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Hearing Loss and Medication: What Seniors Should Ask Their Doctor

In Hearing Loss by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

Hearing loss is a common condition among seniors. As people age, changes in the inner ear and auditory nerves can make it harder to hear high-pitched sounds or follow conversations in noisy environments. However, hearing loss is not always caused solely by aging. Certain medications, known as ototoxic drugs, can also damage the ears and contribute to hearing problems. Seniors …

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Apps That Make Communication Easier for People with Hearing Loss

In Communication by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide, ranging from mild difficulties to profound impairment. For those with hearing challenges, communicating in everyday life can be a constant struggle. Simple activities, such as answering the phone, participating in group conversations, attending meetings, or understanding public announcements, can become frustrating and isolating. Misunderstandings may occur more frequently, affecting relationships, work, and overall …

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Why Some People Hear “Phantom Sounds” That Aren’t Tinnitus

In Hearing Health by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

While most people have heard about ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, they are often surprised to find that this isn’t the only phantom sound some experience.  A phantom sound occurs when a person perceives a sound in the absence of an actual sound.  These sounds can include clicking, rumbling, tapping, whooshing, or even faint musical notes. For …

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The Pros and Cons of Invisible Hearing Aids

In Hearing Aids by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

Wearing hearing aids is a personal choice, as is the type of hearing aid chosen. For many people with hearing loss, their choice of hearing aid is directly related to how they look and feel while wearing them. They want to improve their hearing but might be hesitant to wear a hearing aid that others can easily see.  That is …

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How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Hearing Aids?

In Hearing Aids by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

Deciding to get hearing aids is a big decision and one that typically takes someone with hearing loss some time to come to terms with. Very often, once they decide to get hearing aids, the next question they ask is how long it will take for them to adjust to wearing them.  While it varies from person to person, there …

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Rechargeable Hearing Aids vs. Battery-Operated Hearing Aids: Which Is Better for You?

In Hearing Aids by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

One of the most common tools for people with hearing loss is a hearing aid. The general technology has improved, especially in how they are powered. These devices offer those with hearing loss the ability to engage socially and communicate with the world at large. Over the last two decades, hearing aid technology has greatly improved, offering models that perform …

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Hearing Health in the Elderly: Risks and Prevention

In Hearing Health by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

As we age, our bodies go through changes, impacting nearly every one of our senses. This includes our hearing. While hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions affecting older adults, it often goes unnoticed and untreated for years.  Our hearing is what allows us to communicate with our family and friends, allows us to remain safe, and …

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Exploring Alternative Therapies for Hearing Loss

In Hearing Loss by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

While many recognize that hearing loss is a common condition, they often fail to realize that it affects millions of people worldwide. And while most recognize that hearing aids and cochlear implants are typical treatments, there are other alternative treatment options. These therapies are non-invasive and focus on holistic approaches. Here we will explore several of these and discuss the …

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Why Regular Hearing Checkups Should Be Part of Your Annual Health Routine

In Hearing Health by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

Certainly, most people think about visiting their doctors, dentists, and eye specialists for yearly checkups. But would it surprise you to find they don’t do the same for their hearing checkups? Our hearing and ear health are just as critical to our overall well-being. When we have hearing tests performed regularly, it can detect early signs of hearing loss and …

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Understanding the Connection Between Heart Health and Hearing

In Hearing Health by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

If asked, most people would answer that hearing health and heart health are completely unrelated, but they would be wrong. In fact, the two are closely linked. Your heart and its health impact every other organ in your body, including your ears. When the heart functions well and good circulation is maintained, your hearing functions at a high level. However, …