View Post

Talking To Your Loved One About Hearing Loss Treatment

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

Are you frequently asked to repeat yourself during a conversation with a loved one who has hearing loss? Do they need to always turn up the volume while watching TV or a movie? Do you feel like they are not fully understanding what you are saying? These are common ways others are impacted by one’s hearing loss. Hearing loss impacts 20% of the population, making it the third most common medical condition people experience today.  …

View Post

Tips for Video Calls if You Have a Hearing Loss

In Communication, Family and Relationships, hearing loss, Tips & Tricks by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

A lot has changed in our world since 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread. Jobs that were commonly done from an office setting were suddenly being done remotely. This means that for many of us, we are now logging into our computers for office meetings, which used to be held in person. There are plenty of benefits to working from home. You can avoid the commute, save on gas, and have your lunch …

View Post

A Campaign to Make Listening Safe for All

In Communication, Ear Health, hearing health, hearing loss, hearing loss causes, Hearing Loss Impact, News, Prevention, Research, Tips & Tricks by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Do you use headphones when listening to music, movies, and media? Most people do. Since the invention of the Sony Walkman in 1979 headphones have been all the rage, allowing people to listen to what they want, when they want in public, without disturbing others around them. There is no denying that headphones are amazing, but they also come at a risk to our hearing. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 1.1 billion young adults are …

View Post

Communication at Work – May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

In Communication by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Communication is a foundational aspect of how we live. Effective communication is critical for healthy relationships, social engagement, and success in the workplace. One major way communication can be strained is by hearing loss which is the third most common health condition older adults experience. Over 30 million people have some degree of hearing loss in the United States which is at least 14% of the population. This prevalent health condition reduces a person’s ability …

View Post

For Father’s Day, Improve Family Communication by Treating Hearing Loss

In Communication, Family and Relationships, hearing health, hearing loss, Hearing Loss Treatment by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Healthy communication is the bedrock of all healthy relationships. Through deep discussions, jokes, stories, and heated arguments, we share ourselves and learn about our loved ones. For many of us, our familial relationships are among the most important. As we approach Father’s Day, which gathers many generations under one roof, we would like to highlight how hearing loss interferes with communication and the importance of seeking treatment for hearing loss. Understanding Hearing Loss For people …

View Post

Communication For All: Better Speech and Hearing Month this May

In Communication, Community, hearing loss, Lifestyle by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Every May the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association brings attention to communication issues with Better Speech and Hearing Month. Over the course of four weeks ASHA promotes health awareness initiatives. This year, the motto for Better Speech and Hearing Month is “Communication for All” and at HearCare Rhode Island, we couldn’t agree more.  We’re committed to helping people better understand hearing loss and connect with solutions that improve their lives. Let’s focus on one of this year’s …

View Post

Connecting with Family Members with Hearing Loss This Holiday Season

In Communication, Family and Relationships, hearing aids, hearing loss by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

The holidays are often thought of as bright and cheerful times, but there can also be a sense of profound loneliness during this time, too. Seasonal depression sets in for many as our sunlight hours decrease dramatically. Many people also seem to feel the loss of loved ones more deeply. And some people simply don’t like the pressure that comes along with the holiday season. There’s a deeper reason that people with hearing loss often …

View Post

Tips for Enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner with Hearing Loss

In Communication, Community, Family and Relationships, hearing loss, News by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

We’re rapidly approaching the holiday season, with Thanksgiving just about a week away. As with most holidays, Thanksgiving is a time to catch up with family and loved ones. For those of us with hearing loss, it may bring up a few stressors due to the busy-ness and noise of the festivities. Here, we offer a few tips for enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with hearing loss – both for those who experience hearing loss and those …

View Post

6 Habits That May be Harming Your Hearing

In Communication, Community, Family and Relationships, hearing loss, News, Prevention by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

When it comes to understanding hearing damage, most people know that they should protect their hearing in when loud environments. While that’s certainly true, many things that harm our hearing go unrecognized – so oftentimes people don’t even realize their hearing could be impacted. Here are 6 common behaviors that can result in permanent hearing damage.Habit #1: Using a Hair DryerFortunately for everyone, stylish hair doesn’t cause hearing loss – but frequent use of loud …