Better Hearing Blog
Perforated Eardrum
When the thin membrane that separates the ear canal and the middle ear (the “eardrum”) is pierced or becomes ruptured, there will be decreased hearing and possibly a liquid discharge. A “perforated eardrum” may result from a sudden loud noise (explosion), injury, infection, or chronic Eustachian tube disorders. While most perforated eardrums caused by trauma or an acute ear infection heal on their own within weeks, some may take several months to heal. In the meantime, ears must be protected from water and trauma. However, if a perforated eardrum does not heal on its own, an otolaryngologist may perform a patching procedure known as “tympanoplasty,” which involves chemical growth stimulation and patching that encourages closure.
If you have any of the symptoms of a perforated eardrum, the doctor will do an otoscopic exam. An otoscope is an instrument with a light that’s used to look inside the ear. In most cases, if there is a hole or tear in the eardrum, the doctor will be able to see it. To schedule an exam, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. Let us help you get back to the world of hearing at New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. It is the size of an eardrum perforation that usually determines the level of hearing loss.
Hearing Instrument for Active Types
If you swim, play tennis, or participate in other outdoor activities, you will want a hearing instrument that can keep up with your active lifestyle. To meet this challenge, there is a hearing instrument with a robust design that is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof. This exceptionally sturdy instrument has a completely sealed housing and battery door that lock out moisture and safeguard against corrosion. The microphone is covered with a membrane that protects against dust and moisture and reduces wind noise. This means that wearers can enjoy hearing with exceptional clarity and comfort while building sand castles at the beach and swimming in the surf. This active-lifestyle hearing instrument is also great for active children and teens.
If you are adjusting to a hearing loss and don’t want to give up your passion for being healthy and active, you have several options for comfort and protection no matter the activity. Promising technologies make it possible for even the most active individuals to enjoy the benefits of hearing aids. To schedule a hearing assessment, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. Many hearing instruments have wireless capability that enables them to connect with cell phones, MP3 players, and other devices.
Getting Into Sync
If you have ever watched a movie in which the audio track was out of synch with the visual images, you know that it is difficult to watch. In order for the brain to figure out what is going on, it has to rapidly combine different sensory information. So, when older adults have a hearing impairment that makes what they hear appear out of sync with what they see, confusion sets in. This discrepancy between what a person hears and sees can adversely affect how he or she responds to rapid decision-making situations, such as driving. Experiencing problems processing multisensory information can also have an impact on conversations and balance. Addressing this problem with a hearing instrument helps restore synchronicity.
Basic hearing aids allow for some customization, but are limited in the amount of adjustments to fit unusual patterns of hearing loss. Advanced hearing aids offer several different levels of technology. BETTER HEARING CENTER offers a full range of hearing instruments and assistive devices and continues the tradition of better hearing through education, technology, and customer service. New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. When it comes to driving, improved reaction time spells the difference between a crash and avoidance.
Open House June 7th to 9th!
Introducing Oticon Opn a new hearing device that helps listeners hear and understand in noise like never before. This new hearing aid utilizes a new signal processing platform to analyze the environment, balance sounds and remove excess noise. Call us today for to find out more! (603) 224-9043
Call us now for more info!Join us for our three day open house this week! Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (June 7 to 9).
Special offers during this event:
- 3 year warranty
- Free hearing screening
- Free trial at home
- Interest free financing available
Our experienced Staff at the Better Hearing Center are here for you.
Personal Advice
If you find it difficult to hear your conversation partners, you are probably suffering from age-related hearing loss (“presbycusis”). The only way to confirm this diagnosis is to schedule a hearing test that charts the type, degree, and configuration of any hearing loss. In turn, this “audiogram” can be used by a hearing specialist to fit you with a hearing instrument that is specifically programmed to amplify only the frequencies in which your hearing loss occurs. On the other hand, some individuals choose to bypass this entire process by ordering a product known as a “personal sound amplifier” (PSA), which amplifies sounds less discriminately. This heavy-handed approach is less likely to provide the results you need.
You may be surprised to learn that more than half of the hearing impaired population is of working age. You may find it hard to determine whether you are suffering from hearing loss, or whether you are just stressed and tired. But a hearing loss can be detected with a hearing test. To schedule a hearing exam, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. Presbycusis is characterized as hearing loss that primarily affects the higher frequencies, at which most conversation is conducted (mostly by children and women).
Improving Memory and Brain Function
It is already known that hearing-impaired adults can improve their mood, social lives, and quality of life by availing themselves of the use of a hearing instrument. The most recent research now also reveals that, by getting fitted with a hearing instrument, hearing-impaired individuals can improve their memory and brain function. Without the help of a hearing instrument, people spend a great deal of their brain power trying to focus on what people are saying. This effort compromises their performance at work or, at the very least, leaves them exhausted from trying to make up for their hearing deficiency. Researchers found that, after two weeks of use, a hearing instrument helped users process information better and remember more.
If left untreated, hearing loss can lead to serious emotional and social consequences, reduced job performance and diminished quality of life.To schedule a hearing assessment, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. As your professional hearing experts, our goal is to provide you with excellent service. This ensures your unique hearing needs are not just met, but exceeded. Let us help you get back to the world of hearing at New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. Hearing loss affects more than 9 million Americans over the age of 65 and 10 million Americans ages 45 to 64, but only about 20% of the people who need hearing instruments actually wear them.
