May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, and this year, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s theme is “Connecting People.” If we are one of the lucky ones, we take our five senses for granted. They fundamentally ground us in our reality and we depend on them not just for our basics of safety and survival but they are also the means for life’s greatest pleasures. It’s …
How Loud is Too Loud for Kids?
We are constantly absorbing sound throughout the day. With increasing access and integration of digital technology today, the noise exposure is even greater. This is especially true for kids who are using electronic devices now more than ever. Loud noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss and listening to the audio on devices is a primary way people are exposed. The …
How Smoking & Drinking May Affect Hearing
Most people are aware of the common health risks associated with smoking and drinking – increased risk of developing conditions like cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. But we tend to be less aware of other health issues these behaviors can contribute to. This includes hearing loss, the third most pervasive medical condition people navigate today. Various studies show that smoking and drinking can …
A Link Between Hearing Loss & Diabetes
Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes? If so, you probably have a lot of questions. For instance, how do you manage this condition and what else will it affect? Most people understand that complications with diabetes can further heart and kidney issues, but did you know that hearing loss could also affect your hearing and balance? Understanding Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic health condition that …
Prioritize Better Hearing in the New Year!
As January rolls in it is the start of the New Year! It’s hard to tell what this next one will mean for us as a society. There is so much changing in the world on environmental and social levels and the changes each year brings can feel monumental. With so much in constant fluctuation, it’s important to carve out some time for your own …
When Should I Update My Hearing Aids?
If you’ve been wearing hearing aids for a few years, you may be wondering when you should update your hearing aids. On average, hearing aids should be updated every 3 to 5 years. But there’s no magic number, and the right time is different for everyone. Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about updating your hearing aids. Are your Current Hearing …
October is Protect Your Hearing Month
Hearing protection in the workplace is an essential piece of occupational safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is tasked with preserving the health and wellbeing of employees, particularly those who do not have labor unions or other collective advocates to protect their safety. At many large employers, including factories, industrial facilities, and corporations, OSHA is aware of the needs of these employees and …
A Brief History of Hearing Loss
The history of hearing loss features incredible stories of the inventive ways that people have learned how to communicate with one another. Knowing the brief history of hearing loss will inspire you to think differently about how you communicate, to challenge yourself to be more creative in your thinking about how other people communicate, and give you tools to bridge any communication impasses you may …
Advantages of Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Hearing aid technology has grown by leaps and bounds in the century since they were first introduced. The incorporation of rechargeable batteries is one of the most recent advancements in hearing aid technology. It’s been a challenge to master: at first, rechargeable batteries tiny enough to fit in hearing aids lacked sufficient power to sufficiently move the needle. But hearing aids with rechargeable batteries are …
Why Pretending to Hear Doesn’t Help
Imagine yourself in a conversation without the ability to hear what others have to say. What would you do? For some people, the first instinct is to call out for help, and that impulse makes it possible for many people with hearing loss to pursue assistance as soon as they realize the problem. Yet, other people have different responses to that situation. Some might try …