Blog

  • The next version of Bluetooth with Audio Sharing will bring a new world of sound to users with Blueto

    The emerging Bluetooth LE Audio technology represents a groundbreaking advancement in audio sharing, enabling seamless and high-quality audio transmission to large audiences through a broadcasting feature similar to FM radio but with enhanced capabilities. Developed collaboratively by the hearing aid industry and the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), this innovation allows users of hearing aids, headsets, or earbuds to effortlessly connect to public audio sources without the need for indivi...

  • Hearing Well During the Holiday Season

    This article offers practical tips for maintaining good hearing during the holidays. It highlights three key strategies: **technology**, such as using smartphones or captioned TV features; **listening** by choosing appropriate seating and communicating with hosts to adjust noise levels; and **care**, emphasizing self-compassion and requesting slower speech when needed. For travel, it suggests booking accessible accommodations with hearing aids-friendly features like strobe lights and visual alarm...

  • Coverage for Hearing Care Under Medicare: A Legislative Proposal

    As Congress works through its end-of-year legislative agenda, including the Build Back Better Act (BBB), Democrats aim to expand Medicare coverage for hearing services and treatment. This proposal would extend Original Medicare to include hearing aids every five years for those with moderate-to-profound hearing loss, with licensed professionals like audiologists and hearing aid specialists providing these services. While the House passed its version of the bill in November 2021, the Senate is now...

  • Lending an Ear: The Benefits of Adopting a Hearing Assistance Dog

    Hearing assistance dogs have become a valuable resource for individuals with severe hearing loss, providing security and companionship by alerting their handlers to important sounds like doorbells, alarms, or phones. Lise Hamlin, who has significant hearing loss, shares her experience with Shine, a trained black labrador retriever from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), highlighting how the dog has enhanced her safety and independence. The process of obtaining a hearing assistance dog invo...

  • 5 things to expect at your first hearing appointment

    This article provides a comprehensive guide to what you can expect during your first hearing appointment. It outlines the typical process, including completing intake forms with details like insurance information, medical history, medications, and ear-related symptoms. You will discuss your hearing concerns and lifestyle needs, have your ears visually inspected for abnormalities or wax buildup, undergo various hearing tests such as tone and speech assessments, and then review the results with a h...

  • Staying Engaged at Thanksgiving

    As families gather for Thanksgiving, it’s important to consider those who may experience hearing difficulties and ensure they can fully participate in holiday activities. Suggestions include notifying the host about hearing needs to secure an optimal seating arrangement or environment, minimizing background noise if hosting, taking breaks when needed, and encouraging others to face you and speak clearly. If hearing loss has become a significant concern, especially in noisy settings, it’s cruc...