Hearing Group - El Dorado, KS

08/07/2023

Don’t forget to check your email. Your HG newsletter has been delivered.

05/16/2023

How to change your CeruShield Wax FIlter.
Order your wax filters and other hearing aid supplies today on our online shop at https://www.hearinggroup.com/shop/

The CeruShield Wax Filter Disk can help protect your hearing aids from wax issues. You can buy online from Hearing Group here: https://www.hearinggroup.com/p...

05/15/2023

National Better Hearing & Speech Month: Do you know the 5 early signs of hearing loss?

May is National Better Hearing & Speech Month, a great time to take charge of your hearing health by learning the early signs of hearing loss, and, if necessary, making an appointment with a hearing specialist for testing.

About 15 percent of U.S. adults have a significant problem with hearing, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).

"Early identification and intervention for hearing loss is important," notes the CDC. "Many people live with unidentified hearing loss, often failing to realize that they are missing certain sounds and words. Checking one’s hearing is the first step toward addressing the issue."

Indeed, hearing loss is often a sneaky thief. It can creep up on you gradually, stealing your hearing in such small increments you suddenly find yourself straining to understand conversation and missing some of your favorite sounds.
How can you tell if you have hearing loss? Hearing loss symptoms depend on the type and severity. Only a qualified hearing health professional can tell you for sure, but here are five signs you may not be hearing your best.

1. Consonant sounds are hard to hear 'Did you say show or throw?'
If you’ve lived long enough to develop presbycusis or age-related hearing loss, you may have lost your ability to hear high-frequency sounds. In speech, that translates to the consonant sounds S, F, Th, Sh, V, K, and P. These sounds are important because they help you distinguish between like-sounding words—for example, “show” and “throw” or “keep” and “peep.” As a result, you may misunderstand important parts of the conversation and respond inappropriately or think people are mumbling. In other words, you can hear, but not understand.

2. The birds have seemingly disappeared.
Take a moment and think—when was the last time you heard birds singing or crickets chirping? Do you hear the car’s turn signal when it’s blinking? Are you having trouble hearing your wife or grandchildren when they speak? (Good news: Hearing aids help birders.) These higher-pitched sounds and voices register at 2,000 Hz or higher frequencies, and those with high-frequency hearing loss have trouble hearing.

3. Understanding conversation in crowded places is increasingly difficult.
Another symptom of high-frequency hearing loss is the inability to distinguish speech in noisy environments. As a result, you may find yourself avoiding social situations like family get-togethers or impromptu celebrations with friends at local gathering places where you’re forced to concentrate on understanding the conversation.

4. You strain to listen—and it’s exhausting.
If you find you're straining to listen to the conversation and are more exhausted than usual at the end of the day, you may have listening fatigue. You have difficulty following the conversation, like a fading radio state or a bad phone connection.
Most people are surprised to learn that hearing is a brain activity. When your auditory system is compromised, it takes much more effort for your brain to process the sound it receives from your inner ear. In effect, the signal is broken.

5. Your ears ring.
The CDC estimates more than 50 million people suffer from some degree of tinnitus, making it one of the most common health conditions in the country.
Both age-related hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss can cause tinnitus, a condition also known as ringing in the ears. In these two situations, researchers believe tinnitus may be the brain’s way of filling in the missing frequencies it is no longer receiving from the auditory system.

What’s the solution?
High-frequency hearing loss is typically a type of sensorineural hearing loss, which means hair cells in the inner ear have been damaged. These hair cells are responsible for converting sounds into signals and sending them along the auditory nerve to the brain for interpretation. In addition to age, sensorineural hearing loss has many causes, including noise exposure, disease, infection or genetics.
Although sensorineural hearing loss isn’t curable, it can be treated with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Diagnosis and treatment are important because untreated hearing loss has been linked to mental health conditions such as anger, depression, anxiety, isolation, frustration, loneliness, and decreased cognitive function.
Seek help from a Hearing Group hearing healthcare professional.

Today’s hearing devices are sophisticated marvels of technology, with the ability to amplify the high frequencies you may be missing without amplifying the low-frequency sounds you hear just fine. And hearing aids are linked to health benefits like delayed onset of dementia and lower rates of depression. A hearing healthcare professional can evaluate your hearing and help you determine which hearing device is best for your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.

Even if you aren’t experiencing any of these signs of hearing loss, don’t wait for a problem to occur. Treat your hearing health like your vision or overall physical health, and schedule annual hearing examinations with a professional you trust.

Your Hearing Group professionals are available by appointment for your free hearing evaluation and consultation, Call 866-542-5614 or go to https://www.hearinggroup.com/hearing-loss/hearing-test/ to schedule your appointment today!

Contributed by Debbie Clason, staff writer, Healthy Hearing.
Debbie Clason holds a master's degree from Indiana University. Her impressive client list includes financial institutions, real estate developers, physicians, pharmacists, and nonprofit organizations.

05/03/2023

Looking to help your loved one improve their hearing? HG is here to offer free hearing evaluations and consultations! Give us a call today at 866-542-5614 to schedule an appointment and get started on the path to better hearing.

05/03/2023

Tips For Hearing Aid Users

What Do The Chimes Or Beeps In My Hearing Aid Mean?

There are various reasons why your hearing aids may be beeping or making a chime sound. Here is a checklist of reasons to refer back to.

Beeps may indicate your hearing aid batteries are getting low. You may want to replace your battery or place it on the charger.

If the volume is too high on the hearing aid, it may cause feedback often mistaken for long beeps. Try to decrease the volume on your hearing aid.

Lost connection to your TV connector or partner mic. Try to move close to the connected device.

If your hearing aid is connected to your cell phone, you may hear notifications from Apps installed on your phone. To disable notifications go to settings on your cell phone and select the apps you no longer wish to receive notifications for.

Changing the volume higher or lower may give you an indication tone. By pressing the upper part of the button on your right hearing aid will usually adjust both hearing aids and will emit a chime or tone, try to avoid brushing against your ear or head.

Pushing the button to change the program on your hearing aid will give you an indication tone. Avoid holding the button on the hearing aid for more than 2 seconds to avoid going into different programmed listening environments.

05/01/2023

Your May Newsletter has arrived, so check your email! This month is Better Hearing And Speech Month. Take a look at the educational articles on severe to profound hearing loss, managing life with tinnitus, and tips for hearing aid users.

05/01/2023

Did you know...

04/29/2023

Schedule your free hearing exam today by calling 866-542-5614 and discover the HG difference!

04/28/2023

At HG, we strongly advise patients to undergo a hearing test on a yearly basis. Such tests can detect crucial changes in hearing loss and are of utmost significance. Let's collaborate to ensure your hearing health is well-maintained. Take a look at Jesse and Ryian's advice for more insight.

Have you ever asked, "how often should I get my hearing checked?" We have answers from experts on that question in this video! Two of our hearing professiona...

04/26/2023

Don't let your itchy ears get you down. Order your Miracell today at hearinggroup.com/shop

If you have a problem with dry, itchy or irritated ears, Miracell can help! Miracell ProEar oil is great for helping calm skin irritation in the ears.Miracel...

04/24/2023

It's a good idea to replace your cleaning tools annually. Get yours today at hearinggroup.com/shop

Keeping your hearing aids clean is one of the most important ways to make them last, and Hearing Group now offers hearing aid cleaning tools you can buy onli...

04/21/2023

Spring has arrived. Let's get your hearing aids ready. Stadri with a CleanDry. Get yours today!

Want to extend the life of your hearing aids? The Unitron CleanDry, Hearing Aid Maintenance Tool from Hearing Group that every hearing aid user needs.Are you...

04/19/2023

IMPORTANT HEARING AID APP TECH UPDATE

We are getting questions from some of the friends regarding a warning they see when using the hearing aid manufacturer app as illustrated below.
Please note this should not affect your application performance.
This update entitled Warning & Info is a recent update from the hearing aid manufacturers in order to be compliant with the new FDA labeling notification due to the OTC regulations instituted with over-the-counter hearing aid sales.
Again, this will not affect your hearing aids or phone services. It is a requirement by the FDA to update policies, and it will be mandatory for your app to work correctly.
As always, we will continue to update you as we receive any new information.

04/19/2023

If you or a loved one is suffering from hearing loss, start with a phone call to Hearing Group for a free hearing evaluation and consultation. 866-542-5614 or go to https://www.hearinggroup.com/hearing-loss/hearing-test/ to request a test.

Tips for improving communication with people who are hard of hearing, including do's and don'ts of talking to someone with hearing loss.

04/18/2023

Hearing Aid Repairs at Hearing Group

Is your hearing aid not working? If you live near a Hearing Group location, call us to set an appointment to bring your hearing aids in for your repair needs! We offer affordable repair services and will take care of you as quickly as possible.

To learn more, click the link or call us at 866-542-5614.
https://www.hearinggroup.com/hearing-group-hearing-aid-repairs/

04/17/2023

Contact Hearing Group at 866-542-5614 or visit https://www.hearinggroup.com/your-hearing-appointment/ for a free hearing evaluation and consultation.

04/06/2023

Did You Know?

A person with hearing loss has a 3X higher risk of falling.

Mild degrees of hearing loss can cause up to a threefold increased risk of falling; as the degree of hearing loss increases, the chances of falling also increase.

William Even, Au.D., a Faculty Associate and clinical audiologist in UT Southwestern’s Otolaryngology Clinic, states the reasons for this linkage aren’t entirely known. Researchers have suggested that those with hearing loss may have decreased spatial awareness of the environment around them. Hearing loss also increases cognitive load as the brain struggles to interpret sounds, leading to fewer cognitive resources to help with balance and stability.

He says that appropriately fitted hearing devices can address these issues by increasing spatial awareness and reducing the cognitive resources applied toward hearing. Dr. Even said. Research has shown that hearing devices can improve performance on balance-related tasks.

To reduce the risk of falling, start with getting your hearing tested. Your hearing professional with determine the degree of your hearing loss and will discuss your hearing needs. Follow-up is vital; follow the recommendations of your hearing professional and attend follow-up care appointments. Most important, wear your hearing aids continually. Hearing aids help your brain stay fit and active and may protect against cognitive decline and reduce the risk of falling.

Contact Hearing Group at 866-542-5614 to schedule your free hearing evaluation.

04/04/2023

Springtime is here, and flowers will start blooming. What is your favorite flower? Leave a comment, a picture, and any tips on how to grow beautiful flowers from your flower garden. We can't wait to see them.

04/03/2023

Protect Your Hearing By Regularly Exercising Your Brain

When we think about exercise, we often think of strength training, heart health, or weight management.

But what about our brain health? How do we exercise our brain, why is it important, and how does it correlate with hearing?

We hear with our brains and not our ears. Our ears are the highways to deliver sound to our brains. Our hearing mechanism is divided basically into three physical units: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear collects sound and channels it through the ear canal to the eardrum in the middle ear. The vibrating drum is attached to the ossicular chain of three tiny bones called the malleus, incus, and stapes. Thus the vibrations are passed on to the third part of the hearing mechanism, the inner ear. Within this marvelously complex inner ear is a winding passage called the cochlea. It resembles a snail shell. Through this cochlea pass three fluid-filled ducts that further transmit the sound vibrations to thousands of tiny hair cells. Nerve connections to these tiny hair cells convert the mechanical energy of sound vibrations to nerve impulses. These impulses are then transmitted to the brain, therefore, keeping the brain exercising and fit.

What if there is a breakdown in the hearing mechanism?

Often, untreated, one loses the ability to hear or understand correctly. Studies show that hearing loss is related to an increased risk of cognitive decline, such as dementia, isolation, and depression. Fortunately, there is a solution for those that suffer from hearing loss. Hearing aids offer an excellent solution to age-related or noise-induced hearing loss, the most common type of hearing loss.

Tips to Safeguard Your Hearing

-Regular hearing tests
-Protect your hearing in noisy areas and avoid noisy situations for long periods.
-Keep the volume down. Turn that TV and radio down.
-Don't put off getting hearing aids if you need them. The sooner you start you get started, the better for your brain health.
-If you own hearing aids, wear them.

Unlike the rest of our body, like a broken bone, our body can rejuvenate and heal over time. Once we lose our hearing, it is gone forever; the best we can do is save what we have left by treatment through hearing aids.

Protect your precious sense of hearing and keep that brain fit.
For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 866-542-5614

03/28/2023

Did You Know...

03/27/2023

Your March Newsletter Has Been Delivered Be Sure To Check Your Email!

03/24/2023

Did You Know...

Hearing aids and other costs related to treating hearing loss can be included as medical deductions on your taxes.

03/23/2023

03/21/2023

When Should You Get New Hearing Aids?

Professionals and manufacturers in the industry report hearing aid last anywhere from 3-7 years. However, there are many factors to consider that could also increase or decrease the life of your hearing aids. Below are reasons one would consider new hearing aids.

Changes To Your Hearing Or Health
Over time like the rest of our body, we develop changes in our eyesight, dexterity, and even our memory, so our hearing is no exception; it gradually changes over time. A sign of changes in your hearing health is that you may need to turn the volume up or ask people to repeat, or speech could be more precise. Those indicate a shift in your hearing, and you may require more robust hearing aids. Your hearing professional will help determine if it is time for a stronger set of hearing aids by conducting a hearing evaluation.

Your Hearing Aids Are Broken
Hearing aids are made with a tiny microcomputer chip, delicate wires, small microphones, and a receiver; they are subjected to wax and moisture with daily usage, so even with regular cleanings and check-ups, it is not a matter of if your hearing aid will quit but when. Unfortunately, most manufacturers will not offer repair services on hearing aids over five years old due to unavailable replacement parts. If your hearing aid is not working, the worse thing you can do for your hearing health is nothing. Don’t put off getting help for your hearing loss. Get with your hearing professional to make a well-informed decision about new hearing aids.
A Change in Hearing Aid Technology and Lifestyle
Our lifestyle is constantly evolving. We get new and exciting jobs; we welcome new family members like newborn babies or in-laws. Along with those changes comes new technology in hearing aids that fit our ever-changing lifestyle. Recent technological advances include rechargeable hearing aids and Bluetooth features that allow you to connect wirelessly to your smartphone to enjoy phone calls, music, and TV in stereo sound. They have a faster processor, which means better hearing for you and getting smaller in size.

A Change in Finances
If you receive public or other third-party funding, there may be restrictions on how often your hearing aids can be replaced. Information on Medicaid legislation can be found on the website of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). Or if you buy your hearing aids privately, perhaps when you purchased your first pair of hearing aids a few years ago, you needed the most basic and cost-effective option. But it may be time to upgrade if you can afford a more sophisticated device now.

Our professionals will help you make the right decision by conducting a hearing tests and looking at your current devices to determine whether they are correct for your hearing requirements. If the Rx remains the same, we can recalibrate your existing instruments to suit your present hearing requirements.

We have a wide range of advanced technology to choose from if you are set on new technology, and we will work with you to identify the ideal device to help you improve your quality of life. Contact us at 866-542-5614 today for a consultation.

03/20/2023

Level Up TV Entertainment With TV Connectors

One of the first signs of hearing loss is often having difficulty hearing the TV. We always ask our patients when they first come in for a hearing test: “have you noticed that you’ve been turning the TV up louder and louder?” Because that’s usually a good indicator of some hearing loss. Unfortunately, hearing loss makes watching and understanding TV incredibly difficult, especially with friends and family.

Hearing aids will help you hear everything better, including the TV, but a TV Streaming Device will take your listening to the next level. Most hearing aid manufacturers make a device that will connect your TV to your hearing aids, allowing you to stream sound directly into your hearing aids. In this post, we want to show you a few of our favorites and share a few tips.

Unitron TV Connector
The Unitron TV Connector connects wirelessly to your hearing aids. It frees you from extra streaming devices required for some older accessories and directly streams the sound from your favorite TV shows and movies into your hearing aids.
Enjoy the high-quality sound of your hearing devices while watching TV. Your family will thank you, too, because you won’t have to turn the volume up too loudly for comfort.

Oticon TV Adapter 3.0
The Oticon Adapter 3.0 streams your favorite TV shows directly to your hearing aids. Patients love how they can understand TV, and the whole family can enjoy watching TV together at a comfortable volume. Easy to install and pair with your hearing aids. Compatible with over seven different hearing aids. Click on the link for further details.

The Widex TV Play
Start enjoying your TV-watching experience with the Widex TV Play streaming device. The best stable and high-quality sound for people with hearing loss that love watching TV. With a sleek and elegant design, the Widex TV Play lets you enjoy what you want to see and hear through your hearing aids by streaming your favorite shows and movies directly to your hearing aids. With Widex Moment hearing aids, the smartphone app allows you to balance TV volume with ambient sounds and conversation. Better sound quality delivered the way you want it.

Signia Streamline TV
Discover the Signia Streamline TV adapter and steam your TV audio directly to your Signia hearing aids in Dolby Digital quality. With the Sginia app, you can quickly start and pause TV streaming and adjust the volume. Immerse yourself in the world of film and television. Enjoy your favorite scenes and characters delivered straight to your hearing aids. Click on the link for more information and to order yours today.
https://www.hearinggroup.com/shop/

Connect your hearing aids to your TV and other media devices with the Unitron TV Connector. It's compatible with:- Unitron: Discover, Discover Next, and Blu ...

03/19/2023

Introducing Oticon Real Technology - Designed For The Real World!

Proven To Significantly Improve Speech Clarity, Reduce Listening Efforts, And Made To Meet Your Demands!
Oticon Real Technology provides access to the full spectrum of real-world sounds.
Offers outstanding detail, clarity, and balance.
Reduces disruptive sounds.
Significantly improves speech clarity compared to previous technology.
Significantly reduces the listening effort caused by challenging listening conditions.
Helps patients stay comfortable and sharp.
Call HG at 866-542-5614 today for a Free Test and Demo

Get back the real sounds of life! Unlike traditional hearing aids, Oticon Real™ gives your brain access to all relevant sounds around you – to help you stay ...

03/17/2023

Did You Know...
HEARING AIDS DELAYS DEMENTIA?
According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, research shows that older adults with greater severity of hearing loss were more likely to have dementia, but the likelihood of dementia was lower among hearing aid users compared to non-users. Brain scans show that hearing loss may contribute to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain. Hearing loss also contributes to self-isolation, depression, and loneliness. If you suspect hearing loss in yourself or a loved one, don't put off getting help! Let Hearing Group help. At HG, we offer free hearing evaluations and consultations. Call 866-542-5614 today to schedule an appointment or complete the information on the link HTTPS://www.hearinggroup.com/your-hearing-appointment/

03/14/2023

Getting supplies for your hearing aids has never been so easy. Order the supplies you need and have them delivered right to your doorstep. Click on the link to create your account https://www.hearinggroup.com/my-account/
If you have questions, Leigh has created an awesome video with step-by-step instructions.
Happy Shopping!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyFY1Ghc7tc&t=83s

Access your Hearing Group account and manage all of your account information and services in one place.

03/07/2023

HG Tips To Keep Your Hearing Aid Working

The most common reason a hearing aid(s) quit working is that they are clogged with wax or debris. Here is an excellent tip to combat and fix the issue at home.

Download a magnifier app on your smartphone.

The Magnifying Glass app is available on the Apple App Store for iPhones and iPads and the Google Play Store for Androids Products.

With the app, you can use your Phone as a magnifying glass to zoom in on objects near you. It makes it much nicer to identify if your hearing aid is dirty and the filter needs to be replaced.

Notice in the pictures the red receiver has wax and debris, which will cause a problem by clogging it and preventing any sound from getting through over time. Save yourself a trip into the office and change your wax filter. Nine out of ten times, the hearing aid will start working again. Shop our online store at https://www.hearinggroup.com/shop/
for wax filters, cleaning supplies, and more. Click on the link to order today.

03/01/2023

Possible Solution For Clinicians With Hearing Loss With Signia Insio Nix

For medical professionals being able to hear is one of the most critical aspects of their job. It is crucial to detect vital sounds of the body, such as how the blood flows within the heart or listening to one's lungs to see how well the lungs are ventilating and how evenly the air is moving in and out, so for most physicians and nurses, the stethoscope is the frontline instrument of choice.

But what if one has hearing loss? How does that affect their ability to hear? Unfortunately, it is next to impossible to hear critical body sounds for someone with hearing loss, especially when there are competing sounds around them. Many doctors and nurses experience sensorineural hearing loss, impairing how you hear soft and speech sounds. Heart and breath sounds are low frequency (between 20-650 Hz), making it much more challenging to listen to those low soft but critical sounds.

So, what options are available to medical professionals vital to our community and health? Fortunately, for those with mild hearing loss or those needing a boost of amplification, there are amplified stethoscopes available. But more is required for those with mild to moderate and even severe hearing loss.

Hearing aid solutions like the Siginia Insio Nix hearing aids are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that tackles challenges medical professionals experience, like hearing a heartbeat or breathing patterns.

Siginia Insio Nix hearing aids are personalized and tailor-made for one's ear anatomy and designed to tackle these challenges expertly by replicating the natural way we localize sound. Focusing on what's important, hearing the rhythm of a heartbeat or air moving in and out of the lungs. With Siginia Insion Nix custom-made hearing aids, users can replace the tips of their regular stethoscopes with adapters called stethomate tips; this soft silicone ear tip allows a person wearing their custom-made hearing aids to use a stethoscope without removing the hearing instrument.

According to ekohealth.com, using the Eko App, clinicians can connect Eko stethoscopes with Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids such as the Siginia Insio Nix custom aids. Sounds will stream directly to hearing aids wirelessly, making a smooth workflow that maximizes amplification.

Hearing loss does not prevent clinicians from providing the best possible care, and with Siginia Insion Nix hearing aids, you hear most clearly what you want to hear. All day long. In every situation.

Your Hearing Group hearing health care professional will help you select and answer any question about what hearing aids work best for your lifestyle and hearing loss. Give us a call at 866-542-5614.

02/28/2023

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Click On The Link https://www.hearinggroup.com/newsletter/ to subscribe for monthly giveaways, promotions, tech updates, educational articles, videos, and much more.

02/23/2023

What Your Ears Are Trying To Tell You About Your Heart

Heart disease seems to happen quickly and without any warning. It is the leading cause of death between men and women in the United States. According to the CDC, heart disease causes one death every 34 seconds in America.

Among several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices, such as diabetes, smoking, and excessive alcohol use, all of which can affect your hearing, the relationship between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease has been well-documented for many years. Studies confirmed that heart conditions such as arterial disease and a history of cardiovascular disease might indicate a higher risk of developing hearing loss. The general public needs to know what to look for. Knowing the signs beforehand could help save your or a loved one's life. This article will discuss what your heart is trying to tell you and what signs to look for.

It all boils down to blood flow. Studies have shown that good circulation plays a role in maintaining good hearing health. If your heart is distressed, blood and oxygen do not travel around your body as well as they should, and inadequate blood flow to the inner ear may cause trauma to the blood vessels causing permanent damage to the tiny hair cells responsible for hearing. These tiny hair cells are vital to your hearing because they do not regenerate. Once damaged, the only assistance with hearing loss is the use of hearing aids.

Recognizing the signs of hearing loss may help identify the signs of heart disease.

Ringing in the ear
Speech is not clear, and voices seem muffled
Difficulty hearing women's and children's voices
Difficulty hearing on the phone
Turning the TV volume up
Asking others to repeat themselves
Sensitivity to certain sounds
Ear discomfort
Social isolation and depression

There are steps to protect your hearing and lower the risk of chronic illnesses' side effects. If you or a loved one notice a change in your hearing or you are struggling to hear conversation schedule an appointment to get your hearing tested. A healthy lifestyle and regular exercise are vital to better health; schedule routine physicals with your primary healthcare provider. Also, get regular hearing checks, quit smoking, and reduce alcohol intake. Keep an eye on blood pressure and cholesterol and monitor blood sugar levels.

Most importantly, treating your hearing loss with hearing aids sooner than later is essential to better overall health.

Contact your Hearing Group healthcare provider at 866-542-5614 to schedule a hearing evaluation for more information.