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All About Hearing Protection

In hearing loss, Prevention, Tinnitus by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

We’re often surrounded by very loud sounds. Work, hobbies, and other activities can all include dangerously loud noise that can damage our hearing. This leads to hearing loss, tinnitus, and difficulty following conversations with loved ones. That’s why it’s so important to learn all about hearing protection.  How Loud Are the Sounds Around You?  Before you can choose the right hearing protection, you need to know how loud the sounds around you actually are. Some …

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Keeping Your Hearing Aids Dry

In Hearing Aid Maintenance, hearing aids by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Hearing aids are a big investment, so you want them to last. One of the best things you can do to maintain your hearing aids is to keep them dry. If you clean and dry your hearing aids every day, you’ll enjoy better sound quality, fewer repairs, and a longer return on your investment.  Moisture Damaged Hearing Aids It’s no surprise that moisture damages your hearing aids. Just like your smartphone, hearing aids aren’t a …

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Check Your Hearing This November for American Diabetes Month

In Health, hearing health, hearing loss by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Diabetes is a worldwide problem affecting 34.2 million people or 10.5 percent of the population in the United States alone. However, worldwide this chronic health condition affects one in 10 people, particularly in low to middle-income countries where 4 out 5 cases occur (84%). This is due in part to less access to healthy food and urbanization which has led to less activity.  This has many implications for national and world health as many with …

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Are Two Hearing Aids Better Than One?

In hearing aids by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

If you have recently received a hearing loss diagnosis, you are probably learning a lot, very quickly, about how hearing loss is best treated – and trying to find the best options for your needs. One question we frequently hear from people is whether it is truly necessary to get hearing aids as a set of two, or if getting one hearing aid can perform just as well while costing less.  More often than not, …

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Hunters and Hearing Loss

In hearing health by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Hunting is a sport that combines knowledge, patience, and skill. However, hunting can also severely damage your hearing if you aren’t properly prepared. Firearms create bursts of sound that instantly cause hearing damage and hearing loss is a common problem for those who use guns for work or recreation. The potential for noise-related hearing loss needs to be taken into account when you engage with any loud activity. It is important to recognize that noise-related …

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October is Protect Your Hearing Month

In hearing health, hearing loss by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

National Audiology Awareness Month and Protect Your Hearing Month both fall in October. With over 36 million people in the United States suffering from hearing loss, more awareness is critical. Hearing loss is becoming increasingly common among younger generations such as millennials, making it more critical than ever to understand the origins, symptoms, and long-term repercussions of hearing loss, as well as how to protect your hearing. Millennials at risk of hearing loss The revolution …

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Hand Dryers Can Hurt Kids’ Ears

In Ear Health, hearing health by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Hearing damage can be caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise (over 80 dB) or by a single loud noise. Because children’s ears are still developing, they are susceptible to hearing loss from sounds that adults would not consider hazardous.  Make an appointment with HearCare RI immediately if you fear your hearing has been compromised or someone in your family has hearing loss. Hand dryers: surprisingly loud Even the most innocuous objects can offer a …

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Osteoporosis and Sudden Hearing Loss

In hearing loss, Hearing Loss Impact by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Scientists and audiologists are constantly discovering disorders that can enhance a person’s risk of getting hearing loss. Now they have found a connection between hearing loss and Osteoporosis. According to a 2015 study, people who have Osteoporosis are more prone to develop hearing loss. Bones are essential to our hearing The appropriate functioning of tiny bones within the middle ear is required for the inner workings of our ears, and they are essential in our …

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Hearing Aids Keep You Happy, Healthy, and Wealthy

In Health, hearing aids, hearing health by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

We all know that a healthy diet and regular exercise can do wonders for many areas of your life, but studies are finding that using hearing aids offers similar benefits to your wellbeing. Research has shown that people who treat their hearing loss with hearing aids earn more, are physically healthier, and have a better quality of life than those living with untreated hearing loss. How can so much hinge on your hearing? Your hearing …

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Know Alzheimer’s Disease: Treat Hearing Loss in September during World Alzheimer’s Month

In Dementia & Alzheimer's, Health, hearing health, hearing loss, Hearing Tests by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and so our attention draws to Alzheimer’s Disease, a devastating cognitive disorder with mysterious causes. Although more and more research is being devoted to this condition, many of the causes remain elusive to scientists. The symptoms are well known, as is the degenerative nature of the disorder. And we have yet to discover a cure or a failsafe preventative measure to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the disease. …