Valley Hearing Aid Associates

12/23/2025

Winter colds can make your ears feel blocked or cause muffled hearing. Paying extra attention to ear care during the season helps them bounce back more quickly.

A stuffy nose, sore throat and headache are symptoms of a cold. A cold virus also can cause fluid buildup in the middle ear, affecting your hearing.

12/17/2025

Holiday parties are more enjoyable when everyone can stay part of the conversation without straining to hear. A few simple choices help guests hear clearly so they can relax and enjoy the celebration. https://bit.ly/44DsFC0

12/17/2025

How Loud Is Too Loud? 👂⚠️

Many everyday activities in work and life produce sound levels that can damage your hearing faster than you think. Here are a few simple examples:

🔊 Normal conversation – ~60 dB
🔊 Busy dental operatory / vacuum – ~85–90 dB
🔊 Motorcycle or power tools – ~95–100 dB
🔊 Sporting events / loud music – ~105 dB
🔊 Gunshot / fireworks – 140+ dB (instant damage)

📌 Sounds above 85 dB can cause hearing damage with repeated exposure. Protection matters—especially when noise is part of your daily routine.

Protect your hearing today so you can hear clearly tomorrow.

12/11/2025

Get your hearing aids party ready! Make sure your devices are charged, cleaned and adjusted so you can enjoy every conversation this holiday season.

12/05/2025

When picking out holiday toys, consider how loud they are to protect little ears. Choosing quieter options helps kids enjoy their gifts without putting their hearing at risk. https://bit.ly/4rzxrKU

12/02/2025

Winter can challenge your hearing aids, so check they’re ready for the cold. Simple habits help them run smoothly outdoors.

by Lindsay B. Robinson, HIA Program Manager January 15, 2025   As we head toward the midpoint of winter, many of us will continue to bundle up for at least the next couple of months before we can shed those extr

11/28/2025

Hearing aids aren’t just about hearing better. They help you join conversations, catch the little sounds you’ve been missing and enjoy daily moments more fully.

Health benefits that go beyond helping you hear better

11/24/2025

Tips to help you stay part of the conversation during holiday gatherings, even if hearing is a challenge. Learn simple ways to enjoy time with family and friends without missing a word.

11/19/2025

The holidays are near, and family gatherings are full of chatter. Making sure everyone, including those with hearing loss, can follow along keeps the season more enjoyable for all.

The new HLAA Hearing Loss Toolkit is your go-to resource for understanding and living well with hearing loss.

11/19/2025

Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) — often called a temporary hearing shift — is a short-term reduction in your hearing sensitivity after being exposed to loud sounds.

What it is

After loud noise (concerts, tools, gunfire, engines, etc.), the tiny hair cells in your inner ear become overstimulated and fatigued. This causes:
• Sounds to seem muffled
• Difficulty understanding speech
• Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
• A feeling like your ears are “plugged”

This shift in hearing ability is usually temporary, lasting a few hours to a couple of days, depending on noise intensity and duration.

Why it happens

Loud noise temporarily reduces the efficiency of:
• Hair cells in the cochlea
• Synapses between hair cells and auditory nerve fibers

These structures need time to recover after noise exposure.

When it becomes dangerous

If you experience TTS often, or if symptoms last more than 24–48 hours, it can indicate permanent damage known as Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS).

Repeated temporary shifts add up — the ear can only recover so many times before the changes become permanent.

How to prevent it
• Wear proper hearing protection (earmuffs, custom in-ear protection, or tactical in-ear devices).
• Avoid long exposure to loud noise.
• Take quiet breaks to let your ears recover.
• Keep volume below 60–70% on earbuds.

11/13/2025

Clear hearing supports your brain by keeping you engaged in conversations and everyday activities. Staying mentally active and protecting your hearing go hand in hand for overall cognitive health.

11/11/2025

How do you know if “loud” is too loud? 📱

Decibel meter apps can help you measure noise levels in your surroundings and protect your hearing.

Both free and paid options are available for iPhone, Android, and Apple Watch users.

Check out our roundup of some of the best apps in 2025 to help keep your ears safe! 👂
https://ow.ly/4nOR50XpBVk