by Andromeda Ross | Mar 15, 2019 | News
Nowhere is the question of equality among the sexes most argued, perhaps, than in the realm of physical activity. For millennia, women were considered unsuitable to strenuous activity. This included sports or anything of an outdoors nature. Of course, this distinction was only applicable to aristocratic women, as the lower classes did not have such luxuries. Women could often be found in the fields, sweatshops, and factories throughout history. The achievements of “the fairer sex” cannot be thoroughly understood without seeing how women have pushed their physical boundaries to prove that they can do anything men can do.
Gertrude Ederle – Swimmer & Olympic Champion
“When somebody tells me I cannot do something, that’s when I do it.”
~ Gertrude Ederle
This daughter of German immigrants learned to swim at a tiny indoor Manhattan pool. As a member of the Women’s Swimming Association, she was able to compete and take advantage of new advances in swimming techniques, giving her more of an edge.
At the 1924 Summer Olympics, Ederle won the gold as a member of the U.S. 4×100 meter freestyle relay swim team, and set a new world record in the event. This launched her career, and she continued to break records along the way. In 1926, she set a record for swimming the English Channel that would stand for almost 25 years.
Despite hearing loss contracted when she was a small child with measles, Gertrude Ederle showed the world that you didn’t have to be a man to compete.
Juliette Gordon Low – Founder of the Girls Scouts
“The work of today is the history of tomorrow and we are its makers.”
~ Juliette Gordon Low
Juliette Gordon Low was born to a cotton broker and writer in Savannah, Georgia in 1860. She was educated and had many hobbies. It was expected that the highest ambition of young women of her time and station should be to marry, perhaps more so for Low, as she began losing her hearing at 17 years of age. However, it would only be after becoming a widow that she would be able to realize her true ambitions.
While traveling, taking classes, and doing charity work in London, Low met Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the creator of the Boy Scouts. She was impressed with his philosophy of military preparedness mixed with fun. She became involved with an all-girls off-shoot of the organization called the Girl Guides. As a leader, she encouraged the teaching of self-sufficiency for girls, and organized lessons in wool-spinning, livestock care, knot-tying, knitting, first aid, and camping, to name a few.
She took this newfound purpose with her to America in 1912 and founded the American Girl Guides, later to become the Girl Scouts of America. Today, this organization encourages girls from all walks of life to become intelligent, well-rounded women who are as capable as any man, and encouraged to be their very best.
These two women broke boundaries. One tested the limits of what a woman can do and pushed society to see women as equals in sports. The other looked to a future where the equality of women and men should never be in question. They did it without hearing. They are heroes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Ederle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juliette_Gordon_Low
by Andromeda Ross | Mar 8, 2019 | News
One can’t speak of achievement among deaf and hard-of-hearing women without talking about Helen Keller. Her story’s popularity made her an icon like no one before her. As someone with three disabilities, she not only served as an example of what one can accomplish as a woman but also what the human spirit can do in the face of challenge.
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”
~ Helen Keller
A Difficult Education
Keller is most famous for her work with Anne Sullivan, a teacher from a prestigious school for people with blindness. Their relationship and story would be dramatized in The Miracle Worker, originally authored by Keller as The Story of My Life. The story detailed her struggle to communicate despite being blind, deaf, and non-vocal, and how she and Anne worked together. It is generally praised for its depiction of the perseverance of the human spirit.
Keller eventually learned speech and attended Radcliffe College, where she graduated cum laude in 1904 at the age of 24. By this time, she had learned several forms of communication, including sign language, braille, and touch-lip reading. Sullivan remained her companion.
Helen Keller: Social Activist
Helen’s struggles motivated her to become a staunch advocate for others with disabilities. She also advocated for women’s suffrage, birth control, and pacifism, sometimes testifying in front of Congress. She was a key person in the founding of many groups and associations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 1920 and Helen Keller International. Keller even became an ambassador to advocate for the blind, taking on a 40,000-mile trek across Asia to give speeches and spread education.
Today, because of the efforts of Helen Keller, people of varying levels of deafness and blindness are able to lead more fulfilling lives with access to better services and education. Helen Keller was the first to prove that having a disability didn’t mean you couldn’t be a healthy, functioning member of society. Indeed, she proved that it was not the people with disabilities that needed fixing so much as the society that believed them broken. Her impact cannot be over overstated. She remains an inspiration to all of mankind.
https://www.biography.com/people/helen-keller-9361967
Because of women before us like Helen Keller, as a women-owned audiology and hearing aid practice in Austin, TX, we have the opportunity to serve our community with their hearing health needs.
by Andromeda Ross | Mar 1, 2019 | News
History is full of the unsung achievement of women. Women helped build this country, fought alongside men in wars and social movements, and created some of the most beautiful art of all time, often without credit for their work. The story of women has often been one of silence.
“Anon, who wrote so many poems without signing them, was often a woman.”
~ Virginia Woolf
A Condensed Timeline of Women’s Achievement
- 1792 – Mary Wollstonecraft publishes A Vindication of the Rights of Women, often credited as the first feminist philosophy.
- 1851 – Two former slaves upset the institution of slavery. Sojourner Truth’s speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” spurs the anti-slavery movement. Around this time, Harriet Tubman begins a smuggling operation that would result in over 300 freed slaves.
- 1869 – Susan B. Anthony joins Elizabeth Cady Stanton in forming the National Woman Suffrage Association, which leads to women’s right to vote over 70 years later.
- 1971 – Gloria Steinem, Bella Abzug, and Betty Friedan begin the National Women’s Political Caucus, giving voice to women across the United States. Steinem would later start Ms. magazine to further discussion on women’s issues.
- 1981 – Sandra Day O’Connor becomes the first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court. She serves 25 years.
- 1983 – Sally Ride becomes the first woman in space.
- 2006 – Tarana Burke begins the #MeToo movement to encourage women to speak out about sexual assault, resulting in several lawsuits and prosecutions, particularly in entertainment and political arenas.
The Silent Struggle
While those women struggled for the rights of freedom, opinion, and choice, deaf and hard-of-hearing women struggled right alongside them. These women proved that while their ears didn’t function the way everyone else’s did, they weren’t broken – and they pushed to break the barriers of hearing loss.
They became symbols of reform and icons for the continuing disability rights movement. Indeed, the greatest challenge for these women was often not physical so much as societal. Like all women, they struggled to be seen and heard as valid members of society.
So join us this month as we celebrate some of the achievements of deaf and hard-of-hearing women. We will highlight just a few of those courageous and persistent women who have helped us on the course to becoming a more accepting and enlightened society.
https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/articles/historic-moments-womens-history-us/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Vindication_of_the_Rights_of_Woman
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Harriet-Tubman
by Andromeda Ross | Feb 1, 2019 | News
If you have an active lifestyle and have been searching for a discreet hearing technology option, Lyric hearing will be music to your ears.
We work with a wide range of hearing technology at RK and want to highlight options that meet particular needs for our clients. Lyric is a good fit for those searching for an invisible solution for hearing loss.
These devices are 100% invisible because they are placed in your ear canal by your audiologist. In addition to the aesthetic value, you will not have to worry about daily insertion and removal or changing the battery. Once seated, the device is so comfortable, you’re likely to forget you have it in. Furthermore, Lyric is easily controlled with the SoundLync™ tool, making it even more convenient.
The best part – Lyric supports your active lifestyle. You can still use headphones and wear this device while sleeping. It’s even water resistant, so you can hit the gym and take a shower. This device works for you 24/7 with no maintenance…and no one will ever know.
Learn more here and on the Lyric Hearing website. Then Schedule an appointment for a no-obligation trial today!
by Andromeda Ross | Dec 1, 2018 | News
The winter holidays are here! The year is almost over and it’s been a great one with our new blog. It’s time to review what we’ve learned, and make sure we’re ready for the new year. Let’s look at how you can stay connected for the holidays.
It’s always a good time to get your ears checked
We started the new year with one of the most important resolutions you can make: evaluating your hearing. Didn’t make time to take care of that? That’s okay. There is still time to check this off your list. Click here to find a convenient day/time to have your hearing checked.
Hearing in Noise options can help you…with and without hearing loss
The options for enhancing the hearing experience are astounding. Modern technology has created some amazingly intuitive gadgets, from in-ear hearables that completely block noise or translate over 15 languages, to personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) and hearing devices that provide intuitive, connected assistance for those with or without hearing loss. These days, the sky’s the limit.
Music is fun and healthy…when you do it right
Listening to music is fun! Did you know it’s also healthy? Several studies have shown music to be helpful in the cognitive functions of the brain, as well as improving mood and reducing mental health issues. In addition, music boosts our immune system, helping us fight disease and decrease pain. Music is all around us, and when we listen with protective devices, we can reap the benefits.
Nutrition helps hearing health
Between Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins, it’s hard to say which is better for your hearing. Still, this much is known: good nutrition isn’t just good for overall health; it’s especially good for hearing health. Keeping a balanced diet that focuses on ear-healthy foods can help reduce and even prevent the risk of hearing loss.
How to stay on top of hearing health
Did you know that you are the one who can best make sure you stay hearing-healthy? Here are some tips to help you along:
- Get your ears professionally cleaned. Avoid using cotton swabs, and other pointed objects, and never, ever use ear candles.
- Make sure your hearing aids are tuned and checked. Your audiologist can evaluate your devices and let you know if they are functioning properly, need to be updated, or should be replaced altogether.
- Check for updates to technology or software. Old tech can cause more harm than good. Staying up-to-date ensures you have accurate, properly functioning devices.
- Switch to rechargeable batteries. These save on cost and the environment, and they don’t run out, meaning you don’t have to worry about inconvenient lapses in function.
- Found some interesting new hearing technology online or in a magazine? Check with your audiologist. They can best evaluate if the new tech will work well for your needs.
Contact RK Audiology today to get a consultation. Keeping your hearing checked – and in check – is the best present you can give yourself for the holidays. Don’t miss a single “Fa, la, la.”
by Andromeda Ross | Oct 1, 2018 | News
It’s been a wonderful year for us here at RK Audiology, and we’re eager to share some updates with you. September 1st of this year marked our seventh year in business! The journey since 2011 has been such a rewarding experience. We have met so many interesting, wonderfully unique and talented individuals. We’d like to thank all our amazing clients for helping our local, small business grow year after year.
New Location: RK West (formerly Audiology Diagnostic Clinic)
We’re very excited to announce that RK has added a second location! In addition to our original office on South Lamar, we now have a new office nestled in the heart of Westlake in The Schoolyard. We are thankful for such an auspicious opportunity.
In May, Milly Walker, owner/audiologist of the Audiology Diagnostic Clinic, contacted us. After building a successful audiology practice for over 20 years, she and and her family are moving on to the next chapter of their lives. It was important to Milly to have continuity of care for her patients. We are honored that she chose us.
RK Audiology is proud to provide hearing services and the latest in high-tech hearing solutions in our new Westlake office, with the same philosophy and standard of care that Milly provided to her patients. We have a great team in both locations, and you’ll find the same comfortable, relaxed atmosphere at RK West as you find at our main office in South Austin.
RK West (West Lake Hills Office – located in The Schoolyard)
4201 Bee Cave Road, Suite A-102
West Lake Hills, Texas 78746
(512) 327-3004
map
Expanding RK Team: Allison Archer, Au.D.
Dr. Archer joined our family on August 20th, and we couldn’t be happier to have her on board. She comes to us as a University of Texas alum with a Doctorate in Audiology. Allison is an expert in the latest trends in hearing aid technology.
Since getting her doctorate in 2013, Allison has been adding a wealth of experience to her extensive education, performing diagnostic hearing and auditory processing disorder evaluations, fitting hearing aids, and taking earmold impressions for custom hearing protection and earpieces.
Like most native Austinites, Allison enjoys checking out new restaurants opening in Austin, spending time with her family (especially her toddler), and indulging in the simple things of life, like audiobooks and gardening. We’d say she’s settling in just fine.
You can find Allison exclusively at our RK South location, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am to 5pm. Read her bio to learn more about Allison!
It’s always a good time to take care of your ears! Whether you visit our original RK South office or the new RK West, you can look forward to the same great hearing healthcare service. Schedule an appointment today to get evaluated by Allison or another member of the RK team!
by Paula Rivers Au.D | Sep 1, 2018 | News
We all know that good nutrition plays a role in the overall health of the body, but did you know that nutrition can also specifically affect your hearing? Malnutrition from fetal development through preschool years has been known to affect auditory development in later life. This recent study highlights that in addition to the more traditional ways to protect hearing, including reducing noise exposure, and avoiding medications which are toxic to the ear, focus on nutrition provides an entirely new area for preventable hearing loss.
Read on for ways that a few dietary changes can keep your ears healthy and happy.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are known to be beneficial to your health, particularly in helping to fight heart disease. More recently, these fatty acids have been shown to play a role in preventing hearing loss as well.
According to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the consumption of fish 2-4 times per week may lead to a lower risk of hearing loss. This is especially true in women. To learn more, check out the National Institutes of Health Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fact Sheet.
Omega-3s are found in plant oils including flaxseed, soybeans and canola oil, seeds including chia and walnuts, and fish. Sushi anyone?
Antioxidant Vitamins
Been losing certain frequencies lately? Regular vitamin supplements have been known to lower the risk of age-related hearing loss and reduce damage to ears in high-noise situations.
It turns out that mitochondria in our cells respond to loud noise by releasing free radicals that can cause cell damage. In the ears, that spells bad news for hearing, causing us to lose certain frequencies. Antioxidant vitamins have been found to counteract these free radicals and reduce damaging effects.
So which vitamins are best? There are many options for healthful vitamins in your daily meals, including citrus, dark leafy greens, and other kinds of colorful fruits and vegetables. Try these:
- Vitamin A – (also known as beta carotenes) found in orange fruits & vegetables such as carrots, nectarines and sweet potatoes
- Vitamin C – found in citrus fruits and berries, papayas and kiwi, tomatoes, peas, and dark leafy greens like kale, chard and broccoli
- Vitamin E – found in dark leafy greens, as well as nuts like almonds and hazelnuts
- Vitamin D – found in wild mushrooms and dairy products, in addition to mackerel, salmon and sardines
- Magnesium – found in beans, nuts, leafy greens and whole grains
How well does it work?
The use of antioxidant vitamins has been known to reduce damage to the hair cells in the cochlea (inner ear), reduce tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and build a strong immune system to help fight off infection. It even prevents hearing loss: taking supplements or consuming foods with these vitamins an hour before noise exposure reduces blood constriction in the ears due to higher noise levels.
As you can see, hearing loss is preventable – and it is never too late to take care of your hearing and your ears through a focus on nutrition and hearing health. Check in with your nutritionist and/or general practitioner for more tips. Better yet, schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation today, and find out more ways you can help boost your hearing health!
by Paula Rivers Au.D | Jun 29, 2018 | News
Summer is in full swing. July 4th is almost upon us, and you know what that means: fireworks. Every year, people celebrate in backyards and stadiums, party boats and beaches. In addition, we may visit with family, go out with friends, take vacations, and participate in games & festivals. However you choose to enjoy the warmer months, don’t forget to protect your ears.
Of course, you want to take care of your hearing. The question is: How?
We’ve got you covered. We have plenty of suggestions to keep those ears happy and healthy this summer (and all year round).
Earplugs, Earplugs, Earplugs
That’s right. One of your best friends this summer is a set (or two) of high-fidelity earplugs. Those fireworks pack quite a punch, but you can still enjoy the show while taking the edge off the volume. Furthermore, music and artist festivals can have DJs and live bands that perform for more than 10 hours a day for multiple days (some run 24/7!). It’s worth investing in a good pair to keep the noise levels filtered and safe. For under $30 a pair, why not?
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Travel is one of the best parts of summer. Whether you’re jumping in the car for a road trip with family or friends, or jetting off to some exotic location, summer is a great time to take a vacation. Consider bringing some noise-canceling headphones with you. Even if the occasional screaming baby on the plane doesn’t bother you, you’d be surprised what other noises are doing a number on your hearing. Noise-cancelers not only reduce airplane engine noise, they are also perfect for that part of the road trip where you need to sleep while your friend is playing AC/DC at full blast to stay awake driving at 1 am – and, really, who can blame them?
Rest
This is one of the easiest and most cost-efficient options for protecting your hearing this summer. Take a break. Whether you’ve been working with heavy machinery, partying to the latest jams, or trekking all over in planes, trains, and other vehicles, give your ears some much needed downtime. Take a moment, an hour, or a day away from the noise. Not only will your ears thank you, so will the rest of your body, mind, and spirit.
Hearing in Noise Options
In a previous post, we discussed how hearing in noise options can help you enjoy all your favorite things in a way that’s safer and healthier for your ears. Did you know that there are noise-canceling options in some types of headphones which can turn that plane ride into a more pleasurable experience all around? How about translation devices for when you travel abroad? There are so many options among the varieties of hearables, PSAPs, and hearing instruments, you’ll never look at vacation time the same way again.
At RK Audiology, we believe in helping you protect your ears and live life well. We keep universal earplugs in stock for all ages, as well as headphones for infants and young children who are attending music/recreational venues with their parents. We have something for everyone. So, as you prepare for the next road trip or event, ask yourself if you’ve got that one all-important item: your hearing protection. Then get ready to play!
by Paula Rivers Au.D | May 1, 2018 | News
Music is a part of our daily lives; it moves us, inspires us. One thing you may not know is how much music affects your brain. Read on to learn about the link between hearing and the brain, and keeping your ears healthy.
Music and the Brain
The brain regulates the basic function of the ears, however, there is more to it than that. Research suggests that a portion of the brain devoted to hearing can become reorganized, and reassigned to other functions such as vision or touch and may play a role in cognitive decline. This can be turned around, however, when we see how healthy hearing affects our cognitive function. Healthy ears keep us active and social, and people who use hearing instruments when they experience hearing loss slow their cognitive decline to rates similar to those with no hearing loss.
So where does music come into this?
Music can activate certain regions in your brain involved with planning, learning, and memory, and it increases the size of the corpus callosum. This means musicians get an added bonus: when people who play instruments listen to music, their brain fires symmetrically. Furthermore, listening to music has been shown to decrease chronic tinnitus (ringing in the ears), showing that a feedback loop from ears to brain and back again exists, and giving us all the more reason to use healthy enhancement devices like the ones discussed in our previous post.
Here are some more reasons to use music to keep your brain healthy:
The Chemicals of Mental Health
Music releases chemicals in the brain that regulate various systems throughout the body. Dopamine, a chemical which induces pleasure and joy, improves mood and reduces anxiety. It also enhances motivation, and aids in creating positive experiences.
As a result, music has been used to reduce depression, including postpartum depression in new mothers, to the point where reduced probability of postpartum depression and anxiety are seen after simply using music during labor. Relaxing music helps with insomnia and other sleep disturbances. It can even reduce the number of seizures in epileptics.
Immune System, Disease, and Pain
While the effects of music on our mental health may seem a little too obvious (Good music makes us happy; therefore, we are less depressed.), it is the effect on physical health that shows the full power of music.
Remember that fun little chemical dopamine? Well, in addition to boosting mood, it boosts immune system hormones. It often works with cortisol – also released when listening to music – which enhances the brain’s use of glucose. These chemicals increase availability of a number of substances used for repairing the body.
The way it affects pain receptors is also pretty amazing. Relaxing music helps people suffering from migraines, reducing the intensity and frequency of headaches. People who listen to music after surgery show both reduced pain scores and reduced anxiety.
Memory and Concentration
Patients aren’t the only ones who benefit. Surgeons who listen to their favorite music while in surgery show greater efficiency in their technique. This increase in efficiency likewise carries over into the classroom, where students who have ADHD show increased concentration and focus, and listening to music during math tests has been shown to increase performance by 40%. Music raises our ability to problem-solve, and increases our efficiency when performing tasks.
Music is great for memory, too. Does hearing a specific song out of the blue remind you of a different time in your life, or a particular experience? Music hits those centers of the brain, also, and has been shown to help those with brain-injury recall past memories.
All in all, music is good for the brain, which is good for you. Music keeps you healthy, so keep those ears healthy when you listen. Get evaluated, get fitted for hearing enhancement devices, and get ready to hit “Play.”
by Paula Rivers Au.D | Mar 5, 2018 | News
Modern hearing technology is a world away from old-style hearing aids of previous generations. If you’ve considered investigating the latest hearing solutions and have been putting it off, you could be missing out on a golden opportunity to enhance your lifestyle. Hearing in noise technology has become so advanced and – dare we say – cool, that you’ll feel like you’re at the forefront of technology.
First, let’s talk about the differences in hearing in noise devices.
Hearables, PSAPs, and Hearing Instruments: Is there a difference?
All of these devices serve specific functions and cater to specific audiences. Let’s take a look at three different types – or categories – and review examples of devices currently found in each category.
Hearables
These little devices exist solely for the pleasure and convenience of the wearer. They range from smart headphones to translation devices worn wirelessly in the ears. This is where you can see the future of audio technology for entertainment in action.
Examples:
- Headphones that aren’t just used for music, but also filter out distractions in noisy environments so the wearer can focus on conversations. (e.g., Bose Hearphones)
- Devices that can be worn in the ears and actually translate 15+ languages. (e.g., Pilot Translating Earpiece)
- “Do not disturb” settings for the staunchest of introverts to create isolated environments even when out and about. (e.g., Nuheara IQ)
PSAPs
Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) acknowledge the fact that while you may not be suffering from hearing loss, everyone can benefit from a little assistance in certain situations, including church and busy restaurants. They are popular among birdwatchers and other outdoor recreational enthusiasts since the devices provide the wearers a boost in the sound environment. PSAPs are like reading glasses: they aren’t medically prescribed, but they provide general help when needed. They are also where you begin to see the overlap in the three categories.
Example:
- Devices which perform automatic adjustments in various situations (at a distance, in the car, etc.) to enhance the hearing experience. (e.g., Etymotic The BEAN)
Hearing Instruments
In addition to making the latest hearing technology more effective, comfortable and with sleeker designs, creators have capitalized on “smart tech”, finding ways to integrate new and past functions with smartphones and other wearable tech devices.
Examples:
- Hearing devices with the option to add soothing sounds for tinnitus sufferers. (e.g., Oticon)
- Instruments which connect via Bluetooth to cell phones for hands-free calling through your hearing devices and stream to your phone or tablet to listen to your favorite podcast, program or music. You can even connect to your TV in stereo sound. (Now who has the best seat in the house?) (e.g., Phonak)
- Hearing instruments which allow you to create custom settings for your favorite restaurants, movie theaters, sporting events, and more. (e.g., Widex)
- Intuitive speech recognition, connectivity to all your favorite devices, and remote fine-tuning when you need some extra support. (e.g., ReSound)
Those all sound pretty cool, don’t they? Don’t you just love living in the future?
The Right Fit For You
In January of this year, we encouraged people to have their hearing evaluated by a licensed audiologist. If you haven’t checked this off your to-do list, or you’ve been thinking about hearables, hearing instruments, or any other kind of hearing solution, there’s no reason to hold off any longer. RK Audiology has your back.
As longtime supporters of Kickstarter campaigns for promising hearing technology, and supporters of the best in hearing solutions from tried and true hearing instrument manufacturers, we stay up-to-date on ways to help you live and hear better. We keep the latest hearables in our office at all times. We can show you hearing in noise options and, because we are licensed audiologists, we are qualified to evaluate, fit, program, and service all hearing instruments.
The future is sounding clearer and clearer, not only for people with hearing loss – for anyone wishing to experience life to the fullest.
Click here to schedule a consult with us today.
