your hearing aid devices to wirelessly connect through the t-coil setting in your hearing aid. Participating sites should feature a hearing loop logo on the building. Protect Your Hearing About 466 million people around the world have hearing loss. This includes 34 million children. The primary and only preventable cause of hearing loss is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). So if you are at a loud concert, watching live fireworks go off, riding a snowmobile, or using loud power tools, limit your exposure by wearing hearing protection or taking breaks in between these boisterous spaces. Caption Call Do you have difficulty hearing during a conversation over the phone? You might be approved for a landline phone that displays captions as the person speaks on the other line. In some participating states, this telephone is free if a qualified hearing care provider certifies that you have hearing loss and would benefit from using the phone. The caption call phone also works with hearing aids. You just need a standard phone line and connection to the internet. Users can add captions to their smartphones and tablet. Get a Hearing Test Making a hearing test is simple. Why not schedule one for the entire household? Adults should get their hearing tested annually or more often if they notice something wrong with their hearing. Early detection is key to early intervention, which can help significantly in the long run. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  There are three things you can do with old hearing aids:
Donating them is the best thing you can do with them. The donated devices are repaired and reconditioned to give to someone who cannot afford hearing aids. Be instrumental in doing something nice for someone else. It can make a huge difference for one person. If you need help with donating your old hearing aids or for information on new hearing aid technology, contact one of our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing Aids.  Pure Sound Hearing's Elizabethtown office at Sycamore Square in Masonic Village. Hearing is a crucial sense to moderate and care for throughout your lifetime. When searching for hearing aids, finding the right style, fit, and programmed settings to accommodate your lifestyle and listening needs should be your priority. Hearing aids are an investment, so finding the right provider to guide you through your new hearing journey is also a factor to examine.
Hearing Aids are Medical Devices Hearing aids are medical devices that you wear on your ears. Precise and proper tuning for your specific listening needs is necessary to get the most out of your devices. You will need to take multiple trips to your hearing instrument specialist as you adapt to the hearing aids. Your specialist is responsible for finely tuning the hearing aids so you can hear at optimal levels in any environment. Making sure that the hearing aids fit securely and comfortably should be a priority. Our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing are experts in the field who keep up with their training. Quality Service Exceptional services are one of the essential qualities to think about when selecting a hearing aid provider. Pure Sound ensures quality service. Our specialists will patiently work with you to provide everything from routine cleanings to any mishaps you may encounter with your hearing aids. Usually, hearing aids from big box stores cannot be taken for services at your local hearing aid stores, but at Pure Sound, we offer to service any hearing aids, no matter where you purchased them. Besides the hearing test and consultation, there will be a fee for any other services we provide. Invest in Your Hearing Hearing aids are an investment, so don’t let prices shy you away from taking care of your hearing health. At Pure Sound, we offer quality hearing aids, quality service, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Find out which insurance providers we accept. Contact us for a complimentary hearing test and consultation!  Consider this scenario: Getting a television should be easy. Buying it isn’t hard, but understanding how to operate or program it may be daunting at best.
Having a secure internet connection for your streaming apps and updating the firmware to improve your TV's performance are some things to consider. In short, modern TVs come with their complexities. In contrast, despite experts talking about hearing aids with noise management algorithms featuring automated technology that adapts to your environment with range and advanced customization, they will assure you that using these devices will be easy. User-Friendly Hearing Aids With new technology, hearing aids are easier to use than ever before. Bluetooth® hearing aids will do all of the work. They adjust to listening environments automatically or through a simple command on an app. Here are four things to think about before getting your hearing aids:
The challenging part of receiving hearing aids is taking time to adapt to all of the sounds you may not have heard in years. It can be overwhelming! Simplicity is the key to hearing aids. There is little fuss in using them, unlike with TVs. If you are experiencing issues with your hearing aids, just contact Pure Sound Hearing for help. If you notice any hearing loss and believe hearing aids can be a solution, contact us for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Is it time for you to get better hearing aids? Do you need an upgrade? If you’ve been thinking about it, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to get a free hearing aid trial.
Hearing aids with clarity and quality performance is now better than ever. Audibility and speech understanding, as well as a comfortable fit, can also be addressed. The technology is so good you can even understand the subtle tone of someone’s voice. But there may be other reasons why you need to change your hearing aids. Your hearing ability may have changed--it may have gotten worse. Or, you may have had a change in lifestyle, such as in your work, where you need to be involved in conference calls or team projects. Maybe you are enjoying retirement or attend more appointments for your health and need to hear important information? Wireless technology addresses various listening needs using automated programming for different settings. They’ll even reprogram on their own for specific environments you frequent, for example, offices, restaurants, or entertainment venues. Schedule a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers by getting in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing.  Tinnitus affects each patient differently. Just like hearing aids, some treatments that work for one person won't work for others. You should get a hearing test from a licensed professional before exploring treatment options.
If the tinnitus is caused by an underlying condition, treating that problem could relieve symptoms. Usually, tinnitus is managed through different therapies. Here are some common treatments: Sound Therapy This is a simple treatment where those who experience tinnitus can listen to sounds in order to refocus the brain from the tinnitus noise to the sounds that are heard through an app, white noise machine, or everyday appliances that are found in the home or workspace like air conditioners. Specialized sound therapy equipment can be used to train and distract your brain from hearing the ringing noises. A tinnitus assessment must be performed in order to identify the frequency and volume of your symptoms. Programmed Hearing Aids Hearing aids can be programmed to treat tinnitus symptoms. Hearing instrument specialists can program comforting sounds that match the range of frequencies that the patient experiences, in order to mask the distracting ringing noises. Hearing aids can also be programmed to help those who have both tinnitus and hearing loss. If you or a loved one are experiencing tinnitus and/or hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing instrument specialists.  When looking for tinnitus features in hearing aids, sound amplification should be the primary step to help with your selection.
1. Amplification Hearing aids can make speech sounds clearer through amplification. That is the most crucial feature you should have for your hearing devices. It can help mask the noises from tinnitus. 2. Receiver-in-canal (RIC) style The next most important feature of hearing aids with tinnitus masking is the device’s style. One option is the “receiver-in-canal.” It’s the best hearing aid style for anyone with tinnitus. Most people with tinnitus also experience high-pitched hearing loss. It indicates that trouble with clarity of speech progressively worsened. This device features a small wire connected to a dome or earpiece placed inside your ear and a piece that rests behind your ear. The receiver with rubber-tipped vents is inserted inside the ear canal. The vents provide a more natural sound. Please be patient, as it will take some time to acclimate yourself to how different noises are heard, but your brain will eventually adjust. It is important to note that your voice will sound different than what you are used to. If you have high-pitched hearing loss, the RIC style would work best for that type of loss. If you prefer something discreet, the RIC style has a thin wire that goes up along the side of the head and is attached to the hearing aid which rests behind the ear. It still has some visibility, but not as much visibility as other styles. 3. Volume Settings Volume control is the third most important feature of hearing aids. This feature controls the sound levels of your surroundings with your hearing aids, along with masking noises that cover up the sound of your tinnitus. You can hear speech sounds better. Your brain needs to be aware of the tinnitus sound to make it seem less threatening. This is necessary for the initial months and years of managing tinnitus. Being able to adjust the sounds for when the tinnitus symptoms change is also essential. The volume doesn’t need to change in their hearing aids or environment. Instead, they need to make the soothing sounds streaming in their ears louder. 4. Resonant Sound Environment using Sounds that Soothe Another vital feature of hearing aids is streaming sound therapy. “Soothing sounds” indicate sounds that can be played directly through devices or your smartphone. Users can experience sounds that comfort, soothe, and relax so that the tinnitus isn’t as noticeable. Sound therapy should be used every day to make tinnitus more manageable. These soothing sounds can range from ocean sounds to white noise. 5. A Strong Battery Life The fifth crucial feature of hearing aids is their battery life. Accessibility at the touch of a button is helpful when those tinnitus spikes sneak up on you, or you wind up in a space that’s too quiet. The hearing aids use Bluetooth, so strong battery life is important. Carry around an extra pair of batteries, or make sure your hearing aids are fully charged if they are rechargeable. Some rechargeable hearing aids can last up to 15+ hours on a single charge. You may get hearing aids with disposable or recyclable batteries. It’s convenient if you don’t have an outlet to recharge. Simply remove the batteries from the packaging, remove the tab, and immediately insert them into the hearing aids. As soon as the battery tab is removed, the hearing aid life will begin to drain. 6. Great Bluetooth Connectivity Having a good connection to Bluetooth lets hearing aids easily stream sounds from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-supported devices. You can use it to listen to sound therapy apps, podcasts, music, and any other form of media. You can connect to iTunes, YouTube, or Spotify, and choose a sound that relieves your tinnitus. As long as there’s battery life, you’ll be able to stream these sounds. If you have tinnitus contact Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing aid trial. Our hearing instrument specialists will guide you and help you figure out what works best for you.  Daily hearing aid cleanings that are performed by you will help you get the most out of them, and expand their lifespan. Follow these steps for proper maintenance.
Before You Clean Your Hearing Aids We recommend that you lightly clean your hearing aids each day. A more thorough cleaning should be done by a professional every 6 months. Here are some simple tips:
Cleaning Tools for Your Hearing Aids
Steps for How to Clean BTE Hearing Aids
Get a Professional Cleaning from Pure Sound Hearing As mentioned earlier, take your hearing aids to get professionally cleaned every six months, or sooner if your hearing aids are looking too unkept, or not functioning properly. Our professionals at Pure Sound have special tools and expertise to remove wax and other debris from difficult-to-reach areas. We can also replace your wax filters, hearing aid domes, and other parts that are worn or dirty. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.  Just like a new pair of shoes on your feet, a “break-in” period is necessary for hearing aids. They might initially feel snug but should not feel painful after wearing them for a while. You need to adapt and it takes time to get used to the sound and feel of the hearing aids. Be sure to take breaks each day. After the first week, the hearing aids should be comfortable and unnoticeable to you. But if your ears feel irritated from the hearing aids, get in touch with your hearing instrument specialist for adjustments. There are three questions you can ask yourself:
Do you need to reinsert your hearing aids? Ask yourself if you need to reinsert your hearing aids. Before leaving your hearing instrument specialist’s office, there’s no doubt that you’ve practiced inserting your hearing aids with their guidance. Depending on the model and style you get, there is usually a specific way to insert them. Your hearing aid provider will address this before you leave. Also, you need to insert the hearing aids completely, even if they feel snug, so you don’t feel discomfort. Attempting to alleviate the snug feeling by partially inserting them will not benefit your hearing. Are your hearing aids ill-fitting? Ask yourself if there’s an area on your ear that is uncomfortably rubbing against the hearing aids. Contact your hearing instrument specialist if you notice this type of problem. Perhaps your hearing aids need to be remolded, or the dome needs to be a different size. Impressions may need to be retaken and sent to the manufacturer to create a new mold. Are allergies the culprit? Ask yourself if you are experiencing an allergic reaction. Certain earmold materials, like silicone, may be irritating. Perhaps the chemicals used to clean and disinfect the hearing aids irritated your ears. See your hearing instrument specialist if you suspect these might be a reaction to your hearing aids. You won’t be sorry for investing in hearing aids. They will highly benefit your life by increasing your health and social life. With some practice, patience, and support, you will love your hearing aids in no time. For help with answering your questions about hearing aids, please contact our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing.  If you notice that your hearing aids are not functioning correctly, you might be able to fix the problem yourself. Here are some tips before you contact your hearing instrument specialist.
Do your hearing aids sound weak or are they dead? First, you should check your batteries. Replace your current batteries with a fresh pair, or place them in the charger if they are rechargeable hearing aids. Please note that your hearing aid batteries drain quickly when you stream calls or audio from your phone. Usually, hearing aids sound weak or dead because there’s too much wax or debris build-up. If your hearing aids feature wax guards, replace them with new ones. Your hearing aid provider should have given you cleaning tools (a brush or loop pick), to clean the microphone and receiver. Have your hearing aids come in contact with water? Moisture can collect in the tubing of a behind-the-ear style hearing aid or in the casing where the electrical parts are stored. If your hearing aids get wet from water or sweat, place them in a dehumidifier, drying kit, or even a bowl of dry, uncooked rice. This will help soak out the moisture from your hearing aids. Do you hear whistling or feedback noises? Be sure that the hearing aid is correctly inserted in your ear canal. If feedback noises are still occurring, there may be wax or debris obstructing the hearing aid microphones or your ear canals. In addition to daily cleanings, professional hearing aid cleanings should be done every six months. Another reason for the noises may be an improper hearing aid fitting. If that’s the case, contact your hearing instrument specialist so that adjustments can be made. Are your hearing aids sliding out of your ears? Your hearing aid may slip out of your ears because of moisture buildup in your ear canal. The devices may also shift position when you chew or talk. Hearing aids that feature domes may need a different dome size. A retention wire might need to be added by your hearing instrument specialist. Do your hearing aids feel uncomfortable or painful in your ears? Make sure your hearing aids are properly placed in your ear canals. You should also see if there’s wax buildup in the ear canals. If your hearing aids still feel uncomfortable, the hearing aid dome might need to be a different size, or the customized earpiece may need to be remade to fit better. What should you do next? If your hearing aids are still not working, drop off your hearing aids with your hearing aid provider. The devices may be reprogrammed or repaired in their office. It may also be shipped to the manufacturer for more technical repairs that cannot be done in the office. If your hearing aid is not fitting properly, you might need to get a new ear mold impression from your hearing instrument specialist. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing if you are experiencing any problems with your hearing aids, or need new hearing aids.  When you have hearing loss and don’t have hearing aids, the inability to hear clearly can make you feel depressed and isolated from others. When it is hard to hear, it is hard to comfortably participate in one conversation, let alone in group conversations and activities.
Hearing aids ease the stress of struggling to listen. Communicating with others can still be challenging while wearing hearing aids, but not as strenuous as before using hearing aids. You may still need others to face you when they speak, and only one person should speak at a time while making sure you are paying attention to them. Hearing aids feature directional and omnidirectional microphones. Directional microphones pick up sounds from an assigned direction, usually from those facing you. Omnidirectional microphones pick up sounds that occur from any direction. Programmable Hearing Aids A hearing instrument specialist can program your hearing aids, and you can select appropriate settings for different situations. For example, let’s say you are talking to some people in a crowded environment. Maybe you only need to focus on a conversation with those people while blocking out background noises. Your hearing instrument specialist can program a setting through an app on your smartphone. All you need to do is open the app to access it. You can also use speech-to-text apps to help facilitate conversations. If you are driving or biking in a busy area, you can place your hearing aids in an omnidirectional setting, which lets you hear in all directions to be more aware of your surroundings. For a complimentary hearing test and hearing aid trial, contact us for a consultation with a hearing instrument specialist at Pure Sound Hearing.  Rechargeable hearing aids are getting more popular these days, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the preferred model. We’ll go over some of the pros and cons of hearing aids that are rechargeable and those that are powered by disposable batteries.
Disposable vs. Rechargeable Batteries Disposable batteries are inserted into the battery compartment of a hearing aid. Simply open the battery door and place the battery inside. After you receive an alert that your hearing aid batteries are low, replace the batteries with new ones. Rechargeable batteries are built into the hearing aids. There is no battery door that grants access to this battery. After you receive an alert that your hearing aid batteries are low, place your hearing aids into the charging port to recharge them. What are the advantages of Hearing Aids with Disposable Batteries? Disposable batteries are featured in all hearing aid styles. Rechargeable hearing aids are only available in behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), and in-the-canal (ITC) styles. You have More Control If your batteries run out, you can simply replace them with new batteries and continue with your day. When you are accustomed to disposing of your batteries, there’s a learning curve to get into the routine of recharging your hearing aids each night. Less Reliance on Additional Supplies Disposable batteries are generally stored together with your hearing aid supplies. A hearing aid charger is normally on a bedside table, and you can easily forget to pack it if you are taking a long trip. The cord can become damaged, the charger may stop working, or there could be a power outage. What are the advantages of Rechargeable Hearing Aids? Easier to use Rechargeable hearing aids are easier to use. If you have dexterity issues, handling small disposable batteries can be tricky. Rechargeable hearing aids allow you to place the devices into the charger overnight so that you can have functioning hearing aids all day long. Pets and Children Stay Safe These tiny, shiny, batteries can attract curious pets and children, who may swallow them. This can be very dangerous. Rechargeable hearing aids are less likely to be swallowed because they’ll either be in your ears or in the recharger port. Better for the Environment The average rechargeable hearing aid uses one battery each year. A typical hearing aid uses nearly 100 disposable batteries per year. If you choose to use disposable batteries, find a local place where you can recycle your batteries. Great for Streaming Bluetooth and streaming audio through your hearing aids will deplete your hearing aids more quickly. If you normally use either of these, rechargeable hearing aids would be better. If you are looking for hearing aids that have rechargeable or disposable batteries, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary consultation.  Artificial intelligence (AI) is now a reality. One way it’s being utilized is with your health. An AI medic will be your guide. Your clinical norms can be directly collected and stored on the cloud for your AI medic to check on at a moment’s notice before symptoms appear. The data gathered will be used to suggest modifications in lifestyle to prevent severe health problems from happening. For example, if you wear an Apple Watch, there’s a feature that signals users to stand and walk around for a minute if they have been sitting or lying down for too long. You may also set your watch for a certain amount of time to exercise. You can set up notifications for every few hours each day.
If you have any symptoms that appear before a medical problem occurs, the artificial intelligence medic will alert paramedics and emergency contacts beforehand. Wearable sensors - also featured in hearing aids - make it possible to detect falls and abnormal heart rates, identify sounds, and track your fitness routine. Bio-sensors can aid in hearing, too. But nobody wants to walk around with a cap of electrodes connected to hearing aids and monitoring EEG signals so that it also picks up conversations. Future trends will dictate how hearing wearables will look and work. Be prepared for more significant changes on the horizon. Digital technology will work on a whole new level. Contact one of our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing for more information.  Some people are born with hearing loss, while others may experience it due to aging, exposure to loud noises, or a combination of both. Since many people now live longer, hearing loss is a common problem and trade-off to living a fulfilling life. So, here are three actions to take if you have hearing loss:
What happens at your appointment Four things will happen during your appointment. 1. You will complete the paperwork concerning your health history and do a hearing questionnaire. You may want to keep a daily record of observations to your hearing health and refer to it while filling out paperwork or answering questions during the appointment. 2. You will undergo an evaluation. The evaluation includes a visual inspection of your ears and a hearing test. 3. There will be a review of your audiogram--the graph that measures your specific hearing loss. 4. There will be a discussion of treatments and the next steps. This step includes a technology demonstration and a hearing aid recommendation if hearing aids are needed. The success of hearing aids Hearing aids can treat most hearing loss. They aid 90 to 95 percent of people with hearing problems. They will be fitted, programmed, and customized to your listening needs. The differences between hearing aids There are a large variety of sizes, styles, colors, and technology-induced kinds of hearing aids from which you can choose. Your hearing instrument specialist is your ally. You should pick a hearing instrument specialist you like and trust. You will need tips, advice, hearing aid maintenance checks, and tune-ups. They are available to answer any questions you may have regarding the devices. Get in touch with one of our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing.  Hearing loss is a prevalent health concern for about 466 million people, making it the most common chronic physical condition worldwide.
It is impossible to restore hearing loss, but hearing aids can help patients better manage their loss. 6 Tips to Prevent Hearing Loss from Getting Worse 1. Stay away from Loud Areas One of the most preventable forms of hearing loss is exposure to dangerous noise levels. About 70 decibels or higher can harm your hearing if the exposure lasts for an extended period. Anything over 120 dB can immediately harm your hearing. Temporary or permanent hearing loss may occur. If you can, stay away from loud areas or wear hearing protection. 2. Hearing Protection It’s not always possible to avoid noise exposure. If it’s part of your job, or if you live in a loud bustling city, it’s a good idea to wear earplugs or earmuffs when you know you will be around loud noises. Make sure they properly and comfortably fit in your ear canals so that they will seal off any noise. A good way to know whether an area is too loud is if you need to shout for someone nearby to hear you, or you can download a decibel meter app. 3. Take care of Earwax Build Up. Excess earwax (cerumen) can build up in the ear and worsen hearing. Earwax is supposed to fall out on its own, but in some instances, it can clog up the ear. Do not insert anything, like a cotton swab, into your ears. That will push the earwax deeper into the canals and make it worse. Instead, you can soften the wax with warm water and a washcloth, as long as your eardrums aren’t perforated. 4. Don’t Take Ototoxic Drugs Some medications, such as cancer treatments, can be ototoxic - they can damage the inner ear. They can cause hearing loss or make existing hearing problems worse. You may want to refrain from taking the medication or ask your healthcare provider about the risks and alternative treatments to reduce potential harm to your hearing health. 5. Take care of Your Hearing Health and Overall Health. Poor heart health, kidney health, diabetes, dementia, or other health concerns can result in hearing loss. Focusing on your overall well-being - like a good diet, exercise, and a healthy social life - is essential for your health and hearing health. Getting a hearing test regularly can help catch any early loss and slow down further decline by intervening with appropriate treatment options. This may include a change in your diet and exercise routines, or receiving hearing aids. 6. Digital Hearing Aids Modern technology is very helpful in managing hearing loss. Hearing instrument specialists like our providers from Pure Sound will patiently work with you to customize your hearing aid needs. Services for proper fittings, programming, and cleanings can be arranged through your hearing instrument specialists. Get in touch with us to schedule your free hearing test and consultation.  Information on Hearing Loops added to Google Maps
Recently, Google Maps has started to add information on hearing loop accessibility on its website. Having a nationwide database of looped venues has been sought after for hearing loop supporters. Get in the Hearing Loop Committee (GITHL) of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and Google Maps, is the newest precedent that raises awareness and accessibility of hearing loops in public spaces. Hearing loops are comprised of a thin copper wire unobtrusively installed to surround the room/area and connect via an amplifier to the room’s public address (PA) system. The amplifier transmits the sound from the PA system to the loop wire. The loop wire will then transmit a silent electromagnetic signal to the hearing aid receivers (telecoils or t-coils). These telecoils are built into most digital hearing aids. The hearing aids convert the signal back into sound and, while the microphones in the hearing aids are switched off, the user hears most of the sound from the PA with limited background noise. This makes it easier to hear what is being broadcasted over the PA system. Even though proper volume levels are necessary, it’s essential to understand that clarity in speech is much more important than volume. Hearing Loops in Public Spaces The U.S. has incorporated hearing loops in theaters, places of worship, and other public places where people with hearing loss are bound to face challenges. Thousands of venues that provide access to hearing loops have been listed through the leadership of the GITHL committee and Google Maps. This process is still in the works. To find out whether a specific venue offers hearing loop communication access: 1. Go to maps.google.com. 2. Search for the name of a venue. The map will reload and display the venue on a street map. 3. A box will include information like the street address, phone number, hours of operation, etc. There will be a space underneath a row of blue circular icons that has a short description of the venue and a “more arrow” like this >. Press on the > arrow and “Assistive hearing loop” should show up if it is known to be available at the venue. Other accessibility information will be posted in this area, like wheelchair access or other accommodations. When viewing this on your smartphone or tablet, you can find the information on Google Maps by selecting “About”. This project will continue growing and the GITHL committee will work to find and verify hearing loop installations throughout the country. The public can participate in the listings in order to help uphold their integrity. Each venue listed through Google Maps has a “suggest an edit” or “update this place” prompt. There are additional links to add photos or leave a review. If it is mentioned that a loop system is missing at a venue that has stated their venue is looped, users may inform the GITHL committee at loop.locations@hearingloss.org. Those who install loops or others who set up hearing loss can suggest additions or revisions of listings on Google Maps by visiting this HLAA site and filling out the form. If you are a hearing aid user who has trouble hearing in public venues, get your hearing aids checked by a provider from Pure Sound Hearing.  There is a gene that causes deafness in nearly 100 different breeds of dogs. When dogs become deaf, like humans, it can happen slowly over time or suddenly. The deafness depends on the cause of hearing loss. Some pet owners may think that their furry companion is just being disobedient when the animal is actually hard of hearing.
The primary sign of deafness in dogs is not responding to commands or other noises they usually react to, such as noisy toys, or doorbells. Dogs that have hearing loss also tend to bark excessively. A Hearing Loss Diagnosis in Pets If you notice a change in your dog’s behavior, seek help from a veterinarian. This can help confirm the hearing loss and seek treatment. Check your dog’s ears for any obstructions, and record any symptoms that you notice so that they can be discussed at their next appointment at the vet’s office. 5 Possible Causes of Hearing Loss in Dogs
Check out our article: Can Dogs Wear Hearing Aids? Taking Care of a Dog with Hearing Loss If you notice signs of hearing loss in dogs, this doesn’t always mean that their quality of life is worse. It’s crucial to find a way to maneuver pet care in a conducive manner. Your dog may need to be retrained with non-verbal commands. Begin by figuring out the best way to gain your dog’s attention by stomping your feet or rapping your hand on a hard surface when entering a room they are in. Be patient with your dog when using these new techniques. It’s going to take time for them to learn these new commands and adapt. Positive reinforcement and consistency are essential. If you are a human with hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers. It’s normal for your hearing aids to get clogged with earwax after wearing them for an extensive amount of time.
Earwax, or cerumen, is crucial for ear health. It’s a natural, protective coating for the skin inside your ear canals. It traps bacteria and debris while keeping the ears lubricated so that your ears don’t get itchy and dry. If you produce too much earwax, it can get impacted and obstruct your ear canals and hearing aids. The sounds you hear may become distorted. If earwax is causing problems with your hearing aids, here’s some advice on cleaning out the wax from your devices. 1. Use a Hearing Aid Cleaning Kit Your hearing instrument specialist should offer cleaning kits when you purchase hearing aids. If they don’t provide a cleaning kit, you can stop by one of our Pure Sound Hearing offices and buy one. The kits include a soft cloth, a brush, a wax pick/wire loop, and a wax guard tool. You may also purchase professional-grade cleaning wipes. Do not use alcohol or alcohol wipes to clean your hearing aids or any electronics, as they can damage the devices. 2. Examine Your Hearing Aids Before cleaning the devices, look at your hearing aids to see what areas need polishing. You should be able to pinpoint the grimy spots where earwax, dust, and other debris have built up. To remove it, carefully use the soft, dry cloth or a brush tool from your hearing aid provider to brush it off. If earwax cannot be removed, use the wax pick/wire loop. 3. Filters and Wax Guards Most standard hearing aids feature a filter or wax guard. The user can remove and replace these without trouble. Depending on how much earwax you produce, you should change them regularly. Examine these areas each day and replace them as necessary. 4. Earmolds and Sound Bores Sounds get collected to your ears through earmolds (the part that rests in the ear canals) or sound bores (avenues through the earmold where sound is received from the hearing aid and transmitted to the ear canal). These sections need to be regularly checked. If there’s earwax on it, use the brush or wax pick/wire loop to clear it off. 5. Clean the Tubing Earwax can clog the tubing in behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. If there’s earwax in the tubing, use an air blower or small flexible wire to dislodge it. If you are experiencing any problems with your hearing aids or need help cleaning them, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing. We recommend getting a professional hearing aid cleaning at least every six months or less.  When you’ve scheduled your hearing fitting, you might want to prepare yourself for what will happen during your appointment. A proper fitting is more than just receiving the right hearing aids.
What to Expect After the hearing instrument specialist (HIS) presents you with options for hearing aids, the next step is selecting which pair to try out during your fitting appointment. This session will help determine comfort and compatibility in different situations. You will also learn about various features, how your hearing aids function, and maintenance practices. There will be a discussion about your lifestyle and hearing needs. How to Prepare Yourself There aren’t any specific things to do to prepare for your appointment, but you can alleviate any concerns you may have by learning about hearing aids. Understanding a little bit about the devices will make you feel less anxious. Ask your HIS about the devices before settling on your hearing aids. Be prepared to receive a tutorial from your provider when you have your follow-up appointment. Do Your Hearing Aids Hurt while being Worn? Some people give up on wearing hearing aids because the devices hurt their ears. Hearing aids should not cause pain when inserted in your ear canals. If they feel uncomfortable, your provider should readjust the size of your domes or create a new hearing aid mold until they feel comfortable. During the fitting session, you and your HIS will discuss which hearing aid style you prefer and how they will help with your listening needs. Aftercare Services After being fitted for hearing aids, you will need to revisit your HIS. Your provider may need to recalibrate your hearing aids so that you are getting the most out of them. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the devices if you have any problems. Are you, or someone you know, looking for new hearing aids? Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our specialists.  Have you noticed after a few months, or maybe a year since you started using your hearing aids that they don’t work as well as they did after you fully adapted to them? Maybe sounds were pretty clear in most situations, but that might not be the case anymore.
We’ll go over some of the most common reasons why your hearing aids are beginning to lose their high performance and quality of sound. 1. Earwax Build-up Your hearing aids may be working fine, and it may actually be your ears that are the problem. Impacted earwax that builds up can block the ear canals, making it harder to hear. If your hearing aids make a whistling sound, that can be another clue that there’s too much earwax build-up. A professional ear cleaning can be performed, or you can carefully remove it on your own. 2. There’s a Problem with the Batteries or the Charger Digital hearing aids are intricate devices. Just like any piece of electronic technology, they need battery power. There are rechargeable batteries and disposable batteries available for hearing aids. One of the most common issues with chargers is that they may not come in direct contact with the charging device. As a result, the hearing aids may not be charged at all, they will die off earlier than expected, or they will only work intermittently. This is common when the hearing aids are 3-4 years old. If you plan to purchase hearing aids, think about getting contactless rechargeable devices that function based on induction. The latest generation of rechargeable hearing aids does not have electrodes but uses induction to charge the battery. If you’re experiencing problems with your hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing. Our hearing instrument specialists will help you with a solution. 3. Blockage in the Receiver Path Sounds that are harnessed by the hearing aids will travel through the thin tubes (behind-the-ear model) or a wire (receiver-in-ear model) to the ear canal. At the end of the wire, there’s a receiver made of a silicon dome or a customized earmold. Each of them can be obstructed with earwax. The result is weak or no output. The BTE models can be fixed by detaching the thin tube and checking if the hearing aids can still make any sound. If it did, there’s a good chance that the thin tube just needs to be cleaned or replaced. Look closely and check for any earwax that is stuck in the thin tube or tip of the receiver by the wax guard. Use cleaning wipes or a soft cloth to wipe off the tube or replace the wax guards. Contact or stop by one of our Pure Sound Hearing offices for help, if necessary. 4. Blocked Microphones Every hearing aid features tiny grooves where sounds reach the microphones. This slot could be compacted with dirt and debris. The small cleaning brush that you’ll receive with your hearing aids should be used to sweep over the outer part of the microphones at least once a week, or more often if you produce a lot of earwax so that the entryway for the sound is unobstructed. Sound will not be able to travel through the hearing aids if they aren’t properly cleaned. A deep cleaning done by a professional should take place every six months, or less, depending on how dirty your hearing aids get. The microphones should be cleaned daily or weekly by the hearing aid user. 5. Your Hearing has Worsened Hearing naturally deteriorates as we age. Antibiotics, cancer treatments (particularly chemotherapy), gout, and high blood pressure can speed up and create a weakened auditory system. You should get your hearing tested annually, especially if you are a hearing aid user. Monitor any gradual or sudden changes. Keep a hearing journal if necessary. If your hearing aids worked fine, but then you noticed over 12-18 months that they no longer sound as clear as before, you may need a hearing re-test. Your hearing instrument specialist should reprogram or re-adjust the hearing aids according to your new test results. 6. Technology Malfunction Like all electronics, hearing aids may unexpectedly malfunction. Some common problems include:
Malfunctions in hearing aids usually only occur in one hearing aid. Luckily, the majority of hearing aid providers give patients a long-term warranty on the devices. Get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for troubleshooting or any other repairable problems. 7. Moisture Build-up in the Tubes If you produce a lot of sweat, your hearing aid tubes probably tend to get obstructed with condensation. You can usually see the moisture build-up in the tubes. Based on how much condensation builds up in the tubes, there are multiple solutions. You can place the moistened hearing aids in a special dryer or dehumidifier case overnight. They should be dried out by the next morning. If you sweat profusely and your hearing aids need to constantly be dried throughout the day, get in touch with one of our hearing aid providers at Pure Sound. You may need to get the earmold re-sized or re-shaped. A larger vent size (may acoustically) might be better for air circulation in the ear canal, decreasing moisture build-up. If you need help with your hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment.  Why are my Hearing Aids making a Static Noise?
Hearing aids can be useful to the user, as long as they are functioning properly. Daily cleanings that are done at home or professionally, along with proper maintenance are crucial in getting the most out of your hearing aids. If you, or others around you, start to hear static noise emanating from your hearing aids, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your hearing instrument specialist. Hearing aids will digitally reproduce or amplify sound, but in some cases, static noises are created, and others can hear them. This can make you feel uncomfortable while wearing your hearing aids. What is Static Noise? Frequencies of electromagnetic or thermal sound make up static noise, and sometimes that noise is recognized by hearing aids. If you hear this noise, it doesn’t always mean that your hearing aids need to be repaired. It might indicate that they are harnessing external noises in specific frequencies. Most homes have appliances - such as radios and Wi-Fi routers - that can generate static noise. If the static noise persists, even if you go into another room or leave your home, you may want to take a closer inspection. Battery Lifespan The batteries are one of the simplest things to check to pinpoint the source of static noise. Make sure to clear out the battery compartment in your hearing aids of dust, and switch out the old batteries with fresh ones. Protection from Moisture Just like any electronic, hearing aids should be shielded from anything that can cause dampness. Be cautious if you are near any body of water, get caught in the rain, closely pass by a waterfall, or tend to sweat profusely when outdoors or during a work-out. Static noise can occur if any moisture gets into your hearing aid. If they do become moist, remove the batteries if the devices use disposable batteries and let them dry out for a few hours or overnight. You may purchase a hearing aid dry kit to place them in. Or you can even submerge them in a container of dry, uncooked rice or desiccant packs. Brushing up Against Clothing If you wear a hat or scarf over your ears, the fabrics can meddle with the sound waves or possibly press up against your hearing aids. This can also cause feedback noise. Try to readjust or remove your hat or scarf and notice whether this resolves the issue. Are Sounds Too High? Did you forget to adjust your hearing aid’s volume when you went from a busy environment to a quiet and calmer one? If you frequently need to change the volume on your hearing aids, visit your hearing instrument specialist for an adjustment. Impacted Earwax If there’s too much earwax that is impacted inside your ears, this can tamper with your hearing aids and create static noise, or any undesirable noise. Your ears should be gently cleaned with a warm, wet cloth while bathing or showering. You should clean your hearing aids each day by using a soft cloth or a cleaning brush/loop and get a thorough cleaning from a professional every six months or less. Noises from Your Environment Maybe your hearing aids are fine, and the noises that you hear are coming from your environment. Ask others around you if they can also hear static noises. Normal sounds that come from a refrigerator humming or a fluorescent light may be producing static noise. Is there a Problem with Your Hearing Aids? The hearing aid itself may have an issue. Regular check-ups for your hearing health and hearing aid devices should be scheduled. Repairs can be made to your hearing aids in your provider’s office or they can be sent to the manufacturer, but if the problem persists, you may need new hearing aids altogether. If you’ve ruled out the common and easy-to-fix problems, and need professional assistance, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing.  Batteries are the life force behind hearing aids, and they aren’t usually discussed in depth. For any hearing aid user, batteries can hinder the use of their devices due to the cost of replacing them.
You can decide to replenish your batteries on a schedule or pick up a pack whenever you need them. Your hearing aids should alert you with a series of beeps, or a message sent through your phone when your battery starts running low. Research conducted by the Aural Rehabilitation Lab at the University of Connecticut teamed up with the battery industry to find out what hearing aid users do when their batteries are depleted. A qualitative study was used to learn straight from the hearing aid users. One-on-one interviews allowed researchers to refer to hearing aid users as the experts on this topic. Common trends based on responses from people with hearing loss were reviewed and established. Fourteen adult hearing aid users were interviewed about their experiences with hearing aid batteries and how they deal with switching out their batteries. Two trends that were revealed included problems that arose when changing batteries and techniques used to change batteries. Based on what participants said, each topic was examined deeper. The Problem with Battery Changes The participants in this study discussed their concerns about where it was appropriate to change their batteries, the sensory challenges that they faced, and the urgency for more information when it comes to batteries. Here’s a list of some of these challenges:
Waiting for the battery to completely deplete itself allowed participants to get the longest life possible out of them. An extensive life was crucial to participants because they deemed them more cost-effective. Strategies to Keep Hearing Aids Functioning with Batteries Here’s a list of strategies for keeping hearing aids functioning:
At Pure Sound, we offer not only discount batteries, but also discount hearing aids. If you are interested in a free hearing test and a free hearing aid trial, please contact us to schedule an appointment.  If you were told that you need hearing aids, here are some questions to ask your hearing instrument specialist before purchasing:
Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. If you have any additional questions, please let us know.  Did you know that the average healthy human ear can recognize frequencies ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hertz (Hz)? It can also tell the difference between sounds that are familiar and sounds that are new, which can warn you of potential danger and help you be more aware of your surroundings. This is an important sense to have when you’re out camping, hiking, or hunting. The ability to hear rustling bushes and trees, the sound of a twig snapping, or rushing waters isn’t just pleasant - it can be life-saving.
1. Protect Yourself by Being Aware of Your Surroundings Experienced hikers will inform you that you should be alert and on guard if the forest you walk through is too quiet. If birds and other animals are silent, it’s because they know a predator is in the area. Depending on where you live, keep an eye out for bears or mountain lions. DO NOT keep food in a space where you’ll be sleeping and hanging around. The large animals will initially look for that food. Being able to hear unusual noises in your environment can signal that there’s an animal in the bushes nearby. You will normally hear animals before you see them, or don’t see them at all. A sharp sense of hearing will act as a harbinger to keep you prepared for any dangerous encounters. 2. Camping and Hearing Aid Usage If you’re a new or long-time hearing aid user, you may be unsure about the best way to camp or backpack with your devices. Here are some tips to keep your hearing aids working while enjoying the great outdoors: Carry extra batteries or a portable charger Be prepared when traveling anywhere. Purchase extra batteries in case you need them, and store them in a cool, dry place when they are not being used. If you have rechargeable hearing aids, bring a portable charger so that you can recharge them without an electrical outlet. Keep your hearing aids dry Pack a cleaning cloth, dehumidifier, and a hat or headband to cover your ears if the weather is cold, wet, or windy. A Ziplock bag can be used to store these items. Keep your hearing aids cool Extreme temperatures, especially heat, can damage the wiring and other technology in your hearing aids. Remove them if you plan on sitting close to a smoldering campfire, do not place them in direct sunlight, and do not leave them in a hot car. Get your hearing aids checked Before going off on your outdoor adventure, make an appointment with your hearing aid provider. Inform them that you will be camping and might need your hearing aids re-programmed to hear the different environments you’ll be in. Make friends and family aware of your trip Whenever you plan to go into a secluded area, whether it’s alone or with at least one other person, always tell someone you know where you are going and when they should expect you to return. Do not wander away alone for any reason, especially if it’s dark out. 3. Hearing Safety and Hunting Outdoors When gun safety is discussed, protecting your hearing is a topic that doesn’t get covered. In addition to safe gun use and storage, it’s important to protect your ears from the deafening noise of gunshots. The sound from a single shot can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Since hunters need to be aware of their surroundings and hear their prey, choose hearing protection that muffles sounds, but also allows softer sounds in a forest environment to be heard. Custom earplugs are an excellent option. Talk to a hearing aid provider about getting a customized fitting for earplugs. If you, or a loved one, wear hearing aids and plan on spending an extensive amount of time outdoors, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing aid tune-up, professional cleaning, or supplies. |
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed