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Hearing Aids and Compatible Apps

Are Hearing Aids and Apps Compatible with my Cell Phone?

A common concern for new hearing aid users is the ability to use their phone while wearing the devices. Thankfully, a few years back the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) implemented rules for phone manufacturers to ensure users could differentiate compatible versus non-compatible cell phones. This change obliged companies to make their devices hearing aid friendly. Today, there are applications and adaptors readily available to assist with the struggles of hearing loss.

What Phones are Hearing Aid Compatible?

Mobile devices have come a long way since the FCC rule was introduced, and since then all smartphones are required to be hearing aid compatible (HAC). With smartphones evolving at a rapid pace, the features and abilities for hearing aid users continue to progress. Users now have the ability to connect hearing aids to landlines through adaptors, making comfortable conversations possible at home and on the go. With this ever-changing technology, it is recommended you speak with your hearing healthcare professional for phone suggestions and assistance with connecting your hearing aid to your mobile and landline devices.

What is a Hearing Aid App?

There is a wide range of hearing aid apps that are designed to help individuals with hearing aids in a variety of ways. Some apps give users the ability to adjust their hearing aid levels, which is a useful tool when going from a loud environment to a quiet one, or vice versa. These apps often allow settings to be saved, so those with hearing aids can easily adjust their levels when returning to their common spaces. Hearing aid apps are also a useful tool for checking on battery levels for rechargeable hearing aids, ensuring users never have to question if they have enough battery life to last through the day.

Some of the most common hearing aid apps are those that connect directly to audio. With these apps, users are able to stream shows, music, phone calls and more straight to their hearing aids. Other apps provide decibel-measuring, which allows users to know how loud their surroundings are. In addition, some apps are designed to help train one’s brain with hearing exercises and keep track of hearing progress. These apps are also beneficial for hearing experts because they provide detailed information that can help determine the best plan of action for one’s hearing journey.

Is There an App for Tinnitus?

Millions of Canadians experience tinnitus, symptoms can range from a minor annoyance to a disrupting of daily life. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are some apps that can help ease the symptoms, which are often described as a ringing, chirping or buzzing noise in one’s ears. One of the most common treatment methods for tinnitus is sound masking, and there are several apps designed for this, with some compatible with hearing aids. Sound masking works by stimulating your brain and amplifying background noise to cover up the unpleasant sounds of tinnitus. Other apps include educational information about tinnitus, guided meditations, and breathing techniques. If you are experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, it is important to meet with a hearing expert to discuss treatment options. An audiologist or Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner (RHIP) will help guide you through your hearing process for an improved quality of life.

What are the Next Steps?

If you are wondering whether your smartphone is compatible with your hearing aids, or you’re searching for an app that works best for your hearing health and lifestyle, a hearing expert will be able to provide detailed information that’s tailored to you. Audiologists and hearing professionals at NexGen Hearing are passionate, dedicated and experienced.

NexGen Hearing offers free hearing tests and hearing aid consultations, hearing aid fittings, leasing options and sales. Book an appointment at one of our 45+ clinics in the BC Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island by clicking here or calling 1-877-606-6671

Benefits of Therapeutic Recreation

At the core of therapeutic recreation is the idea that recreation and leisure are integral to the quality of life. This is especially important for seniors who may be at increased risk of isolation and loneliness which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. The recreation programming at Seniors Communities offers many benefits for the emotional and spiritual realms of life, including *Decreasing symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. *Fostering positive experiences. *Improving self-confidence. *Increasing sense of belonging. *Decreasing loneliness, boredom and expressive behaviours.

Why Men’s Vigor?

We understand. Sexual health and performance is a topic that men are reluctant to talk about. Research states that 40% of men have experienced some sort of sexual performance anxiety by the age of 30, and that percentage often increases with age. We all want to feel strong, confident and have intimacy with our partner. While drug therapy is the typical approach to treating inadequate blood flow, it only provides a quick fix solution and does not address the underlying physical condition. Men’s Vigor is a way to get back in the game safely and effectively. No drugs, no surgery, no downtime. Health Canada Approved.

The Rhythms of Your Heart

The rhythms of your Heart Brain communicate with the rhythms of your Conscious Brain. Heart coherence occurs when the communication between the rhythms of your heart and the rhythms of your brain are in sync and your thoughts, actions and intentions are aligned. This communication is very important, as your heart is the master coordinator of the rhythms in your body. Heart coherence has a powerful effect on your mental, emotional and physical health. The many potential benefits include *decreased stress, *better sleep, *increased energy, *enhanced creativity, *and improved quality of life. A Certified Body Code/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you keep these rhythms healthy.

Superbowl

In 2022, several internet sources reported that Super Bowl LVI was THE largest sports betting sporting event in North America, including an increased percentage of prop bets ( x > 60%-70%). The Lombardi Line talk show reported a record handle at $179M+ (Las Vegas oddsmakers). The days of simply predicting a win/loss, quarter points or basic point spread are far behind us. Micro-betting, early cash outs, prop bets and other in-game betting features have heightened the gambling experience, mirroring slot machines in their neuro-chemical impact on the brain. How much betting will this year’s Super Bowl draw in?

Social Connection is Important

Social isolation, especially among seniors, is a growing problem which was elevated by the pandemic. Social isolation is associated with many health risks including; high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. For seniors living alone, a daily Check-In Service can be very beneficial. A check-in service offers a daily phone call and human contact. It provides a friendly chat that gives peace of mind and ensures someone knows you are doing Ok today. Nanaimo Lifeline’s Check-In Service aims to support seniors by maintaining a social connection and referring individuals to resources and events within their community.

Are Your Hormones Out of Balance?

Hormones affect many areas of your health; mood, metabolism and sexual/reproductive function. Anyone who has been through puberty knows that hormones have a powerful effect on one’s body. Unbalanced hormones can make you feel like a stranger in your own skin. Compounded hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a way to restore balance and help you feel like yourself again. With your healthcare provider’s prescription, we can help establish a hormone replacement regimen that brings your hormones back into balance to closely mimic what your body has been doing naturally for years. Kristen offers professional consultations to women interested in hormone replacement solutions.

Free SOS Learning Series Seminar

It is impossible to get through life without adversity. With a healthy resilience practice, you can bounce back more quickly. Join us Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m. to noon, at the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville for a free seminar led by Cindy Thompson ACC, M. Sc, RCC, where you will learn new ways to revive and restore your sense of well-being. For information about this seminar and to pre-register, go to SOSResiliencePractice.eventbrite.ca or call SOS at 250-248-2093 by February 9. Seminar capacity is limited to the first 50 registrants. Complimentary refreshments will be available to all attendees.

Do You Live In Tune With Your Biorhythms?

We live in a fast-paced society focused on performance, speed and constant routines. Nature works differently. There are clear cycles; the four seasons are an example. Whether we realize it or not, humans operate in cycles too and we call them biorhythms (physical, emotional and intellectual). Have you ever had days when you felt invincible, full of energy with a sharp mind? On the contrary, on other days you struggle to find the right words, keep getting emotional or tire easily? Check online to calculate your biorhythms, prepare for lows and optimize your peaks. Make the most of your natural cycles.

Community Event – CNOY

Have you registered to walk? The CNOY winterrific family-friendly walk raises money for local charities supporting people in our communities who have experienced homelessness. CNOY funding goes towards life-enhancing programs such as the employability program and life skills programming for people who have languished in isolation, helping them move beyond the basics of shelter and sustenance towards real change and hope. The event takes place on February 25th and features family-friendly 2 or 5-km walks. See the website for details on how you can get involved. Join tens of thousands of Canadians in over 180 communities who are participating to support their local community.

Wellness Expo – FREE Community Event

Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living™ is thrilled to present the 3rd Annual Wellness Expo on February 25 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. It will be a day to explore various approaches to health, nutrition, fitness and overall wellbeing. The Expo is FREE to attend. Check the Wellness Expo website for a list of exhibitors, health talks and door prizes.