Hearing loss is a common problem experienced by people of all ages, but it is not a disease. There are several causes of hearing loss, like age, hereditary factors, noise exposure, infections, etc. Cognitive decline is a condition where the brain loses its ability to function. It is mostly associated with aging, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. People experience hearing loss and cognitive decline at the same time, but this is not common. Some people may mistake one for the other. What Is Hearing Loss? Hearing loss is a medical condition that occurs when the ears do not work properly. This means that you are unable to hear sounds that are around you. The hearing loss may be mild, moderate, or severe. Use this checklist – Causes of hearing loss include: • Noise • Aging • Earwax buildup • Infection • Injuries to the ear • Anemia • Birth defects • Meniere’s disease • Otosclerosis • Sinusitis • Trauma to the head • Tinnitus • Vitamin B12 deficiency • Vascular disorders • Virus infections • Other What Is Cognitive Decline? Use this checklist. There are several causes of cognitive decline, but the most common are: • Alzheimer’s disease • Dementia • Brain injury • Mild cognitive impairment • Depression • Anxiety • Stroke • Brain tumor • Huntington’s disease • Parkinson’s disease • Alcoholism • Drug abuse • Head trauma • Osteoporosis • Cardiovascular diseases • Other What Are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline? The symptoms of hearing loss may include: • Trouble understanding what others are saying • Difficulty hearing in noisy environments • Having a hard time hearing the phone ring • Having trouble hearing conversations • Not being able to hear speech in loud places • Having a hard time hearing the television • Not being able to hear a favorite song • Not being able to hear the television or radio • Difficulty hearing family member • Hearing loss may not be noticed until the person is older. If you notice any of these symptoms, please seek help. How Can You Tell If You, or a Loved One, is Experiencing Hearing Loss and/or Cognitive Decline? You may be experiencing hearing loss and/or cognitive decline if you: • Have difficulty hearing in noisy environments • Have trouble hearing conversations • Have a hard time hearing the phone ring • Hear the television or radio better than you used to • Hear a favorite song better than you used to • Have trouble hearing family members • Have a hard time hearing the television or radio Conclusion If you notice you checked a few or a number of issues related to hearing loss, cognitive decline, or both you are not alone and there are options for you. Contact us today to address your hearing loss needs and concerns.

You probably realize how important it is to have an annual check up, or to see the dentist every year. You may not realize you also need to have your hearing checked regularly. If you are over 50, or have hearing loss symptoms this is especially true for you. Getting Your Hearing Tested You may think getting a hearing test is for someone who has issues with their hearing, however there are quite a few scenarios where you may develop hearing problems without even realizing it. Changes in the Inner Ear There are small, not visible to the human eye fibers called cilia in the cochlea of the inner ear. This tiny organ contains fluid that maintains the balance of the body and controls how sound waves impact the auditory nerves. On top of each cilia strand is a stereocilia. These stereocilia move and vibrate when sound waves enter the ear, they then pass along these signals to the auditory nerve, which then sends to the brain for interpretation – What are you hearing? A drum, a train? The brain interprets the signal from the inner ear. Aging causes the cilia and the stereocilia to shrink and potentially die. As they shrink you have fewer fibers to move and vibrate when the sounds enter your ear. In the beginning, you may notice small changes in sound levels and clarity, but after some time the changes become more noticeable. Getting an annual hearing test as these changes begin to occur will allow you to establish a baseline and can be monitored for more extreme changes in hearing. Hearing Loss as a Result to Noise Pollution Do you live in a noisy neighborhood? Have you worked at an industrial job with lots of noise? Maybe you have worked in loud musical environments. Frequent exposure to long-term noise above a certain decibel level can cause hearing loss, this type of hearing loss can compound in old age. If you are experiencing normal age related hearing loss, but have been exposed to loud noise environments the hearing loss can be exacerbated. If you have worked or lived in these types of noisy environments it’s important to have your hearing tested, especially as you age. Injuries to the Head and Ears Have you suffered a concussion, multiple concussions, or other blows to the head? Been in a car accident or other situation that caused head injury? These types of injuries may cause hearing loss. The hearing loss is a result of damage to the ears or auditory nerves. Hearing loss from injuries is out of your control. If your cochlea is the source of injury it’s possible to have your hearing restored with an implant. Auditory injuries don’t always fully heal, escalating the natural hearing loss you would have experienced later in life. As a result, you may have to wear a hearing aid or other device to hear better. A doctor can repair your auditory damage only up to a certain point, and then you may need to rely on supportive and assistive devices to hear. If you have experienced concussions, or other head injuries it’s important to have an annual hearing exam. In the case of head trauma and hearing your may not experience any loss or you may experience a rapid change in hearing some time after your injury. Delayed hearing loss happens more often than you think with these types of injuries. What if my hearing test finds hearing loss? If you do find from your test that you are experiencing hearing loss, don’t worry. There are many avenues to getting your hearing back where you want it. Hearing devices are available in multiple types and styles. Technology has advanced to this point – there are tiny hearing aids that fit inside the ear canal. These devices operate through a tiny “antenna” that lets you to retrieve the hearing aid with a fingernail when you take it out at night. These hearing devices use Bluetooth and wireless technology for convenience. There are other options, such as exterior ear hearing devices, in ear canal aids, and behind-the-ear models. The closer the hearing aids sit to your eardrum, the smaller and more compact the receivers and transmitters become. Diagnosed Deaf or Really Hard of Hearing? You have Options. If you cannot hear and decipher most sounds, you may be legally deaf. It’s important to be tested professionally to determine this designation. You could be disabled due to you lack of hearing. The most important thing is to get you hearing again. A hearing care specialist can still help you if you can’t hear well or hear at all to diagnose your hearing and determine with you what avenue to pursue in terms of hearing devices that best fit your lifestyle and needs If you are deaf or hard of hearing it’s important to have your hearing screened regularly. The parts of your ear responsible for motion, balance and more need to be monitored in order to stay healthy and safe and determine any further deterioration as time progresses. Come See Us When You’re Ready for Your Next Hearing Exam!

Tinnitus can be defined as hearing noises that aren’t actually there. It’s most commonly experienced as a buzzing sound, although it can also sound like a hissing, humming, or roaring. It can also happen when the ear drum is damaged and a build up of fluids and pressure causes the eardrum to vibrate. The pressure can cause a cracking noise to be heard, and this may be accompanied by a sense of fullness, hearing loss, or dizziness. Some people who suffer from tinnitus do so for years without seeking treatment. Others can’t tolerate the noise at all and will try to find ways to suppress it. However, tinnitus should always be addressed, because it can be an indicator of other conditions, such as: 1. Earwax blockage 2. Hearing loss 3. Meniere’s disease 4. Perforated eardrums 5. Temporomandibular joint disorder 6. TMJ 7. Aural fistula 8. Vestibular neuritis 9. Sinusitis 10. Otosclerosis 11. Hypertension 12. Diabetes 13. Cardiovascular disease 14. Brain aneurysm 15. Menopause 16. Chronic tension-type headache 17. Stress 18. Smoking 19. Anxiety 20. Thyroid problems 21. Sleep deprivation 22. Alcohol 23. Heavy metal toxicity 24. Vitamin deficiency 25. Poor diet If you are suffering from this condition, don’t worry, it is treatable. Give us a call to set up an appointment for a hearing evaluation, and we can discuss the various methods used to treat tinnitus. Let us help you with this condition, and get you back on the road to better hearing health.

If you golf occasionally or are an avid golfer you may have heard about the connection between your game and your hearing. Golf can expose people to consistent loud sounds, like the exact sound of that whack when you’ve swung, made contact and know it’s going to be a good one. That “whack”, the sweet sound of the club making contact with the ball can, believe it or not, erode your hearing over time. Anytime you’re exposed to loud sounds consistently over the course of time your hearing can be affected. Yes, even from your golf game, and especially if you have played for years, or even decades. You don’t have to be old or have played for a long time for the sounds of golf to affect your hearing. It can happen at any age or stage. So, what can you do? First, take precautions. Now you know better, you can do better. Invest in some inexpensive foam earplugs and use them consistently when you play. If you want to be vigilant you can purchase over the head ear protection which provides even more hearing protection. Second, establish a baseline. If you have been playing for years maybe your hearing has been affected and maybe it has not. The easiest way to know is to get your hearing checked. Maybe you aren’t experiencing any hearing loss now, at least you know, and have established where your hearing is. In the future if you do experience any issues you already have the relationship with your specialist and have established Lastly… if you are experiencing any hearing loss you think maybe associated with your golf game seek the advice and care of your local hearing specialist. They are experts in these very issues and will help you navigate your hearing loss, your options, and who knows they may even have a few stories to share about golf.

Feeling a bit off kilter? It could be your hearing. Your sense of hearing and your balance walk hand in hand. The inner ear controls balance, so if you are experiencing issues such as falling down, walking into walls, or a general loss of balance it could all be in the ears. The inner ear is made up of a membranous labyrinth composed of three parts called the cochlea, a hollow bone with two chambers divided by a membrane. How does it work? We remain balanced and walking upright thanks to data from sight, nerves, and the cochlea. All of these information points come together to make sure we don’t run into things or fall down. When one of them is not performing correctly we may experience dizziness, or vertigo. The symptoms of dizziness include faintness, perhaps spinning or lightheadedness, while a hallmark of vertigo is both spinning and disorientation. The phenomenon most closely associated with inner ear issues is vertigo. Researching your symptoms and determining what you are experiencing is important. Keep a record of times you are dizzy, or experience vertigo. Note the setting, time of day, and frequency your balance issues occur. When you are ready to seek the care of a health professional you will be able to provide valuable information to help diagnose your symptoms. Whether or not your symptoms are related to your ears and hearing is best for a health professional to determine. What to do? Hearing and balance issues can be related. If you are experiencing balance issues that you believe may be related to your hearing or inner ear issues seek the professional advice of your local hearing specialist. It could be something notable, or something very simple and an expert can assist you in determining your root cause and direct you to solutions.

Some studies have shown that certain foods may help protect your ears. Foods that contain antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc are thought to be beneficial to your hearing, while some high sugar or salty foods can actually harm your auditory health. Foods that can help prevent hearing loss There are a number of foods that can help prevent hearing loss. These include: 1. Nuts: Nuts are a good source of magnesium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. They also contain zinc, which is necessary for the proper function of the inner ear. 2. Fish: Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the health of the inner ear. 3. Dark leafy greens: Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against damage to the inner ear. 4. Garlic: Garlic contains compounds that have been shown to be protective against damage to the inner ear. 5. Vitamin C-rich foods: Foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and broccoli, can help to protect the inner ear from damage. Benefits of eating certain foods There are a few key nutrients that are known to be important for maintaining healthy hearing. These nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. They help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can damage the delicate cells in the inner ear. Magnesium is found in leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. It helps to maintain nerve function and prevent oxidative stress. Potassium is found in bananas, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. It helps to regulate fluid levels in the body and support blood vessel health. Zinc is found in oysters, beef, and poultry. It helps to protect the cells of the inner ear from damage and supports healthy immune function. Conclusion There are a number of foods that can help prevent hearing loss, but it’s important to remember that these are only part of the equation. Other factors like exposure to loud noise and smoking can also contribute to hearing loss, so it’s important to take all of these into account when trying to protect your hearing. However, adding these foods to your diet is a good place to start if you’re looking for ways to reduce your risk of hearing loss. Give us a call to set up your free hearing evaluation and get yourself on the road to better hearing health.

Hearing aids reduce dementia risk by almost 20%, according to a new study A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Manchester has found a strong link between hearing aid use and dementia risk. The findings, which were published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, indicate that regular hearing aid use reduces the likelihood of dementia by almost 20%. This means that people with untreated hearing loss may be at an increased risk of developing dementia as they get older. These are important findings-if we understand more about how hearing aids can reduce this risk, it could change the way we think about treating hearing loss. In this blog post, we’ll explore the findings in detail to give you a feel for what they really mean for those who have any kind of hearing difficulty. American Medical Association Journal Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) is a peer-reviewed journal published by the American Medical Association. The journal publishes original research, reviews, editorials, and other content related to clinical medicine and public health. A recent study published in JAMA found that hearing aid use was associated with a reduced risk of dementia. The study included data from more than 127,000 participants. Researchers found that people who used hearing aids or cochlear implants had a 19% lower risk of developing dementia than those who did not. Hearing aids were also associated with a higher cognitive function. Hearing aid use may help to reduce the risk of dementia or delay its onset. If you are concerned about your risk of dementia, start with a free hearing test from Puretone Hearing Aid Center. The Relationship Between Cognition and Hearing Hearing is intimately connected to cognitive processes, or the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding. Our ability to hear allows us to take in information from our surroundings and make sense of it. Losing our hearing also means losing a vital input channel. This study provides strong evidence that maintaining our hearing health is important for cognitive health as we age. If you or someone you know is struggling with hearing loss, it may be beneficial to talk to your doctor about treatment options. Hearing aids can make a huge difference in quality of life and may help keep your mind sharp as you age. Make sure your hearing is healthy and your mind is protected By keeping our minds active through our ears, we can not only fight dementia progression, but also maintain a socially active lifestyle as we age. The link between hearing loss and dementia has been linked to several possible explanations. First, hearing loss can result in social isolation, which is associated with cognitive decline. It has also been linked to better cognitive health that treating hearing loss can improve communication and reduce stress levels. Consider seeking treatment from us if you’re experiencing any signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding conversation or feeling that people are mumbling. By treating your hearing now, you may be able to protect your mind later.

If you have a family member with hearing loss, it can be difficult to know how to best support them. It’s important to be understanding and respectful of their needs, while also making sure they get the help they need. Here are some tips for supporting a family member with hearing loss. Be Patient. People with hearing loss may have difficulty in certain situations or be slower to understand what’s going on. It’s important to be patient and not rush them or act frustrated. While it can be difficult to maintain a calm attitude, showing frustration will only serve to agitate your loved ones, or even make them feel worse about their condition. Be supportive and try to create a safe and comfortable environment. This could mean speaking in a slightly louder voice, repeating yourself, or using gestures to get your point across. Be Understanding. Hearing loss affects each person differently. Some people may need more help than others, so it’s important to be aware of the individual’s needs and be willing to adapt. Help your family member stay up to date on their hearing tests and make sure they are getting their hearing aids regularly checked and calibrated. Hearing tests are important for determining the severity of hearing loss and can help your family members stay on top of their hearing care. What NOT to do? Don’t talk over your family member or make assumptions about what they heard or understood. While you may think your point got across, make sure to verify it with them before moving on. It’s also important to avoid shouting or speaking too quickly. Though you may need to raise your voice a little so they can hear you better, make sure that it does not come across as yelling. And try to slow down your normal speaking pattern a little in order to give them time to process. At Puretone Hearing Aid Center, we understand the importance of supporting family members with hearing loss. We are here to provide the best hearing care possible, from hearing tests to finding the right hearing aid. Our team of hearing care professionals is dedicated to helping you and your family members get the most out of life. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help.

At Puretone Hearing Aid Center, we understand how important it is for our patients to feel comfortable and secure when visiting us for their hearing needs. That is why we are pleased to announce that we now use the Otoset Ear Cleaning System. A fast, safe, and effective ear cleaning system operated by our licensed hearing care specialists, this is the perfect solution for our patients affected by way buildup. By using the Otoset, we can provide our patients with a comfortable and convenient way to clean their ears. The system uses a combination of air and water to gently remove wax and debris from the ear canal. The Otoset is also incredibly safe. It is designed to be gentle on the ear canal and surrounding skin, so there is no risk of irritation or damage. Plus, it’s fast. Our hearing care specialists can remove wax and debris from the ears in just a few minutes. If you have excessive wax buildup in your ear canal, the Otoset is perfect for you. Plus, it is a great way to prevent ear infections and other ear-related problems. In addition to offering fast, safe, and effective ear cleaning, our hearing care specialists are highly trained and experienced in using the Otoset Ear Cleaning System at Puretone Hearing Aid Center. In order to maintain and clean your ears easily and conveniently, the Otoset system is the right choice. Get in touch with us today to learn more!