Virtual assistants are a form of voice-based technology that is used to provide digital assistance. They function by recognizing a person’s speech and performing a particular task articulated vocally using artificial intelligence (and machine learning). These devices are primarily used to answer questions and carry out commands such as opening a particular app, getting directions, making a phone call, or …
Signs You May Have Tinnitus
Tinnitus, often referred to as a “ringing of the ears,” causes people to hear sounds without an external auditory stimulus. According to the American Tinnitus Association, approximately 15% of Americans “experience tinnitus, often to a debilitating degree, making it one of the most common health conditions in the country.” Of this number, 20 million Americans experience chronic tinnitus, with 2 …
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month
Better Hearing and Speech Month has arrived with the arrival of spring! The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and several other allied organizations will use the month of May to raise awareness about communication disorders, provide information, and lead efforts to improve hearing health. The theme for this year is “Building Connections.” Building Connections in Communities One key area for building …
Studies Show Higher Rates of Hearing Loss for People with Diabetes
Diabetes and hearing loss are among the most common health conditions that people experience. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 34 million people have diabetes. Additionally, nearly 48 million people experience some degree of hearing loss in one or both ears. Research has shown that there is overlap between these chronic medical conditions. Studies have revealed that people …
Links Between Hearing Loss and COVID-19
Now over one year into the global pandemic, emerging studies are investigating the relationship between hearing loss and Covid19. Specifically, ongoing research is looking at tinnitus as a symptom of the virus. Tinnitus is one the most common symptoms of hearing loss. Tinnitus describes a ringing, buzzing, clicking-like noise in one or both ears when no external sound is present. …
A Connection Between Hearing Loss, Depression, and Dementia
Hearing loss has far-reaching effects on overall health. This chronic medical condition is experienced by over 48 million people, making hearing loss a pervasive health concern. Beyond reducing hearing ability, hearing loss produces a range of symptoms that can take a toll on mental and cognitive health. Extensive research has shown that hearing loss is typically associated with other medical …
How Hearing Loss Treatment Can Lessen Loneliness
Being lonely every now and again is normal. We’ve all had days when we feel lonely or sad, often because of some event that happened in our lives. Loneliness usually only lasts for a few days, and then you start to feel optimistic again. However, for many older Americans, feeling lonely has become the new normal. This has some major …
Even a Mild Hearing Loss Contributes to Cognitive Decline
Hearing loss affects everyone differently, but hearing loss is usually categorized as mild, moderate, severe, or profound. Mild hearing loss is hard to notice, and many people aren’t aware of their mild hearing loss. Mild hearing loss can make it harder to follow conversations, or hear soft sounds. You might think people around you don’t speak as clearly as they …
How Smoking & Drinking May Affect Hearing
When it comes to your health, there are few lifestyle behaviors with as bad a reputation as smoking and drinking. These habits have been credited, rather discredited, with higher rates of a whole host of health problems ranging from severe conditions like cardiovascular disease to mild cosmetic effects for the skin, hair, and nails. Although we have a general impression …
When Should I Update My Hearing Aids?
When it comes to hearing aid upgrades, you certainly don’t want to spend unnecessarily on a new pair of aids. As long as your current hearing aids meet all the necessary criteria, you can continue using them for years to come. However, it’s important to pay attention to problems or changes that might mean it’s time for an upgrade. There …