Workplace accommodations for employees who are hearing impaired are essential to ensure that they are able to perform their job duties to the best of their ability. Hearing loss can be a significant barrier to effective communication in the workplace, and accommodations can help to mitigate the challenges that employees with hearing issues may face.

There are a variety of accommodations that employers can make to support employees with hearing impairments. Some of these accommodations include:

Providing assistive listening devices: Assistive listening devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and amplified telephones can help them hear more clearly and effectively.

Installing soundproofing or acoustic treatments: Acoustic treatments can help to reduce background noise in the workplace, making it easier for them to focus on conversations and other important auditory information.

Implementing visual alerts: Visual alerts such as flashing lights or vibrating pagers can be used to alert them to important events, such as meetings or emergency alarms.

Providing captioning or sign language interpretation: Captioning or sign language interpretation can be provided for meetings or other important events to ensure that they are able to fully participate and understand the information being presented.

Allowing for flexible work arrangements: Flexible work arrangements, such as working from home or adjusting work schedules, can be helpful for those who may need additional time to communicate with coworkers or attend appointments related to their hearing loss.

Training supervisors and coworkers on communication strategies: Providing training on effective communication strategies can help coworkers and supervisors better understand how to communicate with employees with hearing loss, including tips on speaking clearly and facing the employee when speaking.

Overall, workplace accommodations for employees with hearing loss are important for creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. Employers should work with employees to identify their specific needs and provide accommodations that meet those needs to ensure that all employees can perform their job duties effectively.

Please schedule your hearing assessment / checkup with Southern Nevada Audiology today! Learn more about the advancements in modern hearing aids.

Hearing aids are devices designed to help those with hearing loss to better understand speech and other sounds around them. Hearing loss can occur due to several reasons, including age, exposure to loud noise, genetics, or illness.

They work by amplifying sound and delivering it to the inner ear, where it is processed by the auditory nerve and sent to the brain. They are designed to improve the user’s ability to hear speech and other sounds, even in noisy environments. By enhancing sound quality and clarity, they can significantly improve the wearer’s quality of life, helping them stay connected to the world around them.

In the past, hearing aids could only be prescribed by audiologists who would conduct an examination of their patient’s ear and administer a hearing test. Late last year, the FDA established a category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, to be sold directly to consumers without a need of a hearing exam or a prescription.  OTC hearing aids became available to consumers in October 2022. 

Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids

OTC hearing aids provide a standardized solution to hearing aid devices, unlike the customized alternatives that audiologists can offer. They are sold over the counter at pharmacies and various online stores.  The cost of a pair of these varies depending on their features and can range from $99 to $3,400. They are effortless to buy, easy to wear, and straightforward to use.

The objective is to increase the accessibility of them to a broader range of users. However, like most one-size-fits-all products, they can fall short of the effectiveness of their custom-made counterparts and are not typically recommended by audiologists.

Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids: Who Are They Best Suited For?

OTC hearing aids are typically suitable for individuals with mild hearing loss. However, for those with more severe hearing loss or a specific hearing condition, customized hearing devices fitted by audiologists are often a better option. Audiologist-fitted devices offer superior sound quality and clarity, along with customized additional features.

Can Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids Meet Your Hearing Needs?

While over-the-counter devices do provide hearing assistance, their quality is often slightly inferior when compared to custom-made assistive listening devices. Therefore, for a better fit and improved sound quality, it is more beneficial to choose audiologist-approved listening devices that can be accurately selected, fitted, and programmed to meet your unique set of hearing needs.

The process of fitting a hearing aid cannot rely solely on the equipment used, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. A hearing aid that is prescribed for an individual is specifically tailored to their unique hearing test results and carefully tuned. While OTC devices can be adjusted to some extent, users miss out on the individualized prescription that would enable them to achieve their maximum hearing potential.

Additionally, OTC assistive listening devices lack the personalized sizing and individual guidance necessary for proper usage and maintenance. As a result, users may become discouraged when they do not achieve the desired outcome and may wrongly conclude that assistive listening devices are ineffective for them.

If you are uncertain about the severity of your hearing loss, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with an audiologist as soon as possible. As a general guideline, if you struggle to hear conversations or occasionally miss loud sounds, your hearing loss may be more severe, and it is crucial to undergo an audiologist evaluation and obtain properly fitted hearing aids. This will ensure that you receive a hearing aid device that is specifically designed to address your hearing problem and will provide you with the best possible outcome.

It is essential to conduct research based on factors such as price, severity of your hearing loss, and desired features to determine which option – OTC or prescription hearing aid – would be best suited for your needs.

Please schedule your hearing assessment / checkup with Southern Nevada Audiology today! Learn more about the advancements in modern hearing aids.

Author: Southern Nevada Audiology is a family-owned audiological clinic in Las Vegas, offering hearing aids, tinnitus treatment, and hearing protection for both adults and children, with a commitment to earning business through honesty, care, and compassion.

Southern Nevada Audiology
6061 S Fort Apache Rd #130, Las Vegas, NV 89148
(702) 990-1568

It takes an average of seven years from the time people become aware of hearing issues to taking a hearing test and establishing a treatment plan. Unfortunately, this 7 year gap places the burden on family and friends, which can negatively impact relationships.

Living with hearing loss makes it challenging to effortlessly stay engaged. Conversations become limited as one is straining to hear, attempting to make sense of it and looking for context clues, plus repeatedly asking for clarification takes a toll.

Marriages and romantic partnerships are often most affected. Communication is an essential aspect of expressing, revitalizing and deepening intimacy. Even seemingly trivial conversations are critical in preserving our connection and maintaining a sense of happiness in relationships. With hearing loss, conversations tend to be reduced to only the most crucial topics. This can lead to a sense of loneliness for both partners, which can also result in frustration and resentment.

Some may believe that they can endure hearing loss and just “ride out the storm.” Or may think, “My hearing isn’t that bad,” or “I’ll get hearing aids when it gets worse.”

Mild hearing loss makes it extremely challenging to listen when there is background noise. Those with mild hearing loss are more likely to experience memory issues compared to those with no hearing issues or those using hearing aids. This may be because the brain is so focused on trying to comprehend what is being said that it lacks the capacity to fully understand and retain the information, leading to poor memory recall.

Creating memories involves a complex process where information and new events are linked to previous memories and are interwoven. We remember things because of the impact they had on us at the time. Ultimately, the things we recall have in some way shaped us, whether significant or not. When the brain is occupied with trying to understand sounds it cannot hear clearly, it becomes more difficult to live in the moment and preserve memories.

Why the focus on memories? Because memories are the foundation of our relationships. The two major issues that come with mild hearing loss – social exhaustion and memory issues – ultimately affect our relationships.

When we get tired faster, we spend less time with loved ones. If we cannot hear what is going on during gatherings, we will likely be less engaged in the conversation. If we cannot recall much of what we hear, we will not be able to take the experience with us and our relationships will be affected.

Wearing hearing aids can effectively prevent these relationship problems. By enabling clear hearing and understanding of speech, hearing aids help you maintain important relationships. Spending time with friends, family, or alone with a spouse or partner can be filled with happiness and closeness, and you’ll continue to create memories for years to come.

Please schedule your hearing assessment / checkup with Southern Nevada Audiology today! Learn more about the advancements in modern hearing aids.

While hearing aids have been around for decades, recent advances in technology have led to the development of improved sound quality and customization options.

One major advancement in hearing aid technology is the use of materials, such as graphene and ceramic. Graphene, a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon, is known for its exceptional strength and conductivity. In hearing aids, it can be used to improve the device’s durability and ability to transmit sound waves. Ceramic, on the other hand, is a brittle but strong material that is able to withstand high temperatures. It can be used in hearing aids to create a more stable and efficient platform for sound processing.

In addition to these materials, hearing aids are now also equipped with a range of advanced features. Many modern hearing aids are now Bluetooth-enabled, allowing them to connect to a user’s smartphone or other devices and stream audio directly to the device. This can be particularly useful for individuals who want to listen to music or make phone calls without the need for additional headphones. Some hearing aids also have artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, allowing them to adapt to a user’s environment and adjust the volume and frequency of sound accordingly.

The benefits of these new technologies are numerous. The use of graphene and ceramic can improve the overall performance of hearing aids, resulting in clearer and more accurate sound reproduction. Bluetooth connectivity and AI features can also make the devices more convenient and easier to use, as users can adjust settings and control the devices through their smartphones or other devices.

Looking to the future, it is likely that hearing aid technology will continue to evolve and incorporate even more advanced features. For example, there is potential for the integration of virtual and augmented reality into hearing aids, allowing users to experience immersive and personalized sound environments.

The latest developments in hearing aid technology continues to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of these devices. With the use of new materials and advanced features, individuals with hearing loss can enjoy better sound quality and more convenient and personalized listening experiences.

Please schedule your hearing assessment / checkup with Southern Nevada Audiology today! Learn more about the advancements in modern hearing aids.

Although December is a wonderful month to spend time with loved ones, people who are hard of hearing may have some uneasiness due to the increased noise levels associated with visits, parties, and celebrations.

Here are some tips for those who are hard of hearing or who will be hosting family members who have hearing impairments during the holidays.

Comprehending the Hearing Loss Experience

Many people across the US have some degree of hearing loss at some point in their lives. Hearing-impaired individuals may have trouble following conversations, especially in loud settings. As a result of experiencing these symptoms, many who are hard of hearing resort to the following inefficient methods of expression:

• Constantly asking the speaker to repeat themselves or to speak more loudly and slowly
• Making an effort to decipher what was said by reading the speaker’s lips after a misunderstanding
• Putting up an act as if they can hear and understand what is being said

These schemes may get in the way of being able to communicate effectively. Therefore, they may feel like they are expending too much effort whenever they attempt to carry on a conversation.

Misunderstanding or just partially catching on to what is being said are common results, which can leave participants in the conversations confused or unable to engage. As a result, there are a number of ways in which strained communication may affect relationships:

• There is a dramatic decline in both the quality and duration of conversations
• Conflict develops when individuals feel their needs and concerns are being dismissed.
• Favorite pastimes lose some of their luster.
• Subtleties like inside jokes, intimacy, and informal small conversation are stifled by language barriers.

In the spirit of the Christmas season, when families and friends get together, here are some suggestions for making everyone feel welcome and at home.

In case you are planning a holiday gathering for someone who has trouble hearing…

The position of a host is a challenging one. Taking care of a large group of people, and making sure they are all having a nice time requires a lot of effort. If you have someone with hearing loss coming over:

Find out whether any special accommodations are required.

 Inquiring about conveniences that can help ease your guests’ interactions at a dinner party never hurts.

Reduce the volume.

Those with hearing impairments may have difficulty understanding what others are saying if they are subjected to loud music while eating or having a conversation. Make an attempt to keep the noise level down. Another tip is to point the speakers out of the room so that the music does not blast directly into the areas where your guests are socializing.

Make additional private spaces for talking.

If you are hosting a big gathering at your place, create spaces where people can engage in more intimate interactions. Conversations in smaller groups may be easier for those who are hard of hearing if they take place in a less noisy setting.

Try to have more one-on-one conversations.

You are well aware of the challenges associated with maintaining conversational clarity in noisy environments with many potential speakers. Even with hearing aids, background noise might make it difficult to follow a conversation with many participants. Instead, choose a quieter spot to have private chats. If you want to have a more productive conversation, choose a place in the house where you can face a wall and reduce or eliminate any outside noise.

What Can I Do If My Ears Are Itchy?

Occasional ear itching is a frequent problem. The impulse to scratch one’s ears is strong since these areas are so sensitive and vulnerable to infection. In most cases, this is not a problem. However, ear itching can occasionally lead to more serious issues, including permanent damage to the ear canal.

Why Do My Ears Itch?

There are a variety of potential causes for ear itching. Itchy ears can be caused by anything that irritates the skin in that area, such as an insect bite or a fungal infection. When dealing with irritation, it is always best to consult a professional who can help narrow down the possible causes and provide a treatment plan.

Psoriasis, for instance, is a frequent reason for ear irritation. Psoriasis is characterized by the buildup of extra skin cells in the skin’s outermost layers, and it is caused by an autoimmune reaction. It’s very uncommon for the ear to experience scaling and itching when the accumulation of dead skin cells exceeds the rate at which they are removed.

An outer ear infection is another common cause (otitis externa). A common cause of this is swimming in chlorinated pools that are not well maintained or in lake water, thus the alternate term “swimmer’s ear.” Nonetheless, it can manifest itself when the ear is subjected to unclean objects, such as earphone buds.

Even though earwax helps prevent infections of the outer ear, it may sometimes be irritating to the skin. When there is an excess of earwax, it can build up and cause discomfort if it blocks the ear canal. Underproduction can cause the skin of the outer ear to dry up and crack, which in turn can cause persistent itching.

There are situations when ear irritation is the result of an anaphylactic reaction. This may be anything as basic as shampoo or a different type of ear medication. Ear canal inflammation and discomfort can also be brought on by using cotton swabs.

Ear Itching: Causes and Remedies

There are several potential causes of itching ears, therefore the treatment advised by your doctor will change based on the diagnosis. In order to promote natural healing, doctors often recommend self-care measures for patients to implement at home. You will need to exercise some self-control here:

    – To keep water from getting into inflamed regions, use a shower cover

    – Wait to go swimming until your condition improves.

     – Do not scratch or tug at your ears.

The treatment plan will change if an ear infection is found to be the root cause. In such instances, medical professionals typically recommend: Drops containing antibiotics to kill the microbes responsible for the itch, as well as drops containing corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation and pain in the area around the ear. There are circumstances where anti-fungal drops are necessary (or a combination of these medications).

When an allergy is suspected as the cause of ear itching, patients may undergo testing to identify allergens, and physicians may advise patients to refrain from using specific items or engaging in certain activities, such as swimming.

Earwax removal may be suggested to unclog the ear canal if it turns out to be the problem. Earwax removal can be achieved using a variety of methods, including irrigation, softening drops, suction, and curettes (small tools used to scrape up earwax).

Additionally, there are certain tried-and-true home treatments that might help. However, if the irritation persists, it’s best to see a doctor. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you go to a doctor quickly enough, ear irritation is usually treatable and can even be prevented from becoming a persistent problem.

Please schedule your hearing assessment checkup with Southern Nevada Audiology in Las Vegas today!  Learn more about the advancements in modern hearing aids.

The tendency to believe that only your ears are affected by hearing loss is reasonable. Most tend to only focus on the body part being affected and their immediate symptoms. As it turns out, having trouble hearing may also increase your risk of falling and other mishaps.

Most people with hearing issues seemed to “learn to live with it” by limiting their social engagements, activities and conversations versus seeking professional help from an audiologist. When the hearing issue is only auditory, it is a lot simpler to solve. Treating hearing loss is vital when it threatens your equilibrium.

A survey taken by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found those with mild to moderate hearing loss have a 60% to 70% higher risk of being injured.

Another study by a doctor at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital investigated whether or not hearing loss contributed to the likelihood of being involved in an accident discovered that out of 6.6 million individuals who had an unintentional injury, roughly 16 percent said their hearing was not ideal.

United States residents have an ongoing growing issue of some sort of level of hearing loss.  The longer you live, the higher your risk becomes, because the incidence rate rises with age.  So you may be driving or going about without fully realizing the dangers your body is exposed to.

Knowing you have hearing issues and actually seeking professional treatment for it can be challenging.  After all, you might think that your current hearing situation is just adequate, or that getting hearing aids would not make a huge difference in your daily life. Getting the professional help needed for  hearing loss, will not only help you hear better it may also help avoid dangerous missteps.  Other benefits may include a more fulfilling social life,  making it easier to participate in conversations and not asking people to repeat themselves.

Some may feel ashamed when they realize they are a burden on their loved ones. This might mean less time spent with friends and family. Resuming your normal activities and spending time with supportive friends and family will be easier after your hearing loss has been treated.

Isolation has been linked to an increase in the prevalence of mental health problems. Consider the correlation between isolation and depression; if left untreated, the latter condition might worsen. Additionally, isolation increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, according to recent research. Therefore, by taking care of your hearing loss now, you are ensuring your future health and happiness.

Mental disorders develop as a result of the brain’s attempt to compensate for the hearing loss. This causes the other functions to feel the strain and fall off more rapidly. The deterioration of brain tissue is called atrophy. Regaining lost hearing is like doing a cognitive “reset” that has been shown to improve one’s mental abilities.

Clearly, there is more motivation to address hearing loss than just avoiding accidents. The advantages are numerous and varied.

Preserving your hearing health is the simple answer. Although the consequences of neglecting this aspect of one’s health are often underestimated, it is nonetheless crucial. Thankfully, at Southern Nevada Audiology we not only want to help treat your hearing loss we want to help you find answers to understand your hearing loss.

Please schedule your hearing assessment checkup with Southern Nevada Audiology in Las Vegas today!  Learn more about the advancements in modern hearing aids.

Coughs, stuffy nose and fever are common signs of getting sick. No matter the measures taken to help prevent it, certain illnesses can be infectious and may spread quickly.  An ear can become infected when the body becomes sick due to flu or allergies or even the common cold — any type of illness that would affect the nose or throat. These body parts are connected through the sinuses and are affected by each other, like how it hurts the throat if water rushes through the nose. In cases like this, the infection will usually go away with the initial illness but can stick around for a short while after. An infected ear can often turn a bright shade of red and be warm to the touch.

It is common for ear infections to clear up on their own. During the period of infection, the affected ear will probably be uncomfortable, itchy, red, warm and have some sort of hearing problems and sensitivity. These too should clear up along with the initial cause. 

While it is a challenge to avoid an ear infection if it happens due to a common cold, it is still possible to lessen the chances of it. Hygiene plays a huge part in preventing illness. If the body and the environment around it is kept sufficiently clean then harmful bacteria, mold and viruses will have less of a chance to evolve and spread. The ear is constantly exposed to all sorts of debris and thus is at risk of being infected by it. Cleaning the outer ear is a great way to prevent anything from getting into the inner ear. Washing with warm water and soap during a shower will suffice in most cases.

The ear does have natural defenses too. Earwax does an excellent job of capturing any invasive particles and usually tends to fall out on its own. Using a cotton swab to clean the inside of the ear is not only unnecessary but can actually be dangerous and can cause problems that can lead to some form of hearing loss. Cotton swabs are best used on the outer ear but should never be inserted into the ear canal.

If the ear does become infected, it is best to tend to the infection before symptoms like pus or ringing in the ear start to occur. As stated, the ear is connected to different parts of the body through sinuses and can affect them if the infection gets worse.

Please schedule your hearing assessment checkup with Southern Nevada Audiology in Las Vegas today!  Learn more about the advancements in modern hearing aids.