Long-Term Strategies for Staying Engaged in Group Conversations
If you have hearing loss, one of the most prominent symptoms of the condition is having difficulty staying engaged in group conversations. This is a hard symptom to grapple with, as it can make one feel disconnected and embarrassed, less inclined to participate and more likely to withdraw. But social connection is an integral aspect…
Tips for Using Your Hearing Aids at Local Community Events and Outdoor Markets
Early summer is the time for farmers’ markets and neighborhood events. While events like these are great for building community and shopping local, they may present some unexpected challenges for hearing aid users. Hearing Challenges at Events and Markets The combination of the outdoor acoustics and the bustling activity can be overstimulating. Truthfully, these environments…
How Communication Breakdowns Impact Relationships
In our profession, we sometimes have to have hard conversations. Today, in the spirit of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we need to discuss how hearing loss can contribute to communication breakdowns and how that can impact even the closest and healthiest relationships. Some Things to Keep in Mind National Speech-Language Hearing Month is all about communication…
Subtle Signs Hearing Challenges Are Affecting Social Confidence
Hearing is a vital piece of communication and socialization, so it makes sense that hearing loss has a massive impact on communication and relationships. If you’ve been living with hearing loss, you may have noticed the toll it takes on your ability to communicate well; perhaps you’ve even modified your own behavior in social settings…
How Hearing Loss Can Affect Independence and Personal Safety
When people think about hearing loss, they often focus on difficulty understanding conversations or turning up the TV. But hearing loss can have a much greater impact, especially on independence and personal safety. For many adults, untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of accidents, social withdrawal and reduced quality of life. Understanding these risks…
Perforated Eardrum and Hearing Loss
Your eardrum is a membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear, and it plays a critical role in hearing. If the membrane is torn or gets a hole in it, it’s known as a perforated eardrum. This can affect your hearing, so it’s important to understand what a perforated eardrum is, what…
Tips for Taking a Cruise with Hearing Loss
Cruise vacations offer wonderful opportunities to travel and relax, the perfect blend of adventure and leisure. That said, cruise ships can be complex listening environments for people with hearing loss. If you have hearing loss and you’re planning a cruise in the near future, let’s discuss some tips to make this trip as enjoyable and…
How to Keep Track of Changes in Your Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a rather common condition: roughly 10% of Americans have experienced it. But everyone experiences it differently, and even a single individual might experience changes in their own tinnitus over time. Tinnitus is variable and subjective, but an effective tinnitus management strategy depends on understanding it. One tactic you can use to better understand…
How Hearing Loss Treatment Helps Build Your Confidence
Hearing health and self-confidence are very closely linked. People with hearing loss may struggle in social settings, which can lead to feelings of embarrassment and isolation, but many feel hesitant to start hearing loss treatment, feeling uncomfortable with a big life change, or reluctant to admit that they need help. If this sounds familiar to…
Healthy Habits for Hearing
There are many different types and causes of hearing loss, and while some are not preventable, others are. By adopting some minor habits, you can maintain your hearing health for longer and keep preventable hearing loss at bay. Let’s discuss some of these habits here. Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Noise-induced hearing loss is the second-most…