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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 …

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Comorbidities of Hearing Loss

In Dementia & Alzheimer's, Family and Relationships, Health, hearing loss, hearing loss causes, Hearing Loss Impact, Hearing Loss Treatment by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Comorbidities is an intimidating-sounding term that is used to indicate when a health condition has other health concerns that often manifest alongside it. A testament to how all the systems in the body are connected, the frequency of comorbidities is often an indicator of cause and effect relationships in one’s health.  Hearing loss can seem like such a singular health concern it can be hard to understand that, like many other chronic health conditions, it …

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Enjoying the Holidays with Hearing Loss

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

The holidays are almost here, and you’ve already started decorating. You’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, and Christmas is just around the corner. Whether you’ve invited the whole family for dinner, or are joining the celebration at your daughter’s house, the holidays are bound to get a bit loud. Are you worried about your hearing loss during the holiday weekend? If you’re struggling to hear and have a hard time with conversations, here are some …

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November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

In Family and Relationships, Health, Mental Health by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

How much do you know about Alzheimer’s Disease? If you don’t know a lot about this brain disease, then November is the time to learn more. November has been designated National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and if you want to discover more about this disease, or find resources for yourself or a loved one, this is the perfect time. Want to learn how to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease? Treating your hearing loss is actually …

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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 …

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Tips for Communicating with People who Have Hearing Loss

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

If you have a loved one who’s hard of hearing, you know how difficult it can be to communicate. Conversations can be a real challenge, and despite how many times you repeat yourself, it seems like there’s always some miscommunication. We know that not being able to understand each other is frustrating for everyone. To get the most out of your conversations and to communicate easily, here are a few tips for how to talk …

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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 …

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This Holiday Season Give Yourself the Gift of Hearing

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

Hearing loss affects about 20% of the population in the US, but it is undertreated. In fact, only one in five people who experience hearing loss and could benefit from using hearing aids to treat their hearing loss actually do. For many people, learning to “adapt” to their changing hearing abilities might seem like it’s a good thing to do, but the reality is, pretending to hear is not helpful. Furthermore, for people who do experience …

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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 …

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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 …