Posts by Monique Hammond
Driving with Hearing Loss is all about Safety
What do I hear and where is the noise coming from? Irene, an experienced middle-aged driver froze and swerved as a motorcycle thundered past her car. However, this was not the first time that she had missed traffic cues and was surprised by sounds that she did not “hear” coming. When her nephew informed her…
Read MoreRegenerative Medicine to Restore Human Hearing? Hope for the Future.
Note: Beware of scams. While this research looks promising and is advancing quickly, there are currently no FDA-approved cochlear hair cell regenerative therapies available. Regenerative Medicine is an extremely complicated yet dynamic field of research. By using the body’s own healing capacity, the goal is to regenerate (replace or repair) damaged human cells and tissues.…
Read MoreFirst Gene Therapy for Genetic Hearing Loss Approved
So far, hearing loss related to genetics is treated the way any other type and degree of hearing loss are treated. Why? Because specific therapies to correct or replace defective or missing genes that interfere with the development of hearing structures and/or their functions are not available. But that changed recently, and there is hope…
Read MoreNoise-induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): Be Aware. Anticipate. Prepare.
Note: Those under the care of an audiologist or hearing specialist must check with that care provider on the best way(s) to protect their hearing in noisy places. Although noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, it is all too often under-rated by the public. Sadly, the choices that we make can have serious effects on our…
Read MoreBuying Hearing Aids Involves Preparation and Coaching Teamwork
Note: For this blog, the discussion is limited to professional/ prescription hearing aids. Buying hearing aids can be a rather overwhelming journey. With myriads of instruments on the market, people wonder which ones are best for them. And so, it is said that the best hearing aids are those that patients actually use. Such instruments…
Read MoreAuditory Recruitment – A Treatable Side Effect of Hearing Loss
Auditory Recruitment – also known as Loudness Recruitment – refers to a perceived rapid sound volume escalation in people with sensorineural hearing loss due to cochlear (inner ear) hearing cell damage. Even a small amplification boost can set off a fast and unexpected sound blast. Maybe this explains the observation that louder is not necessarily…
Read MoreHearing Loss Apathy Leads to Failure of Seeking Treatment
Apathy is generally defined as a lack of motivation, interest or indifference towards an issue – in this case hearing loss. Hearing loss is upsetting and scary. It is a complicated communication disorder that affects every aspect of life and therefore quality of life. It takes motivation and persistence to get answers and not to…
Read MoreArtificial Intelligence (AI) for Hearing Aids
Despite significant progress in hearing aid technology, many customers are no longer satisfied with their hearing experiences in loud places. Understanding speech-in-noise remains the main challenge for those with hearing loss. How can this be changed? Might Artificial Intelligence (AI) help? Yes, there are DNNs for that! Basics of the Deep Neural Network (DNN) –…
Read MoreAge-friendly Events? Need for Hearing Accessible Venues for Seniors
As their numbers grow, senior citizens attract all sorts of attention. “Age-friendly” has become a mainstream expression. It reflects sensitivity and inclusion. It is meant to encourage older people to sign up for and participate in sessions that are designed for them. But, are their needs being met, starting with communication access? According to statistics,…
Read MoreAuracast™ is Coming. Are We Ready?
The list of communication access technologies is growing. Besides FM, IR, hearing loops and WiFi access, we now add a new option: Auracast™. Although everybody can take advantage of this evolving technology, especially those with hearing loss look forward to the new sound and listening experience. However, all of the current assistive listening choices listed…
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