According to the Labor of Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16% of the population provided eldercare between 2017 and 2018. Combine that with one in three people over the age of 65 having a hearing loss, and there is a very good chance you are or will be caring for someone with hearing aids. Hearing care professionals will diagnose the hearing loss and fit the devices. But, once fit, a majority of the daily use and maintenance falls to the wearer. Or, by extension, the caregiver. It is therefore … [Read more...] about How to Care for a Loved One with Hearing Aids
Trinity Hearing Center Flagstaff
Treating Emotional Disorders with Maskers
Often when discussing hearing aids with a new patient, they’ll ask, “They just make things louder, right?” Yes, hearing aids do amplify auditory signals, but they also offer so much more. In fact, they are like mini-computers for your ears. New models can stream music and count your steps! But perhaps one of the most useful features is the masker. A masker is essentially a customizable static-like noise emitted by the hearing aids. While it can address a variety of conditions, today I want to … [Read more...] about Treating Emotional Disorders with Maskers
How Viruses May Cause Hearing Loss
Hearing loss, including its causes, has been a topic of study since before the birth of audiology as a profession just after WWII. Hearing loss has been documented in Egyptian literature as early as 1550 B.C. An ancient medical journal describes a remedy for “ear that hears badly,” which included injecting olive oil, red lead, ant eggs and bat wings, among other substances into the ears! In Ancient Greece, there are mentions of hearing loss as early as the 10th century. Today, we understand more … [Read more...] about How Viruses May Cause Hearing Loss
Understanding the Total Package of Hearing Aid Purchases
When a person purchases hearing aids, they are making an investment in their lifestyle. Hearing aids are able to expand friendships, close relationships and even the non-social activities you engage in. I have been told by many patients hearing aids changed their life! Musicians are amazed that they are able to hear the parts of music (and their own voice while singing) better than they could have imagined. So, what is the difference between a purchase of stock internet hearing aids and hearing … [Read more...] about Understanding the Total Package of Hearing Aid Purchases
What Happens When Hearing Loss Occurs in One Ear?
Hearing loss presents itself in a unique manner in each individual. Barring hereditary losses, each occurrence will be slightly varied. Some people will have a sensory loss, while others are conductive. Some will occur at birth, while others do not appear until late in life. One aspect that is sometimes glossed over is whether the hearing loss is bilateral or unilateral. Bilateral means the loss occurs in both ears, whereas unilateral is just one ear. Since the majority of hearing losses are … [Read more...] about What Happens When Hearing Loss Occurs in One Ear?
Common Questions for Your Audiologist
Going to a heath care professional can be a stressful situation. You have chosen to ask for a professional opinion about your health and want to get the best possible information during the appointment. Treatment for a physical issue you are having is a very personal subject and you want to feel that you are receiving individualized recommendations. When you go to any health care professional, it is important to be prepared before the appointment. Write down possible questions you have. They … [Read more...] about Common Questions for Your Audiologist