Broadwater Hearing Care

11/25/2025

👓 Ever grabbed a pair of “cheater” reading glasses off the rack? They might work fine for menus and quick fixes, but they’re not the same as prescription lenses tailored to your eyes.

🦻 Hearing works the same way!

📣 OTC (over-the-counter) hearing aids are like cheaters:
One-size-fits-most
Designed for mild hearing loss
Limited customization

You’re on your own for setup & troubleshooting

🦻 Prescription-fit hearing aids (what I fit as an audiologist with [ # of years] experience):
Customized for your exact hearing loss
Professionally programmed and verified (we make sure they work for you)
Ongoing support, adjustments, and follow-up care
Designed for long-term hearing health, not just a quick fix

✨ OTC devices can be a starting point, but for many people, they don’t go far enough. Hearing is too important to leave to guesswork!

If you’ve been wondering which option is right for you, I’d be happy to walk you through it. Your ears (and the people you love hearing most) deserve clarity.

11/24/2025

Did you know that musicians have superior balance?

A new study suggests that learning an instrument does more than teach melody. Researchers found that musicians have a superior ability to maintain their physical orientation and balance, even without visual cues.

11/24/2025

I recently came across new research that highlights something I see in my own patients: people with tinnitus do much better when they feel supported…not just by clinicians, but by COMMUNITY. (Yes, you really aren't the only one who’s hearing that ringing!). Here are some key takeaways and why they matter:

👂 Having others who understand tinnitus (support groups or peers) helps reduce emotional distress, anxiety, and improves coping.
⬇️ It’s not just about masking or “turning down the volume”...learning strategies, sharing experiences, and being heard makes a big difference.
👥 Social support seems to boost outcomes: people report feeling less isolated, more confident, and better able to manage the day-to-day “buzz”.

So, what does this mean for you?

🌐 If you have tinnitus, consider joining a support group or an online community…you don’t have to face it alone.

🤝 At Broadwater Hearing Care, we’re not just focused on treatments/devices, but coping strategies and ways to connect with others who are going through the same journey. Because when you combine good audiologic care AND social connection, the whole experience changes. What used to feel overwhelming can start feeling manageable. I’m here for the fine-tuning AND the encouragement!

11/24/2025

Sometimes, hearing loss only occurs in one ear.

Most types of hearing loss affect both ears, but some people experience changes in just one.
Whether it’s mild, moderate, or more significant, there are treatment options—like hearing aids, CROS or BiCROS systems, and bone-anchored solutions—that can help you hear more clearly.

If you notice sudden or quickly worsening hearing in one ear, it’s important to get checked right away.

👉 Read our full article to learn more about causes and treatment options. https://ow.ly/hBnu50XuW49

11/21/2025

💡 Smart homes aren’t always so “smart” for people with hearing loss.

I recently read an article about how smart home tech (things like doorbells, voice assistants, and security systems) often miss the mark for people with hearing challenges.

And honestly? It’s true.

🔈So many of these devices are built around SOUND. They listen, they beep, they ding. But for people who rely more on visual or tactile cues, those alerts don’t always come through. You shouldn’t have to guess whether your doorbell rang or if Alexa actually heard you!

💬As someone who works with hearing technology every day, I believe accessibility means options: lights that flash, alerts that vibrate, captions, and systems designed to meet you where you are…not the other way around.

If you’ve been frustrated with your smart home devices or wondering what options could work better for you, please contact us. I’m happy to help you find solutions that truly fit your needs!

11/21/2025

Guess what this is!

Put your science skills to the test and see if you can guess what’s under the microscope this week.

A) Retina rods
B) Fly leg hairs
C) Inner ear hairs
D) Toothbrush bristles

Think you’ve got it? Comment A, B, C, or D and we’ll DM you the answer!

11/20/2025

Question of the day!! “If I’m driving in my car…how will I hear with my hearing aids? Through my hearing aids or the car’s Bluetooth?”

Great question. I hear this ALL the time! The truth is, there are countless combos of hearing aids, cell phones, and car models out there… which means no two setups are exactly alike.

Here’s the general scoop:

👉 If you answer from your car’s system (steering wheel button/interface), the sound usually streams through your car speakers. Your hearing aids then amplify the sound just like they do for everyday listening. Bonus: everyone else in the car can hear too!

👉 If you want calls just in your hearing aids, answer directly from your hearing aid button or your cell phone (not while driving, of course 😉). That way, the call streams straight to your ears for the clearest sound quality.

✨ Tech can be amazing… and honestly, a little confusing sometimes! The good news? We’re here to walk through YOUR specific setup and tailor it to your needs, whether you want all the bells and whistles or just the basics. 👍

11/19/2025

🔔 Did you know “tinnitus” comes from the Latin word meaning to ring or ti**le?
(That’s right…your ears are basically hosting their own doorbell party).

And here’s the kicker: there are TWO ways to say it!
👉 ti-NIGH-tus
👉 TINN-a-tus

Neither is wrong…so whether you sound fancy or casual, you’re still correct. 🎉

But here’s what’s NOT fun: ringing, roaring, buzzing, or humming in your ears that just won’t quit. If that’s you, don’t ignore it. Please schedule an appointment today so we can help quiet things down!

11/18/2025

📱🎧 Did you know most modern hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible?

I wanted to remind everyone that there are so many connectivity options out there to help you hear your best, not just in everyday conversations, but in all the places that matter most.

With Bluetooth, you can stream directly to your hearing aids:
🎶 Music & Podcasts
📺 TV & Movies
📞 Phone Calls & Video Chats
🙏 Religious Services
💻 Zoom Meetings or Online Classes
🎮 Even audio from tablets or gaming systems!

Technology is making it easier than ever to stay connected. If this post is reminding you of someone who needs… tag them! 😅

11/17/2025

Like many things in life, earwax is all about balance.

A little earwax = protection, moisture, and dust defense ✅

Too much earwax = muffled sound, discomfort & frustration 🚨

Leave the cleanup to us. Safe, professional, and stress-free

🎧 Headphones on all day?
🦻 Hearing aids in use?

📞 Call us at 727-323-2471 to schedule your professional ear cleaning!

11/14/2025

🎗️ World Diabetes Day 🎗️

Most people know diabetes can affect the eyes, the heart, and the kidneys… but did you know it can also affect your ears? 👂

Research shows that people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss. Why? Changes in blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, making it harder to pick up sound.

🩺That’s why caring for your overall health also means caring for your hearing health. ✨

👂Today is a great reminder: if you’re living with diabetes, add a hearing check to your wellness routine. Your ears (and your loved ones) will thank you.

11/13/2025

Ear pain is not always caused by the ear itself.

Ear pain isn’t always caused by the ear itself—issues with the jaw or neck can also trigger that discomfort.

Children are especially prone to ear pain from infections because their eustachian tubes aren’t fully developed.

👉 See a doctor if ear pain is severe or getting worse, lasts more than a day, or comes with symptoms like hearing loss, dizziness, or drainage. https://ow.ly/CJs950XrmuF