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Grandparents: Hear Well and Stay Vital!
President Biden recently declared September 11 as National Grandparents Day, highlighting the significant role grandparents play in strengthening family bonds and community connections. The article emphasizes how strong grandparent-grandchild relationships can provide emotional support, mentorship, and mental stimulation for both generations. However, communication barriers such as hearing loss can hinder these interactions. Approximately one-third of individuals aged 65-74 experience hearing los...
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Just the Facts: The Cost of Hearing Aids
This article addresses the cost and misconceptions surrounding hearing aids, emphasizing that while prices can vary widely, the average cost for prescription hearing aids purchased through a professional typically ranges from $1,400 to $4,000. It highlights that the total cost includes not only the device but also associated professional services like consultations, fittings, adjustments, and follow-ups. The article also debunks myths about hearing aids being simple devices, showcasing their adva...
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Don't Let Your Hearing Go To The Dogs
On National Dog Day, we reflect on the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline in both dogs and humans. Research shows that hearing loss in older dogs can lead to reduced activity, disorientation, and symptoms resembling dementia. Similarly, in humans, untreated mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia, moderate loss triples it, and severe loss quintuples it. Hearing loss strains brain resources by diverting energy from memory and thinking processes to compensate for auditory ...
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Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids - A New Avenue for Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a final rule on August 17, 2022, establishing a new category for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which became effective on October 17, 2022. These OTC hearing aids are designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss and can be purchased online, through mail, or in retail stores without the involvement of a licensed hearing professional, making them more accessible and cost-effective. This development is widely supported by the hear...
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Hearing Loss to Hearing Health - It's A Personal Experience
This article highlights the importance of addressing hearing loss, a common yet often overlooked issue affecting millions worldwide. It shares the story of Bob, who discovered his high-frequency hearing loss after visiting an ENT and undergoing a hearing test, despite initially believing his hearing was fine. The author emphasizes that while terms like "mild," "moderate," or "severe" describe hearing loss, they lack the specificity of other health metrics, making audiograms essential tools for un...
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Hearing Aid Batteries: The Power Source for Better Communication
The article traces the evolution of hearing aid batteries, highlighting that while early battery-powered hearing aids were bulky and cumbersome, modern ones are sleek and compact. Rayovac, a leading manufacturer, explains that battery lifespan varies depending on factors such as the user's degree of hearing loss, daily usage duration, reliance on features like audio streaming or phone calls, sound environment, and living conditions. Hearing aid batteries come in four standard sizes (10, 13, 312, ...