I HEAR, BUT I DON’T ALWAYS UNDERSTAND
MY HEARING IS FINE… YOU MUMBLE
IT’S NOT THAT BAD
DENY, DENY, DENY
It’s frustrating, aggravating, isolating, depressing, and embarrassing. Pretending to hear when you don’t is exhausting.
SO WHY DON’T YOU JUST ADMIT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM?
Here’s Why
Hearing doesn’t change overnight. It happens over the years, so you don’t realize you’re turning up the volume of the TV louder, that you’re saying ‘what,’ ‘huh,’ ‘pardon me,’ and ‘please repeat that,’ more and more. One day, the turn signal in your car disappeared. You don’t know what day it was. But when you look at your dashboard, you see the turn signal is still on, but you don’t hear it…you don’t even know it’s supposed to make a noise.
Your brain automatically adjusts to reduced hearing by filling in missing sounds and creating workarounds that feel normal.
You convince yourself that restaurants have gotten noisier, that your spouse and kids mumble, that it’s not that bad, and you can get by.
Admitting you have a problem means there’s something wrong with you.
YOU’RE AFRAID TO FIND OUT YOU NEED HEARING AIDS
You think it means you’re old.
- What will people think?
- Will it affect my job?
- Will they think I’m weak?
YOU WANT TO LIVE A LONG, HEALTHY LIFE
- You eat right
- You exercise
- You get your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and vitals checked regularly
- You go to the dentist every 6 months
- You go to the dermatologist to check for moles and growths
- You get your eyes checked regularly
- You look great. Everyone thinks you’re at least 10 years younger than you are.
WHAT’S GOING TO BE YOUR DOWNFALL? WHAT’S GOING TO PUT YOU IN A NURSING HOME?
YOUR INABILITY TO HEAR
What happens to your brain when you don’t hear well?
You have two auditory centers in your brain, a right and a left center. Their main job is to process, interpret, and make sense of the sound they get from your ears. Your ears just collect the sound. It’s your brain that listens.
When part of the sound is missing, the auditory centers can’t understand what’s going on. They need help. They get help from the frontal lobe next door. The problem is, the frontal lobe is designed for higher cognitive functions, like memory, problem solving, decision making, and personality. When it’s helping the auditory centers just to listen, it has less ability to help you remember what someone said. It has less capacity to solve problems and make decisions. The frontal lobe starts to decline and deteriorate.
Your brain is exhausted. It’s working overtime just to listen.
At the end of the day, you’re tired, cranky, and you don’t want to talk to anyone.
It’s mentally exhausting, it’s depressing. It’s isolating. It’s stressful. It’s lonely.
If you wait too long, your brain gives up and is permanently damaged.
STOP DENYING
If someone tells you the TV is too loud, or go get your hearing checked, or I’m tired of repeating…
9 times out of 10…you have a problem.
Early detection and treatment can reverse any damage to your brain that has already occurred from a lack of stimulation.
Waiting too long can lead to permanent cognitive damage and irreversible damage.
GET YOUR HEARING CHECKED!
Your hearing health matters, and the choices you make about hearing aids affect not only your day-to-day living but also your long-term cognitive health.
As hearing technology improves, so do the buzzwords. Recently, there’s been a lot of noise about AI in hearing aids, and it’s important to understand what it means, how it affects your hearing aids, and why you may (or may not) need it.
Despite AI hearing aids being around for a few years, we wanted to help you separate fact from fiction so you and your audiologist can make the most informed decision possible.
How Does AI Work in Hearing Aids?
At this point, it’s impossible to avoid AI in nearly every aspect of our lives. From live chats with our phones to customized shopping lists at the grocery store, if there’s a way to include artificial intelligence in a product, you’re going to see it.
But did you know that hearing aids have been advertising AI for years?
For hearing aids, AI should be broken into two categories: machine learning and deep neural networks.
About two decades ago, the first hearing aids with AI were introduced to the public. For years, your hearing aids have identified audio patterns in restaurants, conversations, and music to build an internal memory system. Then, when the wearer’s environment matches the learned memory system, your hearing aids automatically apply the right settings for the situation.
In 2021, the first hearing aid with embedded deep neural networks hit the market. DNN’s are trained on massive datasets of real-world sounds to mimic the human brain, eventually separating sound from speech to provide a clearer hearing experience.
We are at the point where these hearing aids are being trained on tens of millions of sound samples and spoken sentences, creating a better-than-ever sound experience.
At this point, hearing aids with AI intelligently separate what you want to hear versus what you don’t. The AI continuously analyzes your environment to adapt in real time to patients’ needs.
A March 2024 study found that DNN-powered noise reduction outperformed traditional noise reduction techniques, and a 2025 follow-up field research study found that DNN improved interference control. For patients with cognitive load and mental fatigue that lead to conditions like Alzheimer’s, DNN-powered hearing aids are a welcome relief.
Some AI-powered hearing aids also allow audiologists to make remote adjustments to your devices based on patient feedback or data collected on the device. If you’re travelling or live far away from your audiologist, this ensures you get the essential fine-tuning you need for the best experience with hearing aids.
That being said, not all AI hearing aids are the same. Only a few products on the market offer real-time AI processing, which means it’s even more important to work with your audiologist to identify the best hearing aids for your situation.
4 Common Myths About AI in Hearing Aids
With “AI-powered” marketing language all around us, it’s harder than ever to understand what’s real and what’s fake when it comes to your hearing aids. Here are some of the most commonly believed myths and what the evidence actually proves.
Myth: All AI hearing aids think and adapt in real-time while you wear them.
The reality is that most hearing aids use AI during the development and training phase (i.e., before you purchase them), not while you wear them. There are a few products that offer real-time AI processing, but for the majority of hearing aids on the market, all of the AI tools are developed before your purchase.
But that isn’t a bad thing, as the AI algorithms are genuinely effective in providing an excellent hearing aid experience.
Myth: AI hearing aids automatically fix my hearing without the need for an audiologist.
The diagnostic experience and fine-tuning that comes from working with an experienced audiologist is the difference between a good and a bad experience with your hearing aids.
Audiologists ensure everything fits correctly and that the hearing aid is programmed correctly for your specific hearing loss.
Myth: More AI features mean better hearing.
Studies and tests show that while AI features work well, they aren’t universally better in every situation. Those with quieter daily routines probably don’t need adaptive technologies, unlike folks working in more chaotic sound environments.
As with any hearing aid, work with a trusted audiologist to ensure you get the right hearing aid for your sound environment.
Myth (mostly: AI hearing aids are always listening to my private conversations.
AI-powered devices use strict security measures to protect your personal information, with many newer hearing aids processing data on the chips themselves rather than sending audio to the cloud.
But one study revealed that hearing aids were broadcasting patients’ names over Bluetooth without users’ ability to change them. There are also some inconsistencies in how data is governed. Our recommendation is to ask your audiologist about how your data is stored, processed, and shared.
Do You Need AI In Your Hearing Aids?
When surrounded by AI marketing, the question becomes, “Do you need AI for your hearing aids too?”
The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as simple as yes or no; the truth lies in what environments you spend your time and what sort of hearing problems you have.
Almost all research universally agrees that AI in hearing aids helps with noise reduction, specifically in situations where you need to understand what someone is saying over competing background sounds.
A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Audiology and Otology evaluated DNN-based processing across seven real-world acoustic environments, including bars, restaurants, shopping malls, and construction sites, finding measurable improvements in both speech recognition and listener preference when AI-based noise reduction was active.
If these hearing aids reduce cognitive load, there’s a good chance they will positively affect brain health outcomes. When a hearing aid reduces the strain of processing sound in noise, it potentially frees up cognitive resources.
Modern AI-powered hearing aids provide an effortless listening experience, reducing the strain often associated with hearing in complex environments. For anyone at risk, these new AI-powered hearing aids can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
For people dealing with mild hearing loss or who spend most of their time in quiet environments, the most advanced AI isn’t as important. A well-fitted and adjusted hearing aid will deliver just as good outcomes.
Fit and Adjustments Are The Most Important Factors
More than any new technology, the most important factor in your hearing aid experience comes from the tuning, fitting, and adjustments your audiologist makes.
At Hearing Health Center, our audiologists have decades of experience working with patients of all ages, helping them get the most out of their hearing aids. When your hearing aids fit correctly and volumes are just right, you’re much more likely to continue wearing your hearing aids.
That’s why we always recommend coming to any of our five locations for fittings, adjustments, and to get any questions you might have about your hearing aids answered.
Having Trouble Hearing? Schedule Your Appointment at Hearing Health Center Today.
Having trouble hearing during conversations? Feel like social gatherings are getting harder and harder? Book your appointment online with Hearing Health Center for a free comprehensive hearing exam. An audiologist on staff performs a full exam and provides you with the information you need to get your hearing back on track.
Schedule your appointment today!
Have you ever experienced a mysterious crackling sound haunting your ear, seemingly attacking you out of the blue?
If so, you may be wondering about this irritating sound and if you should be concerned about it.
This blog will unveil the secrets behind this peculiar yet annoying sound.
Let’s dive into the captivating journey of crackling sounds in the ear, understanding what they are, the early signs, and the treatments to explore.
What Is Crackling In The Ear?
Crackling in the ear symbolizes a peculiar sound similar to the crinkling of paper or the rustling of leaves. It can be annoying and even unnerving if it happens frequently enough.
We often refer to it as a clicking, popping sound in the ear or a persistent snapping noise. These noises make it difficult to focus on the work or their surroundings.
Causes include:
- Eustachian tube movement
- air pressure fluctuation
- excessive earwax
- muscle contractions
While harmless, ear crackling can be bothersome and may indicate an underlying issue that warrants further investigation.
Struggling with popping in your ear? Schedule your free consultation with Hearing Health Center today.
The Three Biggest Causes of Crackling in Ear
Sometimes the crackling in your ear is coming from an area near the ear, or a more specific medical condition. If the crackling conditions continue, consider one of the following:
TMJ Disorders
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sits right next to your ear canal.
If your jaw is misaligned or you’re dealing with teeth grinding, the clicking you hear is actually your jaw joint popping.
Middle Ear Myoclonus (MEM)
Think of this as a “twitchy eye” but inside your ear.
Tiny muscles (the stapedius or tensor tympani) can sometimes spasm rhythmically, causing a seemingly random thumping or clicking noise.
Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET) Dysfunction
Most of the time, the Eustachian tube remains closed and only opens when you swallow or yawn.
For people with PET Dysfunction, the tubes stay open constantly, causing “autophony,” a condition in which your breathing sounds echo or distort, often accompanied by crackling.
Five Early Signs Of A Crackling Sound In The Ear
Early signs of ear crackling can vary depending on the underlying cause.
Listed below are five common early signs that you must watch out for in case of something more serious going on:
- Popping & Clicking: You may notice popping or clicking sounds in one or both ears, similar to popping bubbles.
- The Sensation of Pressure: You might feel pressure in the ear, as if something is blocking it.
- Mild Discomfort: You may experience slight discomfort in the ear, which can be referred to as a sensation of mild pain or extreme itchiness.
- Fluctuation in Hearing Sensitivity: You might observe subtle changes in your ability to hear or even a slight reduction in hearing sensitivity, especially in the affected ear.
- Temporary Hearing Loss: Frequent episodes of temporary hearing loss or muffled sounds in your affected ear lasting for short periods are early signs of ear crackling.
It is essential to remember that these signs vary depending on the underlying causes.
If you experience any of these signs or have concerns about ear crackling, it is advised to consult medical professionals, including ENT specialists, for a proper diagnosis.
How To Preserve Your Ear From Crackling Sounds?
To preserve ear health and minimize crackling sounds, the best approach is simple ear health maintenance.
First, keep your ears clean and prevent excessive earwax buildup. Excessive earwax is a key contributor to the crackling sound and could lead to hearing damage if not treated appropriately.
If you work in a noisy environment or just love concerts, wear protective headphones (or safety earbuds). This is another instance of something that may not bother you in the moment but could cause serious injury later in life.
During activities like flying or swimming/scuba diving, it is advised to yawn or swallow to equalize pressure in your ears.
Also, this is very important. Do not use cotton swabs, car keys, or any other object to clean your ears.
Wonder why? Other than the obvious, any foreign object inserted into your ear pushes earwax deeper, causing damage to your delicate structure.
Lastly, drink enough water to maintain proper Eustachian tube function, facilitate equalization of pressure, and minimize the likelihood of crackling sounds.
How To Get Rid Of The Crackling Sound In The Ear?
The different treatments for the crackling sound you’re hearing really depend on the underlying cause. That’s why your audiologist will first focus on finding the reasons why it’s happening, then present you with a treatment plan.
One of the most common treatments begins with earwax removal. An audiologist will perform ear irrigation or use specialized tools to remove the buildup in a safe manner.
If you have issues caused by blockages, nasal congestion, or improper pressure equalization, the next step might be Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Management.
In case of ear infection or inflammation, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications should be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and resolve the underlying problems.
If the crackling sound is accompanied by tinnitus, treatments like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Sound Therapy, and TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy) are recommended to help manage the symptoms.
For cases where muscle tension or spasm contributes to the crackling sound, techniques such as physical therapy, jaw exercises, and relaxation exercises help reduce tension and offer immense relief.
The best way to address ear crackling is to identify the underlying cause and work with your audiologist to resolve it.
When to Worry About Crackling in Your Ear
While most of the time, nothing to worry about, if you suddenly experience any of these additional symptoms, it is time to call a doctor right away.
Sudden Hearing Loss
If everything suddenly goes quiet, this becomes a medical emergency. The sooner you get treatment (often within 48 hours), the better the chance of recovery.
Vertigo
Vertigo is when the room starts to spin, or you become dizzy. If you are suffering from this, it might mean you have an inner ear infection or Vestibular issues that, when left untreated, can cause long-term hearing problems.
Drainage
It can be unsettling to see blood, pus, or clear fluid leaking from the ear canal, and it’s time to call a medical professional because this is an emergency.
Facial Weakness
Any drooping or facial numbness can be a sign that the nerves running near the ear are under significant stress. You should call a doctor immediately if you notice these signs.
How To Safeguard Young Kids Against Loud Noises?
Studies have shown that long-term hearing damage isn’t always the result of a single instance, but rather the combination of loud noises over significant periods of time. Since you don’t lose all of your hearing at once, you’ll gradually lose your ability to hear if you don’t get regularly scheduled hearing checks.
Step one is to limit exposure. Minimize exposure to loud sounds, especially during fireworks, machinery, and TV time. Also, offer properly fitted ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs to kids when in a noisy environment.
Second, make sure all electronic devices, media, and toys have volume limitations. The goal is to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises.
You may also consider creating separate quiet areas at home for young kids where they can relax and take a break from the noise.
By practicing these measures, parents can safeguard their kids against damage caused by loud sounds.
Need Your Hearing Checked? Contact Hearing Health Center Today!
If you experience ear crackling with no pain, consult an ENT specialist or other medical expert to identify the issue and recommend treatment. It could be an earwax build-up, managing Eustachian tube dysfunction, or treating infections.
Consult our professionals at Hearing Health Center to get proper treatment, including earwax removal. We have a team to help patients find the treatment that best suits their unique hearing needs.
Hearing ability is a precious gift that enriches us and helps us connect to the world. Unfortunately, due to hectic lifestyles and impractical choices, hearing loss has become increasingly common, affecting all ages.
But the good news is that many of these cases of hearing loss are preventable. By practicing healthy choices and taking proactive steps, you can safeguard your hearing health for ages to come.
What Is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a reduced or diminished ability to pick up on sounds or even understand them. Its severity can range from minor to extreme, depending on the underlying reasons.
This includes ear infections, prolonged exposure to loud sounds, hereditary predisposition, head injury, side effects of a medicine, and aging.
The key to preventing or slowing hearing loss is to understand what is “loud” and to limit exposure. Understand that the louder the volume, the less time you can listen to it before it harms your hearing.
Why Is Hearing Loss Affecting People at Younger Ages?
There are myriad reasons why hearing loss appears to affect people now at earlier ages.
Loud environments and prolonged exposure to extreme volumes, such as recreational activities, concerts, and the constant use of personal audio devices at high volumes, are contributing significantly to hearing damage among young people.
With headphones becoming an everyday staple, constant exposure to loud music is slowly affecting people’s hearing. Add in how some occupations (construction sites, manufacturing facilities, aviation, transportation, and entertainment) regularly expose people to high levels of noise, and young people are more likely than ever to experience hearing loss.
Some medical conditions, such as genetic disorders, infections, and autoimmune diseases, can also lead to hearing loss, especially in younger individuals.
Genetic predisposition can make individuals more prone to hearing issues.
Thanks to cutting-edge diagnostic tools, more and more people are now aware of the importance of hearing health.
This includes improved identification and early detection of hearing loss. You can schedule a free comprehensive hearing exam at Hearing Health Center today.
What Are The Early Signs of Hearing Loss?
It is essential to note the early signs, although they vary by individual or specific type of hearing loss.
If you notice any of these signs or have concerns, connect with the Hearing Health Center team to avoid more serious, long-term damage.
Difficulty Deciphering Conversations
One of the early signs of hearing loss is trouble following conversations, especially in noisy environments.
You may find it challenging to understand what others are saying, leading to repeated questions or requests for clarification.
Increasing Volume
Turning the volume up or asking others to repeat themselves if you find it too loud or extremely loud indicates the onset of hearing loss.
Gradually increasing the volume is a major early sign that most people do not recognize.
Withdrawal from Social Events
Individuals with hearing loss often withdraw from social gatherings or group conversations.
This is the result of difficulties understanding conversations, which then leads to feeling frustrated, embarrassed, and even isolated.
Eventually, individuals will avoid situations that demand extensive communication.
Tinnitus
The perception of ringing, buzzing, or other ghost sounds in the ears is associated with hearing loss.
If you often experience tinnitus, especially with other symptoms such as difficulty hearing, it is advised to have your hearing checked.
6 Ways To Protect Yourself From Hearing Loss
1. Protect Your Ears Against Noise
Wear earplugs or muffs to reduce the impact of excessive sound at concerts or sporting events.
When at home, keep the volume at a normal level, especially when listening to music or watching TV, and use headphones.
2. Take Breaks from Noise
Taking regular breaks from noise is advised, especially in loud environments or when wearing headphones.
If you work at a loud site or in a noisy setting, take proper breaks in quieter areas to allow your ears to recover.
3. Be Cautious with Headphones
While earbuds and headphones entertain with convenience, don’t forget that they can be harmful, especially when misused.
Limit your use of headphones or earbuds, and when you do use them, keep the volume at a reasonable level.
Consider using noise-canceling headphones, which block external noise, so you can enjoy music without turning up the volume.
4. Follow a Healthy Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors influence your hearing health.
Avoid smoking; it can contribute to hearing loss. Manage chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes – they affect your auditory system.
Stay physically active and practice a balanced diet to promote overall well-being, including your ears’ health.
5. Be Cautious with Medicines
Certain medications, also known as ototoxic drugs, damage your hearing.
This means if you are prescribed medication, consult your healthcare professionals about potential side effects on your hearing.
Be vigilant and report any effects or changes in your hearing during or post medication.
6. Schedule Regular Hearing Tests
Like any other routine medical check-up, regular hearing evaluations play a key role in detecting potential hearing loss early.
Schedule an appointment with a trusted audiologist or hearing healthcare expert to monitor your hearing health and address your concerns.
Ready To Protect Your Hearing? Schedule Your Free Hearing Exam Today.
Hearing loss can happen at any age and for many reasons, but fear not.
You can avoid noise-related hearing loss by getting annual hearing health testing, avoiding ear-damaging loud sounds, wearing ear protection muffs around loud noises, and practicing safe headphone usage.
Schedule your free hearing health exam at Hearing Health Center today.
I did the research so you don’t have to.
Understanding Traditional Medicare vs. Advantage Plans
Traditional Medicare
Traditional Medicare is operated by the government and is a combination of Medicare Parts A (hospitalization) and Parts B (Physicians and testing), and Part D (drug plan). Traditional Medicare covers 80% of your health care costs. To cover the remaining 20%, you must buy a Medigap, or supplemental, policy.
Cost
The cost for traditional Medicare for 2026 is estimated to be $206.50 monthly. The cost for a supplemental plan (G Plans), the most popular supplemental plan costs $100-$200/month.
Traditional Medicare
The Good News
- You cannot be turned down for the best, most comprehensive (and expensive) plan (currently Plan G), even if you already have health issues.
- Almost all doctors and hospitals accept Traditional Medicare. You have the widest access to health providers.
- Out-of-pocket costs are limited to the annual Park B deductible, estimated at $288 in 2026.
The Bad News
- The premium for a supplemental policy is more than for Advantage Plans.
- You still must buy a separate drug plan (Part D).
Advantage Plan
Advantage plans are operated by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
Cost
You still must pay the cost for traditional Medicare (estimated 2026 premium of $206.50/month.
Advantage Plans
The Good News
- They often include additional benefits (dental, vision, hearing), that traditional Medicare does not cover.
- They usually include coverage (Part D), which is extra in Traditional Medicare.
The Bad News
- Many doctors and hospitals are dropping out of Advantage Plans because of declining reimbursement and paperwork nightmares.
- They require permission for testing and limited access to physicians and hospitals that are part of the group. Going out of network can mean higher costs or no coverage at all.
- Prior authorization is required for many services, which can delay or prevent needed care.
- Although premiums may be lower, Advantage Plans have higher co-payments, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums (in 2025, the out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Advantage Plans is $9350 for in-network services).
- They may not offer coverage outside of their service area, which can be a problem when you travel.
Bottom Line
- Open enrollment occurs from Oct. 15th to Dec. 7th. This is the only time you can choose or change plans.
- Check the notice your current plan sent you. How much have premiums and costs risen? Are your doctors and hospitals still in the Plan?
Resources to help you:
- Medicare.gov
- eHealth.com
- Boomerbenefits.com
- For personalized help, make sure you use a licensed individuals – not from an Advantage salesperson who earns a larger commission for selling those plans.
The ear is a dark, warm, moist place…the perfect environment for growing fungi, germs, and bacteria. Hearing aids reside in this environment 13 to 16 hours/day.
Guess what? Every time you remove your hearing aid from your ear, it is loaded with fungus, germs, and bacteria.
Reinserting your hearing aids without cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting them can irritate the lining of your ear canals, leading to redness, swelling, itching, pain, unpleasant odors, and infections.
Here are our best tips on how to clean and disinfect your hearing aids.
Do I Have To Clean or Disinfect My Hearing Aids?
There are three key reasons why you should always clean and disinfect your hearing aids:
- Protect your ears
- Upkeep for optimal performance
- Avoid broken parts
A hearing aid, similar to an earbud or any type of headphone that sits in your ear, collects earwax, dirt, dust, and debris over time. While little bits of that won’t hurt, over time, all of those materials mixed within your ear can lead to ear infections and skin irritations.
Long-term, you might experience other ear-pain-related issues, all because you didn’t clean your hearing aids.
Like most electronics, the better you take care of them, the better they’ll work. Hearing aids are no different.
To maintain your ability to hear and the clarity with which sound comes through your hearing aid, you must clean it regularly. Debris (especially earwax and moisture) clogs microphones, receivers, and vents.
And of course, when your hearing aids start to break down, they just won’t last as long. Well-maintained hearing aids can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, but if you aren’t keeping up with cleaning, that time will shorten quickly.
While Hearing Health Center is always ready to help with any repairs you might need, we also want your hearing aids to last as long as possible to save you money and protect your hearing.
How To Clean Your Hearing Aids
Step 1: Wipe with a non-alcohol sanitizing wipe (like Audio Wipes).
Step 2: Keep your hearing aids in a drying system (Dry and Store) or the new (PerfectClean) explicitly designed to sanitize and pull out the moisture inside the hearing aids that accumulated from your ear.
Drying systems utilize desiccants and heated, moving air to dry the hearing aid both inside and out. The built-in ultraviolet light sanitizes and kills germs while removing moisture.
Using a drying kit will:
- Increase the life of your hearing aids
- Prevent costly repairs
- Increase battery life
- Maintain the peak performance of your hearing aids
- Relieve itchy ears by killing germs
**Pro Tip!** Never use alcohol on hearing aids or ear molds. It will ruin and erode the surfaces and special plastic materials used in the manufacturing process. Alcohol will also damage the delicate components of the hearing aid.
What NOT To Do When Cleaning Your Hearing Aids
1. Do NOT use household cleaning products to clean hearing aids.
It might be tempting to grab something underneath your sink to clean out your dirty hearing aids, but let me stop you there.
Not only could the chemicals cause your hearing aids to malfunction, but certain products may also harm your ears.
Instead, stick to cleaning products specifically designed for use with hearing aids. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask a member of the Hearing Health Center team.
2. Do NOT use sharp objects to clean hearing aids.
The products around your house, such as pins, needles, or even pencils, should never be used to clean something out of your hearing aids.
If an object is sharp, you have a good chance of puncturing and scratching the inner workings of your device, which increases the likelihood of breakage.
3. Do NOT submerge hearing aids in water to clean them.
We know it sounds obvious, but hearing aids are not waterproof. They might be water-resistant, but that isn’t the same thing. Instead, use a damp cloth with hearing aid-specific cleaning products to wipe them down.
4. NEVER use compressed air to clean hearing aids.
Your hearing aids are fragile, so a single blast from a can of compressed air could cause a lot of problems. The power is too much for the inner workings of your hearing aids to function, so whatever you do, do not use compressed air.
Need Help with Your Hearing Aids? Call Hearing Health Center Today.
Whether your hearing aids need tuning up or you’re in the market for a new pair, the team at Hearing Health Center has you covered. Our experienced audiologists conduct a comprehensive hearing exam to ensure your hearing aids are a perfect match for your needs.
Don’t delay; call Hearing Health Center or schedule an appointment online today.
You get out of the shower or start getting ready for the day, and you see a Q-tip on your counter. Next thing you know, it’s swirling around in your ear, only to make things muffled or hard to hear.
It’s pretty standard for patients to think they can clean their own ears, but unfortunately, it often leads to a pretty bad experience.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common earwax cleaning myths and why you should work with an audiologist the next time you think you might have too much earwax.
Why Do I Have Earwax?
EWWW…EARWAX! DISGUSTING!
Why is everyone so grossed out by earwax?
Well, for one, it looks gross. It’s brown, greenish, gunky and sometimes gooey and sticky. Just seeing it can make you feel unclean and in need of hygiene.
But get over it! Everyone has earwax.
And, it’s a good thing you do, or you’d be in a lot of trouble.
There’s a reason you have earwax. It creates a waterproof lining in your ears that keeps them dry, which prevents germs and bacteria from causing constant infections.
Earwax traps dirt and dust, and little pieces of cotton (from those nasty Q-tips), and all the stuff that gets stuck in the hairspray you accidentally sprayed in your ears.
Wax keeps your ears lubricated and repels fungi, insects, and water.
Earwax has a purpose. It protects your ears.
Are There Different Kinds of Earwax?
Having too little earwax or over-cleaning your ears can cause dry, flaky, and itching ears and trigger infections.
Some wax is dry and flaky, and some wax is gooey and sticky. What kind you have is basically genetic. In general, Asians have dry earwax while European and African populations produce “wet” earwax.
Should I Clean My Own Ears?
GET THAT Q-TIP, BOBBY PIN, PEN KNIFE, SAMURAI SWORD OUT OF YOUR EAR!
Most ears are self-cleaning. Every time you chew or talk, the movement of your jaw causes the dusty, germ-laden wax to be pushed toward the opening of your ear, where it usually flakes and falls out. Meanwhile, the glands in your ear canals are producing new, protective, fresh wax.
When you stick objects in your ear, you’re really not helping. You’re pushing all the wax deeper into the canal and causing it to keep building up. Then the wax gets impacted.
- You get hearing loss
- You get an earache
- You get tinnitus (ringing in your ear)
- Your ears itch
- Your ears smell bad
- You puncture your eardrum
5 Things That Can Cause Excessive Earwax Build-Up
There are five main reasons why you might have excessive earwax. Some of these are things you can control, whereas others are just part of our genetics.
- The number one cause of excessive wax buildup is self-cleaning attempts.
- Genetics – some people just produce too much. It runs in the family
- Headphones*
- Hearing aids*
- Age – the ears produce less moisture, and the ear canals can narrow, causing the dry wax to get stuck.
*Your ears need to breathe and get air. Wearing headphones and using hearing aids can block the ears from performing their natural self-processing.
Common Earwax Cleaning Myths
We get patients every day who tell us about something they’ve heard online, or from a friend about cleaning their ears. Next thing you know, they tried something, and it made everything worse.
Here are some of the most common earwax cleaning myths we’ve heard:
Myth: Ear candling is a safe and effective way to remove earwax and toxins.
Ear candling, or ear coning, involves placing a lit, hollow candle into the ear canal, with the belief that it creates suction to draw out earwax and impurities.
Medical experts and scientific studies have consistently debunked this practice as both ineffective and highly dangerous.
It does not remove earwax; instead, it can lead to severe burns, introduce candle wax into the ear canal, cause ear infections, or even puncture the eardrum.
The residue found in candles after use is typically just candle wax and soot, not earwax.
Myth: You should clean your ears daily to maintain good hygiene.
While it’s important to keep the outer ear clean, the inner ear canal is remarkably self-cleaning.
Your ears are designed with a natural “conveyor belt” system, where old earwax is gradually moved out of the ear canal through jaw movements (like chewing and talking).
Attempting to clean your ears daily, especially by inserting objects, can disrupt this natural process, push wax deeper, and cause more problems than it solves.
For most people, simply wiping the outer ear with a damp cloth is sufficient.
Myth/Fact: Over-the-counter ear drops are a universal solution for all earwax problems.
Ear drops can help soften earwax, which can aid in its natural expulsion or make professional removal easier.
Many over-the-counter drops contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that work to break down earwax.
However, they are not a universal solution.
Ear drops should be used with caution and often under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if you suspect you have a perforated eardrum, an ear infection, or ear tubes.
For significant or impacted earwax, drops alone are usually not enough, and professional removal by an audiologist or doctor remains the safest and most effective method.
Cleaning Your Ears Isn’t a DIY Project. Call Hearing Health Center Today to Get Your Ears Cleaned Today.
Cleaning your ears isn’t a do-it-yourself project. Even if you use an over-the-counter remedy, how do you know if it worked? You can’t see what you’re doing in there.
If you think you have earwax buildup, do NOT try to fix it yourself. Your audiologist or doctor can remove it quickly, easily, comfortably, and professionally.
Schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists at Hearing Health Center for a comprehensive hearing exam and be on your way to better hearing.
You do not hear with your ears. Your ears are merely an appendage to collect sound and direct it to your brain, where the sound is processed, sorted, filtered, and deciphered so you can understand the world around you.
As processing, sorting, and filtering become increasingly complex, your ability to understand is negatively correlated with comprehension, which decreases.
Recent studies have revealed that there are clear connections between dementia and hearing loss. The goal of this piece is to help you understand how they are related and what steps you can take right now to lower the risks.
The Brain’s Role in Hearing
While your ears collect sound waves and convert them into electrical signals, they are merely the gateway.
The act of “hearing” unfolds deep within the intricate network of your brain.
Your ears funnel acoustic energy through the auditory canal to the eardrum, and then into the delicate structures of the middle and inner ear.
Here, these vibrations are transformed into neural impulses, electrical messages that travel quickly along the auditory nerve.
These raw electrical signals are meticulously processed, sorted, filtered, and deciphered by various regions of your brain, particularly within the auditory cortex located in the temporal lobe.
It’s here that mere vibrations are transformed into meaningful information: speech, music, environmental cues, and so much more.
All of this action occurs instantly.
This complex neural orchestration allows you to understand directions, appreciate a melody, and interpret the subtle nuances in a loved one’s voice.
However, when the efficiency of this processing, sorting, and filtering within the brain becomes compromised, your ability to understand the world around you is negatively impacted.
You feel less connected; everything is more challenging to navigate.
When hearing loss occurs or cognitive decline is experienced, these factors become interconnected, making life less enjoyable and more challenging.
Hearing Loss and Dementia
The groundbreaking work by Dr. Frank Lin and his colleagues at Johns Hopkins University has transformed the way doctors and audiologists approach dementia and hearing loss.
One of their studies has revealed individuals with hearing loss experience a 30-40% accelerated rate of cognitive decline compared to those with normal hearing.
What’s particularly concerning is the dose-response relationship: the more significant the hearing loss, the greater the likelihood of developing a cognitive disorder and experiencing a steeper decline in mental function.
For instance, research shows that mild hearing loss can double the risk of dementia, moderate loss can triple it, and severe impairment can increase the risk by as much as five times.
Researchers have observed that even very mild hearing loss, often before it becomes noticeable in daily conversations, is associated with accelerated rates of gray matter shrinkage in the brain.
Gray matter is crucial for processing information, and its reduction suggests a significant impact on brain structure and function, not just the auditory pathways but also areas linked to memory and sensory integration.
This underscores the idea that changes occur in the brain long before significant hearing difficulties become apparent.
Hearing Loss as a Leading Modifiable Risk Factor for Dementia
In 2017, a collaboration of twenty-four international researchers identified nine key risk factors for dementia, with hearing loss identified as the highest contributing factor.
Subsequent reports, including the 2020 and 2024 updates, have reaffirmed and further emphasized this critical link, identifying hearing loss as one of 12 (now 14) modifiable risk factors that, if addressed globally, could potentially prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases.
This means that, among all the factors we can potentially change in our lives to reduce the risk of dementia, addressing hearing loss holds immense promise.
It highlights a powerful opportunity for preventative measures on both individual and public health levels.
The Social and Emotional Ramifications of Hearing Loss
For individuals with hearing loss, participating in everyday conversations, especially in noisy environments, demands immense concentration.
This constant “effortful listening” consumes a significant amount of brain space, making social interactions exhausting rather than enjoyable.
Activities like family gatherings, group outings, or even phone calls become sources of frustration and embarrassment, leading to increased isolation.
This social withdrawal has serious consequences for mental and emotional health.
Research indicates that untreated hearing loss is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness.
Studies show that social isolation itself is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia, independent of hearing loss.
The lack of regular social interaction can lead to mental stagnation, as the brain receives less varied stimulation from external conversations and activities.
The interconnectedness of these factors creates a challenging cycle. Untreated hearing loss leads to increased listening effort, which fuels social withdrawal and feelings of isolation.
This, in turn, reduces cognitive stimulation and can hurt mental health.
Ultimately, this ongoing cycle contributes to a decline in the overall quality of life.
However, there are ways to lower the risk of cognitive decline by maintaining good hearing health.
Debunking Hearing Loss Myths and Addressing Common Concerns
Is Hearing Loss Just a Sign of Old Age?
Myth: “Hearing loss is just a normal part of getting old, so there’s nothing to do about it.”
Fact: While hearing loss is more prevalent with age, it’s not an inevitable or untreatable consequence of aging.
Many factors, including noise exposure, genetics, and certain health conditions, contribute to hearing loss, which can affect people of all ages.
Are Hearing Aids Only for Severe Hearing Loss?
Myth: “My hearing loss isn’t that bad, so I don’t need hearing aids yet. They’re only for people with severe hearing impairment.”
Fact: This is a significant misconception.
Research, including studies from Johns Hopkins, shows that even mild, often unnoticed, hearing loss can accelerate cognitive decline.
Do Hearing Aids Make You Look Old or Frail?
Myth: “Wearing hearing aids will make me look old, infirm, or less capable.”
Fact: Modern hearing aids are incredibly discreet, technologically advanced, and often barely visible.
Many are virtually unnoticeable, fitting entirely in the ear canal or behind the ear with thin, transparent wires.
Will My Hearing Get Worse If I Wear Hearing Aids?
Myth: “If I start wearing hearing aids, my ears will become lazy, and my hearing will get worse.”
Fact: This is untrue.
Hearing aids do not make your hearing worse; they provide necessary amplification and clarity to the sounds your brain isn’t receiving adequately.
They help keep your auditory pathways active and stimulated, which is crucial for maintaining speech understanding and overall cognitive function.
Is It Okay to Wait Until My Hearing Loss Is Severe?
Myth: “I’ll wait until my hearing loss is really bad before I do anything about it.”
Fact: Waiting is detrimental to your hearing health.
Hearing loss is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for dementia.
Addressing it early is a preventative measure.
The longer you wait, the more your brain has to work to compensate, leading to cognitive strain and potentially irreversible changes in the brain’s ability to process sound and other information.
Early intervention preserves more cognitive function and facilitates the adaptation to hearing devices more easily.
Protect Your Hearing Health with Hearing Health Center
At Hearing Health Center, your hearing health is our priority. Schedule a comprehensive baseline hearing test and improve the quality of your life immediately.
We live in a digital age. With a click of a button, you can download your favorite movies. You can order the latest clothing trends.
You can even have your groceries delivered right to your door. So what about having your hearing aids delivered to you? Sure, the convenience and relative ease might be convincing.
But how do you know you’re really getting the hearing help you need?
The Convenience of Online vs. The Value of Professional Hearing Care
The hearing industry has experienced tremendous growth over the last 25 years.
We no longer see the “big beige bananas” earphones that plagued those with hearing problems in the past.
Now, hearing aids are small, discrete, and more technologically advanced than ever.
But you wouldn’t buy a pair of glasses without knowing your prescription, would you? The same principle should apply if you’re purchasing hearing aids.
The difference maker between online purchases and in-office ones is the trained Doctor of Audiology, who fits and sets up the hearing aids.
Unless your hearing aid is programmed directly for your needs—your physical ear, your lifestyle, your audiometric hearing loss—you won’t be getting the hearing help you need.
Instead, you’ll be left to figure it out yourself, leading to a lackluster hearing experience.
Why Professional Diagnosis is Non-Negotiable for Your Hearing Health
When it comes to your hearing, a professional diagnosis isn’t just a recommendation—it’s non-negotiable.
Why?
Before we even think about hearing aids, our Doctors of Audiology perform extensive testing to pinpoint the exact cause of your hearing problems.
Hearing loss isn’t always as straightforward as needing a volume boost.
Sometimes, hearing loss can be something easily treatable, such as a simple buildup of earwax. Other times, it’s a sign of a more serious medical issue.
You don’t and can’t know on your own.
Plus, without a medical diagnosis, you could end up spending a significant amount of money on a hearing aid you don’t even need.
We don’t want our patients to fall for the trap of an online solution when what they truly need is a precise and professional diagnosis.
The Role of Your Audiologist
There are four key roles your audiologist takes on when you come in with hearing problems: diagnosis, programming, fitting, and repairs.
At one of your first appointments, and before ever discussing hearing aids with you, Doctors of Audiology perform extensive testing to determine the root cause of your hearing problems. These simple tests are comprehensive and enable you to gain a thorough understanding of your current hearing health.
Without a doctor’s diagnosis, you could be scammed into paying for a hearing aid online that you do not need.
Once we’ve discussed your hearing aids, your audiologist will take the time to assist you in programming them.
Remember, hearing aids are not just volume controls.
Hearing aids have to be specifically programmed to help you hear the sounds you are missing.
Without a comprehensive test, even the best hearing aids can’t help you because they won’t be programmed to your needs.
Of course, you also want the right fit for your hearing aids. These must always be customized to the specific user.
If you purchase hearing aids online, there is no guarantee that they will fit your ears properly.
And in the unlikely event that something breaks, like any piece of equipment, your audiologist has the capabilities to repair and assist with any issues you might encounter.
Rather than having to fill out online forms or mail your hearing aids, Hearing Health Center can help you right away.
A Personalized Approach to Hearing Health
Your ears are as unique as your fingerprints, and your hearing loss pattern is entirely individual.
This is precisely why a personalized approach to hearing aid fitting and programming is a crucial step in your hearing health journey.
Without custom programming based on a comprehensive audiometric test, even the most advanced hearing aid technology will fall short.
It would be like trying to navigate a complex city with a generic map when you need a detailed GPS.
A personalized approach means your hearing aids are an extension of you, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Is an Online Bargain Truly a Better Value?
While a pair of online, over-the-counter hearing aids might retail for anywhere from $300 to $2,000, professionally fitted prescription hearing aids, which often include comprehensive services, are a bit more expensive.
At first glance, that price difference feels substantial.
But remember, that online “bargain” often doesn’t account for crucial elements like a professional diagnosis, custom programming tailored to your unique hearing loss, or personalized fitting for optimal comfort and effectiveness.
These aren’t just “add-ons”; they are the foundational pillars of successful hearing aid use.
Without a proper diagnosis, you may purchase an unnecessary device or one that fails to address the root cause of your hearing issues, resulting in wasted money.
If the fit is poor, you’ll experience discomfort and likely won’t wear them consistently, rendering your investment useless.
Is it really a bargain if you’re not hearing your best?
Ready to Improve Your Hearing? Call Hearing Health Center Today!
Want to experience the difference by working with Hearing Health Center? Our team delivers comprehensive, high-quality exams to ensure your hearing aids are the right match, fit, and sound for you.
Schedule your free examination to start hearing better today!
Hearing aids, like all electronic or mechanical devices, require routine maintenance. Otherwise, sounds become muffled or – in the worst-case scenarios – fail altogether.
Regardless of the style of hearing aid you have, they are all electronic devices that are placed in a sweaty, waxy, and moist environment for an average of 18 hours a day. That means gunk and dirt from your ears enter the hearing aids, causing malfunctions and unnecessary costs.
That’s why daily hearing aid cleaning and maintenance is important. With decades of experience, we’ve compiled the following tips to help keep your hearing aids working under the toughest of conditions.
Why Hearing Aid Maintenance Matters
Hearing aids improve the quality of life for anyone struggling with their hearing health. A 2022 study reported 80% of hearing aid owners are satisfied with their devices, and 64% acknowledged that hearing aids have improved the quality of their lives.
Despite that, a 2013 research paper identified that 80% of adults aged 55–74 years who would benefit from a hearing aid do not use them.
Some of that is due to poor fits or broken hearing aids, but there’s a portion of the population that struggles with the daily maintenance required to keep their hearing aids working properly. They might wear their hearing aids for a few months, then stop once the maintenance becomes too much.
But it’s important to note that hearing aids are electronic devices. Just like any other device in your home, they are susceptible to gunk, earwax, and dirt. Sensitive components, such as microphones, receivers, amplifiers, and batteries, are all vulnerable to moisture and ear buildup.
Regular upkeep helps prevent repairs and keeps your hearing devices functioning better and longer.
It’s not just about protecting your hearing aids, it’s about maintaining a healthy quality of life.
7 Tips to Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
1. Wipe Down Your Hearing Aids
This first step you should do at least once a day.
Take out your hearing aid and wipe it down as well as the dome with a tissue or moist wipe.
You can do this first thing in the morning or right before bed to ensure any buildup from the day isn’t still on the electronic parts.
2. Brush Parts of Your Hearing Aid
Your audiologist probably gave you a small brush when you picked up your hearing aids. Use that brush to clean your microphones, receivers, and other parts of hearing aids daily.
If you cannot find the original brush, use a small, soft baby toothbrush as an alternative.
3. Change Your Wax Guards
Hearing aids that have wax guard systems—check and change at least once a month, or anytime the wax guard is clogged and you’re not hearing well.
If you need to buy new ones, wax guards are available for purchase at all Hearing Health Center locations.
4. Replace Your Domes
Domes should be replaced if they start to become loose or sag, so they don’t become stuck in the ear canal.
Consider changing your domes every couple of months to prevent this from happening.
5. Air Out Your Batteries
Open the battery door at night to turn your hearing aids off and allow air to enter the battery compartment. This limits additional buildup and allows you a chance to clean any dirty areas.
As a bonus, this saves you some battery life.
6. Store Hearing Aids in a Dry Environment
Do NOT store the hearing in a humid environment like the bathroom.
Hearing aids spend most of their day in the humidity of your ear canal, so give them space to breathe and avoid picking up any additional bacteria that may exist due to the humid temperatures.
7. Use a Drying Unit
Place the hearing aids in a drying unit overnight.
Most units have fans to circulate the air, UV lights to kill bacteria, and a desiccant to remove moisture and humidity from the hearing aids. If you don’t have one, get one.
Need Help with Cleaning, Parts Replacement, or Hearing Aid Troubleshooting? Visit Hearing Health Center Today.
The team at Hearing Health Center is on your side and ready to help with all of your hearing aid problems. Schedule a visit with our audiology team today at any of our five locations, and we will work to make sure you never miss a conversation again.