Better Hearing Blog

Not only does noise in the workplace have the potential to damage workers’ hearing, but there is evidence that workplace noise may also raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels among workers exposed to elevated noise levels. This is an important finding because hypertension and high cholesterol are listed as top risk factors for heart disease. With this in mind, workers in mining, construction, and manufacturing should be particularly diligent about having their hearing checked. Beyond that, workers found to exhibit signs of hearing loss should not only take preventive measures to reduce their exposure and treat their hearing loss, but they might also want to schedule an appointment with their physicians to assess their heart health.

Safeguarding your hearing is vital no matter what your occupation or recreational pursuits. Protect your hearing from hazards of all kinds—carry soft foam ear plugs with you for when you find yourself in a situation in which the noise level is unpleasant, even hazardous to your health. And turn to the skilled experience of a clinical audiologist at BETTER HEARING CENTER for a thorough hearing examination and complete hearing healthcare services. We offer comprehensive, individualized evaluations, treatment, and management of hearing disorders.

P.S. Long-term exposure to noise levels at 80-85 decibels or over can cause hearing loss. Heavy city traffic is 85 dB.

While sailors may delight in the prospect of taking to the ocean on a windy day, those wearing hearing instruments often find that the wind poses a challenge to hearing that must be overcome. According to one survey, hearing-instrument users listed wind noise as their “second worst listening situation.” This problem results from the creation of turbulence as wind moves past the instrument’s microphone. In response to this adverse listening condition, today’s digital instruments are outfitted with “Wind Noise Attenuation Systems” that automatically detect wind noise and try to suppress it. Tested in wind tunnels, these systems work to improve the perception of vowels and consonants to a degree that users are easily able to comprehend conversation in windy conditions.

Just as trifocals were designed to correct vision for different activities like reading and driving, some hearing instruments are designed to correct hearing in various social situations. Put the many available products for the hearing impaired to good work for you. At BETTER HEARING CENTER, we’ll help you choose from among the variety of designs of hearing instruments to find the one that best suits your needs. Start by calling for an appointment for a comprehensive hearing test at New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.

P.S. Current wind noise reduction systems can cope with unpredictable changes in wind direction and force by analyzing data 500 times per second.

In most cases, hearing loss occurs in both ears at roughly the same rate. This means that people who visit the hearing instrument specialist with the expectation that they will need only one instrument may need to adjust their thinking. Patients with “bilateral” (two ear) hearing loss who attempt to correct the problem with only one hearing instrument are usually in for a difficult experience. Wearing only one hearing instrument can change a symmetric hearing loss into an asymmetric one and make it difficult for the brain to process sound. This is particularly so in challenging situations, such as noise-filled environments. Wearing a hearing instrument in each ear makes it easier to locate sound and understand conversation.

Discovering and acknowledging there is a hearing problem is the first step toward correcting it. The next step is turning to a clinical audiologist for comprehensive examination, evaluation, and determination of the best approach to the impairment. Are you thinking there might be a problem with your hearing? Would you like to learn more about today’s advanced technology in hearing instruments? We can help you address these issues and others here at BETTER HEARING CENTER, New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.

P.S. Bilateral hearing loss can be either “symmetrical” (hearing loss is about the same in both ears) or “asymmetrical” (hearing in one ear is better than in the other ear).

In an effort to examine the link between a form of age-related hearing loss (involving the inner ear and **hearing nerves) and the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), researchers examined 1,604 people with an *average age of 75 years. (MCI is a type of cognitive decline that is noticeable, but not sufficiently significant to *interfere with daily activities.) The study’s participants underwent a series of hearing tests and had both their memory and reasoning tested. The researchers found that those with hearing loss were twice as likely to develop MCI *compared with people whose hearing was intact. While the study doesn’t prove that hearing loss leads to memory loss, it does demonstrate a link between the two.

Don’t let a hearing impairment keep you on the outside looking in. Help is available in many forms, but all begin with a comprehensive hearing evaluation by a clinical audiologist. We carry state-of-the-art testing equipment and a full range of today’s innovative hearing aids designed to bring back the sounds of life to the hearing impaired. And our staff is second to none when it comes to providing first-rate, compassionate, personalized services. Call us to **schedule a hearing test at BETTER HEARING CENTER, the only hearing center that has served the Concord, New Hampshire area for more than 55 years.

P.S. A third of seniors worldwide have a disabling form of hearing loss.

Anyone who suffers from hearing loss should bear in mind that appropriate treatment with a hearing instrument not only benefits the person wearing it, but also those with whom he or she communicates on a regular basis. In fact, the spouse, siblings, friends, relatives, colleagues, and caregivers of those suffering from hearing impairment often report just as much miscommunication with hearing-impaired individuals as the people with the hearing loss. When researchers recently reviewed more than 70 previous studies that looked into the complaints made by people with hearing loss and those closest to them, they found that complaints related to effort in communication was the most-reported problem among those in the hearing-impaired person’s family, social, and work circles.

The first step toward better hearing is recognizing that a hearing problem exists. Having a hearing test is the second step. If the signs are there—frequently misunderstanding what is being said and asking people to repeat themselves—please call us at BETTER HEARING CENTER. We have the answers to many of the questions you’ll probably have regarding your hearing impairment. From sound, knowledgeable advice to custom fittings to follow-up care from an audiologist, you can rely on us. Call us to arrange a hearing test at New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.

P.S. Many hearing-impaired older adults might be more amenable to wearing hearing instruments if they know how much NOT wearing one was annoying those in their communication circles.

Over the past fifteen years, “thin tube” and “receiver-in-the-ear” (RITE) hearing instruments have come to dominate the “behind-the-ear” (BTE) market. These smaller, stylish designs have a more appealing look, are more comfortable to wear, and are easier to adjust than older BTE models. Because they deliver sound to the wearer’s ear via a thin tube or a “receiver-in-the-ear” (RITE) design that does not entirely block the ear, these hearing instruments are valued for their ability to circumvent the “occlusion effect” that makes the wearer’s voice seem hollow or “boomy.” These “open-fit” instruments are generally recommended for mild to moderate high-frequency losses. If necessary, more occlusive “ear tips” are available to accommodate a greater degree of hearing loss.

Technology is constantly on the move toward innovative ideas and products to bring back the sounds of life to the hearing impaired. If you think your hearing is not what it should be and could stand a boost, we invite you to BETTER HEARING CENTER to see the many marvels that exist today in the hearing industry, all designed to enhance the hearing you have. Have a hearing test soon—call us to schedule an appointment at New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider. Most insurances accepted for hearing evaluations. We are the only hearing center that has served the Concord, New Hampshire, area for more than 55 years.

P.S. While “receiver-in-the-ear” hearing devices look like open-fit instruments, their receivers are separated from the rest of the electronics (behind the ear) and are placed inside the ear canal.