PSAP. PSA. Hearing Amplifier. Hearing Aid.

There are so many terms flying around for devices meant to improve hearing that it’s hard to keep track of them.

This week, we’ll be talking about different types of hearing devices and which kind is right for you.

We’re so excited to announce that after a record high number of over 1,800 submissions, Vibe Air was chosen as a winner in the Health & Wellness category at this year’s CES Innovation Awards!

With so many hearing aids on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose which one works for your needs and fits your budget.

This week, we’re going to spend a little time talking about some of the ways that Vibe Air stands out from the pack as one of the most innovative hearing aids available.

These days, we know plenty about all the environmental causes for hearing loss.

From exposure to loud noises to certain medications, it’s far more common knowledge of the ways to prevent hearing loss. 

Now the focus has shifted to a much smaller scale: genetics.

The short answer to the question “Is hearing loss genetic” is “it can be, but isn’t always.” 

Advances in molecular biology have made it possible to identify and intervene much earlier in instances where hearing loss can be driven by genetic factors.

Before we dive into that, let's start with a quick overview of how hereditary conditions are passed down.

“Loneliness,” according to a study at UCSF, “can be especially debilitating to older adults and may predict serious health problems and even death.”

We’ve talked before on this blog about the side effects of hearing loss, especially those that it can have on your emotional well-being. There are many risks that hearing loss opens one up to, including those posed by social isolation and loneliness.

But just because you have hearing loss doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do! 

This week, we’re going to talk about how you can take matters into your own hands. We’ll dive into how hearing loss and a decline in social life are linked, why this matters, and what you can do about it.

It can be extremely difficult to sit on the sidelines and watch as a friend or loved one suffers from the side effects of hearing loss.

Broaching the topic can be difficult as well as there is still a stigma around hearing loss much like there was around wearing glasses at one point.

Today’s blog will be about helping those with hearing loss in a thoughtful, sensitive way.

There are an estimated 23 million older adults with untreated hearing problems which have been linked to a host of negative health outcomes. 

Last week, we learned about the mental risks that can come along with hearing loss.

In the second of this two-part series on the potential side effects of hearing loss, we’ll be focused on the physical effects of hearing loss including increased fall risk, reduced physical activity, and other physical consequences.

At its core, hearing loss is an issue with how your body processes and perceives sound. 

The side effects of this, however, have been strongly linked to negative side effects in both physical and mental wellbeing. 

While hearing loss may not cause any of the effects directly, there is significant research that shows that hearing loss may be a large driver of the problem, if not making it worse. 

This two-part series will explore the negative effects hearing loss has on your mental and physical well-being as well as ways to negate those effects.

Hearing allows us to gather information about the environment around us.

Any sensation of losing part of this important sense is scary, as we can feel cut off from the world around us and leaving us feeling isolated.

But, with approximately 15% of American adults aged 18 and over reporting some trouble hearing, you’re not alone.

This post will cover the process of hearing, how hearing loss is measured, and what to do if you start to think you may be suffering from hearing loss.

While most health insurance plans don’t cover hearing aids, you may still be able to reduce the cost of hearing aids using your HSA, HRA, or FSA benefits.

Buying a hearing aid is a significant investment in your health and quality of life, especially when looking for quality. While some health insurance plans provide an allowance for hearing aids, most do not. But the good news is that you may still can purchase your Vibe Air through a few special programs, including HSA, HRA, and FSA benefits.

The first step to find out is check if your health insurance includes a Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)—if it does, you should be able to use those funds to buy not only Vibe Air hearing aids but batteries as well!

Not sure if you have these benefits?

Your best bet is to check with your employer’s HR department. What’s more, the cost of a hearing aid and batteries, repairs, and maintenance is an IRS-approved, qualified medical expense.

Now, let’s take a peek at each of these benefit programs in detail.