Be Nice To Your Ears!

Our ears are a vital part of our daily lives. These small, yet mighty, organs allow us to communicate with one another and experience the world around us. Unfortunately, they are also delicate and can be easily damaged. Noise-induced hearing loss is a growing concern, and it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your ears. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set regulations to ensure that employees are enrolled in the hearing conservation program and that their ears remain healthy while at work. But this isn’t just an issue for the workplace. In all settings, it’s critical to be mindful of the volume and duration of noise exposure. 

Two major factors affecting noise-induced hearing loss are the sound level or the volume of noise and the duration of exposure. The louder a noise or music, the less amount of time you should spend listening. This is where NOISHA comes into play. NOISHA is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and they have set the recommended exposure limit for noise in non-occupational settings. It’s essential to be aware of these guidelines, as overexposure to loud sounds can cause permanent damage to our ears. 

Our Lives Are Noisy!

There are several examples of non-occupational exposure to loud sounds. This includes shooting guns, riding on motorcycles, attending a NASCAR race, going to a concert, and even listening to music with headphones or earbuds. If you’ve ever found that after a concert your hearing seems muffled or notice you have a slight ringing in your ears, your ears are giving you a warning. This change in hearing post-concert is what we call a Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS). TTS occurs  after noise exposure but recovers back to normal after 10 to 72 hours. When you are younger, your ears typically bounce back after a loud concert, although not always. However, repeated exposure can change temporary shifts into a permanent threshold shift, which is irreversible. 

How Do I Protect My Ears?

So, what can you do to protect your ears? The first step is to simply be aware of the nose levels in your environment. If you’re attending a concert or working in a loud place, make sure you are using earplugs or other protective gear. Also, take breaks by stepping away from the noise when possible to give your ears a chance to rest and recover. 

Additionally, you can take steps to promote your overall ear health. This includes avoiding the use of cotton swags, no matter how good it feels, and other objects to clean the inside of your ears. If you experience any change in hearing or have pain or discomfort in your ears, seek medical attention.

The ears are a precious gift that should be properly cared for, just like other parts of your body. By taking proper precautions and using protection when necessary, you can ensure your hearing remains healthy and vibrant for years to come. 

Stay tuned for next month’s blog where we will cover the best forms of hearing protection. 

Concerned about noise-induced hearing loss?

To make an appointment with our audiologist you may schedule online, or call us today, and we can help get you on the path to better hearing! To learn more about our other services check out our website!

We’re sure you’ve heard the phrase “if you don’t use it, you lose it,” about a million times before. This common expression simply describes the concept that if you aren’t actively using something, you may use the ability to do it altogether. This is particularly true when it comes to physical exercise, but it also rings true for mental exercise. 

Did you know you should be exercising your brain just as you exercise your body? That’s right, your brain needs some attention! Our brains need constant training, just like our muscles, to maintain its health and function as well as memory and knowledge, two key processes that deteriorate with age. So, in order to live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle, you should be working all parts of your brain. 

Auditory Stimulation is Key.

The significance of keeping the brain strong through auditory stimulation is vital. The auditory nerve, which connects the ear to the brain, must be exercised constantly. The hearing system is constantly working and is incorporated into most everything we do. Even when we’re not actively listening, our brain is still processing sounds and making sense of the world around us.

For individuals with hearing loss, there is a possible circular chain of events that can take place. These individuals may withdraw from social interactions because concentration may become difficult. Family and friends may perceive this as unsociable, preoccupied, or forgetful. These perceptions, however, can lead a hearing-impaired individual to be mistakenly labeled as angry, confused, or senile, which may cause withdrawal. Withdrawing can lead to emotional turmoil and even a decline in exercising your brain and the auditory system. Can you see how this is a slippery slope?

The good news is that exercising both your brain and your auditory system is simple and can be fun! For example, playing games that challenge your brain, such as puzzles, crosswords, and Sudoku can help improve memory and cognitive function. Reading books, newspapers and blogs helps to improve vocabulary as well as memory and cognitive function. Or maybe you would be interested in learning a new skill such as a musical instrument! Even trying out new experiences such as traveling to a new place can also help keep your brain active. Let this be your new excuse to travel somewhere on your must-see list! 

It’s important to note that hearing loss is not always preventable, and some people may require hearing aids or other assistive devices to help them hear. However, even with the use of these devices, it’s important to continue exercising the brain and auditory system to maintain healthy function. 

Exercise your Brain.

Your auditory ability, cognitive ability, and communicative ability are all linked with your motivational level. Here at Ecoutez, we want everyone to stay motivated and enjoy life to the fullest, and an easy way to do so is by taking great care of your ears. Make an appointment today so you can start your journey to better hearing!

You’re not alone – getting used to hearing aids can be challenging. One aspect of this adjustment process that can be particularly difficult is getting used to hearing your own voice. Since the microphone on the hearing aid is located close to your voice, it picks up and amplifies the sound of your own voice, which can be disorienting at first.

To help speed up the acclimatization process, we recommend that patients try reading out loud to themselves for 15-20 minutes each day. This can help you get used to the sound of your own voice and make conversations with others more comfortable.

It Takes Time

However, it’s important to note that real-world listening situations cannot be perfectly replicated in a clinic setting. That’s why we offer hearing aid demos with trial periods to help patients experience life outside of the clinic with their hearing aids. This process helps patients fully understand and experience the adaptation process before committing to buying the expensive hardware.

Our goal is to improve our patients’ communication and quality of life through the use of hearing aids. We understand that this is not an overnight change, and that it takes time and patience for patients to fully adjust to their hearing aids. But we are here to support our patients every step of the way.

Not All Ears Are The Same

It’s also worth noting that the adjustment process is different for everyone. Some patients may acclimate quickly, while others may take several weeks or even months. It’s important to be patient and to communicate with your audiologist throughout the adjustment process. Your audiologist can make adjustments to your hearing aids as needed to ensure that you are getting the most benefit from them.

Getting used to the sound of your own voice with hearing aids can be a strange process, but it’s an important part of the adaptation process. By reading out loud and taking advantage of trial periods with hearing aid demos, patients can speed up the acclimatization process and improve their overall communication and quality of life. Remember to be patient and communicate with your audiologist throughout the adjustment process to ensure that you are getting the most benefit from your hearing aids.

 “Connecting you to the sounds of life.”

We’re excited to open our first store soon in the USA in Southlake, Texas. We can’t wait to meet you! Until then, please consider these 10 signs you’re experiencing hearing loss.

1. Painful Conversations

Do many of your conversation-filled days end with a headache? What about that feeling of fatigue after a busy group meeting or family gathering? When you are forced to strain to keep up with conversations, it leads to exhaustion, fatigue, and headaches. This is an early sign of hearing loss.  

2. You Lean A Lot

It is common for people who are experiencing hearing loss in one ear to shift their head to their favored ear. If you find yourself favoring one ear over the other, this is an indicator of hearing loss in your other ear. This happens a lot in conversations and when using your cell phone.

3. Volume Control

If you’ve had people in your life repeatedly tell you that you keep the volume way too loud on the TV, this is another sign of hearing loss. Improving your hearing loss with a hearing aid can make watching movies and listening to music much more pleasurable.

4. Say What?

If you find yourself constantly saying “What?” in conversations, it’s probably because you aren’t hearing what people are saying. Addressing your hearing loss will help you not only hear, but understand the people around you.

5. A Problem With Mumblers

When hearing loss continues, you may find yourself overwhelmed with an abundance of mumblers in your life. When you experience hearing loss, certain sounds are impacted more than others. This means you are hearing part of what people are saying, but not the rest. This is what causes you to believe that people are mumbling. 

6. The Blockage Effect

Hearing loss can also make you feel like your ears are clogged or blocked up. Think back and remember a time when you had water or a Q-tip stuck in your ear. Is this feeling persisting? If you see a doctor and there’s nothing in there, hearing loss may very well be the reason.  

7. Communication Breakdowns

Communication is an essential element in any successful relationship. But what happens when you can’t hear what the other person is saying? A lot of times, we find husbands and wives will address their partner’s hearing loss even before the person experiencing the impairment. Hearing loss contributes to fighting, bickering, and awkward silence.

8. Loneliness

Does your inability to hear cause you to skip out on social situations? You are not alone. This is a common sign of many people who have hearing loss. Everyone needs a break from time to time, but if you’re not getting out and not feeling active, it’s time to get a hearing test.

9. Keep it Down!

Just as some people with hearing loss require the volume to be very high, others will become very irritated by loud noises or sudden increases in volume. Does this happen to you?

10. Women & Children

Losing the ability to hear high-pitched noises is a common early sign of hearing loss. Do you have trouble understanding children or women?

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it’s a good idea to visit our store for a free hearing test. We’ll use our modern technology to show you exactly how you hear the world and help you identify a solution to improve your hearing.

You’re Invited!

You’re invited to our Grand Opening Weekend. We’ll be throwing a special “Heareasy” party (our version of a speakeasy ) and a weekend of fun events. Sign up for the event below, which includes a free hearing test!

See You Soon!

1. The Active Retiree

John has recently retired and spends as much time as he can with his family or on his boat. He first started noticing his hearing loss when his wife, Leigh, started to complain because he was turning the volume up way too loud on the TV. Still, John put getting a hearing test off for a while, because he figured it was no big deal. Then, John’s grandson hooked his finger while they were fishing and John didn’t hear him asking for help. That was the kicker.

John visited The Hearing Lab and we were able to sit with him and Leigh and run a comprehensive hearing test. It turns out John was experiencing hearing loss. We were able to match him with the perfect hearing aid for his needs.

2. The Public Speaker

Shae is a motivational speaker who spends a lot of time in front of big groups of people. When she’s giving talks, she often interacts a lot with her audience. This means it’s important to hear them, and understand what they’re saying, the first time they speak.

Shae first noticed her hearing loss when she had to keep asking “Excuse me, could you say that again?” and “Would you mind repeating that?” during speaking engagements.

Shae stopped by our store and we ran a test. It turns out that Shae suffers from sensorineural hearing loss due to damage to her inner ear. After 15 years of public speaking, which often included loud music, waves of acoustic applause, and straining to listen to people, her hearing began to suffer.

With the right hearing aid and fitting, we were able to improve Shae’s hearing and get her back out there doing what she loves best. On top of that, her hearing aids sync up to the technology she uses for presentations, so she never misses a cue or a question.

3. The Happy Grandparent

Eleanor feels like she was put on Earth to do one thing: love her family with all of her heart. She spends a lot of time with her three daughters, Cora, Julie, and Laurel, and their husbands, sons, and daughters. Recently, her grandchildren have been complaining to their parents that Grandma Eleanor doesn’t listen to them when they talk to her. 

When Julie told Eleanor this, she was devastated. She’s spent her life worshipping every word these kids have ever told her. Laurel drove her down to the store and within an hour we were able to show her exactly what was happening with her hearing. Eleanor had mixed hearing loss occurring in her inner and middle ear.

With the finest hearing aids in the world, we were able to match her perfectly with a hearing solution that has greatly improved her hearing. She’s now happy to report she can hear her grandkids beg for more cookies any day of the week.

4. The Musician

Robin is an accomplished violinist in the local symphony orchestra. Musicians are 4 times as likely to experience noise-induced hearing loss. Robin, unfortunately, is no exception. She started noticing during practice that she couldn’t hear some of the higher pitch instruments. This led to some intense tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and headaches.

At the suggestion of a friend, Robin stopped by and we helped her in two ways. First, we set her up with hearing aids. Then, we also gave her all of the materials about hearing protection so that she could inform other members of her symphony how to best protect their ears from hearing loss.

Robin is now able to nail her solos without a moment of hesitation. 

5. The Business Person

Curtis is in his early 60s and feels like he’s mostly at the top of his game at the office, where he runs a small tech firm. The only problem is that he’s beginning to miss every other word from his female co-workers. Also, he’s beginning to hear mumbling from some other coworkers.

Curtis came to visit The Hearing Lab at our store and we let him know this is very common in the early stages of hearing loss. Curtis was concerned that wearing a hearing aid might lessen the image of his virility and strength at the office. But after seeing our discreet hearing aid options, and hearing their awesome power, that concern was gone alone with the murmurs!

Sound familiar?

Do any of these customers or symptoms sound familiar? We are honored to be here for your hearing loss needs. Our store is a stylish, comfortable alternative to the clinical hearing aid providers you’re used to. Make an appointment to come in for a free hearing test or just stop in next time you’re at Southlake Town Square.

We can’t wait to meet you.

Sign up for your free hearing test here. And if you enjoyed this blog, visit our company blog page to read more tips about turning hearing impairment into hearing empowerment.

Did you know that nearly 400 million people around the world experience some form of hearing deficiency? Nowadays, there’s no need to be ashamed or embarrassed about hearing loss. We are surrounded by devices that are capable of playing audio and those that weren’t born with a hearing deficiency are constantly at risk of developing one.

Here are 7 things about hearing deficiencies that you need to know.

1. Only a fifth of people that would benefit from wearing a hearing aid actually wear one. This is truly a remarkable statistic, and it’s one of the reasons we decided to come to the United States. We want our product to assist every person that needs it.
2. Hearing loss increases the risk of dementia. A study conducted by Johns Hopkin University found this to be true. 
3. Over 25 million are exposed to noise levels that could compromise their hearing abilities every day.
4. Individuals with hearing loss wait on average more than 6 years before addressing the issue.
5. Over 30 million people affected by hearing loss are under the age of 15. Parents, take note. Hearing loss is not exclusive to older demographics.
6. ⅓ of people over the age of 65 experience hearing loss. This includes more than 160 million people around the globe.
7. 12 percent of the U.S. population, 38 million people, experience hearing loss. 

You don’t have to let hearing loss change your life. Our hearing aids provide our clients with the same happy life they experienced before they experienced hearing loss. Learn more about us here.

Our success in The Netherlands was very encouraging. This made us consider providing hearing solutions in other countries. We can do so much to help people in the USA with hearing loss and we are disappointed by how often it is ignored. 

We urge everyone with the need for a hearing aid to getting in touch with us. There is nothing we enjoy more than seeing the smile on the client’s faces with their hearing is restored to exciting levels. If this information has been helpful to you, check out our other blogs.

You’re Invited!

You’re invited to our Grand Opening Weekend. We’ll be throwing a special “Heareasy” party (our version of a speakeasy ) and a weekend of fun events. Sign up here and get a free hearing test!