Aging Well Starts With Staying Connected

aging well in Kansas City, Associated Audiologists

Evidence-Based Advice on Aging Well “It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.” ― Andy Rooney Chances are that you’ve seen all kinds of advice on aging well. There are the classics that we all know: Eat healthy, exercise, get good sleep, and so on. … Read More

Accessibility Technology That Impacts Everyone

TV closed captions and hearing technology, Associated Audiologists Kansas City

The Curb Cut Effect: Accessible Design One of the incredible things about accessibility is how a product or tool developed for one group can end up benefiting many others. This is called the “curb cut effect”; when a modification for a niche group—in the case of curb cuts, wheelchair users—becomes widespread and improves access and quality of life for people … Read More

Parkinson’s Disease and Your Hearing Health

hearing loss and Parkinson's disease, Associated Audiologists Kansas City

There are more than 1 million people in the U.S. with Parkinson’s disease, a movement disorder that can cause tremors, slowed movement, stiffness, and balance issues. Other common non-movement symptoms include: Depression, anxiety, memory problems, and constipation. Although each person’s experience with Parkinson’s is unique, researchers are discovering patterns that are common throughout many people’s journeys with the disorder. One … Read More

Recovering from a Fall or Stroke with an Expert Audiologist

A patient using the Lace AI Pro app for auditory training on his smartphone, Associated Audiologists KC

Post-Brain Injury Recovery with Associated Audiologists In cartoons and comic strips, when a character gets hit on the head, they fall down and see stars for a bit and then pop right back up. Unfortunately, the reality of a head injury—whether it’s a mild concussion, bruising from a fall or a traumatic brain injury—is no laughing matter, and recovery takes … Read More

Associated Audiologists Collects Scarves for a Greater Good

Associated Audiologists team collects handmade scarves for Red Scarf Project

Wrapping Foster Youth in Warmth and Love Our audiologists and support team members have a heart for helping others. One of the projects we participate in each year is the Red Scarf Project. This initiative, from the nonprofit organization Foster Care to Success (FC2S), collects handmade winter scarves from across the country each fall and then distributes them to foster … Read More

The Link Between Hearing Loss & Heart Disease

Dr. Travis Hopkins-Williams with a patient at Associated Audiologists of Independence, Missouri.

Heart & Hearing Health by Age Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, while hearing loss continues to be one of the most common chronic conditions affecting older adults. As we age, we are increasingly likely to experience hearing loss. In fact, 1 in 3 adults over 60—and nearly half of adults over 75— have … Read More

What to Expect at Your First Visit to an Audiologist

Associated Audiologists Independence, Travis Hopkins-Williams, Au.D. giving a hearing test, 2026

Get on the Path to Better Hearing You finally did it — scheduled yourself a hearing evaluation with an audiologist. Congratulations! You’re already on your way to better hearing health. But it can be a little intimidating to walk into a new doctor’s office with unfamiliar equipment. We will take you step by step through the process of getting your … Read More

Treating Tinnitus During The Winter

Associated Audiologists Kansas City, Susan Smittkamp, Au.D. tinnitus specialist, 2026

We rang in the New Year with celebrations, but ringing in your ears is not so joyful. If you experience frequent ringing, buzzing, whooshing or humming sounds in your ears, it might be tinnitus. What is Tinnitus? Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound source is present. Tinnitus can take on any number of characteristics and is … Read More

Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder

grandma reading to grandchild, Associated Audiologists Kansas City auditory processing disorder

What if Hearing Issues Don’t Stem From The Ear? Most people think of hearing issues as a problem with the ear. In some cases—especially in children and older adults—the source of their hearing difficulties is not the ear itself, but the part of the brain that processes sound. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), sometimes called Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), is … Read More

Holiday Hearing Help Resource Guide

holiday hearing help resource guide from Associated Audiologists Kansas City

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we want you hearing your best! Our team has put together tips for many of the most common holiday season activities, from family gatherings to music performances and more. Hearing Your Best at… Social Gatherings Getting together with loved ones is a highlight of the holiday season for many. If you … Read More