In December 2020, Reese’s Law was passed to address a safety issue: the risks posed by small, coin-sized batteries used in hearing aids, remote controls, and other devices. Named after 18-month-old Reese Hamsmith, who tragically died from ingesting a button battery, the law mandates that these batteries be enclosed in child-resistant packaging and have clear labeling to prevent accidental ingestion. …
Hearing Aids: Listen Up and Choose Wisely
The world of hearing aids—a medley of options for those looking to tune into life’s conversations. Whether you’re navigating a crowded room or enjoying the crisp chirp of birdsong, finding the right hearing aid is less like getting glasses and more like picking the right shoes: it’s all about clarity, comfort, and a touch of style. Firstly, let’s dispel the …
Hushed: Why Can’t I Hear As Well During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy: the magical journey of swollen ankles, bizarre cravings, and the occasional surprise of… hearing loss? Yes, you read that right. As if the miracle of life wasn’t astonishing enough, researchers have unearthed a peculiar connection between pregnancy and changes in hearing. Imagine this: you’re expecting, glowing with maternal radiance, when suddenly you realize you can’t quite hear your partner’s …
Does Hearing Loss Affect Young Adults? How can they Navigate Those Challenges?
Hearing loss is often perceived as an issue that primarily affects the elderly. However, it is increasingly prevalent among younger generations due to various factors ranging from environmental noise to genetic predispositions. Coping with hearing loss at a younger age presents unique challenges that can significantly impact one’s social, educational, and professional life. Social Stigma and Isolation One of the …
Pesticides Affect Hearing in Farmers
Everyone knows the life of a dairy farmer is filled with… distinct smells. An onslaught on the nostrils, if you will. People might not know, though, that the farmer’s nose isn’t the only thing under attack, but also the ears. Farmers, and agricultural workers in general, are in one of the top 3 fields for hearing loss. This is due …
Hearing Loss is #1 Disability for Veterans
While PTSD gets all the headlines, the most common service-connected disability that affects almost every service member regardless of their age is hearing loss and tinnitus. Between the effects of shooting their firearms to explosions or concussions, there are numerous assaults to their bodily well-being, including their hearing. An estimated 3.6 million veterans receive compensation for hearing loss or tinnitus, …
Untreated Hearing Loss linked to Dementia
When we use any of our five senses—be it taste, touch, sight, smell, or hearing—our nervous system sends signals to our brain, helping us to interpret the realities of the world and to properly interact with it. As a person loses their hearing, the nerves responsible for transmitting the information to their brains begin to atrophy and die off, causing …
The Impact of Hearing Aids on Veterans’ Lives
Veterans, who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation, sometimes face challenges that extend beyond the battlefield. One such challenge is hearing loss, a condition that affects many veterans. We will explore the positive impact of hearing aids on the lives of these heroes and how this simple device can make a world of difference. The Silent Struggle of …
Hearing Health: A New Year’s Resolution for a Vibrant Life
As we begin the new year filled with aspirations and fresh starts, there’s an often overlooked yet very important aspect of our well-being that merits our attention: our hearing health. Along with our other resolutions, dedicating a goal to prioritize our auditory wellness can significantly impact our overall quality of life. The Essential Role of Hearing Tests Our ability to …
Unraveling Misconceptions About Hearing Loss
Hearing loss affects many people worldwide, yet there are lots of misunderstandings about it. As professionals, it’s crucial to clear up these misunderstandings and help people understand how they can take care of their hearing. There are many ways to prevent, find, and treat hearing loss early to help everyone have better hearing. Misconception 1: “Only Older People Have Hearing …