Blog

  • Need to Know Information When Searching for Hearing Aids

    This article highlights the importance of carefully evaluating online hearing aid companies and their claims. It explains that while many companies claim to be FDA registered, this does not necessarily mean their products are approved or cleared by the FDA. The FDA categorizes hearing aids into three classes (I, II, and III) based on their features and intended use, with each requiring specific safety and effectiveness assurances. The article advises consumers to verify a device's FDA approval st...

  • Encouraging a loved one with hearing loss to seek help

    Hearing loss, when left untreated, can significantly impact quality of life by contributing to cognitive decline, increased risk of falls, depression, social isolation, and even dementia. Many individuals with hearing loss resort to coping mechanisms like asking others to repeat themselves or isolating themselves from activities they once enjoyed. To encourage a loved one with hearing loss to seek help, it’s important to be supportive, remind them that their hearing loss affects others too, hig...

  • Hearing Health and Back to School: Equip Your Child with the Best Year Yet

    This article emphasizes the importance of hearing health for children as they return to school. Hearing loss, which affects approximately 2-3 out of every 1,000 newborns and can develop later in childhood due to illness, injury, or noise exposure, can significantly impact a child's development and academic success if left untreated. Signs of hearing loss include difficulty understanding speech, delayed language skills, and behaviors that may be mistaken for attention issues. The article highlight...

  • Past, Present, and Future of Medicare and Hearing Health Services

    Hearing services and hearing aids have long been excluded from Original Medicare since its inception in 1965, despite the high prevalence of hearing loss among older adults. While Medicare Part A and B cover hospital, outpatient, and physician care for over 62 million beneficiaries, they do not include routine hearing services or hearing aids, though some diagnostic exams are covered under specific conditions. In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans, established in 1997, offer expanded benefits, wi...

  • The Psychology of Sound

    Hearing plays a crucial role in both our safety and emotional well-being, as it influences how we perceive sounds and their impact on our emotions. Pleasant sounds like birdsong or music can evoke happiness by triggering dopamine release, while sudden loud noises activate our fight-or-flight response to keep us safe. Hearing loss, however, can lead to social isolation and depression, underscoring the importance of protecting hearing and seeking professional help if needed....

  • Understanding the Cost of Hearing Aids

    This article discusses the costs and complexities associated with hearing aids, highlighting concerns about low-cost alternatives sold online or through Direct-to-Consumer channels that may not meet FDA standards. It explains that modern hearing aids result from extensive research, development, clinical testing, and manufacturing processes, which contribute to their higher prices. The article also emphasizes the importance of professional services provided by hearing care professionals, including...