Unfortunately, there’s no cure for hearing loss. Once your hearing is damaged, it’s permanent, and though hearing aids can help you hear again, your hearing will never be the same as it once was. In most cases, hearing loss may occur from years and years of exposure to loud noises, say mowing the yard each week, or from one loud … Read More
How to Make Hearing Aids Last Longer
Hearing aids can be a significant investment in your health. Evidence continues to mount that they reduce the risk of depression, cognitive decline and social isolation. But how long should you expect your hearing aids to last before it’s time to buy a new pair? According to national statistics, most hearing aids have an average lifespan of three to five … Read More
What’s the Advantage to Medicare Advantage Plans if You Wear Hearing Aids?
Recently, in the Kansas City area market we have seen an increase in the number of patients who are enrolling in Medicare Advantage (Medicare replacement) plans. Unfortunately, many individuals do not understand how their plans work, especially as it relates to hearing aids. Here is some information from the Medicare.gov website that helps further explain these plans. Medicare Advantage Plans, … Read More
Should You Bring Your Family to Your Audiologist’s Appointment?
Many people are very private about their medical care, and don’t want to share any information about their conditions or treatment. But when it comes to hearing loss, you might want to re-think that position. Many audiologists point out that it’s a good idea to bring those closest to you, whether that’s family or friends, to your appointment. Why? Because … Read More
Hearing Loss is Associated with Increased Fall Risk
Every second of every day in the United States an older adult falls, making falls the number one cause of injuries and deaths from injury among older Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control. There are many contributors to falls. Individuals may not be able to see well or their reflexes might not be as sharp as they once … Read More
What Is Tinnitus and What Can You do for it?
According to the American Tinnitus Association, millions of Americans experience tinnitus, making it one of the most common health conditions in the country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that nearly 15% of the general public, more than 50 million Americans, experience some form of tinnitus. Roughly 20 million people struggle with burdensome, chronic tinnitus, while 2 million have … Read More
Why You Should Check Your Hearing
When was the last time you had your hearing checked? If the answer is “Never,” you’re long overdue. Actually, newborns are now checked for hearing loss while in the hospital, and many children have a basic hearing screening when starting school, or perhaps throughout their school years. But once we reach adulthood, we often forget about our ears and ignore … Read More
Could Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia?
In recent years, several studies have suggested a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, or dementia. Now, a study recently released adds to the evidence that older adults who wear hearing aids for a newly diagnosed hearing loss may have the advantage over their counterparts. This study from the University of Michigan found individuals with newly diagnosed hearing loss … Read More
Better Diet = Better Hearing!
Here’s another reason you may want to watch what you eat—it might help prevent hearing loss! Investigators from Brigham and Women’s Hospital have found that eating a healthy diet may reduce the risk of acquired hearing loss. Using longitudinal data collected in the Nurses’ Health Study II Conservation of Hearing Study (CHEARS), researchers examined three-year changes in hearing sensitivities and … Read More
What’s the Difference Between an Audiologist and Other Doctors?
If you had a cough or a runny nose, would you go to a dentist? Probably not. Likewise, if you were having chest pains, you probably wouldn’t go to an orthopedic surgeon. You’d probably go to a hospital emergency room or a cardiologist. But lots of people are confused about who they should see if they think they have a … Read More
