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Paul Simon reveals sad health update

<p>At 82 years of age, the great Paul Simon – one half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel – has admitted to facing a new health challenge that could prove devastating to millions of fans worldwide: hearing loss.</p> <p>In a recent revelation, he spoke candidly about how this health issue has affected his performances, yet also how he's adapted in oder to continue pursuing his passion for music.</p> <p>Simon's discussion about his hearing loss comes ahead of the premiere of a two-part docuseries, <em>In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon</em>, set to air on MGM+ starting March 17. It's a timely revelation, shedding light on the personal struggles behind the legendary musician's enduring career.</p> <p>During a panel discussion, Simon disclosed the impact of his hearing loss on his recent stage experiences. While he's regained some comfort in singing and playing instruments, he noted difficulties when certain instruments overshadow his own voice.</p> <p>"If there's a drum or an electric guitar," he revealed, "it's too loud and I can't hear my voice. But when I first lost the hearing, I couldn't get – it threw me off."</p> <p>It's a frustration that resonates deeply with any performer reliant on auditory cues for their craft.</p> <p>Simon's journey with hearing loss began suddenly, with the loss predominantly affecting his left ear. In a previous interview, he described the initial frustration and annoyance at the unexplained condition, hoping it would eventually resolve itself.</p> <p>"Nobody has an explanation, so everything became more difficult," he said in a <em>Times</em> interview in May 2023. "My reaction to that was frustration and annoyance; not quite anger yet, because I thought it would pass, it would repair itself."</p> <p>Despite the challenges, he's found solace and creative expression through his daily guitar playing, using it as both a creative outlet and a source of comfort during trying times.</p> <p>Reflecting on his musical journey alongside Art Garfunkel, Simon highlighted the enduring impact of their collaboration. From their humble beginnings as schoolmates in New York to becoming one of the best-selling music acts of the 1960s and 1970s, Simon & Garfunkel's legacy is undeniable. Their timeless hits, including "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.</p> <p>Despite occasional tensions and artistic differences that led to their split in 1970, Simon & Garfunkel's partnership endured, marked by intermittent reunions for select performances. Their ability to transcend personal conflicts in the pursuit of their shared musical vision speaks volumes about their dedication to their craft and the enduring power of their bond.</p> <p>While Simon's journey may have taken an unexpected turn, his musical legacy continues to shine brightly, resonating with generations past, present and future.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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The path to better hearing, today

<p>In 1902, Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who would very soon become Queen Consort of the United Kingdom alongside King Edward VII, found herself enraptured by a fascinating new device that was fast becoming the talk of Europe.</p> <p>The young princess had been fitted with one of the world’s first portable electric hearing aids, and it proved to be a life-changing success.</p> <p>Back in Denmark, the impact of this event became a clarion call to one Hans Demant, a bicycle manufacturer and purveyor of sewing machines. His wife, Camilla, also suffered from severe hearing loss and so, after a determined journey to London, Hans returned with a precious electric “Acousticon”.</p> <p>Witnessing Camilla’s progress served as a source of inspiration for Hans to extend his assistance to a broader community of individuals suffering with hearing loss, and so he initiated the import of hearing devices from America. In 1904, Hans Demant founded the company that would later become known as <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/">Oticon</a>, a name now synonymous with cutting-edge hearing solutions, paving the way for the modern hearing aids we know today and bringing new-found joy to millions worldwide.</p> <h3>Hearing health</h3> <p>Hearing health is a such critical aspect of our overall well-being, yet it often goes overlooked until problems arise. In New Zealand, hearing issues affect a surprisingly large portion of the population, with a 2022 EHIMA report estimating as many as one in ten New Zealanders are living with hearing loss. Sadly, a lack of awareness can lead to irregular hear- ing check-ups, which in turn leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment.</p> <h3><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50616" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/11/miniRITE_R_H1-2023_RightLeft_C090ChromaBeige_LEDgreen_Speaker60_OpenBassDome_500pctSize_w_shadow_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="642" /></h3> <h3>A new world of sounds</h3> <p>A far cry from the bulky hearing aids of over a century ago that were hailed as a miracle in the press and transformed Queen Alexandra’s life, the pinnacle of today’s devices – such as <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/hearing-aid-users/hearing-aids/products/real" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oticon Real™ hearing aids</a> – continue to change the way we experience the world of sound.</p> <p>With their advanced processing capabilities and state-of-the-art technology, Oticon Real can help get back the real sounds of life, precise and optimally balanced, whether it’s the laughter of grandchildren, musical notes or simply the rustling of leaves in the wind.</p> <p>One of the standout features of Oticon Real hearing aids is a unique technology called Deep Neural Network (DNN). This built-in intelligence has learned to recognise all types of sounds, their details, and how they should ideally sound. This means they can instantly adapt to changes, keeping you at your best wherever life takes you.</p> <p>By analysing and adjusting to your environment, Oticon Real hearing aids ensure that they provide what you need to hear. They do this by reducing background noise, which can help enhance speech comprehension and allow you to engage effortlessly in conversations, even in noisy settings.</p> <h3>Connection is key</h3> <p>In today’s digital age, connectivity is paramount, and Oticon Real hearing aids certainly rise to the challenge, offering seamless connectivity to compatible* smartphones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. You can effortlessly stream phone calls, music and other audio directly to your hearing aids, vastly enhancing your listening experience.</p> <h3><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50617" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/11/Oticon_Real_Still_Life_miniRITE_R_Wallet_JBS_24873_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="863" /></h3> <h3>Improved quality of life</h3> <p>Perhaps the most significant benefit of Oticon Real hearing aids is their positive impact on your quality of life. Improved hearing can lead to increased social engagement, better relationships and enhanced overall well-being. With the help of Oticon Real, you can participate more actively in social gatherings, make the most of your favourite activities and feel more connected to the world around you.</p> <p>Oticon Real hearing aids aren’t just devices; they are a life-changing gift that allow you to reconnect with the sounds and people you love. No longer are they fit just for a queen; they are readily available to anyone with the need and the longing to be truly present for life’s most cherished moments.</p> <p><em>For more information and to find your nearest hearing clinic, visit <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oticon.co.nz</a></em></p> <p><em>*For information on hearing aid and device compatibility, visit <a href="https://www.oticon.co.nz/compatibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.oticon.co.nz/compatibility</a></em></p> <p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50618" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/11/Oticon_Real_miniRITE_R_9_colors_lineup_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="125" /></p> <p><em>All images: Supplied.</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Oticon.</em></p>

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What to do if your hearing aids get wet

<p>Like most electronic devices hearing aids should be kept clear of water but if you do happen to forget to take them off before showering or jumping in the pool, here’s what you should do if your aids get wet.</p> <p>The first step is to switch off your hearing aids and remove the battery. Keeping a wet battery inside your aid can further damage the device so it’s best to throw out waterlogged batteries. However, if that’s not an option carefully dry the battery with a cloth. For the hearing aids, here are some home methods to drying them:</p> <ul> <li>Shake the hearing aids with the battery compartment open to remove any excess water. Leave aids on newspaper to air dry indoors for at least a day.</li> <li>Place wet hearing aids near a lamp can speed up drying process, but do not place too close to light bulb as too much heat can damaged the device.</li> <li>Stick hearing aids into a container of uncooked rice or silica gel. Seal container and leave overnight. Both rice and silica gel can work as a dehumidifier and soak up water.</li> <li>Use a fan or hairdryer on the lowest setting. Only use hairdryer if it has a “cool” setting.</li> <li>Do not ever use high heat to dry the aids like an oven or microwave.</li> </ul> <p>If the above suggestions do not work, contact your hearing aid provider. Your hearing aids aren’t necessarily damaged beyond repair and your hearing aid provider can talk to you about options.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Say what? Here’s why you should check your hearing this September

<p dir="ltr">With Women’s Health Week held every September, it offers us a chance to really focus on the different aspects of our health that we might not think about in our day-to-day lives.</p> <p dir="ltr">For Lauren McNee, a clinical trainer and audiologist at Audika, this week provides the opportunity to check in with something many of us ignore: hearing loss.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Overall, Australians are not taking action to look after their hearing, with only one in five planning a hearing test in the next 12 months - compared to 39 percent who intend to get an eye test in the same period,” she tells <em>OverSixty</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Over 1.5 billion people live with some form of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound loss that can affect one or both of your ears.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though we might not think about it all that much, we rely on our ability to hear to interact with the world around us, with the <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/hearing-loss#tab=tab_1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Organisation</a> reporting that hearing loss can result in social isolation, loneliness and frustration, as well as $US 980 billion cost to the global economy each year.</p> <p dir="ltr">McNee says that taking the chance to check up on our ear health is particularly important as we age too, and should be among the various tests and check-ups we do to monitor our health.</p> <p dir="ltr">As we age, most of us will lose our hearing in some way, in a condition called presbycusis. According to the <a href="https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Institue on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders</a>, most of us will experience a combination of noise-induced hearing loss - from listening to sounds that are too loud or last too long - as well as age-related hearing loss which can occur because of changes to our inner ear.</p> <p dir="ltr">For women, McNee says that those with hearing loss are <a href="http://archotol.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1835392">more likely to suffer from depression</a> - but there are some key signs to look out for to catch hearing loss early.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Some key signs to look for include difficulty following conversations, phone conversations may be unclear, people seem to be mumbling, difficulty locating where sounds are coming from, ringing or buzzing in the ears, or even finding that you have to keep turning up the volume on the TV or radio,” she explains.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When a person’s communication becomes limited due to hearing loss, this can result in withdrawal from social activities and can lead to isolation – which we know can be a gateway to experiencing symptoms of depression.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Who’s at risk of hearing loss?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Though McNee says hearing loss “doesn’t discriminate”, there are some factors that can increase your risk of losing your hearing.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It depends on a few factors, including your age and risk factors such as family history, occupation, and any pre-existing conditions like diabetes – which is known to be linked to hearing loss,” McNee explains.</p> <p dir="ltr">Whether our hearing loss is due to exposure or age, the damage and changes in our ears can’t be reversed.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, there are ways to protect your ears from other causes of hearing loss and reduce your risk of further loss.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you are exposed to loud noises regularly, like renovations, loud music or engines,  make sure you are taking steps to protect your ears at those times by wearing appropriate hearing protection,” McNee suggests.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you like to listen to music, especially with ear bud headphones, make sure the volume is such that you can still hear others around you or keep listening time down.”</p> <p dir="ltr">McNee also suggests checking your hearing regularly, and that an annual check-up if you’re over the age 50 is best.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We usually recommend that people that aren’t exhibiting hearing loss, but are over the age of 50, get screened once a year just to be safe,” McNee says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you are at high-risk of hearing loss, or you are exhibiting symptoms, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible. Early detection can help reduce the risk of other related conditions such as depression.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Luckily, checking your hearing is a pretty quick and simple process, with tests offered in-person and online for free.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d617c227-7fff-f427-1c2a-dd98fef58d30"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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“I regained my confidence socially and professionally”: Why Hearing Australia is promising to make hearing easy this World Hearing Day

<p>When Rachel, a music teacher and professional clarinet player, first noticed changes in her hearing it was pretty daunting. “Sound is everything to a musician,” she explains. </p> <p>Rachel had become increasingly aware of “difficulty in conversations, especially in crowded situations or noisy rooms. Professionally I had great difficulty hearing students speak.”</p> <p>New findings from Hearing Australia’s ‘Hearing Road Test’ survey of Australians indicate that Rachel is not alone. Older Australians have become more aware of changes and symptoms of hearing loss during the last 12 – 24 months of the pandemic. </p> <p>Despite this, only one in four respondents have had their hearing checked in the last year; 78% of older Australians agreed that they would be more inclined to seek help for their hearing if they knew they could trial their hearings aids at home before they made a purchase. However, most respondents didn’t know that this was possible. </p> <p>For Rachel, however, it was the way her Hearing Australia audiologist Kristen was in tune with her life from the very start that made her hearing easy. From her initial hearing assessment and fitting when “Kristen’s bright and cheery personality took the stress out of the situation”, to all of the ongoing support she has since received, Rachel says that Hearing Australia makes her “feel safe and secure”. </p> <p>For Kristen, an audiologist and fellow musician, that’s music to her ears: “As a musician, your hearing is a big deal and so for Rachel to entrust me with her care makes me feel very privileged.”</p> <p>Fellow Hearing Australia audiologist Marc Vandenberg agrees. “Managing your hearing can improve quality of life, and Hearing Australia promises to make hearing easy,” he says. “We know that choosing a hearing aid is a personal decision and not something you can do on the spot. To help find the right solution, Australians are now able to ‘try before you buy’ on any of our hearing devices for 14 days*. </p> <p>“This means you can take your device home and test drive it in your everyday life to see how it performs, when you are catching up with loved ones, going shopping or watching TV.” </p> <p>This World Hearing Day, it’s time to manage your hearing your way. Test drive your hearing aids today to find your fit. </p> <p>For more information and to book a hearing test, call Hearing Australia on 134 HEAR or visit <a href="https://www.hearing.com.au/We-make-hearing-easy?utm_source=fabulate&amp;utm_medium=native&amp;utm_campaign=world+hearing+day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hearing.com.au</a>.</p> <p><em>* ”Try before you buy” requires you to complete a hearing assessment (which may incur a fee) before fitting, and is subject to Hearing Australia’s "Try before you buy" conditions. Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. Client statements are their own, Rachel received a thank you gift for her time.</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://www.hearing.com.au/We-make-hearing-easy?utm_source=fabulate&amp;utm_medium=native&amp;utm_campaign=world+hearing+day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hearing Australia</a>.</em></p>

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Perrottet criticised for failing to provide Auslan interpreters

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dominic Perrottet is facing criticism after it was pointed out he has made multiple appearances in his official capacity as Premier of NSW without making use of an Auslan interpreter for deaf and hard-of-hearing members of the community. This includes Monday’s ‘Freedom Day’ press conference from Watson’s Pub in Moore Park.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The absence of an interpreter was first noted by deaf activist Sherrie Beaver on Twitter, who said a source had told her Perrottet had cancelled Auslan interpreters for all NSW press conferences. She also stressed the importance of COVID-19 information being readily accessible to all, writing, “By being able to access information about changing COVID-19 restrictions in Auslan, Deaf people will be able to acclimate to the new COVID normal. Without access to information in Auslan, how will they be able to adjust life post-lockdown? Huge impact on their mental health!”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">With Sydney exiting lockdown today, I have noticed there wasn't an Auslan interpreter present at this morning's presser with <a href="https://twitter.com/Dom_Perrottet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dom_Perrottet</a> - same for the last few days. Source tells me Perrottet cancelled Auslan interpreters for all NSW press conferences.</p> — Sherrie Beaver (@isigniwander) <a href="https://twitter.com/isigniwander/status/1447363711161622531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Speaking to the Australian, Beaver said, “Having Auslan interpreters present at press conferences gives deaf people access to important information, so they are able to make informed decisions and lead full lives, especially during the pandemic and being able to adhere to changing Covid-19 restrictions. Captions are not wholly reliable due to several reasons, but mainly technical because captions can fail and often lags. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Deaf people are often not familiar with jargons and terminology used in pressers, which is another reason why Auslan interpreters are important.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Auslan is its own language with its own jargon and slang, and its grammar and vocabulary are quite different from English. According to the 2016 census, there are 10,000 native speakers in Australia, with many more speaking it as a second language. While not all deaf or hard-of-hearing people speak Auslan, providing an interpreter at government press conferences for those who do is an important way to ensure they feel like included and respected members of the community, and to ensure they have access to the same information at the same time as everyone else.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An ABC journalist then reached out to NSW Health, and was told by a spokesperson that as NSW starts to return to normal, there will be a range of media events, some of which may include the services of an Auslan interpreter, and some which may not. The spokesperson emphasised that when Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant would be speaking, an Auslan interpreter would always be requested.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">"NSW Health will also request an Auslan interpreter at any press conference where the Chief Health Officer or Deputy is providing a public health update."</p> — Celina Edmonds (@celina_edmonds) <a href="https://twitter.com/celina_edmonds/status/1447458472270856198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The group Australian Lawyers for Human Rights echoed Beaver’s sentiments, tweeting, “COVID-19 Press conferences are a fundamental source of information in an ever-shifting environment. Failure to provide real-time information in an accessible manner violates the human rights of people with disability”. </span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">COVID-19 Press conferences are a fundamental source of information in an ever-shifting environment. Failure to provide real-time information in an accessible manner violates the human rights of people with disability<a href="https://t.co/kkLFkKLwRj">https://t.co/kkLFkKLwRj</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nswpol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nswpol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/deafaustralia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@deafaustralia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DeafAustNSW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeafAustNSW</a></p> — Aus Law Human Rights (@AusLawyersHR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusLawyersHR/status/1447443106572357636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to not using Auslan interpreters at media events on Sunday and Monday, Perrottet did not utilise the services of one at an event on Tuesday morning about his government’s plan to support small businesses impacted by lockdowns.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images</span></em></p>

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Why you shouldn’t delay in getting your hearing tested

<p>While COVID-19 restrictions caused life as we know it to change drastically, many industries quickly adjusted to the new normal - and that was especially true of hearing aid companies.</p> <p>Hearing specialists knew that many of their customers would be wary or even unable to get to an appointment, so have adjusted accordingly. From sanitised stores to video check-ups, it’s meant those who need hearing help can still get it.</p> <p>Now restrictions are slowly being lifted, it’s a good time to get your hearing checked out - especially if you’ve been putting it off over the autumn. Companies like <a rel="noopener" href="https://hearingaidfinder.com.au/?utm_source=directgroup&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=over60-advertorial-hearing-tests-still-available" target="_blank">Hearing Aid Finder </a>can help you book an appointment, taking away the hassle of doing the research yourself.</p> <p><strong>Free tests and financial assistance for hearing devices  </strong></p> <p>The good news for Australian pensioners is that hearing tests are free and <a href="http://hearingservices.gov.au/wps/portal/hso/site/eligibility/programhelp/eligibility/!ut/p/a1/pZFLb8IwEIT_Cj3kaPmRlzlaFGiggKq-klyQE5zEbWKH1EXk3-NIPXApFHVvK41mZ-eDKYxhqvhBltxIrXg97GmwXT75AY4QWdK3zQwxtn59XMw8ghiG7zCFaa5MayqYVF96lGtlhDIOar-zWuYOqnQjHFTobiQOouu1slvb6bLjTSXq1kGilqXMZC1NP5i1udzBxHP93RiTDAgvLICHMAfUpwLsCC7GoRsEbhDadIlNh34Zhv4U_oIE-T-CCycSmyHcEnrPHsYejjbTaIrYZP6ymNOIzEMMn2986opheLPh4loNtkbSrSar0tpyUwGpCg3jM0YwPmdk5fJjv0-ZBT_APhoY_5982zTU7cFnsV4DntH-6Cd3JwKtaBE!/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/">eligible seniors</a> can get government assistance to help with the cost of a new device.</p> <p>Even if you’re not eligible for a government voucher, it’s worth checking if your private health fund extras will cover the cost of a hearing aid.</p> <p>So if you’re thinking about a test, it’s worth booking one sooner rather than later. Don’t wait for everything to reopen and risk your local hearing specialist being booked out. You can book an appointment via <a rel="noopener" href="https://hearingaidfinder.com.au/?utm_source=directgroup&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=over60-advertorial-hearing-tests-still-available" target="_blank">Hearing Aid Finder</a> today.</p> <p><strong>Increasing safety at hearing aid tests</strong></p> <p>Hearing specialists have been putting in special measures to ensure your safety. Stores are regularly sterilised, with longer gaps between appointments to allow time to clean. There’s also a limit on the number of people who can be in store at any given time.</p> <p>Companies like <a href="https://www.bloomhearing.com.au/en-au/news/coronavirus">Bloom</a> and <a href="https://www.ihear.com.au/blog/">ihear</a> are also conducting initial appointments over the phone. This will speed up the next step where, if necessary, you’ll head into the clinic for a hearing test.</p> <p>If you’re self-isolating or have mobility problems and are unable to leave your home, many clinicians will offer solutions, all the way from home visits through to fitting hearing aids remotely over telehealth, or leaving you an iPad with instructions on how to fit your new device.</p> <p><strong>Go with the hearing experts</strong></p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://hearingaidfinder.com.au/?utm_source=directgroup&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=over60-advertorial-hearing-tests-still-available" target="_blank">Hearing Aid Finder</a> makes your life easy. You’ll get a free hearing screening from a professional audiologist near you, and enjoy no-obligation trials on hearing aids so you can find a device that’s right for you.</p> <p>So if you’re ready to book your hearing test before life gets busy again, <a rel="noopener" href="https://hearingaidfinder.com.au/?utm_source=directgroup&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=over60-advertorial-hearing-tests-still-available" target="_blank">schedule an appointment today</a>.</p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article built in conjunction with <a rel="noopener" href="https://hearingaidfinder.com.au/?utm_source=directgroup&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=over60-advertorial-hearing-tests-still-available" target="_blank">Hearing Aid Finder</a>.</em></p>

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How to choose the right hearing aid for you

<p>Getting the best hearing aid for your needs is important, as picking the wrong style may mean that you don’t get the best outcome. Below, we have outlined some tips for choosing the best hearing aid for you. To ensure you have the best hearing aid with the right functionality for your requirements, be sure to read the tips below.</p> <p><strong>How does a hearing aid work?</strong></p> <p>Before you choose your new hearing aid, it is important to know how a hearing aid works. A hearing aid uses small microphones to collect sound from your environment. Then, a specialised computer chip converts that sound into a digital signal. Using advanced algorithms and processing, the signal is then adjusted to fit your specific hearing loss. Amongst other things, it will adjust the sound level for specific frequencies and lower unnecessary background noise. Finally, the receiver provides the amplified and processed signal directly in your ears.</p> <p><strong>Choose a hearing aid to match your lifestyle</strong></p> <p>One of the most important things to do when you choose a hearing aid is to determine the best hearing aid for your lifestyle. For example, do you spend most of your time at home watching television or listening to the radio? Or do you socialise regularly in restaurants and cafes? If so, it is recommended that you choose a hearing aid that matches your specific lifestyle.</p> <p>In addition to the basic hearing aid for use at home and the advanced hearing aid for socialising, there are also hearing aids that can stream audio directly from a number of devices, including your mobile phone or TV. These hearing aids have additional Bluetooth functionality, enabling you to stream phone calls or TV audio directly into your hearing aids.</p> <p><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7266829/hearing-choices-image-1_opt_500x334.jpg" alt="Hearing Choices Image 1_opt" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>Various hearing aid styles</strong></p> <p>There are also various styles of hearing aids. Below, we have described common types of hearing aid styles, which you may encounter while looking for the perfect hearing aid to match your requirements.</p> <ul> <li><strong>CIC (Completely in the Canal) or mini-CIC<br /></strong>The <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.hearingservices.gov.au/wps/portal/hso/site/eligibility/clientinfo/hearing_devices_available_through_the_program/device_types/">CIC hearing aid</a></strong></span> is designed to fit in the ear canal and can provide benefits for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. It is also the smallest and the least visible type of hearing aid on the market today. In addition to being less visible to the environment, the CIC has some additional benefits to offer. Firstly, the hearing aid is less likely to pick up sounds such as wind, which could prove useful to adults who spend a lot of time outdoors. However, there are some downsides to this style of hearing aid too, as this type generally lacks volume control, directional microphone and has a shorter battery life. The CIC is also susceptible to earwax clogging the speakers and needs to be cleaned/serviced more regularly than other styles of hearing aids.</li> <li><strong>ITC (In the Canal)<br /></strong>Another custom hearing aid is the ITC hearing aid (In the Canal). Like the CIC, the ITC is less visible than most types of hearing aids but still more visible than the CIC style. Contrary to the CIC, the ITC does have the room for some of those extra features people are looking for. However, the ITC hearing aid is still prone to blockages caused by earwax.</li> <li><strong>ITE (In the Ear)<br /></strong>Adults could also choose the ITE, which comes in two separate styles. The first is a full shell ITE, which fits the bowl-shaped area of the outer ear. Secondly, there is the half shell ITE, which fits the lower part of the ear. Styles come down to preferences though, since both types of hearing aids are used for mild to severe hearing loss. Naturally, the ITE comes with benefits. Firstly, the ITE has extra features such as volume control, but the overall device is easier to handle. ITE hearing aids tend to have a longer battery life too. There is a downside though, because this type of hearing device is usually more visible.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other hearing aid types</strong></p> <p>There are many other types of hearing aids you could consider. We mentioned some common types already, but there are many other styles that could prove useful for hearing loss; this includes the BTE (Behind the Ear) and the very popular RIC (Receiver in Canal) or sometimes known as the RITE (Receiver in the Ear) hearing aids.</p> <p>Many hearing aids can come with additional features, too. So, if you are looking for top functionality, be sure to consider extra features such as noise reduction, directional microphones, rechargeable batteries, telecoils, wireless connectivity, remote controls and more!</p> <p>Your hearing care professional will discuss the different styles available based on your lifestyle, hearing loss and budget. After a hearing test and consultation, they will be able to recommend a suitable hearing aid style for your specific needs.</p> <p>With over 1,000 different models and styles available on the Australian market, it can be difficult and confusing for a first-time hearing aid user to determine which is the right device for them without the help of a professional. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.hearingchoices.com.au/">Hearing Choices</a> </strong></span>works with Audiologists around the country and can provide a free initial phone consultation to answer any questions you have about choosing hearing aids.</p>

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Why you should leave earwax alone

<p>Although it is widely popular and irresistible, inserting cotton-tipped swabs into your ears has been strongly discouraged by health experts. Here’s why you should reconsider before you reach for cotton swaps every day.</p> <p><strong>1. Earwax is not a sign of poor hygiene</strong></p> <p>The medical term for earwax is cerumen and it has natural benefits for your ears. Cerumen is a natural moisturiser and prevents the skin inside the ear from drying out. It also traps dirt from reaching deep inside the ear canal, absorbs dead skin cells and prevents bacteria from reaching the inner ear.</p> <p>Everyone produces a different amount of earwax depending on factors such as ethnicity, age, environment and diet. It is not a sign that you have bad hygiene.</p> <p><strong>2. It can be harmful</strong></p> <p>Inserting cotton swabs into your ear can damage the ear canal or eardrum. It can also push earwax further into the canal and this can cause a feeling of pressure on the ear and diminished hearing. Clumps of ear wax pushed down near the eardrum can also lead to painful ear infections.</p> <p><strong>3. It’s unnecessary</strong></p> <p>The ear self-cleans itself so not routine maintenance is required. Earwax is produced within the ear canal and naturally migrates from inside to outside. For those who make more earwax than the average person or if the earwax becomes hard and dry, seeing a doctor is your best option.</p> <p>Your doctor can recommend over-the-counter ear drops that can soften earwax and allow it to exit your ear with ease. They may also look inside your ear and use instruments specifically designed to remove earwax. </p>

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Why some TV dialogue is so hard to hear

<p><em><strong>Lauren Ward is a Doctoral researcher in Audio Engineering and General Sir John Monash Scholar the University of Salford.</strong></em></p> <p>Within 24 hours of the first episode of wartime drama SS-GB being broadcast <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-39038406" target="_blank">the BBC received 100 complaints</a></strong></span>. Viewers took to Twitter to vent their frustrations with the sound. Many highlighted their annoyance that SS-GB was just the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-02-23/why-does-yet-another-tv-drama-have-mumbling-dialogue--and-whats-the-solution" target="_blank">latest drama to be plagued with audibility problems</a></strong></span>. The debate has stretched to the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39489713" target="_blank">House of Lords</a></strong></span>, with peers asking whether consultation with broadcasters is needed to address the issue.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Why do dramas on the BBC always mean mumbling. Couldn't watch Taboo or SS-GB without subtitles and the volume way up.</p> — Charlotte Gibbons (@C_Gibbons2005) <a href="https://twitter.com/C_Gibbons2005/status/833567761519493120">February 20, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>So is making television sound understandable as simple as asking actors to speak up? The short answer is: no. Clean recordings and well enunciated speech will always make dialogue easier to understand. However, the relationship between the audio from our television and what we understand as speech is much more complex.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/shortcuts/2017/feb/20/flatscreen-tvs-actors-or-realism-whats-to-blame-for-ss-gbs-mumbling-problem" target="_blank">Many news sources</a></strong></span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2017-04-04/debates/F84C55A0-3D8B-41F7-A19C-CC216F8C7B0B/TelevisionBroadcastsAudibility" target="_blank">some of the Lords</a></strong></span> blamed <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/20/ss-gb-bbc-re-examine-sound-yet-mumbling-complaints/" target="_blank">“modern flat televisions which place more emphasis on picture quality”</a></strong></span> than sound quality.</p> <p>There is some evidence to support this idea. A recent study <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.aes.org/e-lib/inst/browse.cfm?elib=18436" target="_blank">investigating how television sets effect speech intelligibility</a></strong></span> showed the frequency responses (how loud different frequencies are, relative to each other) in different television sets differed by 10 to 20 decibels. This means the low pitched, rumbling background sounds might be made louder than intended, while the higher pitched voices stay the same volume. This issue is made worse by locating the speakers in the television sets so they point downwards or even backwards.</p> <p>Speaker quality is likely a contributing factor but not all television programmes have suffered the same complaints as SS-GB. Assuming that viewers did not exclusively watch SS-GB with poor quality television speakers, this means there are other factors at play.</p> <p><strong>Have I heard this before?</strong></p> <p>Humans are quite good at understanding speech in challenging or noisy situations. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982209016807" target="_blank">Research</a></strong></span> indicates personal and psychological factors play a role in how well we are able to do this. Similarly, these factors may affect how we hear dialogue on television.</p> <p>For example, you might find it easy to understand Bart and Homer’s banter in your 500th episode of The Simpsons while multitasking on Twitter and making a cuppa. But when the first episode of the newest crime drama comes on, you may find that you have to sit down and pay full attention to understand the speech. How well we understand speech is effected by whether we have heard a talker, a particular accent or what they are talking about before.</p> <p>The effect of a familiar speaker on how well we understand speech is termed the “Familiar Talker Advantage”. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24131605" target="_blank">Studies have shown</a></strong></span> that we are able to understand our spouse’s voice (a highly familiar voice) better than unfamiliar voices. Even voices we have <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3081685/" target="_blank">only recently heard</a></strong></span> are easier to understand than those we are completely unfamiliar with.</p> <p>How predictable the content of the speech is also effects how easily we understand it. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://asa.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1121/1.381436" target="_blank">It has been well established</a></strong></span> that when we have language or content cues in the speech, we recognise speech twice as accurately, even in the most challenging of listening situations. If we hear Homer Simpson’s brazen American voice exclaiming “Who ate all the …”, our brains are likely to insert the missing word as “doughnut”, not “bell peppers”. And we probably wouldn’t even notice we were doing it.</p> <p>Happy Valley, another drama which had similar complaints to SS-GB, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/bbc-bosses-blame-accents-yet-7381498" target="_blank">had accents pointed to as the issue</a></strong></span>. On that occasion, the Lords criticised “indecipherable regional accents”. It has been shown, for American English, that <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2744323/" target="_blank">some accents are generally harder to understand than others</a></strong></span> regardless of your own accent. Though when hearing is greatly challenged by competing noise, speech in your own accent is easier to understand.</p> <p>Familiarity with an actor’s voice, their accent and what they may be speaking about changes our perception of the clarity of dialogue. This does not solve the issue of audibility more generally though.</p> <p><strong>I’m no expert, but I know what I like</strong></p> <p>Part of what makes the problem of audible speech on television difficult to solve is that there is no consensus on what “good sound” sounds like. Even among the barrage of complaints about SS-GB, some found no issue with the dialogue.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Watched SS-GB. No one mumbled. There was some bigly breathy talking going on, but no mumbles. Subtitles, headphones or better TV.</p> — Chris Bennion (@PigLimbedViking) <a href="https://twitter.com/PigLimbedViking/status/833977710682763264">February 21, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>Similar patterns have been seen in previous research by the BBC. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/publications/whitepaper272" target="_blank">An experimental football broadcast by the BBC</a></strong></span> in 2013 allowed viewers to adjust the volume of the crowd compared with the commentary. While most users (77%) agreed that they liked the personalised broadcast, they differed in their preferences. Some balanced commentary and crowd noise while others preferred all crowd noise or all commentary.</p> <p>The technology which allowed the user to alter the sound mix in the 2013 experiment is called <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/blog/2013/05/object-based-approach-to-broadcasting" target="_blank">object based broadcasting</a></strong></span>. In the future, this may allow viewers to alter the levels of different segments of the broadcast based on their preference or their needs on their own televisions. Studies have shown that using the technology in this way can <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7270767/" target="_blank">improve speech intelligibility</a></strong></span>. It has also been <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/publications/whitepaper324" target="_blank">proposed by the BBC</a></strong></span> as a way forward for improving television sound for the hard of hearing.</p> <p>The many factors effecting speech intelligibility mean that one particular sound mix will rarely make everyone happy. The provision of “personalisable” broadcast mixes, using object based broadcasting, may be the solution.</p> <p><em>Written by Lauren Ward. First appeared on <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation.</a></span></strong></em><img width="1" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/75423/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation"/></p>

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The trials and tribulations of getting mum used to her new hearing aids

<p><em><strong>Celena Ross’s plans to ramp up her celebrant businesses were compromised when she found herself part of the sandwich generation of caring for an elderly mother and grandchildren. Struggling with the unexpected hours of caring and faced with a loss of identity in her transition to semi-retirement, Celena established her website</strong> <a href="http://retireematters.com.au/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Retiree Matter</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">s</span></strong></a> <strong>to assist other corporate women.</strong></em></p> <p>Depressed and increasingly social isolated, mum finally received some good news – my request for her new hearing aids had been approved. This was a shock to us as it was approved three years earlier than the standard pensioner replacement time of five years.</p> <p><strong>Day 1</strong></p> <p>Unfortunately, on the day of the hearing aid appointment, I was still suffering from dizziness, brought about according to my doctor from an intense three months of caring for mum after she had had a fall. Instead, my 40-year-old son took his granny and returned her to my place all smiles.</p> <p>Wearing the small microphone shaped like a USB, clipped onto our tops, mum could hear us when she was in the kitchen and we went into the loungeroom. Again, with it clipped on my son who tends to mumble at times, she could hear him clearly. Placing the device in front of the TV, for the first time in years mum could hear the TV. She could even hear it without the USB microphone device, just with her new hearing aids.</p> <p>It was smiles, high-fives and happy times.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/health/hearing/2016/10/celena-ross-on-looking-after-her-hard-of-hearing-mother/" target="_blank">Gone will be the days of saying “Whatcha Say?”</a></strong></span>and then hanging up on the phone because she can’t hear.</p> <p><strong>Day 2</strong></p> <p>I went to Mum’s to drop off some shopping and check up on her but there was a problem, she couldn’t hear the TV. She was pushing volume buttons up and down on the remote device that ‘talks’ via Bluetooth to the USB microphone. “Stop,” I explained. It was the TV remote she needed to push as she had it on silent!  I explained with the new hearing aids and devices she could have it on at a level that I could sit and listen to the TV with her.</p> <p>I wrote out very simplified instructions regarding how the remote device she wore around her neck, ‘talked’ to the USB microphone.</p> <p><em>No light = OFF</em></p> <p><em>Green light = ON</em></p> <p><em>Blue Light – Bluetooth connected – the devices could ‘talk’ to each other</em></p> <p><em>Red Light – Turning Off (then would have no light).</em></p> <p>After a couple of practise runs she understood. Mum was planning on taking it to cards and was going to clip the USB to the side of her little water bottle cover.</p> <p><strong>Day 3</strong></p> <p>I rung mum to let her know what time my husband and I will pick her up to take her out for lunch as we normally do each Sunday.</p> <p>“How did you go yesterday at cards with your hearing aids and the USB microphone?” I asked.</p> <p>“I lost it,” she replied. “I lost the microphone. I think it might have been caught up at the end, in the tablecloths, or card packs when it was all been packed up.”</p> <p>I rang the card organiser and told her but they didn’t see it anywhere. My husband and I went to the retirement village to look for her hearing aid. My husband retraces the road, path, and into the centre where she played cards at the retirement village.  He looks in drains, curbs, driveway ramps but there was no sign of it. I look in her two handbags, purse, zip compartments, but again there was no sign of it. I even look all over her scooter.</p> <p>“Oh,” she said. “When I came back the scooter was extra noisy. I think something must have been misplaced when I went over the road bumps.” She added, “There is something wrong with the phone ringing volume. I could only hear it, because I was standing next to it.”</p> <p>My husband walks into her room and within seconds finds the USB microphone in front of the TV. </p> <p>“I thought that you said you left it in the centre yesterday afternoon?” I asked.</p> <p>“Oh,” says mum. “You found it – where was it?”</p> <p>“In front of the TV,” I reply.</p> <p>“Oh, well I can’t remember putting it there. I must have put it there when I came back and forgot.”</p> <p>“Anyway,” she added. “It doesn’t work. It’s useless, I can’t hear the TV.”</p> <p>I look at the device. “That is because it is turned off,” I say calmly. “You have to turn this on and the remote device, where are the sheet of instructions? I wrote out about the colours!”</p> <p>I set her hearing aid up again and we test it. Everything works fine so off we go to lunch. My son clips the USB onto his shirt and yes, granny can hear him.</p> <p>Then. “Oh, the background noise is so noisy, ” said mum.</p> <p>“Stand up and look behind you – there is nothing there!” I respond.</p> <p>Mum looks, “Well there is loud background noise.” </p> <p>“That is just the general noise of the RSL lunch area. Your brain has to readjust and get used to been able to hear again.”</p> <p>Mum goes to the loo, when she comes back she says, “Oh the toilet is so loud and noisy.”</p> <p>Great her new hearing aids are working – they might need the volume adjusted. Mind you mum has pushed volumes up and down so much since the audiologist had set them.</p> <p>Lunch over – mum heads into the pokies to play her $5 at 1 or 5 cents a push. She is very happy. She can hear and she wins $5!</p> <p><strong>Day 5</strong></p> <p>After two days of some busyness caring for hubby who had an eye operation, I finally get time to ring mum. Without enquiring how my hubby is – who does so much for her also – mum says, “I want you to take the hearing aids and everything back. They are too noisy. The microphone doesn’t work. The volume of everything is too loud – to much background noise.”</p> <p>I try and explain that the audiologist said it will take some time, to readjust to hearing and to preserve.</p> <p>Mum replies dogmatically and emphasising her words, “I SAID TAKE THEM BACK. I DON’T WANT THEM. THEY ARE TOO NOISY AND DON’T WORK.”</p> <p>Mum explained that she spoke to another woman who had something similar – and how she stopped using them and reverted to her old hearing aids.</p> <p>Mum says she has packed everything back into the box and that I am to come and pick them up and take them back. Mum has the Bluetooth remote and USB microphone on trial for just over a fortnight before paying $550 for those – the hearing aids are free replacements. Remember, because she was crying from depression with her social isolation from not been able to hear and people ignoring her.</p> <p>I try to explain it is like rehab after a hip operation. You have to keep working at the exercise for improvement. Same with the hearing aids, you just have to keep wearing them, persevere to get used to them and retrain the brain.</p> <p>Mum replies, that there are at least five deaf people at the RSL cards and none of them have a remote device or microphone. Well I reply aren’t you lucky you do have these to help you with your hearing.</p> <p>“I don’t want them. I am using my old hearing aids. I want you to TAKE IT ALL BACK,” she says.</p> <p>I respond, “I can’t hear you. Whatcha say?” I hang up.</p> <p>It is time for a Bailey’s on the rocks!  Time is 9.30am.</p> <p><em>Follow Celena Ross on <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Retireematters/" target="_blank">Facebook here.</a></span></strong></em></p>

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Hearing aids 101

<p>Did you know that one in six Australians suffer from hearing loss? As startling as <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.hearing.com.au/causes-hearing-loss-australia/" target="_blank">this statistic</a></strong></span> is, it’s only expected to increase. In fact, scientists believe that by 2050 this could shift to one in four. Fortunately, 100 per cent of this group can benefit from the use of a hearing aid. While hearing loss isn’t reversible, hearing aids are tools which successfully amplify the hearing that you still have, improving the quality of conversations you have with those most important to you.</p> <p>Knowing that you need a hearing aid is the first step, and may be the easiest. There are many different types of hearing aids to explore – each as unique as the person wearing it. Here are some of the most popular options on the market, so you can start to determine <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116" target="_blank">which makes the most sense for you:</a></strong></span></p> <p>We’ll start with the smallest and most subtle of hearing aids: In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) models. Both offer cosmetic advantages if you do not want those around you to know that you are wearing hearing aids. They’re designed to be <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oticon.global/support/how-to/put-on-remove-hearing-aid/" target="_blank">easily removed</a></strong></span> small aids in a case which fits either partly, or completely inside your ear canal. These are most frequently chosen by those who are impacted by mild to moderate hearing loss.</p> <p>The ITC, or In-the-Canal and the ITE or the In-the-Ear are two popular models for those who suffer from a higher degree of hearing loss, from moderate to severe. While these sit comfortably in the ear canal, as the name infers, there is a small area of the hearing aid which is viewable to those nearby. The different elements of the aid are housed inside a shell, which fills the outer part of the ear. Because these are slightly larger than the ITC and CIC models, they are easier to handle for some.</p> <p>Behind-the-Ear or BTE hearing aids are a safe and simple option. Each part of the hearing aid can be found within a small plastic case. This case then rests behind either ear and is connected to an ear mold with clear tubing. Since their design is not as invasive, they’re ideal for younger children.</p> <p>You may have noticed a common thread running through all of the above options. Each is easily removable by the wearer. That’s not the case with Extended Wear Hearing Aids. These devices are placed directly into the ear canal, nonsurgical, by an audiologist or hearing expert. These devices are especially worth looking into, if you’re regularly active, because the engineering will protect against moisture and earwax.</p> <p>As mentioned above, this is just a small glimpse into the world of hearing aids. Check out the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.hearlink.com.au/" target="_blank">Hearlink blog</a></strong></span> for more information about the different types of <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.hearlink.com.au/" target="_blank">hearing aids</a></span></strong> and how to use them.</p> <p><em>Written by Hearlink. </em></p>

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6 famous people with hearing loss

<p>Whether someone is born with hearing loss or encounters it later in life, it provides difficulties and challenges that many people will never understand. These inspirational people have gone down in history for their successes despite battling hearing loss.</p> <p><strong>1. Ludwig van Beethoven</strong></p> <p>At the age of 26, Beethoven began to lose his hearing and at the age of 44 he was almost completely deaf. Beethoven continued to compose music as his hearing declined and even when he was deaf. One of Beethoven’s greatest accomplishments during the time he had lost his hearing was the composition of the Ninth Symphony which was first performed in 1824.</p> <p><strong>2. Thomas Edison</strong></p> <p>Due to having scarlet fever as a young boy, Thomas Edison suffered from severe hearing problems. He referred to himself as deaf but he also believed his lack of hearing helped him to be a better scientist.</p> <p><strong>3. Marlee Matlin</strong></p> <p>When she was only 18 months old Marlee became deaf. In 1986, she won an Academy Award for her performance in <em>Children of a Lesser God</em>.</p> <p><strong>4. Helen Keller</strong></p> <p>Helen lost her sight and hearing at the tender age of 19 months old. An illness she contracted was the cause of her blindness and deafness. Helen Keller became a world-famous author, activist and lecturer.</p> <p><strong>5. Linda Bove</strong></p> <p>Linda Bove, who was an actress on <em>Sesame Street</em>, introduced children to sign language in her role as Linda the Librarian. She played her role from 1971 to 2003 and introduced children to issues surrounding the deaf community.</p> <p><strong>6. Gertrude Ederle</strong></p> <p>In 1926, Gertrude became deaf after she swam the English Channel. The American swimmer had poor hearing as a young girl due to contracting measles. </p>

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How to limit the volume on children’s devices

<p>As more children spend their free time on their technological devices, there is an increase in children who are engaging in unsafe listening practices. It is important to make sure children’s hearing is protected as the impact of blasting sound in their ears can stay with them for the rest of their lives. These tips will show you how you can use different features on devices to limit the volume your grandchild will have. Generally, it is recommended to set the maximum value at 60 per cent as this is the highest volume that is typically safe.</p> <p><strong>1.  Set restrictions on an iPhone or iPad</strong></p> <p>If you grandchild uses an Apple device, then you can use the ‘restrictions’ feature to limit the volume. To set the volume restriction go to ‘Settings’ on the device and you will be able to secure your change with a password. To learn how to set up the volume restriction in detail, <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201304" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>You can also set a maximum volume restriction in Music settings which does not require a parental lock password to do so.</p> <p><strong>2. Use an app to limit Android volumes</strong></p> <p>Android devices do not have a built-in volume control but there are apps that you can download in the Google Play Store that will limit maximum volume. Try searching ‘volume limiter for kids’ and various options will appear. Some apps have the parental lock option and others don’t so pick the app based on your preference.</p> <p><strong>3. Set a maximum volume in Google chrome</strong></p> <p>If your grandchildren are on the internet on a Chrome browser, then you can limit the volume for the videos and music they listen to. To set this feature up, you create a ‘supervised user’. The instructions to set this feature up can be found in <a href="https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/3463947?hl=en" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chrome help</span></strong></a>.</p> <p><strong>4. Check your television for parental volume controls</strong></p> <p>If you have a fairly modern television then you might have a maximum volume feature in the parental control settings. If you can’t find the settings on your TV menu then you can search the manual for directions. A quick way to search through the manual is to see if the manual is available online and then use Control+F within the manual to search for ‘volume’ or ‘sound control’.</p> <p><strong>5. Get the right headphones</strong></p> <p>Although earbud headphones are a popular headphone option, over-the-ear headphones are safer. Over-the-ear headphones sit further from the eardrum and are even more comfortable for little ears. There are also headphones that don’t play sounds that are louder than what is considered safe.</p> <p><strong>6. Limit your PC’s application volume</strong></p> <p>If your grandchild is using a PC, go to the ‘Volume mixer’ settings. You can access the settings by going to ‘control panel’ and clicking on ‘adjust system volume’. Set the device volume to 100% buy adjust the applications setting to the maximum volume you want. Once you have done this, the speakers volume range will be limited.</p> <p>How do you monitor the safety of children’s hearing? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

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