Signia's Silk Charge&Go IX received the prestigious Best of Innovation award at the 2024 CES Innovation Awards, marking an exciting progression for the hearing aid industry. Cutting-Edge DeviceThe Silk Charge&Go IX is a cutting-edge device that has redefined how individuals with hearing loss experience the world around them. Its innovative design seamlessly combines state-of-the-art technology with unparalleled comfort, making it a game-changer in the hearing aid industry. Top FeaturesThe Silk Charge&Go IX is a hearing aid with many innovative features that make it stand out from conventional hearing aids. Designed with the latest advancements in technology, this device offers a truly remarkable listening experience. Some of the top features are listed below.
Commitment to Hearing Aid TechnologyThe recognition of the Best of Innovation award is a testament to Signia's commitment to pushing the boundaries of hearing aid technology. This accolade not only acknowledges the exceptional engineering and design of the device but also highlights Signia's dedication to improving the lives of individuals with hearing impairments. The success of the Silk Charge&Go IX hearing aid has far-reaching implications for the hearing aid industry. It sets a new benchmark and encourages other manufacturers to strive for excellence in their products. This achievement will inspire the industry to continue pushing the boundaries of technology and accessibility. Innovative Consumer TechnologyThe CES Innovation Awards celebrate brands that push the boundaries of innovation in consumer technology. Signia's Silk Charge&Go IX, recognized in the Wearable Technologies category, sets a new standard for hearing aids. This product is designed to assist individuals in improving their hearing ability during noisy group conversations or in loud surroundings. It ensures high-quality sound and clearness, even when they are on the move. The President of Signia U.S., Mike O'Neil, conveyed his enthusiasm for being honored with this esteemed accolade, stating, We're thrilled to be named as a Best of Innovation honoree in a consumer technology award program as prestigious as the CES Innovation Awards. This acknowledgment affirms Signia's commitment to offering solutions that enable users to excel in all social environments. High-Quality Hearing SolutionsNicholas Hort, Vice President of Marketing at Signia U.S., highlighted the impact of Signia Integrated Xperience and the Silk Charge&Go IX, stating, The launch of Signia Integrated Xperience and the hearing aids supporting the platform has unleashed a new standard for hearing aid technology. Wearers deserve the best quality hearing possible to enjoy life to the fullest, and Silk Charge&Go IX delivers enhanced hearing that exceeds existing industry standards and wearer expectations. Next StepAt Northumberland Hearing Center, we are ready to fit you with these innovative hearing aids. Call today to schedule with one of our local hearing aid specialists.
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Understanding the Relationship Between Depression & Hearing LossEmbarking on a journey into the intricacies of mental health, we explore the fascinating link between depression and hearing loss. The connection between these two aspects of our well-being is more profound than we might realize. Let's unravel the complexities in a straightforward way to grasp how our emotions and our ability to hear are intertwined. Depression in a NutshellFirstly, what is depression? It goes beyond the occasional sadness; it's a persistent mood disorder that can significantly impact various facets of our lives. Think of it as a heavy cloud overshadowing our emotions, affecting energy levels, thoughts, and overall mental outlook. Hearing Loss and Emotional ImpactNow, let's delve into hearing loss. Did you know that our emotional state can be connected to what happens in our ears? Hearing loss is not just a matter of reduced auditory capabilities; it can also be linked to feelings of loneliness or sadness. When hearing becomes challenging, connecting with others may suffer, influencing our emotional well-being. Scientific InsightsScientists have explored this connection, and their findings are intriguing. Some studies suggest that individuals with untreated hearing loss may be more prone to experiencing depression. It's as if our ears and emotions are engaged in a subtle dance, where difficulties in hearing can echo into our emotional state. Social Isolation and Emotional HealthConsider this scenario: trying to engage in social activities without fully grasping the details. This is the reality for individuals facing hearing loss. Communication breakdowns can lead to social isolation, a significant factor associated with depression. The struggle to connect intensifies feelings of loneliness, contributing to emotional distress. Taking Proactive Steps for Emotional Well-BeingGiven this interconnectedness, what practical steps can be taken to address both depression and hearing loss? Regular hearing check-ups play a crucial role, enabling early intervention if issues arise. Additionally, fostering open conversations about our emotions with friends, family, or mental health professionals forms a vital support system for emotional well-being. Technological InterventionsTechnology emerges as a valuable ally in mitigating the impact of hearing loss on emotional health. Hearing aids and advanced devices are instrumental in enhancing auditory experiences, facilitating improved communication, and contributing to a more fulfilling life. Conclusion: Navigating Emotional ResilienceIn conclusion, the intricate dance between depression and hearing loss reveals a profound connection that extends beyond the surface. Taking care of our ears is not just about preserving auditory abilities; it's also about nurturing our emotional well-being. By embracing regular check-ups, fostering open conversations, and leveraging technological advancements, we empower ourselves to navigate the complexities of this intertwined journey. Let us strive for emotional resilience, creating a harmonious balance where mental health and auditory well-being coexist.
Hearing loss increases the risk of dementia, as stated in a recent article in The Lancet. People need to take it seriously and treat it as a public health issue.In the vast landscape of health research, connections between different conditions often emerge without warning. One such intriguing and increasingly recognized link is the relationship between hearing loss and dementia. Untreated hearing problems may lead to cognitive decline and conditions like dementia. Evidence has shown this connection over time. Understanding the Connection:Multiple studies have delved into the association between hearing loss and dementia. Studies by Johns Hopkins University show that not treating hearing loss can greatly raise the chance of cognitive disorders. The potential link lies in the strain that hearing loss places on the brain. When hearing worsens, the brain must exert more effort to comprehend sounds and speech. This increased workload may detract from the brain's ability to focus on other important tasks. Over time, this increased cognitive load might accelerate brain atrophy and contribute to the onset of dementia. Research Findings:A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet suggested that addressing hearing loss could potentially reduce the risk of dementia. Discovering and addressing hearing issues early can prevent memory loss and cognitive issues, supported by this and similar studies. Hearing aids can improve brain function by enhancing auditory input, according to research from the University of California, Irvine. These studies highlighted the potential role of hearing interventions in preserving cognitive abilities and potentially mitigating the risk of dementia. The Impact of Hearing Interventions:The implications of these findings are substantial. Regular hearing check-ups and timely interventions for hearing loss may help prevent cognitive decline. Hearing instruments improve hearing and might ease the cognitive load on the brain, potentially slowing dementia progression. Addressing the Challenge:Despite the emerging evidence, there are challenges to address. The stigma surrounding hearing loss often leads individuals to delay seeking treatment or ignore early signs, unknowingly increasing the risk of associated cognitive complications. Creating awareness about the link between hearing impairment and dementia is crucial. Promoting routine hearing check-ups, especially among older adults, can facilitate early detection and timely interventions. If you suspect hearing loss, seek out licensed hearing aid specialists near you who have a good reputation for fitting hearing aids. A simple web search for "hearing test near me" should give you a great list of places in your area where you can buy hearing aids. Many types of hearing loss exist, so choosing the correct type of hearing aids is crucial for your overall well-being. Conclusion:The connection between hearing loss and dementia represents a fascinating intersection in the realm of health research. We need to conduct further research to gain a better understanding of this connection. However, the current evidence indicates that addressing hearing problems is crucial for safeguarding cognitive health.
Regular screenings and using hearing aids can help reduce the cognitive burden of hearing loss. Additionally, these proactive steps can also lower the risk of dementia. Being proactive about hearing health can improve communication and protect against cognitive decline. This can lead to a healthier and more resilient future. As research continues, it's clear that taking care of our hearing is important for our brain health. Start by contacting your local Northumberland PA hearing care professional. Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when there is no external source of sound. It can be a challenging condition to treat, as it can have various underlying causes, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are several strategies you can try to manage and potentially reduce the symptoms of tinnitus:
Hearing Aids: If you have hearing loss in addition to tinnitus, a professional hearing aid fitting typically helps by amplifying external sounds to make the tinnitus less noticeable. Clinical evidence shows external sounds can provide activation of the auditory nervous system. Activation of the auditory nervous system reduces the tinnitus perception. It may also elicit expression of neural plasticity . Neural plasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Neural plasticity may reprogram the auditory nervous system and thereby have a long-term beneficial effect on tinnitus by restoring neural function. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you're experiencing tinnitus, it's essential to consult a hearing instrument specialist, audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to determine the underlying cause. They can help identify potential medical issues that may be contributing to your tinnitus. Address Underlying Causes: If tinnitus is related to an underlying medical condition, such as an ear infection or high blood pressure, treating these issues may alleviate tinnitus. Medications: In some cases, tinnitus may be a side effect of certain medications. Discuss your medications with a healthcare professional, and they may be able to adjust your prescription. Noise Masking: Use white noise machines, fans, or calming music to mask the tinnitus sounds, making them less noticeable. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): TRT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help you habituate to the sounds of tinnitus. It involves counseling and sound therapy.
It's essential to remember that tinnitus is a complex and often persistent condition, and there is no guaranteed cure. What works for one person may not work for another. Your healthcare provider can help you develop a personalized treatment plan based on the specific cause and impact of your tinnitus. Patience and persistence are key when managing tinnitus. Why are my ears ringing? Tinnitus, the sensation of ringing or noise in the ears when there is no external source of sound, can have various causes. Common reasons for tinnitus include:
Remember that while there may not always be a cure for tinnitus, various strategies, as mentioned in the previous response, can help you manage and reduce its impact on your life. When your blood sugar levels are not regulated, you may experience hearing loss.
Diabetes and hearing loss are common health issues among American adults. There have been reports from nearly 15% of adults in the U.S. (37.5 million) who said they experienced problems with their hearing. Symptoms of hearing loss generally worsen as a person ages. Roughly 25% of people between 65 and 74 years old have this condition. About 50% of people, at least 75 years old, sustain disabling hearing loss. There is an overlap among patients with both diabetes and hearing loss. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), patients with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss than patients who do not have diabetes. In the U.S., patients with prediabetes blood glucose levels are more likely to have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss than patients with average blood glucose levels. Diabetes and Hearing Loss can lead to Sensory Damage. Your nervous system can become damaged from unmanaged diabetes. That can impact your whole body. A common symptom is the inability to hear high and low frequencies. Other risk factors may include heart disease, low HDL cholesterol, peripheral neuropathy, and overall poor health. If you have diabetes and chronic diseases, you should get a hearing test. Some medications related to diabetes affect a patient’s overall health, which can negatively impact their hearing. There are some things you can do to curb this problem.
How can Diabetes lead to Falls? Falls are another thing to worry about if you have diabetes and hearing loss. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is the sensory system that gives the fundamental sense of balance and spatial orientation on a person’s movement with balance -. The vestibular system can become damaged due to diabetes. The top complaint from patients over 70 years old, with diabetes and hearing loss, is vertigo. Hearing problems that remain untreated can harm relationships, whether they are personal or professional. These are some reasons why taking care of both diabetes and your hearing should be a priority. Better hearing can lead to better overall health by giving you more energy to live your life. Contact Northumberland Hearing Center for a hearing exam and consultation with our hearing care professionals. If you’ve ever experienced an emergency, whether medically related or due to another unfortunate disaster, some challenges may have happened when you tried to communicate. These could have included loud sirens going off, poor phone signals, or stressing over trying to communicate quickly, clearly, and efficiently, just to name a few.
For anyone who is deaf or has difficulty with their hearing, this is an additional barrier to effective communication. The Complications that Come with Communicating during Emergencies For anyone with normal hearing abilities, sirens and alarms can be so painful and loud that they need to cover their For some, especially those with high-frequency hearing loss, hearing things like sirens or smoke alarms can be challenging. Have You Ever Failed to Notice Indirect Cues that Would Alert You to Danger? Loud sirens are not the only thing that signals impending danger. The ability to hear allows you to be more aware of your surroundings - whether you notice an intruder, a car engine that doesn’t sound right, or the sound of a child’s cry. Hearing also lets you know which direction the danger is coming from. Anyone with hearing problems might unknowingly go towards danger or walk away from someone else’s dangerous situation and neglect to help that person. Listening and Speaking to First Responders Following directions from first responders or answering their questions can be challenging. Here are some tips for communicating with others during an emergency. 1. Be prepared. Emergencies are usually unexpected. However, there are ways to prepare how you will manage these situations. Plan a meeting place and what to do after the crisis occurs. Prepare a go-bag with emergency supplies stored inside. Let at least one neighbor that you are friendly with know your plans and ask them to check in on you if they hear your alarm go off. 2. Make sure your alarms and safety devices are updated and functioning correctly. Most smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will make a beeping noise, create a flashing visual cue, or vibrate if a person is in danger. Doorbells that create blinking lights or alarms for a person’s bed shake can also alert hard-of-hearing people of potential threats. 3. Keep your hearing aids on. It’ll be easier to detect danger and communicate while wearing them. Have them fully charged or a pair of new batteries on hand. Recharge the hearing aids by your bed to make them easily accessible if you are awoken suddenly at night. If you live in an area that frequently experiences earthquakes, place your hearing aids securely in a container next to your bed so they don’t fall off. Store spare batteries in a designated cool, dry place for emergencies. If you wear rechargeable hearing aids get a portable charger to place in your go-bag to access it easily. Emergency Alerts Add your name, phone number, and other information to text alerts instead of phone alerts so emergency messages can be easily accessed and followed. Consider wearing a medical bracelet. It’s a helpful way to provide information about anyone with hearing loss, allergies, or any other serious medical condition. Include details about medications you take, what type of hearing device you wear, or crucial health information. Keep means of Communication in an Emergency Supply Bag. Here are some things to keep in mind when packing your supply bag:
Other Things to Keep in Mind for Better Communication
Are You Experiencing Problems with Your Hearing Aids during an Emergency? If your hearing aids have stopped working during an emergency, rely on your other senses. Get near people who are speaking. Ask them to talk louder, slower, and enunciate their words. Focus your attention on their facial expressions and do your best at lipreading. Caregivers for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing If you care about someone hard of hearing, here’s how you can help them during an emergency:
Have good lighting so they can see your face and a quiet space without too many distractions or background noise. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and need hearing aids, contact us at Northumberland Hearing Center for a hearing evaluation and consultation. Hearing loss that stays untreated could leave you with severe consequences to your health and quality of life. Every time you hear something, your brain gets exercise. Not receiving help for hearing loss can worsen a patient’s cognitive performance because it shrinks and atrophies the brain. More cases of falls due to imbalance, hospitalizations for these outcomes, and a high risk of depression and dementia caused by social isolation - this may occur due to the challenges that come with communicating while having hearing problems.
Your ability to appreciate TV, movies, music, and nature can be futile due to difficulties with hearing. You’ll begin to feel excluded. The inability to hear can also throw you into an unsafe environment. If you can’t hear a car or emergency vehicle driving in your direction, that can put you and the driver at risk of a collision. Completing tasks at work might be more challenging, and missteps can reoccur. As a result, your income can be affected. It’s common for people with hearing loss to be in denial over their hearing problems. Instead of seeking help immediately, they’ll ask others to repeat themselves or raise the volume level to whatever they are listening to. Other practical reasons why people may not seek help immediately, or at all, is because they cannot afford it or don’t have health insurance. A network of support from family, friends, and healthcare providers is necessary for starting their lives toward better hearing. Things You Can Do for a Loved One with Hearing Loss Simply be available. This person might need you to listen to their frustrations about hearing and communicating, or maybe there was an incident they need to vent about. You could “be their ears” in social situations if they mishear something or completely miss out on what was said. Be patient and supportive, even if you have no clue what they are experiencing with their struggles. Point Out that their Hearing Loss also Affects You. Give a gentle reminder about how you and others who interact with them are also affected by their hearing loss. Whether it’s the need to repeat themselves or safety issues - the inability to hear warning sirens, oncoming vehicles, or news/weather alerts. How You Can Help a Loved One with their Hearing
Don’t Delay Receiving Help Like any health issue, the longer you wait to seek a diagnosis and treatment, the more challenging it will be to treat. Untreated hearing loss becomes progressive, which can mean expensive medical care or no treatment options. Contact Northumberland Hearing Center for a hearing evaluation and consultation. If you recently saw a fireworks display, it was a good reminder of how loud they can get. Noises from fireworks can reach up to 150 to 175 dB. Annually, people who go to a live fireworks display without hearing protection experience some loss in their hearing abilities.
Whether you experience hearing loss or not, please protect your hearing the next time you plan to see fireworks. If you’ve recently noticed problems with your hearing after seeing fireworks, see an audiologist immediately. It only takes one exposure to loud noise to permanently damage your hearing. Prolonged exposure to any noise over 70 decibels (dB) can begin to deteriorate your hearing health. In the future, how should you prepare yourself before seeing fireworks? 1. Are you standing far away from the source of the noises? The farther away you are from the bursts of noises, the less likely you are to experience problems with hearing. 2. How far should you distance yourself from the source of the fireworks? The World Health Association has stated that adults should not be exposed to noises from fireworks that reach over 140 decibels (dB). Fireworks noises that reach over 120 dB can be dangerous for children. Adults can safely be 15 to 20 meters away from fireworks that reach 170 dB. Kids should stand 50 to 60 meters away. Babies should never be exposed to fireworks because the noise creates too much sound pressure. 3. Wear protection for your Ears. No matter what type of fireworks you plan to see - store-bought or professional fireworks displays - protect your ears. There are two types of hearing protection to choose from:
If you are experiencing changes to your hearing from exposure to loud noises or for any other reason, please contact Northumberland Hearing Center. It feels like summer started early this year. In addition to taking care of yourself during these summer months, you’ve got to take care of your hearing aids. All electronic devices, like hearing aids, can become damaged when exposed to too much heat, humidity, and moisture. Here are some ways to protect your hearing aids while ensuring the highest performance, even when sweating through the heat.
1. Keep your hearing aids stored in a cool, dry space. Your hearing aids’ wiring and how the devices perform; can be impacted negatively due to heat exposure. Any trapped moisture in the microphone or the receiver can make the hearing aid stop working. 2. Remove moisture from your hearing aids. Your hearing aids may need to remain stored in a dryer box, which is essentially a vacuum chamber that dries off your hearing aid devices. Talk to someone from Northumberland Hearing Center about a dehumidifier for your hearing aids. You may also use desiccant, or even dry, uncooked rice, can absorb moisture from your devices. If the damage is significant, your hearing aid provider may send your hearing aids to the original manufacturer for advanced repairs. 3. Protect your hearing aids from excess sweat. If your hearing aids tend to have built-up moisture caused by over-perspiration, take them out of your ears and open the battery door to let air circulate throughout the devices. Dry them off using one of the methods mentioned above. 4. Are you using sunscreen or insect repellent? These lotions and sprays can clog the microphones and receivers on your hearing aids. It’s best to put these ointments on before placing your hearing aids in your ears. The lotion and spray residue should be washed off of your hands thoroughly before handling your hearing aids to wear in your ears. Use professional-grade cleaning wipes on your hearing aids after you remove them from your ears. 5. Do not clean hearing aids with any liquids. You can damage hearing aids by cleaning them with liquids that contain alcohol. Only use a brush tool, soft cloth, or professional-grade cleaning wipes. If you need supplies to care for your hearing aids, Northumberland Hearing Center has you covered. We have offices located in Northumberland and Millersburg. Whether you’ve experienced a terrible sinus infection or a head cold, you know that feeling when your ears and hearing start to change. Usually, your ears feel clogged, or there’s a severe feeling of pressure on them. Maybe you’ve even noticed that you couldn’t hear as well as usual. Seasonal allergies can impact you and change your hearing in the same manner. It can occur in the form of dust, mold, pet dander, or pollen by causing inflammation to your immune system which may result in congestion, itching, and sneezing.
Allergies can cause significant repercussions on your body, including respiratory problems and excess tears. Your hearing can also be affected, which can affect daily life and interactions. We’ll go over the impact of allergies on your ears and hearing. Does it cause tinnitus? What should you do if seasonal allergies have changed the way you hear? What is the Link between Hearing Loss and Allergies? Seasonal allergies are temporary. They sometimes change as the temperature and weather shift. People who suffer from allergies tend to become hypersensitive in the spring when the pollen count has peaked. Allergy sensitivities worsen when atmospheric pressure changes or humidity and moisture levels increase. A person’s age and the environment they are in also influence allergies and how they impact you. Your body creates histamines when you have an allergic reaction. You can experience inflammation in different areas, like the ears. Inflammation can cause ear pain, a sensation of pressure in the ears, and hearing loss. Can Allergies cause Tinnitus? Tinnitus is one of the most prevalent hearing problems linked to allergies. Tinnitus is a phantom noise, with no external source, that only the person suffering from it can hear. It may sound like a buzzing, chirping, or ringing noise. It typically occurs when the cochlea or sensory hairs have deteriorated or are obstructed. There are many possible causes of tinnitus, including allergies. 3 Instances Where Allergies Impact Your Hearing 1. Tinnitus After an allergic reaction, a fluid buildup may occur in your ear canals and behind your eardrums due to congestion and pressure on your sinuses. The pressure from this fluid can lead to sharp pain or feelings of clogged ears. When there’s a change in your sensitivity and the pressure to your sinuses, you might experience tinnitus allergies or worsen tinnitus symptoms. 2. Ear Infections An ear infection can occur if problems with your ears go unchecked and untreated during allergy season. When moisture gets trapped in your ears, it becomes the perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive. In most cases, ear pain and hearing loss due to allergies are temporary, but it can be challenging to tell the difference between this ear pain and a new ear infection. You can wind up with permanent hearing loss and conditions that affect the ear. Meniere’s disease may lead to tinnitus, vertigo, and challenges with hearing if the ear infections go untreated. The severity can change regularly. 3. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Fluid or mucus buildup in the middle ear may leak into the Eustachian tubes, causing inflammation in your throat and ears. If the tissue becomes swollen due to congestion, fluids won’t be able to drain effectively. Since the Eustachian tubes are attached to the ear canals, anyone with this issue might endure hearing loss or other ear problems. Get Treatment for Hearing Problems Since seasonal allergies are so common, most people aren’t worried about the ramifications they can have on other areas of their body. It can harm hearing abilities in various ways. If your allergies become severe enough, you can start experiencing tinnitus, which raises your risks of ear infections that lead to dysfunctions with the Eustachian tubes. Being more aware of these potential risks and how they occur helps patients take better care of their ears and reduce those problems from becoming permanent or developing problems like Ménière's Disease. Manage Tinnitus Caused by Allergies with Hearing Aids If you already experience tinnitus, it may be so mild that it doesn’t bother you. If you experience seasonal allergies, noises from tinnitus can get worse or even create a high-pitched ringing. Tinnitus symptoms that go untreated can affect your hearing, mood, sleep patterns, and overall quality of life. Various solutions are available to mask noises you hear from tinnitus, for instance, white noise machines, apps, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or programmed hearing aids with a tinnitus-masking feature. Get in touch with Northumberland Hearing Center to schedule a consultation. |
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