With the recent public announcement regarding over the counter (OTC) hearing aids, many folks have questions, as do we. Hearing aids by mail, through the internet, and in chain stores is nothing new. If you open a national magazine, do an internet search, or walk into a big box store, you will find an abundance of direct-to-consumer hearing aids available.…

Hearing loss affects about one-third of people aged 60–69, and two-thirds of those age 70 and up. Despite how commonly people experience hearing loss as we age, the problem is sorely undertreated. Only about one out of five people who need hearing aids is currently wearing them. On average, it takes a person seven years from the time they start…

We all enjoy recreational activities of one kind or another, and sports events are among the most popular ways to get out of the house and enjoy the dizzying excitement of being part of a crowd! We root for the home team, or the team from our place of origin. We relish when they come out on top, and we…

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is on the rise again. After declining somewhat toward the end of the 20th century, new generations of Americans are experiencing NIHL. While about 10% of millennials have hearing loss due to noise exposure, the members of Gen-Z have it at a rate of 17%. This is especially concerning when we consider that Gen-Z is the…

There are currently some 48 million Americans living with hearing loss, yet only about one out of five of us is wearing hearing aids. Researchers continue to discover new reasons why treating hearing loss is of the utmost importance, so if you’re currently trying to decide whether to pursue a set of hearing aids, it is strongly recommended that you…

Communication is a vital aspect of every well-functioning family unit. Healthy channels of communication strengthen closeness and interaction, as well as empathy and goodwill. People with untreated hearing loss can sometimes have communication difficulties, which can impact their close family relationships. Family members, friends, and loved ones may be frustrated by people with hearing loss and may inadvertently avoid contact due…

Earbuds have become a popular way to listen to music and podcasts and watch videos. But although they are ubiquitous, they are also more dangerous to our health than we may realize.  A study by the World Health Organization in 2015 found that earbud use increased by 75% between 1994 and 2005. That study also found that individuals from middle…

Age-related hearing loss is one of the most common medical conditions we face as we age. While one-third of those aged 60–69 have hearing loss, two-thirds of those 70 and up have it. Nearly everyone who reaches age 100 has hearing loss, suggesting we’ll all experience it eventually if we only live long enough! Hearing aids remain the best and…

Some 48 million Americans are living with hearing loss today. While around 100,000 of those people were born with hearing loss, the majority acquired it at some point in their lives. Some of the causes of acquired hearing loss include: Ear Infection – Children often experience temporary hearing loss as a result of ear infections (otitis media). If ear infections…

Each May, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) celebrates Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM). BHSM is a time to spread broader awareness about communication disorders of all kinds—including hearing loss—and talk about some of the life-altering treatments that can help make communication easier. The theme for 2022 is “Connecting People.” What a great reminder of what treating hearing loss is…

Have you started to notice hearing loss? If not, have others told you that you might have a hearing problem? Hearing loss usually comes on so slowly that we don’t notice it until it is quite significant, even though we can benefit from treatment in the form of hearing aids long before our lives become unmanageable as a result of…

For millennia, hearing loss has been a problem that has affected people of all ages, but especially those above the age of 60. About a third of people aged 60–69 have hearing loss, and for those aged 70 and up, the incidence climbs to two-thirds. Nearly 100% of centenarians have it, suggesting we’ll all experience hearing loss eventually if we…