Auracast is a new Bluetooth audio capability that lets multiple Bluetooth enabled devices connect to one device to stream audio. For example, when attending a restaurant to watch a sports game with friends, individuals with hearing loss may have difficulty hearing the commentary of the game because of the noisy environment and their level of…
View detailsA hot topic in the field of audiology at the moment is the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Several researchers, most notably Dr. Frank Lin at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, have been investigating how untreated hearing loss can potentially contribute to overall cognitive decline for many years. Now, Dr. Lin…
View detailsWith the availability of OTC hearing aids expected for purchase next month, it’s important to understand what they are and who they are best suited for. Below are some facts about OTC Hearing Aids: Approved for adults of the age 18 and older Designed for mild to moderate hearing loss The user is responsible for…
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Hearing loss and the Deaf community took center stage at the 94th Academy Awards on March 27. 2022. The movie ‘CODA’ was nominated for an won Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Troy Kotsur), and Best Adapted Screenplay. The movie ‘CODA’ is about a normal hearing teenager whose parents are Deaf and how she navigates her…
View detailsMarch 3 is World Hearing Day—a World Health Organization (WHO) based campaign to raise awareness to prevent hearing loss and to promote ear/hearing related healthcare. This year, we’re celebrating “To hear for life, listen with care!” The WHO encourages everyone to practice safe listening by using ear protection in loud environments, educates on the importance…
View detailsElana Meyers Taylor, who made headlines competing in her fourth Olympics in Beijing, recently opened up about parenting her young son, who was born with special needs. The five-time Olympic medalist gave birth to her son Nico at the beginning of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. After receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome, her and her…
View detailsThere are many viruses that can impact the ear, and recent reports have shown that the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus can be added to that list. Respiratory issues are one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19; however, it is known that it is not the only. Some patients may notice a decline in some of…
View detailsEvery year, the Sight and Hearing Association tests a random selection of toys on the market for the holiday season. This year, they tested 24 toys, 19 of which tested louder than 85 decibels (dB). This is the level where the National Institute of Occupation Health and Safety (NIOSH) mandates hearing protection. This year’s loudest…
View detailsAlthough COVID took a larger than expected spotlight during the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, pushing the games back a full year into 2021, for audiologists, there was a special player on Team USA that caught our attention. That player is David Smith, the 36 year old middle blocker of Team USA Men’s Volleyball. Including…
View detailsIf you have been following the Tokyo Olympics this Summer, you have likely heard about American gymnast Simone Biles suffering from a case of what she calls “the twisties,” causing her to withdraw from several Olympic events. But what exactly are “the twisties” and what does that have to do with ears? Gymnasts describe it…
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