The first step on any hearing health journey is undergoing an examination. This exam provides you and the audiologist an understanding of your current state of hearing and allows for proper recommendations to be made. The findings are presented in a report called an audiogram. An audiogram contains both a written section and a graph. While the audiologist does review the audiogram during the appointment, it can sometimes be difficult to remember or fully grasp how to interpret your results. … [Read more...] about Understanding Your Hearing Test Results
Trinity Hearing
Am I a Cochlear Implant Candidate?
Being diagnosed with a hearing loss can cause conflicting emotions. On one hand, the patient now has an answer that validates all of their experiences and struggles. On the other, they must now manage the process of managing their hearing loss. The sheer number of hearing aid options alone is enough to overwhelm. But another question may complicate matters: Is a cochlear implant appropriate for me? Realistically, for most patients, the answer will be no. But it is important to understand why, … [Read more...] about Am I a Cochlear Implant Candidate?
Maintaining the Sounds of Summer
As the temperatures increase and the days stretch out, it is clear that summer is upon us. For most, this means spending more time outside, near water or traveling. It also means increased considerations when it comes to caring for hearing aids. Fortunately, hearing aids are built with these considerations in mind. Moisture Hearing aids are essentially tiny computers. Thus, the internal electrical components are susceptible to damage from moisture. While most hearing aids are not … [Read more...] about Maintaining the Sounds of Summer
Accessorize Your Hearing
Technology is constantly evolving, often at a rapid pace, with the goal of improving and simplifying the experience for the user. If you buy a new phone, you get a pair of wireless earbuds. Hearing aids are similar. While modern hearing aids can significantly improve a wearer’s quality of life, some situations could still be improved with the addition of an accessory – situations such as listening to someone behind you while hiking or catching all the information at a meeting. Fortunately, there … [Read more...] about Accessorize Your Hearing
Exploring Hearing Loss, Dementia, Social Isolation, Loneliness
Hearing loss occurs in all age groups. According to the National Institutes of Health, hearing loss is found in three out of 1,000 children in one or both ears. In adults, the number of people reporting trouble hearing is one in eight people, or 13%, in the United States. The Link Between Hearing and Dementia According to a recent Johns Hopkins study that tracked more than 600 adults for 12 years, it was evident that even a mild hearing loss doubled dementia risk. Moderate hearing loss … [Read more...] about Exploring Hearing Loss, Dementia, Social Isolation, Loneliness
Phonak Offers Hearing Aids that Respond to Motion
Phonak has a new hearing aid that is able to adjust sound input based on your motion! When you are walking, your hearing needs are not the same as when you are sitting in a chair talking to a friend. Speech sound while walking the dog with someone or hiking on a trail present unique challenges, which are now finally addressed. It is all based on your motion read by a chip in the hearing aid that is able to change the noise cancellation and the microphone settings in the hearing aids without any … [Read more...] about Phonak Offers Hearing Aids that Respond to Motion
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
What is it Like to Have a Hearing Loss?
As an audiologist, I see hearing-impaired individuals every day. One of the most rewarding activities of my job is to teach the family members what it is like to have a hearing loss and how to better communicate with hearing-impaired people. What Can the Hearing-Impaired Person Hear? I think that understanding what a person really can and can’t hear is the key to successfully living with or working with a hearing-impaired person. It is crucial to understand what can change the clarity of … [Read more...] about What is it Like to Have a Hearing Loss?
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 for 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 … [Read more...] about Can You Hear Them Now?
How to Love Your Hearing Aids
You have a hearing loss and the family is driving you crazy to get something done. But, you feel that one more thing added to your life will push you over the top. If this sounds familiar, I have some wonderful ideas for you! First, get your hearing tested by an audiologist. He or she will check for wax in the canals, or medical causes for your hearing difficulty. What if your hearing loss can be treated medically and you were dragging your feet for nothing? If the audiologist says nope, … [Read more...] about How to Love Your Hearing Aids
