Improve Hearing Care and its Services by Inviting a Family Member to Your Hearing Appointments7/1/2022  When you notice difficulties with hearing, it’s not just your hearing that you’ve lost. It’s also a loss of good communication. The family member with whom you communicate regularly needs to be a part of your journey to better hearing. That means bringing them along to your hearing health care appointments.
Do You and Your Family Members Feel Frustrated when Trying to Communicate? Hearing aids or assistive listening devices (ALDs) may be recommended if your hearing healthcare provider determines that you have hearing loss. Understanding how you usually communicate with your family and finding effective ways to communicate will benefit everyone. Inviting a family member to your appointments will help them get involved in the entire process, making your relationship easier to manage. The Complexities of Hearing Aids Hearing aids can be complex, so having another family member at the appointment who can easily listen and follow instructions is always helpful. It can also help a non-hearing impaired person learn and be more aware of the intricate workings of hearing aids/hearing loss. Patients and Family Members can Learn About the Unique Problems that come with Their Hearing Loss Self-assessments from the patient, and the way family members respond to them is an important step toward a journey to better hearing. Maybe the family member will recall moments when they noticed their loved one wasn’t totally engaged or responded awkwardly to a question. Does Having a Family Member at Appointments Make the Time Spent at the Office Longer? This is not true. Most of the appointments are quicker and easier because there is another person learning the information that’s being discussed. Other Recommendations when Bringing a Family Member to Your Appointment The patient’s well-being is of utmost importance. Being able to discuss how the patient and their loved one are feeling about their hearing loss and finding a solution to improve communication, can also improve their relationship. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.
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 Whether you engage in a vigorous workout routine, spend time outdoors on a sunny and humid day this summer, or store your hearing aids in a bathroom while taking a hot shower, it’s important to take care of your hearing aids when they come in contact with moisture.
Hearing aids are electronic devices that feature a microphone, speaker, volume amplifier, and plastic tubing that connects the hearing aid receiver dome with the body of the devices (the hard plastic casing that holds the battery, microphone, speaker, and amplifier). Just like with any electronic, too much moisture can damage hearing aids. There’s no such thing as a waterproof hearing aid. It is recommended that you remove your hearing aids when taking a shower, a bath, or dipping into a body of water. Hearing aids can last for nearly six years if you keep up with daily cleaning routines, and professional cleanings every six months or less depending on how much debris builds up on the hearing aids. These devices rest inside the ear canals while trapping moisture, earwax, and heat. It’s a breeding ground for bacteria. Feedback noises can occur if the hearing aids are not properly fit, and cleaned. You can also reduce the risk of ear infections and the cost of hearing aid repairs by practicing daily cleanings yourself. Humid Environments Humidity can cause moisture to build up in your hearing aids, which is inevitable if you are outdoors in scorching temperatures or working out. Humidity is one of the top complaints from hearing aid users. Not only can it damage the hearing aids, but the battery life can also deplete quicker, making the devices less effective. Getting Rid of Moisture in Your Hearing Aids One of the ways to reduce the amount of moisture buildup in your hearing aids is by using a dehumidifier. These are boxes or kits that you can purchase from Pure Sound Hearing. Simply take the hearing aids and place them in the box or kit when they become damp. They can also be placed in the box overnight to dry out. You may also use the beads from silica gel packets/desiccants or dry, uncooked rice that’s placed in a bowl or jar, and then place the damp hearing aid in the desiccant or uncooked rice. If you wear your hearing aids during a workout or while doing chores outdoors, wear a sweatband/headband to prevent sweat from dripping onto your hearing aids. Pure Sound Hearing offers professional-strength cleaning wipes and a loop brush cleaning tool for your hearing aids. Stop by at one of our office locations to purchase them. If you need a professional cleaning for your hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment.  If you own a dog who you believe has trouble hearing, you may have wondered whether dogs could wear hearing aids.
In the Starkey Sound Bites podcast, you can listen to a conversation with Dr. Peter ‘Skip’ Scheifele, the executive producer of FETCHLAB, which is the University of Cincinnati’s internationally distinguished animal hearing and bioacoustics laboratory. The podcast features a story about Dr. Scheifele fitting his dog with hearing aids. When Dr. Scheifele began testing at FETCHLAB, his dog was making several TV appearances, notably on Animal Planet. When the dog turned 12 or 13, he started to lose his hearing. Dr. Scheifele and others realized the dog was confused when given verbal commands off-camera. He discussed this with a colleague and decided that they should try to fit the dog for a hearing aid. They used behind-the-ear hearing aids. A cape was customized for the dog so that the hearing aids could be easily attached to it with Velcro, and the tubes were placed in. The dog received excellent training from Dr. Scheifele’s wife, so it made fitting and accepting the hearing aid easy. A lot of people have asked whether hearing aids can be fitted for dogs. It is possible, but it also involves a lot of commitment to train the dog to keep the hearing aid in their ear. It’s also good to note that even if a dog is trained to wear and keep the hearing aid in their ear, they may never acknowledge that there’s a hearing aid in their ear or that it’s benefitting them in any way. If you, or another human in your life, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation for a free hearing aid trial.  Most new hearing aid users are unprepared for the amount of time it will take to get used to their hearing aids. In addition to learning how they work, you will probably be overwhelmed by noises that you haven’t heard for a long time. Your brain needs time to adjust. Your hearing instrument specialist will be an integral part of this process, so don’t hesitate to contact them in between appointments if you have questions or concerns.
Your Own Voice may Sound Different Hearing aids are not going to restore your hearing back to normal. Your voice is going to sound different when you hear it while wearing your hearing aids. Initially, your voice will sound strange. Some have described that it’s similar to an echo sound or like you’re in a barrel. It may sound louder than usual. The noises you make from chewing and swallowing may also be more prominent. They’ll be irritating, but eventually, you’ll acclimate to the sounds and won’t notice them as much as long as you wear your hearing aids from the moment you wake up to the moment when you go to bed. Obviously, you should not wear them if you are going to take a shower or go into any body of water. If you are still noticing these noises, contact our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound for help. How to Adjust to Your Hearing Aids 1. Wear Your Hearing Aids in Your Home Begin wearing the devices around your house or in other quiet places. Have one-on-one conversations. Inform family, friends, and colleagues about your hearing aids so they can support you and help keep you on track as you work towards healthier hearing. Practice listening while wearing them by reading out loud or talking to someone. This will help you adjust to your own voice. 2. Practice Wearing Your Hearing Aids To help you get used to the devices, try to find out where different sounds in your environment are coming from. Have a conversation with a loved one. When you are alone, listen to an audiobook or a podcast. 3. Take Breaks from Your Hearing Aids They should be worn for a few hours during the first day of using them, then gradually add a few more hours each day onwards. After you’ve adjusted to them, they should be worn all day, from the moment when you wake up to the moment when you get ready to sleep. 4. Schedule Follow-up Appointments You should visit your hearing instrument specialist whenever necessary so they can make adjustments as needed. This could include changes to the programs on the hearing aids, or the way they fit in your ears. Discuss any problems that you are having with the devices with your provider. Most people schedule an appointment with their hearing instrument specialist about two weeks after their first fitting to get the hearing aids tuned or fix the volume. 5. Attend a Hearing aid Demo Event In addition to one-on-one appointments with our hearing instruments specialists, Pure Sound occasionally offers demo events for new hearing aid users. They are very helpful demonstrations that can make transitioning into a hearing aid user easier, and so you can get the most out of your hearing aids. 6. Be aware that Adapting to Hearing Aids Takes Time There will be moments of frustration or feeling overwhelmed by noises that you haven’t heard in a while. The sound of a refrigerator or any other background noise that most people don’t notice may suddenly seem distracting. This is due to the fact that your brain forgot the process of blocking out background noises and prioritizes some sounds more than the less important sounds. Adapting to new hearing aids requires relearning how to block out background noise. As you get used to the hearing aids, programs within the devices can be set up to block out the background noise. Just ask your hearing instrument specialist for this adjustment. 7. If You feel Pain while Wearing Hearing Aids Notify Your Provider Based on your personal hearing requirements, you might wear hearing aids with customized earmolds. This means they should rest snugly against your ears. When you first put them on, the devices may slightly hurt your ears. If it’s very painful, inform your provider and schedule an appointment immediately so that they may correct the problem. Generally, hearing aids that have the receiver-in-ear with domes are easier to become accustomed to because they don’t make your ear canals feel plugged the way earmolds can. They also don’t hurt the ear canals. If you or a loved one are noticing hearing loss and may need hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  You may have experienced hearing a wide range of noises from the softness of a loved one’s voice to the sirens on a fire truck, or a more soothing sound of your favorite music. These sounds are measured using a decibel. This is a ratio between power, sound pressure, and voltage.
Measuring the Intensity of Sound Sound moves in the form of energy waves. It is measured via frequency and amplitude.
The Increase in Decibels is Exponential A 10 dB increase indicates that the sound is 10 times louder, and a 20 dB increase indicates that the sound is 100 times louder. A List of Decibels for Common Sounds Simply being told a number for a decibel measurement probably doesn’t mean anything, unless you are a hearing healthcare professional or someone who frequently uses a decibel meter app. Hearing loss can occur with decibels as low as 70 (that’s after frequent or prolonged exposure). These noises can lead to immediate and permanent hearing loss after one exposure at close-range: 150-160 dB - A shotgun/firearm 140 dB - A jet engine as it departs a runway/fireworks 120 dB - An emergency vehicle siren/concerts These noises can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) after regular, prolonged exposure: 110 dB - A rock concert 105-130 dB - Sports events (based on the size and style of the arena/stadium) 105 dB - Playing music through earbuds or headphones at the highest volume 100 dB - A motorcycle 90 dB - Power tools/lawn mower 80-90 dB - Heavy traffic Anyone with untreated mild-to-moderate hearing loss tends to struggle with hearing these softer sounds: 70 dB - Vacuum cleaner 60 dB - Normal conversation with one other person 50 dB - A conversation among a group of people 20 dB - Rustling leaves 10 dB - Breathing How are Decibels Measured? Hearing loss is measured according to the lowest range of decibels that you can hear. A person with normal hearing can hear leaves rustling or water dripping into the sink or on the ground (~10 dB), but someone with mild hearing loss would not be able to hear that sound. Frequency and pitch are other parts of hearing loss. Loss of hearing in higher frequencies is more common than in lower frequencies. There are different combinations of decibel and frequency loss. Normal hearing ability: 10-20 dB Mild hearing loss: 25-40 dB Moderate hearing loss: 40-55 dB Moderately severe hearing loss: 55-69 dB Severe hearing loss: 70-89 dB Profound hearing loss: 90-120 dB How can You tell if an Environment is too Loud? If you are in a noisy area and concerned that you could lose your hearing, here are a few things you can do:
Be Cautious, especially if You Have Hearing Loss. If you wear hearing aids, you need to be aware of the noise levels in your environment. Hearing aids amplify sounds, so you are still at risk of hearing loss just like everyone else. You can ask your hearing instrument specialist to program a special setting for these occasions. Do not turn off your hearing aids as a way to try and protect your hearing. If they are not snugly fit in your ear canal, they will not be able to block out harmful sounds when switched off. Instead, you won’t be able to hear the sounds that you want/need to hear. Work with a professional hearing instrument specialist to establish the correct hearing protection for the event that you will attend or the activity that you will be participating in. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Work plays a significant role in your social status. A general sense of achievement and self-worth is felt in us when we work. Tinnitus Hub, a group of people with tinnitus who work for the tinnitus patient community, focus on patient support and education, promote research, and raise awareness, gathered data indicating that over a third (38 percent) of employees have expressed that their symptoms had a negative impact on their work.
This doesn’t just disrupt the workflow of the employee, but it can affect their income and the economy in general. Tinnitus Talk is a worldwide online community for tinnitus patients. Volunteers who run this organization are pushing to raise awareness so that it’s taken more seriously as a problem that can impact work environments. Tinnitus Hub Statistics from 2018 A survey with 1,800 participants asked, “Has tinnitus affected your job or work prospects?”
Difficulty with Concentration The main effect of tinnitus on the job is the inability to focus. There’s a spectrum of how patients with tinnitus struggle. According to the survey, tinnitus affected concentration mildly (41 percent), moderately (33 percent), or severely (20 percent). Only a small percentage reported a lack of problems with concentration. This is significantly different from the “concentration/listening fatigue” that individuals with hearing loss may encounter. In some cases, their brain needs to make an extra effort to interpret what they heard. It’s due to constantly hearing the tinnitus in their head while refocusing it to the background in order to concentrate on something else. Anyone who struggles with tinnitus can find coping mechanisms from sound machines or hearing aids, to meditation. Patients with severe forms of tinnitus generally experience anxiety and/or insomnia, which can affect their performance at work. Most people cannot grasp the daily stress of constantly hearing a high-pitched sound. Difficult Work Environments There are certain jobs that frequently expose people to loud noises that can damage hearing or induce tinnitus. These include construction, manufacturing, military service, and the music industry. Low-level exposure to sounds on a regular basis for hours at a time, like in a call center, school, or restaurant can cause some harm to a person’s hearing health. Anyone with tinnitus may notice more sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis). As a result, normal office work environments can lead to ear pain or loud instances of tinnitus. Commuting to work can be a struggle for someone with hyperacusis. Traffic noises can spike tinnitus symptoms. Potential Negative Reactions from Employers and Coworkers Many people with tinnitus have pointed out the ignorance of employers or colleagues, along with how unwilling they are to make changes that would benefit a person with tinnitus. Some are hesitant to reveal this information for fear of discrimination. How to Help Every employee should be accommodated. If the tinnitus is stress-induced, the anxiety tends to pass for most people. It can take weeks, months, or even years to obtain habituation. Others may turn to permanently adjust their situation by working a less demanding job. If you’d like to consider using hearing aids to mask tinnitus symptoms, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  If you wear hearing aids and plan to attend a concert this summer, consider some of these issues that may come up.
Whether you wear your hearing aids to a concert depends on your preferences. Some would recommend removing your hearing aids and wearing earplugs instead to protect your hearing. Depending on the music genre, the sounds will generally be loud enough for you to hear. If you choose to wear your hearing aids during a concert, you can turn down the volume on the devices. Additional protection like noise-canceling earmuffs can be helpful. These are better at canceling out sounds than earplugs while shielding the sound-transmitting bones that make up your ears. Encourage others who arrived at the concert with you to protect their hearing health. Concerts run for about 60-90 minutes, so bring your hearing aids along. After the event is over you’ll need them to hear your friends. Ask the Venue about Accessibility Services Prior to your visit, contact the music venue to ask about accessibility options. Most concert halls and venues feature systems to help audience members who can’t hear clearly, have mobility issues, or have any other problem that can interfere with how they enjoy their time at the concert. The T-Mobile Arena accessibility guide features different accommodation options. Captioning services can be provided to make sure you don’t miss anything. Make sure that the services which are listed on the venue’s website, will be available during your visit. The majority of venues need a warning beforehand so that they may accurately accommodate your needs. Get Recommendations from Your Hearing Instrument Specialist All hearing aids are different with a variety of features, so talk to your hearing instrument specialist for recommendations. For example, some hearing aids feature telecoils or t-coils. T-coils can connect with loop systems within buildings. The loop system focuses on the music at the concert, while blocking out background noises like echoes. If your hearing aids feature a telecoil, your hearing instrument specialist will demonstrate how it works. Hearing aids can also be programmed by your hearing instrument specialist so that you can have the best listening experience during the concert. Preparing for a Live Concert To make sure you have a great concert experience, here are some tips. Don’t go alone Not only is going with a friend more fun, but if your friend has stronger hearing abilities, they’ll be able to guide you through the area if the volume on your hearing aids needs to be turned down. Stand or sit near the stage If possible, be closer to the stage or a speaker. There will be less interference from other audience members. If you depend on an ASL interpreter, you’ll be more likely to see them if you are near the stage. Be prepared when making purchases Whether you are buying drinks, food, or merch, it can be overwhelming to choose when there’s too much background noise. Instead of making decisions on the spot, look online for merch or at a menu before selecting. Switch off hearing aids if necessary If sounds become overwhelming, turn off your hearing aids or wear hearing protection. Make your friends aware of this before the show so they know the best way to get your attention. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing if you need your hearing aids programmed before your next concert.  Summertime has arrived! If you are experiencing difficulties with hearing while having fun in the sun, find out how hearing aids can help.
Participate in Group Conversations Outside Digital hearing aids can be programmed to focus on the conversations that you are participating in, rather than hearing background noises and other conversations going on around you. Directional microphones were created to pick up sounds that you are facing toward. When you or others speak, you typically face each other. Some directional microphones will change positions based on where speech sounds are emanating from. Background noises like the crackling from a campfire or other people talking can be filtered out, so you can concentrate on the conversation at hand or sing-alongs instead of struggling to hear through the other chatter and sounds. Listening fatigue is a common problem among people with hearing loss, so the less energy you need to use in order to hold a conversation, the better. Your smartphone or an assistive listening device can also be used as a microphone. You can place the smartphone or assistive listening device onto a table, and while everyone is talking near it, the audio will stream directly into your hearing aids. You can also download speech-to-text apps on your smartphone, if necessary. Muffle Sounds of Fireworks Modern hearing aids feature noise suppression. It will automatically or you can manually, lower the volume that you hear if there’s a sudden, brief noise - like a crashing sound if something falls over. Fireworks can still be enjoyed at a safe noise level. Ask one of our hearing instrument specialists about this feature for your hearing aids. Instantly Switch Hearing Aid Settings All digital hearing aids are paired with a smartphone and apps. You can use them to control the volume, change your hearing aid settings, and more. Geotagging is another application that you can use. It makes a geographical “bookmark” for your favorite locations. Just optimize your hearing aids for a specific location, like a park or restaurant, and add a geotag. When you go back to that environment, your settings will automatically switch to those settings so that you can have an optimal listening experience. Wind Blocking Technology Would you rather enjoy the feel of an ocean breeze than hear how loud it is through your hearing aids? With behind-the-ear (BTE) style hearing aids, the microphones rest over the back of your ears. As a result, they can harness lots of noise from gentle breezes to gusty winds. You can ask our hearing instrument specialists to create a special program so that you may switch to a channel on your hearing aids, so the sounds of wind are obstructed. If you or a loved one are looking forward to an easy, laid-back summer that’s not hindered by your hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation for a free hearing aid trial.  June has been designated as Men’s Health Month. Please be aware that hearing health is just as important to keep up with as regular checkups for your overall health. Hearing loss affects men differently than women.
Men are almost twice as likely to Experience Hearing Loss than Women Researchers have concluded that the reason why hearing loss is so widespread among men is due to their lifestyle. Even though more women are now working jobs that were mostly dominated by men, more men continue to work in high-risk fields. For some, especially in the older generation, there’s still a stigma surrounding hearing loss. This means that most men are less likely to reach out for help when they need it. An Increased Risk of Developing Hearing Loss is Type II Diabetes For patients with hearing loss and Type II diabetes, the patients who had diabetes were at a higher risk of hearing loss than those who did not have Type II Diabetes. Researchers hypothesize that small blood vessels in the inner ear can be harmed by high blood glucose levels. Regular Doses of NSAIDs can Increase the Risk of Hearing Loss in Men Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), like Advil and Tylenol, can have a major effect on younger men’s hearing health. A survey that was filled out every 18 years by approximately 27,000 men between the ages of 40 and 74, showed that regular use of aspirin increased the possibility of hearing loss by 50% and 61% in men under the age of 50. So, if you or a loved one in your life uses these drugs, get your hearing tested regularly. Untreated Hearing Loss in Men Show Symptoms of Depression Hearing loss can lead to difficulty with communication. This in turn can cause a loss of interest in normal activities, social withdrawal, poor work performance, and depression. Using hearing aids has proven to provide the opposite. Men have reported that their relationships, social life, work-life/income, confidence, sense of safety, and overall mental health have improved when wearing their hearing aids. Preventative Measures can be Practiced Maintaining a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables can help with your hearing health, and overall health. Foods that are rich in folic acid, magnesium, potassium, and zinc can reduce the risks of hearing loss. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Tinnitus levels can vary each day for different reasons. Sometimes it’s a physiological condition within your body, your surrounding environment, or the type of tinnitus management that you practice. We’ll go over some factors that can affect the sounds of this phantom noise.
Stressors can Affect the Volume of Tinnitus Stress is one of the primary agents of tinnitus. Tinnitus symptoms may become bothersome during a stressful moment in life, or when we’re having a stressful day. When there’s a significant shift in life, whether it’s at home or with your job, stress lets the body react and respond mentally, emotionally, and physically. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to an imbalance which can trigger louder tinnitus on some days over other days. Common causes of stress can include life-altering circumstances such as grieving a loved one or losing a job. A steady flow of stress that is caused by ordinary circumstances such as deadlines for work, or caring for loved ones, can worsen tinnitus symptoms. Living through these situations can make your tinnitus sound louder on some days and quieter on other days. Conditions caused by stress are also associated with tinnitus and make the phantom noise worse. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and tinnitus have comparable structures and can bring attention to one another. Taming Internal Stressors Even though external stress can impact the perceived loudness of your tinnitus, the way you manage the stress (a.k.a. internal stress) is just as important. If your body is not sufficient or healthy enough to deal with external stress, tinnitus symptoms can get worse. In order to better manage stress, you need proper nutrition, exercise, and an adquent amount of sleep that’s consistent. Your Diet’s Influence on Stress It’s easy to ignore the persistent messages from experts encouraging you to eat healthily, but it’s one of the crucial elements to lowering your stress levels and keeping them down in order to better manage your tinnitus. Processed foods should be left out of your diet, as consuming them makes it harder to manage stress. These foods are often high in sugar. If there’s too much change in your blood sugar levels, the sympathetic area of the nervous system becomes stimulated. This is the area of the brain that handles our fight or flight and makes us ready to react. When this occurs, stress hormones are released which can lead to symptoms of stress. These could include anxiety, irritability, nervousness, and interruptions in sleep patterns, which can be common while experiencing symptoms of tinnitus. A healthy and well-balanced diet also lets us replace nutrients and vitamins, which may be expended during stressful moments. For example, vitamins B complex, iron, magnesium, and zinc can help aid with stress. Tinnitus can seem worse after consuming caffeine, alcohol, or smoking cigarettes. These tend to raise your adrenaline. It doesn’t need to be a permanent change, but it’s helpful to let your body get used to this new diet to see if it has any impact on your symptoms. Sleepless Nights and Stress Sleep is VERY crucial in keeping a healthy body and mind. Less sleep = more stress and louder symptoms of tinnitus. A good night’s rest allows you to better handle stress. Giving your body a chance to recover and rest is important to properly manage stress. Poor rest can affect your mood, memory, and judgment. Exercise to Manage Stress Struggling to manage your stress, can make tinnitus worse. And tinnitus itself can be stressful. It’s a vicious cycle. This can trigger the sympathetic part of our autonomic nervous system. That indicates that there are more stress hormones moving throughout the body like adrenaline, cortisol, and noradrenaline. Try to lower these hormones by engaging in a relaxing exercise, like yoga. The more relaxed you feel the quieter tinnitus symptoms can be. Quiet Environments and Tinnitus Tinnitus can seem louder because of your surroundings. If your environment is too quiet, tinnitus will be more noticeable. Lower noise levels in the background that are meant to mask tinnitus can actually make the symptoms seem louder. Also, silence can activate a response to stress in the body which increases internal auditory sensitivity. Your hearing can become more perceptive while getting yourself ready for a possible threat. This form of hearing can make internal noises, like tinnitus, louder. Going from a loud environment to a quieter area can make it seem like the tinnitus has gotten worse. Give yourself time to adjust. This might involve rubbing our ears, doing breathing exercises, and practicing mindfulness when we respond to symptoms of tinnitus. Treatment Options Focus your attention on something else, meditate with music in the background, use a sound machine, or if you are also noticing difficulty with hearing in addition to tinnitus, try hearing aids. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and hearing trial.  If you have hearing loss, you may feel isolated because you don’t feel comfortable, or have too much difficulty, with communication. Try out some of these active listening techniques to help with how you communicate with others.
It’s also important to emphasize this message if you are someone who regularly communicates with a person who has hearing loss: Please be patient. Remind yourself that the person you are talking to cannot hear the same way you do.
If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and/or tinnitus, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Hearing loss should be taken more seriously by the general population, primary healthcare providers, and of course those in the field of hearing healthcare.
There are a number of consequences to one’s mental and physical health when hearing loss goes unaddressed. Rates of depression, falls caused by imbalance, emergency room visits, and cognitive problems can arise as a result of untreated hearing loss. All of these interconnections have been studied in a general sense and have been covered in our blog. Dr. Frank Lin from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is one of the leading researchers of hearing loss in the world. His team focuses on hearing loss and its effect on the brain as we age. Dr. Lin’s thorough research recommends what we’ve discussed before: getting treatment immediately will greatly improve your overall health, and make it easier to manage. If hearing aids are recommended, understand that it takes time for your brain to adapt to the technology. The Lancet Commission’s study suggested that hearing loss that is treated between the ages of 40 and 64, is one of 12 risk factors that you can alleviate to help prevent or slow down dementia or Alzheimer’s. So look into seeking treatment right now if you notice any hearing loss, and are concerned about cognitive health as you age. For a free hearing test and consultation, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing.  Seniors are at a higher risk of a number of health problems. It’s important to take care of your overall health and make better decisions about your diet, exercise routines, and lifestyle. This can help you better manage any potential health problems that stand in the way.
Hearing and vision loss are two of the most prevalent health conditions that seniors experience. More than 42% of individuals over 50 years of age have some hearing loss, and about 71% of individuals over 70 years of age have some range of hearing loss. There are a lot of preventative measures, treatments, and daily habits to help you live a healthier life, even with presbycusis (age-related hearing loss). With knowledge and ways to manage health concerns, you can help your condition from getting worse. Preventative Care Taking precautions now can make a huge difference. Listening to music or media at a low volume can help lower your risks of hearing loss. If you are in a noisy environment for an extensive period of time, wear earbuds or, if possible, move yourself to a quieter space. Wear earbuds when using loud tools or any motor-powered devices. With age-related hearing loss, you may notice tinnitus, you may struggle to keep up with conversations, or have memory issues. Built-up earwax can obstruct sounds and should be softened and removed by a professional, not by inserting cotton swabs in the ear canal. Diabetics should be attentive when taking care of their blood sugar. A healthy weight can help reduce the chances of hearing loss, along with regular exercise and eating healthily. Immediately seek help if you begin to notice hearing loss. Alleviating the Symptoms of Hearing Loss To help manage your hearing loss, hearing aids can, and should, be worn. Hearing loss can deteriorate brain function because the brain is not reacting to sounds like it used to. Listening is a brain exercise that needs to be worked out on a regular basis. Managing your hearing loss also means that you need to communicate your needs to family, friends, and coworkers so that they can better understand your situation and adapt accordingly. Maybe you’ll need to tell them to face you in a well-lit room when they speak, or they need to talk louder in certain situations. Communicating these things will help a great deal. Those with hearing loss may need to be patient with them, as they work through this new normal with you. Make a plan. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing problems with hearing, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Hearing loss crosses all age groups. We’ve gone over hearing loss among older adults, and the risks associated with hearing loss as you age.
It’s important to raise awareness that more and more young adults are experiencing hearing loss for a number of different reasons. Young adults who have hearing loss face a unique set of challenges as they go through college, dating, employment, growing relationships, and parenting. How prevalent is Hearing Loss in Young Adults? According to the CDC, around 12% of adults between the ages of 18-39 report struggling with following along during conversations when there is too much background noise. Nearly 6% have tinnitus. These numbers are higher in older age groups. People who have hearing loss are more likely to experience low rates of employment, lower work productivity, and higher healthcare costs compared to their peers. Causes of Hearing Loss for Young Adults Noise exposure is one of the most widespread causes of hearing loss for young adults, as well as older adults. This can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Across the U.S. millions of Gen Xers, millennials, and Gen Y have been exposed to hazardous levels of noise, including hobbies like woodworking, music, city noises, and workplace environments. Additional risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, taking ototoxic medications, viruses, bacterial infections, genetics, or they were born with it. Young Adults with Otosclerosis Otosclerosis is one of the other most common medical causes of hearing loss in people of this age group and middle-aged adults. This is when there is abnormal bone growth in the middle ear section. Nearly 3 million Americans are affected by it - the people with the highest risk being middle-aged women. The Affect of Hearing Loss on Young Adults The different causes of hearing loss for young adults differ greatly from the older generation but wearing hearing aids when you are in your 20s, 30s, or 40s can look and feel different than wearing them when you are older. Occupation, family, relationships, and activities are - for the most part - different than older people. Career-related Distress Working with hearing loss, while NOT impossible, can be tricky at times. People in their 20s are fresh out of college and looking for their first job. They have the choice of when they should inform their potential employer that they wear hearing aids. Depending on where your job path takes you, you may need special equipment - like a telephone with amplification or captions. Your employer is required by law, via the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to accommodate you for your hearing needs. You can apply for any job that you want, but there are some careers that may be easier to navigate through if you have hearing loss. Take a look at our article “Careers for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing”. Working Remotely with Hearing Loss If you have hearing loss, depending on the job, working from home can have its ups and downs. You can raise the volume on your computer as much as you want, without bothering coworkers. The technology for virtual meetings doesn’t always work smoothly, so it can hamper communication. Read up on some tips on how to prepare for video conferences or virtual meetings. Parents or Guardians Raising Children and Young Adults Taking care of a child as a hearing aid user has its challenges. Hearing aids are needed for better communication and safety, but using them requires consideration from those who are communicating with the hearing aid users. A parent may need a baby monitor that flashes, vibrates, and has a video monitor. Making sure your hearing aids are always in good condition is also important, especially if there’s a sudden emergency. Attending College or Higher Education Another concern that differs among generations is that young adults are deciding whether to attend college or higher education. People in this age group might not receive the support that is needed to thrive in school. Young adults may be learning how to be their own advocates for the first time. Hearing Aids can help You Maintain or even Raise Your Income and Improve Overall Health The ability to hear in a work environment can impact your household income, which is a common concern for people who are in their prime age of employment. According to a survey that was done through Better Hearing Institute 40,000 households in the U.S. indicated that using hearing aids and assistive listening devices was beneficial to one’s earning potential. There was also a 90 to 100 percent reduced risk of income loss for anyone with mild hearing loss, and a 65 to 77 percent reduced risk for anyone with moderate to severe hearing loss. Hearing aid usage has a more obvious asset to mental health for younger people. A study from 2014 indicated that hearing loss is linked to depression in adults of every age, but it's more common in young adults. Even though hearing aids help people of all ages, younger users appear to gain the most out of them when it comes to depression. Socializing leads to a healthy overall quality of life. Hearing Aid usage is becoming Less Stigmatized In regards to hearing aid usage, there are major distinctions between the older generation and the younger generation. Most people of the younger generation are more accepting of wearing hearing aids. Today, just about everyone wears something in their ears, whether they are earbuds, headphones, or hearing aids; therefore hearing devices draw less attention. The stigma of hearing aid usage is dwindling and the younger generation is noticing that their untreated hearing loss is more noticeable than the hearing aids themselves. If you are a young adult or middle-aged with hearing loss, you have the chance to seek treatment and engage in practices that protect and slow down the hearing abilities that you still have. For a complimentary hearing test and consultation, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to set up an appointment.  A Study on Women's Exercise Routines and Hearing Health
Analysts from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA reviewed 20 years of female nurses’ health records. They examined whether body mass index (BMI), the circumference of their waist, and physical activity had any relation to hearing loss. The authors of this study were aware of the adverse repercussions of hearing loss that went untreated, observing how communication and social skills can impact a person’s psychosocial well-being and overall quality of life. They strived to determine lifestyle factors that could be changed by the test subjects so that they may lower their chances of hearing loss. Conclusions on the Study The study found that female nurses with higher BMI and larger waist circumferences were linked to a higher risk of hearing loss. There was a reduced risk of hearing loss if the test subjects engaged in regular exercise - these included walking, aerobics, swimming, and other less intense exercises. They also found walks that lasted at least 2 hours each week, lower the risk of hearing loss. If you’re working up the motivation to increase your exercise routine, add hearing health to that list. Are you, or a loved one, experiencing hearing loss? Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Spring is here! If you have a green thumb and your own garden, maybe you’ll be interested in planting homegrown produce that supports healthy hearing. If you’re a local Lancastrian, did you know that our county has the most productive non-irrigated farming in the entire country? Why not try some of the bountiful produce that our county has to offer while improving your hearing health?
Asparagus It takes time and patience to grow asparagus. The first harvest might take a few years, but it will be worth it! Asparagus is a great source of folate, which is great for hearing health. Folate has been found to possibly lower the risk of hearing loss in elderly men. Blueberries Blueberries are delicious on their own, in a smoothie, in pie, or scattered over pancakes. They are full of vitamin C, which when combined with magnesium and vitamins A and E, can help treat worsening symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss. Kale Kale is great on its own, or as an addition to lasagna, salads, or soups. This leafy green also has folate. Pumpkins If you plant pumpkin seeds around late May, the pumpkins should be ready for harvesting by the summer or fall season. Fresh pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc, which helps the immune system - and taking a medicated oral form may help treat symptoms of tinnitus. Tomatoes Tomatoes are vine-grown fruit that is rich in potassium - which helps regulate blood and tissue fluids. This includes fluid in the inner ear, which is crucial for hearing health and balance. If you’re trying to eat healthier for your ears, and/or overall health, try to incorporate these foods into your diet. Another way to improve your hearing health is by getting your hearing tested on a regular basis. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation at one of our office locations in Elizabethtown, Lititz, or Strasburg.  Every May, Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM) gives everyone who has hearing and speech difficulties and those who regularly interact with anyone who has hearing and speech challenges a chance to raise awareness about communication disorders.
The theme for this year is “Connecting People.” Hearing loss is experienced by about five percent of the world’s population. Five percent of this population also has problems with speech. Communication is a crucial part of our daily lives. BHSM raises awareness about the obstacles that those with hearing loss or speech challenges have with it. We’ll go over a brief history of Better Hearing and Speech Month. In 1927 BHSM was founded by the Federation of Organizations for the Hard of Hearing as part of National Hearing Week. In 1958, the event eventually became Better Hearing Month and then evolved into Better Hearing and Speech Month in 1972. Previous themes for Better Hearing and Speech Month included: “Communication for All”, “Communication Across the Lifespan”, and “Communication at Work”. Easy Ways to Observe Better Hearing and Speech Month
Spread the word by sharing a link to this article. Our blog also has a lot of helpful information. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and need a free hearing test, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  April is Stress Awareness Month, and we’re highlighting the correlation between stress and hearing loss, along with how to manage it.
Stress can be harmful to your overall health. It can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and obesity. Some tips to reduce your stress levels include regular exercise, spending time with people you love, getting an adequate amount of rest, and treatment for your hearing loss. Anyone with hearing loss experiences daily stressors that are connected to hearing loss. It’s called listening fatigue. This is when the concentration from listening to speech, focusing on reading lips, and social cues physically and mentally exhaust you. It’s a common feeling among anyone with hearing loss, but these symptoms can be reduced by wearing hearing aids. Stress from Tinnitus Tinnitus is connected to stress and is usually an underlying symptom of hearing loss. People with tinnitus may experience louder and more consistent ringing sounds when feeling stressed. A study found that 53.6 percent of patients with tinnitus reported that their symptoms worsened when they felt stressed. Another study from hearing healthcare providers revealed that nearly 60 percent of their patients had minor to significant tinnitus relief while wearing hearing aids. One out of five experienced major relief. Stress is almost impossible to avoid, but there are techniques that can help you manage from meditation to exercise, or simply taking a moment to laugh at something. If you or a loved one are experiencing tinnitus, hearing loss, or both please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers. 14 Tips: A Practical Guide for Effective Communication with Someone who is Deaf or has Hearing Loss4/12/2022  If you or someone that you know struggles with communication due to hearing loss, here’s a practical guide to follow:
If you, or a loved one, are noticing hearing loss please get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  Pictured: Dave Grohl We’ve discussed many work environments that can contribute to hearing loss from construction zones to gyms. Well, it should be no surprise that musicians, especially rock musicians, are also vulnerable to hearing loss. Lots of famous musicians have hearing loss, tinnitus, or both. Research suggests that they are four times more likely to have hearing problems than the general population.
1. The former Nirvana and current Foo Fighters band member, Dave Grohl, recently revealed that he has had hearing loss for years. He cannot hear out of his left ear and crowded restaurants are the worst spots for him to visit. Masks make things worse for him. He read lips for 20 years, and has to remind people that he is a rock musician, he’s deaf, and he cannot hear what others are saying. 2. Pete Townshend of The Who has been open about his hearing loss for many years. He pinpointed the problem to studio headphones, not from playing live music. 3. Another member of The Who, Roger Daltry, said that he is “very, very deaf”. 4. Danny Elfman, who scored Edward Scissorhands, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Batman Returns, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and numerous other films, lost his hearing and developed tinnitus after playing frontman in his band Oingo Boingo. 5. Alice Cooper dons hearing aids after losing his hearing from being around loud rock music for 55 years. 6. Huey Lewis talked about how hearing loss and Menière’s disease cut his singing career short and recommended hearing aids. 7. Sting admitted that he has hearing loss, but still refused to get hearing aids. 8. Mick Fleetwood revealed that he has hearing loss, and played a “quiet” rock concert to raise awareness about hearing loss. The concert took place at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with 100 people in attendance. There were mixed responses. The band Eagles of Death Metal played two songs without amps. The audience listened with miniature radio receivers. Most just smiled. Later the band played three songs that were amplified through speakers, and the crowd jumped and danced around while waving their arms. The unamplified sound reached 62 decibels (dB) - which is normal - and the amplified sound reached 124 dB, which is the same noise level of a jet engine. Fortunately, there’s more awareness about this issue today. Musicians can even wear customized earplugs that are specially designed to wear while performing at concerts. If you are a musician, or someone who you know is a musician, with hearing loss please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions among people of all ages in the U.S. When it goes untreated, can lead to problems that may impact the way you learn, work, and even drive.
Hearing while Driving Even though your sense of sight is the most important when it comes to driving a vehicle, hearing alerts you when an emergency vehicle is approaching, it lets you know when another driver is feeling impatient, or if your blinker signals are on. Hearing unusual noises coming from your car can make you aware of possible mechanical problems with your vehicle. It’s not only a safety issue for you, but also for others who are sharing the road with you. Mild hearing loss may not impact your safety while driving, but it is always a good idea to be prepared. If you have severe hearing loss, depending on where you live, you may need to abide by some restrictions. Driving with Hearing Aids Wearing hearing aids while driving is very helpful so that you can be more aware of your surroundings. They help you hear others on the road while maintaining a good auditory system so that your brain is healthy enough to remember how to interpret sounds. Keep Distractions at a Minimum We are all aware of the dangers of using a phone while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2019, distractions while driving claimed nearly 3,200 lives. Here are some tips to reduce distractions:
Visual Cues Use visual cues to help piece together conversations.
Drive Safely Be as aware as possible while driving. Make sure you have all of the tools you need to be a safe driver, who also has trouble hearing. Get annual hearing tests, wear your hearing aids, and keep up with hearing aid maintenance. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  If you’re a regular golfer, you know that swinging the club and hitting the ball with just the right amount of force and at the right angle is an intricate skill.
Golfers may not realize how much their hearing is used in the game. Here are five ways that better hearing can help you while playing golf. 1. Hearing the Clubhead Hit the Ball Every experienced golfer knows that perfect hit. It’s when you hear the sound of your clubhead striking the ball at just the right spot. The scope and precision are usually guaranteed when you hear that sound. Being able to hear that strike is also necessary when you don’t hit the ball correctly. Learning from that mistake lets you make adjustments for the next shot. This is critical in order to chip and put, where you want to focus on skill rather than the force of the strike. 2. Socializing during the Game Playing the game with others is a huge part of golf culture. Coming up with a strategy, heckling, and mingling with each other is part of the fun. You may even run into other people that you know, or meet new people, in other parts of the course. All of these instances require communication, so it’s important to have good hearing. 3. Would You be able to Hear a Warning? Being on a golf course can pose a danger at times. The common, and most obvious, one is the possibility of being hit by a golf ball. The person who strikes that ball will hopefully shout a warning if the ball is headed towards anyone. Then there are the less common risks of encounters with animals - like bears or rattlesnakes. 4. Walking the Course and Balance Hearing loss can affect a person’s balance, and golfing requires good balance. Poor balance can lead to missed shots, falling from throwing your club, or an accident involving the golf cart. 5. Focusing on the Game It takes a lot of concentration to play golf. That’s why brain health is so important. We’ve mentioned many times how poor hearing can impact cognitive abilities. One study reported that seniors with hearing loss had a 30% to 40% higher rate of cognitive problems than peers who did not have hearing loss. Wearing a hearing aid can significantly reduce cognitive decline by nearly 75%. Thin-faced titanium drivers started becoming more popular in 2009. The sound of some clubs hitting a ball has been known to cause a very loud noise, so if you prefer using these clubs you should probably also wear hearing protection. Earplugs are a simple and discreet way to do this. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Hearing loss can be frustrating, isolating, and depressing. In addition to a better diet, routine exercise, and getting help for your hearing loss, scientific studies have proven that listening to sounds of nature can be therapeutic for all living creatures.
Heal Yourself by Hearing Elements Stress caused by work, living in a bustling city, or everyday life can take its toll on a person. The ability to go outside to breathe in the fresh air, see verdant landscapes, and hear lush waterfalls and animals feeds your mind, body, and soul. How Nature Sounds Effect Us In addition to the beautiful countryside, fresh scents of nature - minus the manure, if you live in Lancaster County - one part of nature has a serious effect on humans: sound. Compare the racket from a construction zone or loud music that’s blasting, to the sounds you hear while out on a hike in the forest or by the mountains. Nature sounds are much more soothing and have been proven to impact the way a human brain functions. Published Study on Nature Sounds Impact the Brain According to a survey from the Brighton and Sussex Medical School that was published in “Scientific Reports” in 2017, there was evidence of the positive impact of hearing natural sounds. Dr. Cassandra Gould and her team used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a test group. While the participants were presented with artificial and natural sounds, their brain activity was measured with an MRI machine. The activity of the automatic nervous system was measured through a person’s shift in heart rate. The results showed that based on the sounds that each participant heard, the activity changed in their Default Mode Network, in other words, the region of the brain that remains active when a person rests. Nature Sounds Help with Focus and Lowers Stress When participants heard artificial sounds, the activity in their brain signified that their attention was changing inward. Noises that sound good can be a cause for concern: inward focus is also found in individuals who have clinical depression, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The participants in this study actually focused their attention outward while listening to nature sounds, which indicates that they were wide awake and focused. However, at the same time, they relaxed. The sympathetic nervous system, which controls the fight-and-flight response was at rest, whereas the parasympathetic system, which controls metabolism, recovery, and development of the body’s resources, was activated. Appreciate Ordinary Nature Sounds Everyone can benefit from listening to nature sounds. You don’t need to go to a secluded part of the world or go hiking outdoors every weekend. It just takes a little bit of time spent around some fresh air. If it’s nice out, your lunch break outdoors. Notice the sounds of animals, breezes, or falling rain. You’ll feel the rewards. If you can’t go outdoors when you want to, you can listen to sounds of nature through a CD, various streaming services, and apps. The Sea Sounds will let you create your own mix of ocean sounds. Nature Sounds give you a wider selection and offer water, fields, and forest sounds. A Soft Murmur provides noises like fire, rain, wind, and white noise. Even though white noise is not from nature, it can help if you have tinnitus. Do You Have Hearing Loss? Listen to some Natural Sounds. People with various types of hearing loss can also find relief with natural sounds. Please be aware that not all sounds are enjoyable for each person. One person’s relaxation sounds can induce stress in others. It’s important to find what works best for you. If you or a loved one experiences hearing loss and/or tinnitus, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  We’ve discussed in this blog the known risks that can contribute to hearing loss. Genetic factors, being born with hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss, diet, and what you consume are just some of them. We’re going to go over the latest studies on the impact of hearing loss on smokers.
Whether you are a smoker or are exposed to secondhand smoke, the chemicals from cigarettes can have serious consequences on your health. A study from this past January of 2022 exposed a connection between regular smokers and hearing difficulties. This study was published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, reviewed hearing loss patterns over a 30-year span that covered three groups: never/former smokers, people who quit smoking during the study, and smokers who continued smoking during the study. The smokers who never quit had poor results on their hearing tests. Previous studies had similar patterns - the high risks affected non-smokers who live with a smoker. They were two times more likely to develop hearing loss than individuals who had no exposure. About 80 percent of the test subjects were unaware that the health of their hearing was affected. It’s been shown that smoking is also closely related to dizziness, vertigo, and tinnitus. Smoking’s Impact on Hearing Health The nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes reduces oxygen levels in the blood. They also constrict blood vessels throughout the body, which include the ones located in the inner ear which function to maintain the health of hair cells. Nicotine and cigarette smoke may:
Smoking and Tinnitus Smoking may induce tinnitus, but more research is needed to verify this. There has been “sufficient evidence” that smoking is connected to tinnitus. This indicates that rates of tinnitus are higher in smokers than non-smokers, but there is no conclusive evidence of the direct cause-and-effect. Smoking and Ear Infections Smoking has been connected to ear infections in children and adults. The immune system becomes weaker and ravages tissues located in the nose and throat. This is what makes them more vulnerable to infections that harm the ears. Due to the anatomy of children’s ears, they are already at a higher risk of ear infections. That risk becomes more serious when they come in contact with secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke can cause more frequent and more severe asthma attacks, infections to the respiratory system, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). There have been some instances where middle ear infections in children caused loss of hearing. Check out our article “What is the link between Vaping and Hearing Loss?” to learn more about the impact of vaping on hearing health. Positive Outcomes from JAMA Study According to the aforementioned 2022 JAMA study, former smokers had better hearing test results than those who smoked regularly. This proved that quitting can benefit your hearing health and your overall health. The American Lung Association revealed that your blood pressure decrease and your circulation gets better 20 minutes after smoking your last cigarette. In about 8 hours, the carbon monoxide and oxygen levels in your body go back to normal. In about 48 hours, your sense of smell and taste will get better, while your nerve ending starts to regenerate. If you have hearing loss and smoke, take the steps to quit smoking for good. If you are concerned about your hearing or notice hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  If your child or grandchild has hearing loss, it’s important to know that everyone’s situation will be different. As soon as you find out that the child is experiencing problems with hearing loss, intervene immediately. Observe the issues they are having, follow up with their healthcare provider, and adjust any changes that need to be made. There is a network of support for you and your child/grandchild.
Children’s Hearing Loss Treatments and Interventions 1. Consult with a professional (or a network of people in the field) who can facilitate better communication between the child and their family. 2. Get hearing devices, like hearing aids or an assistive listening device. 3. Find and join a support group. 4. Use resources that are available for children with hearing loss and their families. Seek Professional Help Immediately and Enroll in Special Education Intervention This can start from 0-3 years of age. Hearing loss can negatively impact a developing child’s acquisition of speech, language, and social skills. A child with hearing problems must receive services as early as possible so that they can reach their full potential. Studies have shown that early intervention programs help young children with hearing loss learn language and other crucial skills. These programs can significantly improve a child’s progress in education. Infants with hearing loss should receive intervention services as soon as possible, but no later than 6 months of age. You can receive services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act 2004 (IDEA 2004). Whether your child has formally been diagnosed with hearing loss or not, they might be eligible to receive early intervention services and treatment. Special Education Special education can begin when a child is 3-22 years of age. This form of education was created to focus on the educational and related developmental needs of older who have disabilities, or experience developmental problems. Public schools provide services for these children. Hearing Technology Some individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can still hear at certain ranges. The amount of hearing that someone who is deaf or hard-of-hearing has is known as “residual hearing”. No technology or surgery can cure hearing loss, but hearing aids can help with the hearing that they still have. Hearing Aids: Hearing aids help amplify sounds. People of any age can wear them. Infants with hearing loss may be able to hear better with the help of hearing aids. This might allow them to learn and acquire speech while they are young. Support Services for Families For most parents with normal and healthy hearing, finding out that their child has hearing loss can be startling. Parents may need time to take in that information, a support system, and learn how to help their child as best as they can. Receiving advice and information, connecting with other parents that have children with hearing loss, finding a deaf mentor, getting childcare or transportation services, having time for themselves to rest and relax, or having a supportive listener are all helpful ways to take care of your child. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, get in touch with us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. |
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