Better Hearing Blog

Who cares if barn owls retain their excellent hearing ability well into old age? We all should. Our ability to hear relies on small sensory cells in the inner ear, called “hair cells,” that convert sound vibration into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Unfortunately, when these hair-like extensions become damaged due to loud noise, aging, or disease, they do not grow back. As a result, hearing is permanently lost. However, owls and other birds are able to regenerate hair cells, which helps them retain their hearing ability. If further research leads to the discovery of the mechanism by which barn owls replace dead hair cells, it may lead to new treatments for hearing loss in humans.

Research and technology continue to work toward enhancing the quality of life of the hearing impaired. We’d like to do our part by providing comprehensive hearing testing and evaluations, coupled with the most advanced, comfortable, dependable instruments on the market today. At BETTER HEARING CENTER, we can help with acoustic appraisal of your hearing ability by a Certified Clinical Audiologist, discussion of the listening devices available, and follow-up care and service of your hearing aid. As the only hearing center that has served the Concord, New Hampshire, area for more than 55 years, We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.

P.S. Sounds louder than 90 decibels will cause temporary damage to hair cells.

People with active lifestyles that include running, swimming, and hitting a golf ball or tennis ball may want to know if there are hearing instruments that they can wear while in the water or on the court, field, or course. The answer is “yes.” Consumers need only inquire about the International Protection Rating (IPR) of any instrument in which they have interest. On the basis of documented testing, a hearing instrument gets an “IP” rating with two numbers. The first of these numbers, which ranges between 1 and 6, gives an indication of the instrument’s ability to withstand dust and debris. The second number, which ranges between 1 and 8, shows the instrument’s ability to withstand moisture.

At BETTER HEARING CENTER, one of our most important jobs is keeping up-to-date on the latest technological advances in hearing instruments. If it has been determined that a hearing aid will be of benefit to you, let us help in the selection of the one that is right for your hearing loss and your lifestyle. We carry a full range of hearing aids to ensure the most appropriate match between hearing aid and wearer. Our testing equipment is state-of-the-art, and we welcome you and everyone in your family to come see us for an evaluation. We accept most insurances for hearing evaluations. We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.

P.S. All hearing instruments with IP67 and IP68 ratings are considered “dustproof,” while an IP67 instrument is also “water resistant,” and an IP68 instrument is also “waterproof.”

We have all heard it said about some people that “noise doesn’t bother them, they can sleep through anything.” Well, yes and no. The fact is that, even though a person may not be awakened by loud noise, it still registers in the brain. Our evolutionary response to loud noise is one of fear and arousal. When a brain registers loud noise, the nervous system is alerted to possible peril. As a consequence of these constant nervous responses, our nervous systems become stressed out, and the incidence of heart attacks and high blood pressure rises. According to one study, people living in noisier neighborhoods have a 17 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease (including stroke and hypertension).

We can’t emphasize it enough—protect your hearing! When irreversible damage has been done, however, come see us at BETTER HEARING CENTER for a comprehensive hearing evaluation by a Certified Clinical Audiologist. You’ll be amazed at the variety of hearing instruments available today and how they can enhance your hearing, and we’ll advise you which one would be of the most benefit to your individual needs. We will also be glad to show you different kinds of hearing protection devices. We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.

P.S. More than 20 studies suggest that noise pollution can adversely affect children’s learning outcomes and cognitive performance.

According to a recent report from the CDC, nearly 10 percent of millennials (those born between approximately 1976 and 2004) have some degree of hearing loss. The primary cause of this hearing damage is loud noise. While previous generations were mostly exposed to loud noise in work situations, millennials and younger children receive most of their exposure to loud noise at home. So what exactly is the problem? While household chores might cause hearing loss when tools and appliances reach 85 decibels for extended periods, it only takes two minutes of loud music played at 110 decibels to cause damage. Common culprits of loud noise in the home include blenders (88 dB), leaf blowers (95 dB), and hairdryers (90 dB).

Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have exposed their hearing to dangerous sound levels until it is too late. Fortunately, today more than ever, people from all walks of life are learning more about their hearing and the ways to protect it. If you or a loved one has suffered hearing impairment due to excessive noise, injury, disease, or the aging process, remember you’ve got a friend at BETTER HEARING CENTER. Our goal is a straight-forward one—help the hearing impaired through our expertise, personal service, and the latest technology. We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.

P.S. It is not uncommon for the noise levels in fitness classes to reach 110 dB.

The good news is that technology makes it possible to suppress these sounds, thereby making BTE hearing instruments more enjoyable to wear outdoors. This “wind noise reduction” is made possible by the development of smaller and more efficient computer chips, which carry algorithms that identify and cancel out or suppress the sound of wind. With this technology, hearing instrument users can even comfortably ride bicycles.

There are many options available today to help hearing impaired individuals live happier, more fulfilled lives. If you’d like to find out more about the innovative technology in today’s hearing instruments, contact us at BETTER HEARING CENTER. If you have a hearing instrument you are not happy with, bring it to us and we’ll be happy to check it out and discuss other hearing aid options with you. As New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider, we are the only hearing center that has served the Concord, New Hampshire, area for more than 55 years.

P.S. Those suffering from hearing loss find that their brains have to make more of an effort to sort through the noise in order to hear what they want to hear. Wind noise reduction helps relieve this burden.

Hearing loss among the elders in certain primitive tribes is nearly nonexistent because their ears have not been continuously exposed to loud noise. As a result, the health of the “hair cells” of their inner ears (which convert sound waves into nerve signals sent to the brain) remains relatively undiminished. Conversely, older individuals in our part of the world are likely to have experienced a lifetime of loud noise that eventually leads to age-related hearing loss known as “presbycusis.” Age-related hearing loss may also occur as a result of poor blood flow to the inner ear caused by cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes. Whatever the cause of presbycusis, being properly fitted with a hearing instrument may help overcome it.

If you have a hearing impairment, you are missing more than just the understanding of words. Hearing keeps you in touch with the world, lets you respond to sound, and reassures you of changing surroundings. BETTER HEARING CENTER offers comprehensive hearing services by a certified clinical audiologist, including evaluations, custom fittings, a full range of hearing instruments, accessories, follow-up support, and repairs. We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.

P.S. A genetic predisposition to hearing loss may also exacerbate age-related hearing loss.