Will you be socializing with others this holiday season? Remember your good communication strategies! Use speaker clues: You can say something like, “I think you said something about eating dessert, is that correct?” Rephrase instead of repeat, they can change a sentence from “I really like all of your decorations” to “Those lights that you hung in the living room look very nice.” Ask the speaker to slow down their rate of speech Can you hear your family but don't understand what … [Read more...]
Diabetes and Hearing Loss
If you or someone you know has diabetes, the likelihood of hearing loss multiplies by two. Scientists are not entirely sure why this relationship occurs, but it is speculated that high blood glucose levels cause damage to the small blood vessels in the inner ear. Once these hair cells are permanently damaged it results in sensorineural hearing loss. The next time you are seen for a hearing evaluation, make sure to include your diabetes diagnosis as part of your medical history! We are … [Read more...]
About Communication
“He thinks I’m yelling, but I’m not. I’m trying to speak louder so he can hear me. But after raising my voice and repeating myself multiple times, he thinks I’m aggressive and mad. Upset, he asks me why I’m being so short with him. I just want to be heard, but sometimes, saying nothing would be much easier.” Ahhh, the joys of relationships! Quite often, I see the highs and lows of relationships in our clinic—the agitated spouse bringing in her loved one for a hearing test, or the … [Read more...]
iPhone or Android?
Over the last two years, most hearing aid manufacturers have come out with Bluetooth enabled hearing devices. The technology has improved accessibility for hearing device wearers. With Bluetooth enabled hearing devices, you can stream calls, audiobooks, and music from you enabled cell phone. If you are an early adaptor of technology, the iPhone is for you. Because Apple uses a single platform, Bluetooth enabled hearing devices will work with iPhones, iPads and some other devices. … [Read more...]