What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
The number one cause of hearing loss in Portland isn’t aging, as many believe; it’s actually noise exposure. Over the course of a lifetime, some damage to the sensory cells in your inner ear is inevitable. If you are frequently exposed to loud noise, hearing impairment can occur at a very young age – even…
Read MoreStand Up to Noise Pollution
Portland occasionally contend with hazy skies obscuring those spectacular views of Mt. Hood. As unsightly as this may be, not all pollution is so clearly visible. Noise pollution is a growing problem not only in the pacific northwest, but throughout the world. And it’s one we hardly notice anymore. Defining Noise Pollution The World Health…
Read MoreWhen Your 8 to 5 Exceeds 85 Decibels
If you’re like most people in Portland, you probably think hearing loss won’t be a problem until you’re well into your golden years. The truth is, only one-third of adults with a hearing impairment are older than 65. Hearing loss affects people of all ages, and one of the most common culprits in younger people…
Read MoreUntreated Hearing Loss is Costly
People in Portland with hearing loss are already at a disadvantage for many reasons. A new study shows their condition doesn’t only affect their health – it also hits them in the pocketbook. The Hidden Costs of Hearing Loss Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health surveyed 77,000 patients suspected of having untreated…
Read MorePersonal Identity and Hearing Loss
Even as an audiologist who has been licensed for over 28 years, I am astonished by the number of patients who visit the clinic for the first time and express embarrassment, shame, or even apologize for their difficulty hearing. This raises the question: Is there still some degree of stigma related to hearing loss and…
Read MoreWhy Do People Wait Seven Years to Get a Hearing Test?
What are you waiting for? What has been holding you back? You are too young to be working this hard to understand speech. Want to hear more? Call our Portland, Oregon clinic today at (503) 232-1845 to schedule a consultation to find out if hearing devices are for you.
Read MoreHow to Hear Soft Speech 20% Better Than with Your Old Hearing Aids!
Oticon has long made excellent, very successful hearing devices. This time, they have made some changes to their products that are a significant evolution and didn’t increase prices. The newest, high-tech hearing devices, the Opn S 1, have made the following improvements over their last high-tech hearing devices: Improved ability to understand soft speech by…
Read MoreHearing Aid Insurance Coverage: What Questions to Ask and What to Avoid
Most insurance companies still have exclusion policies in regards to hearing aids, meaning they will not cover hearing aids or anything hearing aid related like follow-ups, repairs and supplies. Some insurance policies do have coverage, but they have many restrictions and red tape. Here are some things you need to know to be able to…
Read MoreSmart Buying Decisions: How Hearing Aids Give You a Great Return on Your Investment
If you’re one of the nearly 40 million Americans who experience hearing loss, maybe it’s time to consider investing in your hearing health. Research shows that the rewards can be substantial. In fact, identifying and addressing hearing loss has been shown to positively influence virtually every aspect of an individual’s life—helping people personally, professionally, and…
Read MoreWhat is the Process to Get Hearing Testing or Hearing Aids
I get this question so often that I thought it would be prudent to write a short post about exactly what the process is like for those who may be a little nervous about their first audiology appointment. 1. The first step is to call and make an appointment. Some clinics do have walk-in hours,…
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