View Post

Building Connections | May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

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

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) was founded in 1926 in order to advocate for people with communication disabilities and promote consistently higher standards for professionals in audiology, speech-language pathology, and speech and hearing science. For nearly a century, ASHA has designated May as Better Hearing and Speech Month (BSHM) in order to raise awareness and promote the importance of treatment for those with communication issues around speech and hearing.  This year’s theme “Building Connections” is …

View Post

Hearing Loss and Sleep

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

Quality sleep is necessary for the body to rest and replenish for the next day. Restful sleep provides the time and space for the body to recoup and have the energy to healthily sustain.   According to the Sleep Foundation, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night but over 35% of people receive less than this amount. This produces effects that most people are familiar with: fatigue, irritability, reduced ability to concentrate, etc. Chronically experiencing …

View Post

Tips for Earwax Removal

In Ear Health by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

We are all familiar with the sticky substance that is earwax! But did you know that experts do not recommend using a cotton swab for its removal? Knowing about how to remove earwax may seem obvious but it is often done incorrectly, not enough, or too much. Excess earwax that remains in the ears can produce unpleasant symptoms so knowing how to remove it effectively is helpful for maintaining ear health!  What is Earwax? Also …

View Post

Hearing Aids vs. Hearing Amplifiers 

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

Taking the steps to treat hearing loss is great! Now more than ever, there is a vast range of hearing aids and other instruments that are designed to provide helpful hearing support. These devices often come with various features and technologies that enhance hearing across all environments. With this wide availability of options, it can be difficult to know which device would be best for your hearing needs. Understanding the differences between hearing instruments is …

View Post

Tinnitus Treatment Options

In Tinnitus by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Do you have a ringing, whistling, or buzzing sound in your ears? Tinnitus can impact every area of your life. If you live with chronic, persistent tinnitus, you may have a hard time focusing on tasks, enjoying time with your loved ones, and getting a good night’s sleep. There is no cure for tinnitus, but there are a number of treatment options to consider. Lifestyle Changes Tinnitus treatment focuses on reducing the severity of tinnitus, …

View Post

Hearing Aids Can Help Single-Sided Hearing Loss

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

Hearing loss often affects both your ears. But what happens when you have single-sided hearing loss? Do hearing aids help? The answer is yes! Hearing aids will make a huge difference in how you’ll experience the world around you. If you’ve been putting off treating your hearing loss, here’s why you need to consider hearing aids. Binaural Hearing We naturally have binaural hearing. This just means we hear with both ears. Binaural hearing helps us …

View Post

March 3 is World Hearing Day. Hearing Care for All

In hearing health by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has named March 3 as World Hearing Day. It’s an opportunity to talk about hearing loss and hearing health. It’s also a time to connect with policymakers on issues related to hearing loss. These include raising awareness about hearing loss, educating individuals about hearing health, and reminding people that hearing loss affects everyone, regardless of age. The Global Facts About Hearing Loss According to the WHO, 466 million people worldwide …

View Post

The Role of Ears in the Balance System

In hearing health by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Have you ever wondered how we stay upright as we walk through the world? Many of us never ask this question until we begin to have issues with our balance. If the issue isn’t in your legs or joints it often lies in our vestibular system, which is located in the ears. Yes, it is true. If you are having issues with your ears they could be directly affecting how you stay upright and balanced. …

View Post

Hearing Loss & Vertigo: All About Meniere’s Disease

In hearing loss, Meniere's Disease by Laurie Duffy, M.S.

Are you experiencing spells of vertigo or dizziness? Do these spells come on unexpectedly and last for just a short time or many hours? If you are, it could be a sign you are dealing with Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is a condition in the inner ear affecting approximately 615,000 people in the United States, making it a relatively rare but serious disorder. What is Meniere’s Disease?  Meniere’s often materializes as acute and unpredictable dizziness …

View Post

Osteoporosis and Hearing Loss

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

If you are dealing with osteoporosis, then there is a lot of added care you may do for your body already. Aside from making sure to get plenty of exercise, eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and avoiding heavy drinking or smoking to keep your bones healthy, now studies are suggesting that you should also monitor your hearing health closely. growing research suggests a link between this chronic bone density disease and …