With over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids now approved by the Food and Drug Administration, hearing aid options have increased significantly and run the gamut from entry-level OTCs to more advanced prescription hearing aids, but how do you know what the most affordable option is for you? Whether you’re looking for OTC or prescription hearing aids, consider your budget, hearing needs, and … Read More
Tinnitus Causes, Diagnoses and Treatments
Tinnitus is often described as ringing in the ears, but each individual’s experience with tinnitus is different. Some hear crickets chirping, some hear ringing, buzzing or whooshing, and others hear white noise or clicking. The common denominator for most people who experience tinnitus is that it is the perception of sound when no external sound source is present. It can … Read More
Background Noise and Hearing Aids
Since the first hearing aids were invented, it seems being able to hear in background noise has been a problem. In fact, being able to hear in background noise is a major concern for many hearing aid wearers even now. Why? Imagine being at a busy restaurant. People are talking at tables all around you, music might be playing in … Read More
Can Headphones Damage Your Hearing?
Were the latest Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones on your wish list this year? If so, you’ve likely had the chance to experience the sound and clarity the headphones are famous for, but did you know that overexposure to loud music over long periods of time can cause temporary or even permanent hearing loss? That’s right. Cranking the volume up on your … Read More
Five Things Your Heart and Hearing Have in Common
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 20.1 million adults aged 20 and older have the most common form of heart disease, called coronary artery disease, or CAD. CAD happens when blood vessels narrow or become blocked by plaque. Though CAD is often years or even decades in the making, it can result in damage to the heart’s muscle, … Read More
What’s the Difference Between and Free Hearing Test and a Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation?
Consumers often get mailings or see ads online promoting a free hearing test. Statements like, “Don’t pay for an expensive hearing test when you can get one for free,” or “We offer a no-cost hearing test,” sound too good to be true, and they are. In this blog, we’ll look at hearing tests and why it’s important to understand exactly … Read More
Types and Styles of Hearing Aids
With the addition of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids to the market, choices have become even more confusing for consumers. In this blog post, we’ll address the differences between prescription and over-the-counter hearing aids, and the types of hearing aids now available. Over-the-Counter or Prescription Hearing Aids? OTC hearing aids were recently approved by the FDA. Think of OTC hearing aids … Read More
Reduce Your Risk of Falling
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2019, 34,000 people over age 65 died as a result of falls, and another 3 million ended up in the emergency room. In fact, more than one out of four older adults fall each year, but less than half tell their doctor, and falling once doubles your chances of falling again. … Read More
Is There a Connection Between Hearing Loss and Emotional Health?
According to the World Health Organization, 2 billion people in the world will be 60 years old or older by 2050. As the number of older adults increases, so do the health conditions affecting this population, including hearing loss and its documented connection to emotional health, depression and social isolation. Recently, a cross-sectional study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience … Read More
Over-the-Counter or Prescription Hearing Aids?
With the recent entry into the marketplace of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, many consumers are asking themselves, “Which do I need? Over-the-counter or prescription hearing aids?” Probably the best place to start in answering that question is with a comprehensive hearing evaluation performed by a doctoral-level audiologist. A hearing evaluation isn’t required in order to purchase OTC hearing aids, but … Read More