Balance Awareness Week is Sept. 15–21, 2019, an observance designated by the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) which aims to increase awareness about vestibular disorders and support patients in their journey back to balance. The vestibular system includes the inner ear, which houses the organ of balance, and the brain. These organs work together to control/coordinate balance and eye movements. Damage … Read More
Hearing Aid Trade-Offs – Cost vs. Technology
You’ve often heard you get what you pay for. That’s definitely true when it comes to hearing aid technology. Almost all patients are concerned about the cost of hearing aids, and reasonably so. Hearing aids are a significant investment in your health. But what should you expect to pay for hearing aids in 2019? And what do you get for … Read More
The Connection Between Diabetes and Hearing Loss
Diabetes and hearing loss are two of America’s most widespread health concerns. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 30 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and an estimated 34.5 million have some type of hearing loss. Hearing Loss Is More Common in Those with Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes In addition, a recent study found that hearing loss is twice … Read More
Tips for Sleeping Better with Tinnitus
For the millions of people who have tinnitus, bedtime is often one of the most difficult times of day to cope with the constant ringing, buzzing or chirping they experience. In fact, because of the quiet, many people suspect that their tinnitus is loudest while they are trying to fall asleep. However, the actual loudness of tinnitus does not vary … Read More
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Hearing Aids
Hearing aids today are much smaller and smarter than ever before! Today’s hearing aids don’t just make sounds louder – they’re equipped with technology that helps target the sounds you need and want to hear, making those sounds more prominent than other background sounds. Artificial Intelligence Is New to the Hearing Aid Industry Artificial intelligence (AI) in hearing aids is … Read More
Pros and Cons of Small Hearing Aids
You’ve probably seen pictures of tiny hearing aids that are advertised as “invisible” because they fit deep in the ear canal. Many people equate these smaller devices with being technologically advanced or superior, but that’s not necessarily the case. Smaller, completely in-the-canal (CICs) or invisible in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids, are less visible, but patients often are bothered by the “plugged … Read More
Don’t be Dizzy! The Most Common Causes of BPPV
Feelings of dizziness can mean many things and are often linked to problems affecting the equilibrium system. A few symptoms of dizziness and imbalance include experiencing blurry vision or spinning (vertigo), weakness and general unsteadiness, and feeling lightheaded or faint. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is the most common cause of vertigo. In fact, this condition will affect approximately … Read More
Top 6 Mistakes People Make When Buying Hearing Aids
Buying hearing aids is a complex process. There are lots and lots of choices to make – from the type of provider you work with, to the specific hearing aid you choose. Here are the top 6 mistakes patients often make, and how to avoid these pitfalls. 1. Basing Your Decision on Information in a Mailer Health insurance companies, … Read More
The Pros and Cons of Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Whether you’re interested in rechargeable hearing aids because you have difficulty handling traditional hearing aid batteries, or you want a “greener” power option, most of the major hearing aid manufacturers, including Widex, ReSound, Oticon, Phonak and Starkey, now offer rechargeable hearing aid options. But let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of this technology. Advantages of Rechargeable … Read More
Top 5 Myths about Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids
When it comes to hearing loss and hearing aids, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions. Here, we dispel five common myths with the truth about hearing loss and hearing aids. Myth #1 – Only old people have hearing loss or need hearing aids. Reality – Our average patient is 60 years old; 50 percent are male, 50 percent are female. … Read More
