Why should we buy Hearing Aids from professional Audiologist/Hearing Instrument Specialist?

This is a very interesting and complex topic, which I thought must be published for the sake of hearing aid buyers and users. We should also know the importance of buying the hearing aids as it is going to be a long time using device. Purchasing hearing aids from a professional audiologist or hearing instrument specialist offers various benefits compared to buying them through other channels or online. Here are several reasons why seeking professional guidance when buying hearing aids is highly beneficial: Comprehensive Evaluation: Audiologists and hearing instrument specialists are trained to conduct thorough hearing assessments. They can diagnose the type and degree of your hearing loss accurately, ensuring that you receive the most appropriate hearing aids for your specific needs. Customized Solutions: Professionals tailor the selection of hearing aids to match your hearing loss, lifestyle, and preferences. They consider factors like your communication needs, daily activities, and budget to recommend the most suitable devices. Proper and professional Fitting: Achieving a comfortable and secure fit is crucial for hearing aid effectiveness and comfort. Professionals use precise measurements and molding techniques to ensure your hearing aids fit perfectly, reducing the risk of discomfort or feedback issues. Programming and Adjustments: Hearing aids require precise programming to meet your unique hearing requirements. Audiologists and hearing instrument specialists are skilled in programming and fine-tuning hearing aids to optimize their performance and comfort. They can make necessary adjustments over time as your hearing needs change. Education and Counseling: Professionals provide comprehensive education on how to use and care for your hearing aids. They offer guidance on communication strategies and realistic expectations, helping you adapt to your new devices more successfully. Trial Periods: Many hearing healthcare professionals offer trial periods during which you can test different hearing aids to find the most suitable option. This minimizes the risk of investing in a device that doesn't meet your expectations. Follow-Up Care: Hearing aid providers offer ongoing support and maintenance. Regular follow-up appointments are essential for adjustments, cleanings, and addressing any issues that may arise. Verification and Validation: Professionals use validated methods to verify that your hearing aids are functioning correctly and meeting your hearing needs. This ensures that you are receiving the full benefit of your investment. Access to the Latest Technology: Professionals stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in hearing aid technology. They can recommend cutting-edge features and models that may improve your hearing experience. Community and Resources: Audiologists and hearing instrument specialists often have access to a network of other healthcare providers, support groups, and resources that can enhance your overall hearing health and well-being. Insurance and Warranty Assistance: They can assist you in navigating insurance coverage and help with warranty claims, making the process smoother and less stressful. Ethical Practices: Reputable professionals adhere to a code of ethics and prioritize your best interests. They are less likely to engage in high-pressure sales tactics or recommend unnecessary products or services. While purchasing hearing aids from a professional may initially seem more expensive than online or over-the-counter options, the personalized care, expertise, and long-term benefits they provide make it a wise investment in your hearing health. Consult with an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist to start your journey toward improved hearing and a better quality of life.

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Most Likely symptoms detected in Babies and Children having hearing loss.

Hearing loss can affect people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. In older children and adults, hearing loss is often easier to identify. But in infants and young children, it may be more difficult to recognize.

Below are some of the common signs associated with hearing loss in both babies and toddlers/young children.

Babies:

• ​Did not pass newborn hearing screening
• Does not startle or react to loud sounds
• Does not babble, or starts babbling at a young age and then stops
• Does not respond to familiar voices
• Does not say any words by 12 months of age (even “mama” or “papa”)
• 
  

Toddlers/Young Children:

• Has delayed or unclear speech
• Does not respond to voices or sounds when they cannot see you
• Asks for repetitions or says “huh” a lot
• Does not follow directions
• Needs the television turned up louder than normal
• Misses soft sounds or distant sounds

If you suspect your child may have hearing loss, contact the child’s pediatrician or a pediatric audiologist (hearing specialist) immediately for a hearing evaluation.

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ALPS state of the art Hearing Aids were developed to suit your individual lifestyle & hearing needs.

They are designed to balance comfort & speech understanding.

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New Ear Cleaning "How-To" Rules

(Source: HealthyHearing.com) Regular readers of Healthy Hearing know we've covered the problem of cerumen - commonly called ear wax - in previous editions. Why? Well, we all have it and ear wax can cause temporary hearing problems. Also, for persons with hearing aids, cerumen can be more common and wreak havoc on your hearing aids.
So despite the inherent "ewww factor" associated with ear wax, let's take a look down your ear canal and provide the latest on ear care.

It's Natural

Cerumen builds up in our ear canals

Cerumen isn't a sign of poor hygiene or an oversight. The production of cerumen is natural and it serves a beneficial purpose.
Cerumen is produced by glands that line the outer third of the ear canal and it isn't wax at all. It's water-soluble (it dissolves in water) and it's there to collect dust, debris, dead skin cells, hair spray and all the other gunk that would, otherwise, work its way down the ear canal to the tympanic membrane or ear drum.
So, by capturing this gunk before it collects deeper in the ear, the delicate workings of the inner ear are protected. By reaming out ear wax with a cotton swab, toothpick or some other "entrenching tool," you're actually hurting yourself. Stop cleaning your ears - at least stop reaming out your ear canal with whatever's close at hand.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation

The AAO-HNSF (yes it's a mouthful) has issued new cerumen removal guidelines for hearing care professionals; however, the guidelines contain information that is useful for all to take home and stick inside their medicine cabinet.
"Approximately 12 million people a year in the U.S. seek medical care for impacted or excessive cerumen," said Richard Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, Chair of the AAO-HNSF Guideline Development Task Force. "This leads to nearly 8 million cerumen removal procedures by health care professionals. Developing practical clinical guidelines for physicians to understand the harm vs. benefit profile of the intervention was essential."
You bet. And it's just as important that we all understand these new guidelines. It's a universal bodily function, but one that can cause problems, especially among special groups of people:

• 10% of children have problems with cerumen that require medical attention.
• 5% of adults have a problem serious enough for a visit to the doctor.
• 33% of the elderly have hearing issues associated with cerumen
• 33% of cognitively impaired men and women have problems.

What is so sticky about wax?

Well, the one most of us think about is cosmetic. No one wants to walk around with wax sitting in the outer ear. But a simple wash with warm water and soap will remove visible cerumen. Cosmetic problem solved, as long as the wash cloth stays outside the ear canal. If you use a wash cloth and stick to the pina - the outer ear - you'll look spiffy. And well groomed.
Serious problems occur when cerumen builds up within the ear canal and becomes impacted or compressed. This can lead to a variety of problems: • ear pain • sound distortion (your own voice sounds different)

• a feeling of stuffiness or fullness in the ear canal
• persistent itching • an unpleasant odor
• ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• discharge (an oozing substance that keeps appearing)
• persistent cough
• hearing loss

If you experience these symptoms in combination with an excess amount of cerumen production, it's time to make an appointment with a qualified hearing care professional to see what's up (or down) in there. These professionals can quickly diagnose ear wax impaction and have the tools and techniques to remove the impacted ear wax safely.
Let's put this in bold type because it's that important: if you experience any of the symptoms listed above and you know that you have ear wax build up, do NOT try to fix the problem yourself. REPEAT: Do not try to fix the problem yourself.
To put it simple, don't stick anything down your ear canal. The chances of pushing deeper the impacted cerumen are simply too great and worse, puncturing your eardrum (ouch!). And besides, you can't even see what you're doing in there so see a professional who can handle the problem safely.

The AAO-HNSF Cerumen Guidelines

So, what do the medical practitioners recommend for handling ear wax. Well, here are the new guidelines published by the AAO-HNSF:

1. Cerumen is beneficial. It is self-cleaning, protects the inner ear, moisturizes the ear canal and has anti-biotic properties, i.e. germs don't get through.
2. People who wear hearing aids should be examined regularly for impaction that can cause feedback, limit hearing and cause further damage to the ear.
3. Ear wax can cause reversible hearing loss even when 80% of the ear canal's diameter is blocked. (That's good news, so make an appointment today.)
4. Removal techniques include:

At home:

• wax-dissolving agents (some o-t-c products are available for home maintenance)

Water irrigation is one cerumen removal option

By a hearing care professional:

• irrigation - removing the impacted ear wax with water under mild pressure
• manual removal with special instruments
• suction, carefully controlled and monitored by the hearing professional

Home care should NOT include: cleaning the ear with a cotton swab, oral jet irrigators or ear candling. These practices invariably do more harm than good.
Take the advice of your physician or audiologist who may recommend regular visits for a safe ear cleaning.
Bottom line?
Cleaning your ears is not a do-it-yourself project like brushing your teeth. Your ears will take care of themselves under normal circumstances - no maintenance needed.
However, if you experience symptoms associated with ear wax impaction, or if you wear a hearing aid, the AAO-HNSF recommends seeing your hearing care professional every 6 - 12 months.
Dr. Peter Roland, MD, who led the team that developed these new hearing health guidelines put it this way. "The complications from cerumen impaction can be painful and ongoing, including infections and hearing loss. It is hoped that these guidelines will give clinicians the tools they need to spot an issue early and avoid serious outcomes."
Dr. Roland's point should be taken to heart, not only by hearing professionals but by individuals with cerumen problems. You know first when there's a problem with your hearing.
You're the best, strongest advocate for good hearing health. So, if ear wax is anything more unusual than "icky," make an appointment so see a hearing care professional today.

Iodine Cures Cancers

We are about to upset the $50 Billion Cancer Industry.

Author Lynne Farrow asked me to post my research on how Iodine cures cancer.

First the real life stories from little Westport, Tn. I have been heavily promoting iodine to my friends & neighbors by handing out free books that I bought from Amazon to get the ball rolling. I am even shocked at the amazing results I have seen in such short times.

1) Kay was suffering terminal cancer & was sent to home hospice to die when doctors gave up on her rapidly spreading cancer. She was given a 3 month death sustenance. Cancer had taken over her uterus & vagina, and spread out from there. Kay's best friend had cured her own fibrocystic breast disease in less than a month with iodine (her doctor wanted to do mastectomy), and was enthusiastic when I showed her my research on iodine curing cancer. Kay started the Dr. Brownstein iodine protocol, and was totally cured within 9 months. X-Rays proved all cancer was gone. She called us this week to tell us how well she is doing.

2) Our neighbor Glenda was suffering from Breast Cancer that was getting larger each month. Her sister, our mail lady, had also cured her own fibrocystic breast disease with iodine in less than 1 month, and so started Glenda on the Dr. Brownstein Iodine Protocol, and now just one month later, Glenda stopped over for a visit to tell us that her breast cancer had shrunk by 90% -

So just in our little community, we have cured 2 cases of fibrocystic breast disease, 1 terminal cancer & a 90% reduction in a breast cancer. The word is spreading like wildfire and over 30 people in this little community have jumped on the iodine bandwagon. Lynne Farrow's book is being passed around from one neighbor to the next, and my own file, "Iodine References" has become very popular.
http://tinyurl.com/Iodine-Handout.
I've heard these people want their own book and have been ordering it.

Now this was to be expected because of reports from leading doctors that iodine cures cancers. Too bad that mainstream medicine is ignoring them.

Dr. Derry says,”One drop (6.5 mg per drop) of Lugol's daily in water, orange juice or milk will gradually eliminate the first phase of the cancer development called fibrocystic disease of the breast so no new cancers can start.”
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthyroid.about.com%2Flibrary%2Fderry%...


Dr, Derry - How Iodine kills Cancer Cells
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fiodine4health.com%2Fbody%2Fbreast%2F...


Dr. Dach, photos of tumors shrinking with 50mg Iodine
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjeffreydach.com%2F2009%2F11%2F13%2Fi...


Iodine & Breast Cancer, Dr. Dach
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drdach.com%2FIodine_and_Breast_C...


There is much more in our "Iodine Recommended Reading," chapter Cancer.
http://goo.gl/G4dLP


Iodine is clearly a Miracle From God !

Grizz

CAUSES OF HEARING LOSS: 10 COMMON CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & PREVENTION

Causes of Hearing Loss: Common Causes, Prevention & Hearing Protection

Hearing loss can happen for many different reasons. Some causes, such as genetics and aging, may be beyond our control. However, other causes—including prolonged exposure to loud noise and certain medications—may be preventable or manageable.

Understanding the causes of hearing loss can help you recognize potential risks early and take steps to protect your hearing.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Common causes of hearing loss include:

• Heredity and genetic factors
• Aging
• Exposure to loud noise
• Certain medications that can affect the ear
• Ear infections and other ear conditions
• Head or ear injuries
• Certain illnesses and medical conditions

Not every type of hearing loss can be prevented. However, protecting your ears from excessive noise and discussing potentially harmful medications with a healthcare professional can help reduce certain risks.

Hearing Loss Caused by Heredity

Genetics can play an important role in hearing health. Some people inherit conditions that make them more likely to develop hearing loss.

Inherited hearing loss can be present at birth or develop later in life. Because genetic factors are not something we can control, people with a family history of hearing loss may benefit from regular hearing evaluations.

Ototoxic Drugs and Hearing Loss

Some medications are considered ototoxic, meaning they can potentially damage structures involved in hearing or balance.

Depending on the medication and individual circumstances, ototoxic effects may include hearing changes, tinnitus or balance problems.

Examples of medications that may have ototoxic effects include:

• Certain antibiotics
• Some chemotherapy medicines
• Certain loop diuretics
• Some anti-inflammatory medicines
• High doses of certain over-the-counter pain medicines

The risk depends on factors such as the specific medication, dosage, duration of treatment and a person's health.

Do not stop or change a prescribed medication on your own. If you are concerned that a medication may be affecting your hearing, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. They can determine whether an alternative treatment is appropriate.

Signs of Possible Ototoxicity

Potential warning signs can include:

• New or worsening tinnitus
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Changes in hearing
• Hearing loss that appears or progresses during treatment
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Balance problems

If you notice new hearing or balance symptoms while taking a medication, contact your healthcare professional promptly.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the major causes of preventable hearing damage.

Very loud sounds can damage delicate sensory cells in the inner ear. Repeated exposure to loud sounds—or a single exposure to an extremely loud sound—can result in permanent hearing damage.

Noise exposure can come from many sources, including:

• Concerts and live music
• Headphones and earbuds
• Power tools
• Construction equipment
• Motorcycles and other vehicles
• Firearms
• Lawn and landscaping equipment
• Industrial machinery

The louder the sound, the less time it may take for hearing damage to occur.

Can Earbuds Cause Hearing Loss?

Personal listening devices can contribute to hearing damage when music or other audio is played at excessive volume for extended periods.

A practical warning sign is difficulty hearing someone who is standing nearby while your headphones or earbuds are playing.

Parents and caregivers can also help children and teenagers develop safer listening habits by encouraging lower volume levels and regular breaks from personal listening devices.

If you experience ringing in your ears or muffled hearing after listening to loud music, consider it a warning to reduce your exposure and protect your hearing.

Musicians and Hearing Loss

Musicians can face increased exposure to loud sound because rehearsals, performances and amplified instruments can produce high sound levels.

Long-term exposure to loud music can put musicians at risk of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.

Musicians can reduce their risk by using appropriately fitted hearing protection, taking breaks when possible and monitoring sound levels.

Specialized musicians' earplugs are designed to reduce sound while allowing music to remain relatively balanced across frequencies.

How Loud Is Too Loud?

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). As sound levels increase, the amount of time a person can safely remain exposed generally decreases.

Examples of everyday sound levels include:

Sound level	Example
Around 40 dB	Quiet room
Around 50 dB	Moderate rainfall
Around 60 dB	Typical conversation
Around 70 dB	Busy traffic or vacuum cleaner
80–90 dB	Hair dryer, blender or some other loud household equipment
Around 90 dB	Motorcycle or subway
Around 100 dB	Power tools
Around 110 dB	Chainsaw or some very loud personal audio equipment
120 dB+	Sirens, jet aircraft at close range and other extremely loud sounds
140 dB+	Firearms or other extremely intense sounds

Actual sound levels can vary significantly depending on distance, equipment and environment.

Warning Signs That Noise May Be Too Loud

A sound may be dangerously loud if:

• You need to raise your voice to communicate with someone nearby.
• The sound causes physical discomfort or pain.
• You notice ringing or buzzing in your ears afterward.
• Your hearing seems muffled after leaving the noisy environment.
• You have difficulty understanding speech after prolonged noise exposure.

Temporary ringing or muffled hearing after loud noise should not be ignored. Repeated exposure can increase the risk of permanent hearing damage.

How to Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

The good news is that many forms of noise-related hearing damage can be reduced through simple precautions.

1. Reduce the Volume

Lower the volume of headphones, earbuds, televisions and other audio devices.

2. Limit Exposure Time

Take regular breaks when you are around loud music, machinery or other sources of noise.

3. Wear Hearing Protection

Earplugs or earmuffs can help reduce exposure to loud sounds. Choose hearing protection appropriate for the environment and use it correctly.

4. Move Away From Loud Sounds

Increasing your distance from a loud sound source can reduce the amount of sound reaching your ears.

5. Protect Children's Hearing

Teach children safe listening habits and monitor their exposure to loud music, concerts, sporting events and noisy environments.

6. Get Your Hearing Checked

Regular hearing evaluations can help identify hearing changes early, particularly if you regularly work or spend time in noisy environments.

When Should You See a Hearing Professional?

Consider arranging a hearing evaluation if you notice:

• Difficulty understanding conversations
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Turning the television volume higher than others prefer
• Persistent or recurring tinnitus
• Muffled hearing
• Difficulty hearing in restaurants or other noisy environments
• A noticeable change in hearing after noise exposure

Sudden hearing loss should be treated as a medical concern and evaluated promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Loss

What is the most common cause of hearing loss?

Hearing loss has many possible causes, including aging, genetics, noise exposure and certain medical conditions or medications. The cause varies from person to person.

Can hearing loss be prevented?

Some types of hearing loss cannot be prevented, but many cases of noise-induced hearing loss can be reduced or prevented by limiting loud-noise exposure and using appropriate hearing protection.

Can loud music cause permanent hearing loss?

Yes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to loud music can damage the inner ear and contribute to permanent noise-induced hearing loss.

Can earbuds cause hearing loss?

Listening through earbuds at excessive volume or for prolonged periods can increase the risk of noise-induced hearing damage. Keeping volume at a safer level and taking listening breaks can help reduce exposure.

What medications can cause hearing loss?

Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy medicines, loop diuretics and other medications can have ototoxic effects. The risk varies by medication and individual circumstances, so medication changes should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

How can I protect my hearing from loud noise?

Reduce the volume, limit the duration of exposure, move away from loud sound sources and use appropriate earplugs or earmuffs when necessary.

Protect Your Hearing Before Problems Begin

Many causes of hearing loss require medical evaluation, but protecting your ears from excessive noise is something you can start doing today.

If you are experiencing hearing changes, tinnitus, muffled hearing or difficulty understanding conversations, schedule a professional hearing evaluation to determine what may be affecting your hearing.

CTA: Don't ignore changes in your hearing. Contact our hearing care team today to schedule a hearing evaluation and learn more about protecting your hearing.