Did you know that cell phones have hearing aid compatibility ratings? The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) 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 thru …
Read MoreBlog
Risk of Hearing Loss Has Never Been Greater
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 increases have …
Read MoreOctober Headlines & Happenings
During the month of October, Vibrant Hearing is hosting a toiletry drive to support the mission of the Povarello Center. Please drop off toiletry donations to the Missoula Vibrant Hearing office. The Povarello provides for the immediate needs of 300-350 Missoulians per day. Some of those needs are more basic than you might guess. Please consider a monetary or toiletry donation, …
Read MoreWhat to Do When Your Ears Itch
Say Goodbye to Itchy Ears: Tips for Relief and Comfort Dealing with itchy ears can be a frustrating and distracting experience, especially if you wear hearing aids and have no known skin conditions. While the causes can vary, understanding and addressing the issue effectively can restore your comfort. Whether it’s caused by bacteria, over-cleaning, or sensitive ear canal hairs disturbed …
Read MoreHunters: Protect Your Hearing with DefendEar by Westone
If you are preparing to take to the field this fall, make sure you protect your hearing with the most comfortable, effective hearing protection available! In order to better protect our patients, this fall we are offering DefendEar—custom-molded earplugs that will not only protect you from the damaging sound of muzzle blasts, but will also help you hear better in …
Read MoreYour Hearing Test – What Should You Expect?
Navigating a hearing test can be an enlightening journey toward better hearing and improved quality of life. While the prospect of a hearing evaluation may seem daunting, it’s essential to remember that this experience is primarily designed to be informative and enjoyable. In this blog, we’ll delve into what you should expect during a hearing test and how to make …
Read MoreRetrain Your Brain to Hear Again
Trouble hearing in noise and trouble understanding speech are, by far, the two most common complaints by people who have hearing loss. The first step is to be fit with appropriate hearing instruments. Hearing aids alone cannot fix the problems you might have with clarity and hearing in noise. Believe it or not, these are skills that must be relearned. …
Read MoreProtect Your Hearing Aids From Sun and Sweat
Summer is a season of outdoor fun, but for hearing aid users, it can also bring unique challenges. High temperatures, increased humidity, and sweat can all affect how your devices function. Moisture buildup can corrode batteries, block sound openings, and compromise internal components, leading to reduced performance or even costly repairs. While we take care to protect our skin from …
Read More7 Ways to Make Your Hearing Aids Last As Long As Possible
1. Clean your hearing aids every day; particularly the part that sits in your ear. Check out these cleaning tips. Take your instruments to your provider for routine maintenance. There is no charge for this service and it is, by far, the best way to catch and fix small problems. Invest in a hearing aid dryer/dehumidifier. These little gadgets will …
Read MoreHearing Loss and Restaurants: How to Improve Your Experience
Trying to listen is a noisy restaurant is hard enough with normal hearing. The trouble is compounded if you have hearing loss or wear hearing aids. Follow these easy tips to make your next night out on the town more enjoyable. Call ahead and reserve your table. The noisiest spots in a restaurant are usually near the kitchen, the bar, …
Read More