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An estimated 360 million people across the world live with disabling hearing loss, and 32 million of these people are children. The World Health Organization (WHO), in their report titled “Childhood Hearing Loss: Act Now, Here’s How", has revealed that 60 percent of cases of pediatric hearing loss are caused by preventable factors, and outlines the ways individuals and organizations can help to reduce these factors. The report also focuses on the critical nature of the detection and treatment of hearing loss at the earliest possible age. Read on for more information about childhood hearing loss, and how parents, educators and health care professionals can help to prevent and treat it.

What are the primary causes of hearing loss in children?

Genetic factors: An estimated 40% of childhood hearing loss can be attributed to genetic causes. Around 75–80% of all these cases are inherited by recessive genes, and 20–25% are inherited by dominant genes. There are two main categories of genetic deafness, syndromic and non-syndromic. Syndromic deafness, which accounts for 30% of inherited deafness, occurs when there are other signs or medical problems aside from deafness in an individual. Non-syndromic deafness, which represents the majority of hereditary hearing loss, occurs when there are no other signs or medical problems associated with an individual other than deafness.Infections: Childhood infections such as measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis are responsible for 31% of cases of childhood hearing loss. Meningitis and rubella together are responsible for over 19% of childhood hearing loss. Chronic ear infections can also cause permanent hearing damage.Complications at birth: These include lack of oxygen, low birthweight, prematurity and
jaundice, and account for 17% of childhood hearing loss. Maternal infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and toxoplasmosis can also cause a child to be born with severe hearing loss.Ototoxic medicines: The use of medicines that are ototoxic (harmful to the ears) by pregnant women and children is responsible for 4% of childhood hearing loss. Sometimes medications that are known to be ototoxic are given to babies, usually to treat serious infections or birth complications. The most common include a family of antibiotics called aminoglycosides with names such as gentamycin, tobramycin, kanamycin and streptomycin. Although cancer is rare in infants and children, some chemotherapy drugs can harm the ears as well.Noise-related hearing damage: A child’s or infant’s inner ears may be damaged if he or she is around extremely loud noises (such as fireworks or gunshots) for a short time, or around loud noises for long periods of time.

The importance of early detection & intervention

The WHO report stressed the necessity of better early detection and treatment of hearing loss, outlining the ways that interventions such as hearing aids, cochlear implants and communication therapies can dramatically improve the lives of children with hearing loss and their families. 

Hearing testing programmes for infants, pre-school and school-based children can help to initiate appropriate interventions and ensure that children in need of specialized care are able to communicate, learn, and achieve alongside their hearing peers. The WHO also noted the need for training programs for health professionals and educators about how to help and communicate with people with hearing loss.The key elements in ensuring the best outcomes for children with hearing loss, as outlined in the WHO report are: early identification; appropriate hearing technology; professional support for communication, learning and education; and a family-centered approach.

How to prevent childhood hearing loss

As up to 60 percent of childhood hearing loss that occurs is preventable, strategic planning is needed to help reduce hearing loss and its adverse effects on children. Here are some things parents and communities can do to help protect children’s ears:1. Get your children vaccinated. 
Vaccinating your child against dangerous infections such as bacterial meningitis, measles, mumps, and rubella is a key step in reducing the risk of early hearing loss. Vaccinating your child will also help to prevent the spread of these viruses to children who are unable to be vaccinated due to pre-existing health conditions.2. Protect your children’s ears in loud environments and at home. 
The inner ears of children and babies are especially vulnerable to loud noises. At a loud event such as a concert, sports game or fireworks display, children’s ears should always be protected with earmuff-like hearing protectors. Keep earplugs on hand for older children. Many children’s toys emit sounds or music over 85 decibels, so keep your kids ears safe at home by testing their toys and removing the batteries (or reducing the volume with duct tape over a speaker) if necessary.3. Invest in noise-limiting headphones for older kids and teens. 
Children and teenagers don’t always know when the volume is at an ear-damaging level. Giving them headphones with a pre-set noise limit are a smart way to ensure they’ll never inadvertently harm their hearing.4. Model safe listening habits
. Parents and educators can help to reduce noise-induced hearing loss by instilling an awareness about the dangers of loud sounds in children at an early age. Some ways to model good hearing care and promote safe listening include using ear protection in noisy recreational contexts, turning down the television and music players when they are too loud, covering your ears when exposed to sudden loud sounds, and talking about the importance of listening to music at a safe volume.5. Be careful with ototoxic medications. Always consult a doctor and weigh the benefits and risks before using ototoxic medications during pregnancy, or giving any medicine to an infant or child that could damage their ears. When the use of an ototoxic medication is unavoidable, regular audiological monitoring will help identify hearing loss at an early stage.6. Use healthy ear care practices. Taking good care of your children’s ears can help to reduce the risk of hearing loss. Avoid inserting any substance or object (such as a cotton bud) into a child’s ears, and do not attempt to treat ear infections or ear pain with home remedies. Consulting a medical professional can help to prevent chronic ear infections and the associated hearing loss.7. Better maternal care. The World Health Organization would like to see maternal and child health programs strengthened worldwide, to reduce the risk of low birthweight, prematurity, neonatal jaundice, and other infections leading to childhood hearing loss. Recommended programs would raise awareness of: good prenatal nutrition, hygienic practices, safe birth and prompt management of neonatal infections and jaundice.At Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids, we are proud to provide hearing health care for the whole family. Schedule a hearing test and consultation with us today.

As reported recently by AZ Central, it may not be long before hearing aids are available to purchase over the counter. However, this may not be a good thing. Here in Arizona, the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing have been fighting this legislation, they believe it will do more harm than good.According to Michele Michaels, a specialist with the commission, “Most of the stakeholders in this debate, our goal is the same: we want to increase access to hearing health care, and we want to increase the affordability of it. But this is not the way to go.”In order to understand why, let’s take a look first at the intricacies of hearing loss, and then the medical care provided by an audiologist.

A Quick Overview of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects about 20% of US Americans, with the most concentrated cases found in adults over the age of 65. As the third most common medical condition, hearing loss is actually undertreated nationwide. In part, hearing loss is a gradual condition, which means it may take several years before a person identifies that their experience is hearing loss. In the meantime, while living with untreated hearing loss, we tend to accommodate by turning up the volume, asking people to repeat themselves, or avoiding social interactions.Though we’ve become a culture of Internet researchers who turn to websites such as WebMD or Mayo Clinic to research our physical conditions, the reality is that hearing loss tends to fly under the radar. Its negative effects permeate into many different areas of our lives before we even think that it may be an issue. Hearing loss has been linked to conditions such as dementia, heart disease, and diabetes, as well as an increased risk of falls, accidents, and hospitalizations.It is important to understand that hearing loss is a medical condition and thus, it is best to seek professional medical care. Audiologists are licensed medical professionals who are trained and certified to address the many different medical aspects of hearing loss.

Why You Should Choose an Audiologist for Your Hearing Health Needs

Though you may think it’s as easy as popping into a pharmacy and trying on a few pairs of hearing aids, the reality is, hearing loss is not that simple.To identify and treat hearing loss, audiologists provide a series of hearing tests and a qualified medical opinion on hearing health and treatment. From the intake interview to the hearing test to analysis of your results, audiologists make decisions and recommendations for treatment based on hearing ability and need. Conversely, purchasing hearing aids over the counter are solely about the sale and profit for dispensaries and pharmacies, rather than actually identifying the core issues of your hearing loss and thus, for your overall health.According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), “Hearing and balance disorders are complex with medical, psychological, physical, social, educational, and employment implications.”With extensive education in the medical science of hearing, balance, and related disorders, audiologists are trained to identify, diagnose, and provide treatment for hearing loss, balance disorders, and other auditory disorders. They are prepared to address any other related medical issues that may arise and minimize the negative impacts of hearing loss and related disorders that may develop.Furthermore, beyond the qualifications of your audiologist, it is important to reiterate again that your hearing health is very much a medical concern. Treating hearing loss should not be regarded as something as simple as buying aspirin over the counter for a headache. And, as our hearing abilities are constantly changing, it is important to make sure that you are treating it with the most up-to-date technology.

Don’t Cut Corners When It Comes to Your Health

As an invisible condition, hearing loss affects many areas of your life. You may find that your most important relationships are suffering due to problems with communication. You may find that lately, you are avoiding your favorite activities or hobbies. Hearing loss is a very isolating condition, if it is left untreated. That being said, the way in which it is treated is paramount.If you believe you are experiencing a hearing loss, it’s important to visit us at Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids. Our audiologists are trained to provide comprehensive tests and identify and treat a hearing loss if it is detected. With hearing aid fittings, we will work with you to customize the device to meet your specific hearing needs. Because hearing is a highly personal experience, it is important to seek treatment that is personalized – not generic.For more information on hearing aids and hearing loss, contact us at Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids. Our friendly team of audiologists is here for you.

In this cute and informative video, Eddy the Ear is just your typical, average ear -experiencing some slight hearing loss. In this quirky clip, Eddy is simply trying to warn his human of the effects of untreated hearing loss on his human’s health and happiness. He explains that he can hear, but with “just a little help, things could be so much better.” Sound familiar?Let’s review some of Eddy’s expert (I mean, he is an ear, right?) advice on the perils of leaving your hearing loss unchecked and untreated.

Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss on Mental and Emotional Health

As Eddy explains and research confirms, untreated hearing loss can lead to a slew of negative mental and emotional effects including stress, irritability, anger and even depression. This makes sense, as there are few things less frustrating in life than to not understand what you once did, or to feel misunderstood yourself. Many people who treat their hearing loss for the first time report a massive decrease in one or many of these areas, and thus a general increase in mental and emotional well-being.

Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss on Social Life

When hearing loss goes ignored, social events and activities can seem more stressful, straining, and frustrating than enjoyable. When this happens, it may seem easier to withdraw and avoid parties or gatherings that may make us feel uncomfortable. Chances are, we may not even notice we are doing it. Look back on your social calendar from the past few months and compare it to last year or even a few years prior. Are you attending the same amount of bridal showers or birthday parties for your grandchildren or friends this year as you have in the past? If not, you may be withdrawing socially without even realizing it – and it may be correlated with your untreated hearing loss.

Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss on Personal Safety

We heavily rely on our hearing to keep us safe in the world. Think about how many of the devices meant to keep us safe (oven beeps, fire alarms, car horns, and the old fashioned “watch out”) rely on hearing to be understood. When our hearing is impaired and untreated, we may be less aware of our surroundings and therefore less safe in our environment than we know. We wouldn’t walk around or drive on a busy street with blurred vision and no glasses, why do we try to do so with muffled hearing?

Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss on Physical Health

Unfortunately, there are also harmful effects of untreated hearing loss on our physical health, as Eddy explains in his video. People with untreated hearing loss tend to also have increased blood pressure. Also, since straining to hear puts more stress on the brain, untreated hearing loss can even lead to deterioration diseases such as dementia. Statistics have also shown a correlation between untreated hearing loss and increased and prolonged bouts of illness and/or injury as compared to peers with non-impaired hearing.

Do Hearing Aids Work?

Although the effects of untreated hearing loss can seem daunting, it’s not all doom and gloom for those of us with hearing loss. Studies have shown that many of these unwanted effects are lessened for those who choose to treat their hearing loss with hearing aids. Imagine how freeing it will feel to no longer feel lost in group conversations, or how much more of our brainpower can be put to our work or our hobbies if we’re not constantly using it to hear. It’s easy to see how clearer and less labored listening could alleviate these side effects.

How AZ Balance and Hearing Loss Can Help

Think about it: if your ears could talk, would they be agreeing with Eddy the Ear and trying to warn you about untreated hearing loss? Have you noticed changes in your hearing such as hearing but not understanding, withdrawing from social situations you used to enjoy, or difficulty holding conversations over the phone or with multiple communication partners? As goofy as Eddy the Ear is, he makes some good points. Don’t be “EAR-responsible” and instead, reach out to your local hearing specialist to schedule your first hearing screen. Your ears will be happy to be heard!

As technology develops, it can open up services and access for people with disabilities. TTY telephone devices have long helped to bridge communication gaps for people with deafness and hearing loss by using text based communication in place of an audio conversation.With the proliferation of cell phones, texting is a common and fluid part of phone conversations and can be accomplished without specialized devices or services. These days, the advantages of texting are being put to critical use through the development and institution of text-to-911 emergency response services.

Text to 911 in Arizona

Recently in Arizona, the Maricopa Association of Governments has voted unanimously in favor of bringing text-to-911 technology and services to Maricopa County, including the city of Phoenix. The motion is a huge stride forward for Arizona where currently Lake Havasu City is the only location handling text-to-911.Text-to-911 is an upgrade for emergency services on many levels. It offers people with deafness and hearing loss a definitive communication tool to contact and connect with emergency services. Text-to-911 also offers a discreet way to communicate with 911 operators when making noise could make the caller vulnerable. The capacity to respond to emergency texting means updating response technology and services.Financing the upgrade in technology has kept many municipalities behind the curve in adapting to innovative response systems. However, with the help of advocates for disability services as well as anti-violence and anti-abuse activists, text-to-911 is beginning to see wider adoption and implementation. For Maricopa County, the program will be financed with an initial $150,000 investment in software and maintained through regular annual tax assessments.

The FCC and Text-to-911

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has put several guidelines in effect to facilitate the implementation of text-to-911 systems across the U.S. In 2014, the FCC passed a measure requiring all cellular service providers to deliver text-to-911 messages. Additionally, if a text-to-911 service is unavailable in a location, the FCC requires cellular providers to send an automated “bounce back” message so the texter realizes their emergency message has not been delivered.The FCC regulations don’t apply to cell phone numbers based outside the U.S. or with non-U.S. cellular providers. The regulations also do not apply to text-message based apps, such as Facebook Messenger, which are not required to deliver text-to-911 messages.The FCC maintains a national map of districts that accept text-to-911 messages which it updates monthly. You can find the map at the FCC.gov website.

Alternate Emergency Contact Services for the Hearing Disabled

Although text-to-9-1-1 has huge potential and is gaining traction, it is still unavailable in many locations. If you have a hearing impairment, speech disability or deafness and need to contact an emergency call center, TTY and telecommunications relay services are still your most reliable options for reaching help.Traditional TTY services require specialized telephone-typewriter consoles, but new technology has made accessing relay services easier. The National Association for the Deaf has long advocated for increased access to the telephone network for hearing impaired people. Now, telephone messages can be sent through Internet Protocol (IP) Relay accessible on many cell phones, and through Video Relay Services. These advancements open telecommunication relays to many smart phone users in addition to those with TTY devices.If you are a resident or need to summon help in Arizona’s Maricopa County, current plans are in place to instate text-to-911 within a year of final approval. As the upgrade of emergency services to Next Generation 911 occurs, more information, including the date of its service activation, will become available.Leaders of local government in Maricopa County have been vocal about backing the plan for updating and expanding the area’s 9-1-1 accessibility. The Mayors of both Mesa and Phoenix have stepped forward to commend the plan for text-to-911 service, citing it as a “critical lifeline.” Until text-to-911 service is available, those with hearing and speech impairments should familiarize themselves with alternate existing options for contacting 911 in the event of an emergency.

Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids

At Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids, we know how important your hearing health is to your overall well-being. Our dedicated team is focused on helping you access your best hearing solutions. If you have questions about your hearing or want to schedule a hearing test contact us today and start your path to auditory health and wellness.

Hearing loss has gone unrecognized as a public health concern for an incredibly long time. Despite its established link to mental and physical health problems and distinct impact on earning power and quality of life, hearing loss isn’t effectively handled as a part of comprehensive health care which often leaves persons with hearing impairment (as well as everyone they communicate with) overlooked and underserved. Hearing Loss and the Public. Hearing loss has huge impacts on quality of life, from isolation to income. The inability to communicate thoroughly can lead to anxiety, isolation and depression as it cuts people off from friends, family and community. This disadvantage with communication also creates a noticeable income gap between persons with untreated hearing loss and those with full hearing. The extra strain that hearing loss places on the brain as it struggles to comprehend sound leads to a lack of coordination and higher likelihood of injuries like falling.

By the categorization of the World Health Organization, years lived with hearing loss are tabulated as “years with lived disability” or YLD. Hearing loss ranks in the top five disabling conditions in terms of YLD world-wide, amongst iron-deficiency anemia, major depression, and pain in the neck and back. This makes hearing loss one of the most prevalent conditions in terms of time lived in disabled condition. Recognizing the persistent and widespread impact hearing loss has on lives needs to contribute to increasing its visibility as a public health concern.

With public noise levels on the rise, environments that cause hearing damage are more common than ever. From noisy traffic to cranked-up headphones, we live in a busy, loud world where dangerous noise often goes unchecked as part of daily life. Increased public health concern can do more for increasing awareness and education about the long-term impact of noise, as well as working to help regulate environmental exposure to loud sound.Overlooked by Medical Pathology Part of the problem of having hearing loss going unrecognized as a public health concern is the nebulous way it is treated and categorized within our health care system.

Age-related hearing loss is very common, affecting one in three people over age 65 and about 50% of all people over age 75. Most often, hearing cannot be repaired as it is caused by damage to the fragile mechanisms of the inner ear – our sensitive hair cells and the auditory nerve which interprets sound for the brain. This type of hearing loss is best treated with an assistive device, like a hearing aid, as there are no effective medications or surgeries for the inner ear.

However, in what seems like a huge loophole, our medical model is such that if a course of treatment can’t be accomplished with medication or surgery, the bulk of finding appropriate care and resources falls upon the person with hearing impairment. Medical reasoning such as this has kept hearing aids and devices from being recognized as necessary (and effective) treatment options for people with irreparable hearing damage. The current mindset makes it difficult to get strategic treatment into the hands of those who need it. What is needed is the full policy and support of hearing loss as a public health concern, and the medical recognition of some of the most established courses of treatment as the standard of care, Time for a Change. It is time for hearing loss awareness to be recognized a public health issue, and fortunately many concerned people are working hard to make it happen. A major push has begun on a variety of fronts to change the access patients have to hearing healthcare and devices. In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration began opening its standards. The Federal Trade Commission has also been meeting to look at ways that hearing devices especially can become more affordable and attainable. The public health importance of hearing loss has long been pushed by audiologists and industry leaders pushing for public awareness and patient empowerment. Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids
At Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids we’ve always recognized what a difference hearing health makes in the lives of our customers. If you would like to set up a hearing test or schedule an appointment, contact us today.

If you think you may have hearing loss, seeking help can make a huge difference in your life. The earlier hearing loss is detected, the more benefits can be gained from treatment. Before rushing in, however, it’s important to understand that there aren’t “one-size-fits-all” treatments for hearing loss. For the best solution to hearing impairment, hearing aids today are tailored specifically to each user’s needs.

1. Have Your Hearing Examined

When you suspect you have impaired hearing, it’s important to have it examined by a hearing professional. A thorough hearing test not only detects if there are problems, it also maps your hearing. A hearing test creates a portrait of the way you hear, the range of your hearing, as well as finding the tones and sounds that may present the biggest challenges for your ears.Here at Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids, all the information your hearing expert garners from your hearing test will determine not just whether or not you have hearing loss, it also serves as the foundation to finding the best solutions for any hearing issues. If it turns out that hearing impairment is present, your hearing test is the first step in finding the hearing aids that work best for you.

2. Evaluate Your Priorities

Your next step is to figure out the lifestyle priorities that will play a large role in the hearing aids you select. Do you spend a lot of time on your phone with family or for business? You may want to opt for a hearing aid that can directly stream audio from your phone. Are you an avid swimmer? You may want to find a completely waterproof hearing aid model. If you have coordination difficulties, or even if you’re just trying to live a little greener, you might consider models with rechargeable batteries.At Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids, we help you find the right option for your lifestyle. If you have special hearing desires, always bring it up with us. Whether you’re a music aficionado, or have young children in your life you love listening to, or if you enjoy attending parties or noisy social get togethers, there are hearing solutions that can help you get the most from the experiences you love.

3. Make a Financial Plan

Hearing aids are an investment in your health and quality of life. The hearing aid technology of today involves incredible microcomputers designed to be both intuitive and discreet, but this technology also costs money.Your next step in finding the right hearing solution is to make a financial plan for your hearing device. Some medical insurers will cover partial costs of hearing health care, but unfortunately, many insurance plans do not cover the complete cost of hearing devices. Talk to your medical insurance provider to see what they are able to cover. Veterans, federal employees and some Medicaid recipients often have coverage available for hearing aids. Many hearing specialists can offer financing plans, and other resources for financial assistance with hearing aids can be found by contacting the Hearing Loss Association of America. To prepare for hearing aid expenses, you may have to make a savings plan to stick to.

4. Understand Your Hearing Aid

When you start using your hearing aids, it’s important to thoroughly acquaint yourself with how they work and what they can do. Being fluent in the capabilities of your hearing aids and how to access those capabilities can help you get the most from them. Hearing aids can do things now like stream doorbell alerts or television shows directly to your ear, or give you access to customizable tinnitus relief when you need it, but you don’t want to feel lost or frustrated trying to access these features.Once you choose your hearing aid model and it is fitted and programmed for your ear, we will walk you through accessing the features and proper maintenance of your device. If you’re having trouble understanding something, we’ll be happy to help you, so that you can truly make your hearing aid a fluid part of your hearing experience.

5. Give Yourself Time to Adjust

Hearing aids will take some time to get used to as your brain adapts to a new way of hearing the world. It’s important to stay positive and commit to wearing your hearing aids throughout your day. If you take the time to adjust to your new hearing aids, you will gradually notice your sound palette expanding and your comprehension of sounds and noises improving. Don’t get frustrated early in the process, and let your hearing aid integrate itself into your daily routine – it’ll just take a little relearning.Ultimately, hearing aids can help prevent the mental stress and social isolation that untreated hearing loss can instigate. They help give you access to sounds that would otherwise go unheard, but they do it in a way that may at first sound unnatural to you. Staying open and pro-active about hearing with hearing aids helps you adapt quicker and hear better.

Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids

When it’s time to get hearing aids, we want you to make a considered and thorough decision. That’s why we’re here, to offer you the best hearing healthcare and a full line of hearing aid options. Contact us today to learn more and set up a full hearing examination.

As parents, we want to give our children every opportunity to succeed and strive to create a nurturing environment for them from the moment they’re born. In order to fully support a child with hearing loss, parents need to learn about helpful tools and techniques for communication, and also make sure that their infant receives treatment with hearing aids as early as possible. Hearing plays an important role in the development of language and many other important skills (verbal and social), and this development begins at birth, making early treatment essential.

How are language and speech developed?

Being exposed to a large variety of words of sounds in their environment helps children to acquire language, making their own first sounds, and eventually words. During this early language development, other skills are learned which are fundamental to the development of literacy. A child’s listening skills influence their capacity to speak, read, write and interact socially with others.Some interesting facts about children and language development:

• The first 3 years of life, when the brain is developing and maturing, is the most intensive period for acquiring speech and language skills.
• Babies as young as four weeks can distinguish between similar syllables like "ma" and "na."
• By six months of age, most babies recognize the basic sounds of their native language.
• “Baby talk” (in which a varied pitch, higher tone, simple vocabulary, repetition and emphasis of important words are used) helps infants pay closer attention to speech, especially amidst background noise, and also helps to teach them how language works.

How might hearing loss affect child development?

Hearing their parents, other family members, and themselves helps children to develop spoken language. Hearing loss has been shown to cause delays in both receptive and expressive communication skills, which can lead to other problems such as poor academic performance and social isolation later on, if the loss is left untreated. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems can greatly reduce their negative impact on a child’s linguistic and social development.Children with hearing loss may encounter a variety of challenges at different points in their lives. Their hearing loss will have a different impact on their lives when they make the transition from being mostly at home to going to school and taking part in leisure activities. Although hearing loss presents some challenges, there is no reason a child who is hard of hearing cannot have a full, productive and happy life.

How hearing aids can help

Although hearing aids cannot completely restore a child’s hearing, they can significantly improve their quality of life and help them learn from the world around them. And hearing aid technology is now advanced enough that children can be fitted with hearing devices within the first weeks or months after birth.Hearing aids make it possible for children to hear the rich, varied sounds of language, as well as other sounds in their environment, which will help them in many different ways. They will be able to understand and interact with their surroundings as well as develop the ability to learn, ask questions, play with others, and express themselves confidently through language.

Hearing aids and brain structures

Even children who are born with very minimal hearing abilities can benefit from hearing aids, as the amplification of sounds helps to stimulate and promote growth in the auditory centers of the brain. The most connections in these centers are made when children are very young, between the ages of 1 and 3. These connections help with the growth of a child’s vocabulary, which often expands by four times between their first and second birthday. This rapid auditory growth is another reason why treating hearing loss with hearing aids as early as possible is crucial for speech development.

Tips for communication with children with hearing loss

• Make sure to stay close to your child when speaking, as this is necessary for them to detect and comfortably hear what you are saying.
• Remember that communication is about more than just our words. Facial expressions, gestures and body language can also help your child understand you.
• Make sure your face can be seen, is well lit and that your hand or another object is not blocking your face or lips.
• Speak clearly at a normal pace, and rephrase sentences (rather than just repeating them) if your child doesn’t understand you. Keep in mind that it is not necessary to shout.
• Talk in a quiet setting, making sure to reduce as much background noise as possible before speaking. This includes turning off the TV and closing any windows. If you are in a loud public place, try to find somewhere quieter to talk.

At Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids, we provide pediatric hearing services. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

If you’ve found yourself reading this article, chances are you’ve made the decision to look into getting hearing aids. Congratulations! You are on your way to improving your quality of life, recognizing sounds you forgot existed, and holding more meaningful conversations.Before grabbing your credit card, however, there are some important factors to consider before making the purchase. Understanding these six pieces of advice will help you to make the purchase of your first pair of hearing aids as smooth as possible.

1. Get a Hearing Test – With an Audiologist or Hearing Aid Specialist You TrustYour journey to better hearing is a personal one, so it is important you work with a hearing professional that you trust and feel comfortable with. Pay attention to clinic hours. Do they work for you? Would you have to take off of work in order to keep appointments? Once you’ve found the professional who is right for you, the first step is taking a hearing test! Check out our services here at Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids for more information.
2. Do Your Research & Make a Financial PlanDo some searches online to help you determine which hearing aids you think may be right for you. These searches may also help you with the initial sticker shock that is sometimes associated with hearing aids. At the present time, hearing aids are not covered by Medicare nor most private insurance plans. They are typically a large financial investment. There are many options to help alleviate some of this financial stress. Charitable organizations, Vocational Rehabilitation programs, and clinic financing options, are all choices that reduce the initial investment in your aids.
3. Make a Priority ListNot everyone has the same priorities and reasons for looking into hearing aids. What ranks highest on your list? Is it hearing your little granddaughter chattering her stories, or does feeling confident in conference calls at work rank higher on your list? Are you a musician or a music lover? Is there a particular hearing aid feature you feel you must have? Is keeping in your budget most important? Spend some time putting together a priority list and be prepared to discuss it with your audiologist. This will help the two of you decide which brand and model are best for you.
4. Keep Motivated & Stay Positive!Speaking of your priority list, keep it in the back of your mind for safe-keeping. As with most medical interventions, there is an adjustment period to hearing aids. It’ll be easier to stay motivated when you remember why you wanted hearing aids in the first place. Keep all your follow-up appointments and communicate with your specialist. If something is not working – say it! Many times a simple adjustment can alleviate an annoying problem.
5. Have an Open Mind & Realistic ExpectationsIt is important to have an open mind when trying hearing aids for the first time. The hearing aid that is best for you may not be the one you have been researching for hours online. Keep an open mind about brands, and models. The perfect aid may not be one you’ve considered before. Also, it is imperative to have realistic expectations. While hearing aid technology has exploded over the past few decades, they still cannot completely replace natural hearing. Just like people with average hearing, you may still experience some difficulty in noisy situations.
6. Reach Out to Your Support SystemChances are, those who love you have been effected by your hearing loss for longer than you realize. For some readers, loved ones may be the only reason to consider hearing devices! Starting your journey to better hearing can be financially and emotionally taxing (although worth it). During this time, lean on your support system. Maybe you would feel more comfortable if your daughter came with you to your fittings, or your husband sat by your side during your hearing assessment. Ask them! Your loved ones are there for you and are just as excited about the prospect of hearing aids as you are.

Arizona Balance & Hearing AidsAt Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids, we pride ourselves in providing high quality service at an affordable rate. Reach out to our friendly team today, we look forward to answering your questions and scheduling your first hearing exam!

Today, hearing loss affects over 40 million people and that number is set to balloon to over 70 million in coming decades. Part of this increase is the consequence of living in a louder world, and a world that presents hazards to our hearing that we may not even recognize.Irreversible hearing loss is mainly caused by damage to the sensitive apparatus of our inner ears. Our inner ear, especially its delicate hair cells can be damaged gradually over time and may be affected dramatically by our general health. Additionally, the inner ear becomes more brittle as we age so hearing damage sustained in earlier years compounds our hearing loss as we get older.A way to keep your hearing healthy is to learn to understand what presents a threat. Here are some of the most unsuspected – or unrecognized- causes of hearing loss.Earbuds It probably comes as no surprise that sustained loud music can damage your hearing. However, because music is both enjoyable and personal, it’s especially challenging to teach people to recognize unhealthy volume levels. The profusion of mp3 players and personal audio devices puts the tools of hearing damage in the users hands, with headphones and earbuds able to channel dangerous decibel levels directly into the ear. Loud music is the hard lesson for many people to face – that even something that seems so pleasurable can be the root of serious future consequences.Anemia and Other Blood Conditions Researchers and doctors are increasingly finding connections between the health of our blood and the health of our ears. While at first it may seem arbitrary, science is pointing to the dramatic impact even subtle imbalances can have on the finely calibrated parts of our inner ear. Decreased oxygen in anemic blood can starve the capillaries in the inner ear’s hair cells, effectively strangling them. Diabetes, high blood pressure and even the effects of a high fever pose similar threats to the mismanaging the way blood nourishes the ear, damaging its delicate and vital components. Trains, Planes and Automobiles A daily commute can be a drag or go by in a blur. Whatever it is, it’s likely that it happens so often we don’t recognize the noise it exposes our ears to. Clattering subway cars or wind pummeling into an open car window bombard our inner ear with decibels. Being exposed to heavy noise day in and day out has serious repercussions on our hearing “down the road”. Make it a habit to bring earplugs or noise cancelling headphones when you are traveling as a passenger. If you’re driving, minimize noise by keeping windows closed. Pro tip: loud music still causes hearing damage and loss, so don’t try to block out a loud commute with equally damaging (though maybe better sounding) loud music!Medication A variety of medicines can result in hearing loss, from frequent high doses of pain relievers like ibuprofen, to effective antibiotics like neomycin, to life-saving chemotherapy treatment. Depending on your medical need, you can assess the risks and benefits of the medication you take with your doctor. Always take medication in the dose and regimen your doctor has prescribed. If hearing loss is a possible side effect of a medication you are on, ask your physician to help you monitor your hearing ability. Hair Dryers What price, fashion? Your daily hair routine may be exposing you to unhealthy levels of noise, pointed directly into your ear. Most blow dryers assault the ear with at least 85 decibels of sound. Louder, more heavy-duty blow drying can hit noise levels that are dangerous even in small increments, with 85 decibels being the threshold that OSHA recognizes for hearing protection in workplace safety. Like loud music, it can be hard to break from using a hair dryer because of pleasure a good hair day can bring us, but its important to recognize the risk and modify behavior. If you use a hair dryer, take breaks from the noise every 5 minutes and direct the dryer’s noise away from your ear canal, whenever possible. We’re Here When You Need Us At Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids, we’re here to help you hear! If you have any questions about your hearing, or if it’s time to set up a hearing exam, contact our team today.

Summer season is here, and that means trips to the lake, the swimming pool down the block, or grandma’s backyard. Do your kids love the inflatable pool you bought last summer, or enjoy running through the sprinkler? It’s time to talk about swim ear plugs, and how to protect your children’s hearing in or out of the pool.

Why Wear Swim Ear Plugs

Hold on. Aren’t ear plugs just to protect your hearing from loud noises? What’s that got to do with swimming? Swim ear plugs aren’t designed to protect your child from sound, but from ear infections. As a parent, it’s a struggle to watch your child in pain, and you would do anything to save them from experiencing discomfort. A common source of ear infections is your local community pool, and a pair of swim ear plugs is a simple solution to this painful problem, saving you days of worry and trips to the doctor’s office. Does your child suffer from recurrent ear infections like swimmer’s ear, or other infections that target the outer or middle ear? Then a pair of swim ear plugs is your ticket to an infection-free summer.If your child is currently fighting an ear infection, they should not be swimming without ear protection. Water will further aggravate the condition, leading to a worse infection and greater pain. Even the changes in pressure, as your child swims and dives in the deep end, can cause severe pain for a child with an ear infection, and will make the infection worse. If your child has an infection or has recently recovered from an ear infection, talk to the doctor about swimming, and don’t allow your child in the water if the doctor says it’s not a good idea. The doctor will tell you that swim ear plugs are the best way to protect your child’s ears.

How Swim Ear Plugs Work

Swim Ear Plugs are designed to keep your child’s ears dry and clean, blocking water from entering the ear, and minimizing changes in pressure in the inner ear. The pool down the street or in your backyard can often contain harmful bacteria that cause ear infections, so keeping the ear dry stops the infection before it even starts. Since they have to be completely sealed to keep all the water out, swim ear plugs are often custom made to fit.

Which Swim Ear Plugs are Right for Your Child?

Custom Swim Ear Plugs

Custom fit swim plugs are designed to provide ultimate protection for your child’s ears. Made to fit perfectly, your child can wear these swim ear plugs for hours on end with no discomfort or irritation. The high-quality plugs last a long time, and are easily cleaned for the best in hygiene and safety. For custom swim ear plugs, we’ll take a mold of your child’s ear, and special order unique plugs made specifically for your child. We recommend a swim head band be worn along with the ear plugs. Custom ear plugs are hard to replace, so a head band can be used to secure the earplugs and prevent loss.

One Size Fits All Swim Ear Plugs

As the name implies, one size fits all plugs aren’t designed to fit one particular child. Instead, these swim ear plugs, available at your local drugstore, can fit into any ear and are easy for the kids to put in themselves. They’re made of silicone or putty, and often come in bright colors your children will love. They’re readily available and quite inexpensive, so you don’t have to stress about losing them. The downside is that they’re not washable, and therefore not very sanitary. Most parents treat them as disposable ear plugs, and throw them out after just one or two uses since the buildup of wax and dirt can’t be cleaned off.

Visit Us for More

Parenting is stressful enough without wondering if you’re doing the right thing to protect your child from ear infections. For advice you can trust, visit us at Arizona Balance and Hearing to get all the information you need to make good decisions for your child’s hearing health. Use swim ear plugs this pool season to keep your child’s ears dry, clean, and free of infections to enjoy a hassle-free summer!

Hearing loss is the third most common medical condition in the US. As with other medical conditions, hearing loss occurs with comorbidities. A comorbidity is the simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases, or the presence of one or more additional disorders occurring simultaneously with a primary disorder.Researchers have found links between hearing loss and diabetes, and hearing loss and dementia. A growing body of research revolves around circulatory health and hearing loss. For example, smoking cigarettes has been linked to hearing loss, as smoking increases your blood pressure. This could lead to the constriction of the small veins in your head and neck area, inevitably affecting your auditory system.Today, we take a look at the link between high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) and hearing loss. From the Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure is defined as “a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.”The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 70 million adults in the US experience high blood pressure, or hypertension. People with elevated blood pressure are categorized as prehypertension. A new study from Mumbai shows that “people suffering from high blood pressure could also suffer from hearing loss as a result of their medical condition. However, if high blood pressure is controlled with the right medication, an additional loss of hearing can be prevented.” Link Between High Blood Pressure and Hearing Loss At JJ Hospital in Mumbai, Dr. Mohan Jagade and team conducted a study on a group of randomly selected patients between the ages of 45 and 64 years. In this group of 150 participants, Dr. Jagade found that “in subjects presenting elevated blood pressure, there was a significant increase in the presence of hearing loss.” From this study, “researchers surmised that hypertension is an accelerating factor in the degeneration of the auditory system and hearing as people age.”It must also be noted that high blood pressure has been linked to other medical conditions, such as strokes and heart disease. A healthy circulatory system is crucial in the hearing process, as parts of your ear receive sound waves, translate them into neural signals, and process them in the auditory cortex of your brain. The inner ear environment is a sophisticated system of hair cells, fed by adequate blood flow. Limited blood flow in this process may have adverse effects on your hearing.Raymond Hull, professor of communication sciences and disorders at Wichita State University has compiled 84 years of research that specifically concerns hearing and cardiovascular health. Hull and his co-researcher Stacy Kerschen, a doctorate in audiology, found overwhelming data indicating the link between auditory function and cardiovascular health. With the understanding that all parts of the body, especially the nervous system, which houses the auditory sensory system, require healthy blood flow to function property, this link appears a logical conclusion.According to Hull, “The auditory function impacted by cardiovascular health is problematic because our entire central nervous system needs oxygen-rich nutrient supply. If it doesn’t get it due to cardiovascular health, then it can be affected.”While recognizing there are many cause for hearing damage and hearing loss, Hull and Kerschen suggest that this process is further hindered by poor blood flow caused from cardiovascular problems. Cardiovascular conditions include coronary blockage, heart attacks, vascular hypertension (high blood pressure), and congenital heart problems. These conditions impact the flow of blood in our bodies and thus, inevitably affect the auditory process centralized in the head and neck area.

Ensuring Your Hearing Health

If you experience high blood pressure and feel that it is affecting your hearing, the first step is to take a hearing test. Hearing specialists recommend an annual hearing test for US adults age 50 and older. Just as you would schedule a regular physical checkup with your physician, contact us to schedule a hearing test at Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids. We provide comprehensive hearing tests, as well as state-of-the-art hearing aid solutions. Call us at: (602) 265-9000

May is a very special month at Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids – it’s officially Better Speech and Hearing Month! Better Speech and Hearing Month was established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and it is the perfect time to raise awareness around hearing and speech health issues, and to help people access care for their concerns.This year, the theme of Better Speech and Hearing Month is Communication: The Key to Connection, focusing on the role communication plays in our overall wellbeing. Here at Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids, helping you understand your hearing wellness and offering you expert care each step of the way go hand-in-hand, every day of the year, so we’re thrilled to be part of this month of education and action.

A Far-Reaching Health Concern

It’s important to understand how serious hearing loss is and why early detection and treatment are optimal. Hearing loss affects over 40 million Americans but the impact hearing impairment has on a person’s overall wellbeing is often misunderstood. Untreated hearing loss doesn’t just make it harder to hear, it is associated with social isolation and depression, anxiety, and its effects can compound into increased risk for heart disease, falling, and dementia.When we can’t hear correctly, it begins to cut us off from the people, places and activities we care most about. However, avoiding places and situations that are difficult to navigate isn’t the solution, in fact, avoidance feeds into isolation and anxiety. Instead, taking a hearing exam and working with an audiologist is the best course of action. For many, this can be a difficult step. There’s a seven-year gap, on average, between when people first notice hearing issues and when they seek treatment.

Knowing the Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is often gradual in nature, and it can be hard to recognize the signs. However, there are some common indicators to watch for. If you recognize these situations in your own life, set up a hearing exam to see if you have any hearing issues that need to be addressed.Common signs of hearing loss include:• Having the impression that voices are muffled or unintelligible• Consistently needing to turn up the volume on television or radio• Having trouble following conversations with multiple people• Being unable to distinguish sounds in noisy environments like restaurants or parties• Withdrawing socially because of hearing issues• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)• Needing to have things repeated in order to understand themSometimes, especially with hearing, it can be hard to detect how much or how little we are able to perceive. If you notice these signs in a friend, relative or loved one you may be recognizing their hearing impairment before they do. Remember, communication is key, so reach out to them about hearing issues. Be supportive and help them seek care. Much hearing loss is permanent, but treating hearing impairment with hearing aids and listening devices is incredibly effective and enriches a person’s social life and quality of life.

Awareness at Every Age

Understanding hearing damage and hearing protection is especially necessary as the everyday world gets noisier. Hearing loss has started to skew to younger and younger demographics showing early signs of hearing impairment. Environmental noise from lawn mowers to subways to hair dryers surround us, and portable devices with earbuds have normalized prolonged exposure to music played at unhealthy levels. Concerts, movies and sporting events have also dangerously pumped up their volume. Even if we don’t face exposure to noise at our workplaces, our leisure time may be even more riddled with hazards to our hearing.It’s a smart idea to carry earplugs or other hearing protection with you, especially to noisy events. Always be aware of the volume levels you’re using with headphones or earbuds. Smart phone apps like Decibel 10 or TooLoud? can help you track the sound levels you’re being exposed to. If you have concerns about your hearing, err on the side of caution and schedule a hearing exam.

We’re Here for You

At Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids we’re always ready to help you understand your hearing and find solutions to any issues you may face. If it is time to choose a hearing aid, we are able to offer you the latest models from all major brands and walk you through options that fit your lifestyle and needs. Our professional staff is always happy to help you set up an appointment or exam and our hearing specialists have been helping Arizona for over two decades.Remember that communication is key to all the connections that inspire us, and we’re here to help you hear your best, all throughout this Better Speech and Hearing Month- and every other month as well!

Iron Deficiency and Hearing Loss

It has long been understood that iron plays a critical role in how the human body functions. Now, researchers have found a distinct link between iron deficiency and hearing loss.Late last year, a team from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine published their findings in the JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. Examining data from over 305,000 adult participants, the researchers found that adults with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) were 82% more likely to have permanent, sensorineural hearing loss than subjects without iron deficiency. IDA subjects were even more likely to have combined hearing loss – where indicators of both sensorineural and conductive hearing problems are found.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss works differently depending on where it is found in the ear. Conductive hearing loss indicates blockages, allergies or infection in the outer ear or ear canal. Hearing impairment that is determined to be conductive can oftentimes be repaired through medication, cleaning, or surgery.Sensorineural hearing loss, by contrast, is irreversible hearing loss that occurs when the delicate apparatus of the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways are damaged, permanently disrupting the process of hearing. The inner ear contains delicate hair cells that detect the specific vibrations of sound. Auditory nerve pathways connect the perceived sound vibrations to the brain, where they are interpreted. Damage to nerve pathways disconnects the brain and the ear in fundamental ways.Combined hearing loss is impairment that is caused by factors that are both conductive and sensorineural. The onset of all types of hearing loss often occurs gradually and can be hard to detect. The risk of experiencing hearing loss increases as we age, when damage to our hearing becomes more frequent and the mechanisms of the ear become more fragile.

Why Iron Matters

Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition where iron levels in the blood are too low to properly facilitate oxygen transportation throughout the body. The most common symptom of IDA is fatigue, as well as weakness, short breath and loss of appetite. Most symptoms of IDA are temporary and disappear when iron levels in the blood are increased but now contemporary medicine is starting to build a picture of lasting damage iron deficiency can do to our bodies.Iron is responsible for the amount of hemoglobin in our blood, which is responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the body. A lack of iron consequently results in our bodies being starved for oxygen, and manifests as physical exhaustion.

What Links Anemia and Hearing Loss

The Penn State research team has proposed a hypothesis on what connects iron deficiency anemia to hearing loss. When hemoglobin levels drop, insufficient oxygen can damage sensitive tissue in the body, a condition called “ischemia”. Ischemia related to IDA has been shown to affect the muscles of the heart. The Penn State study reflects that ischemia may also be affecting the inner ear, corroding its delicate nerves and hair cells.

Iron and You

Iron deficiency anemia is very common and can happen to anyone. If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of anemia, your first step is to consult with your physician. Anemia can usually be treated with iron supplements; however, supplements should not be taken without a doctor’s recommendation. Just as too little iron can cause damage, too much iron in the body can harm organs that filter blood, like the liver and kidneys. Taking excessive iron without a diagnosed deficiency can be detrimental to your overall health.Most people receive a balanced amount of iron through their food. Iron is found in leafy green vegetables, all types of meat and seafood, fortified cereals, dried fruits, and legumes, like peas and beans. To maintain healthy iron levels, be sure to include iron-rich foods in your diet when planning meals.Understanding your iron level and recognizing the signs of iron deficiency anemia can potentially help reduce your risk of hearing loss. Supplemental iron does not have the power to restore hearing that has already been damaged, but if you experience IDA, supplemental iron taken with a physician’s guidance, can be an important preventative step in preventing conditions like ischemia.The Penn State study concludes that finding the connection is the first step in a medical process. Further study will be needed to deepen an understanding of the causes and connections between iron deficiency anemia and hearing loss.

Your Hearing Health

If you have questions or have noticed issues with your hearing, connect with us at Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids. Our hearing specialists are here to help you on the path to better hearing health.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, but have put off getting a hearing test, you are not alone. Hearing impairment is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions worldwide, yet it takes an average of seven years for people experiencing hearing loss to seek treatment.Why do people wait so long? Seeking help for your hearing can help you reclaim the conversations, music, and sounds you used to hear. Treatment also helps minimize the negative effects of hearing loss - problems like depression, social isolation and even the development of dementia have been linked to untreated hearing loss.On top of it all, the earlier hearing loss is detected, the easier it is to adapt to assisted hearing. With so much to gain from seeking treatment, hearing loss and hearing aids still carry an undeserved stigma that stands in the way of better hearing.

Unwarranted Stigma and Incredible Strides

There’s good news though: that stigma is breaking down. Now more than ever, modern adults are learning to understand and appreciate their bodies as they age. Respecting our own aging processes and recognizing the benefits of treatment helps us confront hearing loss when we notice it.Also, the general image of hearing aids as clunky, difficult devices is quite simply outdated. Over the past fifty years, huge advances have been made in the form and function of hearing aids, going from awkward (and highly noticeable) full ear shells to tiny, discrete micro computers that can boast not just improved hearing but user-friendly features like digital integration and rechargeable batteries.Part of the lingering hearing aid stigma may be that as hearing technology became more sophisticated, it made changes that no one could see. While functionality improved exponentially, hearing aid components shrunk dramatically, allowing the physical devices to become nearly invisible.Popular hearing aid styles today hide the device completely in the ear canal, or rely on a tiny receiver in the ear and a small processor behind the ear. Sleek and stylish, hearing aids today have become miniature marvels of engineering and design.

Smart and Efficient

Ever since the first digital hearing aids were introduced in the mid-1980s, digital sound technology has been transforming the industry. Digital sound revolutionized how hearing aids work, being able to offer a more nuanced sound palette for users. In the past few years, digital sound has able to integrate with smart devices to offer users streaming sound and location-based environmental adjustment.Starkey’s acclaimed Halo 2 hearing device is specifically designed for use with the Apple iPhone. Halo2 just won a prestigious 2017 SXSW Interactive Innovation Award for life-changing wearable tech. Halo2 connects to your smart phone via Starkey’s TruLink app for sound and media streaming to your device. Halo2 offers smart phone integrated tinnitus solutions and a range of customizable options.ReSound’s Linx2 was the first hearing aid built specially for use with Apple devices. Linx2 can stream calls, video and other audio media from your iPhone, iPod and iPad directly to your hearing aid. The accompanying ReSound Smart App lets users quickly and easily adjust their hearing aid settings and can store location-based adjustments to automatically adapt your hearing aid when you revisit your favorite spots. Additionally, Linx2 is designed for long battery life so it’s responsiveness doesn't drain the battery of your hearing aid or your smart device.

Sleek and Green

With the movement towards green efficiency and renewable energy, hearing aids companies are bringing more rechargeable options to the public. With the advancement of silver-zinc and lithium-ion battery technology, modern rechargeables are smaller, charge up faster, and can run hearing aids longer than ever before.Phonak’s Audéo B features built-in lithium ion batteries that can run for 24 hours off of 3 hours of charging time. They’ve also made the charging process easier with a simple snap-in case. Similarly, Signia Cellion primax is powered by lithium-ion batteries which provide a reliable quick charge and long-lasting battery life.

Small and Chic

Hearing aids today are both inconspicuous and incorporate easily into active lifestyles.Unitron’s Moxi Now is the smallest ever receiver-in-canal hearing device, pushing the size of hearing aids smaller and lighter with improved micro components. Compared to the size of “two blueberries,” Moxi hides completely behind the ear. As an added plus, Moxi models have rechargeable options.For those who like bold statements, Oticon offers many of its hearing aid models and cutting edge BrainHearing technology in striking, vivid colors. With streamlined design and stylish curves, color options like violet, mother-of-pearl or orange can make your hearing aid part of a style statement.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Your hearing is an integral part of how you understand the world, so why not make sure it’s at its best? Hearing aids today incorporate technology and design to suit any lifestyle. If you’d like to learn more about your options, contact us at Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids, we’re happy to help you discover the right custom solutions for your hearing needs!