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Memory Loss & Psychological Distress with Hearing Loss

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

Older people who report hearing loss are more likely to experience outdoor activity limitations, experience psychological distress and are more likely to have memory loss than those without hearing loss, a Japanese study finds. Study findings People with hearing loss showed a higher prevalence of outdoor activity limitations. 28.9% of those who reported hearing loss experienced limitations compared to 9.5% …

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Musicians & Hearing Loss

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

It might not come as much of a surprise that musicians suffer hearing loss at a higher rate than the rest of the population. The long list of superstars who report tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and/or hearing loss include household names like Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Ozzy Osbourne, Sting and Phil Collins. But it may surprise you that it …

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Difficulties with Communication Could Signal a Hearing Loss

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

Imagine that you’re out at a restaurant with an old friend. On the way in you were chatting with no problems, having a great time. Now that you’re seated, there is background music playing and a lot of blurred speech sounds coming from other tables. Your friend points out a song that is playing, an old favorite of both of …

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How Hearing Aids Can Change Your Life

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

When a lot of people hear the words “hearing aids,” they conjure images of gigantic, flesh-toned plastic monstrosities, whistling and screeching away while the wearer yells “HUH?” That may have been an accurate image prior to the 1990s, but hearing aids have come a long way since then. Incidentally, so has the noise level of our modern society. Earbuds come …

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How Treating Hearing Loss Improves Your Relationships

In Communication, Family & Friendships, Hearing Health, Hearing Loss, Signs & Symptoms by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

What would you say is the most important thing in your life? Would it be your house or car or job? Most likely when most people think about it the most important thing in life are not material and are the priceless relationships that evolve as we age and keep us engaged and connected. Whether with friends, family, romantic partners, …

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The Benefits of Being Social for Older Americans

In Communication, Family & Friendships, Hearing Health, Hearing Loss, Research by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic disabilities affecting nearly 48 million people in the U.S.  Imagine being cut off from communication with your loved ones. Conversations happen around you but you can’t really participate like you used to. It starts to become more alluring to just stay home, rather than to try to go to a party or …

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A Healthy Diet Can Lower the Risk of Hearing Loss

In Diet, Hearing Health, Hearing Loss, Tips & Tricks by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

Hearing loss affects approximately 48 million Americans. People are discovering more everyday how hearing loss is not just an ear issue but can affect every aspect of your life. Hearing plays a major role in our quality of life, from our emotional well-being and physical health to our careers and leisure activities. Yet millions of people who have hearing loss …

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Hand Dryers: How Loud is Too Loud for Kids’ Ears?

In Hearing Health, Hearing Loss, Noise, Pediatric Hearing Loss by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

Hand dryers are becoming more commonplace in public bathrooms in an effort to reduce paper waste. A study published in the Canadian journal, Paediatrics & Child Health, however, states that the volume of noise that some brands produce may be dangerous to children’s hearing. Nora Keegan from Calgary, Canada, is the study’s 13-year-old author who writes from personal experience, which …

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Happy, Healthy, and Wealthy with Hearing Aids

In Hearing Aids, Hearing Health, Hearing Loss by Dr. Robert Hooper Au.D.

Having your hearing tested later in life is an important part of maintaining your overall health. It has been found that people lead happier, healthier, and wealthier lives with a better quality of life when disabling hearing loss is treated with hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other hearing-assistive devices by a hearing health care professional. People who wear hearing aids …