The Emotional Impact of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is often thought of as an inconvenience, making it difficult to follow conversations or hear the television. But did you know that hearing loss can also have a significant impact on your physical well-being? From balance problems to cognitive decline, this article explores the ways hearing loss can affect your physical health. The Link Between Hearing Loss and Physical HealthHearing loss affects around 48 million people in the United States alone. These statistics are made even more alarming by new research that shows a direct connection between hearing loss and poorer physical health, especially in older adults. Below, we look at how untreated hearing loss can impact physical health and daily quality of life.Issues with Balance, Dizziness, and VertigoOur inner ear is not only responsible for hearing but is also an important component of balance. We rely on sounds in our environment, like traffic noise or footsteps, to help us stay oriented and aware of our surroundings. Without these auditory cues, the brains ability to process spatial information is diminished, leading to instability and issues maintaining equilibrium.Additionally, the inner ear houses the auditory system, responsible for hearing, and the vestibular system, which helps us maintain balance. Damage to the inner ear can affect both these systems, resulting in hearing loss and balance issues like dizziness, vertigo, and even nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can make it incredibly challenging to go about daily life, as physical activity can worsen the effects. Increased Risk of FallsSimilarly, hearing loss is also associated with an increased risk of falls, especially among older adults. In fact, research shows that even mild degrees of hearing loss can triple the risk of falls. As we covered above, damage to the inner ear can significantly impact special awareness and balance, both of which elevate the risk of falling. However, the impact doesnt stop there. Hearing loss also puts extra strain on the brain. As the brain expends more energy trying to process sound, it diverts cognitive resources away from other functions like maintaining balance. This can significantly contribute to instability and a higher risk of falls. TinnitusA common condition associated with hearing loss is tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or humming in one or both ears. Some people also experience an uncomfortable feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears.The persistent ringing or buzzing sounds can also be distracting and frustrating to experience regularly. For many people tinnitus can make it challenging to fall asleep, stay focused, or fully engage in conversations, greatly impacting quality of life. Brain AtrophyA growing body of research has found a direct link between hearing loss and brain atrophy (shrinkage), particularly in the temporal lobe4. The temporal lobe is responsible for many cognitive functions including memory and critical thinking.  Just like any muscle in the body needs exercise, our brains need stimulation to function correctly. When hearing loss goes untreated, the brain is deprived of the sound stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Over time, this lack of auditory stimulation can lead to brain tissue shrinkage.  As we discussed earlier, hearing loss also forces the brain to work harder to process sounds. This constant effort can take a toll on cognitive resources. Studies suggest this cognitive strain also contributes to accelerated brain tissue shrinkage. Increased Risk of DementiaAs mentioned above, hearing loss can lead to brain tissue atrophy (shrinkage) in the temporal lobe. This shrinkage is one of the leading explanations linking hearing loss and dementia4.  Research shows that even mild degrees of hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia, moderate hearing loss triples the risk, and severe hearing loss increases the likelihood of dementia by five times. In addition to memory loss, late-stage dementia can also have a significant impact on physical health:Mobility problemsLoss of the ability to speak Bladder incontinenceBowel incontinenceWeight lossTrouble swallowingAnd more Decreased Physical ActivityA 2021 study found a link between hearing loss and a more sedentary lifestyle due to a couple of factors7. First, difficulty in hearing what is going on around you can make it challenging to exercise effectively or engage in certain physical activities. Additionally, hearing loss often causes mental fatigue, communication issues, and social withdrawal, all of which can also discourage regular physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle can set off a domino effect of negative physical health concerns8. From maintaining blood sugar and cholesterol levels to supporting healthy blood pressure and circulation, exercise is essential for our overall well-being. Decreased physical activity also increases the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and more.Safeguard Your Health Schedule a Hearing Exam at an Audibel Clinic Near You Hearing loss affects so much more than your auditory senses; it can impact your physical health, too. From balance issues to an increased risk of falls and even heart disease, the physical effects of hearing loss are incredibly far-reaching. By investing in your hearing health, youre investing in your overall well-being. Find an Audibel clinic near you today to take the first step toward safeguarding your health and quality of life for years to come.

Do you ever miss text notifications or have trouble understanding phone calls because of hearing loss? Youre not alone. Thankfully, technology has seen big advancements in recent years, making it easier than ever to use your hearing aids with your iPhone, iPad, and many other Apple products. In this guide, well explain how to pair your hearing aids with Apple devices. We will also cover all the ways you can use Siri with your hearing aids to get the most out of this helpful technology.What is Siri? Siri is a virtual assistant built into Apple products like the iPhone and iPad. Virtual assistants like Siri are software applications that use artificial intelligence (AI) to understand and respond to voice commands. Also known as AI assistants, Siri can perform tasks like setting alarms, making phone calls, or checking the weather, and provide answers to questions that you ask aloud. By simply saying Hey Siri you can activate your AI assistants and give them a command or ask them a question. Are My Hearing Aids Compatible with Siri?To use Siri with your hearing aids, you will need Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets your devices communicate with each other. Bluetooth hearing aids have built-in wireless technology that allows them to connect (pair) to your iPhone or other wireless devices.  Most Apple products are hearing-aid compatible. However, not all Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can connect to Apple devices. To find out if your hearing aids and Apple products are compatible, this information is generally available in your user manuals and online.  Hands-Free 2-Way AudioAdditionally, to use specific hands-free Siri features, you will also want to confirm your hearing aid microphone has 2-way audio. Hearing aids with this type of microphone not only stream sounds to your hearing aids but also transmit your voice directly back to your iPhone or iPad. This allows you to make and answer phone calls with Siri, all hands-free. To find out if your hearing aids have 2-way audio, this information is generally available in your user manual.  Nevertheless, even if your hearing device doesnt allow hands-free calls, you may still be able to use Siri. When a call comes in, Siri will announce it and automatically stream the callers voice directly to your hearing aids for clear reception. To answer the call, youll need to use your iPhone or iPad screen manually and speak into the phone itself so the other person can hear you. How to Pair Hearing Aids with Apple DevicesPairing your hearing aids with Apple products is simple. If your hearing aids are compatible with your Apple device, you can connect them through the Bluetooth settings. For specific pairing instructions, refer to your hearing aid manual, as the process will vary for different hearing devices.How to Pair Hearing Aids with iPhone or iPadGo to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, then select Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on Exit and go back to Settings, select Accessibility, and then select Hearing DevicesTurn your hearing aids off and on again to prepare to pair them to your iPhone/iPad Your hearing aid name should appear under MFi Hearing Devices, select it and follow any other on-screen instructions A checkmark will appear next to the name of your hearing aids on your iPhone/iPad Devices List once they are paired How to Pair Hearing Aids with MacBookGo to the Apple menu on your MacBook, then select System Settings, click Accessibility in the sidebar, then select Hearing Devices (you may need to scroll down)If prompted, turn on Bluetooth Turn your hearing aids off and on again to prepare to pair them to your MacBook The name of your hearing aids should appear in the list of available devices, move the pointer over the name and click Connect You only need to pair your hearing aids with an Apple device one time. After that, they will automatically reconnect whenever they are on and in range. Once paired with your Apple device, you can easily use Siri with your hearing aids. How to Use Siri with Your Hearing AidsThe Siri virtual assistant is exclusive to Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. Using AI technology, this smart assistant uses natural language processing to respond to commands and questions after you say, Hey Siri.  Whether you need to make a call or want to play some music, Siri offers a broad range of functions that you can use with your hearing aids: Steam Audio from Any Apple DeviceWhen paired with your hearing aids, you can stream audio from any Apple device directly to your ears. You can stream audio to your hearing aids from: SiriPhone CallsApple MusicApple PodcastsApple MapsApple TVAnd more! Hands-Free CommunicationHands-free communication is incredibly helpful, especially for people who wear hearing aids. With simple voice commands, you can ask Siri to: Make phone callsMake FaceTime callsDictate and send text messages, emails, etc.Read text messages, emails, etc. aloudAnd moreWhen paired, Siri will respond directly through your hearing aids, so you can use all these hands-free features and hear the response even in noisy environments. App Notifications and Device ControlYou can also use Siri to alert you to certain app notifications through your hearing aids. For instance, if you have a video doorbell that sends alerts to your iPhone, Siri can let you know when someone is at your door. Using voice commands, you can even control the lights, thermostats, and other smart home devices you have apps for on your Apple devices.Discover the Latest Hearing Aid Technology at AudibelIncorporating virtual assistants like Siri with your hearing aids can significantly enhance your daily life. It provides a convenient, hands-free way to manage tasks, access information, and control smart devices.  Ready to demo the latest hearing aid technology for yourself? Schedule an appointment with a hearing healthcare specialist at an Audibel clinic near you to demo our newest AI hearing aids for free!

Hearing aids are an essential and life-changing tool for anyone with hearing loss. However, with so many types of hearing aids available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, each designed to offer specific features to cater to different levels of hearing loss and individual preferences. The differences between in-the-ear and over-the-ear hearing aids are among the most significant considerations when choosing the best hearing aid for your needs. Choosing the best hearing aid for you will depend on a number of factors, including your level of hearing loss, your lifestyle, aesthetic concerns, required features, and more. To ensure you receive the best treatment option for your needs, its best to consult a hearing healthcare specialist. In this article, we will address the key differences between in-the-ear and over-the-ear hearing aids, including the various design styles, available features, care requirements, and more. In-the-ear Hearing Aids for Mild to Severe Hearing Loss In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are made to fit individual ears and are available in a variety of different styles, ranging from smaller and more discreet to slightly larger devices that offer more advanced functionality. They are custom fitted to your ear for maximum comfort and effectiveness. While not suitable for individuals with profound hearing loss, ITE hearing aids can treat a varying degree of hearing loss ranging from mild to moderate, and in some cases, severe.  The following is an overview of the most popular in-the-ear hearing aid styles listed from largest to smallest. In-the-ear (ITE) Hearing Aids In-the-ear (ITE)In-the-ear hearing aids are custom molded to fit comfortably inside the outer ear and can effectively treat mild to severe degrees of hearing loss. ITE hearing aids are the largest of all the styles of custom devices and can accommodate more advanced volume and microphone controls than some of the smaller styles. In-the-canal (ITC) Hearing AidsIn-the-canal (ITC)In-the-canal devices are the second largest style of hearing aid worn in the ear. They are custom molded to fit within the canal with a very small portion of the device visible in the outer ear. ITC hearing aids are suitable for people with mild to moderate degrees of hearing loss. While smaller than an ITE, many in-the-canal hearing aids can also accommodate more advanced volume and microphone controls. Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) Hearing Aids Completely-In-the-canal (CIC)Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids are custom molded to fit completely inside the ear canal with only a tiny removal handle visible while being worn. CIC hearing aids are suitable for people with mild to moderate degrees of hearing loss. Due to their closed-fit design, CIC devices are much less likely to interfere with daily activities like using the phone, and they are also much less prone to wind interference, and feedback. However, the small design of CIC hearing aids does limit certain features like microphone controls and battery life expectancy. Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) Hearing Aids Invisible (IIC)Invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids are the smallest and most discreet style of custom ITE devices and worn completely inside the ear canal, where no one can see them. IIC aids are a great option for patients with mild to moderate degrees of hearing loss. They are easy to wear and will not interfere with daily activities like using the phone, and wearers do not need to worry about wind interference, or feedback issues. However, due to their small size and deep fit within the ear canal, microphone controls are not available, and battery life expectancy is lower than with the ITE and ITC devices.  Over-the-ear Hearing Aids for Mild to Profound Hearing Loss Over-the-Ear hearing aids are the most widely used devices due to their versatility. They are designed to accommodate more advanced degrees of hearing loss than custom ITE hearing aids, ranging from mild all the way to profound. Due to their larger size, they can house more advanced hearing technology, additional features, and have a longer battery life than most ITE aids.   The following is an overview of the standard hearing aid styles worn over the ear. Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing AidsBehind-the-ear (BTE)Behind-the-ear devices are the only type of hearing aid that can address every degree of hearing loss from mild to profound. They are designed with a durable plastic casing that rests behind the ear. The only thing that goes into the ear is either a tube or wire with a soft tip, or a custom-made ear mold, depending on the fitting, which is fitted into the outer ear canal.  Feedback and wind interference with BTE hearing aids are possible but should not be a common issue. Receiver-in-canal (RIC) Hearing Aids Receiver-in-canal (RIC)Receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids can treat mild to severe levels of hearing loss and are typically smaller than traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) models. RIC devices have an almost invisible wire connecting an exterior case to a tiny earbud that is comfortably inserted into the ear canal. This internal speaker design offers a more subtle look, which is often favored by hearing aid wearers. RIC hearing aids are simple to insert and can support most hearing technologies. Like BTE devices, feedback and wind interference are possible, but should not be a common issue. In-the-ear Hearing Aids vs Over-the-ear Hearing Aids When it comes to comparing in-the-ear hearing aids and over-the-ear hearing aids, size and level of hearing loss are two of the most obvious differences. However, if your degree of hearing loss is less than severe, and you have the option of choosing between ITE and OTE devices, here are some of key factors to consider. Comfort The comfort of custom ITE hearing aids vs OTE hearing aids will vary from person to person. Devices worn In-the-ear are custom fitted to sit snugly in the ear canal, providing more comfort for some wearers. While over-the-ear hearing aids are larger, they are engineered to be very light, and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. However, standard over-the-ear styles may still be less comfortable for some users, especially those who wear glasses, hats, or facemasks regularly.  Aesthetics When it comes to aesthetics, most people want their hearing aids to be as discreet as possible. With rapid advances in hearing technology, hearing aids of every type are getting smaller and smaller, while still providing excellent benefits and robust functionality. This means that both custom-made in-the-ear devices and standard over-the-ear devices are available in smaller, less noticeable styles and designs.  Maintenance Cleaning and maintaining your hearing aids is very important to the life of the device. Wax and debris have the potential to interfere with the sound quality of the aid, so no matter the style of hearing aid you wear, its important that you clean them regularly. Because all hearing aids have a portion that fits inside the ear canal to deliver sound, they can be subject to wax build up and moisture from the ear. Wax and moisture can cause damage to hearing aids, so its very important to clean them daily, and have a conversation with your hearing healthcare professional about how and when to change your wax guards at home.BatteriesThe larger the hearing aid, the larger the battery it can accommodate, which is why in general, standard over-the-ear aids have longer battery life compared to some custom (CIC and IIC) devices. Today, standard hearing aids and even custom aids are both available in rechargeable battery options as well! You can expect standard hearing aid batteries to last anywhere from 3 days up to 10 days, but several factors can affect their lifespan, including the type and capacity of the battery, the amount and type of usage, as well as the specific type of hearing aid being used.Find the Best Hearing Aid for You at Audibel When it comes to taking control of your hearing health, one of the biggest and most rewarding decisions you can make is to address your hearing loss with hearing aids. ITE hearing aids are a great option for patients with mild to moderate or severe hearing loss looking for a custom-fit solution that is discreet as possible. OTE hearing aids are larger and more powerful, making them ideal for patients with any level of hearing loss including profound. At Audibel, your hearing health is our primary concern, and we want to help you find the best hearing aid for your unique needs. We encourage you to take the first step to finding the personalized hearing healthcare you deserve by scheduling an appointment at any of our hearing clinics located throughout the United States.