Smoky Mountain Hearing Specialists September 2019

Smoky Mountain Hearing Specialists September 2019

SEPT 2019

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The Signs of Hearing Loss and How to Prevent Them TOP 4 SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS

Over 466 million people in the world have some form of hearing loss, including 432 million adults and 34 million children. The numbers are set to rise even more though, and it’s estimated that by the year 2050, over 900 million people will suffer from hearing loss, which equates to one out of every 10 people. There are a variety of reasons for hearing loss. However, there are some vital signs and prevention methods you need to be aware of. Other People Mumbling More Frequently Given the noise we experience every day, like car engines, loud music at a cafe, and commercials, human voices can get lost in the shuffle. It’s natural to catch someone mumbling once or twice a week, but if it’s happening more often, it can be a cause for concern. TV Too Loud Is it harder to hear the TV when watching with friends or family? Are you the only one who struggles to hear it? These may be warning signs you need to get your hearing checked. Flip through various channels to determine if it’s your hearing or the channel itself. Ringing in the Ears Up to 90% of all individuals with tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, have some level of hearing loss. More often than not, this is due to some damage or the loss of sensory hair cells in the inner ear. Being consistently exposed to loud sounds, suffering from a head injury or concussion, are consuming high amounts of caffeine are typically reasons for tinnitus. Difficulty Hearing in Groups Background noise occurring when several people are talking at once can make following a conversation nearly impossible. However, if you have difficulty hearing one person in a quiet group, it’s a clear sign you’re hearing may be impaired.

can use. Earplugs are a great way to decrease noise levels and protect your hearing in loud environments like at a concert, during yard maintenance, or while attending motor sports events.

If you use headphones, only have your volume up to 60% for a maximum of 60 minutes. Keep your ears dry. Excess moisture can cause swimmer’s

ear or other types of ear infections, which can be dangerous for your hearing ability. Manage your stress levels. High levels of stress and anxiety have been linked to both temporary and permanent ringing in the ears. Watch for these signs, and educate your family members, as well, regardless of their age. According to studies from the World Health Organization, 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of suffering noise- induced hearing loss from unsafe audio levels. The best thing you can do is maintain regular checkups. If you’re experiencing one or more of these issues, feel free to call us at 423-200-3612 or visit our website anytime at SmokyMtnHearing.com. —Brett Parish

These are just a few of the signs of hearing loss and how you can discern them if the issue arises. To maintain your hearing, there are simple tricks you

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THE 4-LEGGED HE- ROES OF GROUND ZERO

Honoring the Canines of 9/11

If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started, you’re not alone. Americans are way too busy — from childhood onward, we’re always running hither and thither, packing in as many after-school activities, work-related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s a problem so pervasive that it has a name: time scarcity. Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September, when children’s schedules explode with engagements. But all hope for close ties isn’t lost; there are ways to stay connected with your spouse and kids, even in an increasingly busy world. Here are some ideas from counselors, teachers, and psychologists who claim to have mastered the art. Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? Whether it’s eating dinner at the same table each evening, watching a movie together every Thursday night, or going on a monthly getaway, make sure these traditions aren’t canceled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some. STAYING CONNECTED Keep Your Family Close in a Busy World REMEMBER YOUR RITUALS

In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, thousands of New Yorkers took to the streets to clear rubble, offer supplies, and search for survivors. It was a powerful act of resilience in a deeply trying time, and while most of the individuals helping with the disaster stood on two feet, more than 300 canines also answered the call to service. Dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, including search and rescue dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs, were brought in to help find and care for survivors in the wake of the destruction. They worked tirelessly alongside rescue crews as they searched through the debris. Search and rescue dogs and their handlers worked 12–16-hour days, searching for survivors and victims. They worked through dangerous conditions: Many dogs burned their paws as they dug through hot rubble, and both handlers and canines inhaled toxic dust. The task was both physically and mentally exhausting for the dogs during their shifts. Some dogs that found deceased victims refused to eat or interact with other animals. Search and rescue dogs became increasingly stressed and depressed the longer they searched without any results, mirroring their handlers. It wasn’t uncommon for handlers to stage mock “findings” of survivors to keep the dogs’ spirits up.

Fortunately, the sacrifices these dogs and their handlers made did not go unnoticed. Many dog owners were inspired to earn their search and

rescue certifications after the events of 9/11, promising to aid in future disasters and hopefully lessen the impact of such catastrophes.

MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT

As cliche as it sounds, when you don’t have much time together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a rare half hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze in a romantic dinner with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your relationship.

After 9/11, various researchers conducted many studies

examining the effect this kind of work has on animals, both physically and mentally. Many of these studies wouldn’t be possible without the AKC Canine Health Foundation, so if you’re

HUG IT OUT

Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, so if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut!

looking to give back this September, visit them at their website to see how you can help: AKCCHF.org .

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STOP THE SPREAD Prevent Colds and the Flu With Kid-Friendly Teaching Tools

School is back in session, but your child may be bringing home more than just random facts. Germs and bacteria that spread the common cold and flu are most prevalent in schools, but while these illnesses are strong, prevention is simple. Teach your kids how to prevent the spread of bacteria this season with these helpful tips.

to research, sneezes can travel anywhere from 19–26 feet at 100

miles per hour!) For crafty kids, let them decorate tissue boxes or hand sanitizer containers

BUT MOMMY DOESN’T COVER HER NOSE!

Kids learn more by watching what you do rather than listening to what you tell them to do. Get in the habit of covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and then wash your hands. Make hand sanitizer and facial tissues readily available in your home and be sure to wash your hands before every meal. In addition, stick to healthy habits when you do feel sick. Drink fluids, get plenty of rest, and seek medical attention when it’s warranted. If your children see you taking care of yourself, they will be more likely to do the same for themselves in the future.

to give hygiene some flair. Soon

enough, you’ll find them being smarter about their health.

As kids pack into classrooms this fall, germs will fly faster than this past

AHH ... AHH ... ACHOO!

Hand washing and nose blowing are about as fun as …well, just that. It’s no wonder children don’t want to take time out of their busy play schedules to combat nasty germs. Instead of making these important steps a chore, make basic hygiene fun. Use fun songs to teach the proper way to cover a sneeze, or do a science experiment to teach your children about germs that are spread through just one sneeze. (According

summer did. Prevent the spread of the common cold and flu by learning more tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online at CDC.gov.

CACIO E PEPE

TAKE A BREAK

Inspired by Bon Appétit

Ingredients

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6 oz pasta, ideally spaghetti or bucatini

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3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano

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3 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and divided

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1/3 cup finely grated pecorino cheese

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1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stopping 2 minutes short of desired doneness. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. 2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add pepper and cook until toasted and aromatic, about 1 minute. Add reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer. 3. Transfer pasta and remaining butter to pan and reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan cheese and cook until melted, tossing pasta throughout. Remove pan from heat and add pecorino, continuing to toss until cheese is melted and sauce coats pasta. 4. Transfer to bowls and serve.

Solution on Page 4

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1501 E. Morris Blvd. Morristown, TN 37813 423-200-3612 www.SmokyMtnHearing.com

INSIDE 1

The Signs of Hearing Loss and How to Prevent Them

2

Keep Your Family Close in a Busy World Honoring the Canines of 9/11

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Teach Your Kids Flu Prevention Cacio e Pepe

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The Vibrant Colors of America’s National Parks

THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT THIS FALL

Have you ever wanted to experience the colors of a Boston fall while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors? Autumn

colors in full effect, take a drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, and watch the sun crest over the vibrant leaves. To fully experience fall in the Northeastern U.S., Acadia National Park is a must-see. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina Further south, the autumn colors of the Smoky Mountains are no less breathtaking than those in the Northeast. This park offers many scenic lookout points accessible by car, so don’t worry about hoofing it into the forest if that’s not your thing. Park wherever you like and watch the warm colors of ancient maples, oaks, and cedars change before your eyes. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming While the West might typically be associated with evergreen pines, the deciduous trees of the relatively small Grand Teton National Park pack a colorful punch starting around the third week of September. It’s also breeding season for elk in the area, and their high, eerie whistles can be heard in the evenings. Popular destinations in the park include the Christian Pond Loop and String Lake. Just because the weather is cooling down doesn’t mean you have to abandon your favorite national parks until next summer. The natural beauty of America can be experienced at any time of the year, so start planning your next autumn outdoor excursion!

leaves are a universally appreciated sign of the

changing seasons, and there’s no better place to see those vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds on display than in one of America’s national parks. So, if you’ve got some free time this autumn, here are some parks worth seeing.

Acadia National Park, Maine While the maple, birch, and poplar trees of Acadia begin to change color in September, mid-October is the best time to witness autumn in full swing. The park is crisscrossed with unpaved trails that date back to a time of horse-drawn carriages, preserving an idyllic setting. If you want to see the

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