Layperson's Guide

Kentuckiana Chapter Kentucky Home Chapter Bowling Green Contacts KCDHH HLAA National Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Services Webinar Schedule And Recordings HLAA Nationwide Chapter Map Hear This! Site Index

3 separate case studies of BAD Audiology. One at a Private Practice clinic & Cochlear Implant Center involving Hearing Aid Test Box, and Two from Costco Hearing Centers involving Real Ear Measurement gone wrong!  Are your hearing aids meeting manufacturer’s specifications? Please CLICK on the following link: Case Studies

Discover 7 game-changing hearing accessibility features Apple has incorporated into iOS 17, designed to make the lives of those with hearing loss easier than ever. Plus, an Android feature Apple desperately needs to adopt! Please CLICK on the following link: IOS 17

Did you know that certain medications list tinnitus as a side effect? In this video, Dr. Michelle discusses five commonly used medications that can cause tinnitus, and what you need to be aware of when taking them. Please CLICK on the following link: Medications That Can Cause Tinnitus

Dr. Golenhofen joined me to discuss his research about how to accurately diagnose the cause of tinnitus. He provided invaluable information about medication, stress, sleep, TMJ issues, and neck problems related to tinnitus. Please CLICK on the following link: Best Advice About Tinnitus

HearingTracker provides a review of the top hearing aids that double as step counters and fitness/health trackers. Please CLICK on the following link: Review

In this video, Doctor Cliff Olson, audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix Arizona, discusses 3 ways to help you hear better in background noise. Please CLICK on the following link: Hearing Better In Background Noise

Dr. Cliff Olson, Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix Arizona, answers your questions about Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids. What age should I start using Hearing Aids? Should I buy Lower Tier Hearing Aids if that is all I can Afford? Please CLICK on the following link: Premium Or Basic Hearing Aids?

Today we're playing 20 questions with tinnitus experts from Treble Health, Hollywood Squares style. Four doctors answer questions about tinnitus, ringing in the ears, and audiology. If you have questions, leave them in the comments for us to answer next time! Please CLICK on the following link: Worst Things To Do If You Have Tinnitus

Did you know that certain medications list tinnitus as a side effect? In this video, Dr. Michelle discusses five commonly used medications that can cause tinnitus, and what you need to be aware of when taking them. Please CLICK on the following link: Medications That Cause Tinnitus

Dr. Cliff Olson, Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix Arizona, discusses perhaps the best way to professionally irrigate earwax from your ear canal using the Earigator. Please CLICK on the following link: The Best Way To Remove Earwax

Every smartphone has accessibility features, but some models are more comprehensive than others. If you have a hearing loss and/or hearing aids, pick the phone that supports your hearing loss and can help you with listening tasks. This article will help you select a suitable model for your needs and budget. Please CLICK on the following link: Best Smartphones For Hearing Loss And Hearing Aids

Here is a list of the best mobile apps for hearing-impaired and deaf persons, which we suggest you look into if you're looking for reliable and excellent apps. Please CLICK on the following link: 7 Best Apps

Dr. Clifford R. Olson from Applied Hearing Solutions in Anthem Arizona discusses the 6 main differences between Hearing Aid Technology Levels and what you need to know before buying hearing aids. Please CLICK on the following link: 6 Main Differences Between Hearing Aid Technology Levels

Doctor Cliff Olson, Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix Arizona, discusses how Hearing Aids may not provide as much Benefit in Background Noise as you think, and how Cognitive Function plays a major role. Please CLICK on the following link: The REAL Reason

Doctor Cliff Olson, Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix Arizona, discusses 2 ways to improve your hearing in background noise. Please CLICK on the following link: Improve Your Hearing In Background Noise

Many of these drugs are used in common practice, even if the risk of ototoxicity is known and accepted. This may be deemed a necessary clinical risk, particularly if the patient is suffering from a serious or acute disease that requires urgent treatment. Please CLICK on the following link: Drugs That Cause Ototoxicity

It is not just drugs taken for chemotherapy and life-threatening infections that cause ototoxic reactions, but the little unexpected everyday things too—an ingrown toenail, a sty on your eye, an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and on and on it goes. Please CLICK on the following link: Lives In Upheaval

As a cancer survivor who is an audiologist, I have experienced the anxiety associated with my diagnosis and the added stress of just how the cancer was going to be managed. Although I have produced several publications and presentations on cancer treatments and hearing loss, it is a completely different experience when you are the patient. Please CLICK on the following link: Cancer Chemotherapy Side Effects

Dr. Cliff Olson, Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Anthem Arizona, discusses the lies you need to look out for when buying hearing aids. Please CLICK on the following link: 3 Biggest Lies

Whether your phone is new or not, there are many hearing loss apps you can download to augment your communication and enjoyment. We compiled a list of seven widely-used smartphone apps for people with hearing loss that are both helpful and easy to use. Please CLICK on the following link: Smartphone Apps For People With Hearing Loss

If you wear hearing aids, you know they are a big help in most any situation, but there may be times you want to make talking on the phone, watching a movie, or eating at your favorite restaurant even easier. And, if you have normal hearing, you might wish you could communicate better with friends and family members who are deaf or have hearing loss. Fortunately, if you have a smartphone, help is only an app away. Please CLICK on the following link: Phone Apps For Captioning

The mobile nature of the smart phone makes it easy to take control of your health and hearing wherever you are, and avoid activities and locations that may be detrimental to healthy ears. Read on to learn more about the top iPhone and Android apps for measuring noise levels. Please CLICK on the following link: The 3 Best Phone Apps To Measure Noise Levels

Smartphones have allowed us a degree of freedom and communication access undreamed of in the not-too-distant past. Please CLICK on the following link for more information: Smartphone Apps

Doctor Cliff Olson, Audiologist and Founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix Arizona, reviews the survey results of Consumer Report's Rankings for best and worst hearing aids for 2022. Please CLICK on the following link: Review

Dr. Cliff Olson, Audiologist and Founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Arizona, shows you what to look out for when buying hearing aids on eBay. Please CLICK on the following link: Buying Hearing Aids On eBay

Moving to a new home comes with it's share of excitement and stress. But for the 37.5 million American adults who report trouble with hearing, the process poses a number of different challenges. Please CLICK on the following link: Dealing With Hearing Loss When Moving Home

Are you going to visit an audiologist for the first time? Are you wondering what to expect? Then please CLICK on the following link: Prepare For Your First Appointment

Once you have tried out your new hearing aids, you will need to get them adjusted. Your audiologist will ask you how they are working and if you feel they help you. You will also talk about other technology or strategies that might make hearing easier for you. Please CLICK on the following link: Prepare For Your Follow-Up

There are things you can do yourself to make it easier to communicate in daily life. Planning your day and asking others to help you can make it a lot easier to deal with different communication situations. Please CLICK on the following link: Everyday Life With Hearing Loss

Landing a job, getting along with your colleagues, and succeeding at your work can be difficult under the best of circumstances. Doing it with a hearing loss only complicates things. There are strategies and resources that can prevent a hearing loss from getting in your way. Please CLICK on the following link: Managing Hearing Loss At Work

The hearing healthcare landscape is changing! This week’s special guest, Dr. Don Schum, a pillar of the audiology community, will walk us through the past, present, and future of hearing healthcare. Please CLICK on the following link: The Future Of Hearing Aids

There are things you can do yourself to make it easier to communicate in daily life. Planning your day and asking others to help you can make it a lot easier to deal with different communication situations. Please CLICK on the following link: Everyday Life With Hearing Loss

Marking October’s National Protect Your Hearing Month, Hearing Health Foundation is releasing the first of a new video series called “A Few Words About Hearing” that captures the stories of nine people—from all walks of life—who describe what it’s like to live with hearing damaged by loud noise. Please CLICK on the following link: Video

Do deaf identity labels matter? Short answer: Yes, absolutely. Please CLICK on the following link: Deaf Awareness

If you’ve just been diagnosed with hearing loss—or your hearing has gotten worse—you may be feeling anxious. Please CLICK on the following link: Hearing Loss And Anxiety

“‘Not having understood what was said in a group,’ she reminisces, ‘I would chime in and say the same thing someone else had just said—and everyone would laugh. I would be so embarrassed, I wanted to fall through the floor.’” Please CLICK on the following link: Hearing Loss And Anxiety In Adults

It’s natural to feel anxious if you can’t hear the directions from your GPS for which exit to take off Interstate 5 when trying to navigate yourself home. For those with hearing loss, this can be a constant feeling. It’s no wonder that experts are looking into the connection between hearing loss and anxiety. Please CLICK on the following link: Connection Between Hearing Loss And Anxiety

The evidence is undisputed. What you don’t know can damage your hearing for life. Please CLICK on the following link: NIHL

Dr. Cliff Olson, Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix Arizona, discusses his picks for the TOP Custom and Non-Custom In-The-Ear Hearing Aids for 2021. Please CLICK on the following link: Review Of The Best Hearings Aids Of 2021

Dr. Cliff Olson, Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix Arizona, reviews the New Phonak Roger ON & Roger ON iN Assistive Listening Device for the Marvel, Paradise, and other Phonak & Non-Phonak hearing aids. Please CLICK on the following link: Review

Dr. Cliff Olson, Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix Arizona, discusses 4 Key Factors to know if you are hearing your BEST with Hearing Aids! Please CLICK on the following link: Am I Hearing My Best?

Recent studies indicate that noise-induced hearing loss causes inflammation—the immune system’s response to injury or infection—in the brain auditory pathway. How it contributes to hearing loss–related conditions, such as tinnitus, however, is not well understood. Bao and colleagues examined neuroinflammation (inflammation in the nervous system) in the auditory cortex of the brain following noise-induced hearing loss, and its role in tinnitus. Please CLICK on the following link: Brain Inflammation Is A Potential Target To Treat Tinnitus

Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can be a temporary annoyance or a constant problem. Because tinnitus can seriously affect your quality of life, it’s important to see your doctor to get relief. Please CLICK on the following link: Ringing In The Ears

Tinnitus is when you experience ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears. The noise you hear when you have tinnitus isn't caused by an external sound, and other people usually can't hear it. Tinnitus is a common problem. It affects about 15% to 20% of people, and is especially common in older adults. Please CLICK on the following link: Tinnitus

What do you do if you have tinnitus, but your doctor tells you that you have normal hearing? A normal hearing test does NOT mean the ears are perfect. If the hearing test result is normal, you can still have tinnitus. The otoacoustic emission test can measure the outer hair cells of the cochlea. Please CLICK on the following link to watch this video: Video

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is one of the most common protocols used to treat tinnitus. It can improve the distress, anxiety and reaction to tinnitus. As a result of that, the volume shifts into a more manageable state. In TRT, you follow a protocol that works for about 80% of patients. TRT protocols recommend sound therapy and psychology. The cognitive aspect of tinnitus is important: managing reactions, expectations, worries, and fears. Please CLICK on the following link: TRT

It’s Friday night, and my family and I are engaging in that rarest of pastimes — communal viewing. We fire up the newest episode of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” and we make sure we’ve turned on the subtitles. No one in our household is hard of hearing. So why do we do that? Please CLICK on the following link: Why Your Brain Loves Closed Captioning

Microsoft is out today with a new iPhone app that’s aiming to improve in-person meetings and conversations with a new take on smart transcription. The Group Transcribe iOS app is now available and boasts features like highly accurate real-time transcription, translation, speaker attribution, and more. Please CLICK on the following link: New App

Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a noncancerous and usually slow-growing tumor that develops on the main (vestibular) nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain. Branches of this nerve directly influence your balance and hearing, and pressure from an acoustic neuroma can cause hearing loss, ringing in your ear and unsteadiness. Please CLICK on the following link: Acoustic Neuroma

In a patient’s fantasized correspondence with her doctor about her tinnitus, the doctor validates her suffering and assures her of continued care, and she facilitates the lowering of his protective shield of compassion fatigue—a win-win outcome. Please CLICK on the following link: Doctors, Please Care That There's No Cure

Communication plays a significant role in whether love thrives or dies. And people with hearing loss and their partners face communication difficulties that others do not, adding an extra challenge to relationships. Please CLICK on the following link: Better Relationships

Heading to a doctor’s appointment can be a scary proposition for a person with hearing loss. We worry if we will be able to hear the receptionist’s instructions and understand the doctor’s questions and recommendations. This is only harder now that we all are wearing masks to combat Covid-19. But when we head to an audiology appointment, we have different expectations. Here we expect our communication challenges to be understood, acknowledged. and accommodated. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Please CLICK on the following link: Identifying A Hearing-Loss Friendly Audiologist

The fire alarm goes off or the doorbell rings, but you cannot hear it. Maybe the baby is crying or the phone is ringing, but you cannot tell. For most people, an auditory alert is all that is needed for them to take action or seek safety based on the sound, but for people with hearing loss, this is often not possible. Please CLICK on the following link: Alerting Devices

"It's not all about you," as they say. This applies to many areas of life, but it is particularly true if your hearing isn't what it used to be. You might think your hearing loss only affects you, but consider this: Is your hearing loss causing problems in your relationship? Please CLICK on the following link: The Impact Of Hearing Loss On Relationships

If you have hearing loss – or know someone who does – chances are you’re aware of hearing aids and cochlear implants. But there are many more ways to mitigate the effects of hearing loss. Beyond hearing aids and cochlear implants, here are 10 technological solutions that may benefit people with hearing loss. Please CLICK on the following link: 10 Technologies For People With Hearing Loss

Most children hear and listen to sounds at and even before birth. They learn to talk by imitating the sounds they hear around them and the voices of their parents and caregivers. But that’s not true for all children. In fact, about two or three out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with detectable hearing loss in one or both ears. More lose hearing later during childhood. Please CLICK on the following link: Your Baby's Hearing Screening

In this exclusive interview, HHTM Editor, Dr. Robert Traynor discusses the connection between hearing loss and falls with Starkey's Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Dave Fabry. Please CLICK on the following link: Decreasing Risk Of Falling

Dr. Reed discusses his recent work with the ACHIEVE Trial, which is exploring the causal effect that may exist between hearing loss and dementia. He also talks about the importance of best-practice audiological care, especially as it relates to the oncoming over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid era. Lastly, Dr. Reed highlights the importance of hearing loss accessibility in healthcare settings, with some actionable suggestions for administrators looking to improve accessibility. Please CLICK on the following link: Dementia And Hearing Loss

As more areas are forced to shelter in place during the pandemic, our world is becoming increasingly virtual. This includes moving social interactions from in-person to online. What are the best group video calling apps for hearing loss? Please CLICK on the following link: Guide

Are you using the speaker on your phone to hear? This might be interesting for you. In today's video, I compare the features and functions of the Top 3 hearing amplification apps, to help you determine which option may be right for you. Please CLICK on the following link: Apps

I love voice transcription. As a member of the deaf community, being able to read what people say in real-time has positively impacted me professionally, socially, and emotionally. Please CLICK on the following link: Otter Vs. Live Transcribe For iOS

Finding out a loved one has Meniere’s Disease can feel overwhelming. You cannot change their diagnosis or take away their pain, but there are plenty of things you can do to help them. Please CLICK on the following link: Meniere's Support

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear. It can cause severe dizziness, a roaring sound in your ears called tinnitus, hearing loss that comes and goes and the feeling of ear pressure or pain. It usually affects just one ear. It is a common cause of hearing loss. Please CLICK on the following link: Meniere's Disease - Self-Care

A cholesteatoma is an abnormal, noncancerous skin growth that can develop in the middle section of your ear, behind the eardrum. It may be a birth defect, but it’s most commonly caused by repeated middle ear infections. Please CLICK on the following link: Cholesteatoma

Susan Sealy Arquette, 64, a psychologist and clinic owner in Minneapolis, noticed the first signs of hearing loss in her mid-20s when she couldn’t hear a phone ringing. At the time, Sealy Arquette was told the loss was only for high-frequency sounds and that it wouldn’t cause her problems. A few years later, however, she found it was indeed creating many issues. Please CLICK on the following link: Hearing Loss, Loneliness and Depression

Social Isolation can get awfully boring. Many of us find ourselves with not much to do except anxiously watch TV. Here's a suggestion: make the most of house arrest by tackling one of the online auditory rehabilitation programs. Please CLICK on the following link: Online Auditory Rehabilitation

“Are you actually angry or are you kidding?” I asked my husband recently. His posture and facial expression read angry, but it was not the type of situation that called for this emotion. I was confused. It turned out he was joking, but I was missing the subtle cues in his voice. This has been known to happen with my children as well, and close friends, and when I thought about it, probably with other people too — maybe even perfect strangers. Was this somehow related to my hearing loss? Please CLICK on the following link: Does Hearing Loss Cause Us To Misread Emotions?

Workplace communication can be challenging for people with hearing loss, but there are steps we can take to increase our chances for success. While many communication best practices rely on communication partners to make accommodations, there are also things that the person with hearing loss can and should do. Please CLICK on the following link: Workplace Communication Tips

Noise is bad for your hearing. This will not be a surprise to anyone. But recently the American Public Health Association made it official. Please CLICK on the following link: Noise Is A Public Health Issue

"I hadn’t yet begun to disclose my hearing loss to people, preferring to fake it when I couldn’t hear, rather than reveal what I still considered my shameful secret. How was I going to handle this critical meeting?" Please CLICK on the following link: How To Handle Hearing Loss In The Workplace

Please CLICK on the following link: Learn ASL

When we purchase a hearing aid, having a checklist of questions is very helpful. Please CLICK on the following link: Checklist

Although most of us know the common drugs that can cause otological side effects, there are many others that we may not be aware of. Here we have tried to consolidate a list of some commonly used drugs having otological side effects. Please CLICK on the following link: Ototoxicty Drug List

Once again, we are going to refer you to our “Swiss army knife” assistive listening device, our cell phones.  There are apps that can assist us in communicating.  Basically, they provide captions.  One can even use the phone’s microphone and a headset/streamer/earbud/etc. as a personal communicator—but that’s another story.
This article will focus on a couple of captioning apps that may be helpful.  Please CLICK on the following link: Communication Aids

A vestibular schwannoma (also known as acoustic neuroma, acoustic neurinoma, or acoustic neurilemoma) is a benign, usually slow-growing tumor that develops from the balance and hearing nerves supplying the inner ear. Please CLICK on the following link: Acoustic Neuroma and Neurofibromatosis

Learn how sounds make their way from the source to your brain. Please CLICK on the following link: Video

The layout and structure of a home can affect accessibility for deaf individuals. Every home improvement for this purpose should first consider the deaf resident’s needs and preferences. This guide is designed to assist deaf people looking to make their own home upgrades, parents of deaf children, adults with deaf or hard of hearing spouses or parents, veterans, and new home buyers. Please CLICK on the following link: Guide

Considering nearly 50 million Americans now live with hearing loss, you bet a large number struggle to hear their TV clearly. And whether you’re the person with hearing loss, or the person sitting next to him on the couch, you know that turning up the volume on the TV isn’t always the best solution. Doing so not only can disturb others, it can actually make the TV audio sound even more garbled, especially if the sound is not well mixed between dialog, music and sound effects. Please CLICK on the following link: How To Better Hear Your TV!

Dr. Cliff Olson, Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Anthem Arizona, discusses 5 things you must consider when trying to figure out which online hearing aid companies you can trust. Please CLICK on the following link: 5 Key Considerations

Whether or not you are open about your hearing loss, there often comes a point at which you just can’t try to listen anymore. Please CLICK on the following link: Is It OK If I Leave Now?

Please CLICK on the following link: Cochlear Implants

Dr. Cliff Olson Au.D. lists six things you need to know before selecting a hearing aid. Please CLICK on the following link: How To Select The Best Hearing Aid

Successful communication requires the efforts of all people involved in a conversation. Even when the person with hearing loss utilizes hearing aids and active listening strategies, it is crucial that others involved in the communication process consistently use good communication strategies. Please CLICK on the following link: Communicating With people With Hearing loss

Consumer Reports tested a handful of inexpensive, over-the-counter personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) to see how well they work. Personal sound amplification products, which are available over the counter, cost a fraction of the price of the average hearing aid. The more expensive ones are about $500 each. Please CLICK on the following link for more details: Can PSAPs Help Your Hearing?

Since the passage of the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been working to create regulations regarding this new category of hearing device. OTC devices specifically for people with hearing loss are not yet on the market. If you are considering purchasing a device that claims to be in this new category, buyer beware. The next step will be a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) issued by the FDA, followed by an open comment period and then the final rules. After the final rules are in place, you still need to be an educated consumer: learn all you can about the device before you make that purchase. Please CLICK on the following link for more details: Over The Counter Hearing Devices

This is a spreadsheet by brand/model of hearing aids that have Bluetooth capability. Please CLICK on the following link: Spreadsheet

Pat Dobbs discusses her international travel experience utilizing her cochlear implants (CIs) with other assistive listening devices (ALDs). Please CLICK on the following link to read her story: Travel Experience With CIs

Hearing loss by itself does not cause balance disorders but problems with the inner ear responsible for the hearing and vestibular system may. This means that hearing loss can occur together with balance impairment symptoms and indicate an underlying condition. Common such symptoms, besides vertigo and dizziness, are nausea, diarrhea, fluctuating heart rate and blood pressure, depression or anxiety. Please CLICK on the following link to learn more: Does Hearing Loss Affect Balance?

Many organizations serve the needs of deaf and hard of hearing people, families with deaf and hard of hearing members, and hearing people working in deaf-related fields. New organizations are also forming all the time. Please CLICK on the following link for more details: Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Organizations

June 2 marked the arrival of the second of four deadlines under the ADA Title III Movie Captioning and Audio Description Rule, which went into effect on January 17, 2017—45 days after its publication in the Federal Register. The time for compliance with the Rule’s provisions varies depending on the specific requirement or event that triggers compliance. Please CLICK on the following link for more details: Second Equipment Compliance Deadline

We have broken down some of the top apps for the ears, including anything from a hearing loss simulator app, to an app that can protect your ears by ensuring that you’re not listening to your music too loud. Please CLICK on the following link for details: 70+ Best Hearing Loss And Tinnitus Apps

Hearing aid microphones can cause difficulties while listening on the telephone. Feedback - the annoying whistling sound that hearing aids emit when a phone is located too close to the hearing aid - often occurs when people try to use the telephone while wearing hearing aids. Fortunately, there is an inexpensive, useful, and often underused hearing aid component which overcomes these microphone problems. This option is the Telecoil (T-coil). T-coils allow different sound sources to be directly connected to the hearing aid, improving sound quality and allowing the hearing aid wearer to easily perceive the signal of interest in almost any environment, and regardless of background noise. Please CLICK on the following link for more details: T-Coils

Just as digital imaging has now replaced the phonograph record, audiotape, and the movie camera for duplication of sound and pictures, digital processing of sound has revolutionized improvements in sound clarityand improved word recognition with hearing aids. Currently, hearing aid sound processors (computer chips), programmed by audiologists with probe-mic technology, continually adjust the output of the hearing aid to the needs of the hearing aid user and to the environment. Please CLICK on the following link to learn more: What's New?

Back in the days when Grandpa needed a hearing aid, war, hunting, and loud machinery had taken their toll. Most likely, his hearing aid was a big, beige "plug" in the ear. When he gave you a bear hug, you heard little whistles and buzzes. Today's hearing aids are much smaller than their predecessors and also very much more sophisticated. Please CLICK on the following link to learn more: The New Hearing Aids

There is presently no known cure for tinnitus. However, there are very good, well-established tools and treatments that can significantly reduce the perceived burden of tinnitus. With perseverance and support from trained healthcare professionals, these options can help tinnitus patients — even those with severe cases of the condition. Please CLICK on the following link for more details: Tinnitus Treatment Options

If you are someone with hearing loss, and the left-behind item when you travel is essential to communication, that’s cause to break out in a sweat, yell OMG, and start tearing through every bag in the hope that you’ve simply put it in the wrong place. In this article Gael Hannan, editor of Hearing Health And Technology Matters, shows the value of having a hearing travel checklist. Please CLICK on the following link for more details: Hearing Travel Checklist

Left undetected, hearing impairments in infants can negatively impact speech and language acquisition, academic achievement, and social and emotional development. If detected, however, these negative impacts can be diminished and even eliminated through early intervention. Because of this, all infants should be screened for hearing impairment, preferably prior to hospital discharge. Please CLICK on the following link for more details: Newborn Hearing Screening

The American Academy of Audiology and Hearing Loss Association of America have put together in separate documents some interesting facts about hearing loss. They can be used for all ages! Please CLICK on the following links: Fun Facts 1  Fun Facts 2

There is a seemingly endless parade of novel audio smartphone-enabled apps, many of them either geared toward audiophiles who want to curate their own individual listening experience, or people with milder hearing loss who want to dabble with amplification. Recently, a new app – one that has the potential to improve the daily living of individuals with severe-profound hearing loss– has been created. Please CLICK on the following link for details: New App

Staying current on assistive-listening legislation and hearing-loop installation standards is very important for our own personal knowledge as well as HLAA's role to educate and to advocate. What is done in one state can be done in many states. Let's learn and then advocate for others. Please CLICK on the following link: Invisible No More

The following is a helpful list of local resources to assist with your hearing loss. Please CLICK on the following link: Local Resources To Help With Your Hearing Loss

The Hearing Health Foundation has produced an article on “How Hearing Works.”  It is a clearly explained introduction and review of hearing loss.  It is divided into the following sections:  How it works; Types of Hearing Loss; Degrees of Hearing Loss; Causes of Hearing Loss; Recognizing Hearing Loss; Myths and Tips.  Please CLICK on the following link: How Hearing Works

This article examines the communication options that are available for use within families of infants and young children who are hard-of-hearing or deaf. Please CLICK on the following link: Communication Options

Hearing aids alone may not let a person with hearing loss communicate successfully in all listening situations. As a family member or friend of a person with hearing loss, you can help improve communication by following a few simple suggestions. Remember, communication involves at least two individuals: a talker who sends the message and a listener who receives the message. Please CLICK on the following link: Tips To Improve Communication

I dread getting my hearing tested. First of all, it is never fun to be shut in a quiet room knowing you are about to fail a test. And it’s not because I didn’t study hard enough! It can also be frightening to see if my hearing loss has progressed since the last test. Knowing my family history, there is a high risk that my hearing loss will continue to worsen over time. But the hardest part is often the tinnitus. How am I supposed to take the test when I already hear so many sounds of my own making? Please CLICK on the following link to read more:Do You Dread Getting Your Hearing Tested?

The hearing aids come out. I startle from the shock of the ringing. My tinnitus is no longer masked by the real sounds around me. The door to the testing booth shuts with a thud that I feel more than hear. Since I wear my hearing aids 24/7, I rarely experience how quiet everything is without them. In some ways the cessation of sound is a relief, but only until the tinnitus arrives. Silence, yet for me, it is not silent. I sit alone with my ringing, waiting for the hearing test to start.Please CLICK on the following link to read more:Tinnitus In The Testing Booth

Lance Glasser introduces Wi-Fi audio for churches (or any public venue) utilizing an onsite Wi-Fi and individual cell phones.  This adds to the concept of the cell phone being a “Swiss Army Knife” of Hearing Assistive Technology.  As with all assistive devices, there are issues.  However, this may be a low-cost HAT that can benefit some organizations.  This may be more of a future product than the here and now.  It does require some technical know-how on the part of the transmitter and also in using the cell phone as a receiver. Please CLICK on the following link: Assistive Listening For Houses Of Worship

Many of us use and even depend on TV Captions.  Learning about the rules and how to file an FCC complaint is important.  More important, we need to understand that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.  If we don’t let the powers that be know that there is a problem, nothing will change. Please CLICK on the following link for details: Closed Captioning On Television

Please CLICK on the following links: Glossary of National Hearing Loss Terms  Glossary of Hearing Loss Acronyms  Glossary of Hearing Loss Terminology

Having a loved one in a nursing home brings a variety of concerns. Are their needs being tended to? Are they eating well? Are they safe? Certainly you want the best care and quality of life for those you love. Unfortunately, urgent needs such as hygiene and medical care mean that hearing care is not treated as a pressing concern and is often put on the back burner. But being in a nursing home is not an easy transition for anyone; add hearing loss into the mix and you have a recipe for frustration, fear and isolation. Please CLICK on the following link to learn more: Nursing Homes And Hearing Aids

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Please CLICK on the following link: Hearing Loss Affecting Older And Elderly Adults

Did you know there are some things you can do to avoid noise-induced hearing loss and keep age-related hearing loss from getting worse? Here are eight tips to help keep your ears as sharp as possible. Please CLICK on the following link: Eight Ways To Prevent Hearing Loss

This article provides a basic explanation of the various types of assistive devices that exist for hearing, voice, speech or language disorders . Please CLICK on the following link: Assistive Devices For People With Hearing, Voice, Speech, Or Language Disorders

This article explains the details of what a cochlear implant is and how it works. Please CLICK on the following link: What A Cochlear Implant Is And How It Works

This is an animation showing how the cochlear implant works. Please CLICK on the following link: How The Cochlear Implant Works

Many individuals who are considering a cochlear implant look for help in comparing the different types of implants. They go to various internet groups to find out which implant is best. Comparing or recommending is not the place of CI users. Sharing experiences with what the implant user knows and experiences is. Please CLICK on the following link: Making The Choice And Decision About Cochlear Implants

Pre CI process hints, from one who successfully got the following accomplished and fully covered by insurance all in a period of eight months:
CI evaluation, CI approval, visits to three CI doctors, four
audiologists, two CI surgeries (same ear, hookups included as part of the
authorization) with the second one including three month post op follow-up all
“out of network, out of area”

Please CLICK on the following link: Preparing For A Cochlear Implant

Have you ever wondered why your hearing ability differs in different room environments? This helpful video explains why. Please CLICK on the following link: How Sound Works In Rooms

In this article, a semi-retired doctor describes how he developed tinnitus and hyperacusis after a one-time exposure to loud music during a New Year’s Eve celebration. If only he had been wearing ear plugs…Please CLICK on the following link to read his story: I Wish I Had Been Wearing Ear Plugs...

Acquired hearing loss is often accompanied by tinnitus. Tinnitus is an auditory perception (such as a whistling or hissing) without an external stimulus. This perception can be very debilitating and nearly 50% of all adult visits to otolaryngologists relate to tinnitus! Please CLICK on the following link for more details: Tinnitus

Hearing loss is a general term that refers to a reduced auditory acuity. Although there are a few central causes for hearing loss (involving the brain), the large majority of hearing losses are caused by problems in the ear itself. Please CLICK on the following link to learn more: What Is A Hearing Impairment?

People living with hearing loss should not have to give up participating in the things they love, including attending worship services. Please CLICK on the following link to learn more about accessibility: Church Accessibility

Loop systems are being advocated by a number of organizations as well as people inside of the Hearing Loss Association of America. Two articles by Stephen Frazier helps us to understand what loops are and how they can be implemented. Loops are a fantastic assistive device which have been around since the 1940’s. There are two types. 1. The older perimeter loop and 2. The newer Phase loop. Most of the material in the articles refer to Phase Loops unless otherwise expressed. Please CLICK on the following link: Hearing Loops

Please CLICK on the following link for more details: Reports

The following article discusses the causes, investigations and management of Sudden Onset Hearing Loss (SOHL). Please CLICK on the following link: SOHL

Please CLICK on the following link: How Hearing Works

Please CLICK on the following link: Conductive Hearing Loss

Please CLICK on the following link: Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Please CLICK on the following link: Mixed Hearing Loss

Please CLICK on the following link: What Is A T-Coil?

Please CLICK on the following link: Induction Loop Systems

Please CLICK on the following link: How Hearing Loops Work

If you have concerns for your child's hearing, then please CLICK on the following link to watch this video: Testing Your Child's Hearing

Understanding & Supporting Teen Students with Hearing Loss, Cheryl DeConde Johnson EdD addresses a multitude of issues relating to teenagers with hearing loss. "To keep molehills from becoming mountains", she says, "one must recognize that teenagers and hearing loss are two separate unique and complex issues". Please CLICK on the following link: Teenagers, Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

This article provides an introduction to dealing with the many facets of hearing loss, including our relationship with our audiologist. Please CLICK on the following link: Best Practices

This article is designed to hit the high points for people who are new to hearing loss.  It is a consumer-focused presentation that might be of interest to people with hearing loss, or to people with family or friends who have hearing loss. Please CLICK on the following link: Introduction To Hearing Loss

Cell phones are smarter than ever before! They have every requirement of an Assitive Listening Device (ALD). It is the intent of this article to take a commonly owned tool, a smart phone, and show the reader how it can be converted to an ALD. Please CLICK on the following link: Cell Phone As An ALD

If you have hearing aids (HA)or a cochlear implant (CI), hearing on cell phones and wireless phones is a challenge. Now is the time to learn about Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) which is a reference to the connection between the handheld set and the HA/CI. Please CLICK on the following link: HAC

Travel often presents a challenge for people with hearing loss. Our hope is that this article will help reduce stress and anxiety about travel. Please CLICK on the following link: Travel Tips

Please CLICK on the following link to see a diagrammatic representation of a cochlear implant: Diagram of a Cochlear Implant

Learning better communication skills starts with understanding what the issues are, what symptoms need to be addressed and what strategies will be used. Please CLICK on the following link to learn more: Communication Skills

After you complete an initial interview describing your hearing problems, the Hearing Professional may check your ears to see if you have a wax buildup or some other obstruction. Then, you may be given a test to produce an audiogram. Please CLICK on the following link for more details: Audiogram Details

You have your hearing aids or you may even have a cochlear implant, yet you still have difficulties hearing when in different environments. This article explains the roles of Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), Assistive Listening Systems (ALSs) and Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) to deal with this issue. Please CLICK on the following link: ALDs, ALSs and HAT

Hearing Aids come in many varieties and styles nowadays, each having it's own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. The purpose of this article is to assist you to become an 'educated' consumer, and to enhance your communication and understanding with your Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS). Please CLICK on the following link: Hearing Aid Styles

If people around you are commenting about your hearing (the TV is too loud, you talk too loudly, you are missing things) then take note because it is probably time for you to have your hearing checked! This article by HLAA KY Home Chapter member Ed Schickel provides a layperson’s guide to how to make the most of your first time visit to an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. Please CLICK on the following link: First Visit Guide

Handling the cost of obtaining the proper hearing aid solution is often a major concern for people suffering hearing loss. The following article provides a listing of helpful starting points and ideas to help people deal with this in a more informed and manageable way. Please CLICK on the following link: Financing Hearing Aids

To assist you with your hearing loss difficulties, please CLICK on the following link to find a list of local locations, such as churches and theaters, that have Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) available, including Captions, FM, IR/Headsets and Neckloops: Locations With ALDs

Need some advice about buying hearing aids? Please CLICK on the following link:  Hearing Aid Buying Guide

This article provides information to allow you to do your own exploration of mobile apps that exist to assist people with hearing loss. Please CLICK on the following link: Mobile Apps

Please CLICK on the following link for details: HA Compatibility

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is a tax-exempt, charitable organization and is eligible to receive tax deductible contributions under the IRS Code 501(c)(3).
The Kentucky HLAA Chapters are tax-exempt under the umbrella of HLAA.
Mention of products or services on this website does not imply HLAA or HLAA Chapters endorsement, nor does exclusion suggest disapproval.