8 Tips That Preserve Your Technology AND PROTECT YOUR HEARING Thanks to hearing aids, people are able to engage in more activities each holiday season. Protect your technology with these eight tips and tricks specifically created for a winter full of festivities and fun.

1 TEMPERATURE CHANGE. Moisture from a drastic change in temperature (like walking into your cozy home from a chilly outdoor adventure) can damage hearing aids and shorten battery life. Earmuffs, a hat, or an umbrella will help prevent unwanted moisture from getting in.

2 WATER-RESISTANT TECHNOLOGY. If you lead an active lifestyle through the seasons, consider choosing water-resistant (note that these are not waterproof) hearing aids. These devices have a coating that protects them from perspiration and water drops.

3 MAKE SURE YOU’RE COVERED. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are at risk for damage due to the humidity from sweat. Ask us about hearing aid protection to reduce exposure to moisture, dirt, and dust.

4 HIGH AND DRY. Hearing aid dehumidifiers rid your technology of moisture overnight so they’re ready to go in the morning. Use this handy tool all year round to help extend the life of your technology.

5 DON’T BLOW IT. Snowblowers are estimated to range from 90 to 106 decibels (hearing damage starts at 85 decibels, or the sound level of a bulldozer). The longer you’re exposed to this noise, the greater your risk for hearing damage. Make sure you adjust the volume settings on your devices, or pick up a pair of decibel-reducing earmuffs.

6 SOAKED, NOT SUNK. If your hearing aid has gotten wet, remove the batteries immediately, store the hearing aid in a dry-aid kit or dehumidifier, and contact us to find out if other steps should be taken.

7 CAN’T STOP, WON’T STOP. Keep your batteries (and hearing aids) in tip-top shape by keeping them away from excessive temperatures. To help ensure your batteries perform efficiently, leave the battery door open at night or whenever you’re not using them.

8 SAFETY FIRST. When snow hits the ground, the fun outdoor activities begin. Risking damage to or loss of your hearing aids in the snow is not so entertaining. To keep the fun and your technology going, ask about adjustable retention products for hearing devices.

SOUNDNEWSVolume 8, Issue 3 • Winter 2015

Take advantage of our COMMUNITY APPRECIATION

OFFERS Look who’s looping now:Lots of new additions to the hearing looping world around town, mostly entertainment venues — see below and visit their websites for show times and offerings.

• The Fowler Theatre: Newly renovated movie theater — very reasonable fee and cheap popcorn and drinks! The story behind this theater and the community restoration project can be found on their website — it is worth a read!

• The Delphi Opera House: Again, old meets new. Well worth the trip to see how this old, dilapidated building is being restored to its glory days. See their website for more details on how this venue has been restored.

• Loeb Playhouse, Memorial Mall—Purdue University: FINALLY — got Purdue on board!

It is our understanding that Fowler Hall, located inside Stewart Center on Purdue’s campus, will be looped this year as well.

BatterySPECIALBuy one pack, get one free.Offer expires 12/31/15.

FREEClean & Checkof your current hearing devices.Offer expires 12/31/15.

2122 Scott St, Lafayette, IN 47904 765.588.9483

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY OF THE HEARING AID ACCESSORIES MENTIONED?

Well, we’ve got answers! Give us a call at 765.588.9483 so we can help you have the happiest, healthiest hearing this holiday!

Visit us online! www.LafayetteHearingCenter.com

facebook.com/LafayetteHearingCenter

@LafayetteHears

Learn more about better hearing solutions at AGXhearing.com

Mary Caccavo, Ph.D., AudiologistSusan Lopez, Au.D., Audiologist

Becky White, Front Office AssistantSusie Randolph, Patient Care Coordinator

Terry Donovan, M.A., Audiologist

2122 Scott StLafayette, IN 47904

CONCERTS & PLAYS

Whether you’re in a grand theater or at your grandkid’s school production, not missing a moment is essential to making lasting memories.

TELELOOP To help you hear better in these environments, ask about or advocate for a teleloop system. This transmits sound from a microphone to your hearing aid without the distraction of background noise. Many venues have a signer to help those of varying hearing losses experience the performance.

This time of year is full of festive fun and memory making. Make the most of your holiday season with these tips and tricks for your favorite holiday festivities.

How to Have HAPPIER

HEARINGThis Holiday

STAYING IN TOUCHIf you have family all over the country, you know the importance of staying in touch. When you experience hearing loss, some of the most personal forms of communication can become frustrating.

CAPTIONCALL® To help ensure you’re able to wish everyone in your life a happy holiday season, try out CaptionCall. This free assistive technology service helps with landline phone conversations by displaying on a screen the words of the individual you’re talking to — instantly.

VIDEO MESSAGING Try Skype® or FaceTime®. These applications give you the advantage of being able to see the person you’re speaking with for lip-reading, and you can adjust the volume as needed when talking to friends and family.

AROUND THE TABLEFood is a big part of the holidays — we want to help you get your fill of both the festivities and your friends and family with these better-hearing tips for the table.

SPEAK UP If you feel comfortable, a gentle reminder prior to a conversation to slow down, speak up, and speak directly toward you will go a long way, for you and for those in the conversation.

PICK A PLACE Sit near a relative you’d like to talk to and who won’t mind repeating comments for you if you miss something. Also, sit at a place at the table where there is less noise to interrupt your conversation.

IT’S PARTY TIMEThe more the merrier, right? Parties are another fun part of the holiday season, whether you’re celebrating with your co-workers, your family, or your friends. Put your best foot forward with these communication ideas.

TURN IT DOWN As you know, background noise can be very distracting. The hostess’s job is to help you enjoy yourself, so if you feel comfortable, ask them to turn down the music or television. We’re sure everyone will appreciate not having to yell!

SMALLER GROUPS ARE BEST Situating yourself around fewer people can help you focus more on what they’re saying — as well as boost your hearing confidence.

THERE ARE COUNTLESS WAYS FOR YOU TO HEAR YOUR BEST THIS HOLIDAY and endless events to practice in. When you find out what works best for you, you’re giving yourself the greatest gift of all: connection. Whether your festive focus includes religious services or a full social calendar, we want to help keep your spirits merry and bright by recommending a clean and check of your current devices. This is our busiest time of year, so call us today to schedule your cleaning!