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Summertime is right around the corner and that means sunny days, warm weather and lots of time spent outside! But for those with hearing aids, summer can present some problems.

Hearing aids can be damaged when exposed to heat or moisture. Sweat and water are the two biggest enemies of hearing aids during the summer, and sharp temperature changes can cause condensation and an increased propensity to sweat. All of these are damaging to your hearing aids and may prevent them from working properly.

Damage could result in distorted or weak sound quality, reduced battery life and inconsistent functionality.

Here are some ways to keep you hearing aids safe and functional this summer.

• Take out your hearing aids when exercising outside, if it is raining or if the weather is extremely warm.
• At night, open the battery door to allow dry, fresh air to move through the hearing aid and relieve moisture.
• Keep your hearing aids in a protective case and out of direct sunlight when you are not wearing them.
• Avoid storing hearing aids in humid places such as in glove boxes, dashboards, or other environments where heat and moisture can build up.
• Remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming or any activity in which you will or could be exposed to water.
• Sunscreen has oils that can damage hearing aids, so apply lotions or sprays completely before putting on your hearing aids. Be sure that the sunscreen is fully rubbed in or dry before putting your hearing aids back on or the oils will seep into open seams and microphone ports or vents.

Summer should be fun not stressful. Follow our tips above for a worry-free summer that’s full of sounds and sunshine.  Have questions about how to care for your hearing aids?  Give Purchase Ear Technology a call today at (270) 558-3996, stop by our office located at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY or send us a message by CLICKING HERE.

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.  At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  YOU ARE FAMILY!

At Purchase Ear Technology, located at 2008 Broadway Street in Paducah, KY, we are dedicated to enhancing your quality of life through improved hearing. With over 30 years of experience, our team, led by Hearing Instrument Specialist Tim Harmon, offers personalized hearing solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Our Services

We provide a comprehensive range of services to address various hearing concerns:

• Hearing Testing: Accurate assessments to determine the extent of hearing loss.

• Hearing Aid Fitting: Customized fittings to ensure optimal comfort and performance.

• Tinnitus Management: Strategies to alleviate the discomfort of ringing or buzzing in the ears.

• Hearing Aid Repair: In-house repairs to keep your devices functioning effectively.

Our goal is to ensure you never miss out on life’s important moments, from conversations with loved ones to the sounds of your favorite activities.

Visit Us

Our office hours are:

• Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

• Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

• Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Appointments are available during these hours to accommodate your schedule.

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, please call us at (270) 558-3996 or visit our website at www.purchaseear.com.

At Purchase Ear Technology, we are committed to helping you hear better and live better.  You are more than a patient.  YOU ARE FAMILY!

At Purchase Ear Technology, located at 2008 Broadway Street in Paducah, Kentucky, we’re dedicated to helping you reconnect with the sounds that matter most. Whether it’s the chirping of birds, the laughter of loved ones, or the melodies of your favorite songs, our team is here to assist you on your journey to better hearing.

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Personalized Hearing Solutions

Led by Hearing Instrument Specialist Tim Harmon, Purchase Ear Technology offers a range of services tailored to meet your individual hearing needs. Tim is known for his personal touch, treating each patient like family and ensuring a professional yet down-home experience. With over 30 years of experience, our team provides:​

• Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations: Assessing your hearing to determine the best course of action.

• Hearing Aid Fittings: Offering a variety of styles and brands to suit your lifestyle.

• In-House Repairs: Quick and efficient servicing of your hearing devices.

• Tinnitus Management: Providing relief strategies for ringing in the ears.

• Assistive Listening Devices: Enhancing your hearing experience in various settings.​

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Embrace the Sounds of Life

Spring is a season of renewal, and there’s no better time to rejuvenate your hearing health. Don’t miss out on life’s precious moments due to hearing loss. Our online hearing test is a convenient first step to assess your hearing and determine if further evaluation is needed.​

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Visit Us Today

Experience the difference at Purchase Ear Technology:​

• Address: 2008 Broadway Street, Paducah, KY 42001

• Phone: (270) 558-3996

• Website: www.purchaseear.com​

At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  You are FAMILY! Let us help you rediscover the joy of sound.​

​Spring is a season of renewal, and there’s no better time to rejuvenate your hearing health. At Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah, Kentucky, we’re dedicated to helping you reconnect with the sounds that matter most. Whether it’s the chirping of birds, the laughter of loved ones, or the melodies of your favorite songs, our team is here to ensure you don’t miss a moment.​

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Why Hearing Health Matters

Hearing loss can impact your quality of life, affecting communication, relationships, and overall well-being. Early detection and intervention are key to maintaining your hearing health. At Purchase Ear Technology, we offer comprehensive hearing evaluations to assess your hearing needs and provide personalized solutions.​

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Our Services

Our experienced audiologists and hearing specialists are committed to providing top-notch care tailored to your unique needs. Our services include:​

• Hearing Evaluations: Comprehensive assessments to determine the type and extent of hearing loss.

• Hearing Aid Fittings: Personalized fittings to ensure optimal comfort and performance.

• Hearing Aid Repairs: Prompt and reliable repairs to keep your devices functioning properly.

• Custom Hearing Protection: Solutions to protect your hearing in various environments.​

We offer a wide range of hearing aid options from leading manufacturers, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.​

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Experience the Difference

At Purchase Ear Technology, we’re more than just a hearing clinic—we’re your partners in hearing health. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing personalized care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We take the time to understand your needs and work with you to find the best solutions.​

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Schedule Your Appointment Today

Take the first step toward better hearing this spring. Contact Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah, KY, to schedule your hearing evaluation. Tim Harmon and our team are ready to help you rediscover the joys of sound.​

Visit our website at www.purchaseear.com or call us at (270) 558-3996 to book your appointment.

Spring is in the air, and with it comes one of our favorite holidays—Easter! From joyful family gatherings to laughter-filled egg hunts, Easter is a time to connect, celebrate, and soak in the sounds of renewal and togetherness. At Purchase Ear Technology, we believe that everyone deserves to fully experience these special moments—not just see them, but truly hear them.

The Sounds of the Season

Think about it: what are some of the best parts of Easter?

• The giggles of children discovering hidden eggs.

• Birds singing their cheerful springtime melodies.

• Church choirs raising their voices in celebration.

• Family stories shared over a festive dinner.

Now imagine missing out on those sounds. For those with hearing loss, holidays can sometimes feel isolating—not because of what’s missing from the table, but because of what’s missing from the experience.

Bringing Back the Joy of Connection

At Purchase Ear Technology, we’re committed to helping our community hear life to the fullest. This Easter, we invite you or your loved ones to take the first step toward better hearing.

Whether it’s your first time considering hearing assistance or you’re due for a check-up, our team offers:

• Comprehensive hearing evaluations

• Custom-fitted hearing solutions

• Ongoing support and education

• Cutting-edge technology that keeps you connected with the moments that matter

A Gift Worth Giving

Looking for a meaningful Easter gift? Encourage a loved one to prioritize their hearing health—it’s a gift that lasts a lifetime. Better hearing doesn’t just improve communication—it enhances relationships, safety, and overall quality of life.

Hop Into Spring With Confidence

Let this season of renewal be a fresh start for your hearing journey. Schedule a consultation with Tim Harmon and our staff at Purchase Ear Technology, and let’s make sure the next time someone says “Happy Easter!”—you hear it loud and clear.

Purchase Ear Technology is conveniently located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah, KY.  To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (270) 558-3996.  At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  You are FAMILY!

There are 3 primary reasons people don’g have their hearing tested:

1) Hearing loss can naturally happen over time and isn’t always noticeable. In today’s world there are so many sounds around us it makes it hard to focus. Hearing loss is not like turning down the sound on TV. Most of us will lose hearing in the high frequencies first while maintaining good hearing in their bass. This is why you will hear many with a hearing loss complain that they hear as loud as they use to but no longer can understand what is being said to them.

2) It is easy to dismiss a potential problem if you’re not ready to face the possibility of it. On average, it can take up to 7 years before someone will do something about their hearing upon initial diagnosis. Imagine all the sounds that are lost within a 7 year period! Don’t miss out on your life out of fear! In the case of my lovely patient above, she was afraid of the outcome because it was possibly going to change her entire world. We were able to help her connect back with her world.

3) Hearing loss is more noticeable to friends and family first. I’ve seen this over and over again. The person with hearing loss doesn’t realize they are even missing anything. They can’t hear people calling out to them so when they finally do hear, it’s the first time. To them, they don’t understand why everyone is so impatient. It is here where those relationships can start to feel strain. The hearing impaired person gets tired of the attitude and “nagging” the friends and family get tired of repeating themselves. If a solution isn’t diagnosed soon, those relationships will eventually give up on each other and isolation will occur. This is what we want to stop on a daily basis, people don’t have to live like that.

If you or a loved one can identify with anything outlined above, please don’t hesitate to call Purchase Ear Technology at 270.558.3996.  Our office is conveniently located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah, KY.  At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  YOU ARE FAMILY!

It’s hardly a spoiler alert to tell you the world is a noisy place. From sports venues and restaurants to cineplexes and city streets, loudness is trending. Yet, according to a 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 70 percent of people exposed to loud noise “never or seldom wear hearing protection.”

And who can blame us? We (hopefully) protect our hearing if we work in a noisy environment. But who thinks to (or wants to) wear ear plugs just going about our daily lives?

Maybe we should — because the Center for Disease Control estimates that 53 percent of us with hearing damage do not have noisy jobs. In fact, according to the CDC, one in four of us, 25 percent of us, already have hearing damage and we don’t even know it yet.

Remember to always protect your hearing.  Contact us at Purchase Ear Technology to schedule a hearing test by calling (270) 558-3996 or stop by our office located at 2008 Broadway St, Paducah, KY  42001.

Spring has arrived!  The temperatures outside will be on the rise and hopefully you will soon be able to go outside and enjoy the sounds of spring.

If you haven’t heard the beautiful sounds of nature due to a hearing loss then we encourage you to give us a call at Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah.  Hear spring again.

1. Birds singing
   The ‘dawn chorus’ of birds singing, their songs are often louder and livelier this time of year. This is mostly due to male birds attempting to attract mates and warn other males away from their territory.
2. A trickling stream
   The calming sound of water flowing along the streams is a sound not to be missed.
3. Wind rustling in the trees
   A gentle spring breeze gently blowing through the woods, leaves and branches of trees can be calming and can give you a chance to reflect on nature.
4. April showers
   The sound of rain against the window pane, especially when you’re cozy inside, is one of our favorite sounds.
5. Bees buzzing
   Taking a moment to listen the bees going from flower to flower, collecting their pollen and nectar, in a garden or meadow, is one of life’s simple pleasures.

If someone you know is missing out on the above, there are ways you can help someone with hearing loss.  The first step is to schedule a hearing test with Purchase Ear Technology.  Tim Harmon will help determine the extent of hearing loss.  Tim will also talk with you or your loved on to determine the best treatment plan for your specific lifestyle, activity and specific hearing needs.  Give us a call at (270) 558-3996.  Purchase Ear Technology is conveniently located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah, KY.  At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  YOU ARE FAMILY!

Imagine you’re at the family dinner table with your mom and she keeps telling everyone around the table not to mumble. Or maybe she doesn’t hear when your four-year-old asks her to play with him. Maybe she’s been complaining about a bad ringing in her ears. Your mom might have age related hearing loss.

When it comes to their hearing, many older women feel that some hearing loss isn’t their biggest priority. After all, when there are so many other health issues to worry about, being a little hard of hearing can be bearable, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.

What is Age Related Hearing Loss?

Also known as presbycusis, age related hearing loss is one of the most common hearing issues. It’s a sensorineural issue, meaning there’s been deterioration of the auditory nerves. It can come from genetic issues but can also be exasperated by loud noise exposure or head trauma. This kind of hearing loss can range from mild to profound, and the damage is usually permanent.

Symptoms of Age Related Hearing Loss

Does your mom:

• Struggle with high pitch sounds?
• Hear ringing in her ears?
• Have a hard time hearing people talking right in front of her, especially when there is background noise?
• Swear people are mumbling or their speech is slurred?
• Especially struggle with women and children’s voices?

Even if these symptoms seem mild to you, they can snowball into big issues down the line.

The Dangers of Age Related Hearing Loss

According to the CDC, the most common cause of injuries and death from injury for older American is falling, and hearing properly is a large aspect in seniors’ ability to safely stand and move. In fact, a landmark John Hopkins study found that even mild hearing loss triples the risk of accidental fall. Risk of falling went up by 140% for every 10 decibels of hearing loss.

Dizziness is a serious concern for those with hearing loss, but that’s not the only way hearing loss could cause falling accidents. For instance, if mom doesn’t hear her dog walking up behind her, she could easily trip over him! Being completely aware of her surroundings makes a huge difference in avoiding accidents in the home.

It’s also important to think about very basic safety concerns. Will your mom be able to hear emergency alarms? Will she hear and understand instructions during emergencies?

As your mom’s hearing declines, she might struggle more and more with mental confusion, isolation, and reduced communication. Otologist and epidemiologist Dr. Frank Lin at John Hopkins University studied how dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive disorders had connections to hearing loss. The study results showed those disorders increased by 20% for every 10 decibels of hearing loss.

“Our results show that hearing loss should not be considered an inconsequential part of aging,” says Lin, “because it may come with some serious long-term consequences to healthy brain functioning.”

Talking to Mom about Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

Like many gradually developing health issues, early detection can make all the difference when it comes to age related hearing loss. Getting her hearing tested at an audiologist’s office is the first step to understanding your mom’s hearing loss. The hearing test results will show whether or not she needs hearing aids. However, there can be real resistance to getting the hearing test done.

Your mom knows you want the best for her, but it can be really hard for older people to accept that they might have hearing issues. Approaching them about getting their hearing checked needs to be handled sensitively. Think about where and when you want to have the conversation. You might want to pick a location quiet and discreet where there will be no interruptions from the TV or from other people.

You might be coming from a place of concern, but avoid lecturing her about her health. Sharing what you’ve researched on hearing loss can be helpful. Explain to her how even mild hearing loss might be affecting her daily life, and addressing her hearing now can help avoid losing her hearing completely. Just be careful to stick to the big points; throwing too much information at her during your initial talk can be overwhelming.

Another good approach is to focus on the benefits of hearing aids rather than declining health. Emphasize what hearing aids will help with, such as hearing her grandchildren’s laughter and keeping up with her friends’ conversations. You want her to stay independent, after all, and there’s a good chance she wants that, too.

Why not suggest to mom that you both go together to get your hearing tested? This not only takes the focus off her own health issues, but it also shows that a person of any age should get their hearing tested periodically. This makes the appointment less about her getting hearing aids and more about the family staying healthy.

Getting Mom Hearing Aids

If it is age related hearing loss, there’s a good chance your mom should get hearing aids. With hearing aids, she won’t have to strain and overexert mentally to focus on conversations. They’ll also help keep her more aware of her surroundings and hold onto her independence as she gets older. And while this kind of hearing loss doesn’t have a cure, hearing aids could help her protect the hearing she has left.

When you and Mom are ready to have your hearing tested, we invite you to talk to us at Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah.  Tim Harmon and his staff stand ready to assist you with all of your hearing needs.  To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (270) 558-3996 or stop by our office located at 2008 Broadway, Paducah, KY  42001 or send us a message by CLICKING HERE.