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Six Common Myths about Tinnitus and the Facts Behind Them

In Blog, Expert Information, Tinnitus by Christa N. Smith, Au.D., CCC-A

Despite the fact that over 50 million Americans are suffering with tinnitus, it is still vastly misunderstood. In fact, many people don’t even know that it exists. Tinnitus is the perception of sound where there is no sound. For many who suffer with tinnitus, it is characterized by a persistent ringing sound, but it can often present as buzzing, hissing, whistling, …

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Meniere’s Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

In Blog, Expert Information by Christa N. Smith, Au.D., CCC-A

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 615,000 people in the United States are currently diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, and 45,500 cases are newly diagnosed each year. So, what is Meniere’s disease and why are so many Americans suffering from it? What is Meniere’s Disease? Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can …

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Avoiding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in the Workplace

In Blog, Expert Information, Informative by Christa N. Smith, Au.D., CCC-A

Noise, or unwanted sound, is one of the most pervasive occupational health problems Americans face today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise each year. Unfortunately, many people who have been affected by noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) don’t realize they have a hearing loss until it’s too late. …

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Bluetooth Technology for Hearing Aids

In Blog, Expert Information, Hearing Aids, Informative by Christa N. Smith, Au.D., CCC-A

Phones, tablets, computers – in today’s world, we are constantly “plugged in.” Hearing aids of the past often limited the wearer’s access to these personal devices. For example, in order to use a music player while exercising, you would have had to remove your hearing aids to accommodate a pair of earbuds. Today, however, Bluetooth technology for hearing aids has …

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How to Help a Loved One Suffering with Tinnitus

In Blog, Expert Information, Informative by Christa N. Smith, Au.D., CCC-A

At its least, tinnitus is annoying. At its worst, it is a debilitating illness. It can make those suffering feel powerless, stressed, and anxious, and it destroy their quality of life. Of course, when we see a loved one suffering with tinnitus, it’s natural to want to help. It’s hard to watch a loved one suffer. It’s difficult to even comprehend, and …

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Hearing Loss and Brain Health

In Blog, Expert Information, Hearing Aids, Informative by Christa N. Smith, Au.D., CCC-A

It’s no secret that hearing aids can do more than just improve hearing. They can help with balance, anxiety, and general quality of life. However, what many people don’t realize is that there is a connection between hearing loss and brain health – specifically memory – that is becoming more and more apparent over time. How Hearing Loss Affects Memory We …

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How to Maintain Your Hearing Aids

In Blog, Expert Information, Hearing Aids, Informative by Christa N. Smith, Au.D., CCC-A

There’s no doubt that you benefit greatly from using your hearing aid. Your day-to-day life is easier, you have less anxiety about not being able to hear, and you can enjoy your favorite activities again. Your hearing aid is a delicate device and taking proper care of it now can ensure that these benefits last for years. Here are a few ways …

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Signs of Hearing Loss in Adults

In Blog, Expert Information, Informative by Christa N. Smith, Au.D., CCC-A

Sometimes hearing loss comes on suddenly and can be obvious to the person that his or her hearing has been impaired. In other cases, hearing loss can come on gradually and emerge slowly. Those who are suffering may have trouble recognizing that they have hearing loss because they continue to adjust to the changes. Regardless of the cause or circumstances, there are …

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What You Need to Know About Cochlear Implants

In Blog, Cochlear Implants, Expert Information, Informative by Christa N. Smith, Au.D., CCC-A

While most people with hearing loss have success with hearing aids, there are some people with severe to profound hearing loss for whom hearing aids are not beneficial. For these people, a cochlear (koe-klee-er) implant may be the best option for better hearing. What are cochlear implants? Cochlear implants are tiny electrical devices that are designed to help those with a …