The Hearing Boutique Gazette - News & Insights

Hearing Care for First Responders

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:33:20 GMT

Protecting Those Who Protect Us

First responders—paramedics, firefighters, police officers, and frontline medical professionals—work in environments defined by urgency, unpredictability, and often, intense noise exposure. From sirens and engines to alarms and chaotic scenes, their hearing is constantly under strain. Yet, hearing health is an often-overlooked aspect of occupational wellness in this population.

At its core, audiology care for first responders is about preservation, performance, and quality of life.

Repeated exposure to high-decibel environments places first responders at increased risk of noise-induced hearing loss . Hearing conversation in the presence of background noise can become especially difficult for individuals with this type of hearing loss.

Another critical concern is tinnitus , commonly described as ringing or buzzing in the ears. For many first responders, tinnitus can become a persistent companion.

Hearing Protection That Works in the Real World

Traditional hearing protection can be impractical in emergency situations where situational awareness is critical. Fortunately, modern solutions offer a balance between protection and performance.

Custom filtered hearing protection is designed to reduce harmful noise while preserving the ability to hear speech and environmental cues. Advanced filtered earplugs and electronic protection systems allow first responders to remain fully engaged in their surroundings, without compromising long-term hearing health.

Amplified Stethoscopes

For many in healthcare and emergency medicine, auscultation is a vital diagnostic tool. Amplified stethoscopes provide enhanced sound clarity, allowing clinicians to detect subtle findings even in noisy environments or in the presence of mild hearing loss.

These devices can be transformative—restoring confidence, improving diagnostic accuracy, and extending the longevity of a clinician’s career.

Proactive Care

Baseline hearing assessments and regular follow-up testing are essential for early detection and intervention. Audiologists can identify subtle changes and offer tailored strategies that support both hearing preservation and occupational performance.

First responders play a vital role in keeping our communities safe, often in high-noise, high-demand environments. Through proactive care and precision-fit hearing protection, we can help safeguard their hearing without compromising performance. At Webster Street Hearing Boutique, our custom-fit earplugs are designed to protect against harmful noise while preserving critical situational awareness—supporting both safety on the job and long-term hearing health.

For personalized hearing protection solutions, contact Webster Street Hearing Boutique at (902) 678-5550—our team would be pleased to guide you.

Written by: Shayna Swift, BA, MSc
Board-Certified Audiologist
Webster Street Hearing Boutique

Published: April 14, 2026

References:

American Academy of Audiology. (2020). Noise-induced hearing loss. https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/noise-induced-hearing-loss/

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2022). Noise - hearing loss. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/noise_hearing_loss.html

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2019). Noise and hearing loss prevention. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/

World Health Organization. (2021). World report on hearing. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/world-report-on-hearing

Can Hearing Aids Help with Tinnitus?

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:16:12 GMT

Tinnitus and Hearing Aids: Can Better Hearing Bring Relief?

Many people who come to our clinic describe tinnitus as a constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound that no one else can hear, affecting one or both ears. Tinnitus is very common, affecting an estimated 10–15% of adults, and recent Canadian data suggests it may be even more prevalent than previously thought. While tinnitus itself is not a disease, it can have a real impact on sleep, concentration, mood, and overall quality of life.

What is Tinnitus?

The most common form is subjective, chronic tinnitus, which means the sound is perceived only by the person experiencing it and is often linked to hearing loss. When the brain receives reduced sound input from the ears (for example, due to hearing loss) it may compensate by increasing internal neural activity—leading to the perception of tinnitus. Stress, poor sleep, anxiety, and other health factors can further amplify how noticeable or distressing it feels.

Can hearing aids help?

The answer from recent research is a clear yes—especially when hearing loss is present.

A review in The New England Journal of Medicine recommends hearing aids as a first-line treatment for tinnitus in patients with hearing loss. By amplifying everyday environmental sounds, hearing aids can make tinnitus less noticeable and may help normalize changes in the auditory system that occur when hearing has been reduced. Patients often report improvements not only in tinnitus awareness, but also in communication, listening effort, and overall quality of life.

This recommendation is further supported by newer evidence. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (2024) recommends hearing aids for adults with tinnitus and hearing loss, citing evidence that amplification reduces tinnitus loudness and its impact on daily life, with benefits lasting for years and minimal risk. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery similarly encourages hearing aid evaluation for patients with bothersome tinnitus and hearing loss.

A Comprehensive Approach to Tinnitus Care

Some hearing aids include built-in sound generators, and these can be helpful for certain individuals when combined with counseling. However, current evidence does not clearly show that they are superior to hearing aids alone. What does matter is a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that includes tinnitus education, counseling, sound enrichment strategies, and attention to factors like stress, sleep, and mental well-being. For patients with significant distress, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be recommended as part of care.

There is no single “cure” for tinnitus—but there are effective ways to reduce its impact. Based on strong and growing evidence, hearing aids are one of the most effective, low-risk, first-line options for managing tinnitus when hearing loss is involved. A thorough hearing assessment is often the most important first step toward relief and improved quality of life.

Written by: Shayna Swift, BA, MSc
Board-Certified Audiologist
Webster Street Hearing Boutique

Published: April 9, 2026

References:

Baguley, D., McFerran, D., & Hall, D. (2013). Tinnitus. The New England Journal of Medicine, 369(18), 1663–1672. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1208964

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2023). Tinnitus. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov

Sereda, M., Xia, J., El Refaie, A., & Hall, D. A. (2018). Sound therapy (using amplification devices and/or sound generators) for tinnitus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (12), CD013094. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD01309

Statistics Canada. (2019). Tinnitus in Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca

Tunkel, D. E., Bauer, C. A., Sun, G. H., Rosenfeld, R. M., Chandrasekhar, S. S., Cunningham, E. R., Archer, S. M., Blakley, B. W., Carter, J. M., Granieri, E. C., Henry, J. A., Hollingsworth, D. B., Khan, K. M., Mitchell, S., Monfared, A., Newman, C. W., Omole, F. S., Phillips, C. D., Robinson, S. K., … Whamond, E. J. (2014). Clinical practice guideline: Tinnitus. American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 151(2_suppl), S1–S40. https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599814545325

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense. (2024). VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for the management of tinnitus. https://www.healthquality.va.gov

Can Earbuds Damage my Hearing?

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:28:32 GMT

Protecting Your Hearing in the Age of Earbuds

Earbuds have become part of everyday life—from music and podcasts to calls on the go. But as convenient as they are, everyday listening habits can have a lasting impact on your hearing health. Understanding how to listen safely is key to protecting your hearing for years to come.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is no longer limited to workplaces or concerts—it’s increasingly linked to everyday earbud use. With more people listening for longer periods at higher volumes, understanding safe listening habits has never been more important.

About 19% of American teenagers show signs of NIHL.
24.4% of adults aged 20–69 have evidence of NIHL—and more than half of these cases occur in people without significant workplace noise exposure.
Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that nearly 50% of people aged 12–35 (around 1.1 billion individuals) are at risk due to unsafe listening practices, including earbud use.

That may sound alarming—but the good news is that NIHL is largely preventable.

How Loud Is Too Loud?

Many personal listening devices, including earbuds, can reach 100–110 decibels (dB)—and some can exceed 125 dB. For comparison, that’s similar to a chainsaw or a rock concert.

Hearing risk depends on two things:

How loud the sound is
How long you listen

Health organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics, support the WHO’s recommendation of limiting listening to no more than one hour per day at 85 dBA . The WHO also promotes the easy-to-remember 60/60 rule.

60/60 Rule:

Listen at 60% of maximum volume
Listen for no more than 60 minutes at a time

At Webster Street Hearing Boutique, we believe in empowering patients with knowledge—not fear. With mindful listening and a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy your earbuds today while protecting your hearing for years to come. If you have questions about your hearing or listening habits, our team is here to guide you in making informed choices that help protect your hearing while continuing to enjoy every moment of sound.

Written by: Shayna Swift, BA, MSc
Board-Certified Audiologist
Webster Street Hearing Boutique

Published: April 2, 2026

References:

Balk, S. J., Bochner, R. E., Ramdhanie, M. A., & Reilly, B. K. (2023). Preventing excessive noise exposure in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatrics, 152(5), e2023063762. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2023-063762

Breinbauer, H. A., Anabalón, J. L., Gutierrez, D., et al. (2012). Output capabilities of personal music players and assessment of preferred listening levels of test subjects: Outlining recommendations for preventing music-induced hearing loss. The Laryngoscope, 122(11), 2549–2556.

Byeon, H. (2021). Associations between adolescents’ earphone usage in noisy environments, hearing loss, and self-reported hearing problems in a nationally representative sample of South Korean middle and high school students. Medicine, 100(7), e24712.

Cunningham, L. L., & Tucci, D. L. (2017). Hearing loss in adults. The New England Journal of Medicine, 377(25), 2465–2473. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1616601

Eichwald, J., Themann, C. L., & Scinicariello, F. (2023). Safe listening at venues and events with amplified music—United States, 2022. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72, 1–6.

Fink, D., & Mayes, J. L. (2020). Making recommendations to reduce noise exposure. American Family Physician, 101(5), 275–280.

Neitzel, R. L., & Fligor, B. J. (2019). Risk of noise-induced hearing loss due to recreational sound: Review and recommendations. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 146(5), 3911–3921.

International Women’s Day

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:20:00 GMT

Celebrating the Women Who Helped Shape the Way We Hear

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating some of the remarkable women whose work has shaped audiology and hearing technology—and continues to influence how we care for our patients today.

One of the most influential figures in audiology was Dr. Marion Downs , often called the mother of pediatric audiology. Her tireless advocacy for early hearing detection helped pave the way for universal newborn hearing screening, ensuring that children with hearing loss are identified and supported as early as possible.

In hearing aid research and technology, women have also been at the forefront. Dr. Ruth Bentler made significant contributions to evidence-based hearing aid fitting and outcome measures, helping clinicians make more informed, patient-centered decisions. Dr. Teresa Ching has been a global leader in research on hearing aids and cochlear implants for children, influencing international best-practice guidelines.

The science of how we process sound has also benefited from women like Dr. Nina Kraus , whose research has deepened our understanding of how the brain interprets sound, speech, and music.

Together, these women—and many others—have helped transform audiology into the innovative and patient-focused field it is today. Their work reminds us that hearing care is not just about technology, but about communication, connection, and quality of life .

This Women’s Day, we proudly celebrate the strength, compassion, and leadership behind our women-owned and operated clinic. Today, we honor not only the women who lead our practice, but also the women in our community who inspire us every day.

Written by: Shayna Swift, BA, MSc

Board-Certified Audiologist

Webster Street Hearing Boutique

References:

Image source: Wikimedia Commons contributors. Marion Downs portrait. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marion_Downs.jpg

How Your Hearing Affects Your Risk of Falling

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 22:19:45 GMT

Did you know that hearing loss can increase your risk of falling?

Studies have found that older adults with hearing loss are at an increased risk of falls. Researchers believe this happens for several reasons. Decreased hearing may limit access to important auditory cues in your environment, such as approaching footsteps, traffic, or warning sounds. These cues help us stay aware of our surroundings and react quickly when needed.

Your Ears and Balance Are Connected

The auditory system works closely with the vestibular system (balance organs in the inner ear), as well as vision and proprioception (your body’s sense of position). When hearing is reduced, this multisensory integration may become less effective, making it harder to maintain balance.

Can Treating Hearing Loss Help Prevent Falls?

Research suggests that treating hearing loss may help reduce the risk of falling. One major clinical trial, known as the ACHIEVE study , followed older adults over three years. The study found that participants who received hearing aids and support from an audiologist experienced 27% fewer falls compared to those who did not receive hearing care.

Steps You Can Take

If you are over 55 or have noticed changes in your hearing, consider the following steps:

• Get a hearing test. Even mild hearing loss can affect balance and increase fall risk.
• Ask about hearing aids if hearing loss is identified.
• Wear hearing aids consistently. Regular use allows your brain and body to adjust to improved sound input.
• Stay active and alert. Combine hearing care with fall-prevention strategies such as staying physically active, checking your home for tripping hazards, and reviewing medications with your healthcare provider.

Protecting Your Hearing and Your Balance

Hearing health plays an important role in maintaining independence and safety as we age. If you or a loved one is concerned about hearing loss or falls, a professional hearing assessment is an important first step.

Our audiology team is here to help you stay connected, confident, and steady on your feet. If you have concerns about hearing or balance, contact our team at (902) 678-5550 .

Written by: Shayna Swift, BA, MSc
Board-Certified Audiologist
Webster Street Hearing Boutique

Published: March 5, 2026

References:

Lin, F. R., & Ferrucci, L. (2012). Hearing loss and falls among older adults in the United States. Archives of Internal Medicine, 172(4), 369–371. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2011.728

Deal, J. A., Sharrett, A. R., Albert, M. S., et al. (2023). Association of hearing intervention with cognitive decline in older adults: The ACHIEVE randomized clinical trial. The Lancet.

World Health Organization. (2021). World report on hearing. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/world-report-on-hearing

The Hidden Connection Between Diabetes and Hearing Loss

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:39:25 GMT

How Diabetes Affects Hearing

When most people think of diabetes, they focus on its effects on the heart, eyes, and nerves. But growing evidence shows that diabetes can also impact hearing health. In fact, hearing loss is about twice as common among adults with diabetes compared to those without the condition.

Why Regular Hearing Checks Matter

Hearing changes can be subtle, and many people don't realize there's a problem until it affects daily communication. For individuals with diabetes, routine hearing assessments are an important part of overall health care — just like regular eye exams and foot checks .

Early detection allows for timely interventions, such as hearing aids or assistive listening devices, which can improve quality of life and help prevent social isolation.

Taking Proactive Steps

• Keep blood sugar levels well controlled.
• Schedule annual hearing tests if you have diabetes or prediabetes.
• Protect your ears from loud noise, which can worsen existing damage.
• Talk to your healthcare team if you notice changes in hearing.

Written by: Shayna Swift, BA, MSc
Board-Certified Audiologist
Webster Street Hearing Boutique

Published: March 5, 2026

References:

Bainbridge, K. E., Hoffman, H. J., & Cowie, C. C. (2008). Diabetes and hearing impairment in the United States: Audiometric evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2004. Annals of Internal Medicine, 149(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-149-1-200807010-00231

Horikawa, C., Kodama, S., Tanaka, S., Fujihara, K., Hirasawa, R., Yachi, Y., Shimano, H., Yamada, N., Saito, K., & Sone, H. (2013). Diabetes and risk of hearing impairment in adults: A meta-analysis. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 98(1), 51–58. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2012-2119

Do I Need a Hearing Test?

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:53:31 GMT

Understanding the subtle signs of hearing changes — and why early evaluation matters

If you’ve ever found yourself turning up the volume on the TV, asking people to repeat themselves, or feeling like conversations in noisy places are harder to follow, you might be wondering: Do I need a hearing test?

At our clinic, we often meet patients who didn’t realize just how much their hearing was affecting their day-to-day life. It can be difficult to know exactly what you’re missing. Hearing changes often happen gradually, making them easy to overlook until communication starts to feel more effortful. Many patients didn’t realize they had hearing loss until others began wearing masks during the pandemic.

Why a Hearing Test Matters

Hearing is more than just sound. It’s connection, safety, and quality of life. Untreated hearing loss can impact everything from your relationships and job performance to your mental and cognitive health.

The good news? Hearing tests are simple and non-invasive. They provide objective insight into how your auditory system is functioning and offer clear, personalized guidance for next steps — whether that means treatment, establishing a baseline, or simply peace of mind.

Common Signs You Might Need a Hearing Test

Difficulty hearing in groups or noisy environments
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
Feeling like others are mumbling
Turning the TV or radio volume higher than others prefer
Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Avoiding social situations because it’s hard to hear
Feeling mentally fatigued after conversations

If any of these sound familiar, your brain may be working harder to fill in the gaps. It may be time to consider having your hearing tested.

Who Should Get Tested?

Adults over 50 : Like vision, hearing can change naturally with age. Include regular hearing evaluations in your overall wellness routine. Proactive monitoring helps preserve long-term hearing health and cognitive well-being.

People in noisy professions : Industrial and construction workers, musicians, farmers, and others exposed to loud noise should monitor their hearing regularly.

Children before starting school : All children should have their hearing tested before beginning school.

Anyone noticing changes : No matter your age, if something feels “off” or has changed, it’s worth having your hearing assessed.

What to Expect at Your Hearing Test

When you come in for a hearing test, you’ll be seen by our highly trained audiologists, Shayna Swift and Courtney Warmerdam. The appointment typically takes about one hour and includes:

A discussion about your hearing history and concerns
A visual examination of your ears (otoscopy)
A comprehensive hearing assessment
A clear explanation of your results and recommended next steps

Written by : Shayna Swift, BA, MSc

Board-Certified Audiologist

Webster Street Hearing Boutique

Published : February 25, 2026

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid: Understanding the Different Styles

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:03:07 GMT

How to Choose the Best Style for You

Discovering that you have hearing loss can bring a mix of emotions — and understandably, a lot of questions. One of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing the right hearing aid. With today’s advanced technology and thoughtfully designed styles, that choice doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

At Webster Street Hearing Boutique, we believe selecting a hearing device should feel thoughtful, seamless, and empowering . Modern hearing aids come in a range of elegant styles — each tailored to different levels of hearing loss, lifestyle preferences, and comfort.

Below, you’ll find a simple overview of the most common styles, thoughtfully outlined to make the decision feel easier.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

BTE hearing aids rest comfortably behind the ear, with a small tube and earmold that directs sound into the ear canal.

Best for: Mild to profound hearing loss

Benefits: Easy to handle, very reliable, and often have strong amplification. Rechargeable options available

Look: Visible but sleek, often in discreet colors to match hair or skin.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

Similar to BTE, but with the speaker placed inside the ear canal for a more natural sound.

Best for: Mild to severe hearing loss

Benefits: Clear sound, comfortable, and rechargeable

Look: Very discreet, with a thin wire nearly invisible on most ears.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

These fill part or all of the outer ear and are custom-made to fit your ear shape.

Best for: Mild to severe hearing loss

Benefits: Easy to insert and remove, simple controls. Rechargeable options available

Look: More visible than smaller styles, but no parts behind the ear.

In-the-Canal (ITC)

& Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

These fit partly or fully inside the ear canal for a nearly invisible look.

Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

Benefits: Very discreet, natural sound quality.

Look: Hardly noticeable, but may be trickier to handle for some.

The right hearing aid depends on your degree of hearing loss , ear shape , dexterity , and personal preferences . Our audiologists will thoughtfully guide you through each option, provide a personalized fitting, and ensure you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.

Written by: Shayna Swift, BA, MSc

Board-Certified Audiologist

Webster Street Hearing Boutique

Published : February 25, 2026

The Hearing Boutique Gazette - News & Insights

Hearing Care for First Responders

Protecting Those Who Protect Us

Can Hearing Aids Help with Tinnitus?

Tinnitus and Hearing Aids: Can Better Hearing Bring Relief?

Can Earbuds Damage my Hearing?

Protecting Your Hearing in the Age of Earbuds

International Women’s Day

Celebrating the Women Who Helped Shape the Way We Hear

How Your Hearing Affects Your Risk of Falling

Did you know that hearing loss can increase your risk of falling?

The Hidden Connection Between Diabetes and Hearing Loss

How Diabetes Affects Hearing

Why Regular Hearing Checks Matter

Taking Proactive Steps

Do I Need a Hearing Test?

Understanding the subtle signs of hearing changes — and why early evaluation matters

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid: Understanding the Different Styles

How to Choose the Best Style for You

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) ﻿

In-the-Ear (ITE)

In-the-Canal (ITC)

& Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)