hearing loss

Hearing Loss Apathy Leads to Failure of Seeking Treatment

By Monique Hammond / October 17, 2025 / Comments Off on 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…

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Hearing Aids

By Monique Hammond / August 15, 2025 / Comments Off on Artificial 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) –…

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Age-friendly Events? Need for Hearing Accessible Venues for Seniors

By Monique Hammond / June 16, 2025 / Comments Off on Age-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,…

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Auracast™ is Coming. Are We Ready?

By Monique Hammond / May 16, 2025 / Comments Off on Auracast™ 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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Measles Can Cause Hearing Loss

By Monique Hammond / March 28, 2025 / Comments Off on Measles 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…

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Still Plenty of Consumer Questions Regarding OTC Hearing Aids

By Monique Hammond / February 13, 2025 / Comments Off on Still 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…

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Hope for New Treatment for Ménière’s Disease?

By Monique Hammond / December 30, 2024 / Comments Off on Hope 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…

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Managing Life with Tinnitus – A Personal Journey

By Monique Hammond / November 27, 2024 / Comments Off on Managing 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…

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Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) – When the Brain Doesn’t Hear Well!

By Monique Hammond / October 17, 2024 / Comments Off on Auditory 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…

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Do Senior Living Places Meet Hard-of-Hearing Communication Needs?

By Monique Hammond / August 13, 2024 / Comments Off on Do Senior Living Places Meet Hard-of-Hearing Communication Needs?

Be sure to be included – not excluded – in your new “home.” Find out about hearing loss accommodation before signing contracts. As people age, their chances for hearing loss increase along with their risk for dementia. It is said that 55 % of those aged 75 and older have disabling hearing loss. They struggle…

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