One of the first questions I ask a new patient is whether they have a history of loud noise exposure. Some say no, some mention hunting, while most brush it off as listening to loud music in their youth. But the truth is that, especially in our modern world, everyone is exposed to unsafe levels of noise at some point in their lives. While noise pollution is a major concern, most people don’t consider it in their daily lives. However, protecting your ears from loud noise is one of the best ways … [Read more...] about Announcing a New Choice in Hearing Protection
Trinity Hearing Center
How to Care for a Loved One with Hearing Aids
According to the Labor of Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16% of the population provided eldercare between 2017 and 2018. Combine that with one in three people over the age of 65 having a hearing loss and there is a very good chance you are or will be caring for someone with hearing aids. Hearing care professionals will diagnose the hearing loss and fit the devices. But, once fit, a majority of the daily use and maintenance falls to the wearer, or, by extension, the caregiver. It is, therefore, … [Read more...] about How to Care for a Loved One with Hearing Aids
How to Make Sure You are Hearing the Sounds of the Holidays
A chief concern among hearing loss patients is their ability to socialize. Indeed, studies show that untreated hearing loss can have a major impact on quality of life. This is especially true around the holidays. Family and friends come together for the explicit purpose of bonding. For someone with hearing loss, this can be anxiety inducing. Luckily, there are ways to ease the burden and ensure this is truly the most wonderful time of the year. Check-Ups The simplest (and often most … [Read more...] about How to Make Sure You are Hearing the Sounds of the Holidays
What Do You Do with Hearing Loss in One Ear?
Hearing loss presents itself in a unique manner in each individual. Barring hereditary losses, each occurrence will be slightly varied. Some people will have a sensory loss, while others are conductive. Some will occur at birth, while others do not appear until late in life. One aspect that is sometimes glossed over is whether the hearing loss is bilateral or unilateral. Bilateral means the loss occurs in both ears, whereas unilateral is just one ear. Since the majority of hearing losses are … [Read more...] about What Do You Do with Hearing Loss in One Ear?
A World of Infinite Hearing has Arrived
Every day, it seems like a new technological leap is being broadcast in our news feeds. At times it can be hard to keep up. Hearing aids have seen a similar rate of improvement in recent years. In fact, Phonak just released a brand-new hearing model in August. Read on for an overview of the new platform. Audéo Infinio The most significant change Phonak made from the prior generation is a brand-new microchip. This new chip has significantly faster processing speed, with the capacity to perform … [Read more...] about A World of Infinite Hearing has Arrived
Understanding the Difference Between an ENT and an Audiologist
Hearing health care can be a steep learning curve for many patients. It’s not something that is commonly discussed until help is required. One common question is the difference between an audiologist and an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician. In actuality, both providers work closely together to holistically treat the patient. But the two are distinct professions with important differences. Scope of Practice Before delving in, it is important to define the idea of “scope of practice.” Scope … [Read more...] about Understanding the Difference Between an ENT and an Audiologist
Hearing Versus Understanding
The most common concern of those with hearing loss is not being able to understand others. “I can hear them,” a patient will say, “I just don’t know what they said.” Considering the fact that verbal communication is how most people interact with others, being able to do so is essential. However, people can often conflate hearing and understanding. While undoubtedly interconnected, they are two distinct functions. Understanding the difference can help to improve outcomes and satisfaction with … [Read more...] about Hearing Versus Understanding
Can You Hear Them Now?
Hearing loss is an insidious condition that affects all aspects of an individual’s life. Enjoying television or movies means turning up the volume too loud for others or reading captions. In-person conversations become less enjoyable because of the effort required of the hearing-impaired listener. Phone conversations can be even more difficult, as visual cues are unavailable and the quality of the connection can vary. The inability to communicate effectively over the phone can be frustrating and … [Read more...] about Can You Hear Them Now?
Which Hearing Aids are Right for Me?
The world of hearing aids can be intimidating. With the multiple manufacturers and models, it can feel akin to purchasing a vehicle. A minority of adults with hearing loss are actually fit with hearing aids, while the average length of time between noticing an issue and seeking treatment is seven years. Fortunately, licensed providers are available to act as guides, with guides being the key word. While providers are very knowledgeable and reliable sources, the question of which type of hearing … [Read more...] about Which Hearing Aids are Right for Me?
Can Hearing Loss Be Fixed?
After being diagnosed with hearing loss, many patients ask, “Can it be fixed?” While the question is simple, the answer can be quite complicated. It depends on multiple factors. For the majority of patients, the answer is, unfortunately, no. However, there are certain situations when medical intervention can help. Being aware of when a hearing loss may or may not be medically treatable, and why, can help you take better care of your auditory system. Conductive Hearing Loss The ear can be … [Read more...] about Can Hearing Loss Be Fixed?
