Blog

  • The Big Noisy World Around Us

    Noise pollution, defined as excessive or disruptive sound from sources like traffic, construction, and electronics, has become a pervasive issue in modern life. Consistent exposure to high noise levels (above 85 dB) can lead to serious health consequences, including stress and anxiety, sleep disturbances, irreversible hearing damage (such as tinnitus), cognitive impairment, and an increased risk of mental health issues like depression. To mitigate these effects, it is essential to minimize time i...

  • 3 Tips If You Are Thinking About Purchasing an OTC Hearing Aid

    Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids have been available for one year, offering individuals 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss a convenient option without professional involvement. When considering an OTC device or prescription hearing aid, it’s important to first assess the extent of your hearing difficulty through a professional screening, as untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline, depression, and falls. Additionally, while both OTC and prescription devices...

  • Medicare Open Enrollment: Explore Your Options

    The Medicare open enrollment period begins next week on October 15 and runs through December 7, allowing beneficiaries to review and modify their health plans. During this time, individuals can explore options under Original Medicare, which does not cover hearing care except for specific cases, or opt for Medicare Advantage plans that often include additional benefits like hearing coverage. With approximately 97% of Medicare Advantage plans offering some form of hearing aid coverage, it's a cruci...

  • A Golden Opportunity

    "The Golden Bachelor" has sparked important conversations about hearing loss by featuring Gerry Turner, a 72-year-old lead who openly uses hearing aids. This follows Abigail Heringer's groundbreaking participation in season 25 as the show's first deaf contestant with a cochlear implant. Hearing aids, used by millions, have evolved into discreet and technologically advanced devices that enhance quality of life, enabling better communication, social engagement, and overall well-being. Despite advan...

  • Are You Considering Purchasing an OTC Hearing Aid?

    The Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aid rule, now a year in effect, has expanded access to hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss without professional involvement. While this shift has brought new market players and awareness about the benefits of addressing hearing loss, it has also led to misinformation and misleading claims. Consumers should be cautious of advertisements promising "natural hearing restoration" or using terms like "FDA approved," as OTC devices are not FDA-ap...

  • The Silent Danger of Noisy Toys

    This article highlights the potential risks of loud toys on infants' hearing health, emphasizing that prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause irreversible damage. The author shares an experience where a toy intended for a 5-month-old niece emitted 80 decibels (dB), exceeding the recommended 60 dB threshold for babies. While the American Society for Testing and Materials sets a maximum of 85 dB for toys, many manufacturers still exceed this limit, with some popular toys reaching over 100...