7 Hearing Loss Myths—Busted

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 48 million people in the U.S. have trouble hearing with one or both ears. Some hearing loss can be degenerative as we age; however, noise exposure throughout your lifetime is one of the biggest causes of permanent hearing loss. This is called noise-induced hearing loss . Inside your ears are tiny fibers called cilia. These fibers help you hear. Once the cilia are damaged by noise, they cannot be repaired. There are a few simple ways to protect this vital sense and avoid hearing damage.

1.   Get your hearing tested

Hearing tests are performed by an audiologist. Audiologists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat hearing and balance problems. According to Johns Hopkins , most adults have never had a baseline hearing test. Knowing your baseline gives your audiologist something they can compare to future results, allowing them to monitor any hearing loss. You’ll find out if you have current damage and access to the resources to help protect against future damage.

2.   Avoid loud noises when possible

How do you know what kind of noise will hurt your hearing, so you know what to avoid? First we need to know just how loud noises are. Decibels (dB) are the unit of measurement for the intensity of a sound wave when compared with a given level on a logarithmic scale. More simply put, the higher the decibel level, the louder the noise.

Hearing damage can occur with any noise over 85 dB. To put this in a real-life perspective, think of the noises you hear on a regular day, even in an hour. Now compare the decibel levels of a few common, everyday sounds to find out just how “loud” 85 dB is:

·        0dB – the quietest sound a healthy human ear can hear

·        30 dB – whispering  

·        60 dB – regular conversation

·        70-88 dB – traffic (Hello, rush hour!)

·        85 dB – food blender

·        90 dB – motorcycle

·        94 dB – lawnmower

·        100-110 dB – music on high volume through headphones

·        110 dB – live concert

·        130 dB – plane taking off

Noise at about 140 dB causes physical pain for most people, though it can be painful at lower levels for some.

Though you can download smartphone apps to measure noise levels, there are easier and faster ways to tell if the noises you are hearing are potentially damaging:

·        Does the noise hurt your ears?

·        Do you have ringing (tinnitus) in your ears or muffled hearing after the noise? (Pain or ringing may not occur until your hearing is already damaged.)

·        Do you have to raise your voice to talk to others?

·        Are you able to hear what people nearby are saying?

The decibel level isn’t the only factor to measure. The length of exposure to noise must also be considered. Although hearing damage can occur with any noise over 85 dB, the longer the noise exposure, the higher the risk and the amount of damage increases.

Any noise measuring under 85 dB does not require ear protection. But how long can you listen above that level? Your hearing is likely safe if you’re exposed to 85 dB for less than eight hours a day, according to Action on Hearing Loss. Hearing damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes at 100 dB, and even sooner at higher levels.

Now that you know what constitutes “too loud,” you’ll know what to avoid when you can. If you have to yell to be heard by your friend, it’s a good time to move somewhere quieter.

3.   Take precautions

What happens when you can’t avoid being exposed to loud noises? There are many times when loud noises cannot be avoided; for instance, if they are part of your job.

If sound levels reach 80 dB or above at work, ask your employer for noise protection and to assess the risk to your hearing by having an audiologist perform a baseline test. The workplace isn’t the only area with potential for damaging noise levels. Household chores can cause damage, such as vacuuming (75 dB) or mowing the lawn (106 dB).

Wear protective hearing gear in all these situations. Earplugs and protective earphones are both smart choices. If you are regularly exposed to damaging noise levels, you may need custom ear plugs made by your audiologist.

You should also take precautions when you know in advance that you’ll experience loud events or activities, such as an air show, traveling, concerts, auto racing or even hunting/shooting , which is linked to more hearing loss in children than loud music.

4.   Protect your hearing when listening to music

Use of headphones and earbuds is not necessarily a major cause of hearing loss, according to Dr. Robert A. Dobie , a clinical professor of otolaryngology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. However, listening to your music too loudly and for too long through them can be a cause.

The danger comes from ambient noise, which is the noise surrounding you. If you are listening to music in a crowded, noisy cafeteria or on an airplane or school bus, you may turn up the sound so that you can hear better. Most MP3 players can produce sounds up to 120 dB.

Noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds may help block out much of that ambient noise to allow you to listen at a lower volume. Custom earphone molds can also be made by your audiologist, which are a great alternative for musicians and music lovers. You need to be mindful of how long and how loud you are listening – the louder the volume, the shorter the time.

Don’t toss out those old headphones just yet though. Being aware of your environment is crucial to your overall safety. If you are driving or going for a run, you need to hear the noises going on around you, such as cars passing by. Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds won’t allow you to safely pay attention to your environment.

Hearing loss is preventable. Schedule your hearing test with Hearing Aid Care Center. Our hearing care experts will help you with all your hearing loss prevention needs.

You count on your hearing aids  every day to provide you with the hearing quality you have come to enjoy. In the rare instances when your devices malfunction, it can be a difficult few days or weeks while you wait for them to be repaired. Through some preventative maintenance and proper care, you can extend the life of your devices and reduce the chance of them malfunctioning.

Here are some helpful tips that will ensure you get the most out of your devices.

1. Avoid moisture and store in a dry place.

Your hearing aids contain some very sophisticated technology and circuitry in a tiny shell. When it’s exposed to moisture it can cause serious damage. Although hearing aids are now being made to be water resistant  it’s recommended that you still remove them when showering or swimming. If they do come in contact with water, dry them immediately with a towel. Never attempt to dry them with a hair drier or other heated device, since the high heat can damage them.

If you live in a humid area, you may want to consider storing your devices in a specialized hearing aid dehumidifier.

2. Change hearing aid batteries often.

Hearing aid batteries can cause damage to your devices if left in for a long time. The trapped moisture can cause the batteries to corrode and damage the devices. Remember to open the battery door when devices are not being used. If, for some reason, you will not be using your devices for a couple days, it’s advised that you temporarily remove the batteries.

Also when changing out batteries, remember to clean the battery contacts in your devices. This can be done by gently wiping them down with a dry cotton swab. If the battery contacts on your devices are dirty, it can create a poor connection and lower performance.

Learn how to prolong your battery life here.

3. Keep devices free of earwax.

Earwax is one of the leading causes of decreased performance in hearing aids. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to avoid having your devices come in contact with earwax. That’s why it’s important to take time and clean them frequently.

After each day of wearing your hearing aids, take a dry cotton swab or soft toothbrush and gently remove any earwax or debris that may be on the device. Remember to clean both the receiver and microphone.

4. Change your wax filter.

Along with removing earwax from your device, you will periodically need to replace the wax filter or wax guard. The filter prevents wax from reaching the internal components of the hearing aid and damaging them. This should be done whenever you begin to see build-up on the filter.

It’s important to know that not all devices use the same filters. Your local hearing healthcare provider  can advise you which one to use and show you how to change it for your specific device.

5. Always handle with care.

Although hearing devices are far more durable than they once were, they still should be handled with care. Always hold them securely to avoid dropping them. When changing the batteries or cleaning them, set them on a soft surface such as a towel.

When they aren’t in use, store them in a safe place. They should never be kept in reach of children or animals.

6. Schedule routine cleanings.

While cleaning and taking care of your devices at home can greatly improve the life of your hearing aids, you should still bring them in to be properly cared for by a professional. Think of it like taking your car into the mechanic; they may be able to spot something that is in need of repair that you may have missed. They’re also able to make adjustments to your devices to better suit your needs.

You should schedule a device cleaning with your local hearing healthcare professional every 4-6 months or immediately if you suspect there’s something wrong.

Each February, hearts are top of mind for many people because of Valentine’s Day and all of the pink and red hearts you see everywhere. But there’s another reason to focus on hearts this time of year. February is American Heart Month , a time to raise awareness of the effects of heart disease and how to minimize your risk.

While a good heart is important for your overall health, did you know your heart also plays a big role in your hearing? Continue reading to find out why your hearing health is yet another reason to maintain a healthy heart.

Healthy heart, healthy hearing

How does your heart affect how you hear? Your heart is responsible for pumping blood and bringing oxygen and other nutrients throughout your body. With cardiovascular disease, such as a buildup of plaque in the arteries, the heart has to work much harder to do this. As a result, certain parts of the body might not get the nourishment they need to work properly – your ears included.

The tiny hair cells and nerves in your inner ear need good blood flow in order to pick up the sounds that allow you to hear. Without good blood flow to bring needed oxygen, these fragile cells and nerves can become damaged or destroyed, leading to permanent hearing loss.

Many researchers believe the inner ear is often the first part of the body to be affected by heart disease. A 2017 study confirmed that heart conditions such as arterial disease and a history of cardiovascular disease indicate a higher risk of developing hearing loss. Hearing loss can be a warning sign of possible heart issues for some people. So, if you have hearing loss, it might be an indicator to see a doctor about your heart health as well.

Hear with all your heart

While there are many reasons to maintain a healthy heart, the ability to maintain your hearing is another one. Proper diet and exercise, and avoiding cigarettes and second-hand smoke, are just some of the ways to keep your heart healthy, which can in turn help you hear properly.

If you suspect you already have hearing loss, take Signia’s easy-to-use online hearing test. You can then follow up by scheduling an appointment with a hearing care professional nearby. Your hearing care professional can evaluate your hearing loss and recommend if hearing aids can help restore your hearing.

If you do have hearing loss, make sure to speak with your doctor to determine if heart disease, or any other health issue, may be the cause and what you can do to improve your overall health.

For many hearing aid wearers, buying and replacing batteries is just part of the process of owning hearing aids. However, rechargeable batteries are changing the way we use and design hearing aids. Lithium-ion batteries  are the next step in hearing aid innovation, and they provide a number of benefits to the people who use them.

If you’re curious about what rechargeable hearing aids bring to the table, here are seven benefits to using lithium-ion batteries.

1. No more additional costs

Hearing aid users might spend up to $100 per year on disposable batteries. If you regularly stream music or video while using your hearing aids, you might spend even more. There is also the hassle of buying hearing aid batteries, and the added costs of shipping or the gas used driving to get them.

With rechargeable hearing aids, there is no need for online purchases, trips to the pharmacy, or marginal costs. The batteries come with the hearing aid, and they can be recharged as many times as you need.

2. Less chance of being caught off guard

When you establish a routine, you’re less likely to get caught off guard. For example, when you plug your phone in every night, you can be sure it will be fully charged when you wake up and last through the day.

Rechargeable hearing aids work in a similar way. When you drop them into the charger before bed, you’re less likely to experience a sudden dead battery the next day. However, disposable zinc-air batteries don’t offer the same protection. They can run out anytime, with little warning.

If you don’t carry backup batteries, you might be left without working hearing aids. If you’re wondering how long rechargeable hearing aid batteries last, you’ll be pleased to know that you can enjoy almost an entire day (19-21 hours) of continuous use, with the security of a portable charger.

3. Better in cold weather

It’s a well-known fact that zinc-air batteries struggle to function properly in cold weather. The lack of moisture and low temperatures sap the batteries quickly, draining your hearing aids and causing issues with the sound quality.

Rechargeable hearing aids are becoming extremely popular in areas that experience long winters, since they’re more cost effective and easier to use. Lithium-ion batteries experience little to no loss in cold weather, making them more efficient than both zinc-air and lead-acid batteries.

4. Environmentally friendly

Many of us are finding ways to be more environmentally friendly, cutting down on disposable products like straws, napkins, and single-use batteries.

Although lithium-ion batteries must be properly disposed of when you get rid of your hearing aids, they can be recharged thousands of times. Compared to zinc-air batteries, which can only be used once and tossed out, lithium-ion batteries are better for the environment when handled correctly.

5. Better for older wearers

For older hearing aid wearers, the process of buying and replacing batteries can be difficult. They might not have the means necessary to run to the pharmacy and buy batteries, and those with limited motor skills might struggle to open the battery compartment. Disposable batteries are also small, making them easy to drop and lose sight of.

With rechargeable hearing aids, this troublesome process is completely cut out. Your hearing aids can be taken out and placed in the safety of their charger, where they’ll be ready for use when you need them.

6. More energy efficient

If you regularly use the wireless streaming function on your hearing aids, you might personally benefit from rechargeable Bluetooth ® hearing aids like Signia’s Pure® Charge&Go  and Motion® Charge&Go . For most hearing aids, Bluetooth  and streaming are extremely taxing on their disposable batteries. However, the use of lithium-ion batteries helps to solve this issue.

Fully charged batteries can last the entire day, which is 19 hours of battery life, including up to five hours of streaming. Instead of buying more disposable batteries, you can simply drop your hearing aids in their charger at the end of the day. If you stream more than five hours and run out before you get home, the portable charger can provide you with a much-needed boost. For example, 30 minutes of fast charging can give you up to six hours of listening time.