Chronicles of a deaf Audiologist
Rehabilitation beyond hearing aids and cochlear implants: lipreading instruction, brain/auditory training and communication strategies.
Success for Hearing Better
HEARa is dedicated to the idea that people need the right information, at the right times, to be successful with hearing loss. HEARa’s mission is to reach out to adults with hearing loss and say—keep going. Learning about your hearing loss should be a lifelong process.
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From the chronicles
Tinnitus notably higher in 19-29 year olds!
I’m concerned! The prevalence of tinnitus was found to be notably higher among 19-29 year olds in a Canadian Health Measures Survey. In the 19-29 year old age group, prevalence was 46%, compared to 33% for those aged 30-49, and 35% for those aged 50-70. Approximately 80-90% of people with tinnitus experience some degree of […]
Why you shouldn’t use Qtips for itchy ears
Many people use cotton Qtips because their ears get itchy—but in doing so, make their ears more itchy, because a Qtip will scrape off a protective, sealing layer of skin and wax. The result? Dry, itchy skin. In some cases, vigorous use of a Qtip can result in a ruptured ear drum—a very painful condition. […]
What does “falling on deaf ears” mean?
Do you ever use the expression “falling on deaf ears”? I wonder if people are really thinking about what they are saying when they use this expression. Do they mean that the person appears to have selective hearing? That may be an unfair accusation when applied to someone with hearing loss.
Find out for sure before getting an over-the-counter hearing aid (OTC)
If you are considering an over-the-counter hearing aid, are you sure that your hearing loss is not treatable? Some people have hearing problems due to treatable conditions, like impacted wax. Others may have conditions or diseases that place them at risk for hearing loss. Exclusion criteria from the American Academy of Otolaryngology include ear pain […]
This is important to know before getting over-the-counter hearing aids (OTCs)
Are you considering an over-the-counter hearing aid (OTC)? OTCs are meant for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Research shows that people are not great at estimating their hearing levels, and they tend to underestimate the severity of their hearing loss (Tsimpida et al, 2020). See a hearing care professional for a hearing test […]
Are you considering an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid?
Are you considering an over-the-counter hearing aid (OTC)? Make sure you pick one that uses the information from your hearing test in the fitting process. OTCs that are pre-set do not take into account the degree and configuration of your hearing loss. If you have never had a hearing test, see a hearing care professional first. […]
Can you wear your OTCs all day?
Over-the-counter hearing aids (OTCs) are not a custom fit—meaning they are not personalized for the shape of your ear canal. Unlike with traditional hearing aids, you won’t have the benefit of a hearing care professional to look at the fit in your ear canal and suggest modifications if needed. If you can’t wear your OTCs […]
Considering an over-the-counter hearing aid: the Matrix edition
When considering an over-the-counter hearing aid (OTC), a rabbit hole awaits. It’s not obvious that there are two categories of OTCs: pre-set and self-fitting. The pre-set ones are just that; they are pre-set. Your hearing sensitivity levels are not considered. Self-fitting hearing aids may or may not incorporate your hearing thresholds into the fitting process. […]
No hearing test needed for an over-the-counter hearing aid!
My advice: make sure you pick an over-the-counter hearing aid that uses the information from your hearing test in the fitting process. If you have never had a hearing test, see a hearing care professional first. If you don’t have access to a hearing care professional for a hearing test, you can use online […]
How to find the best hearing aids?
How to find the best hearing aids? I wouldn’t advise asking on Facebook what other people think of brand X or Y. I frequently see this on social media. I am researching Over-the-Counter hearing aids for a presentation at the symposium for Alberta Association of Hearing Aid Practitioners of Alberta. I am struck by the […]