HearWell Center

03/28/2026

Real-Ear Measurement (REM) is one of the best “gap closers” we have in audiology. 🙌

I had a patient come in recently and say, “I’m wearing hearing aids… but I’m not sure I’m actually hearing my wife better.” 😣 The devices worked for most people, but when his wife spoke, her speech remained unclear, especially in noise.

So we brought her in! Our REM device can actually record her speech in the room and match it to his hearing loss and the output of the hearing aids!

That’s why we use REMs. It lets us measure what your hearing aids are delivering inside your ear canal and adjust them to evidence-based targets, so we’re not guessing!

The small wins can be huge, but I think we can classify this one as a huge win. 👏👏👏

If you’re unsure whether your hearing aids are truly optimized, message us!

03/27/2026

Let's learn about tinnitus today (tinnitus is ringing, buzzing, humming, hisssing, ocean sounds, etc). Please click the link below to read our blog article. Here's a preview:

Q: Does having tinnitus automatically mean hearing loss, too?
A: Not necessarily. Many people with tinnitus have normal hearing, though tinnitus often co-occurs with hearing loss, especially age-related or noise-induced loss. Tinnitus can signal changes in the auditory system even when standard hearing tests appear normal, so an evaluation by a hearing care professional is important.

Persistent ringing might be more than a simple annoyance. New research suggests that phantom sounds could place an unexpected cognitive load on your memory and focus

03/27/2026

I came across an article this week that caught my attention. 📰 A major pharmaceutical company is investing in gene-editing research to treat certain types of hearing loss.

As an audiologist, I always keep an eye on developments like this. The science is fascinating, and any effort to better understand and potentially treat hearing loss at its root is worth watching.

Especially for genetic or congenital forms, where traditional hearing aids may not always be the full solution, research like this holds real promise.

👉 But I also carry a healthy dose of caution.

Breakthroughs in biotech often take years (sometimes decades) to go from early-stage research to real-world impact, and even then, they’re rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. Hearing isn’t just about the ear; it’s about the brain, the environment, communication, and identity. And even the most advanced treatment will still need to be paired with personalized care and support.

So while I’m hopeful and excited to see where this research leads, I also know this: right now, we do have proven, evidence-based ways to help people hear better, connect more deeply, and protect their cognitive health. 👂🧠

The future of hearing care might look different, and that’s a good thing. But today’s care still matters.
And I’m here for both!

Further reading: Fierce Biotech’s report on Eli Lilly’s $1.1B gene-editing pact for hearing loss

03/26/2026

An appointment that measures your ear canal volume can be one of those “small steps” that make a huge difference in how hearing aids actually sound.

Let’s break it down: 👇

We start by reviewing your hearing test and your real-life goals (restaurants, TV, church, family gatherings).

Then I place a tiny probe microphone in your ear canal, and we play speech-like sounds to measure what your hearing aids are actually delivering inside your ear. 🦻 From there, I adjust the settings until they match evidence-based target levels, and we fine-tune based on what you notice.

The best part? The wins are often immediate:

✅ clearer speech without cranking volume
✅ less “sharp” or “off” sound
✅ more balanced hearing between ears
✅ more confidence that everything is set correctly

If your hearing aids don’t feel quite right, or you want a verified fit from the start, message us!

03/25/2026

Some signs of hearing loss are subtle but meaningful:

- People seem to mumble or speak too softly.
- Group conversations leave you feeling left out or mentally drained.
- You find yourself guessing words based on context rather than truly hearing them.
- Certain sounds (birds, doorbells, phone rings) seem less noticeable than before.

Read more on our blog:

Are everyday sounds fading into the background? Subtle hearing loss symptoms can affect memory, focus, and connection more than you realize

03/25/2026

🧠 Your brain needs practice to hear its best.

Hearing aids work most effectively when worn consistently throughout the day, not just during social events. Regular wear helps your brain:

👂 Process speech more clearly
👂 Adjust to different sound environments
👂 Feel less overwhelmed in noise

Think of hearing like exercise: the more consistently you show up, the stronger it gets. 💪

03/24/2026

⚠️ 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. 👂✨

03/23/2026

👶 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! 👂💙

**We do not perform pediatric testing at our office. Please consider Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh as a wonderful resource for any pediatric hearing aid services***

03/22/2026

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

I had a patient tell me, “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!

03/21/2026

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. 😊

03/20/2026

Struggling to hear in noisy places? 🍽️ Location matters.

If you’re dining out or attending a gathering:

👉 Choose a booth or corner table
👉 Sit with your back to a wall
👉 Avoid sitting near kitchens, speakers, or high-traffic areas

Reducing background noise helps your brain focus on speech, with or without hearing aids. Sometimes, where you sit is just as important as what you hear. 👂

03/19/2026

👂 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.