Hearing Loss and Auditory Deprivation

Closeup shot of a man with a hand on his face

 On average, it takes between 7 and 10 years before people act on a known or suspected hearing loss. A lot can happen to the hearing nerves and to the hearing center in the brain during that time. Due to a lack of sound stimulation, the systems become sluggish, weaken and ultimately atrophy. They fall…

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Prevent Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Children

a couple with two kids sitting on the lawn

As parents and grand-parents, we are responsible for helping children avoid the damage that excessively loud sound can do to inner ears and hearing nerves. The earlier we intervene, the better it will be.   For kids even a mild hearing loss can interfere with speech development, learning and education. But it does not have…

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Hearing Loss is a Chronic Condition.

The Back of a Man and a Child on a Field

A management project  I used to have really, really good hearing. Then one day – poof −I went deaf in my left ear in a matter of four hours. Tinnitus set in almost immediately. Although I regained a bit of hearing over time, life had changed – forever. The ENT specialist informed me tersely that…

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Loved Ones with Hearing Loss? Hear’s to Valentine’s Day!

a pink color coffee mug and a plate of cookies

 This year, make Valentine’s Day count for friends and loved ones with hearing loss. Although their biggest issue is understanding speech in background noise, they delight in being told that they are appreciated – and they really want to hear it.  Any efforts at even basic accommodation will be greatly appreciated. So, surprise your hearing-challenged Valentine(s)…

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Noise-induced Hearing Loss and the Need for Public Education

People listening to a band

Warnings at the highest level  The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that over 1 billion teens and young adults are at serious risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Is what has been written and talked about for some time becoming a sad reality? Most of the efforts to protect hearing from sound injuries are made in…

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Hearing Challenges for the Holidays: Tips to Stay Connected!

Closeup shot of a red ball for Christmas decoration

A Season to be Jolly?  Although communication problems are a reality throughout the year, those with hearing loss especially dread the Merry Holiday Season, the marathon  socializing time of the year.  Having to talk to people at back-to-back loud events and family parties becomes a frustrating and tiring communication challenge. Why? Because noise drowns out…

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Hearing Loss and Aural Rehabilitation

a doctor checking a patient sitting on a chair

Yes, those with hearing loss also need rehabilitation – Aural Rehabilitation that is.  It begins with people understanding their hearing loss and what it means for their lives. It is about learning how to prevent further loss and how hearing technology and assistive listening devices (ALDs) can help make the most of the hearing that is…

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Can Noise-induced Hearing Loss Make Tough Men Cry?

a man sitting in the dark with his head down

Yes, it can. Worn down by the challenges of noise-induced hearing loss and tortured by tinnitus, tough men do cry. In support meetings and presentations, I have seen the eyes of strong, determined guys well up with tears. They suddenly felt vulnerable. They worried about their jobs and families, their social lives and their future. …

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Noise-induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): A Worldwide Concern

people in a concert with hands up

In February 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that over 1 billion teens and young adults are at serious risk for noise-induced hearing loss. What has been written and talked about for some time, is fast becoming a sad reality.  Every insult counts! No matter how or where it is generated, excessively loud sound ages human…

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Hearing Loss: An Underrated Cause of Loneliness

Closeup shot of Monique Hammond

Loneliness is often cited as a serious health risk, especially for older adults. In the U.S., an  AARP  survey reports that over 35% of those 45 years of age and older are lonely.  Maybe friends or family members have moved away or even died. Maybe jobs have been lost and relationships have fallen apart. Maybe health…

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