Tag

Audiologist

All articles tagged with #audiologist

health1 year ago

"Midlife Sensory Testing: A Key Predictor of Cognitive Decline and Dementia Risk"

Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, affects a significant portion of the adult population, with symptoms including difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments and trouble comprehending higher-pitched sounds. Many individuals wait an average of 10 years before seeking help, despite the potential impact on overall health, including links to conditions such as dementia, depression, and falls. It's important to be aware of the signs and to seek assistance if hearing loss is suspected.

health1 year ago

"Improving Hearing Aid Usability with Larger Devices and Remote Controls"

Many older adults face challenges with using hearing aids, including difficulty manipulating small devices, vision issues, and cognitive impairment. Only 29% of those with hearing loss use hearing aids, with barriers including cost, lack of coverage by Medicare, and self-consciousness. Specialists recommend larger, customized devices, remote controls, and accessories to improve usability. It's important to wear hearing aids all day for optimal brain stimulation and consult a hearing professional for personalized guidance, especially with Medicare now covering annual audiologist consultations for non-acute hearing problems.

health2 years ago

The Rise of Earplugs: A Millennial and Gen Z Trend Boosted by Taylor Swift's Tour

Earplugs are trending among millennials and Gen Z as more people become aware of the importance of protecting their hearing. Noise exposure-induced hearing loss is the only kind of hearing loss that is preventable, and even one incident in a loud environment can cause permanent damage. Concert earplugs with filters are recommended for music events to maintain sound quality, while foam earplugs are effective for general hearing protection. Sound levels above 80 decibels are harmful, and a decibel meter app can help determine the intensity of sounds. It is recommended to see an audiologist for a baseline hearing test around age 45. Custom earplugs made by an audiologist are considered the most comfortable and effective option for hearing protection.

health2 years ago

Unveiling the Mystery of 'Hidden Hearing Loss': A Guide to Self-Diagnosis

Hidden hearing loss, also known as hidden hearing disorder, is a condition where individuals hear fine in quiet environments but struggle to hear in the presence of background noise. Researchers estimate that approximately 10% of people who have normal hearing test results still experience difficulty hearing in noisy settings. This type of hearing loss may be caused by connectivity and communication issues in the nerve cells of the brain. Symptoms include struggling to hear in loud environments, avoiding noisy situations, and hearing people incorrectly in non-quiet settings. Treatment options include using techniques to improve hearing, such as asking people to speak more slowly, using closed captions, and utilizing apps that turn your phone into a directional microphone. Researchers are actively working on developing more effective methods for diagnosing and treating hidden hearing loss.