Month: May 2015

Though we like to assume that our children are hearing as well as possible, kids are just as susceptible as adults are to having hearing difficulties and not knowing it. Although it is sometimes obvious when there’s something wrong — as is typically the case with ear infections — some children simply aren’t sure whether their hearing is normal, and …

As we age and our bodies betray us, the last things that remain are the human voice and meaningful words. Speaking and listening are often the last thread of connection we have with each other. Caring for someone we love who also has a hearing loss and dementia can be particularly hard. How do you know if the communication problems …

With increases in the prevalence of technology over the past decade, our lives have never been busier and more full of distractions — and we’ve never been more at risk for hearing loss than we are now. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) used to be considered a problem that only the elderly faced, but over the prior three decades, hearing loss …

Did you know that cell phones have hearing aid compatibility ratings? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that cell phone makers and service providers produce phones that have less static, less interference, and better telecoil connections. If you need a hearing aid-compatible cell phone, just look at the label. All cell phones will have an “M” rating (M1 through M4) …

If you wear hearing aids or have untreated hearing loss, you are intimately familiar with how hard it can be to have an easy conversation with someone in a restaurant. Between the dishes, inevitably poor acoustics, and the conversations of other diners, it’s no wonder there is more eating than talking. Although there are no perfect solutions, there are a …

As a service-disabled veteran, I can certainly identify with many who are frustrated with the frailties of the Veterans Affairs healthcare system. And there is no doubt that a long, hard look at the current model is sorely needed. However, I would like to use this week’s blog to talk about a very narrow part of the VA healthcare system in …

The transition from season to season tends to give us pause. Many of us take a moment to turn our thoughts inward and reflect on how we would like to see our lives change and improve. For some, that means acknowledging hearing loss and seeking information and help. If you are reading this, chances are you are considering walking just …