Blog – Labyrinth Audiology

Tips for Better Communication During the Holidays

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 21:30:07 GMT

Tips for Better Communication During the Holidays

The holidays are a special time of year; visiting family, hosting parties, and being surrounded by the ones you love. You don’t want to miss a moment but communicating in loud settings with many people can be challenging, especially for those with hearing loss.

Try following these tips at your next get-together to ensure everyone feels comfortable and included in the conversation this holiday season

Tips for Those with Hearing Loss

Face the speaker directly. Facial cues can greatly help understanding when there is background noise. Be sure to face the speaker directly in a well-lit area.
Ask for information to be repeated. If you didn’t hear what was said the first time, don’t be afraid to ask the speaker to repeat themselves.
Move to a quieter room. Try to find a spot away from music, the TV, or other background noise for conversations.
Sit at a good spot. When sitting at the dinner table, try to place yourself in a spot where you can see everyone’s faces.
Wear your hearing aids. If you have hearing aids , wear them! They will make it much easier to hear and understand.

Tips for Family and Friends

Speak clearly. When speaking, say your words clearly. Don’t mumble or talk too fast as this can make it harder for someone with hearing loss to understand.
Face who you are speaking to. If you are having a conversation with someone, be sure to face them directly. Those with hearing loss understand better when they can see your face.
Turn down the volume. If there is a lot of background noise around and you notice someone struggling then turn the volume down on the TV or turn the music down.
Rephrase what you said. If someone asks you to repeat what you said, try rephrasing it in another way.

Hear Better for the Holidays

You deserve to hear your best. If it’s been a while since you’ve last had your hearing tested or your hearing aids service , contact Labyrinth Audiology today! We can check your hearing aids, test your hearing, and help you hear your best this holiday season.

Schedule your appointment in Boca Raton today!

Why More Young Adults Are Using Hearing Aids

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:20:00 GMT

How Healthy Hearing Supports Aging and What You Should Do

As much as we may try to prevent it, aging is a natural effect of living a long life. A part of aging that many people experience is a decrease in hearing ability. While some types of hearing loss can be prevented, sometimes it’s hereditary to experience hearing loss later in life.

How is Hearing Connected to Aging?

As we age, it’s normal for the hair cells in the inner ear (which are responsible for sending sound signals to the brain) to naturally deteriorate. If hearing loss runs in your family, then this is typically predetermined, however, it can also occur due to a history of repeated noise exposure.

Individuals over the age of 60 are more likely to experience a decrease in hearing ability. In fact, one in three people over the age of 60 has hearing loss and one in two people older than 85 have hearing loss.

How to Support Healthy Hearing as You Age

If you are under the age of 60, there are some precautions you can still take to ensure your hearing remains healthy for many more years to come. The most important preventative measure you can take is to limit your exposure to loud sounds and to wear hearing protection when you cannot avoid noise levels over 85 decibels.

For those over the age of 60, you should still wear hearing protection and limit loud noise exposure. If you already have hearing loss, it’s important to wear hearing aids to maintain your brain health and speech recognition.

Have Your Hearing Examined

One of the best ways to practice healthy hearing and aging is to have your hearing tested! A hearing screening will catch any changes in your hearing ability early. Using a management option like hearing aids will ensure you can still hear sounds and don’t experience a decline in your cognitive abilities.

The hearing professionals at Labyrinth Audiology can help you! We offer expert hearing services for the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and the surrounding areas. Age gracefully and with better hearing by contacting us today for an appointment.

How Healthy Hearing Supports Aging and What You Should Do

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 21:31:49 GMT

How Healthy Hearing Supports Aging and What You Should Do

How is Hearing Connected to Aging?

How to Support Healthy Hearing as You Age

For those over the age of 60, you should still wear hearing protection and limit loud noise exposure. If you already have hearing loss, it’s important to wear hearing aids to maintain your brain health and speech recognition.

Have Your Hearing Examined

One of the best ways to practice healthy hearing and aging is to have your hearing tested! A hearing screening will catch any changes in your hearing ability early. Using a management option like hearing aids will ensure you can still hear sounds and don’t experience a decline in your cognitive abilities.

The hearing professionals at Labyrinth Audiology can help you! We offer expert hearing services for the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and the surrounding areas. Age gracefully and with better hearing by contacting us today for an appointment.

Invisible Hearing Aids vs. Discreet Hearing Aids: What’s the Difference?

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:14:00 GMT

Invisible Hearing Aids vs. Discreet Hearing Aids: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been putting off getting hearing aids because you don’t want them to be noticeable, you’re not alone. The good news is that modern hearing technology offers solutions that are both effective and nearly invisible. But what’s the difference between invisible and discreet hearing aids, and which one is right for you?

Invisible Hearing Aids (IIC)

Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids are custom-fitted to sit deep within the ear canal, making them virtually undetectable when worn. These are ideal for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who prioritize complete invisibility. Because they sit so far inside the ear, they also take advantage of the ear’s natural shape to capture sound, offering a more natural listening experience. However, due to their small size, they may not include advanced features like Bluetooth streaming or rechargeable batteries.

Discreet Hearing Aids

Discreet hearing aids are small, subtle devices designed to be barely noticeable but not entirely hidden. These include receiver-in-canal (RIC) or behind-the-ear (BTE) models with slim tubing and neutral color options that blend in with your skin or hair. They’re often packed with more power and features than invisible models, such as noise reduction, directional microphones, and wireless connectivity. For those who need more amplification or want the latest technology, discreet models offer an excellent balance of performance and subtlety.

Choosing What’s Right for You

The best hearing aid is the one that fits your lifestyle, hearing needs, and comfort level.
If total invisibility is your top priority and your hearing loss is mild to moderate, IICs may be a great fit. But if you need more features, greater amplification, or easier handling, discreet hearing aids might be the better choice.

No matter which style you choose, today’s hearing aids are smaller, smarter, and more effective than ever. At Labyrinth Audiology, we offer a wide selection of hearing aids for the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and the surrounding areas.

Schedule an appointment to explore your options and find the perfect fit for your needs.

What to Expect After Getting Hearing Aids: An Adjustment Timeline

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:14:00 GMT

What to Expect After Getting Hearing Aids: An Adjustment Timeline

Congratulations on your new hearing aids! Taking this crucial step to managing hearing loss will help you get on track to living a more fulfilling and healthier life. It can take some time to adjust to new hearing devices. It’s important to be patient and to bring any concerns to your hearing specialist.

Below is a timeline of what you can expect during the adjustment period.

Week 1: Initial Fitting

When you first receive your hearing aids, you will have an initial fitting appointment. The hearing aids will be programmed based on the results of your hearing test (audiogram). If this is your first time wearing hearing aids, sounds may seem too loud, unnatural, or even overwhelming – this is all normal.

Week 2: Being Consistent

Your brain is beginning to adjust to new sound input. The birds chirping outside, the hum of the refrigerator, or your turn signal may be sounds you are starting to hear again that you haven’t noticed in some time.

Continue to wear your hearing aids during waking hours so your brain can keep adjusting to the sounds around you. Take notes of any problems you may be having such as distortion or any uncomfortableness to discuss with your hearing specialist.

Week 3: Adjustment Phase

Things should start sounding more natural. You may begin noticing less effort in listening, especially in conversations. It’s important to continue wearing your hearing aids all day as your brain keeps adjusting. Around this time your hearing specialist will have you come in for a follow-up appointment to make any tweaks in the programming if necessary.

Week 4: Increased Comfort

Around the fourth week to the second month of wearing your hearing aids, background noise will become more manageable. You’ll also start to notice communicating in group settings is easier.

Months 3–6: Fully Adapted

Most people become fully adjusted to their hearing aids by this point. Your brain has relearned how to process sounds more clearly and efficiently. Around this timeframe you should consider having your hearing aids checked by scheduling regular maintenance.

Want to Talk to a Professional? Contact Us Today!

Adjusting to new hearing aids takes time and, most importantly, patience. The hearing professionals at Labyrinth Audiology are here to guide you through the adjustment process so you can get back to hearing your best again. If you need help with your hearing aids, contact us today! We offer comprehensive hearing aid services for the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Highland Beach.

We look forward to helping you experience better hearing.

Men’s Health and Hearing Loss: Is There a Higher Risk?

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 15:41:00 GMT

Men’s Health and Hearing Loss: Is There a Higher Risk?

Hearing health is a vital part of overall well-being, yet it often receives less attention than other health concerns, particularly among men. Studies have shown that men are almost twice as likely as women to experience hearing loss.

Several factors contribute to men being at a higher risk of hearing loss:

Occupational Hazards:
Men are more likely to work in industries with high noise levels, such as construction, manufacturing, and military service. Prolonged exposure to loud noises without adequate hearing protection significantly increases the risk of hearing damage.
Lifestyle Choices:
Activities such as hunting, motorcycling, and attending loud concerts or sporting events without ear protection can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.
Biological Factors:
Research suggests that hormonal differences may make men more susceptible to hearing damage compared to women.

Impacts of Hearing Loss on Men’s Health

Hearing loss doesn’t only affect the ability to hear — it can also impact physical and mental health. For men, untreated hearing loss can lead to:

Increased Risk of Depression:
Hearing difficulties can lead to social isolation and feelings of loneliness, which are linked to depression and anxiety.
Cognitive Decline:
Studies show a connection between untreated hearing loss and an accelerated rate of cognitive decline. Men with hearing loss are more likely to experience memory and concentration issues.
Cardiovascular Health:
Hearing health is closely tied to heart health. Poor blood flow to the inner ear, often caused by cardiovascular conditions, can damage auditory nerves and contribute to hearing loss.
Workplace Challenges:
Men with untreated hearing loss may face difficulties in professional settings, including miscommunication, reduced productivity, and limited career advancement opportunities.

Preventing Hearing Loss

Men can take proactive steps to protect their hearing and overall health:

Use Hearing Protection:
Wear earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs in loud environments.
Schedule Regular Hearing Tests:
Early detection of hearing loss allows for timely intervention, which can prevent further deterioration.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle:
Exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and manage conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which are linked to hearing health.

By understanding the risks, taking preventative measures, and seeking early treatment, men can protect their hearing and improve their overall well-being. Contact Labyrinth Audiology today to schedule an appointment! We offer comprehensive services in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Highland Beach.

Now’s the Time to Improve Your Communication During NSLH Month

Thu, 01 May 2025 13:17:00 GMT

Now’s the Time to Improve Your Communication During NSLH Month

Communication is an integral part of our daily lives, yet in the midst of busy routines and activities, it’s easy to overlook this necessary component. National Speech-Language-Hearing Month serves as a reminder of how important communication is. As the basis of relationships and understanding, hearing and speech are fundamental.

What Is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month?

Every May, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) members in providing life-altering treatment. ASHA’s goal is to make effective communication—a human right—accessible and achievable for all.

This year is particularly special as 2025 marks ASHA’s Centennial. In observance, we encourage everyone to celebrate the significance of good communication by sharing the importance of hearing health.

What You Can Do

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month encourages us to reflect on how we communicate and, more importantly, how we can enhance our communication skills to build stronger, more resilient relationships. Here are some key ways to achieve this:

Active Listening:
Communication isn’t just about speaking; it’s also about listening attentively. Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the speaker, maintaining eye contact, and acknowledging their words. Resist the urge to interrupt or formulate your response while they’re speaking.
Empathy and Understanding:
Cultivate empathy by putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. Seek to understand their perspective, emotions, and experiences. Empathetic communication fosters deeper connections and promotes mutual respect.
Clarity and Transparency:
Be clear and transparent in your communication. Express your thoughts, needs, and expectations openly and honestly. Avoid vague or ambiguous language that can lead to confusion or misunderstanding.
Patience and Tolerance:
Recognize that effective communication takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and others, especially when facing communication challenges. Tolerance and acceptance pave the way for constructive dialogue and resolution.
Seeking Support:
Don’t hesitate to seek support from a professional if you or a loved one encounter difficulties with speech, language, or hearing.
Celebrate Diversity:
Embrace linguistic and cultural diversity. Learn about different communication styles and adapt your approach accordingly.
Have Your Hearing Tested:
To encourage others to practice good hearing health and effective communication, add annual hearing screenings to your routine.

Celebrate with Labyrinth Audiology

At Labyrinth Audiology, we offer comprehensive hearing services for the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to help our patients experience effective communication and healthy hearing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about the benefits of better communication.

Caffeine and Hearing Loss: Does Your Daily Coffee Make a Difference?

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:51:00 GMT

Caffeine and Hearing Loss: Does Your Daily Coffee Make a Difference?

Everyone needs a little pick-me-up, especially in the morning before a long day of work, school, or other activities. According to the National Coffee Association, 67% of adults in the United States drink coffee every single day. While regular caffeine consumption may help with energy and concentration in the moment, can it impact other areas of your health?

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. It’s also added to energy drinks and some non-prescription medications. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, improving circulation and focus, which helps us feel more alert.

Can Caffeine Affect Hearing Ability?

Research has indicated that moderate caffeine consumption does not adversely affect hearing. However, because caffeine can restrict blood flow and increase blood pressure—and since blood flow is crucial for healthy hearing—there could be a connection.

Because caffeine is a stimulant, it can also have an impact on tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Increased blood pressure and heart rate can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. While there is no definitive evidence that caffeine worsens tinnitus, some patients who reduce their coffee intake report an improvement in how they perceive the ringing.

Taking Care of Your Hearing Means Taking Care of Your Health

Your hearing plays an important role in your overall health and well-being. If you are experiencing difficulty hearing or hear phantom sounds that won’t go away, the experts at Labyrinth Audiology can help you. Like any aspect of your health, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise.

While your daily cup of coffee may not cause hearing problems, if you notice a decline in your hearing ability, you should seek help right away.

Be proactive about your health by taking care of your hearing! We offer comprehensive hearing services for the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and the surrounding communities. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or ask about how your lifestyle could be affecting your hearing.

Can Your Medications Affect Your Hearing? What You Need to Know

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 14:33:00 GMT

Some common medications, including pain relievers and chemotherapy drugs, can impact your hearing. Discover the risks and steps to safeguard your hearing today.

AirPods As Hearing Aids? What You Should Know

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 14:36:00 GMT

Apple’s AirPods Pro offer hearing assistance, but do they measure up to hearing aids? Discover the pros, cons, and why personalized solutions might be better.

Can Hearing Aids Prevent Dementia? The Role of Amplification in Brain Health

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:01:00 GMT

Prevent dementia progression with hearing aids. Enhance brain health and confidence in social interactions. Visit Labyrinth Audiology for expert hearing care.

Holiday Travel Tips for Those with Hearing Aids

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 20:19:16 GMT

Holiday Travel Tips for Those with Hearing Aids

The holidays are an exciting time, full of happy memories and connecting with loved ones. But for those who wear hearing aids , navigating busy airports, crowded terminals, and noisy celebrations can bring unique challenges.

To help you prepare for a smooth trip, here are some tips for traveling with hearing aids.

Prepare Your Hearing Aids Before You Go

Check your hearing aids to make sure they are in good shape before traveling. Change the batteries and consider packing extra batteries with you. If you have rechargeable devices then bring a portable charger. Clean your hearing aids before the trip and bring along a travel kit with cleaning tools, a drying case, and any accessories you might need as well.

Navigating Security with Hearing Aids

When you reach airport security, keep in mind that hearing aids can typically stay on during the security check. It’s helpful to inform the TSA staff about your devices. Occasionally, hearing aids may trigger an alarm, so be prepared for that possibility and communicate with the staff for a smooth experience.

Managing Background Noise in Busy Terminals

Airports are notoriously noisy, which can make hearing even more difficult. Use noise-canceling headphones or ear protection to help reduce the surrounding noise if you need some quiet time. A personal amplifier can also be useful to enhance sound clarity when needed in busy environments.

Traveling on the Plane with Hearing Aids

Inform the flight attendants you wear hearing aids so they can assist with any important announcements. If your hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled, you can even connect them to in-flight entertainment for an enjoyable experience.

Staying Connected with Loved Ones

Communication apps with live transcription or captioning features are invaluable for staying in touch with loved ones during your trip.

Ready for an Enjoyable Holiday?

By preparing ahead and using these simple strategies, you can make holiday travel enjoyable and less stressful. To ensure you are fully prepared, schedule a hearing aid check-up with Labyrinth Audiology! Our team is here to help the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and the surrounding areas experience better communication. Contact us today and make the most of your holiday season!

The Hidden Dangers Diabetes Can Have on Hearing

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 20:21:22 GMT

The Hidden Dangers Diabetes Can Have on Hearing

Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions in the U.S., affecting around 38.4 million people. Individuals with diabetes are aware of the many side effects that can accompany the health issue. These can include kidney damage, nerve damage, foot problems, vision loss, and many other health complications.

Although diabetes is very common, many people do not know that it can also lead to hearing loss.

How We Hear & Effects of Diabetes

Our hearing is reliant on the nerves within the inner ear. Because diabetes affects the nerves within our bodies, it is no surprise that the hearing nerve can be affected as well. When this occurs, there is difficulty transmitting sounds from outside the body to the brain.

Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear. Low blood sugar can also damage how nerve signals travel from the inner ear to the brain. Both types of nerve damage can lead to hearing loss.

Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is twice as common in people who have diabetes as it is in people who don’t. Even people with prediabetes have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss than people with normal blood sugar levels.

Hearing loss caused by diabetes is known as sensorineural hearing loss and can happen gradually. Typically, the loss of hearing happens slowly, making it difficult to notice the signs until you can no longer hear as well as you used to. Some common signs you may have hearing loss include:

Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
Thinking people are mumbling
Difficulty following the conversation when more than one person is talking
Having a hard time hearing when there is background noise
Turning up the volume on the TV or radio
Difficulty hearing high pitched sounds

Why A Hearing Exam is Important

If you have diabetes, it is important to take care of your hearing health by scheduling regular hearing exams. Untreated hearing loss can lead to other health problems, such as balance issues, depression, and cognitive decline. By having your hearing examined a professional can identify hearing loss at the first signs and help you find a management option to stop the progression of any negative side effe cts.

Be Pro active

At Labyrinth Audiology, we offer comprehensive hearing tests for the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and the surrounding areas. Don’t let diabetes affect your hearing health! Contact us today for an appointment.

The Mental Health Benefits of Hearing Aids

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 20:23:24 GMT

The Mental Health Benefits of Hearing Aids

Taking care of mental health is a top priority for many people. It’s important to take a step back from the constant hustle and bustle of daily life. Prioritizing mental health can look different for everyone. For some it means staying home and unwinding with a good book, while for others it means getting out with friends and engaging in well-meaning conversations.

Whatever your strategies are for taking care of your mental health, one thing can make it difficult: hearing loss.

The Effects of Hearing Loss on Mental Health

Studies have shown that when left untreated, hearing loss can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being. This is majorly due to communication difficulties that arise when hearing loss is present and has gone untreated.

Individuals with hearing loss may find it difficult to socially engage with others because of difficulty hearing in busy environments or when there is more than one speaker present. This can cause them to disengage and socially isolate. Over time this can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and can affect cognitive function.

How Hearing Aids Can Help

Hearing aids are a great tool for managing hearing loss and improving communication. Through their personalized programming to the wearer’s unique needs, they can provide amplification and clarity in a variety of environments. This helps the wearer be able to hear the conversation, stay socially engaged, and keep their brain healthy – all important contributors to good mental health.

With hearing aids, you can experience:

Improved communication
Stronger relationships
Increased cognitive function
Reduced mental fatigue
Better balance
More clarity

There are many benefits to wearing prescription hearing aids. Don’t let hearing loss go untreated and affect your mental health!

Visit Labyrinth Audiology

If you have hearing loss, the first step to improving your mental health is to have your hearing examined. At Labyrinth Audiology, we offer comprehensive hearing tests to assess your hearing ability, determine what degree of loss you have, and what the best hearing aid option is for you.

We offer a wide range of hearing aids for the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, and the surrounding areas. Improve your mental health today by scheduling an appointment to discuss the latest hearing aid technology!

Age-Related Hearing Loss: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 20:25:26 GMT

Age-Related Hearing Loss: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Aging is a beautiful and natural part of life. However, as you age, you may begin to notice some changes in your health. This can include a change in your hearing ability. Discover the signs of age-related hearing loss and what you can do to age gracefully!

Hearing Loss in Older Adults

Hearing loss due to aging is called presbycusis. Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing in one or both ears due to age. Studies show that 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 have hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss occurs because the hair cells in the inner ear – responsible for hearing – begin to naturally deteriorate. This process typically happens over the course of a few years, making it difficult to notice right away.

Signs of Hearing Loss

While every case of hearing loss is unique as the individual, there are common signs to watch out for.

It seems like the people in your life mumble
You frequently ask others to repeat themselves
You can’t notice the soft sounds around you anymore (birds outside or hum of the refrigerator)
Women and children’s voices are harder to hear
It’s difficult to understand conversation when there is background noise
You feel unusually tired after conversations
People complain you turn the TV or radio up too loud

Effects of Age-Related Hearing Loss

If left untreated, hearing loss can affect other parts of your life and mental health. When you can’t hear well due to hearing loss, your brain has to work harder to hear the little it can hear. Over time, this can lead to feelings of fatigue, forgetfulness, social isolation, and even dementia.

To practice good mental health, it’s important to take care of your hearing!

How Your Ears Can Age Gracefully

It is recommended that individuals 65 and older have their hearing examined on an annual basis. Just as you visit the doctor once a year for a physical, or the dentist twice a year for a cleaning, you should also have your hearing checked regularly. If you do have hearing loss, hearing aids are a great management option.

Labyrinth Audiology offers a wide range of services to help the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and the surrounding areas with their hearing health. Take care of your hearing by scheduling an appointment today!

What Your Audiogram Reveals About Your Hearing Health

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 20:28:59 GMT

What Your Audiogram Reveals About Your Hearing Health

Your hearing is an important part of your overall health and well-being. To understand where your hearing is at, a hearing test should be performed. When you have your hearing evaluated, you will receive an audiogram – a visual representation of your hearing loss . Understanding your audiogram and its significance is essential for maintaining good hearing health.

Where to Get Your Hearing Checked

The first step in understanding your hearing health is to get your hearing checked. Labyrinth Audiology offers comprehensive hearing tests for the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, and the surrounding areas. Our team is trained to perform various types of hearing tests and interpret the results accurately.

If you’re wondering, “Do I need a hearing test?” consider factors such as age, exposure to loud noises, or if you are experiencing difficulty hearing conversations.

Types of Hearing Tests

There are different types of hearing tests, each designed to assess specific aspects of your auditory system. The most common types of hearing tests include:

Pure tone audiometry measures your ability to hear sounds at various frequencies and volumes.
Speech audiometry evaluates how well you can hear and repeat words at different levels of loudness.
Tympanometry examines the functioning of your middle ear.

Collectively, these tests provide a detailed picture of your hearing health and help our hearing specialists identify any issues.

Do I Need a Hearing Test?

Many people question whether they need a hearing test or not. If you find yourself frequently asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the volume on your devices, or struggling to hear in noisy environments, you may want to have your hearing checked.

Understanding Your Hearing Test Results

Once you’ve had your hearing tested, the results are presented in an audiogram, a graph that illustrates your hearing thresholds at various frequencies. Your audiogram will reveal what type of hearing loss you have: conductive, sensorineural, or mixed.

One of the hearing care professionals at Labyrinth Audiology will interpret the audiogram and explain your results. The decibel (dB) levels at which you can hear different frequencies is measured in Hertz (Hz). A normal hearing range is typically between 0-25 dB across all frequencies. A deviation from this range may indicate hearing loss, which varies in severity from mild to profound.

Take Care of Your Hearing Health

Your audiogram is a vital tool in assessing your hearing health. Knowing where to get your hearing checked, understanding the types of hearing tests available, and recognizing the signs that indicate the need for a hearing test are crucial steps in maintaining your hearing well-being.

At Labyrinth Audiology, we can expertly assess your hearing and provide you with educational resources and the tools to manage hearing loss. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing test!

Hearing Clearly All Summer Long: A Guide to Hearing Aid Maintenance

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 20:31:14 GMT

Hearing Clearly All Summer Long: A Guide to Hearing Aid Maintenance

Now that we are in the summer months, it’s time to take extra care of your hearing aids to ensure they continue to provide you with clear hearing. Warmer weather, humidity, sunscreen, and water can all pose challenges to hearing aid maintenance. To help you navigate this summer with ease, here are some tips for taking care of your hearing aids.

1. Protect from Moisture

With the summer months often comes high temperatures, humidity, and sometimes rain. To protect your hearing aids, invest in a protective cover or sleeve specifically designed for your devices to keep them safe from moisture.

2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Away from Water

Hearing aids are not waterproof and should never be worn in the water. This includes in the shower, in the pool, at the lake, or in the ocean. Always take your hearing aids out when visiting the beach or any body of water to protect them from water damage and sand. A protective carrying case is handy for these scenarios.

3. Don’t Let Your Batteries Overheat

With hot temperatures it can be easy for your hearing aids to overheat if they are left in the car or in direct sunlight. When you are not wearing your hearing aids be sure to store them in a cool, dry place.

4. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Sweat, sand, earwax, and other debris can build-up in your hearing aids. Regularly clean your devices using a soft, dry cloth or a hearing aid cleaning brush. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance to avoid damaging your devices. If you’re unsure how to clean your hearing aids properly, contact Labyrinth Audiology and one of our hearing specialists can help you.

Get the Most Out of Your Hearing Aids

By following these essential tips for summer hearing aid care, you can keep your devices performing their best, so you can continue to enjoy the sounds you love.

At Labyrinth Audiology, we care about your hearing health and are here to support you on your journey to better hearing. We provide comprehensive hearing aid services to the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Highland Beach. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance appointment for your hearing aids!

Essential Tips for Proper Use of Hearing Protection During National Safety Month

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 20:36:02 GMT

Essential Tips for Proper Use of Hearing Protection During National Safety Month

Every June is recognized as National Safety Month – an annual observance to help keep each other safe from the workplace to anyplace. The goal of National Safety Month is to create healthier, safer environments. A major component of keeping yourself safe and healthy is protecting your ears/hearing.

Effects of Loud Noise Exposure

Everyday sounds can be damaging to our hearing. Sounds that exceed 85 decibels (about the average noise level of city traffic) can harm hearing over time. Noise that is over 100 decibels can harm hearing ability after a short one-time exposure.

Loud noise can damage the delicate hairs of the inner ear – which are responsible for hearing. This damage is irreversible and can lead to noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. Oftentimes after an exposure to loud noise, you may experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or temporary muffled hearing.

Learn how to best protect your hearing during National Safety Month with these tips!

Tips for Protecting Your Hearing

Hearing is an essential function for communication and healthy brain function. To keep your hearing safe, follow these tips.

Avoid Noisy Environments: Sounds over 85 decibels can be damaging to hearing ability. If possible, it’s best to avoid environments where noise can become hazardous. While this is not always possible, especially if you work in a loud environment, you should try to avoid noise exposure when you can. For example, if you watch fireworks, try sitting farther away to preserve your hearing ability.
Keep the Volume Low: Whether you are listening to music or watching your favorite team on the TV, it’s important to keep the volume at a safe listening level. Sounds at 70 decibels and below are safe, but anything above that can cause damage to your hearing if listened to for multiple hours a day.
Take Hearing Breaks: Try to limit your exposure to loud noise by avoiding it entirely, but if you can’t, try incorporating breaks throughout your day where your ears are not exposed to sounds.
Wear Hearing Protection: Anytime you are around noise that exceeds 85 decibels you should wear earplugs or some form of hearing protection . Hearing protection is an absolute must for those who work in construction, at the airport, with power tools, or in a factory. If loud noise cannot be avoided, hearing protection should be worn.
Schedule Regular Hearing Exams: Annual hearing exams should be a part of your health routine to catch any signs of hearing loss early. They are especially important if you work in an environment where the noise can be hazardous.

Take Care of Your Hearing

Be proactive of your hearing health this June by scheduling an appointment with Labyrinth Audiology to discuss custom hearing protection. We can create custom earmolds and earplugs for the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today in honor of National Safety Month and start protecting your hearing!

Stress Awareness Month: How Long-Term Stress Connects to Tinnitus

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 20:50:53 GMT

Stress Awareness Month: How Long-Term Stress Connects to Tinnitus

April is National Stress Awareness Month. The purpose is to bring attention to the negative impact stress has on overall health and well-being. In recent years studies have shown a connection between long-term stress/anxiety and tinnitus.

Discover how the two are connected and what you can do to stop the cycle.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus itself is not a condition, but rather a symptom of another underlying problem. The number one indicator of tinnitus is when you hear a noise in your head or ears that is not externally present; this could be a buzzing, humming, ringing, whistling, or whooshing sound. Tinnitus can vary from person to person, affecting everyone differently.

For those who experience bothersome tinnitus, the loudness and frequency can be so severe it interrupts concentration and sleep. This can lead to fatigue and exacerbated stress.

Connection Between Stress and Tinnitus

A common cause of tinnitus is excessive or long-term stress/anxiety. Stress factors and hormones in the endocrine system can affect the auditory system and interactions within these systems have been proposed to induce tinnitus. When tinnitus occurs, it can be distracting, affecting concentration and sleep quality. This can lead to a spike in stress hormone, which in turn makes the tinnitus worse. The cycle can seem daunting and never ending in some cases.

In a study of 180 participants who had chronic tinnitus, up to 45% present had clinically relevant anxiety symptoms. Studies have also shown after using stress questionnaires in tinnitus patients, found a high prevalence of self-reported levels of stress.

How to Stop the Cycle

It can be difficult to stop the cycle of stress and tinnitus. Because tinnitus itself is a symptom, focus should be on finding the root case of stress or anxiety. Counseling, therapy, yoga, meditation, and exercise are all holistic ways to decrease stress levels and promote a healthier lifestyle. Some tips for reducing stress include:

Recognize and counter the signs of stress
Take time for yourself
Try new routines
Stay connected and make new friends
Seek help through a professional
Exercise
Try meditation

Tinnitus Treatments at Labyrinth Audiology

If you feel your stress is under control yet you are still suffering from persistent ringing in the ears, there are other options. At Labyrinth Audiology, we carry tinnitus masking hearing aids that can help alleviate your perception of tinnitus by playing soothing sounds in your ears. These hearing aids have programs that are controlled by an app on your phone, so you can choose from different soundscapes when your tinnitus becomes bothersome.

We offer hearing aids for the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Highland Beach that can help manage ringing in the ears. If you have bothersome tinnitus, contact us today for an appointment.

Why Hearing Matters: Exploring Health Impacts on World Hearing Day

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 20:55:05 GMT

Why Hearing Matters: Exploring Health Impacts on World Hearing Day

Good hearing health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet hearing loss largely goes undiagnosed and untreated. In honor of World Hearing Day, discover the importance of better hearing and how it can affect other parts of your health.

What is World Hearing Day?

World Hearing Day is held on March 3rd each year to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote hearing care across the world. This year, World Hearing Day focuses on overcoming the challenges posed by societal misperceptions and stigmatizing mindsets through awareness-raising and information-sharing, targeted at the public and healthcare providers.

Key Messages of World Hearing Day

Globally, over 80% of ear and hearing care needs remain unmet.
Unaddressed hearing loss poses an annual cost of nearly $1 trillion U.S. dollars globally.
Deeply ingrained societal misperceptions and stigmatizing mindsets are key factors that limit efforts for preventing and addressing hearing loss.
Changing mindsets related to ear and hearing care is crucial to improving access and mitigating the cost of unaddressed hearing loss.

The Impact of Hearing Loss on Health

Untreated hearing loss can have negative effects on not only health but on social well-being, cognitive abilities, and your career. Hearing loss can be incredibly isolating, causing individuals to withdraw or be avoidant. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Studies also show that those with untreated hearing loss earn less than their counterparts.

Our goal at Labyrinth Audiology is to educate the people of Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Hillsboro Beach, and the surrounding areas with accessible and affordable hearing healthcare. To destigmatize hearing loss and its perception, education is important. The more aware people are of hearing loss and the causes behind it, the more people can receive the treatment they need.

Managing Hearing Loss Improves Health

A common myth is that hearing loss is only tied to old age. However, there are a number of causes of hearing loss, including loud noise exposure, certain medications, head injuries, and health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Being proactive and knowing the causes and signs of hearing loss won’t only keep your hearing safe, but other aspects of your health as well.

Recognize World Hearing Day

To recognize World Hearing Day and spread awareness about the importance of hearing health, try these tips.

Encourage your loved ones to have their hearing tested
Protect your ears from loud noise
Receive regular hearing screenings
Educate those in your community about hearing loss and hearing aids
Share your own hearing journey with others

Together, we aim to spread awareness about hearing health and help those in our community receive the care they deserve.

Labyrinth Audiology provides a wide range of hearing services to the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Highland Beach. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start taking charge of your hearing health.

Understanding Tinnitus: Strategies and Exercises for Better Well-Being

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:57:48 GMT

Key Takeaways

Combat stress-induced tinnitus by practicing progressive muscle relaxation, enhancing muscle awareness, and potentially reducing its impact.
Employ Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) in quiet spaces, allowing gradual desensitization to tinnitus, lessening emotional reactions over time.
Manage tinnitus through mindful meditation, fostering acceptance of thoughts and sensations, gradually diminishing its impact on overall well-being.
Seek professional advice if tinnitus causes distress. At Labyrinth Audiology, we provide expert hearing services for Boca Raton, Highland Beach, and Hillsboro Beach.

Three Exercises to Help Improve Tinnitus

Tinnitus , the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, can be a frustrating and persistent issue for many people. While there’s no definitive cure, certain exercises and techniques can help manage and mitigate its effects.

Understanding Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a non-auditory, internal sound that can be intermittent or continuous, in one or both ears, and either low or high pitch. It can develop as a symptom of age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder.

Although incurable, management techniques can help. Here are three exercises designed to help you possibly reduce your tinnitus symptoms.

Exercise 1: Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus. Progressive muscle relaxation is a method that helps reduce stress, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.

Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lie down. Start by taking a few deep, calming breaths.
Beginning with your toes, tense your muscles as tightly as you can for about five seconds.
Relax your muscles, feeling the tension release. Pause for about 10 seconds.
Move on to another muscle group, such as your leg muscles. Repeat the process.
Continue through each muscle group in your body, working your way up from your toes to your head.
As you do this exercise regularly, you may find that it becomes easier to distinguish between tense and relaxed muscles, helping you release tension more effectively and better manage your tinnitus.

Exercise 2: Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

TRT is an exercise used to retrain your brain to perceive the noise in a less bothersome way.

Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit. If your tinnitus is more noticeable in quiet places, you can use a sound generator or white noise machine for background noise.
Allow your tinnitus to enter your consciousness. Try not to react to it, but rather acknowledge its presence.
Engage in deep breathing or another relaxation exercise. As you do, let your perception of the tinnitus fade into the background.
Repeat this exercise regularly. Over time, you may find that your brain becomes more accustomed to the tinnitus, reducing your emotional reaction to it.

Exercise 3: Mindful Meditation

Mindful meditation has shown to be effective in managing tinnitus by promoting acceptance and relaxation.

Choose a quiet, comfortable place to sit. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Focus on the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body.
Allow thoughts and sensations, including your tinnitus, to enter your consciousness. Instead of reacting to these thoughts and sensations, acknowledge them and let them pass.
If your mind wanders or becomes focused on your tinnitus, gently guide your attention back to your breath.
Try to practice mindful meditation for a few minutes each day. As you become more comfortable with the practice, you can gradually increase the length of your sessions.

Seek Help From A Professional

While these exercises may help you manage your tinnitus, it’s important to seek medical advice if your tinnitus is causing significant distress or if it began suddenly. At Labyrinth Audiology , we can help you by examining your hearing and referring you to a specialist if needed.

Tinnitus can be bothersome and affect your quality of life. If you are dealing with persistent tinnitus in Boca Raton, try these exercises to see if they can help you manage your perception of tinnitus. If your tinnitus is still unmanageable, contact us . We offer expert hearing services for the people of Delray Beach, Highland Beach, and Hillsboro Beach.

9 Hearing Health Tips for the New Year

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 21:00:50 GMT

Key Takeaways

Schedule routine hearing health check-ups. Early detection through screenings enables timely intervention in case of any emerging hearing issues.
To protect against hearing loss use ear protection, practice active listening techniques, minimize background noise, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits.
Address signs of hearing loss promptly by seeking professional help. If hearing impairment is identified, explore hearing aid solutions.

9 Tips to Improve Your Hearing Health For the New Year

Hearing loss can affect your life in many subtle ways. It’s important to preserve this valuable sense so you can hear your loved ones and all your favorite activities. Discover some tips to help you hear better this year and for the years to come.

Schedule Regular Hearing Health Check-Ups

The foundation of good hearing health begins with regular hearing check-ups. Just as you schedule regular visits for your dental health and vision, hearing screenings are also essential. Regular screenings can detect early signs of hearing loss, allowing for timely intervention.

Protect Your Ears from Loud Noise

Prolonged exposure to loud noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss . Use earplugs or custom in- ear hearing protection to protect your ears from loud noises at concerts, work, or during fun activities.

Practice Active Listening

Active listening is a skill that can significantly improve your hearing experience. Focus on the speaker, maintain eye contact, and position yourself to optimize your hearing in social settings. Minimize background noise when possible and ask for clarification if you miss any information during conversations.

Reduce Background Noise

Background noise at home can affect your ability to hear clearly. Minimize distractions by using curtains, rugs, and soft materials to absorb sound.

Maintain Healthy Habits

Maintaining overall health can positively impact your hearing. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress levels can contribute to better hearing health.

Avoid Inserting Objects In Your Ears

Avoid cleaning your ears with cotton swabs or other objects. Earwax serves as a natural protective barrier for the ear canal, and inserting objects can push earwax deeper and potentially cause damage.

Limit Use of Headphones and Earbuds

Listening to music at high volume levels through headphones or earbuds can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Limit the duration and volume of your listening sessions and opt for noise-canceling headphones to reduce the need to raise the volume in noisy environments.

Address Hearing Loss Promptly

If you notice any signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding conversations, turning up the TV volume excessively, or asking others to repeat themselves, seek professional help. Addressing hearing loss early can prevent further deterioration and enhance your overall quality of life.

Explore Hearing Aid Solutions

Today’s hearing aids are discreet, technologically sophisticated, and customizable to your unique hearing needs. We offer a wide range of hearing aids at our Boca Raton office.

With these expert tips, you can take proactive steps to improve your hearing health and experience the joy of clear communication. At Labyrinth Audiology, we are committed to supporting you on your journey to better hearing.

Our team of hearing specialists are here to provide personalized guidance and solutions to enhance your hearing experience. We offer comprehensive services for the people of Delray Beach, Highland Beach, and Hillsboro Beach.

Hearing health is an essential part of your overall well-being, contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Protect Your Hearing During the Holiday Season

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:02:30 GMT

Noisy Toys, Hearing, and Communication

With the holiday season quickly approaching, you may be focused on reconnecting with friends and family, shopping for gifts, and cooking tasty meals. While you find yourself shopping for toys and other gifts for your loved ones, it’s important to remember the impact these items can have on hearing ability.

Sound Levels of Everyday Items

Everyday noises can be damaging to hearing, especially if exposed to on a prolonged or even regular basis. Toys and other gifts can fall into this category as they can produce sounds that exceed the safe threshold of sound (85 decibels).

For children and grandchildren, some toys make sounds loud enough to damage hearing. From toy sirens to toys that play music, these can be as loud as 90 dB – which is as loud as a lawn mower! Noise-induced hearing loss can affect people of any age, even children. When picking out gifts this year, it’s important to consider how loud they can be.

Better Hearing Means Better Communication

Protecting you and your loved one’s hearing will lead to better communication and overall enjoyment in life. When you can hear well, you can converse with your friends, enjoy moments with your family, and can participate with those around you.

Being aware of the noise level around you and from the gifts you give (or receive) is a great first step to being proactive about your hearing health. In addition, you should have your hearing evaluated, especially if you are over the age of 55 or you have a current hearing loss. You want to hear everything the holidays have to offer and don’t want to miss a single moment.

Schedule a Hearing Exam

Before the festivities begin, we encourage everyone to have their hearing evaluated. We provide comprehensive hearing exams for the people of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Highland Beach.

Contact Labyrinth Audiology today to schedule an appointment and hear your best during the holidays!

Diabetes and Hearing Loss

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 21:04:02 GMT

Can Diabetes Affect Hearing?

Diabetes is one of the many comorbidities associated with hearing loss . If you or someone you know has diabetes, you are most likely familiar with the damage the disease can do to the circulatory system. What you might not know is that the same glucose overload that destroys parts of the body can also impact hearing ability.

How is Diabetes Connected to Hearing?

One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is nerve damage to the hands, feet, eyes, and kidneys. Although less known to people, diabetes can cause nerve damage in the ears as well. Over time, high blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage the small, delicate blood vessels of the inner ear, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss .

For those who have low blood sugar – most commonly associated with type 1 diabetes – the nerve signals that carry sound to your brain can be damaged, leading to hearing loss as well.

Studies have shown that diabetics are more than 2 times as likely to develop hearing loss. Even people with prediabetes have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss than people with normal blood sugar levels. When left untreated, hearing loss can weaken a person’s ability to communicate, can lead to depression and isolation, and can even contribute to dementia.

What Can Be Done

People with diabetes and their families should be aware of this increased risk as screening for hearing loss, unlike vision, is not among the current tests routinely given to diabetics. For individuals in Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Hillsboro Beach, and the surrounding areas, we can help you be proactive of your hearing health!

At Labyrinth Audiology, we offer advanced technology and testing to make diagnosing and treating hearing loss easy. We can perform diagnostic hearing tests in Boca Raton to ensure hearing loss is caught early. Contact our office today to schedule a hearing screening and be proactive of your hearing health!

Untreated Hearing Loss and Dementia

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 21:06:47 GMT

Untreated Hearing Loss and Dementia: How are They Connected?

Actively maintaining your health becomes increasingly important as you age, and that includes maintaining your brain health. As you get older, your risk for developing conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease increases. In addition to age itself, hearing loss is also associated with an increased risk in developing dementia.

Let’s take a closer look at the connection between hearing loss and dementia:

Hearing Loss Strains Your Brain

When you experience hearing loss, it may put extra stress on your brain. The brain has to work harder to understand and memorize details during conversations and presentations. This added stress may increase your risk of dementia.

Hearing Loss Leads to Isolation

Hearing loss can often lead to someone withdrawing from social situations and interactions with loved ones. The isolation and lack of stimulation can not only lead to depression, but it might also decrease activity in your brain and contribute to your risk of dementia.

Hearing Loss Accelerates Atrophy

It’s natural for your brain to atrophy, or shrink, to a certain extent as you age. It’s possible that hearing loss can accelerate and potentially exacerbate the extent to which your brain atrophies.

Signs of Hearing Loss

It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of hearing loss so you can consider treatment as soon as possible. Symptoms include:

Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in public
Trouble recalling details from conversation
Asking people to repeat themselves
Turning up the volume on the television

The symptoms of hearing loss can be uncomfortable and should be discussed with the hearing healthcare professionals at Labyrinth Audiology once you notice them.

Reducing Your Risk for Dementia

While you cannot control risk factors like age and genetics, you can take steps to limit other risk factors for dementia. Here are some actions you can take:

Avoid activities like smoking and excessive drinking
Treat any common comorbidities of dementia you may have such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes
Participate in regular physical activities
Keep your brain stimulated with intellectual activities

Having your hearing checked and potentially treating existing hearing loss is also a critical step to help you to lower your risk. Studies have shown that using hearing aids to treat hearing loss might reduce your risk of developing dementia in your lifetime.

Labyrinth Audiology is proud to provide hearing healthcare services to Delray Beach, Highland Beach, and Hillsboro Beach. If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss, contact our office today to discuss how we can help you hear better.

Hearing Aid Battery Lifespan

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 21:07:55 GMT

How Long Do Hearing Aid Batteries Last?

With the rapidly aging population, hearing aid technology has evolved drastically, and the number of users is continually increasing. However, a common question that looms in the minds of both first-time users and experienced wearers is, “How long do hearing aid batteries last?” The answer varies depending on many factors, such as the battery size, hearing aid style, power requirements, and hours of use. Let’s dive into these factors to provide a comprehensive answer.

Hearing Aid Battery Sizes

Typically, there are four sizes of hearing aid batteries: 10 (yellow), 312 (brown), 13 (orange), and 675 (blue). The smaller the size, the shorter the lifespan of the battery. Size 10 batteries can last between 3-7 days, while size 312 batteries can run for about 7-10 days. On the other hand, size 13 batteries tend to last for 10-14 days, and size 675 batteries can work for up to 14-20 days.

Hearing Aid Style

The style of the hearing aid also plays a significant role in determining the battery life. Devices with more features or power requirements, such as those providing profound amplification or wireless streaming, tend to drain the batteries faster. Consequently, smaller, in-the-ear (ITE) models that have limited space for batteries will generally have a shorter battery life compared to larger, behind-the-ear (BTE) models, which can accommodate larger batteries. A hearing care provider will be able to help you determine what style is right for you. For the Delray Beach and Highland Beach communities, our office offers a variety of hearing aid styles .

Power Requirements

The amount of hearing loss an individual experiences directly impacts the power required from the hearing aid, which in turn affects the battery lifespan. A device configured for profound hearing loss requires more power and drains the battery faster compared to a device designed for mild or moderate hearing loss.

Hours of Use

The more you use your hearing aid, the quicker the battery will run out. If you use your hearing aid for a few hours a day, your batteries will last significantly longer than if you use the device all day.

Battery Care and Storage

Proper care and storage can also impact your hearing aid battery life. It’s recommended to store batteries in a dry place at room temperature to maximize their lifespan. Avoid storing them in hot areas or in the fridge, which used to be common advice but is now known to cause harm to the batteries. When you’re not using your hearing aid, turn it off or open the battery door to reduce battery drain.

Hearing aid battery life is dependent on several factors, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Generally, it’s always a good idea to keep spare batteries on hand and remember to take good care of them to maximize their lifespan. Monitoring your device’s performance and keeping an eye on battery life can help ensure your hearing aid is always ready when you need it. Any concerns you have with the performance of your hearing aid should be addressed with a hearing care provider.

Communication is a crucial part of our daily lives. Properly functioning hearing aids contribute significantly to our quality of life. Don’t let the worry of battery life keep you from experiencing the world of sounds around you. If you or your loved one is experiencing hearing loss or are looking for help with your current hearing aids, contact Labyrinth Audiology today to schedule an appointment.

10 Major Signs of Hearing Loss

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 21:09:38 GMT

Recognizing the 10 Major Symptoms of Hearing Loss

It’s important to understand that hearing loss can affect anyone, however, it is more common as we age. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to loud noise, genetics, certain medications, infections, and more. The severity of hearing loss can also vary, from mild to profound.

What Are the 10 Major Symptoms of Hearing Loss?

Difficulty understanding speech: This is perhaps the most common symptom of hearing loss. You may find it difficult to understand what people are saying, especially in noisy environments.
Needing to turn up the volume: You may find yourself constantly turning up the volume on the TV or radio or asking others to speak louder.
3Muffling of sounds: Sounds may seem muffled or distorted, making it difficult to distinguish words or specific sounds.
Ringing in the ears: Tinnitus is a common symptom of hearing loss. It can manifest as a ringing, buzzing, or whistling sound in the ears.
Withdrawal from social situations: If you’re struggling to hear, you may start avoiding social situations or large gatherings.
Misunderstanding what others are saying: You may find yourself frequently misunderstanding what others are saying or responding inappropriately to questions.
Fatigue or stress: Straining to hear can be exhausting and stressful, leading to physical and emotional fatigue.
Difficulty hearing on the phone: Hearing loss can make it difficult to hear on the phone, especially if the other person’s voice is muffled or if there’s a lot of background noise.
Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds: People with hearing loss may have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, such as birds chirping or children’s voices.
Changes in balance: Some people with hearing loss may experience unsteadiness as the inner ear plays a role in maintaining balance.

What If I’m Experiencing These Symptoms?

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a hearing test . At Labyrinth Audiology, we offer hearing tests that can help identify the type and severity of your hearing loss, as well as the most appropriate treatment options. We offer a wide range of treatment options at our Boca Raton office, including hearing aids and other assistive devices. Taking care of your hearing as you age is a crucial step in practicing healthy aging habits.

It’s also important to protect your hearing by wearing earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments, turning down the volume on headphones or earbuds, and taking regular breaks from loud noise. We offer custom hearing protection for the people of Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Hillsboro Beach, and Lighthouse Point Beach.

By being aware of the symptoms of hearing loss and taking steps to protect your hearing, you can maintain good hearing health for years to come.

Hearing Loss and Depression

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 21:11:10 GMT

Can Anxiety and Depression Affect Hearing?

Mental health can have a major impact on your overall health. Stress, depression, and anxiety can all leave lasting impacts on more than just your mind, but your physical health as well. During periods of poor mental health, you might notice things like headaches, digestive issues, insomnia, and fatigue. You may even notice a negative impact on your hearing. How does mental stress affect your hearing?

Stress, depression, and anxiety can take up a lot of the energy and resources that your body uses for other processes, including your hearing. When you’re experiencing prolonged stress, it can interfere with your auditory processing system’s ability to receive and interpret signals. It can cause you to miss certain sounds altogether or misunderstand what you are hearing.

Depression and anxiety can also lead you to experience tinnitus or ringing in the ears. Tinnitus can be a very frustrating and distracting condition for many people. If you’re already someone who experiences tinnitus, stress can cause a relapse in your symptoms and keep you from executing your normal coping skills. Anxiety can be a cause of tinnitus or the feeling of excess pressure in your ears due to the increase in jaw tension and yawning that’s often associated with stress and anxiety.

Mental health and hearing loss are connected in a cycle. Not only can poor mental health cause your hearing loss, but hearing loss can lead to an increase in depression and anxiety. When you experience hearing loss, it can become increasingly difficult to connect with the world around you. You might find yourself struggling to hear conversations with your friends and family or missing out on important details in your favorite shows and movies. Eventually this can cause you to withdraw from social settings and it might cause you to feel isolated.

If you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to seek care from a hearing healthcare provider . They can help you determine both the cause of your hearing loss and the correct course of treatment. If possible, treating your hearing loss early can save you from significant stress and isolation down the line.

Don’t wait for hearing loss to take a toll on your mental health. Call our office today to schedule your hearing exam .

Can Hearing Loss Affect Your Memory?

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 21:23:42 GMT

Can Hearing Loss Affect Your Memory?

The short answer is yes, hearing loss can have a significant impact on your memory. What you hear in conversation, and the sounds out in the world, help you to form solid and meaningful memories. When your ability to hear is impeded, it can affect your health in multiple ways, including your memory.

How are hearing and memory related?

Your auditory system, from your ear to your brain, is responsible for capturing sounds, processing the information, and committing it to your memory. Sound waves move through the ear, get picked up by hair cells in your inner ear, and signals are sent through your auditory nerve pathways for your brain to decipher. If that process is interrupted for any reason, it can impact your brain’s ability to store information as memory.

How does hearing loss lead to memory loss?

Cognitive Impairment: When your hearing is impaired, your brain works harder to try to understand the sounds you’re hearing or piece together what sounds you are missing. This takes away energy from the other efforts your brain is responsible for, like committing information to memory.
Reduced Ability to Concentrate: One effect of hearing loss can be the reduced ability to concentrate. You spend a lot of your efforts trying to hear, or focusing on the fact that you cannot hear, rather than absorbing and understanding the information.
A Decline in Mental Health: Left untreated, hearing loss can be stressful and lead you to experience feelings of depression and anxiety. You may feel yourself begin to withdraw from social settings, which can lead to loneliness and isolation. Depression has been linked to difficulties with cognition and short-term memory loss.

How can you protect your hearing and memory?

You can protect yourself from cognitive impairment due to hearing loss by being proactive about preserving your hearing. Avoid noisy crowds and activities, and when you can’t, wear hearing protection like earplugs or over-ear covers.

It’s also important to establish annual visits with both a primary care physician and a hearing healthcare provider , so you can address any issues or symptoms right away. A baseline hearing test can help you determine any existing hearing loss and measure any decline in hearing for the future.

If you are experiencing hearing loss and are worried about its impact on your memory, hearing aids can be a helpful solution. The right device, selected by your hearing healthcare provider, can relieve some of the stress and anxiety associated with hearing loss. It can also help you feel more connected to the world around you and create stronger memories.

Looking for a solution to your hearing loss? Call our office today to schedule an appointment so we can help you hear better.

Hearing Loss and Dementia: How are they connected?

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Mon, 01 May 2023 21:25:06 GMT

3 Things You Should Know About Hearing Loss and the Brain

Your brain health is a critical piece of your overall health and keeping it as healthy as it can be is important to maintaining your quality of life. That includes understanding what your brain does and how to protect it. You probably think about your brain when it comes to memory, critical thought, and your sight, but did you know your brain is primarily responsible for your hearing?

Here’s what you should know about the connections between hearing loss and your brain:

Hearing Loss is a Risk Factor for Developing Dementia

People who experience moderate to severe hearing loss are five times more likely to develop dementia. It’s thought that hearing loss increases how fast your brain atrophies, and the social isolation, lack of stimulation, and increased stress can contribute to developing dementia.

Hearing Loss Puts Stress on Your Brain

Your brain is responsible for a lot of your hearing. It deciphers sounds and retains the information coming in. When you have hearing loss, your brain works a lot harder to pick up information and helpful sounds. This causes a significant amount of stress on your brain that potentially contributes to dementia.

Hearing Loss Can Negatively Impact Mental Health

Hearing loss can cause you to feel disconnected from the world around you, especially in conversations with friends and family. You might miss important details and start to withdraw from conversations, so it can lead to depression and anxiety.

The thought of hearing loss potentially leading to dementia can be scary, but there are steps you can take to help. You can protect your current level of hearing by avoiding loud noises and wearing hearing protection when noise is unavoidable. The best way to help your hearing loss is by visiting a local hearing health professional . If you’re not currently experiencing hearing loss, having a baseline hearing test can set you up for success in the future. If you are experiencing hearing loss, a hearing health professional may be able to fit you with hearing aids to treat your hearing loss and help you connect with the world around you.

Are you experiencing hearing loss? Call our office today to schedule your appointment so we can start helping you hear better.

Better Hearing & Speech Month

billing@zoolstra.com (Todd Dean) — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 21:26:39 GMT

How You Can Participate in Better Hearing and Speech Month

As you look ahead towards May, you might be looking forward to the longer days, better weather, and sweet sounds of spring. You can also look forward to checking in on your hearing and speech, because May is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM).

For over 50 years, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has put on this month-long event to raise awareness for hearing and speech issues, and the actions you can take to preserve and improve your ability to communicate. This year’s theme for BHSM is “Building a Strong Foundation.” The ability to hear is a foundation for your communication with the world around you. Protecting your hearing and managing hearing loss is important to your overall health, and BHSM is a great reminder that you need to do just that.

Here’s what you can do to protect your hearing this Better Hearing and Speech Month:

Watch television and listen to music at lower volumes
Avoid noisy places and activities
Wear hearing protection when doing noisy activities like mowing the lawn or using power tools
When loud noise is unavoidable, try to walk away or give yourself breaks
Exercise regularly to have good circulation in your inner ears
Don’t stick foreign objects (like cotton swabs) in your ear
Get your hearing tested by a qualified hearing healthcare provider

Participating in Better Hearing and Speech Month doesn’t just mean thinking about your own hearing health. It also means checking in on your loved ones and spreading the word about hearing health. Hearing loss can be an isolating condition for many people, and it often comes with a stigma surrounding it. Many think it is only for old people, and don’t want to admit their hearing loss for fear of being judged. Hearing loss can happen to anyone at any age. If you think someone you know is dealing with hearing loss, giving them your support may help encourage them to seek help. Treating hearing loss, often with the use of hearing aids , can help you avoid a lot of the associated stress, anxiety, and depression and can make a huge improvement to your quality of life.

Get ready for Better Hearing and Speech Month 2023 and prepare yourself to make hearing health a priority in your life.

Participate in Better Hearing and Speech Month 2023 by calling our office to set up an appointment today!

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