Author: David Morse

Hearing loss can be triggered by loud noises or infections, but for most, hearing loss is gradual, age-related and only noticeable as it progresses. Fortunately, impaired hearing can be improved, or even fully corrected, with the use of a hearing aid.

First Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss rarely occurs all of a sudden. It usually develops gradually, over a long period of time – and is therefore imperceptible at first. This is because those affected gradually get used to the onset of hearing loss. Because the brain can compensate for the hearing deficiencies for a long time, there are few disadvantages in everyday life during the first phase.

But from a certain point, hearing loss can no longer be readily compensated for. Often, this is noticed by family and friends of the affected person long before they themselves realize they cannot hear normally.

Even those affected by hearing loss who know that they can no longer hear perfectly often still do nothing for a long time. Using the argument “It’s still OK!”, they put off a hearing test with an audiologist or hearing care professional. This is because being aware of your own hearing loss is one thing, but acknowledging it is not so easy.

The problem is that if you wait too long, you risk serious consequences. Researchers have found that after about seven years, our brains simply lose the ability to understand certain sounds. If you wait too long to get help with hearing aids, even though you will once again be able to hear those sounds again, the brain may not be able to correctly interpret what is being heard.

What happens in the event of hearing loss?

The cause of hearing loss may be found at various points in our complicated, sensitive ears: the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear or even the auditory nerve. Hearing loss is not always age-related. It can also be triggered by loud noises, infections, medications or injuries, or may be hereditary.

Often it is the higher frequencies that are affected first. Because these are important for hearing the so-called voiceless consonants (f, s, p, t), the understanding of speech especially in high background noise is noticed first. Depending on the type of hearing loss, other symptoms may appear, for example tinnitus, noise sensitivity, or dizziness. In almost all cases, hearing loss is permanent, and it is often difficult to predict how it will progress.

Those affected are often unaware that untreated hearing loss will eventually have an impact on the mind and quality of life. People with untreated hearing loss often complain of chronic fatigue. For them, conversations are so stressful that they would rather avoid social contact, and they increasingly withdraw. The impact of this self-imposed isolation is very serious. Studies show that older people with untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing or people using hearing aids.

What can be done about hearing loss?

Whether or not a hearing aid can be used to compensate for or reduce hearing loss depends on the cause. In most cases, a hearing aid may be beneficial. When amplifying and modulating background noise, the hearing aid takes into account how the auditory response area in our heads processes sounds and voices. Modern technology therefore makes hearing easier and more comfortable again.

Tim Harmon and his staff at Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah, want to help with your hearing loss.  Give us a call today at (270) 558-3996 or stop by our office at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY  42001.

Loud environments with a mixture of different sounds always present a challenge in terms of hearing. This is especially true in places where there are lots of people chatting, and where there is background music playing, such as in busy restaurants and bars. Spending time in such places can be extremely frustrating for people with (even limited) hearing loss, simply because they are unable to follow a conversation comfortably. The so-called cocktail party problem is a common early sign of hearing loss.

Many people in the early stages of hearing loss may assume that they are hearing just as well as others in such an environment.  Therefore, it is important for you to pay attention to your hearing in a variety of settings.  Some of the most common signs of hearing loss may include:

• Muffling of speech and other sounds.
• Difficulty understanding words, especially against background noise or in a crowd.
• Trouble hearing consonants.
• Frequently asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly.
• Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we invite you to stop by Purchase Ear Technology for a hearing test.  We are conveniently located at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY.  You may also CLICK HERE to contact us!

Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to three or more of these questions, you could have a hearing loss and might need to have your hearing checked.

• Do you sometimes feel embarrassed when you meet new people because you struggle to hear?
• Do you feel frustrated when talking to people because you have difficulty hearing them?
• Do you have difficulty hearing or understanding co-workers, clients, or customers?
• Do you feel restricted or limited when you have a problem hearing?
• Do you often think, “I can hear but I don’t understand what is being said?”
• Do you have trouble understanding the dialogue on internet videos, movies, or in the theater?
• Does a communication issue due to poor hearing cause you to argue with family members?
• Do you ask people to repeat what they say?
• Do you think others mumble?
• Do you have difficulty hearing on the phone?
• Do you have trouble hearing the TV or radio and turn up the volume that is too loud for others?
• Do you feel your personal or social life is limited?
• Do you have trouble hearing your dining companions when you are together in a restaurant?

If you answered “yes” to three or more of the above questions, we would like to help you.  Give Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah a call at (270) 558-4996 to schedule a hearing test.  You may also stop by our office located at 2008 Broadway, Paducah , KY  42001.

Hearing loss can make conversations more challenging. Often we must rely on our conversation partners to practice communication best practices like facing us when they speak and providing context before changing topics. But communication is a two-way street. There are also many things we can do to enhance our ability to have successful and productive interactions with others. By following some simple rules of thumb, we can put ourselves in a better position to hear and communicate as best as is possible.  Below you will find 8 tips:

1. Inform Others About Your Hearing Loss

Don’t be shy about disclosing your hearing loss. People cannot help you if they do not know you are struggling. I make a habit of announcing my hearing loss at the start of any group meetings or retreats. It is easy to do as part of the introductions. This way I get the information out and avoid any awkwardness later when I ask someone to repeat themselves or grab a seat in the front row so I can hear the speaker better.

2. Be Specific About Your Needs

Let others know what they can do to help you hear your best. The more specific you are in your instructions — I need you to sit on my left side or please face me when you speak to me — the more likely you are to get good results. Be prepared to remind people what they can do to help. Since hearing loss is not visible, people sometimes quickly forget that you have trouble hearing.

3. Put Others At Ease

If you appear comfortable with your hearing loss, others will be as well. Let people know that they can ask you about it. I often joke with people saying, “If you say something to me and I don’t answer, or if I look at you like you have two heads, please don’t think I am rude, it is probably because I didn’t hear you.” Humor often makes people more forgiving of a social faux pas or two, and more willing to try again to engage you in conversation.

4. Stay Informed

Since context is so important in following conversations, try to stay abreast of current news and social happenings. It is easier to understand a new name (of a country or a celebrity) if you have seen it written about recently. This can be especially important if you are traveling to a different country where the names of historical figures and landmarks are less familiar to you.

5. Maintain Good Energy

Hearing takes extraordinary concentration for those with hearing loss so it is important to approach communication situations as well rested and alert as possible. Eat healthy food, exercise regularly, and be sure to get enough sleep. Also, don’t be afraid to take breaks from communication if your energy is lagging.

6. Interrupt for Clarification In Moderation

If you miss a word or two of a story, listen a little bit longer before jumping in with “What?” You may be able to piece together what was said after another sentence or two. This does not apply at the doctor, or in another situation where full knowledge is imperative, but in social situations, not following every detail is probably ok some of the time. Also, when asking for clarification, say what you think you heard to minimize what the speaker needs to repeat.

7. Use Non-Verbal Clues To Guide Your Communication Partner

Cupping your hand behind your ear is a good way to ask the speaker to raise his voice without interrupting the flow of the conversation. Leaning closer to somebody can also indicate that you are having trouble hearing them.

8. Go With The Flow

Manage your expectations. In certain situations, hearing every word is just not possible, but try to be grateful for what you can hear. Keep your sense of humor ready for the inevitable mishearings. Some of them can be quite funny if you let them.

If you are experiencing signs of hearing loss, we would like to help.  Give Purchase Ear Technology of Paducah a call at (270) 558-3996 to schedule an appointment or stop by our office located at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY  42001.

Rigorous research and development efforts have helped hearing aids evolve from large, unwieldy accessories to sleek, nearly invisible designs with a multitude of features. These transformations have made differences in the lives of millions of people.

Thirty years ago, people wouldn’t wear hearing aids because every time someone would come close, their hearing aids would start squealing.  It was embarrassing, and they couldn’t hear anything anyway.

In more recent years, detailed engineering efforts have paved the way for instruments that fit the needs of the many, while providing the flexibility to accommodate each user’s unique patterns of hearing loss.   Digital hearing aids changed everything. All of a sudden, instead of making everything louder, we are now able to fit those people who had those high frequency hearing losses with better technology.

Competition has improved the market offerings, and technology has vastly improved in both receiver-in-canal (RIC) and custom hearing aids.  With so many options on the market today, the input of a hearing professional like Tim Harmon at Purchase Ear Technology is essential in finding the right device.

If you have been considering hearing aids, give us a call at Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah at (270) 558-3996 or visit our office at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY  42001.  Let us help you find the best hearing aid device just for you!

Have you ever thought about protecting your ears before? No? Then you’re not alone. Often, we don’t even think about the actual consequences everyday noises can have on our hearing. Constant noise can not only lead to hearing loss, but can also be associated with numerous other health-related risks. Here, you will find out more about the impacts of noise and how you can best protect your hearing.

Why should I protect my hearing?

Unlike the eye, which can close its lid in a fraction of a second, the ear is unable to protect itself from noise. We cannot deliberately shut off our hearing or temporarily switch it off, it is always ready to pick up sounds and noises, including loud ones. Accordingly, with regular or acute loud noise, the hair cells can suffer and even die off. In worst-case scenarios, this can lead to hearing loss.

So to ensure we maintain the ability to enjoy the full spectrum of the sounds of life, it is paramount to protect our most important sense. If not, we may no longer be able to rely on it in future, may it be in conversations or in dangerous situations.

What impacts on my health can loud noises have?

Often, we are completely unaware that our hearing is at risk in everyday situations: Excessively loud music in clubs, at concerts or noise from DIY work at home can quickly cause hearing loss, even in young people. Constant noise, of the type we hear on busy roads for example, is classed as being in the hazardous range at volumes of around 80 decibels, and can cause long-term damage to our hearing. In addition to noise-related hearing loss, which is affecting more and more people, loud noises can also lead to tinnitus or even sonic trauma.

Persistent noise affects not only our ears, but also our whole bodies. This is because every disruptive noise puts the body into a state of alert. This causes the excretion of stress hormones, a faster heartbeat, increased blood pressure and more rapid breathing. Further consequences of noise stress can include concentration problems, impaired performance, sleep problems, high blood pressure and even cardiovascular disease.

With the right hearing protection, you can effectively prevent hearing damage and other risks to your health.

Do I need hearing protection?

The point at which noise becomes disruptive or unpleasant varies from person to person. The pain threshold is set at 120 decibels (dB), but street noise, engine noise or even a visit to a disco involving values of over 80 dB can impair health. But exactly how loud is one decibel, or even 10 decibels? Below you will find a graphic illustrating how many decibels the following everyday noises generate.

Strategies for protecting your hearing

To avoid hearing loss, you should follow a few tips on how to protect your hearing. They are easy to follow and help to ensure that your ears are less exposed to harmful noise, allowing you to continue enjoying problem-free hearing.

If you think you are experiencing any signs of hearing loss, Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah can perform a professional hearing test to assess your needs.  Give us a call at (270) 558-3996 to schedule an appointment or visit our office located at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY  42001.

If you wear hearing aids or think you may need them, you’ll want to find out as much as you can about how to look after them and prolong their life. Hearing aids are a significant investment for most people, and taking care of them can ensure that you get the best performance from them and that they last as long as possible.

At Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah, we are available for you to ask all the questions you have about your new hearing aids. Here are our top tips on caring for your hearing aids to prolong their life.

Top Tips To Maintain Your Hearing Aids:

• Store your hearing aids safely. Many accidents involving damage to or loss of hearing aids are simply a result of not having a safe place to store them. As soon as you take your hearing aids home, we recommend choosing a safe space to keep them when you are not wearing them. We suggest that you keep them in their case, on a shelf that is out of reach of children and animals, and that you always keep them in the same place.
• Avoid products that can damage hearing aids. When you are using products on your skin or hair, there is a risk of these causing damage to your hearing aids. Your delicate devices should be kept away from all products such as these, so you may find it easiest to put your hearing aids in once you have finished getting ready for your day.
• Keep your hearing aids dry. Hearing aids can be damaged by water and moisture, and it’s very important to remove them when you’re showering, bathing or swimming. You may find that a hearing aid dehumidifier helps to dry them properly, and hearing aid sweatbands can be useful if you exercise a lot while wearing them.
• Clean your hearing aids as directed. You can bring your hearing aids to Purchase Ear Technology to learn about the best way to keep your hearing aids clean on a daily basis. Do not be tempted to use harsh cleaning products that could damage your hearing aids, and remember that a deep clean will be included in most aftercare appointments.
• Replace your batteries regularly. You will get used to how quickly your hearing aid batteries deplete, and this is likely to be between three and ten days. You will have been shown how to replace your batteries, and you should follow instructions about how to store batteries in order to keep them in great condition and get the best performance from them.

Want to learn more?  Give Purchase Ear Technology a call at (270) 558-3996 or stop by our office located at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY  42001.

Don’t Be Average

Hearing loss sneaks up on people gradually, so it is sometimes difficult to detect oneself. Often, friends and family are the first to notice. The average person waits 7-10 years before treating their hearing loss. Part of this is due to stigma, but part is not knowing the steps to take to find out more about hearing loss and to construct a plan for treatment. Here are our tips for taking the first few steps along your hearing loss journey.

Take a Hearing Test

For an initial assessment, you should see an audiologist, or your primary care physician if you need a referral. At your first visit to Purchase Ear Technology, we will examine you physically and perform a series of hearing tests to determine the type and degree of your loss.  If hearing loss is confirmed, you move onto the treatment phase of your care.

Try a Hearing Aid (or Two)

This is important because the first hearing aid you try might not be the right one for you. Fitting a hearing aid takes time and work, from both the audiologist and the hearing aid wearer. Don’t be surprised if you feel that you are hearing worse with the hearing aids during the early days of the trial than you do without them. This is normal and makes sense since it takes time for your brain to acclimate to and organize the new sounds.

After a week or two, go back and have the settings on your hearing aid fine tuned. Keep a written record of what is and is not working to help guide the adjustments. This process is typically iterative, and (depending on the complexity of your hearing loss) may require multiple visits until the settings are just right.

If things do not improve during the course of the trial, your audiologist may recommend trying a different type of hearing aid instead. Think of it like finding love — you may need to kiss a couple of frogs before you find your hearing aid prince.

Have Realistic Expectations

Everyone wants hearing aids to work like glasses — you put them on and your hearing is magically restored to normal. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Having reasonable expectations will help you stay positive as you work through the kinks.

Be Open About Your Hearing Loss

This one may take time. Being open will help you accept your hearing loss. It will allow you to ask for the help you need to improve communication with the people that you love. Without all the pressure to hear everything perfectly, you may begin to enjoy social gatherings again and even learn to laugh when a misunderstanding occurs. Every time you tell someone about your hearing issues, it gets easier. Keep doing it until it is second nature.

Ready to do something about your hearing loss?  Give Purchase Ear Technology a call at (270) 558-3996 to schedule an appointment or stop by our office at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY.