hearing aids – Southern Nevada Audiology Las Vegas

May, the Better Hearing and Speech Month

05/21/24

Neglecting untreated hearing loss can severely impact your overall health and well being. It’s easy to underestimate the consequences of occasionally missing sounds, thinking that simply increasing the volume on your TV might suffice. However, this is a significant misunderstanding. For the approximately 40 million Americans experiencing hearing difficulties, here are several compelling reasons why addressing your hearing loss and caring for your hearing health should not be overlooked.

The American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) is encouraging individuals with hearing loss to take action. Since 1927, ASHA has designated May as Better Hearing and Speech Month to increase awareness about speech and communication disorders. This observance also serves to showcase the contributions of ASHA members, including audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists, as well as audiology and speech-language pathology support staff. For more information, visit https://www.asha.org/bhsm/.

Hearing Loss and Its Impact on Relationships

Ignoring hearing loss can have serious consequences for your relationships and overall well-being. It often leads to a breakdown in communication with close friends and family, resulting in feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Difficulty in following conversations can cause individuals to withdraw from social interactions and disengage from activities they once enjoyed. Those who do not address their hearing loss may experience increased unhappiness, fatigue, and potentially even a reduced lifespan.

Investing in a quality pair of hearing devices can make a significant difference. They help maintain clear communication, full participation in conversations, and continued enjoyment of social activities. Many people, like a person from California, find that using hearing aids is transformative, allowing them to reconnect with their environment and greatly improve their quality of life.

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Mental Health

Research consistently demonstrates a strong connection between hearing loss and mental health, indicating that untreated hearing loss can have significant effects on the brain. Individuals with hearing loss are much more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, and they often exhibit faster cognitive decline and brain shrinkage. A study from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine revealed that individuals with untreated hearing loss experienced cognitive decline at a rate 30-40% faster than those with normal hearing over a six-year period.

Addressing hearing loss early is crucial, as using hearing aids can help maintain cognitive functions and mental sharpness. Moreover, treating hearing loss helps reduce the risk of depression by keeping you connected with loved ones and engaged in enjoyable activities.

The Impact of Hearing Loss on Physical Well-Being

Untreated hearing loss impacts not only your emotional and mental well-being but also your physical health. The National Council on Aging reports that falls are a leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older Americans, and those with hearing loss are significantly more prone to experiencing falls. In fact, individuals with hearing loss are three times more likely to have a fall. This increased risk is due in part to difficulties in hearing and localizing sounds, which can compromise balance and environmental awareness, thereby heightening the risk of accidents.

Addressing hearing loss can enhance balance and reduce the likelihood of falls, thereby safeguarding your physical safety. With improved hearing, you’ll be more attuned to important cues like warning sounds, helping you remain alert and secure in your surroundings.

May, recognized as Better Hearing and Speech Month, emphasizes the importance of addressing hearing loss, which impacts an estimated 40 million Americans. Untreated hearing issues can lead to significant health challenges, including deteriorated personal relationships, mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and an increased risk of physical injuries from falls. The American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) encourages individuals to seek treatment, highlighting the transformative benefits of hearing aids in maintaining social connections, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. As we reflect on this month’s awareness efforts, let’s continue to prioritize hearing health to enhance well-being and prevent the myriad complications associated with hearing loss.

Protecting Your Ears During Water Activities: Tips for Hearing Aid Users

07/18/23

With Las Vegas’ scorching temperatures in the triple digits during the summer, engaging in water activities can provide a refreshing escape. However, it’s vital to prioritize the protection of your ears and hearing aids during such experiences. While swimming, snorkeling, or participating in water sports, it is generally recommended to take proper precautions to ensure the safety of your ears and hearing devices. In this article, we will offer valuable guidance on safeguarding your ears during water activities and address the question of whether to remove or keep your hearing aids in place.

Understand the Risks

Water activities can pose risks to your ears and hearing aids due to moisture exposure. Prolonged exposure to water can damage hearing aids, causing malfunctions or rendering them inoperable. Additionally, water can lead to ear infections and other complications if not properly addressed.

Consult Your Audiologist

Before engaging in water activities, it’s important to consult your audiologist for personalized advice. They can assess your specific hearing aid model and guide you on whether it is suitable for use in or around water. Audiologists may recommend waterproof or water-resistant hearing aids, protective covers, or alternative solutions to ensure your devices remain safe and functional.

Waterproof or Water-Resistant Hearing Aids

If you’re an avid water enthusiast, investing in waterproof or water-resistant hearing aids can be a game-changer. These devices are designed to withstand exposure to water, offering increased protection and durability. Make sure to consult your audiologist to determine the best options available that suit your lifestyle and needs.

Protective Covers

For individuals who prefer to keep their current hearing aids during water activities, protective covers can offer an extra layer of defense. These covers are usually made from waterproof or water-resistant materials and help shield the devices from moisture. They are particularly useful for activities like swimming, where direct water contact is frequent.

Consider Removing Hearing Aids

In situations where complete water submersion is involved, it is generally advisable to remove your hearing aids. Whether it’s diving, surfing, or participating in other water sports, the pressure, impact, and prolonged exposure to water can pose a risk to your hearing aids. Removing them before these activities can prevent potential damage.

Store Hearing Aids Properly

When removing your hearing aids, ensure you have a safe and dry storage solution readily available. Use a waterproof or water-resistant case or container to keep your devices protected while you enjoy your water activities. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage and maintenance to prolong the lifespan of your hearing aids.

Dry and Clean Your Ears

After water activities, it is essential to dry your ears thoroughly to prevent moisture-related issues. Use a soft towel or a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting, maintaining a safe distance from your ears. Additionally, keep your ears clean by gently wiping the outer part with a clean cloth. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or any objects into your ears.

Taking care of your ears and hearing aids during water activities is necessary for maintaining their functionality and preventing potential damage. By understanding the risks, consulting your audiologist, and employing protective measures such as waterproof or water-resistant hearing aids and covers, you can enjoy water activities while ensuring the longevity of your devices. Remember, when in doubt, always consult your audiologist for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs. Stay safe and enjoy your water adventures!

Importance of Addressing Hearing Loss

10/20/22

Despite the fact that approximately 48 million Americans have some form of hearing loss, few tend to address the issue in a timely manner. Seven years pass on average between the first sign of hearing loss and the time taken to schedule a hearing exam. This is quite unfortunate because the benefits of addressing hearing loss signs when it first presents itself far outweighs the conditions of living with untreated hearing loss. Conditions such as depression, social alienation, self-induced bodily harm, memory problems, and even an elevated risk of cognitive decline and dementia are all possible effects of even minor hearing loss because of the changes in lifestyle and physiology that it instills.

Receiving treatment for hearing loss as soon as it presents itself not only reduces the likelihood of complications, but also eases the process of adjusting to living with the impairment. Those who put off dealing with their hearing loss until it is “very severe” often find that they have made irreversible changes to their daily routines and relationships with others. Life can continue on normally if hearing loss is addressed as soon as it is noticed.

Someone Else Informs Us About Our Hearing Impairment

To some, it may sound unusual, but our significant others, close relatives, or trusted friends are often the ones that first bring our hearing loss to our attention. Hearing loss is typically not seen as a distortion of sound so much as an absence of the sound. In most cases, it takes the help of another person to help us identify noises that we are missing because we just cannot hear them ourselves.

Fatigue

An environment with a lot of background noise, such as a party, is often the first place we detect a hearing impairment. When our hearing is impaired, it becomes more difficult to distinguish between speech and background noise, making it mentally taxing to keep up with a discussion. Many with hearing loss for the first time may mistake their early social weariness for a result of their advanced age, saying things like, “I just can’t stay out as late as I used to.” In reality, with the help of modern hearing aid technology, we can rejoice in social gatherings just as much as before.

The Phone Is Excessively Quiet

Sometimes, even those with normal hearing will have problems hearing a call, but if this is a recurring issue for us, even in a quiet environment, it may be a clue that we have hearing loss. Similarly, if we find ourselves cranking up the level on the radio or television all the time, or if others complain that the volume is too high, it may be time to get our hearing checked.

Are They Mumbling?

It is easy to assume that people are speaking too softly or with their lips closed if we are having trouble hearing them. It is possible that consonant sounds will not be present or may be difficult to make out. The need to repeatedly remind others to “speak up” is a sign of possible hearing loss.

Hearing Tests Reveal Whether We Suffer from Deafness.

The best solution is also the most obvious one. If we want an objective answer to the question of whether or not we have hearing loss, and if so, to what degree, we need to undergo a professional hearing evaluation. It is also worth noting that while internet hearing tests might serve as a general guide, they are often quite unreliable.

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

Limit Exposure To Loud Noises

01/14/20

We are born with around 16,000 hair cells in the ear. These hair cells are what the brain uses to detect sound. Hair cells do not regenerate, and by the time someone notices hearing loss, many hair cells have already vanished.

After attending loud events, one may temporarily lose the ability to hear things like whispers or leaves rustling in the wind. Everything may sound muffled, and may be accompanied with a constant ringing of the ears. It may take a few days for normal hearing capabilities to return. Similar to a grassy field on a windy day, hair cells will bend on a noisy day. Hair cells that have not been damaged will straighten again, if given time to recover.

If a vast amount of hair cells were damaged from loud noise, some of them will not recover, and die off. Special consideration should be given to loud noise exposure, as repetitive occurrences are bound to destroy swaths of hair cells. This results in a gradual reduction of our ability to understand speech in loud environments. If changes are not made and overexposure continues, it will become hard to understand speech in any setting. Our auditory capabilities greatly depend on the cumulative level of noise we have encountered throughout life.

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

Phone: 702.990.1568 • www.snaudiology.com

Traveling This Holiday Season?

12/15/19

Many airports, train stations, places of worship, theaters, auditoriums and more now feature hearing aid accessibility enhancements. Known as an induction loop system, a signal emits directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants. Even amidst heavy background noise, you will be able to hear with greater ease.

Anyone with hearing aids can connect to this service by switching them to the “T” or “telecoil” setting. Just look for the hearing loop sign, it is a blue symbol with an ear and a “T” to let you know if that establishment has it available. If you are traveling outside the U.S. the sign may be a different color.

If you are unsure of whether your hearing aids have telecoils schedule an appointment with Southern Nevada Audiology!

Learn more about the advancements in modern hearing aids.

Phone: 702.990.1568 • www.snaudiology.com

Tips For Enjoying The Precious Moments

11/14/19

With the holidays fast approaching you may engage in more frequent social gatherings. Whether you suffer from hearing loss or have a family member who does, here are some tips for improving your precious time together.

Get their attention first

Say their name or gently touch them first before you start speaking – this gives them a chance to give you their full and complete attention.

Get closer and face them

In crowded situations, getting closer will help communication and overcome background noise. Also, facing the person will help add non-verbal ques to reinforce your talking points.

Do not use one-word answers

One word responses are more difficult to hear. Words such as “yes” and “no” can sound similar to someone with hearing issues. This happens more often with background noises and if the listener cannot see the person’s face.

Speak clearly not loudly

To help the person with hearing issues it would be more effective to speak clearer and enunciate each syllable versus just speaking louder.

Avoid repeating, rephrase instead

If someone with a hearing issue, ask you to repeat your conversation then you should rephrase your sentence instead of saying the exact same thing.

This Holiday enjoy each precious moment! Hear well. Stay social. Enjoy life.