Berrie's Hearing and Optical Center

02/05/2026

Valentine’s Day often comes with chocolates, and while it’s not something to overdo, dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which are known to support healthy blood flow.

Good circulation plays an important role in overall wellness, including the tiny blood vessels that support hearing.

So go ahead and enjoy your sweet treat — just remember, moderation is key. 😉

02/02/2026

❤️ February is American Heart Month — and your hearing is part of the picture.

Healthy blood flow supports the brain and the ears. Research shows that untreated hearing loss can increase mental strain and affect overall brain health.

Taking care of your hearing is one more way to take care of your whole body, and a hearing check is a simple step toward long-term wellness. Call us to schedule a check-up now!

01/29/2026

Cold weather tip for hearing aid wearers ❄️

Hats, earmuffs, and scarves are great… but they can also rub against microphones and cause annoying noise.
✅ Try a snug knit hat (less fabric movement)
✅ Keep scarves from brushing your ears
✅ If you hear “rustling,” adjust your fit or your layers

Need help dialing in comfort for winter? Send us a message.

01/26/2026

5 ingredients to add to your diet to promote better hearing!
🐟Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, trout) – a good source of omega-3s, which have been associated with a lower risk of hearing loss in large prospective studies.
🥬Leafy greens (spinach, kale) – provide folate and carotenoids; higher intakes of specific carotenoids and folate have been linked with lower risk of hearing loss in cohort research.
🫘Beans and lentils – an easy way to build a DASH/Mediterranean-style plate, dietary patterns that have been associated with lower risk of hearing loss.
🥕Colorful produce (bell peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, citrus) – antioxidant-rich foods that help support overall cell health; antioxidant intake has been studied in relation to hearing outcomes.
🥜Nuts and seeds (walnuts, pumpkin seeds, almonds) – provide magnesium and vitamin E; magnesium and antioxidant nutrients have been researched for potential protective roles in hearing health contexts.

01/25/2026

Due to the impending storm and for the safety of our staff and patients, we will be CLOSED Monday Jan 26th.

01/23/2026

Questions about your hearing or devices? Reach out anytime, we are always here to help!

01/21/2026

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Kirsha Finemore, Au.D. to the team! 🎉

01/20/2026

Hearing is a shared experience, and support from family makes a real difference. If you’re communicating with someone who has hearing loss, small changes can help: get their attention first, face them when you speak, reduce background noise when possible, and rephrase rather than repeating the same words. If you’d like guidance tailored to your home and routines, we’re glad to talk through strategies together.

01/16/2026

Our neighbors in Gardiner have so much fun! If you’ve not seen a show at this beautiful venue Johnson Hall Opera House, you really need to put that on your to do list!

Visit Gardiner for the Arts! Tucked along the Kennebec River, downtown Gardiner is quietly becoming one of Maine’s most rewarding arts destinations—and at the heart of it all is Johnson Hall Opera House. More than just a historic venue, Johnson Hall is the cultural anchor of the community, drawi...

01/14/2026

If you’re new to hearing aids, the first few weeks are an adjustment, and that’s completely normal. Many patients notice sounds they haven’t heard in a while, and it can take time for the brain to adapt and for settings to be fine-tuned. Consistent wear and follow-up visits make a big difference. If you’re wondering, “Is this normal?” please reach out—we’re happy to help.

01/09/2026

A simple cleaning routine can help hearing aids sound clearer and last longer. A quick daily wipe-down and a weekly check for wax or debris can prevent many common “muffled” issues. If you’re unsure about what to clean or how often, bring your devices in, and we’ll show you an easy routine tailored to your specific model.

01/05/2026

January is a great time for a quick hearing aid “tune-up.” We can clean and inspect your devices, check performance, replace worn parts as needed, and review settings—plus update firmware when applicable. If your hearing aids have sounded softer, felt less comfortable, or you’ve had connectivity issues, a check can often resolve it quickly. Contact us to schedule your device check.