FAQs about Hearing Tests | Accurate Hearing Technology Inc

Why Regular Hearing Exams Are Essential for Long-Term Health

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:25:11 GMT

If you live in Lake Mary, FL, and are considering whether to schedule hearing exams, it’s important to understand the significant role these checkups play in your long-term health. At Accurate Hearing Technology Inc., residents rely on expert hearing exams in Lake Mary, FL, to detect changes early, often before symptoms become noticeable. This article explores why regular hearing tests are crucial for adults and seniors alike, highlights common warning signs of hearing loss, and explains the benefits of professional exams using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools.

The Importance of Routine Hearing Exams for Adults and Seniors

Many people assume that hearing loss is inevitable with aging, so they avoid getting tested until the issue becomes severe. However, routine hearing exams in Lake Mary, FL, are essential even when symptoms are mild or nonexistent. Early detection through regular screenings allows for timely intervention, which can prevent further deterioration and improve quality of life.

Hearing loss, if left untreated, can lead to adverse effects beyond just communication difficulties. Studies have linked untreated hearing impairment to cognitive decline, social isolation, depression, and decreased overall well-being. By scheduling consistent hearing tests in Lake Mary, FL, adults and seniors can maintain better mental health and social engagement as they age.

Recognizing the Signs: When to Schedule Hearing Tests

It’s not always easy to recognize early hearing loss because it often develops gradually. Some common indicators that suggest a professional hearing exam is needed include:

Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
Difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy environments.
Turning up the volume on the TV or radio louder than normal.
Ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears (tinnitus).
Feeling socially withdrawn due to communication challenges.

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s advisable to schedule hearing exams in Lake Mary, FL, without delay. Early diagnosis through a thorough hearing test enables you to access effective treatment options and hearing aids if necessary.

How Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. Ensures Comprehensive and Accurate Hearing Exams

Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. provides comprehensive hearing exams in Lake Mary, FL, tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Their team uses advanced diagnostic equipment to perform accurate and comfortable hearing tests in Lake Mary, FL, that evaluate the full range of your auditory function. These state-of-the-art tools help detect subtle changes that might be missed in a routine screening elsewhere.

The clinic’s approach emphasizes patient comfort and clarity throughout the exam process. By choosing Accurate Hearing Technology Inc., you benefit from a thorough assessment that lays the foundation for an effective hearing care plan—whether that involves hearing aids, auditory therapy, or simple lifestyle adjustments.

Benefits of Regular Hearing Exams Beyond Hearing

Regular hearing exams in Lake Mary, FL, offer far-reaching benefits that extend well beyond simply improving your ability to hear. Here’s how routine hearing tests can positively impact your overall health and quality of life:

Preserving Cognitive Function: Hearing is closely linked to brain health. When your hearing declines, your brain receives fewer sound signals, which can lead to cognitive decline over time. Regular hearing exams help detect issues early and encourage interventions that keep your brain actively engaged in processing sounds and speech. This continuous stimulation supports memory retention and mental sharpness and may reduce the risk of dementia.

Enhancing Emotional Well-Being: Good hearing is essential for maintaining healthy social connections. When you can clearly understand conversations with family, friends, and colleagues, you’re less likely to feel isolated or frustrated. Untreated hearing loss often leads to social withdrawal, loneliness, and even depression. Hearing tests in Lake Mary, FL, allow you to address communication challenges before they impact your emotional health.

Monitoring and Managing Hearing Health: Scheduling routine hearing tests enables ongoing monitoring of your auditory system. This is especially important if you already experience hearing loss or are exposed to environments with high noise levels. Regular exams help track any changes or progression, allowing timely adjustments to your treatment plan, hearing aids, or lifestyle.

Improving Safety and Awareness: Hearing plays a critical role in your awareness of your surroundings. From hearing alarms and traffic sounds to conversations and warnings, good hearing helps keep you safe. Regular hearing exams ensure you maintain this important sense, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing your confidence in daily activities.

By committing to periodic hearing exams in Lake Mary, FL, you’re investing in more than just your ears; you’re supporting your brain, emotions, social life, and overall safety. This comprehensive approach to hearing health can greatly improve your long-term well-being.

Take the Next Step for Your Health Today

If you or a loved one have noticed signs of hearing difficulty or simply want to safeguard your hearing as you age, don’t wait to act. Regular hearing exams are a crucial step toward preserving your overall well-being and enjoying a higher quality of life. Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. offers expert hearing tests with the latest diagnostics to ensure you receive the best possible care. Contact Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. today to schedule your hearing exam. Taking this proactive step can make a significant difference in your health and happiness for years to come.

How Hearing Exams Can Improve Communication and Daily Life

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:15:37 GMT

Hearing loss is more than just a medical condition; it can profoundly affect various aspects of your daily life. If you’re concerned about this, Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. offers expert hearing exams in Lake Mary, FL, designed to help you identify and address hearing challenges early. Untreated hearing loss can create barriers in communication, leading to misunderstandings and frustration during conversations with family, friends, and colleagues. This communication breakdown often places strain on relationships, making social interactions challenging and sometimes isolating. Within the workplace, hearing difficulties can impair job performance by reducing the ability to follow instructions, participate in meetings, or respond to important auditory cues. Beyond social and professional life, untreated hearing loss may also negatively influence emotional well-being, causing feelings of loneliness, depression, and decreased confidence.

The Importance of Early Detection Through Hearing Exams

The key to minimizing these challenges lies in early detection, and that is where professional hearing exams come into play. Hearing exams serve as vital tools in identifying hearing issues at the earliest stages. Comprehensive hearing tests assess the nature and degree of hearing loss, enabling healthcare professionals to pinpoint specific challenges. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which is essential in maintaining effective communication and preventing further deterioration of hearing health. Without routine hearing exams, many people might unknowingly adapt to hearing loss in ways that can negatively impact their quality of life.

How Hearing Exams Enhance Communication and Daily Functionality

Regular hearing exams do more than identify problems; they open the door to better communication strategies and solutions suited to each individual’s needs. Once hearing loss is detected through hearing tests in Lake Mary, FL, appropriate solutions such as hearing aids, auditory training, or assistive listening devices can be recommended. These interventions can dramatically improve the clarity of sound, making conversations easier and reducing the stress often associated with trying to hear in noisy environments. Improved hearing leads to stronger connections with loved ones, increased participation in social activities, and better performance at work, all of which contribute to an enhanced daily life.

The Benefits of Choosing Professional Hearing Exams

Opting for professional hearing exams in Lake Mary, FL, offers numerous advantages that go beyond a simple hearing check. When you choose a trusted provider, you ensure that your hearing health is evaluated accurately and comprehensively, setting the foundation for effective treatment and support.

Here are some key benefits:

Accurate and Detailed Assessments : Professional hearing tests are thorough, assessing not only the degree of hearing loss but also detecting related conditions such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and balance disorders. This in-depth approach helps to identify underlying issues that might otherwise be missed.

Personalized Care Plans : A reputable hearing clinic will tailor care plans specifically to your unique hearing profile and lifestyle needs. Whether you require hearing aids, counseling, or auditory training, the solution is customized to provide the best possible outcomes for your daily living and communication.

Ongoing Support and Follow-Up : Hearing health is not a one-time fix. Choosing professional hearing exams means you receive continuous support, including follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust treatments as needed. This ensures that your hearing solutions remain effective as your needs evolve.

Access to the Latest Technology : Professional clinics stay up-to-date with advancements in hearing technology, offering access to state-of-the-art hearing devices and assistive listening tools that enhance your hearing experience.

Improved Quality of Life : Early diagnosis and tailored interventions made possible by professional hearing tests can help you reconnect with family and friends, improve work performance, and regain confidence in social situations.

By prioritizing professional hearing exams in Lake Mary, FL, you take an important step toward maintaining your hearing health and preventing possible complications. The comprehensive care provided by experienced specialists ensures that you receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans available.

Preventive Care and Ongoing Support Improve Long-Term Outcomes

Routine hearing exams are an essential component of preventive healthcare. Scheduling periodic hearing tests can track any changes in hearing ability and allow for adjustments in treatment to ensure continued effectiveness. Ongoing professional guidance helps patients stay informed about new technologies or strategies to support their hearing health. This proactive approach can prevent the worsening of hearing conditions and maintain a higher quality of life. The peace of mind that comes with consistent care empowers individuals to engage fully in conversations, work, and recreational activities.

Take Charge of Your Hearing Health Today

If you are experiencing difficulties in hearing or want to safeguard your communication ability, scheduling hearing exams is a vital first step. Early detection and intervention open pathways to better hearing, stronger relationships, and improved daily functionality. Reach out to Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. , a trusted hearing care provider, to take advantage of professional hearing tests in Lake Mary, FL, and begin your journey towards enhanced hearing health. Don’t let hearing loss impact your quality of life; prioritize your hearing today!

What to Expect in an Expert Hearing Test: A Complete Guide

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 02:50:46 GMT

If you’re considering hearing tests in Lake Mary, FL, you may wonder what’s involved and how the exam works from start to finish. At Accurate Hearing Technology Inc., expert testing means comfort, clarity, and answers tailored to your hearing needs.

Why Hearing Tests Matter

Hearing tests are much more than a quick check of your ears. They help identify hearing loss, possible ear conditions, or changes in your ability to process sound. When you have a professional hearing exam, you get valuable information about your ear health and your options moving forward.

Your First Consultation

Every hearing test begins with a consultation. During this initial step, you’ll talk with a specialist about your medical history and any hearing changes you’ve noticed. The goal is to understand when, where, and how you struggle to hear—whether it’s in busy places or at home with family.

Your specialist will ask questions, such as:

Have you had ear infections?
Are there situations where hearing is hardest?
Do certain sounds seem muffled or unclear?

This conversation sets the stage for your hearing exam, creating a personalized approach right from the start.

A Comfort-Focused Environment

Feeling nervous is common before hearing tests. That’s why experienced clinics create a welcoming, stress-free space. From friendly staff to quiet testing rooms, every detail helps you relax. The personalized care is designed for people of all ages, so you can feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.

The Step-by-Step Testing Process

Expert hearing exams are simple and painless. Here’s what usually happens:

Visual Ear Check: Your specialist looks inside your ears using a small light, checking for wax buildup or infections.
Audiogram: You’ll wear headphones and listen for sounds at different volumes and pitches. You press a button when you hear each sound. This measures how well you hear across the full range of speech and everyday noise.
Speech Recognition: You’ll repeat words or sentences you hear through the headphones. This shows how well you understand speech at different sound levels.
Tympanometry: This test gently checks how well your eardrum moves, helping spot middle ear issues.
Bone Conduction Test: Sometimes, a gentle vibration device helps test how sound travels through the bones around your ear.

These steps help build a complete picture of your hearing, so your specialist can pinpoint what’s working and what needs help.

Types of Diagnostic Tools Used

During hearing exams in Lake Mary, FL, specialists rely on modern tools to get precise results:

Audiograms: Charts that show the exact sounds you can and can’t hear.
Tympanometry: Measures how your eardrum responds to changes in air pressure.
Speech Testing: Tells how clear speech sounds are to you.
Otoscopy: Lets the specialist look at your ea r canal and eardrum.

Each tool helps the hearing professional find the cause and level of hearing trouble, making sure no stone is left unturned.

What Your Results Mean

At the end of hearing tests, your specialist will explain all the findings in clear, simple language. You’ll learn:

The type of hearing loss (if any).
What sounds or words are hardest for you?
If your ears show signs of blockage or infection.
What the next steps might be.

This is the moment you get answers and a clear pathway forward.

Customized Solutions for Better Hearing

Your results pave the way for personalized solutions that suit your hearing needs and preferences. If hearing aids are right for you, the specialist will go over options matched to your style, budget, and everyday activities. You’ll learn about different models, including discreet designs and helpful features like Bluetooth for phone or TV use. Modern hearing aids can blend in easily and offer comfort, clear sound, and user-friendly technology to fit seamlessly with your daily routine.

Ongoing Support and Care

Hearing care isn’t one-and-done. After your hearing exams, your clinic can schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments to your devices. Ongoing check-ins help ensure that your hearing aids and solutions continue to fit your needs and lifestyle. You’ll also receive helpful education and support, so you know how to care for your hearing health and get the most out of your devices and strategies. This ongoing relationship gives you the confidence that your hearing is always in good hands.

Take the Next Step Toward Healthy Hearing

Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. is ready to guide you through expert hearing tests, detailed exams, and personalized solutions serving Lake Mary, FL. Don’t wait if you think your hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Schedule your consultation and discover how simple, comfortable, and effective hearing tests can be. Contact us today to begin your path to clearer communication and a better quality of life!

Protect Your Ears: Prevent Hearing Damage from Concerts with Ear Canal Hearing Aids in Orlando, FL

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:27:27 GMT

As a music lover, you've likely experienced the thrill of live concerts and the immersive world of your favorite albums. But have you ever left a concert with ringing ears or found it hard to hear the subtleties in your favorite songs? Hearing damage from concerts, often caused by high decibel (dB) levels, can diminish your music experience. At Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. in Orlando, FL, we offer Ear Canal Hearing Aids that enhance your music experience while protecting your hearing.

Why Hearing Protection Matters for Music Lovers

Many concerts and music events can reach dangerously high dB levels, often exceeding 100 dB. Prolonged exposure to such loud sounds can lead to permanent hearing damage from concerts. This not only affects your ability to enjoy music but can also impact your overall quality of life. If you've noticed a change in your hearing, it might be time to consider Ear Canal Hearing Aids to preserve your auditory health.

The Magic of Ear Canal Hearing Aids

Imagine being able to hear the delicate strumming of an acoustic guitar or the intricate layers of a symphony orchestra as if you were sitting right next to the musicians. Ear Canal Hearing Aids make this possible by amplifying the sounds you want to hear while minimizing background noise. This ensures that every note, beat, and harmony is delivered with exceptional clarity.

Tailored for Your Musical Needs

We also provide a range of services to keep your hearing aids in top condition, including audiological tests, hearing aid cleanings, and repairs. Our goal is to help you maintain optimal hearing health so you can continue to enjoy the music you love.

Protect Your Hearing, Enhance Your Music Experience

It's not just about hearing better; it's about protecting your hearing for the future. By using Ear Canal Hearing Aids, you can enjoy live concerts and loud music without worrying about further hearing damage. These aids can be a game-changer for anyone who loves music but is concerned about the impact of high dB concert levels on their hearing.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Don't let hearing loss or the fear of hearing damage from concerts keep you from enjoying your favorite music. Schedule an appointment with Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. today to discuss your hearing needs and explore our range of Ear Canal Hearing Aids in Orlando, FL. Our team of experts is ready to help you find the perfect solution to enhance your music experience and protect your hearing.

Take the first step towards better hearing and a richer music experience. Schedule an appointment with us today and discover the difference that expert hearing care can make.

The Impact of Hearing Tests in Lake Mary, FL on Your Health

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:54:08 GMT

Hearing health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked by many individuals, especially those with a family history of hearing loss. By prioritizing regular hearing tests in Lake Mary, FL, individuals can take proactive steps towards maintaining and monitoring their auditory health.

The Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss

Untreated hearing loss can have far-reaching consequences beyond just impaired hearing. Research has shown a strong correlation between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline, including issues with memory and concentration. Furthermore, individuals with hearing loss may experience difficulties with balance and an increased risk of falls, impacting their overall mobility and safety.

The Connection Between Hearing Health and Overall Well-Being

Maintaining good hearing health goes beyond just being able to hear sounds clearly. It plays a crucial role in various aspects of our overall well-being. Research has shown a strong link between hearing health and brain function, balance, and social well-being. By prioritizing regular hearing tests in Lake Mary, FL, individuals can safeguard not only their hearing but also their cognitive abilities, physical stability, and social interactions.

Benefits of Comprehensive Hearing Exams

In addition to routine hearing tests in Lake Mary, FL, individuals should also consider scheduling comprehensive hearing exams in Lake Mary, FL, to assess their auditory system thoroughly. These exams can provide detailed insights into the specific frequencies and levels at which an individual may be experiencing hearing difficulties, enabling tailored treatment plans for optimal hearing health.

The Link Between Hearing Health and Overall Well-Being

Maintaining good hearing health is not just about the ability to hear sounds clearly; it also plays a significant role in various aspects of our lives. Studies have shown that individuals with untreated hearing loss may be at a higher risk of social isolation and depression due to communication challenges. By prioritizing regular hearing tests in Lake Mary, FL, individuals can safeguard their social well-being and mental health.

Addressing Hearing Health Concerns Early

For seniors and individuals working in loud environments, the importance of regular hearing tests in Lake Mary, FL, cannot be overstated. Early detection of hearing issues allows for timely interventions, such as hearing aids or assistive devices, which can significantly improve quality of life and overall health outcomes.

The Importance of Scheduling Hearing Exams in Lake Mary, FL

As we age, our hearing abilities naturally decline. For seniors, regular hearing exams in Lake Mary, FL, are essential to monitor any changes in hearing health and address them promptly. Additionally, individuals who are frequently exposed to loud environments, such as musicians, construction workers, or those who enjoy concerts, should also prioritize regular hearing exams to prevent long-term damage to their auditory system.

Why Everyone Should Prioritize Hearing Health

Hearing health is not just a concern for seniors; it is relevant for individuals of all ages. Whether you are exposed to loud environments due to work or recreational activities or if you have a family history of hearing loss, prioritizing regular hearing tests, is crucial. Being proactive about your hearing health can prevent potential issues in the future and ensure that you can continue to enjoy all the sounds and conversations around you.

The Link Between Hearing Health and Overall Well-Being

Maintaining good hearing health is about more than just preserving your ability to hear sounds. It impacts various aspects of your life, including cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social connections. By prioritizing regular hearing tests, you are taking proactive steps towards a healthier future. Whether you're enjoying conversations with loved ones, engaging in your favorite activities, or simply navigating daily life with ease, optimal hearing health can enhance your overall quality of life.

Proactive Hearing Care at Accurate Hearing Technology Inc.

At Accurate Hearing Technology Inc., we understand the vital role that hearing health plays in maintaining a high quality of life. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive hearing tests in Lake Mary, FL, and personalized solutions to address each individual's unique hearing needs.

If you are ready to prioritize your hearing health and schedule regular hearing tests, contact Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. Our team of experienced audiologists is dedicated to helping you maintain optimal hearing function and overall well-being. Whether you have concerns about your hearing or simply want to stay proactive about your auditory health, we are here to support you. Reach out to us at 407-328-4540 to book your appointment today.

Protect Your Ears: Prevent Hearing Damage from Concerts with Ear Canal Hearing Aids in Orlando, FL

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:53:19 GMT

Why Hearing Protection Matters for Music Lovers

The Magic of Ear Canal Hearing Aids

Ear Canal Hearing Aids are designed to fit snugly in your ear canal, providing a discreet yet powerful solution for hearing loss. These aids offer crystal-clear sound quality, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music genres and instruments with greater clarity and precision. Whether you're a fan of rock, classical, jazz, or electronic music, these aids can enhance your listening experience.

Imagine being able to hear the delicate strumming of an acoustic guitar or the intricate layers of a symphony orchestra as if you were sitting right next to the musicians. Ear Canal Hearing Aids make this possible by amplifying the sounds you want to hear while minimizing background noise. This ensures that every note, beat, and harmony is delivered with exceptional clarity.

Tailored for Your Musical Needs

At Accurate Hearing Technology Inc., we understand that every music lover has unique hearing needs. That's why we offer personalized fitting options to ensure your Ear Canal Hearing Aids provide the best possible sound quality for your favorite music genres. Our experts will work with you to find the perfect fit, so you can enjoy your music without any discomfort or distortion.

We also provide a range of services to keep your hearing aids in top condition, including audiological tests, hearing aid cleanings, and repairs. Our goal is to help you maintain optimal hearing health so you can continue to enjoy the music you love.

Protect Your Hearing, Enhance Your Music Experience

Schedule an Appointment Today

Don't let hearing loss or the fear of hearing damage from concerts keep you from enjoying your favorite music. Schedule an appointment with Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. today to discuss your hearing needs and explore our range of Ear Canal Hearing Aids in Orlando, FL. Our team of experts is ready to help you find the perfect solution to enhance your music experience and protect your hearing.

Take the first step towards better hearing and a richer music experience. Schedule an appointment with us today and discover the difference that expert hearing care can make.

FAQs about Hearing Tests | Accurate Hearing Technology Inc

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 19:45:06 GMT

Some 37.5 million American adults acknowledge some degree of hearing loss. Although 28.8. million of them could enjoy sharper, clearer hearing with some assistance from hearing aids, the first step toward that solution involves a thorough hearing evaluation from a professional audiologist with the right tools and skills.

If you value your hearing, you may already know that you need to undergo some sort of testing that can let you know when you might need hearing aids or other hearing treatment. Use these frequently asked questions on the subject to develop a basic understanding of this important form of diagnostic care.

Why Should You Schedule Regular Hearing Tests?

Even if you understand the value of undergoing hearing testing, you might wonder why audiologists recommend regular testing, typically on an annual basis, whether you notice any hearing loss or not. In many cases, hearing loss occurs so gradually and subtly that individuals only recognize it after sustaining significant hearing loss.

Regular hearing tests can catch hearing problems in their earliest stages, possibly long before you'd actually notice the hearing loss in your everyday life. The first of your annual hearing tests provides your audiologist with a baseline measurement of your hearing abilities. The audiologist can then compare it to subsequent test results.

Bear in mind that hearing loss sometimes stems from an underlying health problem that poses its own concerns, from diabetes and osteoporosis (which can affect the bones in the ear) to middle ear and inner ear ailments. Early diagnosis of a hearing problem may actually alert you to such an underlying issue so you can seek treatment.

Why Should You Undergo Professional Testing Instead of Home-Based Testing?

You may have seen various online tests that let you evaluate your own hearing by listening to various test tones. While this approach might seem like a convenient, money-saving alternative to professional testing, it can't give you the depth of evaluation your hearing truly needs.

An in-office hearing evaluation includes numerous tools and techniques that no online testing system can hope to provide. These tests don't just measure your ability to hear different frequency ranges; they can also measure such important factors as the way your skull and facial bones conduct sound.

What Symptoms and Problems Call for Hearing Tests?

You don't need to wait for your annual hearing test date to come around again before seeking an evaluation. If you notice changes in your hearing (not related to an obvious problem such as earwax buildup or an infection), go ahead and schedule your next hearing text right away to determine the nature and extent of the issue.

Hearing trouble doesn't necessarily mean complete or partial deafness across the entire audible frequency range. Watch out for telltale signs of hearing loss such as difficulty following conversations in noisy environments, trouble hearing people over the telephone, ringing in the ears, and the need to keep raising your television's volume.

What Can You Expect From a Professional Hearing Evaluation?

The first phase of professional hearing testing will involve a conversation with your audiologist. This specialist will want to know about your overall medical history, any recent head trauma or illnesses you've experienced, your everyday exposure to loud noise, and any particular symptoms you may have noticed.

You may undergo multiple hearing tests during the evaluation. For instance, pure-tone audiometry measures your ability to hear specific parts of the frequency spectrum. Speech audiometry measures your ability to hear words at different frequencies and volumes. Other tests measure eardrum and middle ear function.

Audiologists use the findings from such tests to plot a visual display called an audiogram. You can then review this audiogram with your audiologist to discuss exactly which frequencies and types of sound give you trouble. From there, you can receive recommendations for hearing aids or other corrective measures.

If you want to get your hearing tested as thoroughly and accurately as possible, schedule an evaluation at Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. Our audiology team can run all the necessary tests, using state-of-the-art equipment, and then advise you on hearing aids or any other hearing care you might need.

One-Sided Hearing Loss | Accurate Hearing Technology Inc.

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 18:23:36 GMT

When you think of hearing loss, you may automatically imagine someone experiencing a sudden or gradual loss of hearing in both ears at the same time, and to the same degree. However, you can also develop one-sided (unilateral) hearing loss, a potentially disorienting and debilitating problem.

Fortunately, you don't have to take a case of one-sided hearing loss lying down. The more you know about this problem, from its possible causes to its available solutions, the more effectively you, your doctor, and your audiologist can combat it. Take a moment to absorb these key facts about one-sided hearing loss.

What One-Sided Hearing Loss Sounds Like

One-sided hearing loss can affect your overall hearing in various ways. Perhaps most obviously, the brain loses part of its ability to pinpoint the locations of sounds when it can only use aural data from one ear instead of two. If you can't tell where a given sound comes from, you may face safety hazards in traffic or other environments.

Many individuals who lose some or all of the hearing in one ear struggle to pick out individual voices in a crowded or noisy room, a problem sometimes called the cocktail party effect. They may experience particular trouble when their worse ear receives conversation while their better ear receives distracting noise.

Even if you still enjoy clear hearing in one ear, the loss of information from the other ear will result in a small loss in your overall hearing ability. Specifically, you may lose the ability to gauge the relative loudness or softness of different sounds.

Some people who develop one-sided hearing loss may also develop tinnitus in the affected ear (or even in both ears). Tinnitus involves abnormal ringing, thumping, booming, or hissing noises that interfere with your ability to hear the world around you clearly or enjoy restful sleep.

Why One-Sided Hearing Loss Occurs

Many problems can result in one-sided hearing loss or even total deafness in one ear. Some children have one-sided hearing loss from birth. In people of all ages, damage to the eardrum or other parts of the ear can cause hearing loss. An ear infection or buildup of earwax can also drastically reduce hearing in the affected ear.

Several chronic diseases can also cause one-sided hearing loss. Examples include tumors called acoustic neuromas, an inner ear problem called Meniere's disease, Reye's syndrome, shingles, and issues that restrict blood flow to the ears, neck, head, or brain.

How Medical Professionals Treat One-Sided Hearing Loss

Your primary care physician or ENT may discover that your one-sided hearing loss stems from a reversible or manageable health challenge. Depending on your condition, you might benefit from earwax removal, steroids to reduce swelling in the ear, antibiotics to tame an infection, or surgery to remove a tumor.

Even permanent one-sided hearing loss can still respond well to treatment. Mild to moderate cases may require nothing more than a well-tuned hearing aid to help balance the sound levels in both ears. You might also benefit from a transmitter-receiver system that relays aural signals from the weaker ear to the stronger ear.

Don't lose hope if you experience profound hearing loss or total deafness in one ear. A cochlear implant might help by directly stimulating the auditory nerve in the affected ear. You might also try a bone-conduction hearing aid that transfers sound waves through the bones in your skull to your inner ear.

If you need long-term help with hearing loss in one or both ears, Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. can come to your rescue. Contact us today to schedule a hearing test and discuss hearing aid options with our experienced team.

4 Hearing Aid Questions | Accurate Hearing Technology Inc

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 20:00:25 GMT

People who suffer from hearing limitations can now enjoy more corrective options than ever before, thanks to ongoing advances in hearing aid technology. If you need accurate hearing correction, you can choose between a wide range of device styles, forms, and features. The sheer range of options may only complicate your quest.

Fortunately, the more you understand the pros and cons of specific kinds of hearing aids, the more effectively you can select a device that gives you the ideal mix of hearing correction, cosmetic acceptability, convenience, and comfort to suit your priorities. Ask yourself these four questions as you shop for hearing aids.

1. What Kind (and Degree) of Hearing Assistance Do You Need?

Hearing trouble can range in severity from a mild loss at specific frequencies to severe, full-frequency hearing loss. Not all hearing aids can compensate for the most serious issues. For instance, smaller in-ear or behind-the-ear models may not amplify sounds strongly enough for someone with profound hearing loss.

You may have lost hearing only in certain frequency ranges, with other frequency ranges coming in loud and clear. Non-medical hearing amplification devices boost all frequencies equally, which could actually make certain sounds too loud for you. Skips such devices in favor of audiologist-programmable hearing aids.

2. How Effectively Do You Want to Hide Your Hearing Problem?

Many people feel self-conscious about their hearing difficulties. Even when hearing aids successfully boost their hearing, they may still not want to call attention to the fact that they need help with their hearing. If you count yourself among them, you'll probably want to focus on the smallest (effective) hearing aids available.

Hearing aids that hide completely inside the ear canal offer the ultimate indiscretion. These tiny devices may go completely undetected by others while still offering an adequate hearing correction. Just keep in mind that if you tend to produce lots of earwax, this type of hearing aid may trigger your ears to produce even more.

3. What Dexterity Issues Might Influence Your Choice of Hearing Aid?

Hearing difficulties sometimes accompany other health or age-related issues that affect manual dexterity and coordination, from limited vision to arthritis in the hands. If small objects cause you to fumble around in frustration, you may experience problems with small in-ear hearing aids as opposed to behind-the-ear models.

Oddly enough, the very smallest hearing aid option may offer a ready-made solution for dexterity challenges. If you get the invisible-in-the-ear type of hearing aids, your audiologist will perform periodic removal, installation, and battery changes for you. Between audiologist visits, you shouldn't need to handle these tiny hearing aids at all.

Even if you can install and remove your hearing aids easily enough, you might still find replacing the minuscule batteries a challenge. You can get around this concern by choosing hearing aids that come with rechargeable batteries.

4. What Kind of Hearing Aid Will Feel the Most Comfortable?

If you plan on wearing your hearing aids most or all of the time, you'd better choose a hearing aid that meets your standards for comfort. For instance, in-ear hearing aids that block the ear canal can create a stuffy or clogged feeling called occlusion. Vented or open-backed receivers and earmolds can minimize this annoyance.

Eyeglass wearers should choose their hearing aids carefully, since the bulkiest behind-the-ear models may leave little room for the glasses' earpieces. This issue may prompt you to select an in-ear model instead. However, you might find that a miniature behind-the-ear model accommodates your glasses adequately.

Bear in mind that any kind of hearing aid will take some getting used to from a comfort perspective. Specific, long-term comfort problems may call for some modifications. For instance, if the hard plastic in your custom-molded earpieces causes discomfort, you may have better luck with a standard earpiece made of softer material.

Whatever your hearing aid needs and priorities, Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. can help you choose the ideal product for your individual needs. Contact our office today to discuss your corrective hearing device options.

One-Sided Hearing Loss | Accurate Hearing Technology Inc.

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 22:03:59 GMT

What One-Sided Hearing Loss Sounds Like

Why One-Sided Hearing Loss Occurs

How Medical Professionals Treat One-Sided Hearing Loss

Headphones And Hearing Loss: 4 Things You Should Know

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 15:53:43 GMT

Headphones have become an essential everyday work and recreational tool. These devices, which feature tiny speakers within cups or buds that sit next to (or inside) the ear canals, can deliver powerful sounds at close range, potentially contributing to permanent hearing loss.

If you worry about the state of your hearing but enjoy listening to music or podcasts through headphones, you need to understand as much as possible about the potential risks involved, as well as smart strategies that can help you protect your ears. Consider the following four points about headphones and hearing loss.

1. Headphone Use Can Damage the Inner Ear
Researchers have identified headphones as a potential cause of noise-induced hearing loss. In this form of hearing loss, loud sounds damage sensitive hair cells inside a part of the inner ear called the cochlea. In some cases, this damage only occurs temporarily, but over time, the damage can become permanent.

Although headphones might not seem to generate much volume compared to loudspeakers or other ambient noise sources, the close proximity of their drivers (the small speakers that generate sound) to your ears delivers concentrated sound waves that can do as much hearing damage as louder sounds from farther away.

2. Smart Listening Habits Can Make Headphone Use Safer
How you use your headphones can have a major impact on how well you can preserve your hearing. Many people play their headphones at high volume levels, often for many hours at a time. This extreme noise exposure produces far more hearing damage than listening to headphones at lower volume levels for less time.

Audiologists measure noise levels in terms of decibels. An ordinary telephone dial tone is about 80 decibels , a level that you can listen to for up to 25 hours at a time without experiencing hearing loss. By contrast, the volume generated by a rock concert can damage your hearing in about one minute.

Check your headphone's specifications to see how loud they can get. If your headphones can achieve 100 decibels at maximum volume, for instance, playing at them at no more than two-thirds power can help you keep your listening level at or below 66 decibels.

The length of time you expose your ears to noise can also factor into hearing loss. Even a lower volume level can do damage if you listen for many consecutive hours without a break. You can minimize this risk by reducing your listening sessions to less than two hours .

3. Noise-Canceling Headphones Can Protect Your Hearing
Many people crank up their headphone volume to combat noisy environments, raising their risk for hearing loss in the process. If you find yourself using your headphones as tools to block out the world's aural distractions, invest in noise-canceling headphones that filter out ambient sound, allowing you to enjoy lower music volume.

Noise-canceling headphones fall into two primary categories. Active noise-canceling headphones contain circuitry that generate opposing frequencies in response to incoming sound, literally canceling those sounds out. Passive noise-canceling headphones physically block the incoming sounds.

4. Hearing Aids May Limit Your Choice of Headphones
If you have already developed some hearing loss, you may need hearing aids to follow conversations or hear at low volume levels adequately. These devices don't necessarily prevent you from using headphones. However, the type of hearing aid you have may limit what kind of headphones you can comfortably wear.

Headphones that fit completely over the ear will likely work better for most hearing aid users than models that sit inside the ears or rest on top of the ears. If you have an in-ear hearing aid, you can't fit in-ear headphones alongside it. On-ear headphones won't deliver any sound to a behind-the-ear hearing aid.

Whether you have concerns about your headphone usage or you want to learn more about how to use headphones safely in conjunction with hearing aids, Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. can evaluate your listening habits, check your hearing, and recommend smart options for enjoying music safely. Contact us today.

What's Wrong With Your Hearing Aid? Challenges and Solutions

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 15:26:38 GMT

Hearing aids can prove invaluable for helping individuals with hearing impairments enjoy a higher quality of life, go about daily tasks more effectively, and respond to aural warnings of potential danger. However, even in today's world of highly advanced hearing aid technology, problems can interfere with your hearing aid experience.

Once you understand why such problems occur and how to recognize their probable causes, you can take the necessary steps to correct any issues that might stand in the way of clearer hearing. Take a look at the following possible hearing aid challenges and their solutions.

Your Hearing Aids Don't Boost Your Hearing

If a hearing aid can't enhance your hearing acuity to the degree you or your audiologist expected or if its performance has declined since you first started using it, you may need to do some troubleshooting to determine the underlying cause. You might simply need to boost the volume in response to worsened hearing loss.

If your hearing hasn't gotten worse, check the device for ear wax accumulation. Ear wax can sometimes block the passage of sound waves to the microphone or cause other parts to malfunction. While this problem occurs less often than it once did in older hearing aid models, it can still reduce a device's effectiveness.

If your hearing aid has stopped working completely, you may need to replace the batteries. The tiny batteries that power hearing aids tend to run out of power within weeks, especially if you use them round the clock. If fresh batteries don't seem to help, double-check your volume level or have a professional inspect the device.

Your Hearing Aid Causes Discomfort

A hearing aid shouldn't feel painful to insert, use, or remove from the outer ear canal. If you've given yourself some time to get accustomed to the sensation of wearing a hearing aid and still feel discomfort from it, your provider may need to fit you with a different-sized earpiece. Some models also offer greater sleep comfort than others.

When you first receive a hearing aid, you may feel a sensation of stuffiness in your head until you get used to having the earpieces occupy one or both ear canals. You may experience some mild headaches. However, if these normal sensations don't resolve on their own, your audiologist may need to adjust or swap out the device.

Your Hearing Aid Makes Strange Noises

Hearing aids don't always give you only the sounds you want to hear. If you experience annoying feedback with high-pitched whistling or squealing sounds, try inserting the hearing carefully and completely before switching it on. This strategy can help prevent friction from relaying unnatural sounds to the device.

A hearing aid that has its volume level turned up too high can sometimes generate feedback-like noises. Always check your hearing aid's volume level before you insert it and switch it on. If you hear feedback, turn the volume down until the feedback fades (but not so low that you don't get adequate hearing enhancement).

The sensitive, delicate electronics in hearing aids can sustain damage from moisture and impacts. They may even develop internal malfunctions for no obvious reason. If you hear static, distortion, or sounds that cut in and out, you may need to have a professional repair or replace your hearing aid.

Your Hearing Aid Slips or Pops Out

Once you insert your hearing aid's earpiece firmly into your outer ear canal, it should stay put effortlessly until you decide to remove it. If your earpiece keeps slipping or popping out, you probably need a slightly larger one. This same slippage can also contribute to any friction-related feedback you may encounter.

Ask your audiologist to replace your current earpiece with a model that fits more tightly securely in the ear. A custom-molded earpiece provides the most accurate possible fit.

If you experience discomfort, poor performance, or other frustrating issues with your hearing aid, contact Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. We can evaluate the problem and make any needed corrections to help you hear more clearly and comfortably.

3 Types of Hearing Loss

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 18:41:40 GMT

Everyone knows someone who has gotten older and needs the TV volume a little higher than others because of their declining hearing. In fact, aging is a major role in hearing loss and hearing reduction, but there are many different types of hearing loss with their own causes. If you believe you or someone you know is losing their hearing, check out these three types of hearing loss.

1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Inside your inner ear are tiny hairs that transmit sound entering the ear to the brain for processing. These hairs can get damaged for many reasons, including aging, noise damage, and disease. When this damage happens, it can lead to sensorineural hearing loss.

In most cases, sensorineural hearing loss is gradual, so you may not even realize your hearing is diminishing. However, if you do suspect you have this form of hearing loss, pay attention to how well you hear higher pitched voices. People with sensorineural hearing loss often have a hard time hearing higher pitched sounds. You also may have a harder time blocking out background noise in loud environments.

In most cases, the treatment for sensorineural hearing loss involves the use of a hearing aid. Hearing implants can be beneficial to people with severe hearing loss.

2. Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss happens when the sound energy cannot be transferred to the cochlea properly. Symptoms include muffled hearing, sudden loss of hearing, fullness in the ears, draining of the ear, and pain or tenderness in the ear. In some cases, the cause is as simple as too much earwax or something stuck in the ear, but an infection can also cause this type of hearing loss.

Eardrum damage, such as holes, defects in the bones or canal, and ear fluid can also affect your hearing, causing everything to sound muffled. In more severe cases, the eardrum may completely collapse or start to grow skin cells, known as cholesteatoma, which can damage the ear bones.

Treatment may be as simple as removing whatever is stuck in the ear, such as earwax, but surgery is often required to repair damaged eardrums or ear bones. In other cases, you may need a hearing aid or and implant hearing device.

In some cases, patients may suffer from both conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. This situation is referred to as mixed hearing loss, and it may require multiple treatments.

3. Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder

In some cases, your ear receives sounds perfectly, but when it tries to transfer that sound to the brain to make sense out of the sounds, something goes wrong and the sound is processed incorrectly. Usually, people with this disorder have it from birth because many of the causes are related to pregnancy, such as premature birth, lack of oxygen at birth, and severe jaundice as a newborn.

However, some people can develop auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder later in life due to infectious disease, trauma, and ototoxic drug exposure.

This type of auditory disorder is commonly associated with cochlear implants, which take over transferring the sound to the brain. It will still take time for you to really understand speech, but once you can, a cochlear implant can make it possible for you to hear again or for the first time.

You may have one or more type of hearing complications, but there are many treatments available that may give you back some or all of your hearing. If you would like to know more about hearing loss and how to improve your hearing with hearing aids, contact us at Accurate Hearing Technology today.

Otosclerosis Causes and How Hearing Aids Can Help

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:25:48 GMT

Hearing loss isn't limited to older people. One of the most common causes of hearing loss in younger adults is otosclerosis. Otosclerosis can eventually lead to profound hearing difficulties, but hearing aids help preserve hearing for as long as possible. Read on to learn more about this middle-ear disorder and how an audiologist can help you hear better.

What Is Otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis is a rare disorder where a bone in the middle ear, called the stapes, develops an abnormality that makes it less mobile, or completely stuck in one position. The stapes is vital to transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear which passes the signal on to the brain. When this bone is not able to move well, or at all, then those vibrations are not sent on to the inner ear correctly.

Otosclerosis generally affects younger people, usually over the age of 10 and up to the mid-40s , and is usually not noticeable until the person reaches their twenties or thirties. In addition to hearing loss, you may also notice that you have a ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, as well as balance problems.

How Is Otosclerosis Acquired?

The exact cause of otosclerosis is not quite known, but the following factors seem to play the biggest cause.

Heredity

You have a much higher chance of developing otosclerosis if you have a relative with the condition. Caucasian people, especially women, tend to have a higher incidence of the disorder than those of other races.

Autoimmune Disorders

Some researchers have found a link to autoimmune disorders, where your immune system mistakes parts of your body as a foreign substance.

Measles Infection

Research has shown that people who have recovered from measles are more likely to have otosclerosis. Bone and tissue samples from the middle ear were found to have evidence of the measles virus in many cases.

Hormone Changes

Many women first notice their hearing loss either during or soon after pregnancy while others notice their existing hearing loss worsens during the same time.

Ear Trauma

Stress fractures to bones in and around the ear may contribute to otosclerosis.

Does Otosclerosis Mean Eventual Deafness?

Otosclerosis is usually progressive and could lead to significant hearing loss over time. However, this disorder doesn't always affect both ears, and it affects people in varying degrees. Therefore, just because you have otosclerosis, it doesn't mean that you will become completely deaf or have severe hearing problems, especially if you catch and monitor the condition early.

What Treatments Are Available for Otosclerosis?

If your hearing loss is minor, then your doctor may choose to wait to see if it gets worse. However, if your hearing loss has progressed to the point where it is affecting your life, then hearing aids that amplify sound are usually recommended. You may also benefit from other devices to assist your hearing as well.

If your otosclerosis has progressed beyond the point where hearing aids won't help, then your doctor may recommend a special surgery called a stapedectomy. This surgery removes the stapes and replaces it with a prosthetic. In some cases, this surgery can restore much of your hearing loss, but the risks are very high, so the procedure is only reserved for the worse cases.

Otosclerosis is a progressive disorder that can have a big impact on your life. With proper treatment and assistive devices, such as hearing aids, you may be able to retain enough hearing to live a normal life. Any time you notice hearing loss, or if you are a parent and you notice that your child has trouble hearing, then visit your doctor and an audiologist for an evaluation.

Accurate Hearing Technology can evaluate your middle ear, as well as your current hearing ability, and get you fitted with a device to help improve your hearing. We work with patients that are five years and older who have hearing difficulties. Call or email for an appointment.

Have Vertigo and Hearing Loss? Check for Meniere's Disease

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 19:51:11 GMT

If you have experienced hearing difficulties and bouts of vertigo, then you should visit your doctor and an audiologist to see if you have Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease is an inner-ear disorder that isn’t curable, but its symptoms are manageable. Read on to learn more about this condition's symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments.

What Are Some Symptoms of Meniere's Disease ?

The organ in the inner ear, known as the bony labyrinth, contains fluid (endolymph) that helps your body maintain a sense of balance. Meniere's disease can cause an abnormal amount of this fluid, which, in turn, causes you to lose your sense of balance. You may feel dizzy and, in some cases, nauseous.

Instead of having gradual hearing loss, people with Meniere's may notice that their hearing comes and goes. Eventually this hearing loss can become permanent. Along with hearing loss, you may also suffer from tinnitus. Tinnitus causes the perception of ringing or buzzing in your ears. Your ears may also feel like they are full or blocked.

People with Meniere's disease can often identify triggers that make their symptoms worse. For example, secondary illnesses, stress, certain foods, and fatigue can exacerbate your symptoms.

What Causes Meniere's Disease ?

Unfortunately, this disease has no known cause. A genetic link is possible as it tends to run in families. Meniere's disease can start at any age, but it usually develops in young adulthood. Factors that may increase your risks of developing this disease include:

Frequent viral infections
Poor immune system
Improper fluid drainage due to anatomic abnormalities in the ear canal

Since the causes of Meniere's disease are so nebulous, get a diagnosis.

How Does a Doctor Diagnose Meniere's Disease ?

Your doctor will want to rule out any other possible causes for your hearing loss, such as:

Excessive noise exposure
Viral infections, like measles
Meningitis
Head injuries
Too much ear wax

Your doctor may order bloodwork or imaging scans to rule out these disorders. Your doctor will also check that you've had at least two episodes of vertigo that have lasted at least 20 minutes .

He or she can have you undergo balance tests. For example, you could undergo a videonystagmography (VNG) or rotary-chair testing. In a VNG, the doctor will link sensors in the inner ear to muscles that control eye movement. The doctor will then have you move your head while focusing on one point.

Like a VNG, the rotary-chair test measures your inner eye function based on your eye movement and focus. Both tests can help your doctor figure out if your vertigo is related to an inner ear problem.

Your doctor may also recommend that you see an audiologist to verify hearing loss. During a hearing test (audiometry), an audiologist will test how well you can detect sounds at various pitches.

How Do You Manage This Condition?

If you are diagnosed with Meniere's disease, you may be frustrated with the unpredictable bouts of vertigo and increasing hearing loss. However, you can do lots of things to treat this disorder. Your audiologist can fit you with hearing aids so that you can still participate in day-to-day activities without struggling to hear others.

Your doctor may also recommend anti-nausea medications and anti-motion sickness medications, which can help you reduce nausea during vertigo episodes. You can also look into positive pressure therapy. During this therapy, your doctor will apply pressure to the middle ear to reduce fluid buildup. This therapy can improve your balance and decrease your vertigo episodes.

Lastly, a change in your diet can work wonders. You may also need to limit foods that contain:

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Caffeine
Salt
Chocolate

Make sure that you drink water so that your body doesn't get dehydrated and overcompensate by retaining water. Since too much fluid retention can increase symptoms, your doctor may also recommend medications (diuretics) that can reduce fluid retention. Reducing your sodium intake can especially reduce water retention.

Contact an audiologist today to learn more about Meniere's disease and how to manage it. Contact us at Accurate Hearing Technology for more information about hearing assessments.

4 Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 20:57:02 GMT

In most cases, losing your hearing is a slow process, and you may not realize you are losing your hearing until you can no longer enjoy normal conversations and social activities. If you believe your loved one is beginning to lose their hearing, there are many signs for which to watch. Check out these four symptoms that may indicate hearing loss.

1. Muffled Speech

A lot of people mumble or simply don't speak clearly. However, if your loved one has suddenly started mumbling or speaking in a muffled speech, they may not be able to hear themselves speaking as well as they once could. If you can't hear the words you are speaking, it's hard to pronounce them correctly.

You may also have trouble judging how loudly they are speaking, which can cause muffled speech. However, in some cases, if your loved one can't hear their voice well, they may speak louder than normal without realizing it.

2. Trouble Hearing in Noisy Situations

Most people can go to a busy, noisy mall and easily have a private conversation with their friend or loved one without struggling to hear over the crowd. One of the first signs of hearing loss, however, is an inability to separate the conversation from the noisy environment. Separating the noises is complex process that requires good hearing in both ears, and those with hearing loss may have trouble.

Modern science cannot repair the damaged cells, but you can take steps to reduce future damage. Start by avoiding noises over 40 to 60 decibels (an average conversation). Noises that are above 60 decibels can include music from headphones, loud settings on smartphones, etc. There are hearing aid devices that can help drown out background noise, so you can focus on the conversation at hand.

3. Struggling to Hear Consonants

If your loved one struggles to hear consonants, they may have high-frequency hearing loss. This makes it hard to hear some consonants like S, H, and F because of their higher pitch. Your loved one may particularly struggle to understand what women and children are saying because their voices tend to have a higher pitch than an adult male.

A lot of people with high-pitched hearing loss claim they can actually hear what the other person is saying, but they can't understand what is being said. Two of the leading causes of this type of hearing loss are age and noise, such as listening to music through headphones at high levels. Other causes include genetics, certain medications, and some diseases.

4. Withdrawal From Social Settings

The frustration of not being able to hear or understand conversations can change your loved one's mood, causing them to become angry or depressed. In many cases, the person will also begin to avoid social settings because instead of having fun, they are struggling to hear and understand the most basic conversation.

Of course, this withdrawal only worsens your loved one's mood, and it may even cause them to feel lonely, which can be detrimental to anyone's mental health, especially seniors. As their mental health continues to decline, they may begin to isolate themselves even more due to depression and anxiety, creating a downward spiral.

Hearing loss is common, especially as you get older, but it isn't always immediately obvious because most people lose their hearing over a period of time. Even if your loved one doesn't think they are going deaf, look for signs to determine what's really going on inside those ears.

For more information or to seek treatment for hearing loss for your loved one, contact us at Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. today.

Seniors and Hearing Aids: A Brief Guide

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 17:16:34 GMT

Health problems tend to occur more frequently as people get older, and one of the most common health issues that seniors must deal with is hearing loss. In many cases, the best way to ameliorate hearing loss is to use a hearing aid. Here is a brief guide to this important issue for seniors.

Signs of Hearing Loss

The first step in resolving your hearing issues is realizing that your hearing has declined. The signs of hearing loss include not being able to fully understand what other people are saying. If you are constantly asking people to speak up, or frequently telling friends and relatives that they are mumbling, then it's likely that your hearing is getting worse.

Also, if you are having difficulty hearing the dialogue in television programs and find yourself continually turning up the volume on the television set, this may indicate that hearing loss is occurring. Having trouble talking with people on the telephone is another common sign of hearing loss, as is avoiding social situations due to your inability to carry on conversations.

Facts About Hearing Aids

One important thing to know about hearing aids is that they cannot cure hearing loss. The purpose of a hearing aid is to make it easier to live with the problem. Hearing aids magnify certain sounds so that you can make them out more clearly. Although not a cure for hearing decline, hearing aids can definitely improve your quality of life.

Two Devices

Another key fact about hearing aids is that you may need more than a single device. You have two ears, so if you have hearing loss, you will probably need two aids. The advantage of using two hearing aids is that it helps you determine the specific location where the sounds are coming from.

Mild Loss

It is simply a myth that hearing aids are only for people who have moderate or severe hearing loss. Even if your hearing loss is mild, a hearing aid can still help you hear better and improve your ability to communicate with others.

Adjustment

People who are new to wearing a hearing aid need time to adjust to the device. It takes a little while for your ears to become accustomed to the sound amplification that hearing aids provide. One excellent idea is to use the aid at a wide range of locations right after you have the device installed, which helps you adjust to different types of amplified sounds.

Looks

One reason that some seniors are hesitant to get a hearing aid, even though they need one, is that they are concerned about appearances. Some older people have concerns that all hearing aids are bulky and conspicuous.

But not using a hearing aid due to cosmetic reasons is foolish. For one thing, it's simply not true that all hearing aids are conspicuous. Many of today's device fit comfortably inside of the ear and other people may not even be aware that you're wearing an aid.

Even if the aid is somewhat noticeable, that is no cause for not wearing the device. Your hearing is one of your most important senses and any cosmetic issues are secondary. You should think no more of wearing a hearing aid than you would about wearing a pair of glasses.

A crucial factor in making sure that you get the most benefit out of a hearing aid is dealing with expert hearing aid professionals, such as the ones at Accurate Hearing Technology. We are available to handle all of your hearing aid needs and answer any of your questions on this vital health topic. Contact us to learn more.

Digital Hearing Aids: Basics About This New Technology

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 20:32:22 GMT

Digital hearings aids are the newcomer on the audiology scene. They function similarly to their analog counterparts. However, because of the new digital technology integrated into these hearing aids, they do have some additional benefits. If you're considering a digital hearing aid for you or a loved one, read on for some of the basics of this technology.

How Digital Hearing Aids Work

Both analog and digital hearing aids consist of a microphone that picks up sound. The amplifier increases the volume of the sound to make it louder. The receiver then transfers the louder sound to your ear.

The difference is that analog hearing aids turn sound waves into electrical signals before they amplify them while digital hearing aids turn the sound waves into binary-style numerical codes before they amplify them. This conversion allows the aid to process different information related to the sound such as pitch or volume. Therefore, you can program the aid to amplify certain frequencies more than it amplifies others.

Benefits of Digital Hearing Aids

Because of the advancements in technology, digital hearing aids offer several technological advantages. For instance, they can reduce feedback by monitoring it and then cancelling the feedback out. They can also be programmed to increase desired sounds without causing discomfort with the level of intensity.

In that vein, a major benefit of digital hearing aids is that they can utilize a digital speech enhancement system. These systems work to increase the relative intensity of speech, making it easier to discern. One of the primary reasons people want hearing aids is so they can better follow conversations, which makes this feature a significant boon.

But the biggest benefit from all that technology is that audiologists can program the hearing aids to best meet the user’s lifestyle. For instance, they can add programs for listening in crowded areas or those with excess echoing, depending on the user's lifestyle.

Features Available with Digital Hearing Aids

Going along with those benefits, you'll have some options for features in the hearing aids. These features can enhance and personalize the user's experience.

One feature is the directional microphone, which aims in just one direction. These microphones provide one method for focusing just on the sounds the user wants to hear. For example, you can focus the directional microphone to pick up the voice of a speaker in front of you while essentially ignoring sounds behind you.

A popular feature is the telecoil, which is a copper wire or small sensor in the aid. The telecoil's job is to wirelessly pick up a magnetic signal from telephones that are compatible with the telecoil. They also work with public address systems. The sensor converts the audio loop into sound, thus making hearing in those situations easier. You can turn on the telecoil when needed.

Choosing a Digital Hearing Aid

The type of hearing aid you choose will depend largely on the amount of hearing loss. The reason for the loss also plays a role. For instance, the most common cause of hearing loss is damage to the hair cells lining the inner ear that convert sound waves into electrical signals. Damage caused by age and loud noises inhibits their function. Hearing aids can help manage this kind of loss.

Hearing aids are not a budget healthcare option. However, you shouldn't let price be the major determining factor. Hearing loss, especially if significant, can be a big detriment to your or your loved one's lifestyle. So, you'll want to look at the technology and features that will best help manage the hearing loss.

Finally, also keep age in mind. When it comes to smaller children, some of the larger hearing aids may be easier to break or otherwise unwieldy. For senior citizens, the larger aids may be preferable. They, however, may not utilize or even appreciate some of the features that require them to manipulate the remote or access software.

Don't let hearing loss negatively impact you or your loved one's life. Talk to the hearing specialists at Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. for help choosing the right aids and features.

Tips for Travel With a Hearing Aid

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 04:16:34 GMT

When you rely on hearing aids for your health, safety, and enjoyment, traveling with a hearing aid is inevitable. You may wonder how you can care for your hearing aid to ensure your device stays clean and safe while you travel, especially trips that take you out of the country. Fortunately, you can enjoy travel without worrying about your hearing aid when you understand a few helpful tips ahead of time.

Understand TSA Checkpoint Steps

One of the first things you need to know about traveling via plane is that you do not need to take out a hearing aid to travel through the TSA security checkpoint at the airport. If you do not want to go through the x-ray machine with your device, you can ask for a visual search and pat down instead.

Ask Staff Members for Help

If you struggle to hear audio messages that play over the speaker in the airport, you can look for areas that offer visual announcements. Airport staff members can point you toward these messaging systems so you do not miss important information about your flight. Likewise, you can also ask gate agents for your flight if you need more assistance hearing announcements or understanding where you need to go next.

Unfortunately, many buses and trains do not offer visual notifications when a stop is coming up. You may need to ask the driver, an employee, or a fellow passenger if they can alert you to any audio messages you might have trouble hearing.

Finally, you might want to tell staff members at the hotel you are staying at about any hearing loss in case of an emergency. You may need a visual warning if something is wrong, if you may not be able to hear the warnings.

Choose Your Seat

You might want to choose your seat before you arrive at the airport to ensure you do not get placed in an emergency exit row. A flight attendant may ask you if you are able to carry out the duties and responsibilities associated with sitting in the emergency exit row, and if your hearing could pose an issue, you may have to tell the attendant that you aren’t comfortable with that responsibility.

Bring Extra Batteries

While spare lithium ion and lithium metal batteries must contained in your carry-on baggage and not packed in your cargo baggage, you should always bring extra batteries for your hearing aid, just in case something goes wrong while you are in the midst of traveling.

Store Extra Materials in Your Carry-On

Batteries are not the only extra supplies you should store in your carry-on baggage. You should also keep extra tubing and other assistive devices in your carry-on to ensure they do not become misplaced if something happens to the rest of your luggage on a plane or bus.

Bring a Dehumidifier

If you plan to travel somewhere humid, perhaps a tropical island, you should take measures to keep your hearing aid dry. A dry hearing aid is important, especially because moisture can get in your device without you knowing it in the form of humidity. Bring a small dehumidifier for your hotel room to keep your hearing aids working properly.

Understand Electrical Outlet Concerns

If you intend to travel to another country, be aware that electrical outlets may be different from what you are used to in the United States. Bring a converter to ensure you can plug in devices or rechargeable batteries for your hearing aid.

Accurate Hearing Technology offers help with hearing aids and related health concerns. Do you need additional information about hearing aids? Are you concerned about upcoming travel with your new hearing aid? Help is available. Call us today to discuss your options.

Kids Need Some Control Over What Hearing Device They Wear

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 15:19:15 GMT

Parents want the best for their children. It may seem to a loving parent that the only way to make certain their son or daughter has the hearing device they need is for them to select the design. However, there are many reasons why kids should have more sa y in the device they wear.

Encourage More Acceptance

Most deaf children (over 90 percent ) have hearing parents. The parents may have the best interest of their child at heart, but they do not necessarily understand how the device could affect the self-esteem of their growing child. Kids typically want to fit in with their peers, and something small like a hearing aid can still be an enormous problem to a child.

Allow the child to have confidence in the hearing device they wear. The ability to select a design that feels comfortable for them and one that looks appealing as well can lessen their dislike of the hearing aid. It is okay, after all, in teen and pre-teen circles to have something different if that difference seems interesting.

Acceptance is not only the willingness of the child to wear the device but of society accepting hearing aids as well. Consider the change in the social acceptance of eyeglasses. At one time, children did everything they could to avoid glasses. Today retailers sell glasses with no prescription so even people that do not have vision problems can keep up with the trend of wearing glasses.

Increase Potential Usage

One of the most difficult tasks for parents of children with hearing disorders is to get their kid to wear their heari ng device. It is common for kids to remove hearing aids when their parent is not around. Sadly, this often means the child does not have the help of their device in class when they need it most.

Simple decisions, like a color choice, can make all the diffe rence. One child may prefer a flesh-toned device that blends with their skin or a color that matches their hair. Some children enjoy a flashier version with bold colors. Kits available today can cover the devices with superheroes and other designs, and som e kids custom design their devices with special stickers.

Children want to show the world their individuality and style. The control over the look of the hearing aid makes the device something they appreciate more. The hearing aid can seem more like an acc essory they enjoy and less like a medical device.

Promote More Awareness

A child that does not hide from their hearing loss and the use of a device can become a better advocate for themselves. Over time, they will appreciate not missing conversations, and enjoy the improved grades at school. The desire to keep their hearing at its best will encourage them to let their parents know when they need a better fitting device.

Children that feel excited about upgrading their hearing device will pay attention to the recommendations from their audiologist. The accuracy of hearing tests become more important because they want their device to work properly. The involvement in the process makes it easier for them to get exactly what they need.

A confident child becomes a better advocate for themselves and other hearing-impaired individuals. Instead of hiding the device away, they may eventually feel comfortable enough to want to discuss it. The more open children are about their hearing loss, the easier it is for them to talk to doctors, educators and, parents about needs that have been left unaddressed.

At Accurate Hearing Technology , we want your child to have the hearing device that suits their needs best. We also want all our patients to feel comfortable and confident with their choice. Call us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing test.

It's Hot Outside — Do Your Hearing Aids Need More Care?

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 20:30:47 GMT

As the weather changes, you might wonder if your hearing aids requires additional care. After all, if you are hot then your hearing aids are also probably getting pretty warm too. Plus, your body heat can impact your hearing devices as you heat up in the sun. This guide will help you ensure you take care of your hearing aids in the hot weather.

Hearing Aids May Require Additional Attention

When you go out into the heat, you may sweat more. Sweat can combine with ear wax and other debris to clog your ears or get into the small holes in your aids. As a result, you may need to clean your hearing aids more often than in the colder months.

Sweat is a big problem for hearing aids, especially because the excess moisture from your sweat can enter the device, as can humid air floating around you. If you live in an area where it is humid, you may want a dehumidifier near the area where you store your devices when you do not use them.

Summertime also means you might use bug repellents and sunblock more often than usual. So pay close attention to the way you apply those materials. For example, using spray sunblock on your face or shoulders means your device may get wet.

Hearing Aids Require Safe Storage

Your device may overheat when it is out in the intense heat all summer. The computer chip inside your hearing aids is susceptible to damage caused by the heat. If possible, stay inside as the weather heats up midday to prevent the circuit breaking from the heat.

Keep in mind that the circuit inside your hearing aid can break when you are not wearing it and it is not in use. For example, you might take your device off to take a dip in the lake, but your device is left under the hot rays of the sun in the meantime.

The sun is not the only culprit for damaging hearing aids in the summer. Other types of materials that contain small particles, like sand and dirt, also make their way into your hearing aids and wreak havoc.

Hearing Aid Components Can Melt

You may have to be outside, however. In this situation, try to keep your ears out of the direct sunlight where the sun can damage your device because hearing aids and other similar devices have components the sun can actually melt, including the battery. Pay close attention to your device if you feel the sun beating down on your face, and keep in mind that the shade from a hat or your hair may be useful to prevent this issue.

Remember, even if you do not feel the outside of the device melting, something could still be wrong.

Hearing Aids May Require Replacement

If you have had your hearing aid for a while and you can see that something is not quite right, a professional should look at your hearing aid to determine if something is malfunctioning.

Additionally, bring your hearing aid to a professional as soon as possible if you suspect it has gotten wet or if you think something may be broken inside. A professional may be able to remedy the problem if not much time has passed.

Accurate Hearing Technology is locally-owned and operated in Sanford. We offer a variety of hearing devices, ranging from hearing aids to swim plugs. Our licensed and certified professionals are ready to help you through the process of finding appliances that meet your needs. Call us today, and we’ll help you find the right device for your needs.

Getting Used to Your First Hearing Aid

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 08:55:35 GMT

If you suffer from declining hearing and have decided to wear a hearing aid, then you may be in for a surprise. When you wear a hearing aid for the first time, the experience is not like putting on a new pair of glasses, when you see better from the start. When it comes to a hearing aid, you may not experience perfect hearing right away, and you may end up thinking that your hearing aid is not working.

In order to have good hearing with a hearing aid, you must take certain steps so that you and the device are perfectly in sync. Here are some tips on how to acclimate to your hearing aid if you are a first-time user.

Get to Know Your Hearing Aid

When you first get your hearing aid, your audiologist should show you all of its different parts and features. Practice inserting and removing the device several times while you are at the doctor’s office. You should also be familiar with how to clean and maintain your hearing aid to keep it working perfectly.

Start Gradually

Don't immediately go out into noisy or busy environments while wearing your new hearing aid. Try out the device at home in a quieter environment. Your brain needs to adjust to all the new stimuli, and the different noises of a busy environment will sound strange and even irritating. Your brain has gotten used to your hearing loss and will have to re-learn how to ignore the everyday sounds that most people don't notice.

Talk to Yourself

You may notice that your voice sounds strange or exceptionally loud when you first insert your hearing aid. In order to retrain your brain to adjust and ignore the sound of your own voice, practice talking to yourself and listening to your own voice. One really easy way to adjust to your voice is by reading aloud. You could also try singing along with your favorite songs.

Listen and Read at the Same Time

If you've had hearing loss for a long time, it may take time for your brain to connect sounds with human speech. One way to adjust is by reading and listening to words at the same time. Many audiobooks are available that match word for word with their written books, or you can have someone read while you follow along. You can also watch television with closed captioning and read and listen at the same time.

Refrain From Self-Adjusting

If you feel that your hearing aid is annoying you or is not working properly, resist the urge to play with the volume and controls. Your audiologist has calibrated your hearing aid to your needs, and you haven't gotten used to it yet. When you change the settings or volume, you could not only make it harder to adjust but also make your hearing aid work worse.

Check With Your Audiologist

You should see your audiologist frequently, especially during the adjustment period, so that your hearing aids can be checked and adjusted. Mention any complaints about buzzing or whistling noises as well as any fitting discomfort. During these visits, your device will be reprogrammed, if necessary, and cleaned. Your hearing may also be rechecked if you are having difficulty with further hearing loss and report that you don't seem to hear very well.

The time it takes to adjust to a hearing aid is different between individuals. If you don't practice with and have them adjusted when needed, then the acclimation period will take longer. It's important that you start out with the best hearing aid possible to get the best results.

Accurate Hearing Technology has several types of hearing aids available to fit your hearing needs. Contact us, and our experts will work with you before, during, and after the adjustment period to keep you hearing at its best.

Keep Your Kids's Ears Safe This Summer With Swim Plugs

Mon, 06 May 2019 18:06:11 GMT

Is your child prone to ear infections? Has the doctor recommended the use of tubes in their ears to help? If so, find out what you can do this summer to prevent childhood ear problems.

As the weather warms and summer vacation gets into swing, your little ones will surely head out to play in the water. Here are a few ways to keep their ears safe from infection while they enjoy summer fun.

Choose Good Swim Plugs
Children who have tubes in their ears may need to wear swim plugs when in the water. Start by consulting with your doctor about the need for swim plugs to keep water and bacteria out of the ear canal. Doctors commonly recommend these devices for swimming in open water and at other times based on your child's needs.

Over-the-counter ear plugs are available, but these have many downsides. First, they're not customized to fit your child's ear, so they may be of limited use to keep water out. Standardized plugs are often not washable, creating sanitary issues. And materials like putty may also leave debris in the ear after use.

A better solution is a customized swim plug. A doctor will fit the plug to your child's ear. Custom plugs provide further protection and are specifically designed to keep water out of the ear canal rather than reduce noise.

Ensure Your Child Uses the Plugs Correctly
Your child may have a learning curve when they first start using swim plugs. You probably should insert and remove the ear plugs for your child if they are very young. As the child gets older and adapts to the plugs, they may be able to help out and then finally do it themselves.

If you're not sure if your child will use the plugs correctly when you're not around (such as at swim parties), show another adult how to use them properly. Adult supervision will also help keep track of swim plugs so they don't get lost.

Know When to Use Plugs
Talk with your doctor or hearing professional about the best situations to use swim plugs in your kids' ears. Some parents may feel that chlorinated water in pools may be safer for the child to swim in without plugs, but keep in mind that public pools or hot tubs can be hosts to a variety of contaminants.

The natural surface tension of water helps keep water out of the ear canal for casual swimming. But if your child enjoys diving or going deeper while snorkeling, talk with a hearing professional about the best use of swim plugs in deeper waters.

While bath time isn't typically about swimming, swim plugs are useful to keep water out the ear canal when your child cleans up. Chemicals and soap in bath water can affect how well the natural surface tension of water works, so it may be wise to develop a habit of using plugs at home too.

Follow Up With a Professional

Check in on a regular basis with a hearing professional who will evaluate the use of your child's swim plugs. Growing children may need adjustments to make sure that plugs work effectively and are comfortable. Write down any questions or concerns you or your little one has while using the ear plugs in daily life, and discuss these at regular appointments with the swim-plug provider.

At Accurate Hearing Technology , we provide top-quality swim plugs as well as other ear plugs and devices to protect your children's health. Make an appointment with us today to learn what our custom swim plugs can do for you.

Parents With Hearing Loss Need Help to Avoid Parenting Issues

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 03:34:26 GMT

Hearing loss affects a multitude of people at various points in their lives. For example, some individuals suffer from problematic hearing issues while they're still young enough to raise small children. In this scenario, a multitude of concerns could develop that you can manage using many methods, such as hearing dogs and hearing aids.

Parenting Issues Caused By Hearing Loss

Raising children when you have hearing loss can be a significant challenge. Parents often communicate with their offspring mostly via verbal communication, and an inability to do so may trigger many issues. Even worse, being unable to hear a child during critical times in their lives can also cause a variety of concerns, such as:

Communication problems – Parents may struggle to listen to their children or may make mistakes when communicating with them that causes fights.

Missed issues with the child – Parents with hearing problems may not hear their baby crying at night, which could be a dangerous situation.

Developmental problems – Some children of parents with hearing issues may struggle to use verbal communication methods due to a lack of practice.

Emotional issues – Children of parents with hearing loss may get frustrated from time to time and act out, causing further problems between the parent and child.

These problems don't have to worsen if a parent is smart about their hearing loss. Thankfully, many different communication improvement methods are available that can make talking to and understanding the needs of children much more comfortable.

Ways to Improve Communication

Parents with hearing issues can take many steps to help improve their communication with their children. First of all, they can educate their child on this hearing loss and teach them simple communication methods, such as making eye contact when speaking with the parent or moving to a quiet room to talk about their problems.

Other steps include buying a hearing dog to move into the home to help with the family. A hearing dog reacts to specific scenarios and helps a parent with hearing loss know what is happening. For example, a hearing dog may respond to a crying baby by getting the attention of the parent and leading them into the room to address the situation.

Reasons Why Hearing Aids Matter

Parents with rapidly decreasing hearing acuity need to consider the many benefits of hearing aids. These tools help to manage a variety of issues and make parenting much more comfortable. Just a few of their benefits include how they:

Improve speaking clarity – When you're talking to your child with a hearing aid, you'll hear what they say more efficiently and can communicate more effectively.

Decrease ambient noise – High-quality hearing aids automatically decrease ambient noise to make hearing a child in the other room much more manageable.

Increase life enjoyment – Parents who have avoided activities with their children because of hearing loss can dive right back into the fun of parenting.

All of these benefits make hearing aids an essential element of a parent's life. The multiple types of hearing aids available on the market make choosing the right model much more manageable. Don't hesitate to do some shopping to find a model that works for you.

We Can Provide You With a Hearing Aid

So if you need a hearing aid to help raise your child, please contact us today at Accurate Hearing Technology to get the help that you need. Our professionals will assess the level of your hearing loss and will work hard to ensure that you get a hearing aid that works for your needs and which keeps you tuned in on what your child needs.

3 Essential Tips for Maintaining Your New Hearing Aid

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 01:51:44 GMT

Hearing is an important sense, but many people suffer from hearing loss. As a matter of fact, recent reports have shown an estimated 35 million Americans currently suffer from hearing loss and that number is expected to grow, according to Hear-it.

Treatments that may involve therapy, and surgery is an option if you are affected by a hearing problem. However, wearing a hearing aid can bean easier, more effective option in some cases. As with any type of aid, proper use and maintenance are essential. With this guide, you will learn a few tips for effectively maintaining your new hearing aid.

1. Perform Listening Checks
A listening check is usually conducted first thing in the morning - as soon as you place the hearing aid on. This simple check will determine whether your hearing aid is working well or not working at all.

To get started, turn the aid on and cup it with your hand. If feed back, which may include a whistling or buzzing sound is heard, the aid is working.

To determine if your aid is working well, place the aid in your ear and listen carefully, adjusting the volume if necessary. Make sure there are no breaks in sound and words/phrases are heard in a clear manner.

If you are unable to hear clearly, have your hearing aid evaluated as soon as possible.

2. Check/Replace the Batteries
The type and life span of batteries will depend on your specific hearing aid. Fortunately, knowing when and if your batteries need to be replaced is not difficult.

Even though some aids use rechargeable batteries, zinc-air button disposable batteries are the most common option. The exact lifes pan of these batteries will depend on the battery size, your hearing loss,and how long the hearing aid is worn/used.

If you wear your hearing aid for about 16 hours a day, you can expect the battery life to last 5 to 7 days.

If sounds are distorted and you are constantly having to turn the volume up on your hearing aid, it is most likely time to replace the batteries. Depending on your specific hearing aid, you may have a light indicating it is time to replace your batteries or an alarm that beeps when your battery power is running low.

3. Clean and Store Regularly
Cleaning your hearing aid is also important, but the techniques used will depend on the specific model you are using. Your hearing aid should come with a cleaning kit that contains all the tools you need for your specific aid.

All hearing aids have a microphone and speaker that should be inspected and cleaned daily. Use a brush to clean the microphone and speaker holes, and remove any dirt, dust, or other debris that may be trapped inside. For stubborn dirt and debris, consider using a wax pick to clean out the microphone and speaker ports.

Locate the hearing aid's vent, which is the opening that allows air to flow from one side of the aid to the other. A vent cleaner tool can be used to remove any dirt or dust from inside the vent.

In addition, the ear mold/dome should be cleaned if you are wearing a behind-the-ear or receiver-in-ear hearing aid. Use a specifically-formulated cleaning wipe or cloth with disinfectant spray.

Never use soap and water to clean your aids, since the soapy residue and excess moisture will cause damage. After cleaning, store the aid in its dehumidifier case.

Finally, make sure you schedule routine checks every six months with your hearing specialist . These routine visits will ensure your hearing aid is functioning properly, improving your hearing ability.

For more information on hearing loss or to schedule a consultation for a hearing aid, contact Accurate Hearing Technology today.

3 Facts About Hearing Loss

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 21:12:00 GMT

From being alerted by alarms and listening to the news to hearing your children laugh and share stories, hearing is one of the most important senses. Unfortunately, not everyone has the ability to hear in a clear and concise manner. Understanding how and why you are struggling to hear is important for an effective diagnosis and proper treatment.

This guide will help you understand a few essential facts regarding hearing loss so you can receive the help you need.

1. Hearing Loss Is Quite Common

Most people are surprised to learn how common hearing loss is. Recent reports showed an estimated 15 percent of American adults have some form of hearing loss.

In addition to the large percentage of adults with hearing loss, around 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in America are born with some type of hearing loss. While some are born with hearing loss, other children will lose their hearing at some point in their life.

If you experience hearing loss, you should never feel alone because this condition is actually quite common.

2. Causes of Hearing Loss Vary

Before you can begin treatment for your hearing loss, you need to determine the cause. As you age, your body experiences many changes. A decrease in your ability to hear is one of these changes. While surprising to learn, about 1 in 2 adults over the age of 65 have some form of hearing loss. If you are over 65 and experiencing hearing difficulties, you may have age-related hearing loss.

Other factors can create hearing loss as well. For example, children born with hearing loss may have inherited the difficulty from their parents.

Also, certain injuries and diseases can lead to hearing loss. If you have a traumatic brain injury or damage to the ear drum, you may lose your ability to hear.

Patients with Meniere's disease may have ringing in the ear, dizziness, sensitivity to loud noises, and hearing loss that comes and goes.

Diseases of the inner or middle ear can also cause hearing loss. An autoimmune disorder of the inner ear can affect your hearing while Otosclerosis affects the bones of the middle ear, reducing your ability to hear.

If you take antibiotics, diuretics, aspirin, or chemotherapy drugs, you may experience hearing loss.

Finally, exposure to loud noises can lead to hearing loss. Working in a loud factory will decrease your hearing over time, but hearing a loud explosion can cause hearing loss immediately.

3. Help For Your Hearing Loss Is Available

If your hearing loss stems from a specific disease or brain injury, treatment from a specialist may be necessary. For example, brain injuries may require surgery before a doctor can address the actual loss of your hearing. Surgery may also be a possibility if you have Otosclerosis.

If your hearing loss stems from a specific medication, consult your physician. A different type of medication that does not affect your hearing may be prescribed.

Fortunately, most people can improve their hearing loss by wearing hearing aids. Today, there are many designs of hearing aids available.

BTE, or Behind-the-Ear, hearing aids are popular for patients with a hearing loss that ranges from mild to more profound. In addition, because they are easy to remove and comfortable to wear, BTE aids are a good option for young patients.

ITE, or In-the-Ear, aids are worn inside the ear. They are effective for patients with mild to severe hearing loss.

Every patient is different, so you may require a different treatment than someone else with the same type of hearing loss. For more information, contact Accurate Hearing Technology today.

How Attending Loud Concerts Can Damage Your Hearing

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:59:18 GMT

There's something magical about attending live concerts. Seeing your favorite musicians performing on stage wakes something inside of you and makes you feel so connected to the music. When you walk out of the venue with ringing in your ears, the experience seems worth the discomfort—but is it? Loud concerts can permanently damage your hearing much faster and more extensively than you realize.

How Loud Does a Concert Have to Be to Cause Damage?

It wasn't that loud. Have you ever used this response after a parent or friend warned you of the dangers of loud concerts? You're not alone. But you're probably wrong.

Sound is measured in units called decibels. A whisper registers around 30 decibels , and normal speech is around 60 decibels. Any sound over 85 decibels has the potential to cause hearing loss, and the louder the sound is, the faster the hearing loss occurs.

Concert music often exceeds 100 decibels, and hearing loss occurs pretty quickly at that level. Just two minutes of exposure to 110 decibels can cause damage. And 110 decibels does not seem that loud because sound does not cause pain until about 120 decibels.

Of course, attending super-loud rock and metal concerts will likely cause even more damage. The loudest concert ever was performed by Swedish rock group Sleazy Joe in 2008, according to writer Chuck Smeeton. Sleazy Joe reached 143.2 decibels—and surely caused a lot of hearing loss in the process.

How Does the Noise Actually Damage Your Ears?

Perhaps one reason people tend to ignore noise-related hearing damage is that it is hard to visualize. You cannot see sound, so imagining sound physically damaging your ears is rather abstract. Learning a bit more about the way your ear works can help.

Inside your ear, you have tiny little cells called hair cells. These hair cells bend back in response to the vibrations that are sound, triggering your auditory nerve in the process. Sounds that are too loud cause the hair cells to over-bend and snap. Once they're broken, they often die—and they cannot grow back or be repaired, says Medical News Today.

A few minutes at a loud, 120-decibel concert may kill a lot of hair cells at once. Hours at semi-loud, 100-decibel concerts, spread out over a lifetime, will kill a few hair cells at a time. But the end result is the same: fewer hair cells and resulting hearing loss.

If Concerts Are So Bad, Why Doesn't Everyone Have Hearing Aids?

Not everyone has hearing loss, but an alarming fraction of people actually do! About 20 percent of Americans report some degree of hearing loss, and there are likely a lot more people suffering from undiagnosed hearing loss.

The stigma attached to hearing loss and hearing aids causes people to avoid seeking treatment. Experts estimate that only 16 percent of the 28.8 million American adults who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them.

Just because you know people who attend concerts and don't yet wear hearing aids does not mean loud concerts are safe. Those people may actually need hearing aids, and so will you if you don't take the right precautions.

How Can You Protect Your Hearing During Loud Concerts?

You could give up attending concerts altogether, but you'd be missing out on an enjoyable part of the human experience. Thankfully, there are ways to protect your ears without spending the evening alone on your sofa.

Sit further away from the speakers. As a bonus, 200-level and 300-level seats are typically cheaper than floor seats. Also, be reasonable with your selection of concerts. If you love rock concerts, by all means, attend them. But think twice before seeing bands that are known for their attempts to set sound records.

The ultimate way to protect your hearing at concerts is to wear earplugs. Musician earplugs are a good choice because they dampen the noise without reducing the clarity. You can also look into other forms of hearing aids and accessories.

Loud concerts are a lot of fun, but you may pay for that fun later in the form of hearing loss. Keep the advice above in mind, and contact Accurate Hearing Technology Inc. if you're looking for high-quality musician earplugs.

Save Your Hearing With Musicians Earplugs

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 02:19:31 GMT

If you're a musician, then you know how important it is to be able to hear the music that you play. However, because you are constantly exposed to loud sounds, you could risk damage to your hearing. Your hearing might diminish, or you may develop conditions like tinnitus which could distort the incoming sounds to your ear.

Fortunately, tools like musicians earplugs are available to help you. This guide lists some of the reasons why you should get musicians earplugs, what they do, and how to get them.

Why Do Musicians Need Earplugs?

Musicians, such as yourself, are a group of people who are routinely exposed to loud sounds for long periods of time. While occasional and infrequent exposure to loud sounds will not likely cause hearing loss, more frequent exposure over time puts you at higher risk.

Sounds above 85 decibels , about the noise level from heavy traffic, is enough to cause hearing damage. The type of music you play doesn’t matter, either. Classical musicians are at just as much risk as rock musicians as it's the intensity and duration of the noise that matters, not just the type.

Won't Earplugs Make It Hard to Hear the Music?

No, not if you get specially designed earplugs that filter out the loud noises, yet let the tones and pitches of the music pass through. They don't block out all noise like disposable silicone or rubber earplugs. If your earplugs are fitted properly, you should still be able to hear all the details of the music, but not at an excruciatingly loud level. This allows you to listen and play as usual with less risk for hearing damage.

What Types of Musicians Earplugs Are Available?

Musicians earplugs are available in several options such as non-custom, custom, and electronic. Custom earplugs are made specifically for your hearing level and needs.

Non-custom earplugs are often sold over the counter as high-fidelity earplugs. They work well, in general, but if you want the best, most clear sound, then you must have customized equipment. Electronic earplugs adjust automatically to the changing sounds around you, so you can hear both low and high sounds without the need to remove or adjust them.

How Are Musicians Earplugs Customized to the User?

After you get your overall hearing examined, the audiologist may ask you to demonstrate the type of music you play or the sound level you are exposed to so that the earplugs can be better designed for your situation. The loudness and duration of the music plays a role in customizing your plugs.

Some people may need a different type of earplug for each ear. One size does not fit all when it comes to these devices.

Where Can Someone Get Customized Musicians Earplugs?

The only way to get customized musicians earplugs is to visit an audiologist. He or she will have specialized equipment to measure your hearing and verify that the earplugs are working right.

You should also have your earplugs fitted professionally because the mold will fit your ear better and stay in if you need to move around. You can also get other practical advice about preserving your hearing by speaking to a professional.

If you've been exposed to loud music over a long period, and you don't wear protection, then you are at serious risk for losing your hearing altogether. Hearing loss will likely effect on your ability to compose and play music accurately.

Accurate Hearing Technology Inc . can help you get fitted for musician's earplugs. Call us today to get an overall hearing check and discuss the types of musician's earplugs available to you.