Valley Hearing Aid Associates

09/25/2025

Protecting your hearing with simple habits like checkups, safe earwax care and noise protection can help you stay active and engaged as you age.

Expert tips for hearing aids, earwax and more

09/22/2025

09/20/2025

Here’s a polished, easy-to-follow version of your guide on one-handed insertion, removal, and care for ITC (in-the-canal) hearing aids. I’ve kept the structure clear and user-friendly so it can be used as a reference or training handout:

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One-Handed Insertion, Removal, and Care of ITC Hearing Aids

Insertion (One-Handed)
1. Prepare the hearing aid
• Hold the ITC aid between thumb and index finger.
• Make sure the colored dot is at the top (red = right, blue = left).
• The removal filament should point downward.
2. Open the ear canal
• With the same hand, reach over your head.
• Use your middle or ring finger to gently pull your earlobe down and slightly back to straighten the canal.
3. Insert the aid
• While holding the earlobe, guide the hearing aid into the canal with thumb and index finger.
• Use a gentle twisting motion until it sits snugly.
4. Release and adjust
• Let go of the earlobe.
• Press gently on the device to check that it’s secure.
• Ensure the removal string is accessible.

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Removal (One-Handed)
1. Grip the filament
• Use thumb and index finger to hold the removal string.
2. Open the canal
• Gently pull the earlobe down and back, as with insertion.
3. Remove the aid
• While holding the earlobe, pull on the string until the device loosens.
• Rotate slightly while pulling if needed.

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Daily Maintenance (One-Handed)

Cleaning
• Work on a stable surface: Sit at a desk/table with a towel underneath to protect the aid if dropped.
• Hold securely: Keep the aid pinned gently against the towel with your fingers.
• Use multi-tools: A brush, wax loop, and magnet often come combined in one tool.
• Clear wax and debris:
• Brush away debris from shell, microphone ports, and vents.
• Scoop wax from openings with the loop.
• Use a slim vent cleaner for tubing if present.

Battery Replacement
• Use a magnetized tool: Makes tiny batteries easier to handle.
• Simplify: Place the new battery flat on the table, magnet side up.
• Guide with the magnet: Pick it up and slide it into the battery compartment.

Drying
• Use a dehumidifier or drying kit nightly: Prevents moisture damage with no extra handling needed.

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Professional Support
• Custom modifications: Longer filaments or larger grips can be requested.
• Assistive devices: Tools like retrofit buttons improve handling.
• Hands-on training: An audiologist can coach you through insertion/removal until it feels natural.

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📄 Download the One-Handed Hearing Aid Guide

09/19/2025

Sunday is World Alzheimer's Day. Research shows hearing loss may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, highlighting the importance of protecting your hearing. https://bit.ly/47kTHAy

09/18/2025

Taking care of your hearing health and practicing proper ear care are essential for preventing damage, reducing the risk of infections, and maintaining good long-term hearing. Here are some key points:

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1. Protect Your Ears from Loud Sounds
• Noise exposure is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Prolonged exposure above 85 dB (e.g., power tools, concerts, machinery) can cause permanent damage.
• Use hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments.
• Follow the 60/60 rule when using headphones: listen at no more than 60% volume for 60 minutes at a time.

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2. Clean Your Ears Safely
• The ear canal is self-cleaning; cerumen (earwax) helps protect against dust, debris, and infection.
• Avoid cotton swabs, hairpins, or sharp objects, which can push wax deeper or injure the eardrum.
• If earwax buildup causes blockage or hearing difficulty, use safe methods:
• Over-the-counter ear drops to soften wax
• Warm water irrigation (if safe for you)
• Professional cleaning by an audiologist or ENT

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3. Prevent Ear Infections
• Keep ears dry after swimming or showering; tilt your head and gently dry with a towel.
• Avoid inserting objects into your ears.
• If prone to swimmer’s ear, consider using custom swim plugs.

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4. Monitor Your Hearing Health
• Watch for early signs of hearing issues:
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Trouble hearing conversations, especially in noise
• Needing to turn up the TV or phone volume
• Get a baseline hearing test and schedule regular checkups, especially if exposed to noise often or over age 50.

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5. Lifestyle Choices That Support Hearing
• Maintain good circulation with regular exercise, as blood flow supports ear health.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins (A, C, E, B12), magnesium, zinc, and omega-3s, which may support hearing health.
• Avoid smoking, as it reduces oxygen supply to the inner ear.
• Manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, which can affect hearing.

09/16/2025

Aging can affect how we hear, and noticing these changes supports overall health. Paying attention to hearing helps you stay active and connected as you get older.

09/16/2025

Ménière’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder that affects both hearing and balance. It happens when fluid builds up abnormally in the inner ear (specifically the labyrinth), interfering with signals sent to the brain.

Main symptoms:
• Vertigo – sudden, spinning dizziness that can last minutes to hours
• Hearing loss – often fluctuating at first, but may become permanent over time
• Tinnitus – ringing, buzzing, or roaring sounds in the ear
• Aural fullness – a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear

Causes:

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to be related to:
• Abnormal fluid regulation in the inner ear (endolymphatic hydrops)
• Genetic predisposition in some people
• Possible links with autoimmune or viral factors

Who it affects:
• Usually appears in adults between ages 20–50
• Can affect one or both ears (though usually starts in one)

Treatment:

There’s no cure, but symptoms can often be managed by:
• Dietary changes (low-salt diet to reduce fluid buildup, limiting caffeine and alcohol)
• Medications (for vertigo, nausea, or fluid regulation like diuretics)
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (balance exercises)
• In severe cases: injections or surgery to reduce inner ear fluid pressure

09/15/2025

Keeping your ears healthy means protecting your hearing and taking care with how you clean them. Many people unknowingly cause damage by cleaning their ears the wrong way. Here are the key points:

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Why Ear Cleaning Matters
• The ear naturally produces cerumen (earwax), which protects against dust, bacteria, and irritation.
• In most cases, the ear is self-cleaning—jaw movement and skin migration slowly push wax outward.
• Problems usually occur only when wax builds up (impaction), blocks hearing, or causes discomfort.

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Do’s for Ear Cleaning

✅ Let your ears clean themselves when possible.
✅ Use a damp washcloth to wipe only the outer ear.
✅ Ear drops (oil, saline, hydrogen peroxide-based solutions) can help soften wax naturally.
✅ Seek professional cleaning (ENT or audiologist) if you have:
• Hearing loss
• Ear pain or fullness
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• History of ear surgery or chronic infections

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Don’ts for Ear Cleaning

❌ Don’t use cotton swabs (Q-tips) inside the ear canal — they push wax deeper and risk injury.
❌ Don’t use sharp objects like hairpins, pens, or keys (can puncture the eardrum).
❌ Don’t use ear candles — no proven benefit and risk of burns or blockage.
❌ Don’t over-clean — removing all wax leaves the ear vulnerable.

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Connection to Hearing Health
• Impacted earwax is one of the most common causes of temporary hearing loss.
• Proper care reduces risk of infections, tinnitus, and eardrum damage.
• Safe cleaning preserves your natural defense system and protects hearing long-term.

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⚠️ If you notice sudden hearing loss, ear pain, or discharge, it’s best to see a healthcare provider rather than attempt self-cleaning.

09/12/2025

With ReSound Enzo IA, you can enjoy more hearing in noise, all-day power and the ability to recharge just like your smart devices. The smallest rechargeable Super Power hearing aid gives clear sound and best-in-class connectivity for those with severe to profound hearing loss.

Explore ReSound Enzo IA at our clinic today.

09/10/2025

As we get older, hearing loss can raise the risk of dementia, but using hearing aids may help protect how well we think and remember.

Findings consistent with prior studies and highlight potential benefit of hearing aid use