Myth vs. Reality: Hearing Loss, OTC Hearing Aids & You
On July 9, 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order asking the Department of Health and Human Services to consider issuing proposed rules within 120 days to sell over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which will be available without a prescription. OTC hearing aids aren’t available in stores yet. If you see something marketed as a…
Do Hearing Aids Improve Brain Function?
You use more than just your ears to hear; your brain plays a large role in the hearing process. When you choose not to seek treatment for your hearing loss, this can put extra stress on your brain and lead to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Hearing aids can help prevent this…
Treatment Can Help Prevent Loneliness Caused by Hearing Loss
Hearing loss has long been linked with an increase in feelings of loneliness. Fortunately, seeking treatment for your loss may hold the key to preventing social isolation. The Link Between Hearing Loss & Loneliness A Dutch study published in 2009 looked at the impact reduced hearing had on the psychosocial functioning of adults between the…
Can Wearing Headphones Cause Hearing Loss?
With vaccine rollouts, we’re beginning to see the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, which means soon you can see your favorite local band play at Katy Vibes once again. But in the meantime, we’ve all turned to wearing headphones and earbuds to enjoy music, podcasts and audiobooks. But could this be damaging…
What Is Mild Hearing Loss?
Hearing ability exists on a spectrum between those who can hear normally and individuals with profound deafness. While mild hearing loss is no cause for alarm, experts agree that seeking treatment early has the best long-term results. Degrees of Hearing Loss Sounds are measured in decibels (dB), and hearing loss is determined by which sounds…
9 Signs You May Have Hearing Loss
Have you ever wondered if you are one of the more than 48 million Americans with hearing loss? If so, you don’t have to ponder this point any longer. Below is a list of the top nine signs of this common condition. Trouble Hearing on the Telephone Over the last year, most of us have…
Hearing Resolutions to Stick to in 2021
We are now a few weeks into 2021, and that means, as usual, most resolutions made with the best of intensions have now been abandoned. Since treating your hearing loss can improve your physical and mental health, experts agree that if you only stick to one resolution, make it improving your hearing health. Below are…
The Pros and Cons of Common Hearing Aids Styles
Once you have your hearing tested, the next step is to be fit with a set of hearing aids. There are many types and styles of hearing aids on the market, and the choices may be overwhelming. Fortunately, your audiologist will be with you every step of the way. We’ve compiled some pros and cons…
Underlying Causes of Tinnitus You May Not Know About
Tinnitus is a common ailment affecting nearly 20% of all Americans. A symptom of a disorder rather than a disease itself, tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a buzzing, ringing or roaring when no external sound is present. Understanding the cause of this phantom noise holds the key to its treatment. Tinnitus Facts There are…
Can Stress Lead to Hearing Loss?
These last few months have been stressful for everyone. High levels of continuous stress have been linked to a variety of health problems, including hearing loss. Chronic Stress When you experience stress, your body releases hormones to increase your heart rate and breathing, making your muscles ready to respond to potential danger. When the stressful…