Sudden hearing loss is a condition that can be quite distressing for those who experience it. Imagine waking up one morning and noticing a sudden decline in your ability to hear. In this blog post, we will delve into the topic of sudden hearing loss, exploring its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.
Sudden hearing loss can be a challenging condition to navigate. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention are crucial steps in managing this condition effectively. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, individuals can take control of their hearing health and seek the support they need. Remember, if you or someone you know is dealing with sudden hearing loss, don't hesitate to reach out to your audiologist for guidance. Early intervention can increase the chances of preserving or restoring the lost hearing. Remember, prompt action is vital in managing sudden hearing loss effectively. In honor of the joyful holiday season, to allow our staff to enjoy the holidays with their families, our office will be closed:
***From noon on Fri, Dec 31st, 2021 – Mon, Jan 3rd, 2022*** We wish you and your family a Happy New Year. Be safe and healthy. In honor of the joyful holiday season, to allow our staff to enjoy the holidays with their families, our office will be closed:
**From noon on Fri, Dec 24th - Mon, Dec 27th.** We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Be safe and healthy. We will be closed on Monday, September 6th in observance of Labor Day and will reopen on Tuesday, September 7th. Have a safe, happy and healthy Labor Day...From All of Us at Helton Hearing Care. :) In honor of the joyful holiday season, to allow our staff to enjoy the holidays with their families, our office will be closed as follows:
-- From noon on Thurs, Dec 24th - Sun, Dec 27th. -- From noon on Thurs, Dec 31st, 2020 – Sun, Jan 3rd, 2021. We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Be safe and healthy. :) Thanksgiving is the perfect time to express our sincere thanks to those whose friendship and business we cherish.
Thank you for allowing us to be your hearing healthcare provider and best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. 🙂 Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Helton Hearing Care. -- We will be closed on Thurs, Nov 26th - Sun, Nov 29th and will reopen on Mon, Nov 30th. GN ReSound has announced their newest device and they are looking to shake the way the hearing device world approaches hearing aid fitting. Hearing devices generally all have a similar shape, and approach to sound gathering, with some exceptions such as devices that fit in the canal. Most devices that fit behind the ear have a couple, or more, microphones on the device facing behind the ear which gather sounds around the wearer and process that information before amplifying it into the receiver which is fit into the ear canal. Most of the devices process this information to also help determine what direction the sounds are coming from to better orient the wearer.
ReSound has decided to go a new route with their new ReSound ONE by introducing “Microphone & Receiver-In-Ear design” (M&RIE). This new speaker wire design places a microphone on the receiver end, the part that fits into the ear canal. This approach is designed to allow a hearing devices wearer to experience sound similarly to how nature intended, a more organic approach, by allowing the pinna, the outer ear, to catch sound waves and direct them to this microphone. The devices will still have the microphones that sit behind the ear, but the one inside the ear will help direct sound to create a more natural feel to what comes out of the receiver. This is possible because GN has created a new way to manage feedback, the “Digital Feedback Suppression (DFS III). They have combined this with a new chipset for sound processing that GN has deemed their most power yet. In a study done by GN ReSound it was found that 70% of people with a mild to moderately sloping hearing loss preferred the sound of the M&RIE setup as compared to the traditional omnidirectional settings when using the Resound ONE. 57% preferred the M&RIE when compared to Resounds Spatial Sense. The study also found that those using the M&RIE had less error when tested for localization than those fit in a traditional behind the ear methods. The sources will be listed below; I strongly recommend looking into the ReSound ONE. We are excited to see how the new system performs and to see how well the M&RIE works in our office. The ReSound ONE releases on August 27th of 2020. Sources
It is Summer now and time for some water-based activities! With options like a lazy float down the Madison on a warm, sunny day, rafting the Yellowstone, or wakeboarding on Flathead Lake, there are countless aquatic pursuits with which to fill one’s free time. While enjoying a peaceful dip, or adrenaline filled rush, it is important to remember that these environments do pose new challenges for hearing device care. Always be prepared and have a plan to protect these important medical instruments while creating amazing memories on the high seas (or soothing river).
Hearing devices are NOT WATERPROOF. It is important to note that hearing devices, just like cell phones, do not currently exists as waterproof electronics. Hearing devices are rated under the same IP rating system that cell phones are. Most newer devices are given a rating of IP68, meaning that they do meet the best water resistance standard that can be had without being totally waterproof. As such, they might come out just fine in a rain, or even the accidental shower if one notices quickly and takes them off early in the process. However, hearing devices are not meant for a dip in the pool or even the occasional water gun fight brought on by the grandchild (you know which one). Protect devices from as much water contact as can be done. Hearing devices encounter liquid daily in the form of sweat. While it was mentioned earlier that hearing instruments are quite water resistant, even this daily contact can make its way into the device and destroy the inner circuitry. This is noticeable as a crackling or intermittence in the sound produced. It is important to protect devices from water so as not to damage them, leaving one without the ability to hear. Keep a watertight box or bag for when participating in water sports or leave the devices in the car to ensure that liquids stay far away. If taking part in a shore activity where it is not expected that one would get soaked, perhaps try a cord or clip to keep devices in place. These often come with a sleeve that fits over the devices and can be worn daily for extra protection against sweat and the elements, like that car that always drives through the puddle soaking the protagonist of the movie right when everything else in their life is going wrong. The next scene is usually the protagonist at their audiologist having their devices sent to the manufacturer due to water damage. Unfortunately, this scene gets cut, probably due to run time or something. Another useful tool in the hearing instrument wearer’s arsenal is the hearing device dryer. Accidents happen and people sweat so it is always good to have this on hand. After an accidental drop in the sink, or toilet if one is really unlucky, or that one friend that thinks it is still funny to push people in the pool (probably a sibling), a dryer can really come in handy. Take the devices off and place them in the desiccant jar, or the dryer/charger combo that many devices are sold with and leave them overnight. This can clear out that moisture and save some major damage to the devices. It is also a good idea to do this nightly to escape that aforementioned sweat. Hearing devices are important, but so is spending time with loved ones and getting out and having experiences. Be sure to take precautions and have a plan in place to keep hearing instruments safe, and dry. There are options to help with this, like a sleeve or clip, as well as dryers to help with daily care and emergencies. If you need any of those supplies, please give us a call at 406-586-0914; we will be glad to provide them to you. Talk to your audiologist if any questions arise, or any advice is needed on care of hearing devices. Sources
Happy 4th of July from all of us at Helton Hearing Care. 😊 We will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in an observance of Independence Day and resume normal business hours on Monday, July 6th.
Please be sure to take necessary safety precautions to protect your hearing and your health while celebrating the 4th of July during a pandemic. See some tips https://www.usatoday.com/…/how-safely-celebrate…/5354732002/ ~ Have a safe and enjoyable holiday. |
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