Upstate Hearing Aid Center

03/15/2026

03/13/2026

⚠️ Not all cleaners are hearing-aid safe.

Alcohol-based wipes may be great for hands and surfaces, but they can damage the outer materials and internal components of hearing aids. Instead, use products specifically designed for hearing devices or ask us about safe, non-alcohol options.
When it comes to cleaning, gentle and hearing-aid–approved is best. 👂✨

03/12/2026

We get to know our patients like family. We celebrate their milestones, we learn their stories, and sometimes, we feel their absence more than people might expect.
Every so often, a family reaches out after a loved one has passed, asking what to do with their hearing aids. And while those calls are never easy, they’re filled with so much generosity.

If you ever find yourself in that position, know this: hearing aids can be donated and make a real difference. We collect them here at the office and pass them along to organizations like [the Lions Club], where they’re refurbished and given to someone in need.

It’s one small way a loved one’s care can continue, helping someone stay connected, just like they did.

If you have questions, we’re always here to walk you through it.

03/11/2026

👶 Access to sound is essential for speech and language development.

That’s why all babies receive a hearing screening shortly after birth. Early identification of hearing concerns allows families to make informed decisions and begin support as early as possible, setting children up for stronger communication outcomes.

If you ever have concerns about your child’s hearing or speech development, trust your instincts and reach out. Early action makes a big difference! 👂💙

03/10/2026

Hearing aids often start with the manufacturer's “first-fit” settings, basically the default setting, like a new phone.

PATIENTS TELL US... “They were programmed when I got them, so they should be fine… right?”

Sometimes they are. But without verification, it’s also common for fittings to be:
Too soft 👉 speech still unclear (especially s, f, th)
Too sharp 👉 loud but not comfortable
Unbalanced 👉 one ear working harder 👉 more listening fatigue
That’s why we use Real-Ear Measurement (REM). It takes us from “let’s try this and hope” to “let’s measure and confirm.”
REM helps us verify things like:
✅ soft speech (grandkids, across-the-room voices)
✅ everyday speech clarity + comfort
✅ loud sounds staying comfortable
✅ settings matching evidence-based targets

If your hearing aids feel “off,” let’s check them!

03/09/2026

Daily care doesn’t have to be complicated. Some of the best things you can do at home:
🦻 Wipe your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth each night
🦻 Use a cleaning brush to clear the microphone ports
🦻 Check wax guards or tubing regularly

Keeping your devices free of debris helps prevent sound issues and unnecessary repairs. When in doubt, we’re always happy to show you how. 😊

03/06/2026

👂 One small change can make a big difference in understanding.

When speaking to someone with hearing loss, try to:
💬 Get their attention first
💬 Face them directly
💬 Speak clearly (not louder)

Visual cues like facial expressions and lip movements play a huge role in understanding speech, even for people wearing hearing aids. Good communication isn’t about repeating yourself… it’s about connecting.

03/05/2026

The first week with hearing aids can feel strange, even when everything is going well.
For some types of hearing loss, this comment is very common: “My own voice sounds weird. It is too loud and kind of echoey.” They were worried something was wrong.
It reminds me of getting used to new glasses. 👓 At first, everything feels off, and then your brain settles in, and it starts to feel normal.

So we checked the fit, reviewed what causes that sensation, and made the right adjustments. Some of it is your brain adapting to sound again, and some of it is settings and comfort tweaks that we can dial in at follow-ups.

The win was that their voice started to sound normal again, comfort improved, and they felt confident sticking with the process!

Being fit with a new hearing aid prescription takes time! 🦻We love making time to make sure you are comfortable with your new prescription!

03/04/2026

Devices like these may be a starting point. But they’re not the full picture!

03/03/2026

Hearing health often goes unnoticed, but it affects more people than you might think.

Over 5% of the world’s population lives with disabling hearing loss, making it one of the most common (and overlooked) health concerns worldwide.

The good news? Many hearing concerns can be identified early and managed with routine care. Regular hearing checkups and timely support help keep you connected to the people and moments that matter most.

On World Hearing Day, we’re proud to support awareness, prevention, and access to hearing care for all. Because hearing health is health. 👂✨

03/02/2026

A quick daily clean can make a big difference. 🧼

Wiping your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth at the end of each day helps remove oils, moisture, and debris that can affect sound quality. Keeping microphone ports and wax traps clear allows your devices to work the way they’re meant to, consistently and clearly.

Think of it like brushing your teeth: a little daily care goes a long way. 👂✨

02/27/2026

When someone asks us, “Which hearing aid should I get?”our answer is always: It depends on your lifestyle and your hearing test.

Before we recommend a technology tier, we will ask things like:

👉 Are you in meetings or an office?
👉 How often are you in restaurants?
👉 Do you go to church/theater/large events?
👉 Any noisy hobbies (hunting, motorcycles, woodworking)?

Because one “noisy place” can change everything. We have had patients who loved games at the local sport venues in town like high schools. Mid-range was fine at home, but in that crowd noise, the patient needed premium features to be comfortable.

Here’s the key: Your diagnostic test results guide the power and processing you need, and your lifestyle helps us choose the extras!