 Phonak's CROS B-R are helpful for those with single-sided deafness. With so many selections of hearing aid models and brands that have different features, it might be tough to choose the ones that work best for you. Pure Sound is here to guide you through these decisions, and program the devices to suit your personal hearing needs.
A hearing aid is mainly composed of an amplifier, a microphone and a speaker. Advanced technology has made modern hearing aids smaller or nearly invisible to others, by resting deep inside the ear canal. A smaller hearing aid is not always the right option for everyone. Here’s a basic guideline for selecting hearing aids that fit with your specific needs and lifestyle. Hearing Aid Brands Oticon The Oticon hearing aids are known to enhance speech comprehension, improve memory, and reduce fatigue when you struggle to listen. At Pure Sound we offer the Oticon’s Alta 2, Oticon’s Dynamo, Oticon's Opn and the Oticon’s Siya. Phonak Phonak’s hearing aids are one of the most popular brands. Not only do they feature an array of styles, including behind-the-ear (BTE), CROS and receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) but they also utilize great quality Bluetooth connection to other frequently used devices. Starkey Starkey is a leader in amazing innovations to the hearing aid world. Their latest devices validate this. Starkey’s Livio AI is not simply a well-crafted hearing aid, but it can also translate 27 languages, features a fall detection, measures your heart rate/keeps track of how often you engage in physical activities/exercises, connects with the Amazon Alexa, features Voice-to-Text Transcription, and more. Widex Widex hearing aid devices have been celebrated for their excellent quality in sound. After proper programming, they will automatically adjust to the noise levels in your environment. This model is available in the BTE (behind-the-ear) and ITE (in-the-ear) styles. Here at Pure Sound we offer the Widex Custom hearing aid, Widex Dream, Widex Evoke and Widex Super. Selecting the Right Hearing Aids Get the best hearing aids based on their structure, style, and compatibility with your hearing needs, comfort of the fit and lifestyle. BTE (Behind-The-Ear): This style is subtle in visibility. The body (the largest part of the device that rests behind the ear and holds the battery, amplifier, microphone, wires, and other components) is connected to the earpiece (dome) with a thin transparent tube. CIC (Completely-In-Canal): This hearing device is placed inside the ear canal, making it invisible to others. ITC (In-The-Canal): This device is almost invisible from an outsider’s perspective. It can only be seen if you look closely. RITE (Receiver-In-The-Ear): A clear tube curves over the ear and goes into the ear canal, making them nearly invisible. Mini-RITEs are available. You might initially choose the CIC style because of the small size and lack of visibility. You don’t need a hidden style to prevent embarrassment or possible social stigma. The other hearing aids can pass as earbuds, which are so commonly used by everyone these days that nobody really notices what you are wearing in your ears. The buttons on the BTE styles are easier to switch on or off, as opposed to the smaller or in-the-ear models. This is useful when you need to make adjustments while wearing them. Users of the BTE styles tend to notice that the device stays in place while wearing them. 8 Things to Take into Consideration Type of Hearing Loss Your specific type of hearing loss and how severe the loss is, will be factored into the hearing aid type and style. Comfort Adapting to new hearing aids takes time and patience, especially if the device is shaped differently than your previous hearing aids. Make sure that the device that you choose feels comfortable to wear in the long-term. They won’t be useful to you if you’re not wearing them and getting your brain used to hearing sounds again. Size As previously mentioned, even though the smallest size may be your first choice, it would be more sensible if you got a hearing aid that you could easily handle, adjust various control options and insert batteries or domes. Lifestyle Choose your hearing aids based on your personal lifestyle. How and where do you usually spend your time? What type of activities do you engage in? Do you practice sports or play a musical instrument? Are you frequently in crowds or do you talk to people one-on-one? Your hearing aid provider will be familiar with the latest models and can give you insight on their patients’ experiences. Source of Power Prevent future worries or frustrations by investing in a device that easily recharges and/or has batteries that can easily be switched out. Reducing Feedback Noise Sometimes hearing aids create a loud whistling sound. That’s known as feedback noise. This indicates that the devices are not properly fit for your ears, or the space that you occupy at the time is not the ideal area to be, like when using a phone. Discuss these issues with your hearing instrument specialist. They will work with you to find a solution to this problem. Warranty Hearing aids are an investment that’s worth taking care of. They improve your overall health, communication and cognitive function. Get a trusted brand that comes with a good warranty. Service Centers If you frequently travel, you may want to select a well-known brand that can be repaired or replaced anywhere. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and would like to learn more about hearing aids that would suit your personal needs, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.
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 Think of a simple song, like “Twinkle, Twinkle”. Imagine the rhythm of each word, or how you may have sung this to your child or grandchild.
Were you able to hear the song in your head? You probably did. Your ears, which are transmitters, are not the only thing that allows you to listen. Listening also requires the use of your brain. When you imagine hearing “Twinkle, Twinkle”, this is the practice of listening with your memory. Listening with Memory By hearing music in your head can be referred to as auditory imagery, auditory memory, musical imagery, musical memories, or an earworm (when you cannot stop hearing the same tune over and over again). Practicing how to use it is known as “audiation” or “ear training”. Auditory memory is similar to remembering your mother or father’s face, the town that you grew up in, or music that you enjoy listening to. No iPhone or mp3 player can store the amount of music that you have in your auditory memory. According to Scientific American each person has approximately one million gigabytes that are available in their head! If you are a musician, utilizing your mind’s ear can help with your musical instrument performances. You need to begin at the right tempo, fill in any blanks, and “sing” the melodies while playing them so that your phrases have natural breaths in between. Use the input, output, and practice, and you can tune out those earworms with helpful music memories. Begin by selecting which music you need to remember and then “input” that in your memory. When learning a new piece of music, play it slowly. Repeat each phrase and sing the tune in your head. Repeat this, but remove one or two notes and only hear those in your head. Continue doing this until you can repeat all of it in your mind, without touching the keys. If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  It’s important to take care of your overall health. Just about everyone has a fitness and health tracker these days. It may be in the form of a digital watch, a smartphone or hearing aids.
On average, Americans walk 3,000 to 4,000 steps, or about 1.5 to 2 miles per day. It is recommended to walk 10,000 steps each day in order to reduce an overall risk of depression, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity. It correlates with a lower risk of most types of cancers. Trackers that are Worn on the Wrist are not Always Accurate Popular fitness trackers are usually inaccurate. The Stanford Division of Cardiovascular Medicine found that the average fitness trackers that are worn on the wrist are mostly inaccurate when recording the user's heart rate and step counts. Another study that was published in the Journal of Sports Sciences indicated that the iPhone’s pedometer was on average 21.5% less accurate than a research grade step tracker. Your Ear is a More Reliable place to Track Your Health The wrist is made of muscles and tendons that move around, whereas the ear is made of cartilage and it’s the most inert part of your body. It is also dark and the arteries located there are close to the skin’s surface. If you place a sensor, like a hearing aid, in your ear that signal becomes 100 times clearer than the wrist. Starkey’s Livio AI are the First, and only, Hearing Aids that have 3D Motion Sensors Starkey’s Livio AI are the first hearing aids that will automatically track your brain and body health. The ear is a steady surface. It is consistent with the rest of the body’s movements, while your wrist and pocket have ancillary movements. The ancillary movements (not related to steps), tend to lead to false positive and false negative steps being recorded. Hearing aids tend to be worn longer, because they are multifunctional and are more likely to be used when participating in daily activities. Use Livio AI to Record the Health of Your Brain and Body The Livio AI are the first hearing aids that have artificial intelligence (AI), built-in 3D motion sensors, and the Thrive Hearing app. This allows you to accurately oversee your steps and total movement, while measuring actions that are helpful with the health of your brain, such as frequent hearing aid usage, the amount of time spent actively listening and socializing. If you believe the Starkey’s Livio AI would be beneficial for you, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free trial and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Facts About the Spread of Respiratory Droplets
We are now aware that infectious diseases - such as COVID-19 - may be transmitted from person to person via coughing and sneezing. But it can also be passed between people who are simply talking to each other. According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the average speech droplets produce thousands of respiratory droplets that could linger in the air for nearly 14 minutes. Each time humans speak, we scatter thousands of tiny droplets through our mouths that can remain in the air for 8 to 14 minutes. These droplets may transfer infectious pathogens - like COVID-19 - and spread viral molecules between individuals when the other person breathes in the infected droplets, or comes in physical contact with something that the droplets settled on. More Respiratory Droplets are Created when Speaking Louder The same research from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences discovered that talking loudly created more droplets than the average speaking tone. This research supports the use of masks, and for getting hearing loss treated. Hearing is essential, especially during these uncertain times. Wearing hearing aids can reduce the need for others to speak up, thus reducing the risk of transmitting COVID-19. Those who have COVID-19 are the most infectious. If your friends or family members are infected (but are unaware of it) and speaking up so that you will be able to hear them, they will be producing more respiratory droplets and transmitting them in the air. This raises the risks of being exposed to the virus, which increases risks to everyone in the same space. Reduce the Need to Speak too Loudly, by Using Hearing Aids Wearing hearing aids lets you actively, and safely, engage in discussions with others. Instead of yelling at each other, you can all talk at a normal tone and lower the risk of infection. Hearing aids can also make it easier to listen to people with masks on. If someone is not wearing a clear mask, it removes the lip-reading cues that you depend on. Therefore, the additional amplification and clarity in speech can be beneficial during these times. COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions are going to be around for longer than anticipated. If you have hearing loss, wearing hearing aids lowers the risks of social distancing becoming social isolation, which can lead to depression. If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and a hearing aid trial. We offer a variety of brands for a wide range of hearing loss. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Do you feel like you’re missing out on your favorite TV shows and movies? Is heavily relying on captions just not cutting it?
Some research indicates that 95% of American adults watch TV on a daily basis. The 2019 Nielsen Total Audience Report showed that adults (18 and over) used their TVs for more than 36 hours per week. This includes watching live TV, recorded shows, movies, using Blu-ray or DVD players, game consoles and smart TV apps. Why is it difficult for people with hearing loss to listen to TV? Whether you have hearing loss and you wear hearing aids or you have hearing loss and you do not wear hearing aids, watching TV can be tough. You can learn about what factors play a role in your TV’s quality of sound and which tools you can use to improve the way you enjoy viewing your television. Hearing loss and your ears Anyone who has hearing loss tends to have problems with clarity and volume levels when it comes to watching TV. Hearing aids that are fit correctly, can greatly improve hearing loss and guarantee that the sounds are audible. In some cases, there are people who grapple with both clarity and speech comprehension and reveal that the TV signal is loud, but not completely clear. Technology to use for your TV A TV’s sound quality is based on the accuracy of sound that is reproduced, compared to the original arrangement. All TV shows, movies and video games are mixed in a studio, therefore there is a distinct sound that is created before the public views them. Some of these sounds may align with our personal preferences, but others may not. There are some programs that are designed to have more bass or treble sounds. Also, the frequency response, TV distortion and audio format (analog, bitrate, compression, digital, etc.) may each be used to create the sound quality of your TV. Your environment and visuals The amount of distance from your TV, reverberation and background noise also poorly affects the quality of sound. Whether you realize it, or not, everyone uses lip-reading to help with speech comprehension. You are not always going to be able to see people’s faces when they talk. How to improve your ability to hear the TV In addition to using closed captions, the soundbar, or recording programs to re-watch them, Starkey’s Livio AI hearing aids and TV accessories provide dual-radio wireless technology, twin compressors that enhance audibility for quality in speech and sound. You can also use the Thrive Hearing app, which lets users customize their personal TV viewing settings to control sound levels and microphone settings. You can stream TV sounds directly into the device and reduce background noise in order to experience TV at its best. Binge-watch and hear your favorite shows The ability to watch TV allows us to escape, learn new information, play games, etc. If you are experiencing hearing loss, stop missing out. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids and get a free hearing aid trial of Starkey’s Livio AI, or choose for a wide selection of other hearing aids that we have readily available. Please note that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Even though you are staying home more often these days, it’s crucial to keep an active brain in order to continue processing sound. A study from John Hopkins indicated that having mild hearing loss doubled the risks of dementia. Individuals who suffered from severe hearing loss were five times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia if they did not get treatment for their hearing loss.
Your brain is activated when you can hear Hearing incidental sounds, even if there is no direct communication, is crucial to keeping the brain engaged and processing sound waves. Studies on children have shown that incidental sounds and incidental learning are important in their early development. Noise management features are switched off in order to provide children with an introduction to as many sounds as possible. Due to the pandemic, even though you may not currently be using your hearing aids as a means of direct communication with other people, it’s vital for your brain to hear incidental sounds. Hearing aids alert you of surrounding danger or other important signals To keep yourself and others safe, wearing hearing aids will allow you to hear any alarms or sirens that may go off close by. If you are new to wearing hearing aids, you’re going to hear lots of sounds that you haven’t heard in years. You may not realize how loud the refrigerator hum is or that there’s a strange sound coming from your car that needs to be fixed. It’s necessary to hear sounds throughout your day in order to acclimate your brain, so that you can feel more secure in your health and safety. Hearing aids connect you to others Today’s hearing aids help you stay connected to the people in your life. These devices can be hooked up to your smartphone, tablet and TV, which allow users to remain informed about the news and other information that is important to you. Hearing aids with Bluetooth®, like Starkey’s Livio AI, can engage in FaceTime calls, regular phone calls and Zoom video chats. Being away from family and friends during this time may be difficult, but being able to hear incidental sounds can make you more aware of your surroundings and safer, in addition to staying connected to loved ones. If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aids from name brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices. 20+ Ways to Handle Communication Challenges and Wearing a Face Mask with Your Hearing Aids5/22/2020  To aid in the prevention of the coronavirus, it is now a requirement for everyone to wear a face mask in public. This can be complicated for anyone with hearing loss.
Face Masks make Communication more Challenging for People who are Hard of Hearing People's voices are muffled - making it very difficult to understand them, and their faces are covered - making it impossible to read facial expressions or lip read. For hearing aid users, the ear loops on your face mask could pull on your hearing aids and cause some issues. 3 Tips for Hearing Aid Users when Wearing and Removing Your Face Mask:
8 ways to Communicate while Wearing a Face Mask:
How to Wear Your Face Mask with Hearing Aids For anyone who wears behind-the-ear hearing aids, you will probably come across some issues when donning a standard face mask that has elastic ear loops. These ear loops could pull at the tubing that connects the hearing aid and the domes that rest in your ears. You may accidentally yank your hearing aids out and drop them while taking your mask off. If you happen to be looking for new hearing aids, now would be a good time to ask your hearing instrument specialist for a trial of in-the-ear (ITE) or receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids. These hearing aids do not rest behind your ears. Instead, they rest inside your ear canal. Alternative Face Mask Options:
Many who are hard of hearing have been advocating for the public to wear clear face shields, but this has not been adopted yet. How to Speak to those with Hearing Loss when Wearing a Face Mask Anyone with hearing loss can tell you the new set of challenges they face when interacting with a person who is wearing a face mask. This is especially true in medical settings, where there is high stress, and communication is almost equally as frustrating for both the healthcare provider and patient. There are two evident dilemmas. The patient cannot gain any facial or lip reading cues, and the healthcare provider’s voice is distorted and muffled. 9 Ways to make Your Office, or Exam Room, more welcoming for those with Hearing Loss:
Speakers may try to communicate with the hard of hearing by projecting their voice, but it’s actually more effective to speak clearly, at a normal volume and enunciate their words. When You are out in Public When going out to go grocery shopping, or picking up a prescription, those previously mentioned tips may be impossible to follow. If you and your spouse are wearing masks, be sure that your spouse is aware that they need to speak clearly and at a steady pace when addressing you. Advocate for yourself when speaking to strangers. Tell them that you cannot hear very well, and let them know that they need to speak very clearly. If you are speaking to someone with hearing loss, instead of repeating yourself, utilize body language by making eye contact, using hand gestures to reflect your facial reactions and speaking a little slower. If they read lips, speak at a normal, steady pace. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  When one person has hearing loss, their entire family is affected by it. Talking over a game plan to handle it, can improve communication and make the experience of hearing loss much less frustrating and problematic for everyone who is involved. Let your needs be known to your family.
1. Disclose Your Hearing Loss It’s important to tell your immediate family that you are having trouble with hearing. Be transparent about what you grapple with on a daily basis. This will let them know what you need, repeat things if necessary and explain anything that was misheard. Be honest and accepting in order to foster a healthy relationship with each other. 2. Describe Your Hearing Loss Experience to Others It is complicated to fully understand what hearing loss is like if you’ve never experienced it. You might need to explain what your hearing loss experience is like, many times, in a number of different environments in order to give an accurate depiction. Maybe you can suggest that your family members wear earplugs next time they all sit and talk during a family meal. Although it won’t be a completely accurate portrayal of what hearing loss is like (the distortion won’t be replicated), it will give them a general understanding of how some people experience hearing loss. 3. Bring Your Family to Your next Appointment Learning about the results of your hearing test and how severe your hearing loss is from an expert, could help them better understand your hearing loss and the challenges you endure. Your family will also help your hearing healthcare provider get a better understanding of how you communicate with one another and what environments are most problematic for you. This will help with treatment and how your hearing aid is programmed by your provider. 4. Be open about how You are feeling in regards to Your Hearing Loss Do not continue to carry one as usual and ignore how you are feeling about your hearing loss. If you disclose how dissatisfied or depressed you are about your hearing loss, your family can grow closer. Being vulnerable is a step in the right direction. Feelings of fatigue are a common result of hearing loss. Your brain is trying to comprehend and piece together what is being said in conversations. Let your family members know when you are feeling too tired. 5. Get rid of the Stigma If you show how comfortable you are with your hearing difficulties, those around you will be comfortable too. You may be living with someone who has hearing loss, but nobody discusses it. Turning this into a taboo subject prevents that person from getting help, while making their disability a normal part of your family’s life. 6. For Family Members, Practice Good Communication Techniques It can be as simple as getting your hearing impaired family member’s attention prior to speaking to them. Always keep your mouth uncovered, and face the person with hearing loss. They may rely on lip-reading, facial cues, or hand gestures in order to get a fuller idea of the message that is being conveyed. Ask your family member with hearing loss what they need in order to help them hear you at an optimal level. Be very specific so that they understand what you need and don’t wind up shouting or talking directly into your ear when they speak. 7. Ask Family Members to Advocate for You You’ll feel a strong support and bond with your family when they find a movie theater that offers captions or a theatre that offers telecoil technology. Their help will allow you to preserve your energy to enjoy your outing or use it to advocate for other things that you may encounter. 8. Use a Signal if You were Unable to Hear Something A visual signal can be just as useful as saying “What?”, and this won’t stop the flow of the discussion. It can also reduce the amount of frustration that others feel when you ask them to repeat themselves. 9. Try out Different Technology Have your family test out new assistive listening devices with you, in order to find out if they make it easier to communicate with each other. This could be entertaining for anyone in the family who is tech-savvy. 10. Get You Family Involved with the Hearing Loss Community Have them walk or volunteer alongside you at a Walk4Hearing event, or any other hearing loss related fundraiser. When they educate themselves about hearing loss, they can have a better understanding about your experience and help you with whatever challenges may arise. 11. Have a Sense of Humor About Things You will mishear words, so don’t take it too seriously when it happens. Some of it can be very funny. Crack some jokes, and keep things light throughout your journey of creating a family support system. Your family can help you create a strong foundation of support and strengthen your relationships with each other. Remember to be honest with them, ask them to repeat or clarify when necessary, and involve them in your self-advocacy efforts. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Musicians, Protect Your Hearing
If you are a musician, your ears are needed to keep your instruments in tune and get inspired by your surroundings. Without the ability to hear, it would cause musicians to struggle with doing what they love. Your hearing abilities shift over time, especially if you play an instrument. About one in eight Americans - of any age - experiences some range of hearing loss, so it’s very important for musicians to properly protect their ears. Modern technology has significantly advanced earplugs. You no longer need to wear over-sized foam plugs, because today’s earplugs are more discreet. Here are Some of the Best Earplugs for Musicians that are Available Now:
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Main Facts
Approximately 5% of the world’s population - that’s 466 million people - have a disabling form of hearing loss (432 million adults and 34 million children). It is being estimated that in 2050, more than 900 million people - that’s 1 in 10 people - will experience a disabling hearing loss. A disabling hearing loss is defined as hearing loss that is over 40 decibels (dB) in the healthier hearing ear for adults and hearing loss that is over 30 dB in the healthier hearing ear in children. Most people with disabling hearing loss live in low or middle-income countries. About one third of those aged 65 or older, have a disabling hearing loss. Most of these people live in South Asia, Asia Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa. Hearing loss vs deafness A person with hearing loss is someone who cannot hear as well as someone with normal hearing loss (that’s a hearing threshold of 25 dB or more in each ear). Hearing loss is categorized as mild, moderate, severe or profound. One or both ears can be affected, which can cause difficulty in hearing casual speech or loud sounds. Someone who is ‘hard of hearing’ has hearing loss that varies between mild to severe. Those who are hard of hearing can communicate with others by verbally speaking and may benefit from using hearing aids, other assistive listening devices and captions. Those with more severe hearing loss may benefit from cochlear implants. A person who is deaf has profound hearing loss. They have little or no hearing abilities. They use sign language or lip reading to communicate and understand people. What causes hearing loss and deafness? Hearing loss and deafness may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. Congenital causes could lead to hearing loss that is present at or acquired right after birth. Hearing loss can be caused by genetic factors that may or may not be hereditary, or by pregnancy/birth complications. These include:
Acquired causes can lead to hearing loss at any age. These include:
A common cause of hearing loss in children is suffering from a chronic form of otitis media. What are the Impacts of hearing loss? Hearing loss impacts the practical means of communication with others. Development of spoken language is delayed in children who have hearing loss that is not addressed and treated. Hearing loss that goes unaddressed, or ear diseases like otitis media, will most likely have a negative effect on how children perform academically. These children tend to have higher rates of failure and the need for additional assistance in learning. It would be crucial to have access to the appropriate tools in order for them to have the best learning experience, but those means are not always accessible. Social and emotional repercussions Being excluded from interacting with others due to an inability to communicate can create feelings of isolation, loneliness, and frustration. This is especially true with older people who have hearing loss. Economic repercussions According to the World Health Organization, hearing loss that goes untreated can cost $750 billion in health sector costs, costs in educational support, loss in productivity, and societal costs. In most developing countries, children who have hearing loss rarely receive any education. Adults who have hearing loss are more likely to be unemployed. Among the employed, there is a greater percentage of people with hearing loss who are in the lower levels of employment in comparison to the general workforce. In order to lower the rate of unemployment for those with hearing loss, it’s important to create access to education and vocational rehabilitation services, particularly for employers. Prevention measures There has been some suggestion that half of all cases of hearing loss can be prevented through public health measures. About 60% of children under 15 years old, have hearing loss cases that were due to preventable causes. Here are most of the preventable causes of childhood hearing loss:
Easy ways to prevent hearing loss
Identify and manage hearing loss It is very important to detect hearing loss as early as possible in order to intervene. This will help to reduce the impact of hearing loss during a child’s development and education. Early detection and intervention will improve language acquisition and overall education outcomes. Children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and their family members, should have the opportunity to learn sign language. Hearing screenings that take place at schools are an effective way to detect ear diseases and hearing loss at an early age. Pure Sound Hearing Aids offers a free hearing test and consultation. Those with hearing loss can benefit from wearing hearing aids. The global production of hearing aids only fulfills less than 10% of worldwide needs. There is an overall lack of availability of services for fitting and maintaining hearing aid devices, but our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound are readily available for your hearing aid needs. Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Hearing Aids Misplaced More Frequently
For most people, we are currently living through unprecedented times. New safety measures have become the new norm. These extra precautions, including social distancing and wearing a face mask, are being practiced for the safety of your health and the health of those around you. As a result, those who wear hearing aids may now be losing their devices more frequently after putting on or removing their face mask. Misplacing your hearing aids is just as scary as misplacing your keys or wallet. Your hearing aids are a big investment, so it’s alarming to lose something that you wear in order to function in your daily life. If you are frequently misplacing your hearing aids, there’s a solution for you. Starkey’s Halo and Halo 2 hearing aids feature the “Find My Hearing Aids” in the TruLink Hearing Control app for your smartphone. Simply download the app onto your smartphone and this function can help you locate recently lost hearing aids. It will show a map of where they were last detected or a search signal can be used to help you recover lost devices if you believe they are nearby. How to use the “Find My Hearing Aids” tool In the TruLink Hearing Control app, the “Find My Hearing Aids” feature:
It’s important to mention that this will only work as long as the hearing aids’ batteries still have power, or if there is enough power in them from a recharge if you have rechargeable hearing aids. So make sure that you always carry around extra batteries, or your hearing aids have been fully charged before leaving your home. If you, or a loved one, have lost your hearing aids and need a replacement, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Managing Hearing Loss under a New Circumstances
The world has adapted to a new norm within the past few months. Social distancing guidelines have been put in place, which has shut down restaurants, theaters, and other non-essential trades, in order to prioritize access to healthcare, food and medication. Many have been forced to self-isolate, and keep a distance from others in order to flatten the curve of infections. Those with hearing loss must have access to functioning hearing aids during this crisis in order to communicate with others during this critical time. Here are some tips to maintain your hearing health:
These are challenging times for everyone. Make your hearing health a priority by staying in touch with your hearing healthcare professionals. Be creative, flexible, and open to trying new means of communication with technology. This can help to protect your hearing health, and keep you safe during these uncertain times. Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  It’s true.
Classical music turns out to be more dangerous to your hearing health, than rock music. Even though classical music is not blasted at loud volumes that can shake an arena, on average, classical musicians play four to five hours each day. They are either practicing, teaching, or performing multiple times per week. The intensity of sound may be louder on the set of a rock concert, but the number of hours each week that is spent playing is much greater for a classical musician. So to all classical musicians, take this into consideration. Reduce the amount of time spent playing your instrument, or wear hearing protection. If you are a musician who is experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  In a study conducted by Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons journal, roughly all test subjects who were 80 years or older had some range of hearing loss. The research also showed that only 59 percent of all those participants who had hearing loss, actually wore hearing aids.
The lack of hearing aid usage may be based on social stigma, or discomfort in wearing the devices due to an improper fitting. Modern advancements in hearing aids have been able to eliminate these problems. There are many small and discreet hearing aids that are now available to the public. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing any discomfort from wearing your hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids to schedule an appointment and consultation. Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Having an appointment with a professional hearing instrument specialist is equally as important as choosing the hearing aid that works best for you.
For your ears Your hearing instrument specialist needs to be sure that the fit of your hearing aids are comfortable and working at the best level. It is important to wear your hearing aids each day. It’s like breaking in a new pair of shoes. Initially, they may be uncomfortable to wear, but once you break them in you may barely notice that you’re wearing them. Your hearing instrument specialist also wants to make sure that there are no pressure points that may cause pain or sores to your ears, while also ensuring that they are securely fit to reduce or prevent feedback and whistling noises. For your personal lifestyle It’s important to discuss what you want to get out of your hearing aids, and that involves catering to your hearing needs, everyday needs, and active lifestyle. Your hearing aid provider needs to make sure that you have the right hearing aid. For your specific hearing needs Your hearing instrument specialist must make the correct programming and sound quality adjustments for your hearing aid. They want to verify that the hearing aid has been properly programmed for your hearing loss and hearing needs. This process will allow the hearing instrument specialist to set up your hearing aids based on the sound environments that you are frequently in, making it simple and smooth when shifting to each setting. Adjustments in the sound, programming or fitting for your hearing aid can be made in the office during the appointment for your hearing aid fitting. If you are in need of a hearing test, finding the right device or getting a hearing aid fitting, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing instrument specialists.  If you encounter any issues with your hearing aids, most of them can be solved at home. Here are some typical problems that many hearing aid users have come across.
If you notice loss of sound, a weak or irregular amplification, internal noises from your device or distorted/garbled sounds, ask yourself these four questions: Is the hearing aid switched on? If you don’t hear any sound coming from your hearing aid, make sure that the battery door on the hearing device is securely closed and the hearing aid is switched on. If there is a volume control feature, make sure that the volume isn’t on a mute or very low setting. Is there an issue with the battery? The battery needs to rest inside the hearing aid device in a precise way in order for it to function (look at your instruction manual for information on how to correctly place the battery in) All batteries have a “ + ” and “ - ” mark. The flat edge of a hearing aid battery is the positive pole. Make sure that the battery is placed correctly in your hearing aid. If the battery is upside down, the hearing aid will not be able to extract any power. There is a chance that your battery is dead or very weak. Take a fresh battery and remove the sticker/tab from it. After removing the sticker/tab, you should wait 3-5 minutes before placing the battery in your hearing aid. This lets it thoroughly charge before being used. FEMA and the American Red Cross recommend keeping hearing aid batteries in your disaster supply kit. Is there an obstruction in the hearing aid? Earwax, moisture, oils and/or other debris may build up in your hearing aid’s microphone(s), sound port, and tubing which can cause the device to malfunction.
Is the hearing aid switched onto the proper program? Your hearing aid may have multiple programs that you can switch in between. Make sure that you are using the most suitable program based on the environment that you are in. There are some programs that are meant to be used with the phone, or in different environments, that may sound unusual if you decide to use them in other situations that it was not originally intended to be used in. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our office locations.  Many changes have occurred within the past weeks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have been lucky enough to work remotely from home. There are a set of unique challenges for the hard of hearing when it comes to creating a home office. This is particularly true when video conferencing becomes a primary tool at your job. In addition to adapting to a new way of working, in some cases the technology that you need to use may not be as accommodating as you need it to be. It can feel overwhelming, especially with the added social isolation and stress.
Here are 9 tips for working virtually if you or your co-workers are hard of hearing: 1. Make sure that everyone that you are video conferencing has a headset and microphone to enhance the sound quality. If you use Zoom, there is a closed caption feature that can be enabled by the person who sets up the video conference. Google Meet also features a caption setting. 2. Set your microphone to the mute setting if you are not speaking, and to reduce background noises. 3. Take time to do a soundcheck before the meeting begins by having each person speak or introduce themselves. This will allow those with hearing loss to make sure they can hear everyone and make adjustments if necessary. 4. Use the video feature. Having visual cues helps those with hearing loss follow along with the conversation. 5. Examine the lighting. It is best to have some light shining in front of you instead of behind you. Back lighting makes it difficult to see people’s faces and mouths. Some people who are hard of hearing depend on lip-reading to help them understand what is being said. 6. Do not cover your mouth. Do your best to keep your hair, hands, and clothes away from your mouth and face. Speak loud and clear. 7. Wait until it is your turn to speak. Having multiple people talking over one another makes it difficult for someone who is hard of hearing to follow along with the conversation. 8. Share your screen with everyone when presenting documents. 9. Record your meeting for later reference. This will be helpful for anyone who may have missed portions of the meeting. The videos can be reviewed later and at a slower speed, if necessary. Here are 3 tips for those with hearing loss: 1. Sync up your hearing aids. Ask your hearing instrument specialist if your hearing aids can connect via Bluetooth directly to the device that is used in your video conferences. 2. Use earbuds or headphones. There are many headphones that have a noise-canceling feature to reduce background noises, which can make it easier to hear discussions that are made during the meeting. 3. Always speak up and advocate for yourself if you cannot hear. Your employer may not be aware that you are having a problem. It’s important to speak up and let your employer know that you have difficulty hearing in case you miss vital information, assignments, updates, or instructions that require your participation or feedback. Hearing loss and communication Poor communication that is experienced by those with hearing loss can be improved with properly adjusted and fitted hearing aids. Pure Sound will only be open by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  What You May Want to Observe
There are no universal guides that have been settled upon to diagnose hidden hearing loss, but here are some things that you may notice.
What Happens to Your Brain During Hidden Hearing Loss? During the process of hearing, cilia (tiny hair cells) located in the inner ear will vibrate and send a signal to the auditory nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve). It is vital that these signals navigate over synapses, which are crucial connections between the nerve cells. Typical hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the nerve or hair cells. Hidden hearing loss usually emerges due to the loss of synapses between the cilia and the vestibulocochlear nerve. As a result, the noise that is signaled will be incomplete. This is what causes those with hidden hearing loss to miss information that is necessary to decipher language. A 2009 study that was conducted on mice, showed that loud noises could damage synapses. The mice were exposed to 100-decibels of noise - approximately the same level of sound from a lawnmower - for two hours. The researchers found that the mice’s hair cells were still in tact, but half of their synapses were permanently destroyed. Individuals who have lost their synapses might be able to hear a beeping noise during their hearing test, even if it is at a reduced volume that would confuse someone who has cell or nerve damage. Causes of Hidden Hearing Loss The combination of excessive noise and aging tend to worsen hidden hearing loss. The majority of researchers have found that extensive exposure to low noise levels might induce hidden hearing loss. It is generally agreed upon that aging exposes this issue. Some synapses are lost as we age. Another cause may be complications with cells that produce myelin (a substance which insulates the brain cells in your ears). Some autoimmune disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome - associated with food poisoning, the flu, hepatitis, and the Zika virus - attack myelin. Hidden hearing loss is sometimes undiagnosed and gets mistaken for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or central auditory processing disorder. Central auditory processing disorder is usually diagnosed in children and occurs in a different level of the brain. Living with Hidden Hearing Loss In some cases, a person with hidden hearing loss may stand or sit with a small group of people while there are several others around, and not be able to hear the people right next to them. After moving into a different room, with only a few people, this person may still need to move closer in order to hear others. Whispers can be heard in quiet spaces, but comprehending speech in noisy surroundings can be difficult. Results from a hearing test can show normal ranges, and no treatment would be given. Treating Hidden Hearing Loss If you have slight or mild hearing loss, you may find hearing aids that feature a “speech in noise” program to be beneficial. These hearing aids use directional microphones to harness the sounds emanating in front of you and diminish the sounds on your sides or behind you. There is also the option of placing a microphone close to the signal that you are trying to hear, and wearing a Bluetooth receiver or hearing aid. Please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We have experienced hearing instrument specialists who will work with you until you feel comfortable with your hearing aid devices. Pure Sound will only be open by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting of our office locations.  Advice on How to Protect Your Hearing Health
Exposure to dangerously loud repetitions can result in permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and difficulty with comprehending speech when there is background noise. Take precautions by reducing the chances of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Hearing protection is labeled with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). NRR is measured in a laboratory and the vast majority of individuals receive much less noise reduction than the NRR indicates. Overall, hazardous sounds need 5 or 10 dB of noise reduction to be considered safe. Just about any properly fitted, hearing protection may provide 10 dB of protection. In order to determine if your hearing protection is properly fit, listen for a shift in how you can hear your own voice. If your voice sounds fuller, deeper, or more hollow, you probably have a correct fit. If you are exposed to sounds that reach at least 100 dBA or more (for example from a jackhammer) or a sudden loud noise (from a nail gun or firearm), it is recommended that you wear twice as much hearing protection (such as wearing earmuffs over your earplugs). Take Your Listening Environment into Consideration Think about whether you need to wear eyeglasses, sunglasses, or any other type of eye protection. Maybe you need to wear a hat, helmet, or another type of head protection. These accessories may interfere with how a pair of earmuffs are sealed. Earmuffs may feel uncomfortable in humid climates; the cushions on earmuffs may not be completely sealed off in colder environments. Earplugs can be an alternative option. If your hands are bound to get dirty, do not use foam earplugs (these need to be rolled smaller with your fingers prior to inserting them into your ear canals). Think about what type of noises you are hearing. Are the sounds continuous or intermittent? Earmuffs and pre-formed earplugs can be easily removed and frequently replaced than foam plugs. Having corded earplugs are convenient if you don’t have pockets or a purse. If you are listening to music or need to talk to others while wearing your ear protection, you can use flat attenuation earplugs or earmuffs (or musician’s earplugs) in order to preserve sound consistency. Maybe you’ll be in a quiet setting, but there will be spontaneous eruptions of sound, like fireworks. Level-dependent, or sound restoration, hearing protectors let sounds permeate through when it’s quiet and become a safeguard for your hearing when noises get loud. Take Comfort and Convenience into Consideration Sort out which type of hearing protection is suitable, based on your noise exposure and how you intend to use them. It’s important to keep in mind that the hearing protection will only work if you wear them consistently and properly each time you are prone to dangerous noise levels. Select protection that benefits your needs and feels comfortable. Pure Sound will only be open by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings.  Hearing loss is complicated. It is especially difficult to understand the full details of it if you’ve never had the experience.
Having Hearing Loss is Similar to playing Wheel of Fortune Think about the show Wheel of Fortune. Some of the letters are shown, while the others are blank. This is how someone with hearing loss hears other people. Using a mix of fragmented sounds, facial cues, lipreading cues, and what they already know about the topic at hand to construct words and phrases that would match the context of the discussion. This requires a lot of energy from your brain and can lead to fatigue. Hearing Loss is Not a Secondary Problem Hearing is a very active method that requires a lot of focus and effort. It’s not a trivial process that’s done while doing something else. Hearing is the main pursuit. This is why it’s vital to get the attention of someone who has hearing loss before communicating with them. Wearing Hearing Aids is Not Like Wearing Eyeglasses When you wear hearing aids, your hearing won’t go back to the way it was before. Hearing aids and eyeglasses do not function the same way. Eyeglasses make blurry images sharper and clearer. Hearing aids can make noises louder, but not always crisper. Sounds may still be muffled or unclear. Seeing is Hearing For those with hearing loss, it takes visual and auditory cues in order to communicate with others. It’s important to take lipreading, other people’s body language, and facial expressions into consideration so that sounds will make more sense. Make sure to stand or sit face to face with someone when you are communicating with them. Here are some additional tips to use. Using Visuals Having visual elements as references can be extremely helpful, particularly when a presentation is being given in a learning environment. Using written phrases, images, and videos with captions is a great tool to use in order to inform others about the topic that is being discussed. Pure Sound will only be open by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings.  Handmade face masks customized for the deaf and hard of hearing
Sewers across the country are contributing handmade protective face masks for health care workers who are out on the frontlines to treat those who have been infected with the Coronavirus. Ashley Lawrence, a college senior at Eastern Kentucky University, is studying education for the deaf and hard of hearing (DHH). Lawrence recognized that these face masks prevent those who rely on facial cues or lip reading to communicate with others. She took it upon herself to sew face masks that are made specifically for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Lawrence became aware that this entire segment of the population was not being taken into consideration. She knew that it was vital that the DHH community would be able to communicate with others. Bedsheets and extra plastic crafting supplies were used to create masks that provide protection, but that also clearly displays the wearer’s mouth to help those who depend on lip-reading to communicate. American Sign Language (ASL) utilizes a lot of facial expressions. Some people are very emotional when they speak, therefore when a mask is worn over someone’s face, half of what is said does not get translated. Face masks for cochlear implant users and hearing aid users Lawrence is in the process of creating other types of face masks for cochlear implant users or hearing aid wearers who cannot wrap the face masks over their ears. She decided to sew masks that can be tied around the head and the neck. She already received several orders of her mask. She is in the process of creating a pattern that can be shared over the web with sewers who would like to make their own. Pure Sound will only be open by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings.  Statistics on Hearing Metal Manufacturers
Out of all the trades in the work industry, those who work with metals have the greatest risk of suffering from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that cases of hearing loss in every primary metal manufacturing is significantly higher than chemical, food, or furniture manufacturing, construction, gas and oil extraction, along with several other fields. Working with metals is hazardous to your hearing due to how they are dealt with, processed and what their properties are. It is crucial to include elements like characteristics of noise, job description, number of years employed, a timeline of audiometric changes, time-weighted averages (TWA), and peak levels of noise when assessing the standard threshold for an employee. Noise-levels in Metal Manufacturing The noise-levels in the metal manufacturing industry are higher than in other industries because of the complexity of the metals’ properties. Sound is transmitted through the air at 1,130 ft. per second. Sounds coming from steel are transmitted through the air at 16,000 ft. per second. Train robbers were able to hear the vibrations from the railroad tracks in order to determine whether a train was arriving before it came into view. Metals fluctuate in density, so the acoustics and boundaries play a role in how the sounds are transmitted. When metal is chiseled, forged, hammered, pressed, or stamped the sounds produced can reach between 120 to 140 dB or more. When tools come in contact with metal, a signal will randomly appear and at different impact rates per second. There’s a wide range of sounds that come from metal that are unpredictable, and usually higher in frequency response. The Committee on Hearing, Bioacoustics, and Biomechanics (CHABA), extensive durations of signal noises are deemed more harmful than brief impulses. Hearing Abilities of Steel Workers Two studies were conducted on steel workers who did not use, or partially used, protection for their hearing. It showed similarities in hearing loss, noting that protecting your hearing infrequently will not be effective. Out of all the employees who work around continuous noise, those who work in the metal industry have a higher rate of hearing loss, and different hearing abilities in each ear. There were similar discoveries of hearing loss found in all noise-exposed employees, but those in the metal work industry have been impacted the most. A Brief History on Hearing Protection According to the Acoustic Society of America, the Greeks were the first people in recorded history to use hearing protection. It was not until 1864, during the Civil War, when the first hearing protection patent was legally certified by the government. Starting in 1884, ear plugs and canal caps featuring a headband, were given to sailors and soldiers. In 1914, disposable plugs were patented, the 1970s saw an emergence of soft-foam ear plugs, and in the 1980s an electronic earmuff system became available. Generally, hearing protection was not worn by those in the manufacturing industry. Most industries did not provide hearing protection for workers in the U.S. until the Walsh-Healy Noise Standards of 1969 was authorized. In some industries, hearing protection was not properly used or never used. Your Hearing Health It’s important that all forms of hearing protection are properly fitted in order to get the best benefits out of them. It is also vital for an employer to counsel the employee on the benefits of using hearing protection and the dangers of not using hearing protection on the job. Hearing protection that features a built-in form of communication such as Bluetooth® can be a good option for anyone who works in a field. When verifying the cause of high-frequency hearing loss in an industry, the effect of how noise impacts an individual should be considered. The effects of noise varies from person to person, so it’s important to know what someone’s risk level is based on their job description, TWA, and peak level data, and recording one’s own changes in hearing. By advising which hearing protection should be used based on a person’s hearing abilities and occupation, it can help to preserve the hearing health that they have. Using a hearing aid device can help you hear more clearly and gain some perception. Pure Sound will only be open by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings, and new hearing aid fittings.  Due to the social distancing mandates in regard to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, loneliness has become a leading issue among those who suffer from hearing loss.
According to a recent study, individuals who have hearing loss are linked to an increased risk of loneliness and being socially isolated. This is just another correlation to how untreated hearing loss is associated with higher risks of developing dementia, depression, and falling. It’s important that hearing healthcare professionals address a patient’s loneliness, in addition to the challenges they may face when trying to communicate with others. Social Distancing Another matter when it comes to being quarantined is how dependent everyone becomes on technology. Instead of communicating verbally and in person, the latest technology can actually make interacting with others more difficult for anyone with a hearing impairment. People who have hearing loss do not have the capability of associating a voice with a face. Distorted sounds that tend to occur with technology makes it challenging to identify who is speaking and what that person is saying. Subsequently, those with hearing loss risk being misinformed, they may be disruptive if clarification is needed or a reiteration of what was said, and they could become detached from others if they decide to avoid communicating altogether. Hearing healthcare facilities that are unable to offer services, may contribute to the further decline of a person’s social life. Patients are at risk when they suddenly stop using their hearing aids, due to hearing healthcare offices that do not offer hearing aid repairs during these difficult times. This leads to hearing aid users who may stop wearing their hearing aids or wear them less and less each day. This may cause problems when it comes to communication, safety, and health issues that are related to severe hearing loss. It is important to note that social isolation is not equated with, or automatically leads to, loneliness. Being lonely and being socially isolated are two different concepts. Sensory impairments, like hearing loss, can lead to loneliness and social isolation, but someone who is socially isolated may not actually feel lonely. Advice for Hearing Healthcare Providers and Patients With physical distancing measures in place, hearing healthcare providers can safely keep in contact with patients via telephone. Hearing healthcare providers can consider reaching out to patients and let them know that you are available to answer questions and concerns. A simple call can help relieve the loneliness and social isolation that many individuals with hearing loss experience. Tips for Hearing Aid Users and Those Who They Communicate With There are still some unique concerns for those with hearing loss during this time. The facial coverings - as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus - can disrupt lip reading for those who have that ability. Speakers and listeners must practice useful means of communication, such as rephrasing, repeating, and summarizing what was said. When someone who has hearing loss uses a facemask, please be aware of the hearing aid device(s). There’s a chance of unintentionally knocking them loose and off of the ear(s) while taking off facial coverings. Proper Hygiene for Your Hearing Aids Not only do you need to keep your hands clean and thoroughly wash them, but your hearing aids also need proper maintenance. Hearing aids, along with other amplification devices, need to be cleaned on a daily basis. Look at your user manuals for explicit instructions. Remember, do NOT use any alcohol-based disinfectants to clean your hearing aid devices. The alcohol can cause the dome to become brittle. Advice for Caregivers of Patients with Hearing Loss
Pure Sound will only be open by appointment and for essential visits. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings, and new hearing aid fittings. How can You make Participating in Team Sports more Inclusive for Children with Hearing Loss?3/3/2020  A few years ago, Derrick Coleman was signed by the Seattle Seahawks, making him the first deaf person to join the NFL. Matt Hamill, who has been deaf since birth, is a wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter. He was named the NCAA Division III national champion three times and was a competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Historically, many young athletes who are hard of hearing have been excluded from team sports. Some of the factors that led to this were due to group and social sensitivities, difficulty recognizing norms among the team members, and an absence of resources that limit the size of the staff. Disregarding these children and teens can harm their development as a person and an athlete. It could also lead them to become excluded at work and other social environments in the future. It’s important to work with schools and communities to address this issue and use better communication to allow children with hearing loss to develop interpersonal and teamwork skills. Raise awareness for Children with Hearing Loss Remember that everyone has a different method of communication. If you believe that everyone communicates the same way, this is what leads to people being excluded. Encourage community leaders to be more empathetic, and learn more about:
Ask questions Observe the child with hearing loss and do research. The best way to help this child is by asking them. There may be some uncomfortable questions that a coach or teammate needs to ask. Here is some advice on how to navigate through this:
Be Supportive of the Needs of Your Child A coach’s resources tend to determine how many support staff are needed to help a player. You must let the team coach know what your child needs for them to give their best performance. Some solutions may include:
Advocate to have Multiple Means of Communication Stress the importance of multi-channel communication and help to establish this. You can make visual aids, have a transcriber, or an interpreter. Other recommendations include:
Reaching out to coaches from your child’s school or community is an important first step in helping your child become more included. You may go to a meeting for the athletic department and speak to coaches. You could even become a coach for your child’s team, facilitate training with other coaches, and have an open form of communication with the athletic or recreation department. These adjustments take time and energy. It’s important to build a network of other parents in your school district or community to work together. If your child has hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a wide selection of hearing aid solutions for individuals of every age. Don’t let your child wait to participate in sports any longer, contact us today.  Appointments for your general health, eye health, and oral health are regularly scheduled. It’s always a good idea to see your medical practitioner, especially as you age.
Hearing tests are often overlooked More than 450 million people around the globe suffer from hearing loss. One out of three adults over the age of 65 have some range of hearing loss. It’s important to keep every aspect of your health in mind, even your hearing. It will help you live a fuller life. If you notice any hearing loss, early treatment will reduce further decline not only in your hearing, but also in your cognitive abilities. Getting a hearing test is a great basis for subsequent screenings. Contact us today at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. |
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