Posts by Monique Hammond
Hearing 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…
Read MoreMeasles Can Cause Hearing Loss
There are 2 distinct diseases referred to as “Measles” – Rubella or German measles and Rubeola, known simply as measles. Both can affect hearing. They are caused by different viruses and it takes a doctor and special lab tests to tell them apart. These dangerous, unpleasant and highly contagious viral infections share some of the…
Read MoreStill Plenty of Consumer Questions Regarding OTC Hearing Aids
Hearing loss is a communication disorder that affects physical and emotional health. It calls for intervention and treatment. However, professional help may be hard to find and hearing aids are often unaffordable for many of those with hearing loss. To provide more accessible and affordable options, FDA-regulated Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids were released for retail…
Read MoreHope for New Treatment for Ménière’s Disease?
SPI-1005 finished Phase 3 clinical trials with positive results In 2021, I wrote a blog about an investigational new oral drug for treating Ménière’s Disease. Known as SPI-1005, it contains ebselen, a new chemical with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. At the time, participants with a definite history of Ménière’s Disease were recruited for SPI-1005 Phase 3…
Read MoreManaging Life with Tinnitus – A Personal Journey
Is there an explanation for it? An underlying diagnosis? Typically, Tinnitus is described as buzzing, ringing, hissing or chirping sounds in the ears. The noises are generated by the brain and perceived in the ears. Tinnitus is considered a symptom of some underlying condition, and not a disease in itself. Although the noises may sound…
Read MoreAuditory Processing Disorder (APD) – When the Brain Doesn’t Hear Well!
Those with APD have communication issues. They mishear. They have trouble understanding speech-in-noise and following conversations. Words may be jumbled, missed or go unrecognized. Sound-alike words are easily confused. In children, APD leads to slow speech development and learning problems. This may sound like typical hearing loss, but it is quite different. Auditory Processing Disorder…
Read MoreTrouble Hearing and Understanding? Get a Diagnostic Hearing Test.
Hearing is very complicated. There are many reasons why people can have hearing loss and not all hearing loss is the same. There are different types and degrees of hearing loss. But where is the problem? What part(s) of the ear is/are involved? Does the auditory cortex (hearing part of the brain) have trouble decoding…
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