Growing up with a severe-to-profound hearing loss, hearing has always been a complex and deeply personal part of my identity. I was born without the ability to hear and received my first hearing aids around the age of two. For as long as I can remember, they’ve been part of my world, yet the misconceptions […]
Here are 10 top ways better hearing can contribute to healthy aging: 1. Better hearing is linked to a reduced risk of dementia Did you know that hearing loss was named the single largest modifiable risk factor for dementia by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care? It’s true. Research continues to emerge […]
For many of us, nothing says “nuisance” like earwax—that annoying, sticky substance inside our ears. Despite the negative connotation, earwax is actually more of a friend than foe to our well-being. First and foremost, earwax (also called cerumen) maintains and protects the skin inside the ear, preventing damaging elements like dirt and bacteria from getting […]
As we step into 2026 with both feet, it’s not unusual to want to start off on the right foot—to leave the past behind, take control of our lives, and bring to fruition the things we would like to improve, accomplish, or become. And as a result, pave our way to better health, greater happiness, and stronger relationships with the people […]
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, a time when many will be spending quality time with loved ones—and realistically, many will not: Loneliness affects 1 in 4 older adults and 5–15% of adolescents and can have a profound impact on our overall well-being—increasing our risk of dementia, early mortality (by nearly 40%), and other health issues. It’s no wonder U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently […]
Ahhh… technology: We love it. We’re sometimes frustrated by it. But let’s face it—we all can name at least one techno-gadget that makes life simpler or more enjoyable. Maybe it’s our car GPS—helping us get to wherever we want to go with a simple tap or voice command. Or our smartphone, that “right hand” that […]
It’s widely known that hearing decreases with age, but are there other factors that influence this? Scientists recently began looking into other components that come into play when it comes to the decrease in hearing sensitivity as we grow older. These elements ranged from biological to environmental. And per today’s hearing fact, the researchers were […]
Over the years, evidence has continued to mount supporting the association between untreated hearing loss and dementia—from the prestigious Lancet study that named hearing loss as the number one modifiable risk factor for dementia to the standout ACHIEVE research that found hearing intervention slowed the loss of thinking and memory abilities by 48% in older […]
Ahhh… technology: We love it. We’re sometimes frustrated by it. But let’s face it—we all can name at least one techno-gadget that makes life simpler or more enjoyable. Maybe it’s our car GPS—helping us get to wherever we want to go with a simple tap or voice command. Or our smartphone, that “right hand” that […]
Today’s hearing fact is another important reminder of how common hearing loss is as we grow older. But despite its prevalence, did you know that only 29% of people aged 71 and older wear hearing aids? While the reasons people choose not to treat their hearing loss can range from not recognizing the condition to […]
Ahhh, aging: Graying hair… emerging wrinkles… Shrinking brain?! Believe it or not, it’s true. Our brain shrinks as we age—a process also known as “brain atrophy” or “brain tissue loss”—and it’s simply a part of life. What’s important to be aware of, however, is that hearing loss has been found to accelerate that brain atrophy in older […]
Does it seem that, over the years, restaurants have been getting louder and louder? It’s not your imagination! According to industry insiders, restaurants sometimes deliberately create louder environments for a variety of reasons. These reasons can vary from wanting to create a “fun” atmosphere to making it so customers don’t want to linger – thereby […]
Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in America — and exposure to loud noise is a leading cause. So what is considered “loud”? Exposure to any sound 85dB and above can cause hearing damage, though duration is also a factor. Here are 18 common sounds that typically top 85dB. Think exposure to […]
You know that scary and stressful feeling you get when you misplace your keys or wallet? As some of you may know, that feeling gets worse when the items missing are your hearing aids. Hearing aids are an investment, and it is terrifying to lose something that’s often a big part of your day-to-day life. […]
Open up a hearing aid brochure or visit a hearing aid manufacturer’s website, and you’ll likely come across the term “memories.” Memories refers to different environmental programs that can be accessed by the hearing aid user. These memories manipulate the hearing aid’s gain, frequency response, and microphone mode (directionality) in order to provide optimal sound […]
