A 2019 report from Common Sense Media into media use by US tweens and teens stated: *8- to 12-year-olds in the US used screens recreationally for an average of 4.44 hours per day – excluding time spent online for schoolwork. This is twice the recommended healthy exposure. *8- to 12-year-olds from high income families spent 1 hour 50 minutes ˂ low-income families. *Gaming accounts for (31%) of all screen time among 8- to 12-years-olds; (46%) play mobile games daily (in 2015 it was 27%); (24%) play console video games daily. On average, an hour and a half per day are spent gaming. citation: intenta.digital
Community News
Benefits of Pet Therapy
Pet therapy is a great form of compassionate care that has been popularized over the years, primarily on school campuses and across communities. The research on pet therapy’s effect on our aging population is remarkable. Pet therapy has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety. By providing connection and comfort through animals, pet therapy is extremely beneficial for feelings of stress and anxiety. Some studies even show positive results on mental functioning through pet therapy. Playing with animals is also a fun way to increase mobility as we age.
Cognitive Functions Decline with Age
Cognitive decline is a fact. Another fact is that there are exercises that you can do to combat this decline. Cognitive Therapy Exercises can help you think faster, focus better and remember more. You can build happy neurons for healthy aging. Happy Neuron Pro has nine categories for executive functions: *Verbal Memory, *Visual Memory, *Verbal and Visual Memory, *Spatial Memory, *Visual and Spatial Abilities, *Visual Attention, *Processing Speed and *Auditory. There are 45 exercises that are uniquely designed to be engaging and relevant so that you can practice skills and learn strategies to overcome cognitive obstacles and decline. Contact us to find out more.
Medical Emergency Hearing Loss
There are many causes of sensorineural hearing loss, including noise exposure, aging, exposure to ototoxic medication, head trauma and illness. Typically hearing loss declines gradually over time, however in cases of sporadic hearing loss it is important to seek immediate assessment to ensure the best treatment plan is established.
With the help of Oksana Melnichuk, a Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner (RHIP) at NexGen Hearing, we have compiled a list of symptoms that could suggest the need for urgent medical intervention.
1. Sudden Hearing Loss
A Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) occurs when there is a significant decline in hearing over a 72 hour window. This condition commonly affects only one ear and may present independent of other symptoms or in combination with a feeling of aural fullness, tinnitus and/or dizziness. A sudden decline in hearing requires immediate medical intervention to ensure treatment can be provided in a timely manner. Treatment should be received within 48 hours of the onset of a SSHL. An untreated SSHL can significantly impact an individual’s communication abilities and quality of life.
2. Fluctuating hearing loss
Fluctuating hearing loss can occur as a result of several different conditions, such as Ménière’s disease (MD), autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), head trauma, and/or ototoxic medications. It can occur in individuals with normal hearing or individuals who already present with hearing loss. The fluctuation may be noted in one ear or both and may occur on an irregular basis. It is important to contact your physician if you notice hearing fluctuations to establish the cause and treatment plan.
3. Tinnitus
Tinnitus is not a condition itself, but rather a symptom of another condition. Causes of tinnitus can range from prolonged exposure to loud sounds, aging, injuries to the head and neck, certain medications and/or other medical conditions such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease to name a few. Tinnitus is often described as a ringing in the ears; however, it can also be described as buzzing, hissing, chirping, whistling, etc. The sound can be intermittent or continuous and can vary in loudness. While there is no cure for tinnitus, some individuals find the perception of tinnitus can be reduced with the use of external masking devices. Medical treatment should be sought if tinnitus leads to an increase in stress, sleep disturbances, is pulsatile, and/or perceived in one ear only.
4. Ear discharge
The discharge of earwax from the ear canal is a normal occurrence, however if blood or fluid is noted medical intervention should be obtained as it may be indicative of a more serious medical condition, such as infection, trauma to the ear canal, middle ear space and/or skull bone and/or swimmer’s ear. If left untreated discharge from the ear can lead to reduced hearing abilities, discomfort and/or damage to the structures of the middle ear.
The staff at NexGen Hearing are dedicated to working alongside other health care professionals to ensure all patients receive timely access to care, information, and assistive technology.
If you or a loved one is currently or has experienced one or more of the above symptoms, please contact your local NexGen Hearing during business hours and advise you need an urgent diagnostic hearing assessment. If it is outside of normal business hours, please visit the Hospital Emergency Room for urgent assessment.
Fear of Falls Causes Unsafe Behavior
Someone who is fearful of falls, may start to avoid everyday activities by staying home and doing less. This lack of activity leads to the loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of coordination and balance. This deterioration of your physical being increases the risk of falling and, when a fall does occur, the fear is further heightened. Turn your fear of falling into positive actions: remain active, exercise regularly, use assistive devices such as walkers or grab bars, wear sensible shoes and consider participating in a group session with others who are anxious about falling.
Single-Event Sports Betting
The CBC article, “Conservative MP says the Saskatchewan government has ‘dropped the ball’ on single-event sports betting, featured Waugh’s Bill C-218, also known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act”. Bill C-218, passed by the Canadian Senate and received Royal Assent in June 2021, came into force in August 2021. The legislation allows provinces and territories to conduct and manage single-event betting on any sporting event except horse racing. In November, the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) announced that BC residents had placed more than $25 million in single-event sports bets within two months of the legalization. If you run into trouble, support is available. (https://bit.ly/3OJU3Um )
I just got diagnosed with hearing loss. Now what?
You’ve finally taken a hearing test and found out that you do in fact have a hearing loss. The diagnosis is official and you need hearing aids. Now what?
It can be difficult to come to terms with this type of diagnosis, and even a bit scary. The good news is that with proper care from a good audiologist or registered hearing professions such as a RHIP, the transition is worthwhile.
Coming to terms with the diagnosis
When an individual first receives a hearing loss diagnosis, it can take up to seven years before they start seeking treatment.
Many people struggle to accept the diagnosis as there might be personal reasons holding them back from treatment.
There are several risks of untreated hearing loss such as mental fatigue, poor emotional well-being and safety hazards, especially after long periods of time without treatment.
It’s important to avoid further consequences and recognize that treatment is a way to improve your quality of life. You can be more involved with your loved ones, recognize important sounds around you and effectively function better on your own.
Although it may seem frightening, expensive, or difficult to accept – treatment can benefit you greatly.
Audiologists and hearing health professionals at NexGen Hearing work with you to find the best treatment plan for your needs and help you receive the most effective hearing experience possible.
Getting your first hearing aids
Those with sensorineural hearing loss are typically treated with hearing aids. Since technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, hearing aids are more effective than ever with various brands offering unique experiences.
Before making recommendations, your audiologist or hearing health professional will conduct a formal needs assessment to address specific lifestyle needs outside of your hearing abilities.
They will learn about your social life, career, hobbies, budget, the style of hearing aids you like and more. All the information uncovered will help them tailor a hearing aid recommendation.
Your lifestyle and environment matter when it comes to selecting a hearing aid. Some people enjoy loud social gatherings so they need a hearing aid that can block out unnecessary background sound. Others may frequently spend time watching TV, so a hearing aid with excellent Bluetooth capabilities would be the most helpful.
Once a specific model is chosen, the hearing aid is ordered and you are booked in for a fitting. This appointment will introduce you to your new devices, ensure the hearing aid is comfortable and program the devices to your prescription.
There are several follow-up appointments around a week apart to fine-tune your hearing aid programs based on your feedback. Some patients might need certain sounds lowered or others increased to hear better.
In order to provide feedback that will improve your hearing aid programming, the hearing aids must be worn regularly so you can adapt to the hearing aids and new sound environment.
The goal is to make the transition easy for each individual so they can adjust to the hearing aids at their own pace. In some cases, patients need time to get used to the louder sounds because it can be overwhelming at first.
By moving as slowly or quickly as needed, you can get accustomed to the new sound environment comfortably and eventually reaching your prescription level.
Also during these appointments, you will receive education on all of the necessary hearing aid care such as how to charge them, properly clean and change their filters, connect to Bluetooth, warranty and more.
Your audiologist or hearing health professional is there to answer your questions, provide support throughout the experience and ensure you are getting the most out of your hearing aids.
Once all of the follow-up appointments are completed and you are happy with your hearing aids, you can go back to life as normal with support from your hearing clinic.
The next steps
The hearing aid journey doesn’t stop at the fitting and programming at NexGen Hearing Clinic. It continues throughout life as you navigate the world with hearing loss and hearing aids.
Always available and willing to help, the clinic provides support to its patients for as long as needed from quarterly check-ups to walk-ins with a hearing or hearing aid problem needing to be solved.
That being said, the best part about completing the fitting and programming stage is how your new hearing aids integrate into your day-to-day life.
Amplifying the sounds you struggle to hear and creating a fuller listening experience, the hearing aids improve your quality of life.
They become a tool for your success so you can hear the things you used to miss, feel more comfortable in situations that used to make it difficult to hear and gain confidence.
If you notice odd sounds, tech issues or other problems, NexGen Hearing Clinic’s front door is always open to help patients and provide support as they accumulate to live with hearing aids.
Are you looking to treat your hearing loss?
Audiologists and hearing professionals at NexGen Hearing are passionate, dedicated and experienced. They are here to support you on your journey to better hearing and help you experience an improved quality of life through exceptional care.
Patients are welcomed at over 45 clinics in the BC Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
To find a clinic near you and book an appointment, click here or call 1-877-606-6671.
Plan for the Future
For many of us, September seems like the start of a new year after a couple of months of fun and relaxation. As summer draws to a close, we plan for the seasons ahead. It is a perfect time to pre-plan our funeral. Pre-planning final arrangements brings a measure of certainty to the most uncertain time of our life. It reduces the financial burden on our loved ones in their time of distress. No matter at which stage of life you are in, you can gain comfort in knowing your plans are ready. Please request our free estate planning kit today.
Stay Active and Keep Growing
People who reside in our independent living community don’t think of themselves as old folks. Residents are artists, writers, photographers and learners, exploring and discovering new things every day. Aging is inevitable; growing old is a choice. Resident, Janet Lancey wrote about the label old. In Janet’s words, “Age is not a number, and it has nothing to do with appearance or status. It is, indeed, how you choose to lead your life”. Janet emphasizes the importance of grasping opportunities to keep growing, learning, and helping others gain better lives. Residents are encouraged to participate in an array of activities.
Why Do Seniors Become Tutors?
The opportunity to impact lives and give back to the community are two reasons why seniors become volunteer tutors. Volunteer Tutor David shares his thoughts about tutoring: “It’s very easy to hibernate when you’re retired. I know many colleagues who did exactly that. Wanting to avoid that, I looked for something useful to do, and tutoring fills that need very well. Tutoring is very rewarding. It is wonderful to see a learner suddenly grasp a language concept that they should have learned in school, but never did.” Please contact us for information on becoming a tutor.
Principles of Happier Aging™
We want to change the perceptions of aging. We believe that getting older doesn’t have to feel sad or helpless; instead, aging is something worth celebrating. As Atul Gawande wrote in his book, Being Mortal, “Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end”. Through our principles of Choice, Belonging, Respect, Autonomy and Purpose, we live Happier Aging. Happier Aging, at home, is our philosophy of care: for our clients, their families, our people and everyone we meet.
