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. 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. :) 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
We Are Open!
Temporary Office Hours: M – Th, 9 – 4 until April 10th. Hearing HealthCare is designated as an essential service. Please rest assured that we are here for you and your family members during this tough time. We know how important your hearing health is and are committed to continue providing you excellent care. That being said, here are a few guidelines we need you to follow.
Dementia is one of those words that at once pulls the strings of one’s heart while also striking fear in the back of one’s mind. The sadness of a loved one unable to always remember a name and the concern that that will one day be you are feelings that many have faced, and do face, daily. Around 50 million people around the world currently have dementia, and that figure is likely to triple in just 30 years’ time. Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done for dementia and Alzheimer’s once the cognitive loss has set in. Because of this, preventative measures are looked at as an alternative. There are quite a few aspects of life that can be altered to reduce the risk, and maybe push back the onset, and hearing loss is the most significant risk factor that can be modified to help manage the risk.
Hearing loss comes with many obstacles which should be managed to improve life and retain cognitive function. When one loses their hearing, they tend to stop doing hearing related activities and withdraw from public interaction, and this causes the brain to be used less, and even results in depression. Social isolation, physical inactivity and depression are all major modifiable issues when managing risk for dementia, and managing hearing loss is the most consequential, possibly reducing risks by up to 9%, especially when addressed in midlife, ages 45-65. In the last article review it was noted that putting off treatment of hearing loss could costs one up to, and exceeding, $22,000 on extra healthcare costs over 10 years, but not seeking help for your hearing health could result in an even greater threat: cognitive loss leading to dementia. Consult your doctor and have regular hearing exams to help manage your loss and those difficulties accompanying it. Hearing loss affects more than just you, and it is more than just not hearing every word someone says. Be proactive in your health care and seek treatment as soon as possible. References
This is why we love what we do. This is why we love to go to work everyday. This is why we always go above and beyond to help our clients hear their best. It makes our day to be able to make a difference in our client's life and to see a big smile on his/her face. Thank you for choosing us to be your hearing healthcare provider.
Are two hearing aids really better than one? The short answer, backed up by decades of research in the field of hearing science, is a resounding “yes.” Here are a few good reasons.
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 Tues, Dec 24th - Wed, Dec 25th. -- From noon on Tues, Dec 31st, 2019 – Wed, Jan 1st, 2020. We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. |
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