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Why You Should Schedule a Hearing Test for World Alzheimer’s Month

In Dementia & Alzheimer's, hearing health, hearing loss, hearing loss causes, Hearing Loss Treatment, Hearing Tests, Research by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Does Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia run in your family? It can be alarming as experts still struggle to truly understand what causes this devastating disease. Experts believe that a family history of Alzheimer’s increases your risk by 30%, a risk on top of other risk factors. While you can’t change family history or advanced age, by identifying the risks in your life of Alzheimer’s you can modify behaviors and have a chance …

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When to Get New Hearing Aids

In Hearing Aid Technology, hearing aids, Hearing Loss Treatment by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

If you ever wonder how often you should replace your hearing aids, know that many factors could determine the answer. It can be in response to technical issues with your hearing aid or due to changes in your hearing needs. Consider these five things before replacing or upgrading your hearing aids:  Are your hearing aids functioning like new? For your hearing aids to perform optimally, they require regular maintenance and occasional technical repair. Since they …

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Hearing Aids & Artificial Intelligence

In Hearing Aid Technology, hearing aids, Hearing Loss Treatment by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

From self-driving cars to digital personal assistants,  it seems like in nearly every aspect of life people are exploring the potential of artificial intelligence or “AI” for expanding the capabilities of our current technology. Artificial intelligence systems are becoming ever more common and prevalent in our everyday life with digital technology negotiating ever more complicated environments.  Artificial intelligence has a lot to do with programming multi-layered input assessment with nuanced decision making, attempting to mimic …

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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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In the Loop: Get the Most out of Your Hearing with Hearing Loop Technology

In Assistive Listening Devices, Hearing Aid Technology, Hearing Loss Treatment by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

If you are new to hearing aids, the chances are you don’t always understand all the different features offered. Hearing aids today can come equipped with a wide range of assistive features from rechargeable batteries to tinnitus therapy. When considering which features may be right for your needs, it is important to understand the advantages of equipping your hearing aid for loop systems. Also known as “telecoil”, hearing loops are a widely-used assistive technology that …

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New Year’s Resolution: Get Your Hearing Tested

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

2020 is upon us and with this New Year brings new resolutions to ring in the decade.  Maybe you plan on going on more trips or more time with friends and family.  Maybe this year brings the resolution to get back into that hobby you’ve always wanted to explore.  What ever your resolutions for the new years are, it will take healthy hearing to make that dream a reality.  Perhaps you don’t see at first …

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Why are People Ashamed of Hearing Loss?

In Hearing Loss Impact, Hearing Loss Treatment by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Due to the stigma of hearing loss, people who struggle with this condition may refrain from seeking treatment, believing that a hearing aid would make them look older or weaker. When hearing loss is left unaddressed, however, it will persist, and it may also lead to cognitive decline, social disengagement, and a variety of serious health issues. In waiting to seek treatment, or perhaps refusing to acknowledge your hearing loss altogether, you are placing both …

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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 …