Better Hearing Blog
Early Signs of Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss can be subtle and gradual, those with impaired hearing don’t always recognize that they have a hearing problem. Here are some questions that may help you identify a hearing impairment that may be compromising the quality of your life: Do you automatically draw close to conversation partners in anticipation that you can only hear what they have to say if they are standing or sitting very close to you? Do you automatically tilt your head when talking to others in an effort to put your best ear forward? Lastly, do you often ask people to repeat their words or speak louder? A “yes” answer to one or more questions should prompt you to get a hearing test.
Many people delay seeking treatment for hearing loss out of denial, fear or embarrassment. If you suspect you have a hearing loss, seek treatment as soon as possible. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to a number of other health problems, both physical and psychological. 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. The only way to confirm the type, degree, and configuration of a hearing loss is by undergoing a hearing test.
Easy Does It!
There is little question that hearing instruments used to treat age-related hearing loss help hearing-impaired seniors hear their conversation partners better. Seniors fitted with hearing instruments also have less risk of depression and dementia. As welcome as these benefits might be, those fitted with hearing instruments for the first time sometimes stop using them. This problem of discontinued use largely stems from the reintroduction of ambient noises such as background conversation and traffic noise to which new users of hearing instruments are unaccustomed. With this in mind, hearing specialists recommend that new users get used to their instruments gradually. Instead of wearing their instruments all day, it may be better to start a few hours at a time.
If you are new to hearing aids, it may take a few weeks before you are completely comfortable with them and can take full advantage to their benefits. If you have questions or concerns about your progress, be sure to call your hearing professional for help. Hearing aids often need to be adjusted several times during the trial period. To schedule an appointment, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. Age-related hearing loss, “presbycusis,” makes it particularly difficult to hear higher frequencies (at which women and children tend to speak).
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.
