Author: sitemanager

Blog Back Can Hearing Aids Cause Headaches? June 13, 2023 Hearing aids are incredible devices that have transformed the lives of millions of people with hearing loss, allowing them to reconnect with the world around them. However, like any technological innovation, hearing aids can sometimes be associated with misconceptions and concerns. One such concern is the belief that hearing aids can cause headaches. In this blog post, we will address this common misconception and shed light on the actual causes of headaches related to hearing aids. Understanding Hearing Aids: Before we delve into the topic, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how hearing aids work. Hearing aids amplify sounds to compensate for hearing loss, making it easier for individuals to perceive and understand speech and other environmental sounds. They consist of various components, including a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker, all housed within a small device that fits discreetly in or behind the ear. The Connection Between Headaches and Hearing Aids: Contrary to popular belief, hearing aids themselves do not directly cause headaches. Headaches that occur during or after wearing hearing aids are often attributed to other factors, some of which are outlined below: Initial Adjustment Period: When first starting to wear hearing aids, individuals may experience a period of adjustment as their brains adapt to amplified sounds. This adjustment phase can sometimes lead to mild discomfort, including headaches. However, this is a temporary phenomenon, and most people find that their discomfort dissipates within a short period as they acclimate to wearing hearing aids. Incorrect Fit or Improper Settings: Headaches can occur if hearing aids are not properly fitted or calibrated. If the devices are too tight, causing undue pressure on the ears, or if the sound amplification is set too high, it can result in discomfort or headaches. Regular check-ups with a hearing specialist can help ensure that hearing aids are fitted correctly and tailored to individual needs, reducing the risk of headaches. Tension and Stress: Hearing loss itself can be a source of stress and tension, and the use of hearing aids may initially heighten these emotions. Stress and tension can contribute to headaches. However, it’s important to note that this is a psychological response rather than a direct result of the hearing aids themselves. Pre-existing Conditions: Individuals who already suffer from migraines or chronic headaches may mistakenly associate their discomfort with the use of hearing aids. While wearing hearing aids may coincide with the onset of headaches, it is likely coincidental rather than causative. Seeking Solutions: If you experience headaches while wearing hearing aids, it is essential to consult with a hearing specialist to identify the underlying cause. They can conduct a thorough examination, assess the fit and settings of your hearing aids, and make necessary adjustments to optimize your comfort. While it is common for individuals to associate headaches with the use of hearing aids, it is crucial to separate fact from fiction. Hearing aids themselves do not directly cause headaches. Instead, any discomfort experienced is usually due to factors such as an adjustment period, incorrect fit, improper settings, stress, or pre-existing conditions. With the guidance of a qualified professional, adjustments can be made to ensure optimal fit and function, minimizing the chances of discomfort or headaches. Remember, hearing aids are designed to enhance your quality of life, and any concerns or issues should be addressed promptly to ensure you enjoy the benefits of improved hearing without unnecessary discomfort. If you have experienced headaches while using your hearing aids, please contact our hearing practice today. We will be happy to assist you. Share :

Blog Back 8 Simple Communication Tips For Talking To People With Hearing Loss May 22, 2023 Hearing loss is a common condition that affects many people around the world. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, and this number is expected to increase. With such prevalence, it is likely that you know someone with hearing loss. Communicating with people with hearing loss can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Here are some tips on how to communicate effectively with people with hearing loss. Get their attention: When you want to speak with someone who has hearing loss, make sure you have their attention first. Approach them from the front so they can see you, and make eye contact to establish a connection. You can also try saying their name before speaking to them, or wave or tap them if they do not hear you. Speak clearly and slowly: Speak clearly and slowly, but do not exaggerate your pronunciation. Try to speak in a normal tone of voice and do not shout. Speak in a natural way, but make sure you enunciate your words clearly. Face the person: Face the person with hearing loss when you speak to them. This will help them see your mouth movements and facial expressions, which can help them understand what you are saying. It can also be helpful to make sure there is sufficient lighting so the person can see you. Reduce background noise: Try to reduce background noise as much as possible. Turn off the TV or radio, move to a quieter room, or close windows and doors to block out external noise. This will help the person with hearing loss focus on your conversation. If you are meeting in a place like a restaurant, try to choose a quieter restaurant or go during off-times rather than during mealtime rushes. Rephrase, don’t repeat: If the person with hearing loss did not understand what you said, don’t just repeat the same thing. Instead, try to rephrase what you said in a different way. Use simpler words and sentences and avoid complex vocabulary and idioms. Use visual aids: If you are having difficulty communicating with someone with hearing loss, try to use visual aids such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language. These can help convey your message more clearly and effectively. Be patient: Be patient and understanding with the person with hearing loss. It may take them longer to process what you are saying, so give them time to respond. Avoid interrupting them or finishing their sentences for them. If the person has difficulty understanding you, don’t give up and say, “Never mind.” Keep trying and being patient. Use assistive devices: Finally, consider using assistive devices such as hearing aids or amplifiers to help the person with hearing loss communicate better. These devices can help amplify sounds, reduce background noise, and provide visual cues that can help the person understand what is being said. Communicating with people with hearing loss requires patience, understanding, and good communication skills. By following these tips, you can improve your communication with people with hearing loss and help them feel more included and valued in conversations. To learn more about how to effectively communicate with people with hearing loss, we welcome you to contact our practice today. Share :

Blog Back Everything You Need To Know About Ear Wax May 15, 2023 Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a substance that is naturally produced by the ear. It is a mixture of sweat, dead skin cells, and secretions from glands in the ear canal. Ear wax is usually harmless and serves an essential purpose in protecting the ear from infection and damage.However, sometimes excessive ear wax can cause problems, leading to discomfort and even hearing loss. In this article, we will discuss ear wax in more detail, including its functions, how to remove it safely, and when to seek medical attention.Functions of Ear WaxEar wax has several functions, including: Protecting the ear canal: Ear wax serves as a protective barrier between the ear canal and the outside world. It helps to prevent dirt, dust, and other foreign particles from entering the ear and potentially causing an infection. Lubricating the ear canal: Ear wax helps to keep the skin of the ear canal moisturized and lubricated. This can prevent itching and irritation. Trapping bacteria and other harmful particles: Ear wax contains chemicals that can kill bacteria and other harmful particles, helping to keep the ear canal clean and healthy. Removing Ear Wax SafelyIn most cases, ear wax does not need to be removed, as the body naturally eliminates it over time. However, in some cases, excessive ear wax can build up and cause problems. If you experience symptoms such as earache, ear fullness, ringing in the ear, or temporary hearing loss, you may need to remove excess ear wax. Here are some tips for removing ear wax safely: Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects in the ear canal. Using cotton swabs or other objects in the ear canal can push ear wax deeper into the ear and potentially damage the ear canal or eardrum. Use ear drops. Over-the-counter ear drops can be used to soften ear wax, making it easier to remove. Follow the instructions on the package carefully and avoid using ear drops if you have a perforated eardrum or other ear problems. Irrigate the ear. Irrigating the ear with warm water can help to flush out ear wax. You can use a rubber bulb syringe or an irrigation kit for this purpose. However, if you have a history of ear infections or a perforated eardrum, avoid irrigating your ear. When to Seek Medical AttentionIn some cases, ear wax buildup can cause significant problems, such as hearing loss, ear infection, or eardrum damage. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention: Severe pain in the ear Drainage from the ear Sudden hearing loss Dizziness or vertigo Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) Your doctor may use a specialized tool called an otoscope to examine your ear and determine if you have excess ear wax. They may also recommend a procedure called ear syringing, which uses a syringe to flush out ear wax.Ear wax is a natural substance that helps to protect the ear canal from infection and damage. While most people do not need to remove ear wax, excessive buildup can cause problems. Follow the tips above for removing ear wax safely, and seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms or have a history of ear problems. If you think you may need help removing ear wax from your ears, please contact our hearing practice today. Share :

Blog Back Why Do My Hearing Aids Whistle? April 22, 2023 Hearing aids are a marvel of modern technology. They can help you hear sounds that you might not have been able to hear on your own for years. However, for all of their benefits, hearing aids are not without their annoyances and frustrations. One common issue experienced by many hearing aids users is feedback, which often sounds like whistling. If your hearing aids whistle, here is some information to help you get to the root of the problem—and fix it! Why do hearing aids whistle? Hearing aids can whistle or produce feedback for several reasons. It can sound like a whistle, squeal, screech, loud buzz, or hiss. One common cause is a poor fit or improper placement of the hearing aid in the ear canal. When the hearing aid is not fitted properly, sound can leak out of the ear and back into the microphone, causing a whistle or feedback. Another cause of feedback is a blockage or buildup of earwax in the ear canal. Earwax can prevent the hearing aid from fitting snugly in the ear, causing sound to leak out and feedback to occur. Additionally, feedback can occur when the volume of the hearing aid is too high, or when the hearing aid is too close to a sound source, such as a phone or another person’s voice. Problems with the electrical circuits in the hearing aids can also cause electronic feedback. Modern digital hearing aids are designed to minimize feedback through advanced signal processing algorithms and feedback cancellation technology. How can you fix hearing aid feedback or whistling? If you are experiencing hearing aid feedback, there are several steps you can take to address the issue: Check the fit: Make sure that the hearing aid is properly fitted in your ear and that there are no gaps or spaces between the hearing aid and your ear canal. You can also try repositioning the hearing aid slightly to see if this helps. Clean the hearing aid: A buildup of earwax or debris can cause feedback. Try cleaning the hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth or using a hearing aid cleaning kit. You can also clean your ears of any earwax buildup by flushing your ear canal with an over-the-counter ear wax kit, which is available at most drugstores or online. Adjust the volume: If the volume is too high, this can cause feedback. Try turning down the volume on your hearing aid to see if this resolves the issue. Use a different earpiece: If the earpiece of your hearing aid is worn or damaged, this can cause feedback. Consider using a different earpiece or having your hearing healthcare professional replace the earpiece. Consult with your hearing healthcare professional: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it is important to consult with your hearing healthcare professional. They can diagnose the cause of the feedback and make any necessary adjustments or repairs to your hearing aid. It is important to address hearing aid feedback promptly to ensure that you are receiving the best possible sound quality and to avoid discomfort or irritation in your ear. To learn more about how to fix whistling hearing aids, we welcome you to contact our hearing practice today. We are eager to assist you. Share :

Blog Back How Long Does It Take To Adjust To New Hearing Aids? April 10, 2023 If you are a new hearing aid wearer or if you are considering getting hearing aids, you might be wondering how long it takes to adjust to new hearing aids. At first, it might seem like there would be no adjustment period. However, for most people, there is a noticeable adjustment period of at least a couple of weeks. Why is there an adjustment period? Think of it this way: it takes an average of approximately ten years after being diagnosed with hearing loss before people get hearing aids. If you were in a room for five to ten years and the lights were slowly dimmed over the years, it would be an unpleasant and uncomfortable shock for the lights to be turned back up to the brightest setting in an instant. It’s similar with your hearing. During the time when your hearing loss is untreated, your brain becomes used to not hearing as much speech and environmental noises. Wearing hearing aids and hearing everything all at once again can be uncomfortable at first. This is especially true because hearing with hearing aids is not exactly the same as normal hearing. Some things will sound different than they used to, and you will be hearing noises you haven’t heard in perhaps years. How long does it take to adjust to new hearing aids? The time it takes to adjust to new hearing aids can vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of your hearing loss, how long you’ve had the hearing loss, the type of hearing aids you’re using, and your individual physiology and sensitivity. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to fully adjust to new hearing aids. During this time, you may experience some discomfort or adjustment issues such as: The sound of your own voice may sound different or louder than normal. You may hear background noise more prominently. Certain environmental sounds, such as rustling papers or the clinking of silverware, may be more noticeable. You may experience feedback or whistling sounds from the hearing aids. It’s important to work closely with your hearing professional during this time to ensure your hearing aids are properly programmed and adjusted to meet your needs. They can also provide tips and techniques for adjusting to your new hearing aids and offer support and guidance throughout the process. How to adjust to new hearing aids Adjusting to new hearing aids can take some time and effort, but there are a number of things you can do to make the process easier: Wear your hearing aids consistently: Make sure to wear your hearing aids every day for as long as possible. Consistent use will help your brain adapt to the new sounds. Start in a quiet environment: Begin by wearing your hearing aids in a quiet, familiar environment such as your home, and gradually move to more challenging environments such as restaurants or social gatherings. Communicate with others: Let your family and friends know that you’re adjusting to new hearing aids, and ask them to speak clearly and face you when they’re talking. Keep a journal: Keep a journal of your experiences and any issues you encounter with your hearing aids.This can help you and your hearing professional identify any adjustments that may need to be made. Attend follow-up appointments: It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments with your hearing healthcare professional to ensure your hearing aids are properly adjusted and working effectively for your needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have. For more information about adjusting to new hearing aids, we invite you to contact our hearing practice today. Share :

Blog Back New Study Links Hearing Loss With Dementia In Older Adults March 27, 2023 Researchers have long known that hearing loss is associated with other medical conditions. A new study shows a link between hearing loss and dementia in older adults. Here is what you need to know about the study, its findings, and what you can do to help prevent dementia. The study was led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with the findings published in January of 2023 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The researchers analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of 2,413 older adults. The data was provided by the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), and about half of the individuals included in the data were over the age of 80. The analysis found a clear association between the severity of hearing loss and dementia. In study participants with moderate/severe hearing loss, the prevalence of dementia was 61 percent higher than in individuals with normal hearing. Hearing aid use was associated with a 32 percent lower prevalence in individuals who had moderate/severe hearing loss. Past studies have also found an association between hearing loss and dementia. Those studies, however, were limited in that they relied on in-clinic data collection. This means that previous studies lacked data from vulnerable populations who may not have access to a clinic. For this study, the researchers collected data from participants using in-home testing and interviews. Hearing loss is a major health issue, affecting two-thirds of adults in the United States over the age of 70. While you can take steps to protect your hearing health, like wearing proper hearing protection during exposure to loud noises, there is no 100 percent effective way to prevent hearing loss. Even if you take the appropriate steps to protect your hearing, you may experience age-related hearing loss as you age. Although hearing loss is not completely preventable, it is treatable. Wearing hearing aids can not only help you hear sounds that you would be unable to hear without them, but they can also help protect your cognitive health. This recent study found that among individuals with moderate/severe hearing loss, the prevalence of dementia was lower in those who used hearing aids. The risk for dementia is greatest when hearing loss is left untreated. Untreated hearing loss also increases your risk for other conditions, like depression, anxiety, social isolation, and falls. If you believe you may be experiencing hearing loss, the best way to protect your overall health is to have your hearing tested by a hearing professional. Wearing hearing aids can help to lower your risk for dementia and other conditions. Fortunately, hearing aids are now more discreet, advanced, and affordable than ever before. Your hearing health professional will be able to help you find a hearing aid that fits your needs. For more information about the link between hearing loss and dementia, we invite you to contact our office today. We are eager to assist you. Share :