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Hearing loss is a common condition that affects many people around the world. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, and this number is expected to increase. With such prevalence, it is likely that you know someone with hearing loss. Communicating with people with hearing loss can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Here are some tips on how to communicate effectively with people with hearing loss.

1. Get their attention: When you want to speak with someone who has hearing loss, make sure you have their attention first. Approach them from the front so they can see you, and make eye contact to establish a connection. You can also try saying their name before speaking to them, or wave or tap them if they do not hear you.
2. Speak clearly and slowly: Speak clearly and slowly, but do not exaggerate your pronunciation. Try to speak in a normal tone of voice and do not shout. Speak in a natural way, but make sure you enunciate your words clearly.
3. Face the person: Face the person with hearing loss when you speak to them. This will help them see your mouth movements and facial expressions, which can help them understand what you are saying. It can also be helpful to make sure there is sufficient lighting so the person can see you.
4. Reduce background noise: Try to reduce background noise as much as possible. Turn off the TV or radio, move to a quieter room, or close windows and doors to block out external noise. This will help the person with hearing loss focus on your conversation. If you are meeting in a place like a restaurant, try to choose a quieter restaurant or go during off-times rather than during mealtime rushes.
5. Rephrase, don’t repeat: If the person with hearing loss did not understand what you said, don’t just repeat the same thing. Instead, try to rephrase what you said in a different way. Use simpler words and sentences and avoid complex vocabulary and idioms.
6. Use visual aids: If you are having difficulty communicating with someone with hearing loss, try to use visual aids such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language. These can help convey your message more clearly and effectively.
7. Be patient: Be patient and understanding with the person with hearing loss. It may take them longer to process what you are saying, so give them time to respond. Avoid interrupting them or finishing their sentences for them. If the person has difficulty understanding you, don’t give up and say, “Never mind.” Keep trying and being patient.
8. Use assistive devices: Finally, consider using assistive devices such as hearing aids or amplifiers to help the person with hearing loss communicate better. These devices can help amplify sounds, reduce background noise, and provide visual cues that can help the person understand what is being said.

Communicating with people with hearing loss requires patience, understanding, and good communication skills. By following these tips, you can improve your communication with people with hearing loss and help them feel more included and valued in conversations. To learn more about how to effectively communicate with people with hearing loss, we welcome you to contact our practice today.

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a substance that is naturally produced by the ear. It is a mixture of sweat, dead skin cells, and secretions from glands in the ear canal. Ear wax is usually harmless and serves an essential purpose in protecting the ear from infection and damage.
However, sometimes excessive ear wax can cause problems, leading to discomfort and even hearing loss. In this article, we will discuss ear wax in more detail, including its functions, how to remove it safely, and when to seek medical attention.
Functions of Ear Wax
Ear wax has several functions, including:

1. Protecting the ear canal: Ear wax serves as a protective barrier between the ear canal and the outside world. It helps to prevent dirt, dust, and other foreign particles from entering the ear and potentially causing an infection.
2. Lubricating the ear canal: Ear wax helps to keep the skin of the ear canal moisturized and lubricated. This can prevent itching and irritation.
3. Trapping bacteria and other harmful particles: Ear wax contains chemicals that can kill bacteria and other harmful particles, helping to keep the ear canal clean and healthy.

Removing Ear Wax Safely
In most cases, ear wax does not need to be removed, as the body naturally eliminates it over time. However, in some cases, excessive ear wax can build up and cause problems. If you experience symptoms such as earache, ear fullness, ringing in the ear, or temporary hearing loss, you may need to remove excess ear wax. Here are some tips for removing ear wax safely:

• Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects in the ear canal. Using cotton swabs or other objects in the ear canal can push ear wax deeper into the ear and potentially damage the ear canal or eardrum.
• Use ear drops. Over-the-counter ear drops can be used to soften ear wax, making it easier to remove. Follow the instructions on the package carefully and avoid using ear drops if you have a perforated eardrum or other ear problems.
• Irrigate the ear. Irrigating the ear with warm water can help to flush out ear wax. You can use a rubber bulb syringe or an irrigation kit for this purpose. However, if you have a history of ear infections or a perforated eardrum, avoid irrigating your ear.

When to Seek Medical Attention
In some cases, ear wax buildup can cause significant problems, such as hearing loss, ear infection, or eardrum damage. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:

• Severe pain in the ear
• Drainage from the ear
• Sudden hearing loss
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)

Your doctor may use a specialized tool called an otoscope to examine your ear and determine if you have excess ear wax. They may also recommend a procedure called ear syringing, which uses a syringe to flush out ear wax.
Ear wax is a natural substance that helps to protect the ear canal from infection and damage. While most people do not need to remove ear wax, excessive buildup can cause problems. Follow the tips above for removing ear wax safely, and seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms or have a history of ear problems. If you think you may need help removing ear wax from your ears, please contact our hearing practice today.

Hearing aids are a marvel of modern technology. They can help you hear sounds that you might not have been able to hear on your own for years. However, for all of their benefits, hearing aids are not without their annoyances and frustrations. One common issue experienced by many hearing aids users is feedback, which often sounds like whistling. If your hearing aids whistle, here is some information to help you get to the root of the problem—and fix it!

Why do hearing aids whistle?

Hearing aids can whistle or produce feedback for several reasons. It can sound like a whistle, squeal, screech, loud buzz, or hiss.

One common cause is a poor fit or improper placement of the hearing aid in the ear canal. When the hearing aid is not fitted properly, sound can leak out of the ear and back into the microphone, causing a whistle or feedback. Another cause of feedback is a blockage or buildup of earwax in the ear canal. Earwax can prevent the hearing aid from fitting snugly in the ear, causing sound to leak out and feedback to occur.

Additionally, feedback can occur when the volume of the hearing aid is too high, or when the hearing aid is too close to a sound source, such as a phone or another person’s voice. Problems with the electrical circuits in the hearing aids can also cause electronic feedback.

Modern digital hearing aids are designed to minimize feedback through advanced signal processing algorithms and feedback cancellation technology.

How can you fix hearing aid feedback or whistling?

If you are experiencing hearing aid feedback, there are several steps you can take to address the issue:

1. Check the fit: Make sure that the hearing aid is properly fitted in your ear and that there are no gaps or spaces between the hearing aid and your ear canal. You can also try repositioning the hearing aid slightly to see if this helps.
2. Clean the hearing aid: A buildup of earwax or debris can cause feedback. Try cleaning the hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth or using a hearing aid cleaning kit. You can also clean your ears of any earwax buildup by flushing your ear canal with an over-the-counter ear wax kit, which is available at most drugstores or online.
3. Adjust the volume: If the volume is too high, this can cause feedback. Try turning down the volume on your hearing aid to see if this resolves the issue.
4. Use a different earpiece: If the earpiece of your hearing aid is worn or damaged, this can cause feedback. Consider using a different earpiece or having your hearing healthcare professional replace the earpiece.
5. Consult with your hearing healthcare professional: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it is important to consult with your hearing healthcare professional. They can diagnose the cause of the feedback and make any necessary adjustments or repairs to your hearing aid.

It is important to address hearing aid feedback promptly to ensure that you are receiving the best possible sound quality and to avoid discomfort or irritation in your ear.

To learn more about how to fix whistling hearing aids, we welcome you to contact our hearing practice today. We are eager to assist you.

If you are a new hearing aid wearer or if you are considering getting hearing aids, you might be wondering how long it takes to adjust to new hearing aids. At first, it might seem like there would be no adjustment period. However, for most people, there is a noticeable adjustment period of at least a couple of weeks.

Why is there an adjustment period?

Think of it this way: it takes an average of approximately ten years after being diagnosed with hearing loss before people get hearing aids. If you were in a room for five to ten years and the lights were slowly dimmed over the years, it would be an unpleasant and uncomfortable shock for the lights to be turned back up to the brightest setting in an instant.

It’s similar with your hearing. During the time when your hearing loss is untreated, your brain becomes used to not hearing as much speech and environmental noises. Wearing hearing aids and hearing everything all at once again can be uncomfortable at first. This is especially true because hearing with hearing aids is not exactly the same as normal hearing. Some things will sound different than they used to, and you will be hearing noises you haven’t heard in perhaps years.

How long does it take to adjust to new hearing aids?

The time it takes to adjust to new hearing aids can vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of your hearing loss, how long you’ve had the hearing loss, the type of hearing aids you’re using, and your individual physiology and sensitivity.

Typically, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to fully adjust to new hearing aids. During this time, you may experience some discomfort or adjustment issues such as:

• The sound of your own voice may sound different or louder than normal.
• You may hear background noise more prominently.
• Certain environmental sounds, such as rustling papers or the clinking of silverware, may be more noticeable.
• You may experience feedback or whistling sounds from the hearing aids.

It’s important to work closely with your hearing professional during this time to ensure your hearing aids are properly programmed and adjusted to meet your needs. They can also provide tips and techniques for adjusting to your new hearing aids and offer support and guidance throughout the process.

How to adjust to new hearing aids

Adjusting to new hearing aids can take some time and effort, but there are a number of things you can do to make the process easier:

1. Wear your hearing aids consistently: Make sure to wear your hearing aids every day for as long as possible. Consistent use will help your brain adapt to the new sounds.
2. Start in a quiet environment: Begin by wearing your hearing aids in a quiet, familiar environment such as your home, and gradually move to more challenging environments such as restaurants or social gatherings.
3. Communicate with others: Let your family and friends know that you’re adjusting to new hearing aids, and ask them to speak clearly and face you when they’re talking.
4. Keep a journal: Keep a journal of your experiences and any issues you encounter with your hearing aids.
   This can help you and your hearing professional identify any adjustments that may need to be made.
5. Attend follow-up appointments: It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments with your hearing healthcare professional to ensure your hearing aids are properly adjusted and working effectively for your needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have.

For more information about adjusting to new hearing aids, we invite you to contact our hearing practice today.

Researchers have long known that hearing loss is associated with other medical conditions. A new study shows a link between hearing loss and dementia in older adults. Here is what you need to know about the study, its findings, and what you can do to help prevent dementia.

The study was led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with the findings published in January of 2023 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The researchers analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of 2,413 older adults. The data was provided by the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), and about half of the individuals included in the data were over the age of 80.

The analysis found a clear association between the severity of hearing loss and dementia. In study participants with moderate/severe hearing loss, the prevalence of dementia was 61 percent higher than in individuals with normal hearing. Hearing aid use was associated with a 32 percent lower prevalence in individuals who had moderate/severe hearing loss.

Past studies have also found an association between hearing loss and dementia. Those studies, however, were limited in that they relied on in-clinic data collection. This means that previous studies lacked data from vulnerable populations who may not have access to a clinic. For this study, the researchers collected data from participants using in-home testing and interviews.

Hearing loss is a major health issue, affecting two-thirds of adults in the United States over the age of 70. While you can take steps to protect your hearing health, like wearing proper hearing protection during exposure to loud noises, there is no 100 percent effective way to prevent hearing loss. Even if you take the appropriate steps to protect your hearing, you may experience age-related hearing loss as you age.

Although hearing loss is not completely preventable, it is treatable. Wearing hearing aids can not only help you hear sounds that you would be unable to hear without them, but they can also help protect your cognitive health. This recent study found that among individuals with moderate/severe hearing loss, the prevalence of dementia was lower in those who used hearing aids. The risk for dementia is greatest when hearing loss is left untreated.

Untreated hearing loss also increases your risk for other conditions, like depression, anxiety, social isolation, and falls. If you believe you may be experiencing hearing loss, the best way to protect your overall health is to have your hearing tested by a hearing professional. Wearing hearing aids can help to lower your risk for dementia and other conditions. Fortunately, hearing aids are now more discreet, advanced, and affordable than ever before. Your hearing health professional will be able to help you find a hearing aid that fits your needs.

For more information about the link between hearing loss and dementia, we invite you to contact our office today. We are eager to assist you.

The inner ear is a remarkable sensory organ responsible for our ability to hear and maintain balance. It is composed of a complex network of cells and structures that work together to detect and interpret sound waves and movement.

Recent research has uncovered the fascinating phenomenon of cell self-organization in the inner ear, whereby cells are able to organize themselves into precise patterns and structures without external guidance or intervention. This self-organization is essential for the development and function of the inner ear, and understanding the mechanisms involved could have significant implications for the treatment of hearing and balance disorders.

The inner hair cells are the primary sensory cells within the Corti organ, responsible for detecting sound vibrations and converting them into electrical signals. The outer hair cells, on the other hand, play a role in amplifying and sharpening the sound signals detected by the inner hair cells. The supporting cells provide structural support and metabolic functions to the hair cells.

The Corti organ is organized into several layers, with the inner hair cells located closest to the center of the cochlea and the outer hair cells located further out. The precise arrangement of these cells is essential for the detection and interpretation of different frequencies of sound.

Overall, the Corti organ is a remarkable structure that plays a critical role in our ability to hear and interpret sound. Its complex organization and specialized functions highlight the sophistication and precision of the mechanisms involved in auditory perception.

The checkerboard arrangement in the inner ear refers to the pattern of organization of the sensory cells responsible for detecting sound waves and translating them into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. Specifically, in the cochlea of the inner ear, the sensory cells responsible for detecting different frequencies of sound are arranged in a pattern that resembles a checkerboard.

The hair cells are arranged in rows along the length of the cochlea, with different rows responding to different frequencies of sound. Within each row, the hair cells are arranged in a checkerboard pattern, with adjacent hair cells responding to slightly different frequencies of sound. This arrangement allows for precise discrimination of different frequencies of sound, which is essential for hearing and speech perception.

The checkerboard pattern in the inner ear is an example of the remarkable precision and organization of biological systems, and it highlights the complexity and sophistication of the mechanisms involved in our ability to hear and interpret sound.

A recent study conducted by a Japanese research group revealed the checkerboard pattern’s crucial role in hearing. In studying mice, the researchers found that abnormalities in the inner ear resulted in hearing loss. This indicates that further studying the patterns of the inner ear and cell self-organization could lead to a greater understanding of hearing loss and its causes. Furthermore, this checkerboard pattern is found in other sensory organs, including the olfactory epithelium that is responsible for the sense of smell and the retina which is responsible for vision. Additional research could help us better understand sensory organs, how they function, and the diseases and abnormalities that affect them.

For more information about this intriguing new research, we invite you to contact our hearing practice today.

If your hearing loss is worse in one ear than the other, you may have asymmetrical hearing loss. Here is what you need to know about asymmetrical hearing loss.

What is asymmetrical hearing loss?

Asymmetrical hearing loss refers to a condition in which there is a difference in hearing ability between the two ears. This can occur due to a variety of factors such as exposure to loud noise, ear infections, injury, or certain medical conditions. While a slight hearing difference between the two ears is normal, significant variation (more than 10 dB) is not typical. This is classified as asymmetrical hearing loss when the difference is 15 dB or greater.

What causes asymmetrical hearing loss?

Asymmetrical hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Exposure to loud noise — Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. This can be more severe in one ear than the other if the individual is exposed to more noise on one side (e.g., working with loud machinery or attending loud events).
• Ear infections — Ear infections can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss and can be more severe in one ear than the other.
• Trauma — Head injuries or injuries to the ear can cause hearing loss, and this can be more significant in one ear than the other.
• Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, such as Meniere’s disease, otosclerosis, and acoustic neuromas, can lead to asymmetrical hearing loss.
• Tumors — Tumors of the ear or brain can also cause asymmetrical hearing loss.
• Genetic factors — Some genetic disorders can cause asymmetrical hearing loss, such as Usher Syndrome.

It is important to note that in some cases, the cause of asymmetrical hearing loss may not be able to be determined. A hearing specialist can help to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

How is asymmetrical hearing loss treated?

Treatment for asymmetrical hearing loss will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Some common treatment options include:

• Hearing aids — Hearing aids can help to amplify sounds for individuals with hearing loss, even if the hearing loss is asymmetrical. The hearing aids can be programmed to amplify sounds differently in each ear to compensate for the asymmetry.
• Cochlear implants — Cochlear implants can help individuals with severe hearing loss to hear by converting sound into electrical signals that are sent directly to the auditory nerve.
• Bone-anchored hearing devices — A bone-anchored hearing device is surgically implanted. This may be suggested if the hearing loss is too great in one ear to be effectively treated with programmable hearing aids.
• Surgery — In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of the asymmetrical hearing loss. For example, if a tumor is causing the hearing loss, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent further hearing loss and to improve the quality of life.

If you believe that you may have asymmetrical hearing loss, please contact our hearing practice today. We are eager to assist you.

When you listen, you focus on one source of sound, such as the voice of the person you are talking to or the TV show you are watching. Your brain automatically filters out background noise, such as traffic noise, background music, or other conversations happening around you. This can be difficult in some circumstances, and it can be especially challenging if you have hearing loss. However, with practice, you can train your brain to better hear in noise.

Background Noise and Hearing Aids

When you first start using hearing aids, you may find that it is more difficult than it used to be to filter out background noise. This may be because your hearing aids amplify all sounds, not just the ones you want to hear. Do not give in to the temptation to take out your hearing aids. Instead, learn to use your hearing aids’ features to better hear in noise.

With today’s hearing aid technology, you can choose from settings and filters that you may control from your phone, such as background noise reduction. This technology is known as digital signal processing (DSP), which is designed to identify background noise and lower its volume.

Many hearing aids also come with directional microphones, which allow you to choose the direction of sound you want to focus on. For example, if you are attending a concert or play, you can set your aids to focus on the sounds coming from in front of you rather than behind you.

If you are often in situations with lots of background noise, it is best to talk to your hearing aid specialist about the types of hearing aids that will work best for your needs. Your hearing specialist will also be able to help you learn how to use the settings for your hearing aids to best filter out background noise.

Train Your Brain to Hear Better in Noise

In addition to using hearing aids that can filter out background noise, you may also want to try auditory training. The goal of auditory training is to help you learn to more easily distinguish speech from other noise. There are many hearing training apps and programs available on your computer or mobile phone. If you would like more help than an app can offer, you can ask your hearing specialist about auditory rehabilitation.

Auditory training usually targets three key skills needed for effective communication:

1. Working memory — Working memory is necessary during conversation to remember words and their context. Research suggests that declines in working memory can decrease speech understanding in older people.
2. Auditory processing speed — This usually drops as you age, which explains why older people often have trouble keeping up with normal speech speeds.
3. Auditory attention — This skill enables you to filter out distractions and focus on one sound, such as a voice.

With auditory training and hearing aids, you can hear better in noise. To learn more, please contact our hearing specialist today.

If you have untreated hearing loss, you might be missing a lot of sounds in your everyday life. You might have difficulty understanding speech, making conversations with your family and friends challenging. You might not be able to hear your favorite music, movies, or TV shows without turning the volume up much higher than you used to. You might not be able to hear the sounds of nature, like the water rushing past in a river or birds singing in the trees. If you are unable to hear the birds, you might be missing out on more than the sweet sound of bird chirps and whistles. New research shows that seeing and hearing birds is good for your mental health—and if you cannot hear birds, you are missing out on those benefits.

The research, which was published in 2022, found that seeing or hearing birds is associated with an improvement in mental wellbeing. The study was conducted by researchers at King’s College London between April 2018 and October 2021 with 1,292 participants. These participants completed a total of 26,856 assessments with the Urban Mind app, which was developed by King’s College London, landscape architects J&L Gibbons, and arts foundation Nomad Projects. While participants were recruited worldwide, the majority were based in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

In the study, participants used the app to answer questions three times a day about whether they could see or hear birds. They were then asked questions about their mental wellbeing, which allowed researchers to establish an association between the two. Researchers were also able to estimate how long this association lasted.

The results show that seeing or hearing birds is associated with improvements in mental wellbeing in both healthy people and those with depression. Researchers estimate that the positive effects of seeing or hearing birds can last for up to eight hours.

Listening to the sounds of nature has long been hypothesized to benefit mental wellbeing. Many people enjoy listening to nature sounds, including the sounds of birds, to help them relax and relieve stress. However, this is the first study to provide scientific evidence of the connection between seeing or hearing birds and mental wellbeing.

This study shows that going outside and seeing or hearing birds is a simple way to improve your mental wellbeing—with the benefits lasting for up to eight hours! Going outside to watch or listen to birds just once a day could potentially bring noticeable mental health benefits. If you are unable to hear the birds when you are outside, you could be missing out on significant mental wellbeing benefits (not to mention beautiful birdsongs!). With treatment, such as wearing hearing aids, you can once again enjoy the sound of birds, along with many other sounds you may be missing out on if you have untreated hearing loss.

To learn more about the association between hearing birds and mental wellbeing, and to set up an appointment with our hearing aid specialist to ensure that you can hear birds when you are outside, we welcome you to contact our office today.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may have told you that sleep apnea puts you at increased risk for a number of other health conditions, including heart problems, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, liver problems, and more. However, did you know that sleep apnea also increases your risk for hearing loss?

What is sleep apnea?

There is more than one type of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway is obstructed during sleep, typically when the muscles in the throat relax or when the tongue falls back in the mouth. This results in pauses in breathing and causes the person to wake up, often feeling out of breath.

Obstructive sleep apnea is often associated with snoring. Other common symptoms of OSA include excessive daytime drowsiness, irritability, difficulty staying asleep, awakening with a dry mouth, gasping for air during sleep, and difficulty paying attention while awake. Factors that increase a person’s risk for OSA include excess weight, being older, being male, greater neck circumference, smoking, and use of alcohol or sedatives.

What is the link between sleep apnea and hearing loss?

According to a 2022 study published in the journal Clinical Otolaryngology, people with sleep apnea are 21 percent more likely to have hearing loss. The study observed nearly 7,000 older adults in Europe. Based on the results, the study authors urge people with obstructive sleep apnea to undergo screening for hearing loss.

While this study is the most recent one to explore the connection between sleep apnea and hearing loss, it is not the only one. Another study assessed almost 14,000 using in-home sleep apnea studies and on-site audiometric testing. The researchers found that hearing impairment was more common among those who snored, had a higher body mass index (BMI), and had severe sleep apnea.

An additional, smaller study analyzed the oxygen levels of people with severe obstructive sleep apnea. Those with the lowest oxygen levels were much more likely to have hearing impairment.

These studies show that a link exists between hearing loss and sleep apnea. However, researchers are not exactly certain what causes the connection. One theory is that because sleep apnea reduces blood flow to the ears, the ears do not receive enough blood supply to work properly.

Another hypothesis is that years of snoring (strongly associated with sleep apnea) can cause damage to the ears’ sensitive hair cells. This would result in sensorineural hearing loss, with is the most common type of permanent hearing loss.

How can you reduce the risk of hearing loss if you have sleep apnea?

If you have sleep apnea, the best thing you can do for your hearing health and your overall health is to treat your sleep apnea. For most people with OSA, the recommended treatment option is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine that is worn while you sleep. Oral breathing devices may also be available to treat sleep apnea. Other sleep apnea treatments include surgery to correct a blockage and medicine to help you stay awake during the day. In addition, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes like weight loss or smoking cessation.

If you have sleep apnea or you snore, it is important that you receive a hearing screening. Treatment is also available for hearing loss. To learn more about the connection between sleep apnea and hearing loss, and to schedule your appointment with our hearing specialist, we invite you to contact our office today.