 It can feel scary and isolating when you lose your hearing. The subject isn’t always easy to broach. You may feel self-conscious about your hearing loss, or even from wearing hearing aids.
You can feel less alone knowing that people who have hearing problems are more common than you’d think. If you think that you are losing your hearing, here are three steps you can take to guide your way toward a healthy hearing journey. Do some research on Different Technology that’s Available You may think that hearing aids are big, ugly, clunky devices that sometimes make a squealing noise. That’s no longer the case today. Modern hearing aids have a sleek design, and many are so discreet that they can’t be seen by the untrained eye. Schedule a Hearing Test In some cases, hearing loss won’t become a major issue if you seek immediate help. Get your hearing tested as soon as you begin to notice trouble with your hearing. They are free in most cases. A hearing test that is conducted by a professional can detect whether you have hearing loss, along with answers and suggestions on how to treat it. Discuss Your Hearing Loss with Family or Close Friends Hearing loss can lead to isolation, which can turn into depression. It can change the way you navigate through your day. It’s always a good idea to talk to family and friends so they can better understand what you are dealing with. You might even want to ask one of them to tag along with you to any hearing care appointments that you may have. If you have any concerns about the process or feel like you need to speak with someone who has similar experiences to your own, check out the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). Book an appointment for a complimentary hearing test and consultation at Pure Sound Hearing. We have offices located in Elizabethtown, Lititz, and Strasburg.
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 As we’ve mentioned before in this blog, hearing loss often coincides with social isolation, which can lead to anxiety and depression. As the winter season continues, this feeling becomes more and more apparent. If you need a little guidance and support for your mental health, here are some suggestions.
Appreciate the Good Things in Life Having gratitude towards what you have can improve happiness, mental health, overall health, and your well-being. It’s been shown that writing in a “gratitude journal” once or twice each week can create a better mindset for you. Simply reflect on one act or person that you are grateful for, and write about the details in your journal. You’ll start to focus on the positive things - instead of the negative things. Creating a log about it lets you truly cherish that positive emotion. Have a Workout Routine When you exercise, not only do you give your whole body a much-needed activity, but you are also releasing endorphins. This helps relieve stress, which significantly boosts your mood. If you normally don’t work out, try easing your way into it by doing simple things that increase your physical activity. If you can, take the stairs when walking from one building level to another. You could even do chores around your home that require you to walk to different rooms or floors. When/if it is safe, shovel snow and clean the exterior of your home. Limit your activities to 30 minutes each day. Before heading to a gym, working out from home, or going out for a walk, take a look at our article: Are You a Hearing Aid User with an Active Lifestyle? Here are some Tips for Keeping Your Hearing Aids and Hearing Health in Shape. Indulge Your Senses Your senses of smell, taste, touch, sight, and hearing are not just meant for practical use and safety. Maybe you enjoy hearing a certain song or piece of music. The smell of a nice scented candle, flowers, or cup of tea is always soothing. And the taste of your favorite foods can uplift you. In some cases, a stress ball might be helpful. Everyone has a unique way of satisfying their senses, so reexamine the things you enjoy. Practice Your Favorite Hobbies Relieve stress by immersing yourself in something that you love. You can just let go and focus on the things that you enjoy. Get a Pet Interacting with a pet can lower cortisol levels - the stress hormone - and boost oxytocin levels - the love hormone. It can reduce blood pressure and alleviate loneliness and depression. If you don’t have a pet you can volunteer to walk a friend’s dog, cat-sit for the cat-owner in your life, or volunteer at a local animal shelter. If you, or a loved one, are noticing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Maybe you know a thing or two about what it’s like to have hearing loss, but here are 16 facts that you may not know about.
If you or a loved one are noticing hearing loss, get your hearing checked immediately. A hearing test and proper treatment can help save hearing loss or slow it down from getting worse. Get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Do have hearing loss and experienced the frustrations of communicating with people at a hospital? Here are some tips for managing your hearing loss during a hospital visit.
Hearing loss can be equally as important to address as the healthcare emergency that landed you in the hospital. Not being able to completely understand the medical professionals who are taking care of you can be just as scary as your health emergency. Hospitals can be busy and noisy. People rush in, there are loud machines or announcements over the intercoms, and all sorts of people - from personnel to other patients and their loved ones - are around you and talking all at once. From masked staff members to healthcare workers with unfamiliar accents, it can be overwhelming. It’s important not to guess or tell people who are helping you that you understand what they are saying when you don’t. An incorrect response could put your entire health at risk. A lot of people, particularly the older population, go to the hospital without hearing aids. Many people with hearing loss don’t even have hearing aids due to financial reasons, or denial about their hearing loss. When you are in a noisy and busy environment, like a hospital, your hearing loss can lead to more problems. People who have Hearing Loss are More Prone to Hospitalizations Approximately 40 million adults in the U.S. have some range of hearing loss and are more likely to require hospital care. According to research from Johns Hopkins, of these 40 million adults, untreated hearing loss has a 17 percent higher risk of visits to the emergency room. They are also more likely to stay in the hospital, spend more days in the hospital, and have a 44 percent risk of being readmitted within 30 days. Practices the Hospitals can Implement Hospitals can help patients with hearing loss by:
Make sure to Advocate for Yourself, or Get Help from a Loved One Let staff, personnel, and other medical professionals know that you have hearing loss. If necessary, caregivers may need to take on this role. It is very important that you speak up about your hearing loss, and ask for accommodations. Hearing loss is an invisible disability. On rare occasions, patients have been sent to the “behavioral health” unit where individuals with mental health issues go after misunderstanding or mishearing a question, or even misspeaking. Wearing Hearing Aids in the Hospital Even though it is recommended to wear hearing aids from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, some people leave them at home because they are afraid of losing them. If you decided to do this, alert the hospital staff about your hearing loss. Ask for a hearing amplifier. Plan ahead of time and practice using captioning apps. Otter is a great choice. With this app, conversations can be transcribed in real-time on your smartphone. For legal reasons, hospitals cannot provide this for you, but you may use it yourself. If you choose to bring your hearing aids, and they need to be recharged, bring your charger along. The hospital that you go to might be able to track down a charger for you. Remember to carry extra batteries. You can always ask staff members if they have hearing aid batteries available for you. Hearing is Important to make Proper Medical Decisions Making medical decisions can happen at any stage during your hospital visit, especially if you arrived for an emergency. Whether you can hear or have trouble with hearing, it can be difficult to understand complicated or unfamiliar medical terms/procedures. Whenever possible, have a friend or family member with good hearing and concentration involved in your decision. You may also use a transcriber on your phone. Make sure it’s accurate, and get help from the medical staff to verify its accuracy. If you find it too distracting to listen and watch at the same time, record the conversation and read the transcript at a later time. Remind doctors, nurses, and other staff members that you are hard of hearing and ask them to speak up or repeat themselves when necessary. What if Your loved one won’t Admit They Have Hearing Loss? You cannot assume medical staff members will notice that your loved one has hearing loss. On average, only about half of the staff employees will be able to recognize this. Make sure that you inform staff members during the initial admittance and when seeing new medical staff members that your loved one has difficulty with hearing. This is especially important in hospice care and nursing homes. If you or a loved one, experiences hearing loss and want an easier experience interacting with medical staff, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing. We offer assistive listening devices that can help make your emergency visits pan out better, or we can show you how to use transcription apps.  If this is the year you plan to travel, take a much-needed vacation, or have a long-awaited family reunion, you’ll want to cherish those moments by being able to hear as best as you can.
A few ways that you can prepare for this are by receiving a hearing test, a new hearing aid upgrade, a professional hearing aid cleaning, or maybe a repair. After extensive periods of isolation and communication with masks, you’re probably anticipating a reconnection with loved ones through conversations, laughter, and the simple joy of each other’s company in person. Our hearing instrument specialists are ready to help you with the professional care that you deserve.  If you currently experience hearing loss, protect your hearing from getting worse and discover what helps you hear better.
How to Stop Your Hearing from getting Worse Medication and surgery are not treatment options for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Hair cells that are damaged cause permanent hearing loss, so it’s very important to protect your hearing. If you experience hearing loss, here are some tips to stop or slow down the additional loss.
Consider a Device to Help You Hear Hearing Aids
Assistive Listening Devices (ALD)
If you or a loved one notices a change in hearing abilities, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Two National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) publications have recommendations on the best practices in preventing hearing loss. The first is Criteria For a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure and the other is Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss – A Practical Guide.
In 1983, a hearing conservation program was required to be implemented if a worker’s noise exposure was equivalent to or greater than an 8 hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 dBA. The NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) for job-related noise exposure (85 dBA, decibels A-weighted, as an 8-hour time-weighted average). An updated risk assessment reconfirms this level and time of exposure for 85-dBA REL. In regards to hearing protection, NIOSH noted that the noise reduction rating (NRR), a single-number according to a laboratory-approved rating, that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires to be displayed on labels of every form of hearing protection that is sold in the U.S. is insufficient. NIOSH recommends calculating the noise exposure to the person who uses hearing protection in a work environment. The NRR should be derated by subtracting from the NRR 25%, 50%, and 70% for industrial-strength earmuffs, formable earplugs, and all other styles of earplugs. A Guide to Preventing Hearing Loss on the Job NIOSH published Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss - A Practical Guide in 1996. Practical modifications can be made as followed:
The most successful programs for hearing loss prevention all feature the following eight elements:
Learn about accommodations that can be made by your employer, so that you and your company get the most out of your workspace. If you are noticing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation from one of our hearing aid providers.  Exercise is an important part of maintaining your overall health. If you’re a hearing aid user who practices physical exercises regularly, it’s advised that you wear your devices during workout sessions.
3 Reasons why Hearing Aids should be used during Exercise Routines
Be prepared by bringing Hearing Aid Gear during Workouts To get the most out of your workout, reduce distractions and feel confident while wearing your hearing aids by being prepared. Here’s a suggestion of supplies you should keep with you.
How to take care of Your Hearing Aids after Your Workout If you frequently work out, be cautious about wear and tear. This will help your hearing aids last longer, after each workout session.
Keep up an Active Lifestyle According to the Hear the World Foundation, 70 percent of hearing aid users have said that they wear their hearing aids while participating in sports and did not experience any problems. About 37 percent of users said they enjoy participating in sports more when wearing them. So if you aren’t already wearing hearing aids while playing sports, try it out. Be aware of Dangerous Noise Levels in the Gym Gyms are well-known for blasting music too loudly during workout sessions. This can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus. If you lift very heavy weights, while holding your breath, this can also cause hearing loss and tinnitus. It’s important to protect your ears from lesser-known risks to hearing health. Special settings can be programmed into your hearing aids for all sorts of environments, like gyms. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing and talk to one of our hearing instrument specialists about programming a customized setting in your hearing aids before your next visit to the gym, or workout session from home.  Hearing loss can happen to anyone, and be caused by anything. Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid it. You can reduce those chances by being aware of possible symptoms. The obvious factors, like a loud blast or repeated exposure to intense noises, are obvious causes of hearing loss, but one lesser-known cause is weight gain.
The holidays have ended, and you may have noticed some weight gain after eating all of those delicious foods. How Obesity Impacts Hearing Health Obesity can be a heated topic for many people, but some things are undeniable about it: cholesterol that builds in the arteries can lead to blood clots and inhibit proper blood flow. Like every functioning organ in the body, blood flow is needed to make sure that your ears function properly. Bad cholesterol levels that obstruct your arteries cause strain, and as a result, your ear health can be permanently damaged. Obesity is not a direct cause of hearing problems, but there is a higher risk of experiencing hearing loss due to other health factors and obesity can worsen these issues. What Changes Can You Make to Lower Your Risks? You can avoid hearing loss by:
You can have high cholesterol whether you are obese or not, so it’s still important to monitor your diet. If you, or a loved one, are noticing hearing loss contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Did you know that three out of five older Americans who experience hearing loss do not wear hearing aids? Six out of seven middle-aged Americans who have hearing loss, also do not wear hearing aids.
Why Should You Take Action if You Experience Hearing Loss? As you may already know, hearing loss is very common, and the chances of having it greatly increase as we age. Unfortunately, most people with hearing impairment do nothing about it. It could be due to social stigma, or simply being in denial. There are negative consequences to untreated hearing loss including higher rates of cognitive decline, dementia, social isolation - which leads to depression, and a decrease in wages due to the inability to perform efficiently at your job. If you have hearing loss, the last two years have probably highlighted the difficulties you have with communicating, staying connected to others, remaining informed, and having control over your overall well-being. Modern hearing aid technology can help with social isolation, reduce cognitive decline, and help you perform better at your job. It also helps to increase your health and safety when you are out in different environments, especially areas that you don’t regularly go to. If you or a loved one are noticing a decline in the ability to hear, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. Our hearing instrument specialists will patiently work with you to find the right solutions for you or your loved one.  It’s very difficult to escape from noises that we encounter on a day-to-day basis. Kids and teens have a lower hearing threshold than the average adult, making them more vulnerable to hearing loss.
They are often placed in noisy settings like a loud band room, or they are constantly listening to loud music, media, or video games with their headphones. Toys that make too much noise can also be dangerous. According to the CDC, about 14.9% of children between the ages of 6 and 19 have some range of hearing loss. Parents should be more aware of this. Dangerous noises that we often come across include:
The closer you are to the source of the sound, the louder it will be. Under these conditions, children are at higher risk of hearing loss. Spending one evening to see fireworks up close could instantly lead to hearing loss. Their daily environment at school can be too noisy, from bells ringing to loud chatter in a crowded hallway. Hearing Protection One of the main causes of hearing loss in children is dangerous listening habits. Children and teens generally listen to music, watch videos, or play games with earbuds resting snugly in their ears while the volume is turned up. For teens who are traveling to and from school, they tend to blast the volume to cut out the background noise. Even though that usually works, the risks of hearing loss become higher. The maximum volume level on personal listening devices can reach up to 100 decibels (dB). This is the same volume as an extremely loud leaf blower. It’s dangerous for anyone, especially kids to listen to loud music that’s blaring directly into their ears. Protect Your Child’s Hearing Health Talk to your children, or grandchildren about noise levels. Make them aware of the damage that can happen to their hearing. Rules need to be set for a safe listening routine. Volume levels should be kept at 60 dB or lower for babies, 82 dB or lower for children, 70-85 dB for teens.
If your children don’t take you seriously, find real accounts of people living with hearing loss and show them how difficult it can sometimes be to navigate through life with it. If you, your child, or grandchild experience hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  It’s that time of the year when family and friends are gathering together for the holidays. If you experience hearing loss, it can feel frustrating to communicate with others.
What can you do to Communicate Better? If you believe that you may have hearing loss, schedule a hearing test immediately. Whether it’s mild or severe, a hearing test can determine whether you need additional treatment. If you do have hearing loss, your hearing instrument specialist can give proper recommendations for hearing aids. They will go over your lifestyle, goals, and budget and fit you with the appropriate devices. Do You Struggle to Hear in a Busy/Crowded Environment? Wearing hearing aids is helpful, but here are some extra tips to help with communication.
Selecting the Proper Devices Everyone’s hearing loss is different. What works for one person may not work for you. Choosing a hearing aid that focuses on speech and helps block out background noise may be helpful for most people with hearing loss. Many hearing aids feature advanced technology including Bluetooth®-connection to your smartphone and other devices, apps, customized programs, algorithms with noise reduction, remote microphones, and multi-directional microphones. Give the gift of hearing and communication by contacting us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid professionals.  It’s that time of year when many people are traveling by plane to visit loved ones. Not only should you, as passengers, be aware of potential hearing hazards, but employees at airports should also be aware of dangerous noise levels.
In the U.S., one of the most prevalent injuries that happen while working is occupational hearing loss. There are numerous noises that workers come in contact with when they are coordinating flights. Noise Sources on Aircrafts
CDC Recommendations for Noise Levels in Work Environments
The Unknown Correlations between Aircraft Noise and Hearing Loss
What Should You Do to Protect Your Hearing Health on an Aircraft?
If you or a loved one experiences hearing loss due to a job environment or any other reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  We’ve discussed the effects of caffeine on hearing health in this blog.
Caffeine itself doesn’t appear to have any negative impact on hearing health. But it’s the lack of sleep that caffeine causes which can negatively impact your hearing health, and overall health. Your safest bet is to drink it early in the morning and never after noontime or later. What is Caffeine? Caffeine is a stimulant that is naturally found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans. It’s also added to many energy drinks, common cold and allergy medications, and pain relievers. It helps to stimulate your central nervous system, which helps with blood circulation and the ability to concentrate. It also helps us stay alert after a poor night’s rest. Some studies have even suggested that caffeine might lower the risks of certain types of cancer (liver, mouth, and throat), along with type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. The impact of Caffeine on Hearing Health Overall, the average consumption of caffeine (2 cups per day, or less) does not have a serious long-term influence on your hearing health. Blood vessels do become constricted and there is a change in blood pressure levels when caffeine is consumed. Remember, healthy blood flow is important for your hearing health and your overall health. A South Korean study determined there was no connection. They actually found that their test subjects who drank coffee had lower rates of hearing loss compared to those who did not drink coffee. Caffeine has been shown to possibly exacerbate temporary hearing loss after noise exposure. Have you ever left a very noisy environment and noticed your hearing abilities were different or muffled? You probably experienced something called, temporary threshold shift (TTS). This indicates that the hair cells found in your inner ears have been exhausted. Remember listening fatigue? Under normal circumstances, your hearing should return to normal in a few days, or sooner. Cutting down, or completely cutting out caffeine until your hearing goes back to normal may help. Cancer patients should be careful. If you, or a loved one, are a cancer patient who takes the drug cisplatin, be careful about taking it with caffeine. Cisplatin can cause hearing loss and tinnitus in chemotherapy patients. This is known as cisplatin-induced hearing loss. A study from 2019 showed lab rats that were given caffeine raised the risks of hearing loss. The researchers concluded that there was a possible drug interaction between caffeine and cisplatin for ototoxicity. They suggested that cancer patients should be careful with their caffeine consumption when taking cisplatin. Caffeine consumption and Tinnitus According to research, there’s no need to completely stop consuming caffeine if you experience tinnitus. Some patients with tinnitus have reported improvement in their symptoms when they cut down on their caffeine consumption. Official research has not shown that cutting back will lower tinnitus symptoms. One study found lower rates of tinnitus for women who consumed a lot of coffee. A similar study found that completely abstaining from caffeine was not an effective method of treating tinnitus. The symptoms of withdrawal from caffeine may actually induce distress. Ménière's disease and its association with Caffeine Anyone who has Ménière's disease may have been advised to reduce their alcohol, caffeine, and sodium intake to reduce their symptoms. Changes in diet can be beneficial for some people, particularly low sodium diets. There’s still little proof on this subject, especially for caffeine and alcohol consumption. There is some evidence that caffeine and alcohol consumption can lead to constricted blood vessels - known as vasoconstriction. When the blood vessels become constricted, the blood flow to the ear reduces, which can worsen symptoms. A change in diet is the easier and cheaper option. But the evidence is not overwhelming. Yes, a simple change in diet is helpful but also getting more effective treatments, like using hearing aids, can reduce the progressive impact of hearing loss. So remember, if you enjoy coffee, soda, or energy drinks and are in a healthy state, the latest research suggests that you don’t have to stop consuming them (perhaps a limit on them can be beneficial). You can monitor your hearing health and overall health when consuming caffeine and see how you feel when reducing your caffeine intake. Again, only drink it in the morning and not in the afternoon or evening. This will make it very difficult to fall asleep and have a restful night, which can affect your hearing health. If you or a loved one experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, or Ménière's disease, please get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test and consultation.  Think about the sound of birds chirping, the siren alarms from an emergency vehicle, listening to a funny joke (and hopefully the laughter that follows), or your favorite music.
These are the sounds that make us aware of our surroundings and allow us to enjoy simple pleasures in life. The ability to hear is important. Here are five tips for better hearing. 1. Recognize the signs. According to the World Health Organization, over 466 million children and adults across the globe have a debilitating form of hearing impairment. Nearly every type of hearing loss can be treated. First, it’s important to recognize the signs. Do you hear muffled sounds when others speak? Do you have trouble hearing someone over the phone or if you’re in a crowded area and someone is standing/sitting within arms-length of you? Is it difficult to hear women or children’s voices? Do family members complain that your TV, movie, or music is too loud? Family members will usually recognize hearing loss in their loved ones first. If you are experiencing any of these signs, get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. 2. Reduce your exposure to noise. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the only preventable form of hearing loss. It impacts people of all ages, and it’s on the rise as one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Whether you are at a concert, watching fireworks, using power tools/vacuum cleaners, or working in a construction zone, limit your time in those loud environments when possible and wear proper hearing protection. 3. Do not use cotton swabs. It’s common to insert cotton swabs into your ear, but it is dangerous. Pushing the swab too far can damage your eardrum. If you are using them to clean, here’s news for you: the swabs are actually pushing earwax (cerumen) further into your ear canal, which can cause the earwax to become impacted. Remove excess cerumen by rubbing a soft, warm cloth on your ears after showering or soften the wax with drops of warm olive oil, water, or over-the-counter ear drops. These should only be used if you don’t have a perforated eardrum. 4. Follow a healthy diet with regular exercise. A proper diet is not only beneficial for your hearing, but also for your overall health. Fruits, vegetables, and legumes that are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and minerals like folate, magnesium, and zinc should be incorporated into your diet. 5. Get your hearing tested annually. Hearing tests are rarely conducted during routine physical exams with your primary care doctor. Other pressing matters tend to take up more time during your appointment. If your hearing health is an urgent concern, you may be referred to a hearing healthcare professional. At Pure Sound Hearing, we offer free hearing tests and consultations. Contact us today.  The negative parts of hearing loss are obvious: You can’t hear well, or at all. This can lead to miscommunication and frustration in your daily life.
There can be a positive side to this.
These are only a few of the “benefits” of hearing loss. Think about the positive things that have happened to you since you experienced hearing loss. If you’re struggling with hearing loss, remember that acceptance is key. Learn how to navigate your way through this by reading more information from our blogs, and joining a support group - there are several online resources. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and need a hearing test, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Today’s hearing aids feature advanced technology, that does a better job at processing sound. Bluetooth® connectivity is featured in every modern hearing aid, allowing users to stream phone calls, music, TV, movies, etc.
The People Who Need Them are not Purchasing Them According to hearing aid industry surveys, just 34% of Americans who need a hearing aid actually wear them. In the UK this applies to 41% of the population who need a hearing aid. This can be easily solved by providing access to this technology. Of those who are aware of their hearing loss, and have not sought treatment:
Of those who do not wear hearing aids, but have been recommended hearing aids by a professional:
There is Value in keeping a Healthy Functioning Mind, Body, and Spirit The value that hearing aids provide should outweigh the cost. Hearing aids can help you become social again. Hearing on a regular basis helps with brain function. An active mind can help you improve your performance in school or at your job. Communication is important in every aspect of your life. This includes hearing and discussing important information with various healthcare professionals, colleagues, classmates, family, and friends. Isolation, which can lead to depression, is common among people with hearing loss that goes untreated. Hearing Aids are Almost like any other Type of Technology Face it, you know that you can’t live in our modern world without smartphones or computers. It’s how we communicate with one another. The same idea applies to hearing aids. If you have trouble hearing and do not have hearing aids or an assistive listening device, it’s extremely difficult to live your life. The average patient does not know how to set up their hearing aids, which is dangerous and renders the devices useless to them. They can over-amplify, which leads to worsened hearing health. A skilled hearing instrument specialist is trained to set up the software for your hearing aids. They can also help with proper fittings and programming for your specific hearing needs. If you are experiencing hearing loss, get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. We offer discount hearing aids, professional fittings, programming, assistive listening devices, hearing aid cleanings, hearing aid accessories, supplies, and professional advice for your hearing aid needs.  If you live in a bustling city or work in a loud industrial environment, you are well aware of how harmful ordinary noises can be. Long-term noise exposure can cause serious damage to your hearing health and may lead to permanent hearing loss. In addition to these noises, alarms for company fire drills - or even a smoke detector in your own home - can increase that potential harm.
The Average Noise Levels of a Fire Alarm System Fire alarms and smoke detectors identify possible dangers and alert anyone in the building about them. Most fire alarms give off audio and visual signals from a loud beeping noise to flashing strobe lights which warn people that there may be an emergency that needs your attention and action. In the U.S., most fire alarms can range from 65 decibels (dB) to 120 dB. The average smoke detector in your home usually reaches 85 dB. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reported that recurrent exposure to sounds that reach at least 70 dB can induce hearing loss. The distance between you and the sound source, along with the amount of time you are exposed to it will determine how harmful it is to your hearing. Other common noises that can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) include:
Why do some Alarms Sound off Louder than Others? Fire alarms vary in their loudness. It’s based on the fire alarm manufacturer and model, in addition to its intended purpose. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported the fire alarms that have been installed in public areas like offices, shops, and restaurants, should be at least 15 dB above the average sound level of the surrounding environment. The sounds of normal speaking voices in an office setting can reach between 50-60 dB. The fire alarms in those environments might only reach 75 dB or more, although a busy commercial kitchen or a large commercial space that has tall ceilings can have a higher decibel range for the fire alarm. If you have hearing loss, a standard smoke detector may not be loud enough to alert you. It is recommended that you install a smoke detector that uses strobe lights and vibrates. Read more information about this from What Style of Alarm Systems Should You Use if You Have Hearing Loss? What can you do to Protect Your Hearing when a Fire Alarm goes Off? If you live or work in a setting that practices routine fire drills, and you want to be ready to protect your hearing, there are a couple of things you can do. First, you should have a fire evacuation plan. Everyone must evacuate the building when there is a fire. Discuss the plan and steps that need to be taken with others who occupy the buildings that you live and work in. This will help reduce confusion and the amount of time that you spend in a potentially unsafe environment. When there is a fire dill, always cover your ears with your hands or arms when possible. You could even keep a pair of earplugs in a safe place that is easy to access when there is a drill. Make sure your fire alarms are thoroughly examined to figure out the best decibel levels that are required to alert you during an emergency. If you or a loved one are experiencing NIHL, or hearing loss that is caused by any other reason, please get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. Are You a Music Lover, who also has Hearing Loss? You can still Enjoy Listening to Music.11/30/2021  Trying to enjoy music even when you have hearing loss, can be challenging. Based on how severe your hearing loss is, and which frequencies you have trouble hearing, music might sound distorted or appear to have moments of silence while it’s playing. Even if you have trouble hearing a familiar song, your brain can remember the notes that your ears are missing and fill in that gaps.
You may recognize a tune or a beat, but the lyrics aren’t as easy to pick up. They may sound like a mumble rather than actual words. There is a way you can still enjoy the music: read along with the lyrics as it plays. How Reading Lyrics can Let You Enjoy Music Again For some people with hearing loss, understanding new songs can be tough. You might be able to hear the beat, but not the lyrics. While the music plays, and the singing starts, read the lyrics. After a few listening sessions and practice, you might catch on and be able to sing along with the lyrics. If you want to have an easier time enjoying music, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  We’ve got some tips on which seasonal foods that can be beneficial to your hearing health, and overall health. If you live in Lancaster County, PA, you’re in luck to have the immediate option of getting these fruits and vegetables straight from the farm.
Pumpkins and winter squash These gourds aren’t just great for decorations, they also provide healthy nutrients for your body. Vitamin A: Supports the immune system. Pumpkins have 200% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin A. Having a well-maintained immune system assists in preventing infectious bacteria - including those that induce ear infections. Most people easily recover from ear infections, but they could cause pain and temporary hearing loss. Vitamin C: This antioxidant defends your body against free radicals. Free radicals invade your body to find electrons to pair with, which can damage DNA, cells, and proteins. Vitamin C and other antioxidants serve to prevent the invasion by protecting the inner ear’s cellular structure. Folate: This has vitamin B, which helps with cellular metabolism, the nervous system, and vascular function. All of these features are important for proper auditory function. High-frequency hearing loss may be connected to insufficient levels of folic acid. If you don’t like pumpkin pie or are trying to reduce your sugar intake, try adding pumpkins to a low sugar smoothie (Don’t forget to wear earplugs while using a blender.), cream cheese spread, ice cream, or pasta sauce. Winter squash may be too difficult to cut through, so try softening the squash in a steam basket over boiling water. Maybe there are pre-cut cubes of butternut squash at your local grocery store. Apples are Abundant this Season How can you go this whole season without taking a bite of a fresh or baked apple? They are full of vitamin C with nearly zero sodium, fat, or cholesterol. Apples are great for the cardiovascular system and can lower the risks of asthma, cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Vitamin A and Vitamin C: Just like in pumpkins, these vitamins help maintain your immune system and supply antioxidants that protect your inner ear from free radicals. Potassium: This mineral regulates the amount of fluid in your body. This is vital for fluid in your inner ear, which relies on an abundant supply of potassium in order to translate what you hear into a sound that is interpreted by your brain. The best way to eat them is fresh and uncooked. They make an easy portable snack. Most of the apple’s nutrients are found right underneath the skin, so eat them unpeeled. Dark leafy greens Dark, leafy green vegetables contain a lot of folates, vitamin A, and vitamin C. They easily grow in a home garden and are bountiful at farmer’s markets, restaurants, and the produce section in grocery stores. Arugula: This green can be used as a garnish, or in a salad, sandwich, omelet, pizza, or pasta. It adds a peppery taste to your meals. It also has the same vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals as other leafy greens that aid with protecting your hearing. In addition to eating these seasonal autumn foods, follow a balanced diet and get regular exercise. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Don’t ignore your hearing health. Get a hearing test from a professional. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  If you have hearing loss, you may have noticed frustrations from family or coworkers. Some moments may pass by smoothly, while other times there may be pure confusion and then outright anger.
Poor Communication One common issue that people with hearing loss, or friends, family, and colleagues of those with hearing loss experience, is miscommunication. In some instances, it might have already been difficult to communicate with one another, even with healthy hearing. If one person in the relationship cannot hear due to a hearing impairment, it can lead to more frustration. If you get into an argument with your partner, and they need to frequently repeat themselves, they may give up trying to talk to you. As a result, the quality of communication will worsen and cause distress in the relationship. It is important to communicate clearly and efficiently to make a relationship work. Here are some tips to accomplish this:
Arguments Arise Due to miscommunications, arguments can easily occur. One partner might feel as though the other is not listening to them. This is usually not what’s happening. Or, the partner with hearing loss refuses to get treatment for their impairment and arguments arise from that situation. It’s important for each of you to communicate what’s bothering you, in order to find a solution for your strained relationship. Can Hearing Aids Help Improve Relationships? The first step you can take to address your hearing loss is by scheduling a hearing test. Your hearing healthcare provider will be able to determine the degree of hearing loss, and what hearing aid solution would work best for your listening needs. Here are some things that will be discussed with your hearing healthcare provider:
Hearing Aid Styles Available There are so many different styles of hearing aids. Your hearing instrument specialist can show you which style would best suit your needs. The style available at Pure Sound Hearing include:
For a complimentary hearing test and hearing aid trial, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment.  We are continuing our coverage on diabetes and hearing loss.
Your levels of blood sugar, whether they are too high or too low, can harm your hearing health. Here is some advice on how to help prevent hearing loss if you are a diabetic. There are many causes for hearing loss, such as natural aging or over-exposure to loud noises. Diabetes is another potential factor in hearing loss. Monitoring and controlling your blood sugar levels is a crucial part of taking care of your diabetes. This can also help preserve your hearing. Diabetes and Hearing Loss Nerve damage can occur due to diabetes. This can affect your entire body from your feet to your ears. As time progresses, small blood vessels and nerves found in the inner ear can deteriorate from high levels of glucose that enter your blood. If you have low blood sugar, it can negatively impact how nerve signals are transferred from your inner ear to your brain. Hearing loss can occur as a result of both of these types of nerve damage. Individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss than people of the same age group who do not have diabetes. People who have prediabetes (blood sugar levels that are higher than average, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes) are 30% more likely to experience hearing loss than individuals with normal blood sugar levels. How do I know if I Have Hearing Loss? As frequently mentioned in this blog, hearing loss happens gradually over time. It may be undetected by the person affected. Friends, family, and colleagues usually notice your hearing loss before you do. The signs:
Protect Your Hearing by Protecting Your Ears Hearing loss cannot be cured, but here’s a guide on how you can protect your hearing health:
Hearing loss can negatively affect your relationships and interactions with family, friends, colleagues, healthcare providers, and other professionals. Hearing health is just one out of several reasons why taking care of your blood sugar levels needs to be a priority. You can also feel better and have more energy by doing it! If you or a loved one notice hearing loss for any reason, please get in touch with one of our hearing instrument specialists who will help you towards a journey of better hearing and overall health.  Receiving hearing aids in the early stages of hearing loss may help reduce the risks of dementia.
Statistics on Dementia As the aging population increases, the common health problems that are found in elderly patients such as falls caused by balance issues and dementia, are on the rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 50 million people who live with dementia. They are predicting that this number will triple in 2050. There is a way to curb this issue. The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care reported that treating risk factors may help delay or prevent 40 percent of dementia cases. 12 Risk Factors that may help Delay or Prevent Dementia include:
The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society published a study that showed hearing aid usage in adults who were 50 years of age or older, helped reduce cognitive decline. They also determined that wearing hearing aids at the earliest stages of hearing loss might curb the rise of dementia around the world. Take care of your health and aging. Yearly hearing tests are recommended for everyone. If you are experiencing any hearing loss contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing instrument specialists.  U.S. veterans have made so many sacrifices to serve our country, including putting themselves in harm's way, experiencing long-term health problems, and not forgetting the emotional sacrifices that their families make.
If you have a loved one who served in the military, your daily life may center around caregiving for an injured veteran. Although there are many noticeable injuries that veterans may have, a number of them experience hidden disabilities - which may include hearing loss. The Hearing Loss Association of America has indicated that the most common form of service-related disabilities in the U.S. are hearing impairments. Nearly 2.7 million veterans receive compensation for their disability or treatment for their hearing problems. This is why people need to learn how to help veterans. 1. Identify signs of hearing loss in veterans For the average person, hearing loss occurs slowly as they age. In the case of active-duty members, hearing loss or tinnitus can occur due to noise-induced hearing loss caused by a blast or any other loud noise. The ears are generally the first and most common organ that becomes impaired from an explosion. If you, or a loved one, has served in the armed forces, take note of any signs of hearing loss. This can be noticed immediately, or as a slow progression. Some signs might include:
2. What are some hearing loss treatments that are available for veterans? U.S. veterans can rely on the Veterans Affairs medical program. It includes hearing care and provides coverage for hearing aids. 3. Helping active duty members prevent hearing loss It’s impossible to change any past exposures to loud noises, but the Department of Defense has a Hearing Center of Excellence (HCE) that concentrates on preventative care, diagnosis, and treating hearing loss and injury to your auditory system. In 2018, a new app was released that includes a course on how to reduce hearing loss in military service members. The HCE has several hearing-related resources to educate military personnel and veterans. 4. Are you a caregiver who needs hearing care? If you take care of a veteran, even if you have not been an active duty member, you may experience hearing loss for a different reason. As a caregiver, you need to be able to hear well to provide the best assistance for a loved one. Hearing important medical information from professional healthcare providers is necessary for properly caring for your loved one. If you are a veteran, today, and every day, we thank you for your service. Contact us to schedule an appointment at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing instrument specialists.  The month of November has been designated as National Caregivers Month. During this time of the year, we recognize the 40 million Americans who take care of parents, children, siblings, neighbors, and members of their community.
Elderly parents, friends, and grandparents, benefit from the help that caregivers provide. This could include assistance with meals, medication, transportation, being there for companionship, and other daily care needs. Even under normal circumstances, a caregiver’s role can be difficult, while balancing their own busy lives. The current circumstances regarding the pandemic have made life more challenging - especially for older adults who have become more isolated. Healthy Hearing is Beneficial for Caregivers and their Loved Ones Caregivers can reduce the stress in their lives by making sure their loved ones can hear at their best. Communication will improve, instructions will be clearer for their loved ones, and that can significantly help in the long run so that they do not feel socially isolated and more independent. If you or a loved one experiences hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. |
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