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Sensitivity to Sound As We Age

In Ear Health, hearing loss, Hearing Tests, Research by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

As we get older, we face a growing number of critical life transitions, such as employment changes and retirement, children leaving home, the loss of loved ones, —and even the loss of independence. Healthy aging is typically determined by how we respond to and grow from these changes.  There are changes to your hearing, too, including an increased risk of sensitivity to sounds. Let’s take a closer look at this condition.  Aging and sensitivity to …

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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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Hypothyroidism & Hearing Loss

In hearing health by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

There are many reasons you could be feeling cold while other people seem fine or feel fatigue and weight gain. However, it is important to understand that these are all symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism, also known as or an underactive thyroid affects approximately 20 million people or Nearly 5 out of 100 Americans ages 12 years and up. It occurs when there is an underproduction of the hormone, thyroxine, which can decrease metabolism. Some of the common …

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The Benefits of Bluetooth Hearing Aids

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

If you haven’t been paying attention to the latest advances in hearing aids, then you are in for a surprise. Today’s hearing aids are fully digital, making sounds and the conversations you want to hear, clearer than ever before. If you remember the hearing aids of the 80’s and 90’s, you may remember giant beige apparatuses which squealed sporadically with feedback and amplified everything. However, the last ten years in hearing aid advancements offer hearing …

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How to Read an Audiogram

In Hearing Tests by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

If you have taken the leap and scheduled a hearing exam, then congratulations are in order! This is often the toughest step and the first one in seeking treatment. After you our hearing healthcare professionals guided you through a hearing exam, they will present the results on what is called an audiogram  What is an Audiogram? An audiogram is a graph or chart that shows the result of your hearing test. These charts can be difficult …

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Advantages of Rechargeable Hearing Aids

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

If you have been wearing hearing aids, there is a big chance that you are familiar with buying and replacing batteries regularly. For many, this may just feel like a small chore in exchange for the amazing advantages which hearing aids have to offer, such as improved mood, closer relationships and higher self-esteem.  However, a fairly recent addition to many hearing aids promises to soon become the new standard. Rechargeable hearing aids eliminate the need …

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What to Ask During A Hearing Consultation 

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

Have you found that your relationships have become strained due to communication problems? Do the people in your life seem frustrated because you have to ask them to repeat themselves more often than not? While these are major signs of hearing loss,  you can’t be exactly sure about the status of your hearing  t until you’ve had a hearing exam. Many people put off getting a hearing loss due to denial, procrastination, or they earnestly …