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How Smoking & Drinking May Affect Hearing

In Hearing Loss by Aaron Gingrich

You may think the smoking, drinking and loud music make you the life of the party, but at the end of the night, your health and your hearing won’t be thanking you. Most people know that loud music can damage your hearing, but it is less well known that smoking and drinking can also take a toll on your ears. …

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A Link between Hearing Loss & Diabetes

In Hearing Loss by Aaron Gingrich

Two of America’s most common health issues are diabetes and hearing loss. Over 38 million Americans face mild, moderate and severe hearing impairment, while nearly 35 million live with diabetes. Besides affecting such large percentages of the population, both conditions often affect the same people.  Numerous studies have established a strong link between diabetes and hearing loss. People with diabetes …

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When Should I Update My Hearing Aids?

In Hearing Loss by Aaron Gingrich

Hearing aids are an integral part of daily life so it is important to know when you should update them! Hearing aids are complex devices that consist of components designed to effectively collect, amplify, and process sound. Like most electronics, hearing aids have greatly benefitted from advancing technology that has produced a variety of features that enhance user experience and …

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A Brief History of Hearing Loss

In Hearing Loss by Aaron Gingrich

Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions that people experience globally. According to the World Health Organization, over 466 million people have disabling hearing loss. Fortunately, there is extensive information, resources, specialists, treatment options etc. that exists today which helps us better understand and address hearing loss. Prior to the modern era, little was known or documented …

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Celebrate World Alzheimer’s Month with a Hearing Test!

In Hearing Loss by Aaron Gingrich

September is World Alzheimer’s Month! Launched in 2012, this month is dedicated to raising awareness about this chronic disease. This global campaign – with September 21st marking World Alzheimer’s day every year – addresses the stigma and misconceptions about Alzheimer’s and highlights how pervasive this health condition is. It also focuses on the action(s) people can take to be proactive …

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Why Pretending to Hear Doesn’t Help

In Hearing Loss by Aaron Gingrich

We’ve all done it, whether we have hearing loss or not: You’re having a conversation with someone you’ve never met in a chaotic environment like a bar or restaurant. After a few quick back and forths — “So how do you know Rob?” “How do you like working there?” — your conversational partner launches into a monologue about some aspect …

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Ways to Accommodate Your Loved Ones with Hearing Loss

In Hearing Loss by Aaron Gingrich

Hearing loss affects 48 million Americans today. A problem so widespread ought to be better-understood by more of us, but alas many of us are not sure what to do to accommodate a person with hearing loss. It’s a hidden disorder, and what we can’t see is often hard to address.  We might think that hearing loss simply makes the …

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Musicians & Hearing Loss

In Hearing Loss by Aaron Gingrich

When we think of careers that put us at risk for noise-induced hearing loss, a few obvious ones come to mind. Military personnel suffer from hearing loss and tinnitus more than any other medical problem. Industrial workers, surrounded by loud machines, are at increased risk (though employers are mandated to supply ear protection or reduce ambient noise levels). And, of …

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Going Digital with Your Hearing Aids

In Hearing Loss by Aaron Gingrich

If you’re considering getting hearing aids, or if you’ve already got some and it’s time for a new pair, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the options available today. Hearing aids have come a long way, so consider what options might be best for you before visiting your hearing healthcare specialist. With a price range of $900-3,000, …

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Tips for Communicating with Family Members with Hearing Loss

In Hearing Loss by Aaron Gingrich

Hearing loss is an unfortunate part of life for many of us, and as it sets in it can create some real difficulties in communication. Many family members of those with hearing loss have expressed frustration at the situation (some going so far as to trick a family member into coming in for a hearing test; a practice we don’t …