Here are a few things you can expect from your new devices:

• Hear sounds you’ve been missing, such as faucets, ticking clocks, footsteps, children’s voices, laughter, traffic noise, etc.
• Feel something new in, or around, your ear
• Hear the sound of your own voice, as well as, internal sounds, such as swallowing
• Re-learn to speak at a comfortable volume

How long does it take to get used to these adjustments?

Because our brains are the processing center for our hearing, they are experts at noise filtration. This means that our brains have the ability to ‘turn down’ background noise that it deems unimportant to our current environment. When we introduce hearing aids, we are introducing all new sounds that our brains will need time to process. Within a couple of weeks, first-time hearing aid wearers report the joy of hearing chirping birds, laughing children, and rain on the roof and are no longer aware of insignificant sounds. Slowly but surely, the world will begin to sound in balance again!

I just received my hearing aids, what are some things I can do to speed the adjustment process up?

Some key takeaways for adjusting to new hearing aids are: ease in, fine-tune, and be patient!

Ease In
The best approach to acclimating to your hearing aids is to wear them for as long as they are comfortable. Some users find they can wear them all day almost immediately, while others need to take a gradual approach and wear them a few hours at a time throughout the day. Common recommendations to assist with acclimation are read aloud to yourself, have conversations with your family, watch TV and listen to soft music. When you’re ready to leave the house with your new hearing aids, start by going to quiet or low noise environments, such as a library or bank, and avoid large crowds and noisy places.

Fine-tune
Most hearing care professionals recommend weekly or biweekly visits for the first four weeks after you get your new hearing aids in order to make the proper adjustments that suit your unique wearing experience.

Be patient
The adjustment process can take a few weeks, but millions of happy hearing aid wearers will tell you that hearing well again makes it all worthwhile. So, take the plunge! And then, take your time. Soon, you’ll love how well you hear and forget all about your hearing aids.

Hearing Loss & Links To Alzheimer’s

Through several studies, researchers at Johns Hopkins found that people with hearing loss were 24% more likely to have Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, they found that the worse the hearing loss was, the more likely the person was to develop dementia. To read more about these findings, follow this link.

Conclusion

Take the next steps and request a free appointment from Beltone! Hearing exams are completely painless, and free of any obligation. It’s time to reconnect with the world around you!

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can also cause the plastic casing to warp or crack, jeopardizing the structural integrity of the hearing aid. In hot and humid climates, sweat and moisture can accumulate on and inside the hearing aid, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, which might lead to infections and discomfort.

Tips for Caring for Hearing Aids in Hot and Humid Climates

1. Use a Hearing Aid Dehumidifier:
   Investing in hearing aid cleaning products, like PerfectClean or PerfectDry Luxis an excellent way to protect your hearing aids from moisture damage. PerfectClean is a UVC disinfectant, electronic safe cleanser, and dehumidifier. These devices use gentle heat or drying agents to remove excess moisture, preventing it from seeping into the sensitive electronic components. Regularly placing your hearing aids in a dehumidifier overnight can help maintain their performance and increase their lifespan.


2. Store Hearing Aids Properly:
   When not in use, store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place. Hearing aids should not be kept in the bathroom, given the moisture build up typical of that environment. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or in a hot car, as extreme temperatures can cause irreversible damage. Utilize a protective case to shield your hearing aids from environmental elements, and always remove the batteries when storing them for an extended period.


3. Clean Hearing Aids Regularly:
   Clean your hearing aids daily to prevent the buildup of sweat, earwax, and debris. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the surface and a small brush or a cleaning tool provided by the manufacturer to clean the microphone and speaker ports carefully. Additionally, Perfect Clean offers cleaning solutions that are safe to use and specifically designed for hearing aids, an excellent choice for hot and humid conditions.


4. Consider Sweat and Moisture Resistant Hearing Aids:
   If you live in a particularly humid climate or enjoy active outdoor activities, consider investing in hearing aids with a higher level of water and sweat resistance. These specialized devices are designed to withstand moisture better and offer additional protection against environmental elements.

Tinnitus itself is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying health condition, and is often a reaction in the brain to damage in the auditory system. Although tinnitus is commonly associated with hearing loss, there are approximately 200 different health disorders that can cause tinnitus as a symptom. It is essential to consult a physician or hearing health professional to undergo a thorough examination to diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms. Resolving the root cause may alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus in some cases.

Conclusion

Caring for your hearing aids in hot and humid climates is essential to protecting the life and longevity of your devices. By following the tips mentioned above, you can enjoy clear and consistent sound while protecting your investment in your hearing health. Remember, a little preventive maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that your hearing aids continue to enhance your life for years to come.

Tinnitus is a prevalent health condition in the United States, with millions of Americans affected by it. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that approximately 10% of American adults, which is over 25 million people, experience some form of tinnitus. Out of those, around 5 million find it burdensome and chronic, while 2 million consider it debilitating.

There are two types of tinnitus:

1. Subjective Tinnitus: This type of tinnitus involves noises that only the affected person can hear. It is often associated with auditory and neurological reactions to hearing loss, but it can also be caused by various other factors. Subjective tinnitus accounts for more than 99% of reported cases.
2. Objective Tinnitus: In this type, both the patient and other people can hear the sounds. These noises are usually generated by the body’s circulatory and musculoskeletal systems, such as blood flow or muscle movement. Objective tinnitus is very rare, accounting for less than 1% of total tinnitus cases.

Here are some common catalysts for tinnitus:

1. Hearing Loss: Tinnitus is often accompanied by sensorineural hearing loss. It can be caused by age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), which involves the loss of high-frequency sounds, or noise-induced hearing loss resulting from exposure to loud noises.
2. Obstructions in the Middle Ear: Blockages in the ear canal, such as excessive earwax, head congestion, loose hair, dirt, or foreign objects, can cause pressure and irritation that lead to tinnitus symptoms.
3. Head and Neck Trauma: Injuries to the head or neck can cause nerve, blood flow, and muscle issues that result in tinnitus. Patients who attribute their condition to such trauma often experience higher tinnitus volume and perceive greater burden and variability in sound, frequency, and location.
4. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw to the skull, can cause tinnitus. Damage to the TMJ’s muscles, ligaments, or cartilage can lead to tinnitus symptoms. Treating the TMJ disorder can often reduce tinnitus symptoms.
5. Sinus Pressure and Barometric Trauma: Nasal congestion from a severe cold, flu, or sinus infection can create abnormal pressure in the middle ear, affecting normal hearing and causing tinnitus symptoms. Additionally, rapid changes in air or water pressure, as experienced in diving, flying, or explosive blasts.

Tinnitus itself is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying health condition, and is often a reaction in the brain to damage in the auditory system. Although tinnitus is commonly associated with hearing loss, there are approximately 200 different health disorders that can cause tinnitus as a symptom. It is essential to consult a physician or hearing health professional to undergo a thorough examination to diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms. Resolving the root cause may alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus in some cases.

Help and hope

If you’ve been suffering from the unwelcome symptoms of tinnitus, Beltone is here to tell you that there are options to seek relief, and in some cases, identifying the root problem can remove symptoms entirely. With 1500 locations nationwide, finding relief is just around the corner.

So below, we’ve handpicked five of our favorite options that are currently FDA registered to get you on the healthy hearing track:

1. Prevent further hearing loss:

Limit exposure to loud noises as much as possible. Activities such as mowing the lawn, driving with windows down, or listening to loud music through earbuds or headphones can cause permanent hearing damage. Take precautions to protect your ears and preserve the quality of your remaining hearing.

2. Quit smoking:

Tobacco use not only poses evident health risks but also increases the likelihood of hearing loss. By quitting smoking, you can reduce the risk of further damage to your hearing.

3. Keep your ears clean:

Regularly clean your ears to prevent conditions like wax buildup, fluid accumulation, or ear infections. Around 20% of hearing loss cases are due to conductive hearing loss, where sound is unable to reach the proper part of the ear for processing. Regular check-ups by a professional will help ensure optimal hearing.

4. Monitor your medications:

Some medications can be oto-toxic, meaning they can cause irreversible hearing damage. If you start a new medication and notice changes in your hearing, contact your doctor immediately to explore alternative options.

5. Take steps to prevent falls:

Falls are a leading cause of accidental death among seniors. Untreated hearing loss increases the risk of falls. Studies have shown that for every 10 decibels of untreated hearing loss, the risk of falling increases by 140%. Be cautious and create a safe environment to reduce the risk of falls.

Prioritize regular hearing exams:

Even after receiving treatment, it’s incredibly important to receive regular checkups with your hearing care specialist. Hearing aids are a wonderful tool to get back your independence, but that’s only when they are working at their best. Like your car, or your HVAC system, they will need some tuning every so often to remain at peak performance.

Remember, it’s crucial to address your hearing loss and seek appropriate treatment. Untreated hearing loss can have significant impacts on cognitive function, social isolation, and increase the risk of developing dementia. Taking action now will not only help maintain your independence but also mitigate the negative effects of hearing loss on your overall well-being.

If you’ve noticed that your hearing loss is affecting your life, don’t hesitate to get tested. There are numerous solutions available for different levels of hearing loss. Treating your hearing loss today will provide you with the best opportunity for improvement, as hearing tends to worsen over time. Contact our office today to schedule a free hearing exam and let one of our specialists guide you on the path to better hearing and greater independence.

Untreated Hearing Loss and Mental Effort

Numerous studies examining the relationship between hearing loss and brain function have categorized individuals into three groups: (1) those with normal hearing, (2) individuals who use hearing aids, and (3) people with untreated hearing loss. A wealth of evidence supports the idea that individuals with untreated hearing loss expend significantly more mental effort than those with normal hearing or treated hearing when it comes to deciphering sounds and understanding conversations. What’s more, the presence of background noise further complicates matters for those with untreated hearing loss.

The impact of this slowed processing varies from person to person. For instance, someone who expends more energy on understanding a conversation may find themselves contributing fewer ideas or struggling to recall details of the discussion later on.

Social Struggles

Over time, these effects can lead to gradual changes in social behavior. Individuals with untreated hearing loss may become acutely aware of their difficulties and self-conscious about how others perceive their struggles. Consequently, they may begin to withdraw from social interactions. It is increasingly evident that both social withdrawal and hearing loss are risk factors for cognitive decline, such as dementia.

Healthy is Happy

Hearing plays a vital role in overall health and well-being, greatly contributing to one’s quality of life. Unfortunately, in many cases, hearing loss occurs gradually, and a significant number of people go for years without realizing they have clinically significant treatable hearing loss.

What Can I Do?

Considering that hearing loss affects 1 in every 3 adults over the age of 65 and half of adults over 75, it is strongly recommended that all individuals over 50 undergo a baseline hearing evaluation conducted by a licensed audiologist. Regardless of age, anyone experiencing noticeable hearing symptoms (including tinnitus) should seek the expertise of a Hearing Healthcare Provider.

Early identification of hearing loss enables early intervention and helps prevent the adverse effects of untreated hearing loss. If you or a loved one struggles to hear, experiences ringing, buzzing, hissing, or a feeling of fullness in the ears, or can relate to the signs and scenarios mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to contact our office or visit our website to schedule a hearing assessment and consultation.

1.Jabra Enhance (formerly Lively)

Full of features right out of the box, this OTC hearing solution packs a three-year warranty, Bluetooth streaming, and rechargeable batteries all at a reasonable price point. Not to mention, a 100-day trial period.

2.Eargo

With a 1-2 year warranty, rechargeable batteries and a 45-day trial period, these completely-in-canal hearing aids are favorites for a reason. They’re not equipped with Bluetooth streaming and sit at a slightly higher price point of $1,500-$3,000, but their nearly invisible fit makes up the difference in spades.

3.Audicus

With four models to choose from, these hearing aids are loaded with options. Different rechargeable batteries, different styles, and different treatment conditions, you’re likely to find something worthwhile. They boast a higher price, but also offer the most financing options available. Did we mention the multiple color options to choose from?!

4.Lexie

Available online and in stores, the B1, and B2 offer a variety of self-fitting adjustment options, and fine-tuning can be done with the Lexie App straight from your phone. The only difference to consider between the B1 and B2 models are the rechargeable batteries, where only the B2 has them. Both models sit at or below the $1000 range, so these Bose partnered OTC’s are worth the consideration.

5.Audien

Rounding out our list of OTC favorites is the Audien Atom Pro, sitting at a price point of just $100-$250. Their small in-the-canal style is inconspicuous with a sleek overall design. Of course, with the lowered price point there are sacrifices, such as no water resistance, inconvenient volume adjustments, and no Bluetooth or smartphone capabilities. But with rechargeable batteries and a 1-year warranty, these are certainly a good place to start your journey.

What are OTC devices?

With this honor, I hope that the path to a career in hearing care is front of mind for those in the formative years of their career planning. And with more patients than professionals in the field today, there’s never been a better time to consider the benefits of a career in hearing healthcare. To me, this seems like the perfect opportunity to share a bit about the company that’s given me a career that I love.

Why Beltone?

From hearing care professionals, patient care coordinators, and independent Beltone owners to marketers, designers, and everything in between, Beltone is the perfect place to grow a career. With award-winning technology and a team of driven, compassionate individuals Beltone has cultivated a leading role in delivering the best hearing care experience across the country. And with the U.S. News & World Report recently ranking Hearing Aid Specialist as a best job for 2023, there’s no better place to find your footing.

Do I Need A College Degree?

A Hearing Care Practitioner needs both highly focused knowledge and skills, but college degree is not required. Many states require some form of apprenticeship, during which one would learn the skills and techniques required as well as getting ‘on the job’ experience. Prominent Hearing Care Professional organizations such as the International Hearing Society provide great resources on the Hearing Industry as well as training and guidance on the licensure pathway.

There are also programs that yield an associate’s degree which focuses on hearing instruments as a specialty – and are typically completed online. Here are the steps to becoming a Hearing Care Professional:

• reach out to your state board regarding licensure requirements
• complete noted requirements for application and duration of training
• prepare for and pass written and/or practical examinations
• receive your license to practice

Ranked Best Job For A Reason

With a career that focuses on helping those in need, the rewards are plain to see. There is also a potential to earn up to $100,000+ a year, so it’s no wonder that Hearing Aid Specialist made more than one top-rankings in the U.S. News & World Report mentioned above:

• #8 in Highest Paying Jobs without a Degree
• #12 in Best Jobs Without A College Degree
• #15 in Best Health Care Support Jobs
• #82 in 100 Best Jobs.

Beltone is dedicated to bringing the music of life to those that have been missing it, and doing so “as clear as the tone of a bell”. We’re incredibly grateful for the recognition that such large publications have given us, and as we continue to grow, we can only hope that it’s alongside others that feel the same.

The Jabra Enhance Plus (formerly Lively)

These earbud style hearing aids are loaded with modern functionality that can handle much more than their compact size would suggest. Boasting advanced medical-grade technology and advanced noise reduction algorithms, these hearing devices use four dedicated microphones to enhance the sounds that matter and reduce the ones that don’t.

Additional features include rechargeable batteries that last all day, weatherproof design, and easy Bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone and electronics.

What’s more, the setup is as easy as you would imagine from something so intuitive. Simply connect your buds to the free Jabra Enhance™ app and follow on-screen instructions that help you personalize your hearing aids to fit your needs.

Listen Modes

Whether you’re walking through the city or out to dinner with a loved-one, the Jabra Enhance Plus hearing aids have three distinct modes so you can hear the moments that matter most.

• Adaptive mode – automatically adjusts to your surroundings and the conversations around you
• Focus mode – focuses on sounds close to you, like one-on-one conversations
• Surround mode – allows you to hear more of any surrounding ambient sound

Final Takeaways

Between the features, the convenience, and the price point of $799 for the pair, the Jabra Enhance Plus earbuds are a fantastic way to treat mild hearing loss. And as with any hearing aid purchase, we cannot recommend enough that you get a professional evaluation to confirm that your device is equipped to meet your needs.

Reading Between the Lines

Let’s lead with an example that I feel illustrates the potential pitfalls of rushing to convenience. Think of your hunt for a hearing solution similar to that of someone looking for the right eyeglasses to correct some overall blurriness. That individual can certainly head to the local drug store and find a pair of discounted reading glasses that can clear up the fine print on the dinner menu, but it’s safe to say they won’t help much with blurry nighttime driving, and what appears to be symptoms of moderate astigmatism. Stated plainly, your vision is a highly complex system that is personal to you. The same can be said about your hearing, and it’s just too difficult to create a one-size-fits-all solution.

With that said, the hearing loss you may be experiencing could be mild enough in which an OTC product is the perfect choice. The flip side is this: if your hearing loss crosses the threshold from mild to moderate, spending $1,000 on an OTC product could not only sap your finances but lead to unnecessary frustration as well. This is where it’s expensive to be cheap!

The Good News

Save time, money, and a whole bunch of aggravating guesswork and give your hearing health the attention it deserves. The good news is that your local hearing clinic should offer both OTC and prescription options, making your path to better hearing as simple as it should be.

We have a tendency to get used to compromised areas in our lives and accept that “this is just how it is from now on”. But there is always hope, especially with your hearing. Don’t settle for a muffled version of your life. You can get your hearing back, and it starts with making that long overdue appointment.

What are OTC devices?

Over-the-counter hearing aids are exactly what they sound like: a hearing device that can be purchased at various retail outlets with no prescription necessary. Also called DTC (direct-to-consumer) hearing aids, they offer a more accessible, affordable alternative when professional level hearing aids are out of the budget or otherwise not necessary for treatment. Here are some takeaway points when considering OTC devices —

• Designed to treat mild to moderate hearing loss
• Adjusted on your own/limited adjustments available
• More affordable, but still pricy
• Limited technology
• 1 year warranty at best

What are Prescription devices?

These are hearing aids that are prescribed once a professional hearing evaluation is performed, and are programmed and maintained by a licensed Hearing Care Professional as well. These devices are state-of-the-art, offering finely tuned treatment for your specific hearing conditions. Also, within the prescription level bracket there are a variety of makes and models, varying in price point and a selection of wearable styles. Here are some key points to consider with prescription devices —

• Designed to treat moderate to severe hearing loss
• Best technology available with hearing aids fit to your specific hearing loss
• Programmed and maintained by a licensed Hearing Care Professional
• Require a hearing evaluation to determine specific need based on loss
• Possibly covered by insurance
• Up to a 4-year warranty

What does OTC change?

The truth is, since OTC regulations were rolled out by the FDA, not much has changed. DTC, or Direct-to-consumer products have existed for years, and many of the new OTC devices are repackaged versions of these older devices. And until new technologies are introduced in the OTC form, it is simply another acronym for something that already exists. But as new technologies begin to roll out, your local hearing clinic is the most valuable resource available to stay up to date.

The Bottom Line

I’ve been in this industry long enough to collect a few key pieces of wisdom along the way. Perhaps the most important is that no matter the severity of hearing loss you may be experiencing, your hearing is precious and deserves to be treated with care. The simple truth is that only a professional evaluation can give you the confidence you need to decide which option is right for you. And to simplify things even further, hearing clinics carry OTC and Prescription products to fit you with exactly what you need. There’s never been a more hopeful time to prioritize your hearing health, to hear the world around you like never before, and to once again be present with the ones you love.