{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2023-01-26T08:01:08+00:00"},"categoryId":34038,"data":{"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","slug":"body-mind-spirit","image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/body-mind-spirit-category.jpg","width":643,"height":1286},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"childCategories":[{"categoryId":34039,"title":"Emotional Health & Psychology","slug":"emotional-health-psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":787,"bookCount":50},{"categoryId":34077,"title":"Medical","slug":"medical","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34077"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":193,"bookCount":9},{"categoryId":34088,"title":"Philosophy","slug":"philosophy","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34088"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":23,"bookCount":5},{"categoryId":34095,"title":"Physical Health & Well-Being","slug":"physical-health-well-being","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34095"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":2829,"bookCount":117},{"categoryId":34189,"title":"Relationships & Family","slug":"relationships-family","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34189"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":374,"bookCount":26},{"categoryId":34202,"title":"Religion & Spirituality","slug":"religion-spirituality","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34202"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":434,"bookCount":25}],"description":"Your physical self and your cognitive and spiritual selves combine to make you who you are. Whether you want to learn about giving birth, eating well, managing grief, or deepening your faith, it's all here.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=34038&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":4640,"bookCount":232},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":4645,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2023-01-25T18:26:21+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-01-25T18:27:27+00:00","timestamp":"2023-01-25T21:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Physical Health & Well-Being","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34095"},"slug":"physical-health-well-being","categoryId":34095}],"title":"Bluetooth and Other Technology to Use with Hearing Aids","strippedTitle":"bluetooth and other technology to use with hearing aids","slug":"how-to-use-bluetooth-and-other-technology-with-hearing-aids","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn about several devices that can be used with hearing aids to help you hear better in a crowd, group setting, or when watching TV.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Bluetooth technology and the wide array of smartphone apps make customizing strategies to aid in improving day-to-day functions with hearing loss a whole lot easier.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Working with Bluetooth and hearing aids</h2>\r\nBluetooth is amazing wireless connection technology. It is a short-range wireless connection platform that allows data transfer or connections between two or more electronic devices over ultra-high frequency radio waves that don’t interfere with other signals.\r\n\r\nThousands of companies across the globe, including hearing aid manufacturers, have agreed on Bluetooth as the standard in wireless connection and have teamed up to form a special interest group that manages the technology, fosters Bluetooth tech advances, and maintains high security standards.\r\n\r\nBluetooth allows hearing aids to directly connect to other devices, including smartphones and tablets, to stream clear audio such as music or phone calls. Many hearing aid companies now offer smartphone apps that connect to hearing aids via Bluetooth and allow the user to control hearing aid settings such as volume and programs or check on the hearing aid battery life.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Most hearing aids connect to smartphones by making sure Bluetooth is activated on the smartphone and then turning the hearing aid off and back on. This prompts the two devices to pair. After the first connection, the devices will remember one another and automatically pair. Consult your hearing aid user manual, contact a tech savvy friend, or ask your hearing care professional when in doubt.</p>\r\nSome hearing aids require a streamer (see “Streaming all your devices\" below) to connect to other devices via Bluetooth. This is usually worn around the neck or kept in a pocket. But this is becoming increasingly rare as modern technology allows for a direct connection. Check product labels or speak with a hearing professional for how hearing aids connect to Bluetooth if you want to avoid using an extra device.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Navigating smartphone apps</h2>\r\nYou can find many, many smartphone apps for hearing loss — some free, some not — and it can be difficult to distinguish the good from the not-so-good. There are two main categories specific to enhancing your hearing:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Apps to amplify sounds in your environment just like a handheld amplifier</li>\r\n \t<li>Apps to customize sound you listen to through your smartphone, such as when you take calls or stream music, so that it is tailored to your hearing</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nBut how do you know whether an app is going to be reliable? Here are some tips:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Look for apps that are popular and have lots of downloads.</li>\r\n \t<li>Read reviews and comments by users.</li>\r\n \t<li>Download apps only from official app stores.</li>\r\n \t<li>Look at apps that have a history of regularly updating.</li>\r\n \t<li>Pay attention to permissions the app asks for on your phone; predatory apps may ask for permission to access unnecessary information (like an app to amplify sound requesting access to your photos or contacts).</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Hearing aid accessories</h2>\r\nHearing aid accessories can be the difference between doing okay and thriving with hearing aids. Many companies offer a lineup of complementary accessories that can boost your experience with hearing aids and improve listening in certain situations.\r\n\r\nEvery company has a different specific name for these products, but there are four common types: a remote control, a remote microphone, a TV connector, and a streamer.\r\n<h3>Using a remote control</h3>\r\nA remote control acts as a handheld operations center for your hearing aids. It allows you to discretely control your hearing aids without needing to locate and press any buttons on the hearing aids themselves. This can be especially useful for adults with stiff, numb, or arthritic fingers. With a remote control you can:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Adjust the volume or mute the hearing aids.</li>\r\n \t<li>Change the programs to match the situation you’re in.</li>\r\n \t<li>Manage connections to other streaming devices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Trying out a remote microphone</h3>\r\nA remote microphone is a stand-alone or portable microphone that transmits a direct signal to hearing aids from a distance. Remote microphones excel in helping with hearing in difficult listening environments from noise or overcoming distance issues.\r\n\r\nHearing aids can mute or dampen any other sounds around you while focusing only on the remote microphone to substantially improve clarity.\r\n\r\nRemote microphones are one of our favorite accessories and something we recommend to almost every hearing aid user who has trouble with hearing aids in noisy situations. We compare the remote microphone for those with extra trouble with speech in noise to using snow tires for driving in cold weather areas: It’s a must-have accessory!\r\n\r\nThere are two main styles of remote microphone: one-on-one remote mic and group setting remote mic.\r\n<h3>One-on-one remote mic</h3>\r\nThe most common style is a portable personal microphone for focused conversation when you’re only interested in hearing one specific person speak at a time. The person speaking can hold it, wear it around their neck, or clip it to their shirt or jacket lapel. The sound from the microphone is channeled directly into your hearing aid.\r\n\r\nLet’s go through some examples of when the remote microphone comes in handy:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>If you are at a noisy restaurant for dinner, you can have the person you’re dining with wear the remote microphone so that you receive a more direct signal of their voice with less background noise.</li>\r\n \t<li>In some social settings with lots of noise, like a large gathering or at a bar, we tend to move from conversation to conversation. You can bring the one-on-one remote microphone and either hold it yourself near the person (see the figure below) or ask the person you’re speaking with to hold to it for a boosted signal.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296916\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296916\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/hearing-aid-with-portable-remote.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration showing a person using a portable remote microphone with a hearing aid at a party.\" width=\"630\" height=\"406\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />A portable remote microphone being held while at a party[/caption]\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Lectures can be difficult if you’re forced to sit far away from the speaker. Even if the venue has a sound system, it can still be difficult to understand the speaker depending on the acoustics as well as the quality and placement of the speakers. You can either place the remote microphone on the podium or request the speaker wear it to give you a direct signal (see the figure below). The range on remote microphones varies from roughly 30 to 90 feet depending on the manufacturer.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296920\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296920\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/using-hearing-aid-with-remote-mic.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration showing a person using a one-on-one remote microphone with a hearing aid during a lecture.\" width=\"630\" height=\"417\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />A one-on-one remote microphone in action during a lecture.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you’re in a small group setting with the one-on-one remote mic, like a noisy restaurant with a group of three, you can try placing the microphone on the table between your dining companions or ask them to pass it back and forth as needed. It’s an extra step but will make for a smoother and more enjoyable conversation for everyone.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Group setting remote mic</h3>\r\nA newer version of the remote microphone is a table remote microphone that is specially designed for group conversations. This product sits on a table and uses a combination of advanced signal processing and special microphones called <em>beamformers</em> to identify and focus on anyone speaking at the table and transmit that signal directly to your hearing aids.\r\n\r\nThe table remote microphone is a great option when in a restaurant or at home with multiple people or for use at work meetings around a conference table (see the figure below).\r\n\r\nAt the publication of this book, this is a newer product and is only available through a few hearing aid manufacturers, but the initial popularity among patients suggests it’s going to quickly become a widely offered product.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296918\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296918\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/hearing-aid-with-table-remote-mic.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration showing a person using a table remote microphone with a hearing aid during a meeting.\" width=\"630\" height=\"510\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />A table remote microphone during a meeting[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Connecting to the TV</h2>\r\nThe TV connector serves a very specific role of transmitting the audio signal from any home audio device, namely TVs and stereos, directly to your hearing aids (see the figure below). Simply plug the TV connector into the audio port on your TV or stereo to connect to your hearing aids.\r\n\r\nThis can make listening to TV much more enjoyable with a direct and sometimes clearer signal compared to using your hearing aids alone. Many companies now offer the capability for the TV connector to stream to multiple sets of hearing aids if you are watching TV with a friend or family member!\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Streaming all your devices</h2>\r\nTechnology is rapidly evolving, and some hearing aids can directly connect to smartphones and other accessories mentioned in this section. However, some hearing aids will require a streamer (see the figure below) to act as an intermediary transmitter to allow hearing aids to connect to other products.\r\n\r\nThe streamer is usually worn on a lanyard around a hearing aid user’s neck or kept in their pocket. For some hearing aid manufacturers, the streamer and remote control are combined into a single product to make your life easier. Make sure you do a little research first to find out if your hearing aids require a streamer to connect to accessories and your smartphone.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">When purchasing hearing aid accessories, make sure they are compatible with your hearing aids. At the time of this book, most hearing aids are only compatible with accessories made by the same manufacturer.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Even within a single manufacturer, new generation technology does not always work with older technology. You can always ask your hearing care professional to help you navigate the accessories market.</p>","description":"Bluetooth technology and the wide array of smartphone apps make customizing strategies to aid in improving day-to-day functions with hearing loss a whole lot easier.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Working with Bluetooth and hearing aids</h2>\r\nBluetooth is amazing wireless connection technology. It is a short-range wireless connection platform that allows data transfer or connections between two or more electronic devices over ultra-high frequency radio waves that don’t interfere with other signals.\r\n\r\nThousands of companies across the globe, including hearing aid manufacturers, have agreed on Bluetooth as the standard in wireless connection and have teamed up to form a special interest group that manages the technology, fosters Bluetooth tech advances, and maintains high security standards.\r\n\r\nBluetooth allows hearing aids to directly connect to other devices, including smartphones and tablets, to stream clear audio such as music or phone calls. Many hearing aid companies now offer smartphone apps that connect to hearing aids via Bluetooth and allow the user to control hearing aid settings such as volume and programs or check on the hearing aid battery life.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Most hearing aids connect to smartphones by making sure Bluetooth is activated on the smartphone and then turning the hearing aid off and back on. This prompts the two devices to pair. After the first connection, the devices will remember one another and automatically pair. Consult your hearing aid user manual, contact a tech savvy friend, or ask your hearing care professional when in doubt.</p>\r\nSome hearing aids require a streamer (see “Streaming all your devices\" below) to connect to other devices via Bluetooth. This is usually worn around the neck or kept in a pocket. But this is becoming increasingly rare as modern technology allows for a direct connection. Check product labels or speak with a hearing professional for how hearing aids connect to Bluetooth if you want to avoid using an extra device.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Navigating smartphone apps</h2>\r\nYou can find many, many smartphone apps for hearing loss — some free, some not — and it can be difficult to distinguish the good from the not-so-good. There are two main categories specific to enhancing your hearing:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Apps to amplify sounds in your environment just like a handheld amplifier</li>\r\n \t<li>Apps to customize sound you listen to through your smartphone, such as when you take calls or stream music, so that it is tailored to your hearing</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nBut how do you know whether an app is going to be reliable? Here are some tips:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Look for apps that are popular and have lots of downloads.</li>\r\n \t<li>Read reviews and comments by users.</li>\r\n \t<li>Download apps only from official app stores.</li>\r\n \t<li>Look at apps that have a history of regularly updating.</li>\r\n \t<li>Pay attention to permissions the app asks for on your phone; predatory apps may ask for permission to access unnecessary information (like an app to amplify sound requesting access to your photos or contacts).</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Hearing aid accessories</h2>\r\nHearing aid accessories can be the difference between doing okay and thriving with hearing aids. Many companies offer a lineup of complementary accessories that can boost your experience with hearing aids and improve listening in certain situations.\r\n\r\nEvery company has a different specific name for these products, but there are four common types: a remote control, a remote microphone, a TV connector, and a streamer.\r\n<h3>Using a remote control</h3>\r\nA remote control acts as a handheld operations center for your hearing aids. It allows you to discretely control your hearing aids without needing to locate and press any buttons on the hearing aids themselves. This can be especially useful for adults with stiff, numb, or arthritic fingers. With a remote control you can:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Adjust the volume or mute the hearing aids.</li>\r\n \t<li>Change the programs to match the situation you’re in.</li>\r\n \t<li>Manage connections to other streaming devices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Trying out a remote microphone</h3>\r\nA remote microphone is a stand-alone or portable microphone that transmits a direct signal to hearing aids from a distance. Remote microphones excel in helping with hearing in difficult listening environments from noise or overcoming distance issues.\r\n\r\nHearing aids can mute or dampen any other sounds around you while focusing only on the remote microphone to substantially improve clarity.\r\n\r\nRemote microphones are one of our favorite accessories and something we recommend to almost every hearing aid user who has trouble with hearing aids in noisy situations. We compare the remote microphone for those with extra trouble with speech in noise to using snow tires for driving in cold weather areas: It’s a must-have accessory!\r\n\r\nThere are two main styles of remote microphone: one-on-one remote mic and group setting remote mic.\r\n<h3>One-on-one remote mic</h3>\r\nThe most common style is a portable personal microphone for focused conversation when you’re only interested in hearing one specific person speak at a time. The person speaking can hold it, wear it around their neck, or clip it to their shirt or jacket lapel. The sound from the microphone is channeled directly into your hearing aid.\r\n\r\nLet’s go through some examples of when the remote microphone comes in handy:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>If you are at a noisy restaurant for dinner, you can have the person you’re dining with wear the remote microphone so that you receive a more direct signal of their voice with less background noise.</li>\r\n \t<li>In some social settings with lots of noise, like a large gathering or at a bar, we tend to move from conversation to conversation. You can bring the one-on-one remote microphone and either hold it yourself near the person (see the figure below) or ask the person you’re speaking with to hold to it for a boosted signal.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296916\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296916\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/hearing-aid-with-portable-remote.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration showing a person using a portable remote microphone with a hearing aid at a party.\" width=\"630\" height=\"406\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />A portable remote microphone being held while at a party[/caption]\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Lectures can be difficult if you’re forced to sit far away from the speaker. Even if the venue has a sound system, it can still be difficult to understand the speaker depending on the acoustics as well as the quality and placement of the speakers. You can either place the remote microphone on the podium or request the speaker wear it to give you a direct signal (see the figure below). The range on remote microphones varies from roughly 30 to 90 feet depending on the manufacturer.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296920\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296920\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/using-hearing-aid-with-remote-mic.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration showing a person using a one-on-one remote microphone with a hearing aid during a lecture.\" width=\"630\" height=\"417\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />A one-on-one remote microphone in action during a lecture.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you’re in a small group setting with the one-on-one remote mic, like a noisy restaurant with a group of three, you can try placing the microphone on the table between your dining companions or ask them to pass it back and forth as needed. It’s an extra step but will make for a smoother and more enjoyable conversation for everyone.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Group setting remote mic</h3>\r\nA newer version of the remote microphone is a table remote microphone that is specially designed for group conversations. This product sits on a table and uses a combination of advanced signal processing and special microphones called <em>beamformers</em> to identify and focus on anyone speaking at the table and transmit that signal directly to your hearing aids.\r\n\r\nThe table remote microphone is a great option when in a restaurant or at home with multiple people or for use at work meetings around a conference table (see the figure below).\r\n\r\nAt the publication of this book, this is a newer product and is only available through a few hearing aid manufacturers, but the initial popularity among patients suggests it’s going to quickly become a widely offered product.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296918\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296918\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/hearing-aid-with-table-remote-mic.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration showing a person using a table remote microphone with a hearing aid during a meeting.\" width=\"630\" height=\"510\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />A table remote microphone during a meeting[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Connecting to the TV</h2>\r\nThe TV connector serves a very specific role of transmitting the audio signal from any home audio device, namely TVs and stereos, directly to your hearing aids (see the figure below). Simply plug the TV connector into the audio port on your TV or stereo to connect to your hearing aids.\r\n\r\nThis can make listening to TV much more enjoyable with a direct and sometimes clearer signal compared to using your hearing aids alone. Many companies now offer the capability for the TV connector to stream to multiple sets of hearing aids if you are watching TV with a friend or family member!\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Streaming all your devices</h2>\r\nTechnology is rapidly evolving, and some hearing aids can directly connect to smartphones and other accessories mentioned in this section. However, some hearing aids will require a streamer (see the figure below) to act as an intermediary transmitter to allow hearing aids to connect to other products.\r\n\r\nThe streamer is usually worn on a lanyard around a hearing aid user’s neck or kept in their pocket. For some hearing aid manufacturers, the streamer and remote control are combined into a single product to make your life easier. Make sure you do a little research first to find out if your hearing aids require a streamer to connect to accessories and your smartphone.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">When purchasing hearing aid accessories, make sure they are compatible with your hearing aids. At the time of this book, most hearing aids are only compatible with accessories made by the same manufacturer.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Even within a single manufacturer, new generation technology does not always work with older technology. You can always ask your hearing care professional to help you navigate the accessories market.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":35179,"name":"Frank Lin","slug":"frank-lin","description":"Frank R. Lin, M.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health and professor of otolaryngology, medicine, mental health, and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University. As an otologic surgeon and epidemiologist, Lin has translated his clinical experiences caring for patients with hearing loss into foundational public health research and federal policy in the U.S. His epidemiological research from 2010-2014 established the association of hearing loss with cognitive decline &amp; dementia, and his research served as the direct basis for the 2017 and 2020 Lancet Commission on Dementia conclusion that hearing loss is the leading modifiable risk factor for dementia.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35179"}},{"authorId":35173,"name":"Nicholas Reed","slug":"nicholas-reed","description":" <p><b>Frank R. Lin, MD, PhD,</b> is the Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health.</p> <p><b>Nicholas S. Reed, AuD,</b> is a clinical audiologist and an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35173"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34095,"title":"Physical Health & Well-Being","slug":"physical-health-well-being","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34095"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Working with Bluetooth and hearing aids","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Navigating smartphone apps","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Hearing aid accessories","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Connecting to the TV","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Streaming all your devices","target":"#tab5"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":296840,"title":"Different Types of Hearing Aids","slug":"different-types-of-hearing-aids","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296840"}},{"articleId":296824,"title":"How to Know If You Have Hearing Loss","slug":"how-to-know-if-you-have-hearing-loss","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296824"}},{"articleId":294697,"title":"Hearing Loss For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"hearing-loss-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/294697"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":294697,"title":"Hearing Loss For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"hearing-loss-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/294697"}},{"articleId":206647,"title":"How to Do Chair Dips","slug":"how-to-do-chair-dips","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206647"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":294550,"slug":"hearing-loss-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119880578","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119880572/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119880572/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119880572-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119880572/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119880572/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/hearing-loss-for-dummies-cover-9781119880578-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Hearing Loss For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"","authors":[{"authorId":34784,"name":"","slug":"","description":" <p><b>The Experts at Dummies</b> are smart, friendly people who make learning easy by taking a not-so-serious approach to serious stuff.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34784"}},{"authorId":35173,"name":"Nicholas Reed","slug":"nicholas-reed","description":" <p><b>Frank R. Lin, MD, PhD,</b> is the Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health.</p> <p><b>Nicholas S. Reed, AuD,</b> is a clinical audiologist and an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35173"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;physical-health-well-being&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119880578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63d1988e94793\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;physical-health-well-being&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119880578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63d1988e950f8\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-01-25T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":296914},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2023-01-23T16:49:31+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-01-24T14:24:29+00:00","timestamp":"2023-01-24T15:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Physical Health & Well-Being","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34095"},"slug":"physical-health-well-being","categoryId":34095},{"name":"General Physical Health & Well-Being","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34188"},"slug":"general-physical-health-well-being","categoryId":34188}],"title":"Different Types of Hearing Aids","strippedTitle":"different types of hearing aids","slug":"different-types-of-hearing-aids","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This article gives an overview of the different types of hearing aids available, including the styles of behind- and in-the-ear hearing aids.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Modern hearing aids are sleek, and many styles are nearly invisible. This is a far cry from early hearing aids that required body-worn accessories (to visualize that, imagine something like the old Discman CD player worn on your belt with wires attached to headphones).\r\n\r\nIt’s also a far cry from the mental image many people have when they picture hearing aids as large and bulky pieces of plastic that stick out from behind the ear connected to huge earpieces sitting in your ear canal.\r\n\r\nHearing aids come in several different shapes and sizes to customize the fit to the wearer. This article covers the broad-style categories but always remember that other variants exist and different manufacturers use different names. Generally, there are two main styles of hearing aids: behind-the-ear and in-the-ear. Each has some subtypes.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">A good hearing aid fit is important to prevent that buzzing sound that is known as feedback. This happens when the amplified sound coming out of the hearing aid speaker is picked up again by the hearing aid microphone and reamplified.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Behind-the-ear hearing aids</h2>\r\nBehind-the-ear hearing aids, often known as BTEs, are the most common style of hearing aid. It sits behind the ear — hence, the name — while a tube runs to the front of the ear where it connects to either an earmold or dome in the wearer’s ear canal, as shown in the figure below.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296867\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296867\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/earmold-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration showing earmold hearing aids versus dome style\" width=\"630\" height=\"357\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />Earmold versus dome hearing aids[/caption]\r\n\r\nWhile earmolds are custom made to fit a wearer’s ear, domes are premade mushroom-shaped silicone pieces that come variety of sizes and designs to find the best fit for the wearer’s ear canal. BTEs have evolved into several subtypes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Earmolds require a custom impression of your ear canal. There are at-home, do-it-yourself earmold impression kits, but we recommend you use these with caution. Improper use can leave silicone material in the ear which requires a professional to remove. When in doubt, see a hearing care professional to make your earmold impressions.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Traditional BTEs</h3>\r\nThe <em>traditional</em> BTE (see the figure below) houses all the components of the hearing aid (the microphone, amplifier, processor, and speaker) in a single space that sits behind the ear. It is connected to a custom earmold using flexible, medical-grade plastic tubing.\r\n\r\nThe BTE is a fairly rugged product that provides ample space for more powerful hardware, which can accommodate the needs of any degree of hearing loss. There are even “power” models for profound hearing loss.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296872\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296872\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/traditional-bte-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"Figure showing a traditional behind-the-ear hearing aid\" width=\"630\" height=\"411\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />Traditional behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid. Note: All components (microphone, speaker, amplifier, and processer) are encased within the body of the hearing aid that sits behind the ear. Amplified sound travels from the hearing aid through the tubing and earmold to the ear canal.[/caption]\r\n\r\nWhile the traditional BTE is the most versatile of hearing aid design, it has not always been perceived as the most discrete, so engineers have come up with newer versions of the BTE: slim tube and receiver-in-the-canal BTEs.\r\n<h3>Slim tube style BTEs</h3>\r\nLike the traditional BTE, the <em>slim tube</em> BTE (see the figure below) also houses all the components of the hearing aid behind the ear, but it uses much smaller tubing for a more discrete look.\r\n\r\nRather than using a larger custom earmold that fills up the ear, slim tube BTEs use a dome or smaller custom earmold that sits deeper in the ear canal. The smaller size limits the slim tube style to mild to moderate hearing losses. In some cases, the slim tube style can work for severe hearing loss, but it is pushing the boundaries of this style’s capabilities.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296875\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296875\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/slim-tube-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"Figure showing a slim tube hearing aid style\" width=\"630\" height=\"432\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />Slim tube hearing aid. Note: Like the traditional BTE, all components are encased within the body of the hearing aid; amplified sound travels through the slim tubing to the ear canal.[/caption]\r\n<h3>Receiver-in-the-canal style BTEs</h3>\r\nWith a newer <em>receiver-in-the-canal</em> (RIC) BTE (see the figure below), the receiver or speaker sits in the dome or small earmold in the wearer’s ear canal and is connected to the body of the hearing aid behind the ear via a wire. This means that the signal output is being delivered right into the wearer’s ear rather than having to travel through tubing from the hearing aid body sitting behind the ear.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296877\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296877\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/receiver-in-canal-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"Figure showing a receiver-in-canal style hearing aid\" width=\"630\" height=\"374\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />Receiver-in-the-canal hearing aid. Note: In this model, the speaker is now in the dome so amplified sound does not travel through any tubing but rather is delivered directly into the wearer’s ear canal.[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis style may result in a clearer, crisper signal and can reduce feedback. Its design is smaller and more discrete. The major drawback to this style is that the receiver and wire are delicate and require regular maintenance and a gentle touch to avoid becoming damaged easily.\r\n<h3>Open and closed styles</h3>\r\nSlim tube and RIC styles often use domes rather than custom earmolds for the part that sits in the ear canal. These domes can be open or closed fit, which refers to whether the domes have holes in them (open fit) or not (closed fit).\r\n\r\nPeople with milder, high-frequency hearing losses can use open fit domes, which allow for more natural sound to enter the ear canal and allow for the ear canal to breathe. Conversely, closed fit domes are used for more moderate or severe hearing loss as they block outside sound and amplify low-frequency sounds.\r\n\r\nOpen domes help prevent the <em>occlusion effect</em> — that is, when your ears feel plugged up and your voice sounds louder to you with an echo-like quality. You might also refer to this sound quality as “hollow” or “booming.” This happens because when we move our jaw to speak or chew, we create vibrations in the ear canal. When the ear canal is completely blocked with a hearing aid or earmold, those vibrations can’t escape and result in the occlusion effect.\r\n\r\nPeople who have better low-frequency hearing and use closed domes, earmolds, or ITE-style hearing aids are more likely to report experiencing the occlusion effect. Should you run into this issue, check with your hearing professional. Fun fact: You can simulate the occlusion effect by repeating words and sentences aloud with and without your fingers plugging up your ear canal (alright, maybe not that fun).\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >In-the-ear hearing aids</h2>\r\nWith in-the-ear hearing aids, also known as ITEs, the entire device sits in the wearer’s ear (see the figure below). These devices are custom made and require an earmold impression to be sent to a manufacturer.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296879\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296879\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/in-the-ear-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"Figure showing an in-the-ear hearing aid\" width=\"630\" height=\"408\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />In-the-ear hearing aid. Note: The amplifier and processor are encased within the body of the hearing aid just behind the microphone.[/caption]\r\n\r\nPopular smaller variants of the ITE are referred to as completely-in-the-canal (CIC; see the figure below). These styles are even smaller and, as the name implies, sit deeper in the ear canal. In fact, the CIC is essentially invisible and so small it requires an attached removal handle to get it in and out of the ear canal.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296880\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296880\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/completely-in-canal-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"Figure showing a completely-in-the-canal hearing aid\" width=\"630\" height=\"391\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />Completely-in-the-canal hearing aid. Note: The amplifier and processor are encased within the body of the hearing aid just behind the microphone.[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe primary purpose of the CIC is cosmetic. A major drawback is that the small size comes at the expense of power. These small hearing aids are intended for mild hearing loss and cannot address the needs of more moderate or severe loss.\r\n\r\nThe size of the CIC also limits the features available; CICs often can’t use advanced technology features like directionality. Some users who choose these styles become disappointed in their hearing aids and believe them to be ineffective when, in reality, these people have been fit with a hearing aid that is inappropriate for their level of hearing loss or hearing needs.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">ITEs are a great option when the user has problems inserting and manipulating behind-the-ear–style hearing aids due to numbness in their fingers or arthritis. The custom shape of the ITE makes it somewhat easier to slip into the ear.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Pros and cons of hearing aid styles</h2>\r\nPicking the right hearing aid for you requires checking out the pros and cons of each style of hearing aid. Take a look at the table below to see which style may be the one for you.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Hearing Aid Styles Pros and Cons</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Type</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Used For</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Pros</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Cons</strong></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Traditional behind-the-ear</strong></td>\r\n<td>All degrees of hearing loss from mild to profound</td>\r\n<td>Extremely versatile device with widest range of available features</td>\r\n<td>Relatively larger in size and most visible to the eye</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Slim tube behind-the-ear</strong></td>\r\n<td>Mild to moderate hearing loss with some flexibility to fit severe hearing loss depending on the specific device</td>\r\n<td>Less visible than traditional BTE and can use open domes for more natural sound</td>\r\n<td>Requires enough dexterity to manipulate smaller size than traditional BTE and doesn’t meet the needs of most severe and profound hearing losses</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Receiver in the canal behind-the-ear</strong></td>\r\n<td>Mild to moderate hearing loss</td>\r\n<td>Smallest BTE, clear sound from placement of speaker in the ear</td>\r\n<td>Most fragile BTE</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>In-the-ear</strong></td>\r\n<td>Mild to severe hearing loss</td>\r\n<td>Custom fit that is easiest to use when wearer has limited dexterity</td>\r\n<td>Smaller size may limit a few features</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Completely in-the-canal</strong></td>\r\n<td>Mild hearing loss</td>\r\n<td>Nearly invisible</td>\r\n<td>Small size limits power and features like directionality</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n ","description":"Modern hearing aids are sleek, and many styles are nearly invisible. This is a far cry from early hearing aids that required body-worn accessories (to visualize that, imagine something like the old Discman CD player worn on your belt with wires attached to headphones).\r\n\r\nIt’s also a far cry from the mental image many people have when they picture hearing aids as large and bulky pieces of plastic that stick out from behind the ear connected to huge earpieces sitting in your ear canal.\r\n\r\nHearing aids come in several different shapes and sizes to customize the fit to the wearer. This article covers the broad-style categories but always remember that other variants exist and different manufacturers use different names. Generally, there are two main styles of hearing aids: behind-the-ear and in-the-ear. Each has some subtypes.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">A good hearing aid fit is important to prevent that buzzing sound that is known as feedback. This happens when the amplified sound coming out of the hearing aid speaker is picked up again by the hearing aid microphone and reamplified.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Behind-the-ear hearing aids</h2>\r\nBehind-the-ear hearing aids, often known as BTEs, are the most common style of hearing aid. It sits behind the ear — hence, the name — while a tube runs to the front of the ear where it connects to either an earmold or dome in the wearer’s ear canal, as shown in the figure below.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296867\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296867\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/earmold-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration showing earmold hearing aids versus dome style\" width=\"630\" height=\"357\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />Earmold versus dome hearing aids[/caption]\r\n\r\nWhile earmolds are custom made to fit a wearer’s ear, domes are premade mushroom-shaped silicone pieces that come variety of sizes and designs to find the best fit for the wearer’s ear canal. BTEs have evolved into several subtypes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Earmolds require a custom impression of your ear canal. There are at-home, do-it-yourself earmold impression kits, but we recommend you use these with caution. Improper use can leave silicone material in the ear which requires a professional to remove. When in doubt, see a hearing care professional to make your earmold impressions.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Traditional BTEs</h3>\r\nThe <em>traditional</em> BTE (see the figure below) houses all the components of the hearing aid (the microphone, amplifier, processor, and speaker) in a single space that sits behind the ear. It is connected to a custom earmold using flexible, medical-grade plastic tubing.\r\n\r\nThe BTE is a fairly rugged product that provides ample space for more powerful hardware, which can accommodate the needs of any degree of hearing loss. There are even “power” models for profound hearing loss.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296872\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296872\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/traditional-bte-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"Figure showing a traditional behind-the-ear hearing aid\" width=\"630\" height=\"411\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />Traditional behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid. Note: All components (microphone, speaker, amplifier, and processer) are encased within the body of the hearing aid that sits behind the ear. Amplified sound travels from the hearing aid through the tubing and earmold to the ear canal.[/caption]\r\n\r\nWhile the traditional BTE is the most versatile of hearing aid design, it has not always been perceived as the most discrete, so engineers have come up with newer versions of the BTE: slim tube and receiver-in-the-canal BTEs.\r\n<h3>Slim tube style BTEs</h3>\r\nLike the traditional BTE, the <em>slim tube</em> BTE (see the figure below) also houses all the components of the hearing aid behind the ear, but it uses much smaller tubing for a more discrete look.\r\n\r\nRather than using a larger custom earmold that fills up the ear, slim tube BTEs use a dome or smaller custom earmold that sits deeper in the ear canal. The smaller size limits the slim tube style to mild to moderate hearing losses. In some cases, the slim tube style can work for severe hearing loss, but it is pushing the boundaries of this style’s capabilities.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296875\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296875\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/slim-tube-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"Figure showing a slim tube hearing aid style\" width=\"630\" height=\"432\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />Slim tube hearing aid. Note: Like the traditional BTE, all components are encased within the body of the hearing aid; amplified sound travels through the slim tubing to the ear canal.[/caption]\r\n<h3>Receiver-in-the-canal style BTEs</h3>\r\nWith a newer <em>receiver-in-the-canal</em> (RIC) BTE (see the figure below), the receiver or speaker sits in the dome or small earmold in the wearer’s ear canal and is connected to the body of the hearing aid behind the ear via a wire. This means that the signal output is being delivered right into the wearer’s ear rather than having to travel through tubing from the hearing aid body sitting behind the ear.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296877\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296877\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/receiver-in-canal-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"Figure showing a receiver-in-canal style hearing aid\" width=\"630\" height=\"374\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />Receiver-in-the-canal hearing aid. Note: In this model, the speaker is now in the dome so amplified sound does not travel through any tubing but rather is delivered directly into the wearer’s ear canal.[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis style may result in a clearer, crisper signal and can reduce feedback. Its design is smaller and more discrete. The major drawback to this style is that the receiver and wire are delicate and require regular maintenance and a gentle touch to avoid becoming damaged easily.\r\n<h3>Open and closed styles</h3>\r\nSlim tube and RIC styles often use domes rather than custom earmolds for the part that sits in the ear canal. These domes can be open or closed fit, which refers to whether the domes have holes in them (open fit) or not (closed fit).\r\n\r\nPeople with milder, high-frequency hearing losses can use open fit domes, which allow for more natural sound to enter the ear canal and allow for the ear canal to breathe. Conversely, closed fit domes are used for more moderate or severe hearing loss as they block outside sound and amplify low-frequency sounds.\r\n\r\nOpen domes help prevent the <em>occlusion effect</em> — that is, when your ears feel plugged up and your voice sounds louder to you with an echo-like quality. You might also refer to this sound quality as “hollow” or “booming.” This happens because when we move our jaw to speak or chew, we create vibrations in the ear canal. When the ear canal is completely blocked with a hearing aid or earmold, those vibrations can’t escape and result in the occlusion effect.\r\n\r\nPeople who have better low-frequency hearing and use closed domes, earmolds, or ITE-style hearing aids are more likely to report experiencing the occlusion effect. Should you run into this issue, check with your hearing professional. Fun fact: You can simulate the occlusion effect by repeating words and sentences aloud with and without your fingers plugging up your ear canal (alright, maybe not that fun).\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >In-the-ear hearing aids</h2>\r\nWith in-the-ear hearing aids, also known as ITEs, the entire device sits in the wearer’s ear (see the figure below). These devices are custom made and require an earmold impression to be sent to a manufacturer.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296879\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296879\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/in-the-ear-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"Figure showing an in-the-ear hearing aid\" width=\"630\" height=\"408\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />In-the-ear hearing aid. Note: The amplifier and processor are encased within the body of the hearing aid just behind the microphone.[/caption]\r\n\r\nPopular smaller variants of the ITE are referred to as completely-in-the-canal (CIC; see the figure below). These styles are even smaller and, as the name implies, sit deeper in the ear canal. In fact, the CIC is essentially invisible and so small it requires an attached removal handle to get it in and out of the ear canal.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296880\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296880\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/completely-in-canal-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"Figure showing a completely-in-the-canal hearing aid\" width=\"630\" height=\"391\" /> ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />Completely-in-the-canal hearing aid. Note: The amplifier and processor are encased within the body of the hearing aid just behind the microphone.[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe primary purpose of the CIC is cosmetic. A major drawback is that the small size comes at the expense of power. These small hearing aids are intended for mild hearing loss and cannot address the needs of more moderate or severe loss.\r\n\r\nThe size of the CIC also limits the features available; CICs often can’t use advanced technology features like directionality. Some users who choose these styles become disappointed in their hearing aids and believe them to be ineffective when, in reality, these people have been fit with a hearing aid that is inappropriate for their level of hearing loss or hearing needs.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">ITEs are a great option when the user has problems inserting and manipulating behind-the-ear–style hearing aids due to numbness in their fingers or arthritis. The custom shape of the ITE makes it somewhat easier to slip into the ear.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Pros and cons of hearing aid styles</h2>\r\nPicking the right hearing aid for you requires checking out the pros and cons of each style of hearing aid. Take a look at the table below to see which style may be the one for you.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Hearing Aid Styles Pros and Cons</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Type</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Used For</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Pros</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Cons</strong></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Traditional behind-the-ear</strong></td>\r\n<td>All degrees of hearing loss from mild to profound</td>\r\n<td>Extremely versatile device with widest range of available features</td>\r\n<td>Relatively larger in size and most visible to the eye</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Slim tube behind-the-ear</strong></td>\r\n<td>Mild to moderate hearing loss with some flexibility to fit severe hearing loss depending on the specific device</td>\r\n<td>Less visible than traditional BTE and can use open domes for more natural sound</td>\r\n<td>Requires enough dexterity to manipulate smaller size than traditional BTE and doesn’t meet the needs of most severe and profound hearing losses</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Receiver in the canal behind-the-ear</strong></td>\r\n<td>Mild to moderate hearing loss</td>\r\n<td>Smallest BTE, clear sound from placement of speaker in the ear</td>\r\n<td>Most fragile BTE</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>In-the-ear</strong></td>\r\n<td>Mild to severe hearing loss</td>\r\n<td>Custom fit that is easiest to use when wearer has limited dexterity</td>\r\n<td>Smaller size may limit a few features</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Completely in-the-canal</strong></td>\r\n<td>Mild hearing loss</td>\r\n<td>Nearly invisible</td>\r\n<td>Small size limits power and features like directionality</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n ","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":35179,"name":"Frank Lin","slug":"frank-lin","description":"Frank R. Lin, M.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health and professor of otolaryngology, medicine, mental health, and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University. As an otologic surgeon and epidemiologist, Lin has translated his clinical experiences caring for patients with hearing loss into foundational public health research and federal policy in the U.S. His epidemiological research from 2010-2014 established the association of hearing loss with cognitive decline &amp; dementia, and his research served as the direct basis for the 2017 and 2020 Lancet Commission on Dementia conclusion that hearing loss is the leading modifiable risk factor for dementia.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35179"}},{"authorId":35173,"name":"Nicholas Reed","slug":"nicholas-reed","description":" <p><b>Frank R. Lin, MD, PhD,</b> is the Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health.</p> <p><b>Nicholas S. Reed, AuD,</b> is a clinical audiologist and an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35173"}},{"authorId":11356,"name":"AARP","slug":"aarp","description":"AARP is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization in the United States dedicated to empowering people as they age. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/11356"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34188,"title":"General Physical Health & Well-Being","slug":"general-physical-health-well-being","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34188"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Behind-the-ear hearing aids","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"In-the-ear hearing aids","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Pros and cons of hearing aid styles","target":"#tab3"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":296824,"title":"How to Know If You Have Hearing Loss","slug":"how-to-know-if-you-have-hearing-loss","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296824"}},{"articleId":294697,"title":"Hearing Loss For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"hearing-loss-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/294697"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":296824,"title":"How to Know If You Have Hearing Loss","slug":"how-to-know-if-you-have-hearing-loss","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296824"}},{"articleId":291575,"title":"Self-Care All-in-One For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"self-care-all-in-one-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/291575"}},{"articleId":240061,"title":"How to Get Rid of Lice Naturally","slug":"get-rid-lice-naturally","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/240061"}},{"articleId":200495,"title":"Determining Your Body Type","slug":"determining-your-body-type","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200495"}},{"articleId":193896,"title":"How to Enroll in a Clinical Trial","slug":"how-to-enroll-in-a-clinical-trial","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193896"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":294550,"slug":"hearing-loss-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119880578","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119880572/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119880572/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119880572-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119880572/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119880572/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/hearing-loss-for-dummies-cover-9781119880578-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Hearing Loss For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"","authors":[{"authorId":34784,"name":"","slug":"","description":" <p><b>The Experts at Dummies</b> are smart, friendly people who make learning easy by taking a not-so-serious approach to serious stuff.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34784"}},{"authorId":35173,"name":"Nicholas Reed","slug":"nicholas-reed","description":" <p><b>Frank R. Lin, MD, PhD,</b> is the Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health.</p> <p><b>Nicholas S. Reed, AuD,</b> is a clinical audiologist and an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35173"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;physical-health-well-being&quot;,&quot;general-physical-health-well-being&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119880578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63cff2aec33b3\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;physical-health-well-being&quot;,&quot;general-physical-health-well-being&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119880578&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63cff2aec4424\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-01-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":296840},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2023-01-19T22:02:38+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-01-20T22:55:33+00:00","timestamp":"2023-01-21T00:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Physical Health & Well-Being","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34095"},"slug":"physical-health-well-being","categoryId":34095},{"name":"General Physical Health & Well-Being","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34188"},"slug":"general-physical-health-well-being","categoryId":34188}],"title":"How to Know If You Have Hearing Loss","strippedTitle":"how to know if you have hearing loss","slug":"how-to-know-if-you-have-hearing-loss","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn the signs of hearing loss and how you can detect whether your hearing might be declining. Also learn about hearing testing.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Hearing loss is about clarity not volume. Most people think of hearing loss as simply turning down the volume on a TV, which makes all sounds quieter. But hearing loss is more like turning down the volume on only specific frequencies or pitches of sound so while some sounds are quieter others are just as loud.\r\n\r\nMany people aren’t a very good judge of their own hearing. In fact, most people tend to believe their hearing is better than it actually is, according to research from our own team at Johns Hopkins University. Why are we such bad judges of our own ability to hear?\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296832\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296832\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/hearing-illustration-adobestock_515466252.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> ©New Africa / Adobe Stock[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Barely noticeable changes</h2>\r\nOne answer is that hearing loss happens gradually and slowly over time. The snail-like pace at which our hearing declines may make it difficult to notice any changes. Early signs of hearing loss may be situational.\r\n\r\nWe might miss a word here and there over dinner in a noisy restaurant or have trouble following a conversation with someone soft-spoken. It is easy to shrug off the seemingly isolated early incidents.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Everyone else is mumbling!</h2>\r\nFor most people, hearing loss affects their ability to hear high frequencies (whistling or birds chirping) while leaving the ability to hear low frequencies (animal grunts or thunder) relatively untouched.\r\n\r\nBut not all sounds fit neatly into low or high frequencies. Speech has sounds from several frequencies. In fact, a single word can represent multiple frequencies. For example, the word “show” includes “sh” (high-frequency) and “ow” (low-frequency). With the most common types of hearing loss, the “sh” would be difficult to hear while “ow” would be perfectly audible.\r\n\r\nThis results in a phenomenon where you would hear someone talking, but what they’re saying isn’t clear. This is why a common phrase among those with hearing loss is “I can hear you but you’re mumbling!”\r\n\r\nHearing some sounds but not others affects clarity, which isn’t always something people think of when they think of hearing loss. Hence, sometimes it’s hard to make that leap to suspecting hearing loss.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Compensating until you can’t</h2>\r\nOur brain plays a big role in making it tough to recognize hearing loss, especially when it first starts. Generally, our brains are great at their job of processing incoming information and can often still make sense of unclear speech.\r\n\r\nThe brain does this by using contextual information like the general topic of conversation to fill in the blanks. This means that as we develop hearing loss, our brains initially do a pretty good job of making up for any hearing loss.\r\n\r\nBut compensating for hearing loss requires a lot of extra energy and effort from our brains. Over time, our hearing tends to worsen and our brain’s ability to compensate lessens until it actually starts to slow down as well from the fatigue of keeping up with all the unclear sound.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Don’t know what you’re missing</h2>\r\nOur brains are good at noticing new auditory information and ignoring common and mundane sound. Think about being in your own home versus visiting a place for the first time. In our own homes, we tend to ignore familiar sounds — the humming of appliances, creaking floorboards, or squeaking doors.\r\n\r\nBut in a new place, our brains are on high alert, and we notice every single new sound. The same concept goes for common environmental sounds when we aren’t specifically listening for them: traffic noise from other cars while driving or chirping birds while walking through the park.\r\n\r\nWhen we aren’t specifically listening for a sound, it often becomes forgotten background noise. This makes it difficult to realize what we miss when we have hearing loss.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Has your hearing declined?</h2>\r\nGiven how difficult it is for us to judge our own hearing ability, consider having a conversation with those close to you to help you identify any hearing loss. Your hearing loss can impact them, too.\r\n\r\nIn many situations, it is a spouse, child, companion, or other frequent communication partner who first detects signs of hearing loss — from little things like noticing you turn the TV up louder to feeling isolated from you because conversation has become more difficult. The perceptions of those around you is a great way to gauge your own hearing.\r\n\r\nIt is also often helpful to look for clues in how hearing may be affecting your day-to-day life. Consider, for example, any changes in your social activity, communication patterns, and regular activities to help identify any hearing loss. You may be subconsciously avoiding situations or even altering the way you engage with people because of difficulty hearing.\r\n\r\nTake a minute to ask yourself some of the following questions to get a better feel for whether you may have some hearing loss:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Are you asking others to repeat things more often? In follow-up, do you find others saying things like “Never mind, I’ll tell you later” when you ask them to repeat something? This may be a sign that others have begun to notice your hearing difficulties.</li>\r\n \t<li>Are you having trouble following conversations in meetings?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you find yourself believing many other people mumble too much?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you have difficulty hearing people when you aren’t looking directly at them when they speak or when they turn away from you during conversation?</li>\r\n \t<li>Have you felt embarrassed to contribute to conversations because you’re unsure of the topic?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you feel excluded at dinner or other group conversations or unable to keep up?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you have any difficulty hearing small children? (People with hearing loss often find children’s voices, which are higher pitched, difficult to understand.)</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you turn up the volume on electronics such as the television?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you avoid talking on the telephone because it’s fatiguing and hard to make out what the other person says?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do others around you complain that the TV is too loud?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you find yourself avoiding restaurants or social gatherings more than you used to because they’re too noisy?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you find yourself more tired than usual when engaging in conversation?</li>\r\n \t<li>Are you avoiding activities you used to regularly participate in, such as attending concerts, plays, meetings, or religious services?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s a good idea to get your hearing tested. Read on to find out more.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >When to get your hearing tested</h2>\r\nHearing loss is very common and more than half of all adults over the age of 60 experience hearing loss. It may be a good idea to schedule a hearing test when you turn 60 if you notice any of the signs of hearing loss mentioned above, whichever comes first.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" >Screening, testing, and diagnostics</h2>\r\nYou may see the terms <em>hearing screening</em> or <em>hearing testing</em> thrown around and sometimes you’ll see the term <em>diagnostic hearing test</em> versus <em>self-guided hearing test</em>. Here’s what these mean:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Hearing screening</strong> refers to any assessment or task that helps identify whether or not you likely have some hearing loss but offers little details. Hearing screenings vary in how they’re performed and could be anything from whether you can hear someone whisper in your ear to a task where you have to identify numbers spoken in the presence of background noise.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Hearing testing</strong> refers to pure-tone audiometry tests (see Chapter 7) that provides sufficient detail to describe your hearing in each ear using either the hearing number or categories like mild, moderate, severe, or profound.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Self-guided hearing testing</strong> refers to hearing testing that is performed by you without the help of a professional, such as on a smartphone.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Diagnostic hearing testing</strong> refers to a full battery of tests performed by a hearing professional, usually an audiologist, for the purpose of diagnosing hearing loss.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" >Establishing a baseline</h2>\r\nA baseline hearing test simply refers to your first diagnostic hearing test, the results of which become the baseline or reference point for future hearing tests to keep track of any changes in hearing.\r\n\r\nThe baseline test also helps hearing professionals create a custom plan for you based on patterns in changes in your hearing over time. We recommend establishing a baseline as soon as you suspect hearing loss or at least by the time you turn 60, even if you’re not particularly concerned with your hearing at the moment.\r\n<h3>Making the appointment</h3>\r\nHere are the details you need to know to make an appointment:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Insurance, including Medicare, usually covers at least one diagnostic hearing test a year when ordered by a physician (check with your provider when in doubt).</li>\r\n \t<li>An audiologist will usually perform the diagnostic hearing test.</li>\r\n \t<li>Request a referral from your primary care provider (if required by your insurance company).</li>\r\n \t<li>Search online for a local audiologist near you that accepts your insurance or use websites like <a href=\"http://www.HearingTracker.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HearingTracker.com</a>, which maintains a directory of audiologists from across the country with patient reviews.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Curious about testing your own hearing? Try one of numerous smartphone- or web-based hearing tests and screeners such as <a href=\"https://mimi.health/hearing-test-apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mimi Hearing</a> or <a href=\"https://www.soniccloud.com/the-hearing-assessment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SonicCloud</a>, which are free and can be found in your smartphone app store. You could also try the AARP at-home hearing screener found at <a href=\"http://www.nationalhearingtest.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nationalhearingtest.org</a> (free for AARP members!).</p>","description":"Hearing loss is about clarity not volume. Most people think of hearing loss as simply turning down the volume on a TV, which makes all sounds quieter. But hearing loss is more like turning down the volume on only specific frequencies or pitches of sound so while some sounds are quieter others are just as loud.\r\n\r\nMany people aren’t a very good judge of their own hearing. In fact, most people tend to believe their hearing is better than it actually is, according to research from our own team at Johns Hopkins University. Why are we such bad judges of our own ability to hear?\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296832\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296832\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/hearing-illustration-adobestock_515466252.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> ©New Africa / Adobe Stock[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Barely noticeable changes</h2>\r\nOne answer is that hearing loss happens gradually and slowly over time. The snail-like pace at which our hearing declines may make it difficult to notice any changes. Early signs of hearing loss may be situational.\r\n\r\nWe might miss a word here and there over dinner in a noisy restaurant or have trouble following a conversation with someone soft-spoken. It is easy to shrug off the seemingly isolated early incidents.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Everyone else is mumbling!</h2>\r\nFor most people, hearing loss affects their ability to hear high frequencies (whistling or birds chirping) while leaving the ability to hear low frequencies (animal grunts or thunder) relatively untouched.\r\n\r\nBut not all sounds fit neatly into low or high frequencies. Speech has sounds from several frequencies. In fact, a single word can represent multiple frequencies. For example, the word “show” includes “sh” (high-frequency) and “ow” (low-frequency). With the most common types of hearing loss, the “sh” would be difficult to hear while “ow” would be perfectly audible.\r\n\r\nThis results in a phenomenon where you would hear someone talking, but what they’re saying isn’t clear. This is why a common phrase among those with hearing loss is “I can hear you but you’re mumbling!”\r\n\r\nHearing some sounds but not others affects clarity, which isn’t always something people think of when they think of hearing loss. Hence, sometimes it’s hard to make that leap to suspecting hearing loss.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Compensating until you can’t</h2>\r\nOur brain plays a big role in making it tough to recognize hearing loss, especially when it first starts. Generally, our brains are great at their job of processing incoming information and can often still make sense of unclear speech.\r\n\r\nThe brain does this by using contextual information like the general topic of conversation to fill in the blanks. This means that as we develop hearing loss, our brains initially do a pretty good job of making up for any hearing loss.\r\n\r\nBut compensating for hearing loss requires a lot of extra energy and effort from our brains. Over time, our hearing tends to worsen and our brain’s ability to compensate lessens until it actually starts to slow down as well from the fatigue of keeping up with all the unclear sound.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Don’t know what you’re missing</h2>\r\nOur brains are good at noticing new auditory information and ignoring common and mundane sound. Think about being in your own home versus visiting a place for the first time. In our own homes, we tend to ignore familiar sounds — the humming of appliances, creaking floorboards, or squeaking doors.\r\n\r\nBut in a new place, our brains are on high alert, and we notice every single new sound. The same concept goes for common environmental sounds when we aren’t specifically listening for them: traffic noise from other cars while driving or chirping birds while walking through the park.\r\n\r\nWhen we aren’t specifically listening for a sound, it often becomes forgotten background noise. This makes it difficult to realize what we miss when we have hearing loss.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Has your hearing declined?</h2>\r\nGiven how difficult it is for us to judge our own hearing ability, consider having a conversation with those close to you to help you identify any hearing loss. Your hearing loss can impact them, too.\r\n\r\nIn many situations, it is a spouse, child, companion, or other frequent communication partner who first detects signs of hearing loss — from little things like noticing you turn the TV up louder to feeling isolated from you because conversation has become more difficult. The perceptions of those around you is a great way to gauge your own hearing.\r\n\r\nIt is also often helpful to look for clues in how hearing may be affecting your day-to-day life. Consider, for example, any changes in your social activity, communication patterns, and regular activities to help identify any hearing loss. You may be subconsciously avoiding situations or even altering the way you engage with people because of difficulty hearing.\r\n\r\nTake a minute to ask yourself some of the following questions to get a better feel for whether you may have some hearing loss:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Are you asking others to repeat things more often? In follow-up, do you find others saying things like “Never mind, I’ll tell you later” when you ask them to repeat something? This may be a sign that others have begun to notice your hearing difficulties.</li>\r\n \t<li>Are you having trouble following conversations in meetings?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you find yourself believing many other people mumble too much?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you have difficulty hearing people when you aren’t looking directly at them when they speak or when they turn away from you during conversation?</li>\r\n \t<li>Have you felt embarrassed to contribute to conversations because you’re unsure of the topic?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you feel excluded at dinner or other group conversations or unable to keep up?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you have any difficulty hearing small children? (People with hearing loss often find children’s voices, which are higher pitched, difficult to understand.)</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you turn up the volume on electronics such as the television?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you avoid talking on the telephone because it’s fatiguing and hard to make out what the other person says?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do others around you complain that the TV is too loud?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you find yourself avoiding restaurants or social gatherings more than you used to because they’re too noisy?</li>\r\n \t<li>Do you find yourself more tired than usual when engaging in conversation?</li>\r\n \t<li>Are you avoiding activities you used to regularly participate in, such as attending concerts, plays, meetings, or religious services?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s a good idea to get your hearing tested. Read on to find out more.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >When to get your hearing tested</h2>\r\nHearing loss is very common and more than half of all adults over the age of 60 experience hearing loss. It may be a good idea to schedule a hearing test when you turn 60 if you notice any of the signs of hearing loss mentioned above, whichever comes first.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" >Screening, testing, and diagnostics</h2>\r\nYou may see the terms <em>hearing screening</em> or <em>hearing testing</em> thrown around and sometimes you’ll see the term <em>diagnostic hearing test</em> versus <em>self-guided hearing test</em>. Here’s what these mean:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Hearing screening</strong> refers to any assessment or task that helps identify whether or not you likely have some hearing loss but offers little details. Hearing screenings vary in how they’re performed and could be anything from whether you can hear someone whisper in your ear to a task where you have to identify numbers spoken in the presence of background noise.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Hearing testing</strong> refers to pure-tone audiometry tests (see Chapter 7) that provides sufficient detail to describe your hearing in each ear using either the hearing number or categories like mild, moderate, severe, or profound.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Self-guided hearing testing</strong> refers to hearing testing that is performed by you without the help of a professional, such as on a smartphone.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Diagnostic hearing testing</strong> refers to a full battery of tests performed by a hearing professional, usually an audiologist, for the purpose of diagnosing hearing loss.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" >Establishing a baseline</h2>\r\nA baseline hearing test simply refers to your first diagnostic hearing test, the results of which become the baseline or reference point for future hearing tests to keep track of any changes in hearing.\r\n\r\nThe baseline test also helps hearing professionals create a custom plan for you based on patterns in changes in your hearing over time. We recommend establishing a baseline as soon as you suspect hearing loss or at least by the time you turn 60, even if you’re not particularly concerned with your hearing at the moment.\r\n<h3>Making the appointment</h3>\r\nHere are the details you need to know to make an appointment:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Insurance, including Medicare, usually covers at least one diagnostic hearing test a year when ordered by a physician (check with your provider when in doubt).</li>\r\n \t<li>An audiologist will usually perform the diagnostic hearing test.</li>\r\n \t<li>Request a referral from your primary care provider (if required by your insurance company).</li>\r\n \t<li>Search online for a local audiologist near you that accepts your insurance or use websites like <a href=\"http://www.HearingTracker.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HearingTracker.com</a>, which maintains a directory of audiologists from across the country with patient reviews.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Curious about testing your own hearing? Try one of numerous smartphone- or web-based hearing tests and screeners such as <a href=\"https://mimi.health/hearing-test-apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mimi Hearing</a> or <a href=\"https://www.soniccloud.com/the-hearing-assessment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SonicCloud</a>, which are free and can be found in your smartphone app store. You could also try the AARP at-home hearing screener found at <a href=\"http://www.nationalhearingtest.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nationalhearingtest.org</a> (free for AARP members!).</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":35179,"name":"Frank Lin","slug":"frank-lin","description":"Frank R. Lin, M.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health and professor of otolaryngology, medicine, mental health, and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University. As an otologic surgeon and epidemiologist, Lin has translated his clinical experiences caring for patients with hearing loss into foundational public health research and federal policy in the U.S. His epidemiological research from 2010-2014 established the association of hearing loss with cognitive decline &amp; dementia, and his research served as the direct basis for the 2017 and 2020 Lancet Commission on Dementia conclusion that hearing loss is the leading modifiable risk factor for dementia.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35179"}},{"authorId":35173,"name":"Nicholas Reed","slug":"nicholas-reed","description":" <p><b>Frank R. Lin, MD, PhD,</b> is the Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health.</p> <p><b>Nicholas S. Reed, AuD,</b> is a clinical audiologist and an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35173"}},{"authorId":11356,"name":"AARP","slug":"aarp","description":"AARP is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization in the United States dedicated to empowering people as they age. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/11356"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34188,"title":"General Physical Health & Well-Being","slug":"general-physical-health-well-being","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34188"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Barely noticeable changes","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Everyone else is mumbling!","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Compensating until you can’t","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Don’t know what you’re missing","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Has your hearing declined?","target":"#tab5"},{"label":"When to get your hearing tested","target":"#tab6"},{"label":"Screening, testing, and diagnostics","target":"#tab7"},{"label":"Establishing a baseline","target":"#tab8"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":294697,"title":"Hearing Loss For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"hearing-loss-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/294697"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":291575,"title":"Self-Care All-in-One For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"self-care-all-in-one-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/291575"}},{"articleId":240061,"title":"How to Get Rid of Lice Naturally","slug":"get-rid-lice-naturally","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/240061"}},{"articleId":200495,"title":"Determining Your Body Type","slug":"determining-your-body-type","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200495"}},{"articleId":193896,"title":"How to Enroll in a Clinical Trial","slug":"how-to-enroll-in-a-clinical-trial","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193896"}},{"articleId":193826,"title":"How Do I Prepare for a Colonoscopy?","slug":"how-do-i-prepare-for-a-colonoscopy","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193826"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":294550,"slug":"hearing-loss-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119880578","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","general-physical-health-well-being"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119880572/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119880572/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119880572-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119880572/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119880572/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/hearing-loss-for-dummies-cover-9781119880578-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Hearing Loss For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b>Frank R. Lin, MD, PhD,</b> is the Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health.</p> <p><b>Nicholas S. Reed, AuD,</b> is a clinical audiologist and an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":34784,"name":"","slug":"","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34784"}},{"authorId":35173,"name":"Nicholas Reed","slug":"nicholas-reed","description":" <p><b>Frank R. Lin, MD, PhD,</b> is the Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health.</p> <p><b>Nicholas S. Reed, AuD,</b> is a clinical audiologist and an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University. 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The Pilates method works to strengthen the center, lengthen the spine, build muscle tone and increase body awareness and flexibility. This Cheat Sheet summarizes what you need to get started in Pilates and includes lists of exercises, from fundamental to advanced.","description":"Pilates has become one of the most popular fitness systems in the world. The Pilates method works to strengthen the center, lengthen the spine, build muscle tone and increase body awareness and flexibility. This Cheat Sheet summarizes what you need to get started in Pilates and includes lists of exercises, from fundamental to advanced.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9979,"name":"Ellie Herman","slug":"ellie-herman","description":" Ellie Herman runs two Pilates studios, where she teaches hundreds of students and certifies Pilates teachers. She studied under two of Joseph Pilates' original students.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9979"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34170,"title":"Pilates","slug":"pilates","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34170"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":210282,"title":"How to Do Pilates Upper-Abdominal Curls","slug":"how-to-do-pilates-upper-abdominal-curls-2","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210282"}},{"articleId":210280,"title":"How to Do a Basic Pilates Cat","slug":"how-to-do-a-basic-pilates-cat","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210280"}},{"articleId":210281,"title":"How to Do a Basic Pilates Bridge","slug":"how-to-do-a-basic-pilates-bridge","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210281"}},{"articleId":206640,"title":"How to Do the Pilates Stacking the Spine Position","slug":"how-to-do-the-pilates-stacking-the-spine-position","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206640"}},{"articleId":206637,"title":"How to Do the Pilates Basic Cat Exercise","slug":"how-to-do-the-pilates-basic-cat-exercise","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206637"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210282,"title":"How to Do Pilates Upper-Abdominal Curls","slug":"how-to-do-pilates-upper-abdominal-curls-2","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210282"}},{"articleId":210281,"title":"How to Do a Basic Pilates Bridge","slug":"how-to-do-a-basic-pilates-bridge","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210281"}},{"articleId":210280,"title":"How to Do a Basic Pilates Cat","slug":"how-to-do-a-basic-pilates-cat","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210280"}},{"articleId":206640,"title":"How to Do the Pilates Stacking the Spine Position","slug":"how-to-do-the-pilates-stacking-the-spine-position","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206640"}},{"articleId":206637,"title":"How to Do the Pilates Basic Cat Exercise","slug":"how-to-do-the-pilates-basic-cat-exercise","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206637"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282474,"slug":"pilates-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119907381","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119907381/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119907381/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119907381-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119907381/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119907381/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/pilates-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781119907381-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Pilates For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9979\">Ellie Herman</b> runs two Pilates studios, where she teaches hundreds of students and certifies Pilates teachers. She studied under two of Joseph Pilates' original students.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9979,"name":"Ellie Herman","slug":"ellie-herman","description":" Ellie Herman runs two Pilates studios, where she teaches hundreds of students and certifies Pilates teachers. She studied under two of Joseph Pilates' original students.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9979"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;physical-health-well-being&quot;,&quot;exercise-movement&quot;,&quot;pilates&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119907381&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63a0d10e857a5\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;physical-health-well-being&quot;,&quot;exercise-movement&quot;,&quot;pilates&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119907381&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63a0d10e861c5\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"What you need to get started in Pilates","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Here are the basics for getting started in Pilates:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>A firm mat. </strong>The mat only needs to be as long as your spine and as wide as your body. This mat should be firm enough to support your back when rolling on the floor. You will hurt your vertebrae if you use only a towel or a yoga mat. I like to use either a gymnastic mat or a fold up foam mat.</li>\n<li><strong>Comfy clothes. </strong>Wear what you would wear to a yoga class, dance class, or stretch class. Nothing should bind you — no buttons or tight waist­bands. Wearing something formfitting is nice because it lets you see if your belly is pooching out or not.</li>\n<li><strong>Bare feet. </strong>Socks tend to slip on the floor, so I recommend bare feet.</li>\n<li><strong>A small ball is great, although it’s not necessary.</strong> A small ball is a great cheap tool to have, especially when you’re first starting out.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Pilates alphabet","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<ul>\n<li>Neutral Spine</li>\n<li>Abdominal Scoop</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/physical-health-well-being/exercise-movement/pilates/how-to-do-a-basic-pilates-bridge-210281/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bridge</a></li>\n<li>C Curve: Lumbar, Thoracic, and Cervical</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/physical-health-well-being/exercise-movement/pilates/how-to-do-the-pilates-hip-up-position-198428/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hip-Up</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/physical-health-well-being/exercise-movement/pilates/how-to-do-the-pilates-levitation-position-198563/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Levitation</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/physical-health-well-being/exercise-movement/pilates/how-to-do-the-pilates-balance-point-position-198406/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Balance Point</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/physical-health-well-being/exercise-movement/pilates/how-to-do-the-pilates-stacking-the-spine-position-206640/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stacking the Spine</a></li>\n<li>Pilates Abdominal Position</li>\n<li>Pilates First Position</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Fundamental series (pre-Pilates)","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<ul>\n<li>Breathing in Neutral Spine</li>\n<li>Shoulder Shrugs</li>\n<li>Shoulder Slaps</li>\n<li>Arm Reaches/Arm Circles</li>\n<li>Coccyx Curls</li>\n<li>Tiny Steps</li>\n<li>Upper Abdominal Curls</li>\n<li>Hip-Up</li>\n<li>C Curve Roll Down Prep</li>\n<li>Balance Point/Teaser Prep</li>\n<li>Rolling Like a Ball, Modified</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Beginning series","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<ul>\n<li>Coccyx Curls</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/physical-health-well-being/exercise-movement/pilates/how-to-do-pilates-upper-abdominal-curls-2-210282/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Upper Abdominal Curls</a></li>\n<li>Hundred, Beginning Level</li>\n<li>Balance Point</li>\n<li>Hip-Up</li>\n<li>Rolling Like a Ball</li>\n<li>Single Leg Stretch</li>\n<li>Rising Swan</li>\n<li>Roll Down</li>\n<li>Bridge</li>\n<li>Spine Stretch Forward</li>\n<li>Side Kicks</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Intermediate series","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<ul>\n<li>Hundred, Intermediate Level</li>\n<li>Roll Up</li>\n<li>Rolling Like a Ball</li>\n<li>Single Leg Stretch</li>\n<li>Double Leg Stretch</li>\n<li>Crisscross</li>\n<li>Scissors</li>\n<li>Open Leg Rocker</li>\n<li>Single Leg Kick</li>\n<li>Double Leg Kick</li>\n<li>Side Kicks</li>\n<li>Teaser, Modified</li>\n<li>The Seal</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Advanced series","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<ul>\n<li>Hundred, Advanced Version</li>\n<li>Roll Up</li>\n<li>Rollover</li>\n<li>Rolling Like a Ball</li>\n<li>Single Leg Stretch</li>\n<li>Double Leg Stretch</li>\n<li>Crisscross</li>\n<li>Scissors</li>\n<li>Spine Stretch Forward</li>\n<li>Open Leg Rocker</li>\n<li>Rising Swan</li>\n<li>The Saw</li>\n<li>Single Leg Kick</li>\n<li>Double Leg Kick</li>\n<li>Neck Pull</li>\n<li>Shoulder Bridge</li>\n<li>Spine Twist</li>\n<li>The Jackknife</li>\n<li>Side Kicks</li>\n<li>Teaser, Advanced Version</li>\n<li>Hip Flexor Stretch</li>\n<li>Hip Circles</li>\n<li>Swimming</li>\n<li>Control Front</li>\n<li>Kneeling Side Kicks</li>\n<li>Side Bend/Advanced Mermaid</li>\n<li>The Seal</li>\n<li>Pilates Push-Up</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-10-25T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":295416},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2022-11-10T21:53:37+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-12-12T16:49:47+00:00","timestamp":"2022-12-12T18:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Emotional Health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34040"},"slug":"emotional-health","categoryId":34040},{"name":"General Emotional Health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34052"},"slug":"general-emotional-health","categoryId":34052}],"title":"Burnout For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"burnout for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"burnout-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This Cheat Sheet pulls together some techniques, exercises, and ideas you can use to counter feelings of burnout at work or home.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/burnout_for_dummies_cheat_sheet.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/burnout_for_dummies_cheat_sheet.mp3\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"></span>Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you've arrived at burnout, it’s not because you've been lazy; rather, you've been quite busy. And even though you may be exhausted and depleted, the busyness still doesn’t stop. Your sense of depletion and fatigue may permeate every aspect of your life so that the tasks, chores, and routines you used to be able to handle with ease are now overwhelming. Everything seems to drain your energy.\r\n\r\nYou can begin to help yourself with the suggestions that follow.","description":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/burnout_for_dummies_cheat_sheet.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/burnout_for_dummies_cheat_sheet.mp3\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"></span>Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you've arrived at burnout, it’s not because you've been lazy; rather, you've been quite busy. And even though you may be exhausted and depleted, the busyness still doesn’t stop. Your sense of depletion and fatigue may permeate every aspect of your life so that the tasks, chores, and routines you used to be able to handle with ease are now overwhelming. Everything seems to drain your energy.\r\n\r\nYou can begin to help yourself with the suggestions that follow.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":34486,"name":"Eva Selhub","slug":"eva-selhub","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34486"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34052,"title":"General Emotional Health","slug":"general-emotional-health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34052"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":296080,"title":"Check Your Level of Burnout with This Quiz","slug":"check-your-level-of-burnout-with-this-quiz","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296080"}},{"articleId":296073,"title":"What Exactly Is Burnout?","slug":"what-exactly-is-burnout","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296073"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":296080,"title":"Check Your Level of Burnout with This Quiz","slug":"check-your-level-of-burnout-with-this-quiz","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296080"}},{"articleId":296073,"title":"What Exactly Is Burnout?","slug":"what-exactly-is-burnout","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296073"}},{"articleId":295778,"title":"Adulting: How to Succeed in Your First Job","slug":"adulting-how-to-succeed-in-your-first-job","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295778"}},{"articleId":295772,"title":"Adulting: How to Communicate Effectively","slug":"adulting-how-to-communicate-effectively","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295772"}},{"articleId":295764,"title":"Adulting: Moving Out for the First Time","slug":"adulting-moving-out-for-the-first-time","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295764"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":295573,"slug":"burnout-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119894933","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/111989493X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/111989493X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/111989493X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/111989493X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/111989493X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/burnout-for-dummies-cover-9781119894933-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Burnout For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b>Eva Selhub </b>is a board-certified physician, speaker, scientist, executive leadership and performance coach, and a consultant in the field of corporate wellness and resilience. She focuses on helping individuals and corporations alike to become resilient, avoid or manage burnout, and achieve transformational health and wellbeing. She has been published in medical journals and featured in national publications including <i>The New York Times </i>and <i>USA Today</i>.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":34435,"name":"Eva M. Selhub","slug":"eva-m-selhub","description":" <p><b>Eva Selhub </b>is a board-certified physician, speaker, scientist, executive leadership and performance coach, and a consultant in the field of corporate wellness and resilience. She focuses on helping individuals and corporations alike to become resilient, avoid or manage burnout, and achieve transformational health and wellbeing. She has been published in medical journals and featured in national publications including <i>The New York Times </i>and <i>USA Today</i>. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34435"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;emotional-health&quot;,&quot;general-emotional-health&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119894933&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63976c5f1fbd2\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;emotional-health&quot;,&quot;general-emotional-health&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119894933&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63976c5f204f0\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Create routines and rituals","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Organization and structure through the creation of routines and rituals can help you feel more secure and less burned out.</p>\n<p>Mornings, for instance, tend to be hectic in most households, and a large source of stress. Perhaps you can start an evening routine of preparing your (and your children’s, if you have them) clothes and lunch the evening before, ensuring all phones are being charged and work or school items are in your bag.</p>\n<p>You also want your evenings to be a sacred time, when you can detach from your busy day, decompress, and relax. As such, once you have prepared for the morning, you may benefit from creating an evening ritual for relaxation, joy, and refueling. For example, enjoy eating your dinner. Maybe take a bath. Designate a time in the evening to spend time with someone you care about, even if it is talking on the phone.</p>\n<p>As it is important not to be too stimulated first thing in the morning and late at night, you can set a rule that you will not check your phone for at least 30 minutes to an hour after getting up in the morning and before going to bed at night, as this is your time to take care of yourself.</p>\n<p>Eat your breakfast mindfully and enjoy the time without checking your phone. Same thing goes for your evening routine: Choose a time when you turn off your phone and computer.</p>\n<p>Make mealtimes sacred and practice being present and mindful, without your phone. You may wish to create other sacred time in your schedule to be mindful, read, spend social time with people you love, or go out in nature. This is your time to self-nurture and refuel.</p>\n"},{"title":"Pause frequently to breathe with mindful movement","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Your ability to take breaks is vital for healing burnout, and these breaks do not all necessarily need to be long. Taking short pauses throughout your day to down-regulate the stress response can do wonders for your energy level and mood.</p>\n<p>Turning off the stress response enables better access to self-acceptance, rational thinking, and more positive emotions.</p>\n<p>What if you set a timer to remind you every hour on the hour to mindfully take 10 deep and cleansing breaths? It might take you 20 or 30 seconds, max. Or perhaps you can set aside five- to ten-minute breaks to take a mindful walk, do a breath focus, or meditate.</p>\n<h3>Mindful movement</h3>\n<p>You can also add movement to your breath focus, which is otherwise known as <em>mindful movement</em>. You can do the following movement anywhere and anytime:</p>\n<ol>\n<li>Stand upright, feet shoulder-width apart, shoulders relaxed, and knees slightly bent.</li>\n<li>Breathe in and count 1-2-3.</li>\n<li>Breathe out and count 1-2-3-4-5-6.</li>\n<li>Take note of sensations you may be experiencing in your body, where you might be holding tension or experiencing ease, and the weight of your feet on the floor.</li>\n<li>Hold your arms out at chest height, palms facing down.</li>\n<li>Breathe in.</li>\n<li>As you breathe out, sink down by bending your knees. It can be a slight bend or a full bend if you feel you have the energy, flexibility, and strength to do so.</li>\n<li>As you breathe in, straighten up again.</li>\n<li>As you sink down and rise up with the rhythm of your breath, imagine you are drawing the energy of the earth through the soles of your feet so that it moves into every cell of your body.</li>\n<li>Breathe in and out for pulling in the energy of the earth for eight cycles.</li>\n<li>As you exhale on the ninth cycle, reach your hands straight out from your chest, palms opening out as if you are reaching for the sun, so that when you inhale, you are drawing in the energy from the sun while drawing your hands back toward your chest, filling your body with the powerful energy of the sun.</li>\n<li>Breathe in and out, continuing this circular movement with your arms, pulling in the sun’s energy for another seven cycles of breath.</li>\n<li>Stand still again and notice how and what you feel.</li>\n</ol>\n"},{"title":"Ask for help and delegate when you can","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You are burned out because you are likely overloaded with responsibilities, and if you are like many people, asking for help may not be your strong suit.</p>\n<p>You are not meant to carry all of life&#8217;s burdens on your own, and it is key that you begin seeking support for yourself. Support may come from friends, family members, colleagues, counselors, and so forth.</p>\n<p>You may be surprised how many people you have in your life that are willing to support you.</p>\n<p>Your workplace culture may not seem supportive, but most organizations are legally bound to offer help and protection if you are suffering from burnout.</p>\n<p>Check with human resources and find out what resources are available to you. Talk with your colleagues and see if responsibilities can be shared or distributed more effectively. Connect with people who love you and simply lean on them for emotional support or advice.</p>\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Humans are social beings. We are not meant to exist alone, and the desire to belong is wired deep within us. You do not need to be on your life&#8217;s journey alone.  Make a commitment to regularly pause and ask yourself who you can look to for help or support.</p>\n"},{"title":"Take care of your mind and body","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Healing burnout often involves developing a more loving, compassionate, and successful relationship with <em>yourself. </em>It involves changing the way you look at yourself and what fuels your life.</p>\n<p>As you go through your day, it will benefit you to regularly check in with yourself, notice how you&#8217;re feeling, and decide if you need care in one form or another. You may want to ask yourself, “Does this activity, thought, or food nurture and fuel me to be at my best?”</p>\n<p>Incorporate these behaviors into your daily life:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Choose to nourish yourself with nutrient-rich foods.</strong> Processed foods and foods high in fat and sugar may comfort your anxiety initially, but they can also cause inflammation, fatigue, and worsening mental health issues.Eat slowly and mindfully, and make healthier choices that will truly nurture you and fuel your body.</li>\n<li><strong>Give your body the opportunity to move. </strong>Physical activity will help you raise the happy chemicals in your body like serotonin and lower stress hormones. Find an activity that you enjoy, one that makes you feel good so that you are more likely to go back for more.</li>\n<li><strong>Nourish yourself by spending time with people you care about</strong>. Hopefully, these people help remind you of your value and maintain a positive outlook. Let them help you because you deserve it.</li>\n<li><strong>Mindfully pay attention to negative thoughts and emotions.</strong> Be kind and compassionate with yourself. Treat yourself like you might treat a dear friend. Listen with compassion and take good care.Choose to meditate, take a walk, seek help, do something you love, and take care of your needs before you push yourself further. Take “me” breaks or time-outs that are just for you to have a loving relationship with yourself.<br />\nHave fun and go out with friends, have a laugh, and spend time appreciating what you have and <em>that you are</em>.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>The point here is to regularly pause, reflect, and celebrate you. Get to know yourself better and uncover what fuels you to be at your best.</p>\n"},{"title":"Work on gratitude and self-acceptance","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Many, if not most, people tend to focus on their own faults and are in search of elusive perfection that seems to exist only in movies.</p>\n<p>In truth, if you don&#8217;t celebrate yourself and, instead, put yourself down, you are less likely to take care of yourself and honor your needs, and you&#8217;re more likely to succumb to burnout.</p>\n<p>To start changing this attitude, you can keep a gratitude list of why you are thankful for who you are and what you have. When you are filled with gratitude, you are more likely feel open and able to view challenges as opportunities for growth and meaning, rather than a curse.</p>\n<p>If you find it difficult to shift into gratitude and self-acceptance, you can start by mindfully appreciating anything you wish.</p>\n<p>You can appreciate that the moon is high in the sky or that you found a parking space. Appreciate that you get to breathe, you get to think, and you get to eat.</p>\n<p>If you can work the following exercise into your daily routine, you&#8217;re bound to feel better about yourself:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Every evening prior to going to bed, recall five things you feel grateful for or appreciate.</li>\n<li>Write these things down in a journal, or use a journaling app on your phone.Think about events that happened in your day, accomplishments you&#8217;re proud of, aspects of yourself that you have come to appreciate, acts of kindness by strangers, or maybe some dumb luck that made your life a little better.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>When you awake in the morning, read what you wrote the night before, or even flip back to previous days. Read the entries out loud and take a moment to contemplate how lucky or grateful you are.</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-11-10T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":295691},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2022-12-05T19:21:29+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-12-12T16:22:20+00:00","timestamp":"2022-12-12T18:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Emotional Health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34040"},"slug":"emotional-health","categoryId":34040},{"name":"General Emotional Health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34052"},"slug":"general-emotional-health","categoryId":34052}],"title":"What Exactly Is Burnout?","strippedTitle":"what exactly is burnout?","slug":"what-exactly-is-burnout","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"You hear the term burnout a lot these days, but what is it exactly and how do you know if you might actually be burned out?","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/what-exactly-is-burnout.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/what-exactly-is-burnout.mp3\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"></span>Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\nThe term <em>burnout</em> was first coined by the psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in the 1970s. It is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an “occupational phenomenon” that is “… a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.\"\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296077\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296077\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/woman-at-desk-adobestock_219634619.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"408\" /> ©Thodonal / Adobe Stock[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn that definition, the WHO says burnout is characterized by three dimensions:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion</li>\r\n \t<li>Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job</li>\r\n \t<li>Reduced professional efficacy</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe WHO definition goes on to state that “burnout refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life.” In modern society, however, the line between work and “other areas of life” has sufficiently blurred. These days, it is really unfair to talk concretely about “work-life balance” or to imply that burnout would only arise from your job, if, for example, you are a parent, the primary caregiver for an aging parent, or a volunteer leader of a community organization.\r\n\r\nI say that burnout arises out of your attempts to fulfill your obligations of <em>any</em> kind. Indeed, burnout is not exclusive to work. It is a stress-related issue, and you can, therefore, arrive at burnout as a result of the cumulative effect of stress from too many obligations in any area of your life.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >What burnout is <em>not</em></h2>\r\nPutting aside this little shift to looking at all of your obligations as potential sources of burnout, it can be valuable to focus on figuring out what burnout <em>is</em> and also what it <em>is not</em>, so you can invest your time and attention in addressing the larger challenge itself and not waste your effort on “Band-Aid fixes.”\r\n\r\nWhat I’m suggesting here is the equivalent of “work smarter, not harder,” and getting a better sense of what you are trying to improve or correct will help you be more effective in reducing burnout and increasing satisfaction in your life.\r\n\r\nTaking pain medication to address the symptoms of a shoulder injury can certainly help dull the pain, but appreciating that the pain comes from a broken bone will go a lot further toward long-term relief of the pain. Appreciating the source of burnout versus the symptoms can help you be more effective.\r\n\r\nYou can see in the WHO definition that the term “burnout” addresses a <em>syndrome</em> that results from <em>chronic</em> stress from your obligations. It’s worthwhile to unpack those two terms a bit further to appreciate both the depth and the seriousness of burnout and begin to highlight some ways to reduce it in your life.\r\n\r\nA <em>syndrome</em> is defined as a group of symptoms that consistently occur together or a condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms, traits, or distinctive features. Because these traits or symptoms occur in a kind of cluster of unpleasantness, chasing after one or the other of them is not likely to address the true underlying cause, even if relieving one of them could feel good in the moment.\r\n<h3>Considering the extent of the feelings</h3>\r\nMany people today feel distraught, overwhelmed, and anxious as a result of managing through the COVID-19 pandemic and financial and global uncertainty. <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/emotional-health-psychology/emotional-health/general-emotional-health/check-your-level-of-burnout-with-this-quiz-296080/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">You may be one of them</a>. Are you tired and worried, but still have time and energy to enjoy your life; do you feel more or less satisfied at work and feel rejuvenated after a good weekend getaway (that you can afford)?\r\n\r\nOr are you are feeling profoundly exhausted? It feels like there isn’t enough time in the day to meet all of your obligations.\r\n\r\nPerhaps your mother is unwell and requires frequent doctor’s visits or around-the-clock care, your new boss is extremely demanding and unforgiving, and you feel more and more like a failure and not good enough. Your body aches, you worry about getting COVID-19, and you can’t remember when you had a full night’s sleep. You want a break but don’t see one in sight as your family relies on your income. Will a night out with friends help? Maybe a mani-pedi or a massage?\r\n\r\nThe real question is whether quick fixes can actually address your deep feelings of exhaustion or cynical attitude in any meaningful way. They may help you feel somewhat better … for a while, but in the end, you’re likely to find (or you’ve already found) that these are drops in a bucket that is far bigger than a single act can fill.\r\n\r\nThis isn’t an argument for not doing these things, but just a way of saying that a complex challenge like burnout calls for a broader approach if you really want to turn the tide.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Burnout isn’t like a headache or a sore muscle that can be treated with a pill or a massage. It isn’t something that happens because you have a rough day, nor is it having to do a difficult thing as part of your obligations (even if it is distasteful or downright degrading). Rather, it’s more complex and a reflection of something more chronic and insidious that requires deeper care and support.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >What makes burnout so complex</h2>\r\nThe other key word in the WHO definition is <em>chronic.</em> A chronic syndrome is one that has persisted for a long time or constantly recurs and is hard to eradicate.\r\n\r\nWhat this term <em>chronic</em> suggests is that there are no quick fixes to a problem that has been something like a constant (and difficult) companion to you for a while. It’s been around for so long, in fact, that it has graced you with myriad health issues that may have driven you to seek medical care — when you can get there — and when you can’t, to popping pills or self-medicating with food or alcohol.\r\n\r\nIt’s important to note one more aspect of the WHO definition before moving on. It states that burnout “is <em>not</em> classified as a medical condition.” The significance of this statement is that there is no clear treatment for it, and it is considered a factor “… influencing health status or contact with health services.” In practical terms, this brings up two important points:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Burnout may very well drive you to the doctor (who may or may not recognize your complaints as burnout or know exactly how to treat it)</li>\r\n \t<li>It has very real physical health consequences, nonetheless, well beyond the specific symptoms you may experience.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe medical consequences of burnout are huge and widespread. Note, however, that they are symptoms and add to the complexity of burnout, but they do not constitute burnout in of themselves.\r\n\r\nHere’s a helpful table to differentiate bad feelings or bad days from true burnout.\r\n<table>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Not Burnout</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Burnout</strong></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>You have a bad day.</td>\r\n<td><em>Every</em> day is a bad day.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Caring about things feels hard.</td>\r\n<td>Caring about your life feels like a total waste of energy.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>You’re tired.</td>\r\n<td>You’re exhausted all the time.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>You have some dull or difficult tasks to do routinely.</td>\r\n<td>The majority of your day is consumed with mind-numbingly dull or overwhelming tasks.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>You wonder if you’re making a difference.</td>\r\n<td>You feel like nothing you do makes a difference and nobody appreciates what you do.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>You have doubts and are sometimes pessimistic.</td>\r\n<td>You (or your colleagues) find you to be cynical and a “Debbie Downer.”</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>","description":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/what-exactly-is-burnout.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/what-exactly-is-burnout.mp3\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"></span>Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\nThe term <em>burnout</em> was first coined by the psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in the 1970s. It is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an “occupational phenomenon” that is “… a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.\"\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296077\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296077\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/woman-at-desk-adobestock_219634619.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"408\" /> ©Thodonal / Adobe Stock[/caption]\r\n\r\nIn that definition, the WHO says burnout is characterized by three dimensions:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion</li>\r\n \t<li>Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job</li>\r\n \t<li>Reduced professional efficacy</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe WHO definition goes on to state that “burnout refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life.” In modern society, however, the line between work and “other areas of life” has sufficiently blurred. These days, it is really unfair to talk concretely about “work-life balance” or to imply that burnout would only arise from your job, if, for example, you are a parent, the primary caregiver for an aging parent, or a volunteer leader of a community organization.\r\n\r\nI say that burnout arises out of your attempts to fulfill your obligations of <em>any</em> kind. Indeed, burnout is not exclusive to work. It is a stress-related issue, and you can, therefore, arrive at burnout as a result of the cumulative effect of stress from too many obligations in any area of your life.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >What burnout is <em>not</em></h2>\r\nPutting aside this little shift to looking at all of your obligations as potential sources of burnout, it can be valuable to focus on figuring out what burnout <em>is</em> and also what it <em>is not</em>, so you can invest your time and attention in addressing the larger challenge itself and not waste your effort on “Band-Aid fixes.”\r\n\r\nWhat I’m suggesting here is the equivalent of “work smarter, not harder,” and getting a better sense of what you are trying to improve or correct will help you be more effective in reducing burnout and increasing satisfaction in your life.\r\n\r\nTaking pain medication to address the symptoms of a shoulder injury can certainly help dull the pain, but appreciating that the pain comes from a broken bone will go a lot further toward long-term relief of the pain. Appreciating the source of burnout versus the symptoms can help you be more effective.\r\n\r\nYou can see in the WHO definition that the term “burnout” addresses a <em>syndrome</em> that results from <em>chronic</em> stress from your obligations. It’s worthwhile to unpack those two terms a bit further to appreciate both the depth and the seriousness of burnout and begin to highlight some ways to reduce it in your life.\r\n\r\nA <em>syndrome</em> is defined as a group of symptoms that consistently occur together or a condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms, traits, or distinctive features. Because these traits or symptoms occur in a kind of cluster of unpleasantness, chasing after one or the other of them is not likely to address the true underlying cause, even if relieving one of them could feel good in the moment.\r\n<h3>Considering the extent of the feelings</h3>\r\nMany people today feel distraught, overwhelmed, and anxious as a result of managing through the COVID-19 pandemic and financial and global uncertainty. <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/emotional-health-psychology/emotional-health/general-emotional-health/check-your-level-of-burnout-with-this-quiz-296080/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">You may be one of them</a>. Are you tired and worried, but still have time and energy to enjoy your life; do you feel more or less satisfied at work and feel rejuvenated after a good weekend getaway (that you can afford)?\r\n\r\nOr are you are feeling profoundly exhausted? It feels like there isn’t enough time in the day to meet all of your obligations.\r\n\r\nPerhaps your mother is unwell and requires frequent doctor’s visits or around-the-clock care, your new boss is extremely demanding and unforgiving, and you feel more and more like a failure and not good enough. Your body aches, you worry about getting COVID-19, and you can’t remember when you had a full night’s sleep. You want a break but don’t see one in sight as your family relies on your income. Will a night out with friends help? Maybe a mani-pedi or a massage?\r\n\r\nThe real question is whether quick fixes can actually address your deep feelings of exhaustion or cynical attitude in any meaningful way. They may help you feel somewhat better … for a while, but in the end, you’re likely to find (or you’ve already found) that these are drops in a bucket that is far bigger than a single act can fill.\r\n\r\nThis isn’t an argument for not doing these things, but just a way of saying that a complex challenge like burnout calls for a broader approach if you really want to turn the tide.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Burnout isn’t like a headache or a sore muscle that can be treated with a pill or a massage. It isn’t something that happens because you have a rough day, nor is it having to do a difficult thing as part of your obligations (even if it is distasteful or downright degrading). Rather, it’s more complex and a reflection of something more chronic and insidious that requires deeper care and support.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >What makes burnout so complex</h2>\r\nThe other key word in the WHO definition is <em>chronic.</em> A chronic syndrome is one that has persisted for a long time or constantly recurs and is hard to eradicate.\r\n\r\nWhat this term <em>chronic</em> suggests is that there are no quick fixes to a problem that has been something like a constant (and difficult) companion to you for a while. It’s been around for so long, in fact, that it has graced you with myriad health issues that may have driven you to seek medical care — when you can get there — and when you can’t, to popping pills or self-medicating with food or alcohol.\r\n\r\nIt’s important to note one more aspect of the WHO definition before moving on. It states that burnout “is <em>not</em> classified as a medical condition.” The significance of this statement is that there is no clear treatment for it, and it is considered a factor “… influencing health status or contact with health services.” In practical terms, this brings up two important points:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Burnout may very well drive you to the doctor (who may or may not recognize your complaints as burnout or know exactly how to treat it)</li>\r\n \t<li>It has very real physical health consequences, nonetheless, well beyond the specific symptoms you may experience.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe medical consequences of burnout are huge and widespread. Note, however, that they are symptoms and add to the complexity of burnout, but they do not constitute burnout in of themselves.\r\n\r\nHere’s a helpful table to differentiate bad feelings or bad days from true burnout.\r\n<table>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Not Burnout</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Burnout</strong></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>You have a bad day.</td>\r\n<td><em>Every</em> day is a bad day.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Caring about things feels hard.</td>\r\n<td>Caring about your life feels like a total waste of energy.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>You’re tired.</td>\r\n<td>You’re exhausted all the time.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>You have some dull or difficult tasks to do routinely.</td>\r\n<td>The majority of your day is consumed with mind-numbingly dull or overwhelming tasks.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>You wonder if you’re making a difference.</td>\r\n<td>You feel like nothing you do makes a difference and nobody appreciates what you do.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>You have doubts and are sometimes pessimistic.</td>\r\n<td>You (or your colleagues) find you to be cynical and a “Debbie Downer.”</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":34486,"name":"Eva Selhub","slug":"eva-selhub","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34486"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34052,"title":"General Emotional Health","slug":"general-emotional-health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34052"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"What burnout is not","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"What makes burnout so complex","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":296080,"title":"Check Your Level of Burnout with This Quiz","slug":"check-your-level-of-burnout-with-this-quiz","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296080"}},{"articleId":295691,"title":"Burnout For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"burnout-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295691"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":296080,"title":"Check Your Level of Burnout with This Quiz","slug":"check-your-level-of-burnout-with-this-quiz","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296080"}},{"articleId":295778,"title":"Adulting: How to Succeed in Your First Job","slug":"adulting-how-to-succeed-in-your-first-job","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295778"}},{"articleId":295772,"title":"Adulting: How to Communicate Effectively","slug":"adulting-how-to-communicate-effectively","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295772"}},{"articleId":295764,"title":"Adulting: Moving Out for the First Time","slug":"adulting-moving-out-for-the-first-time","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295764"}},{"articleId":295691,"title":"Burnout For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"burnout-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295691"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":295573,"slug":"burnout-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119894933","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/111989493X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/111989493X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/111989493X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/111989493X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/111989493X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/burnout-for-dummies-cover-9781119894933-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Burnout For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b>Eva Selhub </b>is a board-certified physician, speaker, scientist, executive leadership and performance coach, and a consultant in the field of corporate wellness and resilience. She focuses on helping individuals and corporations alike to become resilient, avoid or manage burnout, and achieve transformational health and wellbeing. She has been published in medical journals and featured in national publications including <i>The New York Times </i>and <i>USA Today</i>.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":34435,"name":"Eva M. Selhub","slug":"eva-m-selhub","description":" <p><b>Eva Selhub </b>is a board-certified physician, speaker, scientist, executive leadership and performance coach, and a consultant in the field of corporate wellness and resilience. She focuses on helping individuals and corporations alike to become resilient, avoid or manage burnout, and achieve transformational health and wellbeing. She has been published in medical journals and featured in national publications including <i>The New York Times </i>and <i>USA Today</i>. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34435"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;emotional-health&quot;,&quot;general-emotional-health&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119894933&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63976c5f17a19\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;emotional-health&quot;,&quot;general-emotional-health&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119894933&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63976c5f182de\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-12-05T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":296073},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T21:23:06+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-12-12T15:28:04+00:00","timestamp":"2022-12-12T18:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Religion & Spirituality","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34202"},"slug":"religion-spirituality","categoryId":34202},{"name":"Christianity","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34206"},"slug":"christianity","categoryId":34206},{"name":"Catholicism","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34208"},"slug":"catholicism","categoryId":34208}],"title":"How to Pray the Rosary","strippedTitle":"how to pray the rosary","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Rosary beads help Catholics remember and count their prayers. These prayers allow them to meditate on God, thank Him, and ask Him for help.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/how_to_pray_the_rosary.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/how_to_pray_the_rosary.mp3\">Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\n\r\n\r\nRosary beads help Catholics count their <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/religion/christianity/catholicism/a-look-at-key-catholic-prayers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prayers</a>. More importantly, Catholics pray the rosary as a means of entreaty to ask God for a special favor, such as helping a loved one recover from an illness, or to thank God for blessings received — a new baby, a new job, a new moon.\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">On the crucifix, make the sign of the cross and then pray the Apostles’ Creed.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">On the next <i>large</i> bead, say the Our Father.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">On the following three small beads, pray three Hail Marys.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">On the <i>chain,</i> pray the Glory Be.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\"><b></b>Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/195875.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"409\" height=\"400\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">On the large bead, meditate on the first mystery and pray the Our Father.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\"><b></b>You pray mysteries for each of the five sections (decades) of the rosary according to the day of the week:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Mondays and Saturdays:</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Joyful Mysteries remind the faithful of Christ’s birth: The Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38); The Visitation (Luke 1:39–56); The Nativity (Luke 2:1–21); The Presentation (Luke 2:22–38); The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–52)</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Tuesdays and Fridays:</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Sorrowful Mysteries recall Jesus’ passion and death: The Agony of Jesus in the Garden (Matthew 26:36–56); The Scourging at the Pillar (Matthew 27:26); The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27–31); The Carrying of the Cross (Matthew 27:32); The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:33–56).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wednesdays and Sundays:</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Glorious Mysteries focus on the resurrection of Jesus and the glories of heaven: The Resurrection (John 20:1–29); The Ascension (Luke 24:36–53); The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–41); The Assumption of Mary, the Mother of God, into heaven; The Coronation of Mary in heaven.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Thursdays:</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Pope John Paul II added The Mysteries of Light, also known as the Luminous Mysteries, in 2002: The Baptism in the River Jordan (Matthew 3:13–16); The Wedding Feast at Cana (John 2:1–11); The Preaching of the coming of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14–15); The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8); The Institution of the Holy Eucharist (Matthew 26).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Skip the centerpiece medallion, and on the ten beads after that, pray a Hail Mary on each bead; on the chain, pray a Glory Be.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Although a decade is 10, these 12 prayers form a decade of the rosary.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\"><b></b>Many Catholics add the <i>Fatima Prayer</i> after the Glory Be and before the next Our Father: O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. Amen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Repeat Steps 5 and 6 four more times to finish the next four decades.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">At the end of your Rosary, say the Hail Holy Queen.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. <i>That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.</i></p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\"><i></i>O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation; grant we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","description":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/how_to_pray_the_rosary.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/how_to_pray_the_rosary.mp3\">Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\n\r\n\r\nRosary beads help Catholics count their <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/religion/christianity/catholicism/a-look-at-key-catholic-prayers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prayers</a>. More importantly, Catholics pray the rosary as a means of entreaty to ask God for a special favor, such as helping a loved one recover from an illness, or to thank God for blessings received — a new baby, a new job, a new moon.\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">On the crucifix, make the sign of the cross and then pray the Apostles’ Creed.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">On the next <i>large</i> bead, say the Our Father.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">On the following three small beads, pray three Hail Marys.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">On the <i>chain,</i> pray the Glory Be.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\"><b></b>Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/195875.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"409\" height=\"400\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">On the large bead, meditate on the first mystery and pray the Our Father.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\"><b></b>You pray mysteries for each of the five sections (decades) of the rosary according to the day of the week:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Mondays and Saturdays:</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Joyful Mysteries remind the faithful of Christ’s birth: The Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38); The Visitation (Luke 1:39–56); The Nativity (Luke 2:1–21); The Presentation (Luke 2:22–38); The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–52)</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Tuesdays and Fridays:</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Sorrowful Mysteries recall Jesus’ passion and death: The Agony of Jesus in the Garden (Matthew 26:36–56); The Scourging at the Pillar (Matthew 27:26); The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27–31); The Carrying of the Cross (Matthew 27:32); The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:33–56).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wednesdays and Sundays:</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Glorious Mysteries focus on the resurrection of Jesus and the glories of heaven: The Resurrection (John 20:1–29); The Ascension (Luke 24:36–53); The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–41); The Assumption of Mary, the Mother of God, into heaven; The Coronation of Mary in heaven.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Thursdays:</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Pope John Paul II added The Mysteries of Light, also known as the Luminous Mysteries, in 2002: The Baptism in the River Jordan (Matthew 3:13–16); The Wedding Feast at Cana (John 2:1–11); The Preaching of the coming of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14–15); The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8); The Institution of the Holy Eucharist (Matthew 26).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Skip the centerpiece medallion, and on the ten beads after that, pray a Hail Mary on each bead; on the chain, pray a Glory Be.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Although a decade is 10, these 12 prayers form a decade of the rosary.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\"><b></b>Many Catholics add the <i>Fatima Prayer</i> after the Glory Be and before the next Our Father: O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. Amen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Repeat Steps 5 and 6 four more times to finish the next four decades.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">At the end of your Rosary, say the Hail Holy Queen.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. <i>That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.</i></p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\"><i></i>O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation; grant we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34208,"title":"Catholicism","slug":"catholicism","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34208"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":235898,"title":"10 Famous Catholics","slug":"10-famous-catholics","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/235898"}},{"articleId":235895,"title":"11 Popular Catholic Saints","slug":"11-popular-catholic-saints","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/235895"}},{"articleId":235892,"title":"Famous Martyrs of the Roman Persecutions","slug":"famous-martyrs-roman-persecutions","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/235892"}},{"articleId":235889,"title":"Catholicism in Ancient Times (A.D. 33–741)","slug":"catholicism-ancient-times-d-33-741","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/235889"}},{"articleId":235886,"title":"Catholicism in the Time of Charlemagne","slug":"catholicism-time-charlemagne","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/235886"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":235898,"title":"10 Famous Catholics","slug":"10-famous-catholics","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/235898"}},{"articleId":235895,"title":"11 Popular Catholic Saints","slug":"11-popular-catholic-saints","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/235895"}},{"articleId":235892,"title":"Famous Martyrs of the Roman Persecutions","slug":"famous-martyrs-roman-persecutions","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/235892"}},{"articleId":235889,"title":"Catholicism in Ancient Times (A.D. 33–741)","slug":"catholicism-ancient-times-d-33-741","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/235889"}},{"articleId":235886,"title":"Catholicism in the Time of Charlemagne","slug":"catholicism-time-charlemagne","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/235886"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282064,"slug":"catholicism-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119855712","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119855713/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119855713/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119855713-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119855713/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119855713/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/catholicism-fd-4e-9781119855712-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Catholicism For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b>Rev. Fr. John Trigilio, Jr., PhD, ThD,</b> is President of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy and a member of the faculty at Mount St. Mary&#8217;s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland.</p> <p><b>Rev. Fr. Kenneth Brighenti, PhD,</b> is co-host with Father Trigilio of a weekly television program on EWTN called <i>Web of Faith</i>. With Father Trigilio, he is the co-author of previous editions of <i>Catholicism For Dummies</i>. <p><b>Rev. Fr. John Trigilio, Jr., PhD, ThD,</b> is President of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy and a member of the faculty at Mount St. Mary&#8217;s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland.</p> <p><b>Rev. Fr. Kenneth Brighenti, PhD,</b> is co-host with Father Trigilio of a weekly television program on EWTN called <i>Web of Faith</i>. With Father Trigilio, he is the co-author of previous editions of <i>Catholicism For Dummies</i>.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":34858,"name":"Rev. John Trigilio, Jr.","slug":"rev-john-trigilio,-jr","description":" <p><b>Rev. Fr. John Trigilio, Jr., PhD, ThD,</b> is President of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy and a member of the faculty at Mount St. Mary&#8217;s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland.</p> <p><b>Rev. Fr. Kenneth Brighenti, PhD,</b> is co-host with Father Trigilio of a weekly television program on EWTN called <i>Web of Faith</i>. With Father Trigilio, he is the co-author of previous editions of <i>Catholicism For Dummies</i>. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34858"}},{"authorId":9014,"name":"Rev. Kenneth Brighenti","slug":"rev-kenneth-brighenti","description":" <p><b>Rev. Fr. John Trigilio, Jr., PhD, ThD,</b> is President of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy and a member of the faculty at Mount St. Mary&#8217;s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland.</p> <p><b>Rev. Fr. Kenneth Brighenti, PhD,</b> is co-host with Father Trigilio of a weekly television program on EWTN called <i>Web of Faith</i>. With Father Trigilio, he is the co-author of previous editions of <i>Catholicism For Dummies</i>. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9014"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;religion-spirituality&quot;,&quot;christianity&quot;,&quot;catholicism&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119855712&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63976c5f0c6ea\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;religion-spirituality&quot;,&quot;christianity&quot;,&quot;catholicism&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119855712&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63976c5f0cf84\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-08-25T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":192609},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:58:30+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-12-08T18:55:09+00:00","timestamp":"2022-12-09T18:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Relationships & Family","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34189"},"slug":"relationships-family","categoryId":34189},{"name":"Etiquette","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34194"},"slug":"etiquette","categoryId":34194}],"title":"Modern Etiquette For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"modern etiquette for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"etiquette-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"You may remember to say please and thank you, but do you know the correct amount to tip and all the ins and outs of formal dining? Read on!","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Practicing proper etiquette means knowing the mechanics of dining, the correct amount to tip for a service, giving a gift graciously, and traveling with ease while exercising good manners.","description":"Practicing proper etiquette means knowing the mechanics of dining, the correct amount to tip for a service, giving a gift graciously, and traveling with ease while exercising good manners.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9775,"name":"Sue Fox","slug":"sue-fox","description":" <p><b>Sue Fox</b> is the author of <i>Business Etiquette For Dummies</i> and a Professional Member of the International Association of Protocol Consultants. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9775"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34194,"title":"Etiquette","slug":"etiquette","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34194"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":200934,"title":"Phone Etiquette and Safety Guidelines for Children","slug":"phone-etiquette-and-safety-guidelines-for-children","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200934"}},{"articleId":200232,"title":"Empowering Yourself through Good Manners","slug":"empowering-yourself-through-good-manners","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200232"}},{"articleId":200229,"title":"Family Etiquette: What to Call Your Parents-In-Law","slug":"family-etiquette-what-to-call-your-parents-in-law","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200229"}},{"articleId":195926,"title":"Tips for Traveling Gracefully","slug":"tips-for-traveling-gracefully","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195926"}},{"articleId":195921,"title":"Tips for Gracious Gift-Giving","slug":"tips-for-gracious-gift-giving","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195921"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":291367,"title":"Digital Etiquette For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"digital-etiquette-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/291367"}},{"articleId":200934,"title":"Phone Etiquette and Safety Guidelines for Children","slug":"phone-etiquette-and-safety-guidelines-for-children","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200934"}},{"articleId":200232,"title":"Empowering Yourself through Good Manners","slug":"empowering-yourself-through-good-manners","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200232"}},{"articleId":200229,"title":"Family Etiquette: What to Call Your Parents-In-Law","slug":"family-etiquette-what-to-call-your-parents-in-law","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200229"}},{"articleId":195926,"title":"Tips for Traveling Gracefully","slug":"tips-for-traveling-gracefully","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195926"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282182,"slug":"etiquette-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781119982845","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119982847/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119982847/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119982847-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119982847/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119982847/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/modern-etiquette-for-dummies-cover-9781119982845-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Modern Etiquette For Dummies, 3rd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9775\">Sue Fox</b></b> is the author of <i>Business Etiquette For Dummies</i> and a Professional Member of the International Association of Protocol Consultants.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9775,"name":"Sue Fox","slug":"sue-fox","description":" <p><b>Sue Fox</b> is the author of <i>Business Etiquette For Dummies</i> and a Professional Member of the International Association of Protocol Consultants. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9775"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;relationships-family&quot;,&quot;etiquette&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119982845&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-639377df92ab0\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;relationships-family&quot;,&quot;etiquette&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119982845&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-639377df932fe\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":195922,"title":"Etiquette Tips for Dining","slug":"etiquette-tips-for-dining","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195922"}},{"articleId":195912,"title":"How Much Should You Tip?","slug":"how-much-should-you-tip","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195912"}},{"articleId":195921,"title":"Tips for Gracious Gift-Giving","slug":"tips-for-gracious-gift-giving","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195921"}},{"articleId":195926,"title":"Tips for Traveling Gracefully","slug":"tips-for-traveling-gracefully","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","etiquette"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195926"}}],"content":[{"title":"Etiquette tips for dining","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>People usually think of the mechanics of eating when the word etiquette is mentioned and for good reason. Dining is one common area where rough edges show. To keep social and business dining situations less stressful here are some etiquette quick tips:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Always introduce yourself to those around you at the table and talk with those on each side and across from you.</li>\n<li>Sit up straight at the table with your feet flat on the floor; it makes a good impression. If you must cross your legs, do so at the ankles. And keep your shoes on!</li>\n<li>Turn off your phone (or put it on mute) while dining in a restaurant or someone’s home and keep your phone off the dining table. If you must take a call, quietly excuse yourself. Keys, glasses, and other personal items never belong on the table.</li>\n<li>The meal officially begins when the host unfolds their napkin. This is the guest’s signal to do the same. The napkin remains on your lap throughout the entire meal and should be used to gently blot your mouth.</li>\n<li>You can start eating when your host starts eating. If the first course is brought to the table in twos or threes and not everyone has food yet, don’t begin to eat; wait until all the people around you have been served the first course, and then begin to eat together. Sometimes the host may encourage you to “Go ahead, please don’t wait.” In this case, beginning eating is perfectly fine.</li>\n<li>Use the utensils farthest from the plate, working from the outside in. Remember the rule of solids to the left and liquids to the right. All properly set tables have glasses to the right (liquid) and solids to the left (bread and salad plates).</li>\n<li>Never cut your food into bits all at once; cut only two or three bits at a time. Take small bites and always remember to chew with your mouth closed — and don’t talk while you have food in your mouth.</li>\n<li>When you’re not eating, keep your hands on your lap or with wrists resting on the edge of the table. Elbows on the table are acceptable only at the end of the meal when no food is on the table.</li>\n<li>If you must leave the table during a meal for any reason, do so with as little interruption to others as possible. Politely and quietly excuse yourself, lay your napkin on your chair, and leave without fanfare.</li>\n<li>After the meal is over, the host signals the end of the meal by placing their napkin on the table. You should follow suit by placing your napkin neatly on the table to the left of your dinner plate, with no soiled areas showing. Don’t refold your napkin, wad it up, or place it on your plate.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How much should you tip?","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>In the United States, tipping is a voluntary practice in most places and is based upon your experience of a service or meal. Knowing how to tip gracefully is an important skill in etiquette. Here are some tipping suggestions:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you’ve received excellent service and food, you should tip 18 percent to 20 percent of the before-tax amount of the bill.</li>\n<li>If a wine steward or sommelier gives you special help selecting wine, tip equal to 15 percent of the price of the wine. If you’re having cocktails at a bar, tip $1 for beer and wine and $2 for mixed drinks. For larger tabs, 15 percent is appropriate.</li>\n<li>Barista gratuities can range from loose change to $1 or more.</li>\n<li>Food delivery has become increasingly popular. Average tips range around 15 percent, and high tippers pay 20 percent or more.</li>\n<li>Give your barber or hairstylist 15 percent for average service and a 20 percent to 25 percent tip if you’re having a cut, color, or perm. If you have a separate colorist and stylist, each person should receive 15 percent to 20 percent of the cost of the particular service that they provided.\n<p>If you’re having your hair set or washed and blow-dried, a 20 percent tip is sufficient. If other people in the salon help you (for example, if a junior assistant washes your hair), tip each person a few dollars for their service.</li>\n<li>If you have a manicure or pedicure, tip the manicurist a minimum of $5 or 15 percent to 25 percent of the cost of the manicure or pedicure.</li>\n<li>If a doorman carries your bag, give them $2 to $5 per bag. Give a doorman who hails you a cab $1.</li>\n<li>If a bellman arrives at your hotel room with your luggage, tip them $3 to $5 per bag.</li>\n<li>For a concierge who gets you into a fashionable restaurant, tip $10 to $20, or if the concierge gets you into the opening night of a popular play or opera, tip $20 per ticket.</li>\n<li>The tip for rideshare drivers can be paid with cash or through the Lyft and Uber app. You should tip 10 percent to 15 percent of the fare. Taxi drivers receive between 15 percent to 20 percent of the fare and a $1 to $2 for handling luggage.</li>\n<li>Tip the parking valet who retrieves your car $2 to $5.</li>\n<li>Give your hotel maid $3 to $4 per night.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Tips for gracious gift-giving","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Deciding on a gift for someone is a personal choice. Research and thought will make selecting a gift easier and more appropriate for the person and occasion. Remember the <i>spirit</i> of giving is what matters! Consider these gift-giving guidelines:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">When selecting a gift, consider the person’s hobbies and interests. A bit of research and thought can make the gift-selection process a whole lot easier.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pull together a list of gift ideas and roughly how much you want to spend. Many stores are online, so you can search the Internet for ideas and prices before you go shopping, or you can always buy online.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unless you’re absolutely sure of the person’s tastes, purchase gift certificates or gift cards in lieu of clothing.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">When searching for a gift for a family, consider any of the following:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\n<li>Board games or puzzles</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Plush blanket for movie nights</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Travel journal</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Cookbook</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Tickets to a sporting event, concert, or play</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">How-to book for a new hobby</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Gift card to a restaurant or favorite store</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">An e-book</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Plant</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Food gift basket</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">For a friend who is hosting a party, send a floral arrangement that complements her home and send it the day before or the day of the event.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Some of the best gifts can’t be purchased at any store. Perhaps you have a skill or talent that you can use to create a painting, a handicraft item, or a piece of pottery.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Giving a material gift isn’t the only way to go. The gift of your time for volunteer work or for helping out a friend or neighbor is also a form of giving — and one that may be appreciated more than a material item.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Tips for traveling gracefully","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>World travel can be quite stressful — even before you leave your home! Follow these travel tips to make your trip as enjoyable as possible and keep your manners intact:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Every courtesy should be afforded when traveling, especially abroad. Remember the adage of “when in Rome.” Always be respectful of your differences, others’ customs, culture, and religion. Always dress appropriately.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Be polite with all passengers and always be considerate to your traveling companions. Offer them your best smile and don’t lose your temper, no matter what. If you want to maintain composure, be as flexible as possible and don’t take rude incidents personally, even when you may be pushed and shoved! Practice patience.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Make sure you have your travel documents in order. Always bring proper identification and, if traveling internationally, your passport, visa, and inoculation documents (if required).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Leave your valuables at home in a safe. Purchase a slender wallet that hangs by a cord around your neck, under your shirt. Keep your passport, credit card, and large bank notes in that wallet.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The best way to keep from suffering stress and anxiety while waiting to check in at an airport, railroad station, or bus terminal is to allow about twice as much time as your first impulse dictates. Use that same expansion of time at the other end of your journey. It can take a lot of time to gather your belongings and leave an airplane or train station.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you or your travel companion has any special needs, be sure to provide details to the airlines, hotels, or cruise ship before traveling.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-12-08T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209457},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2022-11-17T17:26:11+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-12-08T15:44:51+00:00","timestamp":"2022-12-09T18:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Emotional Health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34040"},"slug":"emotional-health","categoryId":34040},{"name":"General Emotional Health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34052"},"slug":"general-emotional-health","categoryId":34052}],"title":"Adulting: How to Succeed in Your First Job","strippedTitle":"adulting: how to succeed in your first job","slug":"adulting-how-to-succeed-in-your-first-job","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn about the hard and soft skills you need to develop to be successful in your first real job. Both skill types are equally important.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"To do well at your job requires a combination of many qualities and skills. You must have a strong work ethic, be trainable, and have basic problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nThroughout your life thus far, you have been working to build the foundation needed to be successful in the workforce. You have most likely received the training you need from your schooling, extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, work experiences, and guidance from parents, teachers, and mentors.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_295781\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-295781\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/succeeding-first-job-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"425\" /> ©Jason Goodman / Unsplash.com[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Hard skills versus soft skills</h2>\r\nSkills that employers want vary from job to job, but they all include some form of <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/business-careers-money/business/business-communication/soft-skills-for-dummies-cheat-sheet-296176/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">soft skills</a> and hard skills. Soft skills relate to <em>how you work,</em> and hard skills relate to <em>what you know.</em> Through a combination of soft skills and hard skills, you will find the right mix to be successful on the job!\r\n<h3>Hard skills</h3>\r\nHard skills are technical skills that you learn in the classroom, in professional trainings, in online courses, in certification programs, or on the job. These skills are related to a particular field, and they require specific knowledge in that subject area.\r\n\r\nHard skills are easier to define than soft skills because they can be tested; you can either speak a second language fluently or you can’t.\r\n\r\nAnother example of a hard skill is if you want to be an architect, you must be able to understand and apply the technical skills of building and construction. You hope the bridge you drive across every day has been designed and built by an architect with the hard skills required to make the bridge safe and durable.\r\n\r\nThe following are some examples of hard skills:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Computer skills</li>\r\n \t<li>Data analysis</li>\r\n \t<li>Scientific expertise</li>\r\n \t<li>Writing</li>\r\n \t<li>Geometry</li>\r\n \t<li>Photo editing</li>\r\n \t<li> Graphic design</li>\r\n \t<li>Social media management</li>\r\n \t<li>HTML, JavaScript, and other programming languages</li>\r\n \t<li>Software use, such as Microsoft Office, Google Office Suite, Salesforce</li>\r\n \t<li>Foreign languages</li>\r\n \t<li>Patient care</li>\r\n \t<li>Accounting</li>\r\n \t<li>Scheduling</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAll of these hard skills are pretty specific. Some skills are transferrable to different careers, but to land the job you want, you need to know the specific hard skills required for that position.\r\n\r\nUsually, you can find the degree requirements, licenses, and hard skills needed for a position listed in the job description. Check out the table below to see what level of higher education or training you need to meet your career goals.\r\n\r\n<strong>College degree levels</strong>\r\n<table>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Degree Type</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Years Required</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Example</strong></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Associate Degree</strong></td>\r\n<td>Two to three years</td>\r\n<td>Associate of Science (AS)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Bachelor’s Degree</strong></td>\r\n<td>Four or more years</td>\r\n<td>Bachelor of Arts (BA)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Master’s Degree</strong></td>\r\n<td>Bachelor’s degree plus two to three years</td>\r\n<td>Master of Education (MEd)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Doctoral Degree</strong></td>\r\n<td>Master’s degree plus four years or more</td>\r\n<td>Doctor of Philosophy in Systems and Engineering Management (PhD)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\nKeep in mind that you do not have to attend college to have a successful career, but a high school diploma is a necessity.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_295784\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-295784\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/lab-technician-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a young man working as a lab technician\" width=\"630\" height=\"442\" /> ©National Cancer Institute / Unsplash.com[/caption]\r\n\r\nIf college is not required, be ready for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or program certifications for many job positions. For example, you do not need a college degree to become a certified electrician, but you must complete an apprenticeship that includes 8,000 to 10,000 hours (approximately four to five years) of on-the-job training, plus testing to receive your license or certification.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you do not have a certain hard skill, no worries; sign up for some college classes or community programs to perfect your skills. Also, many places provide on-the-job training to make sure you know the hard skills needed to be a part of their teams.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><strong>Soft skills</strong></h3>\r\nJob performance is a big deal. It’s what employers use to gauge raises, bonuses, advancement, and job security. Soft skills are a large part of your performance. Soft skills are personality traits that affect how you interact with others and have their roots in your behavior, attitudes, and values.\r\n\r\nSoft skills are just as important, if not more so, as the hard skills or qualifications that you need for a job. Many people end up underperforming in a job not because they couldn’t do the work, but because they couldn’t get along with others.\r\n\r\nHere are some valuable soft skills that can be helpful in any job:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Time management:</strong> Can you consistently come to work, get there on time, and finish projects by the deadline?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Multitasking:</strong> Can you handle multiple expectations and tasks at a time?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Attention to detail:</strong> Can you pinpoint technical errors? Can you focus on the task at hand for hours at a time?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Innovation:</strong> Can you come up with new ideas? Can you think outside the box? Are you proud of yourself and your ideas?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Problem-solving:</strong> If you get in a bind, can you figure out a solution on your own?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Emotional maturity:</strong> Can you control your emotions in stressful situations? Can you act appropriately and professionally in the workplace?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Dedication:</strong> If you say you will do something, will you <em>actually</em> do it? Do you follow through on job assignments?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Duty:</strong> Do you understand that you are required to meet the obligations of the job if you want to keep the job?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Enthusiasm:</strong> Are you excited and positive in your approach to your work?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Honesty:</strong> Can you be trusted with sensitive information and be honest about your mistakes?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Leadership:</strong> Can you help set a direction and guide other people to the right place?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Collaboration:</strong> Can you be respectful of others’ opinions and ideas on your team? Do you work well with others?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nOverall, employers are looking for good human beings. Are you reliable, can you be trusted, and can you communicate effectively? If you can show impressive soft skills, you will go far within an industry and could quite possibly move up the ranks.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">While it’s important to be qualified with the hard skills needed for a job, some employers might choose someone with more advanced soft skills because they can be trained in the hard skills.</p>\r\nSoft skills can be sharpened by asking for feedback from others. From the list above, are there some soft skills you need to develop further? If you neglect your soft skills, you could be the cause of conflict in the workplace. Don’t put your career at risk.","description":"To do well at your job requires a combination of many qualities and skills. You must have a strong work ethic, be trainable, and have basic problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nThroughout your life thus far, you have been working to build the foundation needed to be successful in the workforce. You have most likely received the training you need from your schooling, extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, work experiences, and guidance from parents, teachers, and mentors.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_295781\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-295781\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/succeeding-first-job-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"425\" /> ©Jason Goodman / Unsplash.com[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Hard skills versus soft skills</h2>\r\nSkills that employers want vary from job to job, but they all include some form of <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/business-careers-money/business/business-communication/soft-skills-for-dummies-cheat-sheet-296176/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">soft skills</a> and hard skills. Soft skills relate to <em>how you work,</em> and hard skills relate to <em>what you know.</em> Through a combination of soft skills and hard skills, you will find the right mix to be successful on the job!\r\n<h3>Hard skills</h3>\r\nHard skills are technical skills that you learn in the classroom, in professional trainings, in online courses, in certification programs, or on the job. These skills are related to a particular field, and they require specific knowledge in that subject area.\r\n\r\nHard skills are easier to define than soft skills because they can be tested; you can either speak a second language fluently or you can’t.\r\n\r\nAnother example of a hard skill is if you want to be an architect, you must be able to understand and apply the technical skills of building and construction. You hope the bridge you drive across every day has been designed and built by an architect with the hard skills required to make the bridge safe and durable.\r\n\r\nThe following are some examples of hard skills:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Computer skills</li>\r\n \t<li>Data analysis</li>\r\n \t<li>Scientific expertise</li>\r\n \t<li>Writing</li>\r\n \t<li>Geometry</li>\r\n \t<li>Photo editing</li>\r\n \t<li> Graphic design</li>\r\n \t<li>Social media management</li>\r\n \t<li>HTML, JavaScript, and other programming languages</li>\r\n \t<li>Software use, such as Microsoft Office, Google Office Suite, Salesforce</li>\r\n \t<li>Foreign languages</li>\r\n \t<li>Patient care</li>\r\n \t<li>Accounting</li>\r\n \t<li>Scheduling</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAll of these hard skills are pretty specific. Some skills are transferrable to different careers, but to land the job you want, you need to know the specific hard skills required for that position.\r\n\r\nUsually, you can find the degree requirements, licenses, and hard skills needed for a position listed in the job description. Check out the table below to see what level of higher education or training you need to meet your career goals.\r\n\r\n<strong>College degree levels</strong>\r\n<table>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Degree Type</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Years Required</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Example</strong></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Associate Degree</strong></td>\r\n<td>Two to three years</td>\r\n<td>Associate of Science (AS)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Bachelor’s Degree</strong></td>\r\n<td>Four or more years</td>\r\n<td>Bachelor of Arts (BA)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Master’s Degree</strong></td>\r\n<td>Bachelor’s degree plus two to three years</td>\r\n<td>Master of Education (MEd)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Doctoral Degree</strong></td>\r\n<td>Master’s degree plus four years or more</td>\r\n<td>Doctor of Philosophy in Systems and Engineering Management (PhD)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\nKeep in mind that you do not have to attend college to have a successful career, but a high school diploma is a necessity.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_295784\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-295784\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/lab-technician-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a young man working as a lab technician\" width=\"630\" height=\"442\" /> ©National Cancer Institute / Unsplash.com[/caption]\r\n\r\nIf college is not required, be ready for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or program certifications for many job positions. For example, you do not need a college degree to become a certified electrician, but you must complete an apprenticeship that includes 8,000 to 10,000 hours (approximately four to five years) of on-the-job training, plus testing to receive your license or certification.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you do not have a certain hard skill, no worries; sign up for some college classes or community programs to perfect your skills. Also, many places provide on-the-job training to make sure you know the hard skills needed to be a part of their teams.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><strong>Soft skills</strong></h3>\r\nJob performance is a big deal. It’s what employers use to gauge raises, bonuses, advancement, and job security. Soft skills are a large part of your performance. Soft skills are personality traits that affect how you interact with others and have their roots in your behavior, attitudes, and values.\r\n\r\nSoft skills are just as important, if not more so, as the hard skills or qualifications that you need for a job. Many people end up underperforming in a job not because they couldn’t do the work, but because they couldn’t get along with others.\r\n\r\nHere are some valuable soft skills that can be helpful in any job:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Time management:</strong> Can you consistently come to work, get there on time, and finish projects by the deadline?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Multitasking:</strong> Can you handle multiple expectations and tasks at a time?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Attention to detail:</strong> Can you pinpoint technical errors? Can you focus on the task at hand for hours at a time?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Innovation:</strong> Can you come up with new ideas? Can you think outside the box? Are you proud of yourself and your ideas?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Problem-solving:</strong> If you get in a bind, can you figure out a solution on your own?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Emotional maturity:</strong> Can you control your emotions in stressful situations? Can you act appropriately and professionally in the workplace?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Dedication:</strong> If you say you will do something, will you <em>actually</em> do it? Do you follow through on job assignments?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Duty:</strong> Do you understand that you are required to meet the obligations of the job if you want to keep the job?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Enthusiasm:</strong> Are you excited and positive in your approach to your work?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Honesty:</strong> Can you be trusted with sensitive information and be honest about your mistakes?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Leadership:</strong> Can you help set a direction and guide other people to the right place?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Collaboration:</strong> Can you be respectful of others’ opinions and ideas on your team? Do you work well with others?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nOverall, employers are looking for good human beings. Are you reliable, can you be trusted, and can you communicate effectively? If you can show impressive soft skills, you will go far within an industry and could quite possibly move up the ranks.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">While it’s important to be qualified with the hard skills needed for a job, some employers might choose someone with more advanced soft skills because they can be trained in the hard skills.</p>\r\nSoft skills can be sharpened by asking for feedback from others. From the list above, are there some soft skills you need to develop further? If you neglect your soft skills, you could be the cause of conflict in the workplace. Don’t put your career at risk.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":35204,"name":"Gencie Houy","slug":"gencie-houy","description":" <p><b>Gencie Houy</b> teaches the Adulting 101 class at Texas Tech University and helps students learn how to live independently while teaching them the real skills they need for real life. She has many years of experience teaching Family and Consumer Sciences at the secondary and post-secondary levels and earned her PhD from Texas Tech University. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35204"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34052,"title":"General Emotional Health","slug":"general-emotional-health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34052"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Hard skills versus soft skills","target":"#tab1"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":295772,"title":"Adulting: How to Communicate Effectively","slug":"adulting-how-to-communicate-effectively","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295772"}},{"articleId":295764,"title":"Adulting: Moving Out for the First Time","slug":"adulting-moving-out-for-the-first-time","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295764"}},{"articleId":295279,"title":"Adulting For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"adulting-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295279"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":296080,"title":"Check Your Level of Burnout with This Quiz","slug":"check-your-level-of-burnout-with-this-quiz","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296080"}},{"articleId":296073,"title":"What Exactly Is Burnout?","slug":"what-exactly-is-burnout","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296073"}},{"articleId":295772,"title":"Adulting: How to Communicate Effectively","slug":"adulting-how-to-communicate-effectively","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295772"}},{"articleId":295764,"title":"Adulting: Moving Out for the First Time","slug":"adulting-moving-out-for-the-first-time","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295764"}},{"articleId":295691,"title":"Burnout For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"burnout-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295691"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":295254,"slug":"adulting-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119904335","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119904331/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119904331/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119904331-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119904331/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119904331/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/adulting-for-dummies-cover-9781119904335-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Adulting For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"35204\">Gencie Houy</b></b> teaches the Adulting 101 class at Texas Tech University and helps students learn how to live independently while teaching them the real skills they need for real life. She has many years of experience teaching Family and Consumer Sciences at the secondary and post-secondary levels and earned her PhD from Texas Tech University.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":35204,"name":"Gencie Houy","slug":"gencie-houy","description":" <p><b>Gencie Houy</b> teaches the Adulting 101 class at Texas Tech University and helps students learn how to live independently while teaching them the real skills they need for real life. She has many years of experience teaching Family and Consumer Sciences at the secondary and post-secondary levels and earned her PhD from Texas Tech University. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35204"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;emotional-health&quot;,&quot;general-emotional-health&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119904335&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-639377dec816c\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;emotional-health&quot;,&quot;general-emotional-health&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119904335&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-639377dec9161\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-11-17T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":295778},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2022-12-05T20:42:35+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-12-07T14:16:20+00:00","timestamp":"2022-12-07T15:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Emotional Health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34040"},"slug":"emotional-health","categoryId":34040},{"name":"General Emotional Health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34052"},"slug":"general-emotional-health","categoryId":34052}],"title":"Check Your Level of Burnout with This Quiz","strippedTitle":"check your level of burnout with this quiz","slug":"check-your-level-of-burnout-with-this-quiz","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This quiz allows you assess the level of burnout you're feeling to let you know what you might want to focus on or what support you need.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Knowing how much burnout you may be experiencing may begin to give you clues about how to tackle the whole <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/emotional-health-psychology/emotional-health/general-emotional-health/what-exactly-is-burnout-296073/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">phenomenon of burnout</a> in your life. Shall we see how you fare on the burnout quiz?\r\n\r\nNote that whatever you score on this quiz, it is not a representation of you being “good” or “bad” but rather a guide to let you know what you may want to focus on or what sort of support you need to become the thriving and happy person you want to be.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Discovering just how burned out you feel</h2>\r\nTake some time to consider the following statements and assign each one a number based upon how well it applies to you, using the following scale:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Not At All: 1 point</li>\r\n \t<li>Rarely: 2 points</li>\r\n \t<li>Sometimes: 3 points</li>\r\n \t<li>Often: 4 points</li>\r\n \t<li>Very Often: 5 points</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<table>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Statement</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Score (1–5)</strong></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I’ve got a short fuse these days and have a tendency to get irritated or angry quite easily over things that used to not bother me much.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I've got no gas in the tank. I feel physically and emotionally drained.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>When I think about my work, I feel like a “Debbie Downer” in my negative attitude.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I wonder how I ended up in this job or role and find myself wishing for something else.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I find myself being less kind and sympathetic to other people and their issues than I ought to be.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>My co-workers and people in my life tend to tick me off more than they used to.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I question the purpose and meaning of my work or my profession, longing for another situation or a simpler time.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>The people I work with and for don’t seem to appreciate or understand me.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I would like to be able to talk with others about how I feel, but nobody seems available or interested.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I feel that I could be achieving more than I am, but I just can’t seem to do it.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I find myself feeling weirdly disconnected from my work and from other people, as if I am going through the motions and not really there.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I sometimes feel like my work is a pressure-cooker to succeed, and I’m the meal being cooked!</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I feel less satisfied with the work I produce or do.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I get aggravated with basic aspects of my job or what I am asked to do.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I feel that I am unable to do the best job because of politics, bureaucracy, or systems outside of my direct control.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I feel more and more like a square peg in a round hole when it comes to my work. I question whether I fit.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>The amount of work I have to do always seems to come at me faster and heavier than I can manage.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I think I would like to do a better job, but the time just isn’t there to do it.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I sometimes feel like the tail of the dog, where I get wagged around but don’t get to have a role in determining my own future and activities.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I find myself wondering if I’m burned out, and people give me advice for how to feel better.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >What the results mean … and what they don’t mean</h2>\r\nWhen you total up your score, see how it compares to the scale below:\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>20–40</td>\r\n<td>No obvious signs of burnout. Time to find ways to flourish!</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>41–50</td>\r\n<td>Burnout seems unlikely, unless you have a few 4s or 5s</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>51–70</td>\r\n<td>The caution light is on. You could be at risk for burnout.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>71–90</td>\r\n<td>Time to take some action (keep reading), as burnout is likely.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>91–100</td>\r\n<td>The red lights are flashing, and you need to act now.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\nIt is important, first and foremost, not to let this simple, unscientific quiz take on too much importance overall. It’s a great way to get a quick snapshot of your experience from all angles and to get a general sense of your concerns and how intense they are.\r\n\r\nThis quiz definitely is an informal assessment of burnout, and while it may feel as if it gets at the heart of burnout, it is not scientifically validated. It is what psychologists call <em>face valid</em> in that it appears, on the face of it, to capture burnout, but we can’t really say for sure that it truly measures the syndrome of burnout.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Use your common sense in interpreting what the results of this quiz means, and if you are seeking a truly rigorous, empirically valid measure of burnout, the <a href=\"https://www.mindgarden.com/117-maslach-burnout-inventory-mbi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Maslach Burnout Inventory</em></a> is the industry standard for such things. It can be purchased from Mind Garden, its publisher.</p>\r\nNonetheless, your score may be pointing to where you stand when it comes to burnout symptoms, especially when you pay close attention to which statements rated at 4 or 5.\r\n\r\nRemember to acknowledge that you have already taken a decisive action toward reducing and eliminating burnout in your life. You may find that knowing your relative score on the quiz helps you determine how you may want to proceed. Specifically, the higher your score, the more likely you are to benefit from the book <em><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/book/body-mind-spirit/emotional-health-psychology/emotional-health/general-emotional-health/burnout-for-dummies-295573/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Burnout For Dummies</a></em>.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Burnout first aid</h2>\r\nWhile there are no quick fixes when it comes to burnout, despite how much well-meaning advice there is floating around to that effect, there are some things you can do right this moment if you are alarmed about your level of burnout or feeling particularly discouraged or depressed by your apparent predicament.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Most importantly, if your burnout feels well beyond your capacity to manage it and you may be clinically depressed or feeling suicidal, reach out for professional help immediately. If you're in immediate crisis, you can dial 9-8-8 for the national <a href=\"https://988lifeline.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline</a>, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is comprised of more than 200 local crisis centers.</p>\r\nIf you have an employee assistance program at work, do not hesitate to take advantage of that resource, and if you don’t have that resource, seek out local resources for psychological support and treatment above all else. Burnout is serious, and the impact of burnout can be devastating to the person and the people around them.\r\n\r\nAside from seeking professional assistance to manage the effects of burnout, there is great wisdom in the advice you often get from others about self-care — not as a “treatment” for burnout or a cure-all, but simply as a way of creating the tiniest bit of space and relief from the most painful aspects of burnout for now.\r\n\r\nLet go of needing that self-care (a pedicure, a good run in the park, a beer with the guys, or a night of binge-watching mindless TV shows on Netflix) to be the be-all, end-all response to burnout. Take the pressure off that simple act of self-kindness to be your savior and allow it to be a simple distraction and a bit of a reset that can help you clear your head, break a downward spiral, and create just enough headspace to chart a course forward.\r\n\r\nThis moment, however, do consider simply asking yourself a very straightforward question: What do I need? There’s no need to make the answer complicated or lofty (for example, a brand new job, a promotion, or a vacation in Fiji). Instead, ask yourself what you need <em>in this moment.</em> Perhaps it’s just five minutes to simply sit and breathe, or a good hot cup of tea, or a walk in the neighborhood.\r\n\r\nEven simply peeling your attention off the computer screen for a few minutes may be the answer to the question. Offer yourself whatever you need without expectation that it will make anything change, but only because in this moment, you need it. Let it be unconditional and sweet and without obligation. Savor it while you can and move on.\r\n\r\n“What do I need?” is the fundamental question of self-compassion, that you can find out more about in chapter 9, but you already have the capacity within yourself to begin giving yourself more of what you need. No special training required. Give it a shot and let it be for now.\r\n\r\nYou may also discover that you aren’t sure what you need, which is okay for now, too. Simply honor yourself and how you feel, and see what comes up for you.","description":"Knowing how much burnout you may be experiencing may begin to give you clues about how to tackle the whole <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/emotional-health-psychology/emotional-health/general-emotional-health/what-exactly-is-burnout-296073/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">phenomenon of burnout</a> in your life. Shall we see how you fare on the burnout quiz?\r\n\r\nNote that whatever you score on this quiz, it is not a representation of you being “good” or “bad” but rather a guide to let you know what you may want to focus on or what sort of support you need to become the thriving and happy person you want to be.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Discovering just how burned out you feel</h2>\r\nTake some time to consider the following statements and assign each one a number based upon how well it applies to you, using the following scale:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Not At All: 1 point</li>\r\n \t<li>Rarely: 2 points</li>\r\n \t<li>Sometimes: 3 points</li>\r\n \t<li>Often: 4 points</li>\r\n \t<li>Very Often: 5 points</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<table>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Statement</strong></td>\r\n<td><strong>Score (1–5)</strong></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I’ve got a short fuse these days and have a tendency to get irritated or angry quite easily over things that used to not bother me much.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I've got no gas in the tank. I feel physically and emotionally drained.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>When I think about my work, I feel like a “Debbie Downer” in my negative attitude.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I wonder how I ended up in this job or role and find myself wishing for something else.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I find myself being less kind and sympathetic to other people and their issues than I ought to be.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>My co-workers and people in my life tend to tick me off more than they used to.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I question the purpose and meaning of my work or my profession, longing for another situation or a simpler time.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>The people I work with and for don’t seem to appreciate or understand me.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I would like to be able to talk with others about how I feel, but nobody seems available or interested.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I feel that I could be achieving more than I am, but I just can’t seem to do it.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I find myself feeling weirdly disconnected from my work and from other people, as if I am going through the motions and not really there.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I sometimes feel like my work is a pressure-cooker to succeed, and I’m the meal being cooked!</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I feel less satisfied with the work I produce or do.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I get aggravated with basic aspects of my job or what I am asked to do.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I feel that I am unable to do the best job because of politics, bureaucracy, or systems outside of my direct control.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I feel more and more like a square peg in a round hole when it comes to my work. I question whether I fit.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>The amount of work I have to do always seems to come at me faster and heavier than I can manage.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I think I would like to do a better job, but the time just isn’t there to do it.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I sometimes feel like the tail of the dog, where I get wagged around but don’t get to have a role in determining my own future and activities.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>I find myself wondering if I’m burned out, and people give me advice for how to feel better.</td>\r\n<td></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >What the results mean … and what they don’t mean</h2>\r\nWhen you total up your score, see how it compares to the scale below:\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>20–40</td>\r\n<td>No obvious signs of burnout. Time to find ways to flourish!</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>41–50</td>\r\n<td>Burnout seems unlikely, unless you have a few 4s or 5s</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>51–70</td>\r\n<td>The caution light is on. You could be at risk for burnout.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>71–90</td>\r\n<td>Time to take some action (keep reading), as burnout is likely.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>91–100</td>\r\n<td>The red lights are flashing, and you need to act now.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\nIt is important, first and foremost, not to let this simple, unscientific quiz take on too much importance overall. It’s a great way to get a quick snapshot of your experience from all angles and to get a general sense of your concerns and how intense they are.\r\n\r\nThis quiz definitely is an informal assessment of burnout, and while it may feel as if it gets at the heart of burnout, it is not scientifically validated. It is what psychologists call <em>face valid</em> in that it appears, on the face of it, to capture burnout, but we can’t really say for sure that it truly measures the syndrome of burnout.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Use your common sense in interpreting what the results of this quiz means, and if you are seeking a truly rigorous, empirically valid measure of burnout, the <a href=\"https://www.mindgarden.com/117-maslach-burnout-inventory-mbi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Maslach Burnout Inventory</em></a> is the industry standard for such things. It can be purchased from Mind Garden, its publisher.</p>\r\nNonetheless, your score may be pointing to where you stand when it comes to burnout symptoms, especially when you pay close attention to which statements rated at 4 or 5.\r\n\r\nRemember to acknowledge that you have already taken a decisive action toward reducing and eliminating burnout in your life. You may find that knowing your relative score on the quiz helps you determine how you may want to proceed. Specifically, the higher your score, the more likely you are to benefit from the book <em><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/book/body-mind-spirit/emotional-health-psychology/emotional-health/general-emotional-health/burnout-for-dummies-295573/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Burnout For Dummies</a></em>.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Burnout first aid</h2>\r\nWhile there are no quick fixes when it comes to burnout, despite how much well-meaning advice there is floating around to that effect, there are some things you can do right this moment if you are alarmed about your level of burnout or feeling particularly discouraged or depressed by your apparent predicament.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Most importantly, if your burnout feels well beyond your capacity to manage it and you may be clinically depressed or feeling suicidal, reach out for professional help immediately. If you're in immediate crisis, you can dial 9-8-8 for the national <a href=\"https://988lifeline.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline</a>, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is comprised of more than 200 local crisis centers.</p>\r\nIf you have an employee assistance program at work, do not hesitate to take advantage of that resource, and if you don’t have that resource, seek out local resources for psychological support and treatment above all else. Burnout is serious, and the impact of burnout can be devastating to the person and the people around them.\r\n\r\nAside from seeking professional assistance to manage the effects of burnout, there is great wisdom in the advice you often get from others about self-care — not as a “treatment” for burnout or a cure-all, but simply as a way of creating the tiniest bit of space and relief from the most painful aspects of burnout for now.\r\n\r\nLet go of needing that self-care (a pedicure, a good run in the park, a beer with the guys, or a night of binge-watching mindless TV shows on Netflix) to be the be-all, end-all response to burnout. Take the pressure off that simple act of self-kindness to be your savior and allow it to be a simple distraction and a bit of a reset that can help you clear your head, break a downward spiral, and create just enough headspace to chart a course forward.\r\n\r\nThis moment, however, do consider simply asking yourself a very straightforward question: What do I need? There’s no need to make the answer complicated or lofty (for example, a brand new job, a promotion, or a vacation in Fiji). Instead, ask yourself what you need <em>in this moment.</em> Perhaps it’s just five minutes to simply sit and breathe, or a good hot cup of tea, or a walk in the neighborhood.\r\n\r\nEven simply peeling your attention off the computer screen for a few minutes may be the answer to the question. Offer yourself whatever you need without expectation that it will make anything change, but only because in this moment, you need it. Let it be unconditional and sweet and without obligation. Savor it while you can and move on.\r\n\r\n“What do I need?” is the fundamental question of self-compassion, that you can find out more about in chapter 9, but you already have the capacity within yourself to begin giving yourself more of what you need. No special training required. Give it a shot and let it be for now.\r\n\r\nYou may also discover that you aren’t sure what you need, which is okay for now, too. Simply honor yourself and how you feel, and see what comes up for you.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":34435,"name":"Eva M. Selhub","slug":"eva-m-selhub","description":" <p><b>Eva Selhub </b>is a board-certified physician, speaker, scientist, executive leadership and performance coach, and a consultant in the field of corporate wellness and resilience. She focuses on helping individuals and corporations alike to become resilient, avoid or manage burnout, and achieve transformational health and wellbeing. She has been published in medical journals and featured in national publications including <i>The New York Times </i>and <i>USA Today</i>. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34435"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34052,"title":"General Emotional Health","slug":"general-emotional-health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34052"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Discovering just how burned out you feel","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"What the results mean … and what they don’t mean","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Burnout first aid","target":"#tab3"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":296073,"title":"What Exactly Is Burnout?","slug":"what-exactly-is-burnout","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296073"}},{"articleId":295691,"title":"Burnout For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"burnout-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295691"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":296073,"title":"What Exactly Is Burnout?","slug":"what-exactly-is-burnout","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296073"}},{"articleId":295778,"title":"Adulting: How to Succeed in Your First Job","slug":"adulting-how-to-succeed-in-your-first-job","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295778"}},{"articleId":295772,"title":"Adulting: How to Communicate Effectively","slug":"adulting-how-to-communicate-effectively","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295772"}},{"articleId":295764,"title":"Adulting: Moving Out for the First Time","slug":"adulting-moving-out-for-the-first-time","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295764"}},{"articleId":295691,"title":"Burnout For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"burnout-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295691"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":295573,"slug":"burnout-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119894933","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/111989493X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/111989493X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/111989493X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/111989493X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/111989493X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/burnout-for-dummies-cover-9781119894933-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Burnout For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b>Eva Selhub </b>is a board-certified physician, speaker, scientist, executive leadership and performance coach, and a consultant in the field of corporate wellness and resilience. She focuses on helping individuals and corporations alike to become resilient, avoid or manage burnout, and achieve transformational health and wellbeing. She has been published in medical journals and featured in national publications including <i>The New York Times </i>and <i>USA Today</i>.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":34435,"name":"Eva M. Selhub","slug":"eva-m-selhub","description":" <p><b>Eva Selhub </b>is a board-certified physician, speaker, scientist, executive leadership and performance coach, and a consultant in the field of corporate wellness and resilience. She focuses on helping individuals and corporations alike to become resilient, avoid or manage burnout, and achieve transformational health and wellbeing. She has been published in medical journals and featured in national publications including <i>The New York Times </i>and <i>USA Today</i>. 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Physical Health & Well-Being Bluetooth and Other Technology to Use with Hearing Aids

Article / Updated 01-25-2023

Bluetooth technology and the wide array of smartphone apps make customizing strategies to aid in improving day-to-day functions with hearing loss a whole lot easier. Working with Bluetooth and hearing aids Bluetooth is amazing wireless connection technology. It is a short-range wireless connection platform that allows data transfer or connections between two or more electronic devices over ultra-high frequency radio waves that don’t interfere with other signals. Thousands of companies across the globe, including hearing aid manufacturers, have agreed on Bluetooth as the standard in wireless connection and have teamed up to form a special interest group that manages the technology, fosters Bluetooth tech advances, and maintains high security standards. Bluetooth allows hearing aids to directly connect to other devices, including smartphones and tablets, to stream clear audio such as music or phone calls. Many hearing aid companies now offer smartphone apps that connect to hearing aids via Bluetooth and allow the user to control hearing aid settings such as volume and programs or check on the hearing aid battery life. Most hearing aids connect to smartphones by making sure Bluetooth is activated on the smartphone and then turning the hearing aid off and back on. This prompts the two devices to pair. After the first connection, the devices will remember one another and automatically pair. Consult your hearing aid user manual, contact a tech savvy friend, or ask your hearing care professional when in doubt. Some hearing aids require a streamer (see “Streaming all your devices" below) to connect to other devices via Bluetooth. This is usually worn around the neck or kept in a pocket. But this is becoming increasingly rare as modern technology allows for a direct connection. Check product labels or speak with a hearing professional for how hearing aids connect to Bluetooth if you want to avoid using an extra device. Navigating smartphone apps You can find many, many smartphone apps for hearing loss — some free, some not — and it can be difficult to distinguish the good from the not-so-good. There are two main categories specific to enhancing your hearing: Apps to amplify sounds in your environment just like a handheld amplifier Apps to customize sound you listen to through your smartphone, such as when you take calls or stream music, so that it is tailored to your hearing But how do you know whether an app is going to be reliable? Here are some tips: Look for apps that are popular and have lots of downloads. Read reviews and comments by users. Download apps only from official app stores. Look at apps that have a history of regularly updating. Pay attention to permissions the app asks for on your phone; predatory apps may ask for permission to access unnecessary information (like an app to amplify sound requesting access to your photos or contacts). Hearing aid accessories Hearing aid accessories can be the difference between doing okay and thriving with hearing aids. Many companies offer a lineup of complementary accessories that can boost your experience with hearing aids and improve listening in certain situations. Every company has a different specific name for these products, but there are four common types: a remote control, a remote microphone, a TV connector, and a streamer. Using a remote control A remote control acts as a handheld operations center for your hearing aids. It allows you to discretely control your hearing aids without needing to locate and press any buttons on the hearing aids themselves. This can be especially useful for adults with stiff, numb, or arthritic fingers. With a remote control you can: Adjust the volume or mute the hearing aids. Change the programs to match the situation you’re in. Manage connections to other streaming devices. Trying out a remote microphone A remote microphone is a stand-alone or portable microphone that transmits a direct signal to hearing aids from a distance. Remote microphones excel in helping with hearing in difficult listening environments from noise or overcoming distance issues. Hearing aids can mute or dampen any other sounds around you while focusing only on the remote microphone to substantially improve clarity. Remote microphones are one of our favorite accessories and something we recommend to almost every hearing aid user who has trouble with hearing aids in noisy situations. We compare the remote microphone for those with extra trouble with speech in noise to using snow tires for driving in cold weather areas: It’s a must-have accessory! There are two main styles of remote microphone: one-on-one remote mic and group setting remote mic. One-on-one remote mic The most common style is a portable personal microphone for focused conversation when you’re only interested in hearing one specific person speak at a time. The person speaking can hold it, wear it around their neck, or clip it to their shirt or jacket lapel. The sound from the microphone is channeled directly into your hearing aid. Let’s go through some examples of when the remote microphone comes in handy: If you are at a noisy restaurant for dinner, you can have the person you’re dining with wear the remote microphone so that you receive a more direct signal of their voice with less background noise. In some social settings with lots of noise, like a large gathering or at a bar, we tend to move from conversation to conversation. You can bring the one-on-one remote microphone and either hold it yourself near the person (see the figure below) or ask the person you’re speaking with to hold to it for a boosted signal. Lectures can be difficult if you’re forced to sit far away from the speaker. Even if the venue has a sound system, it can still be difficult to understand the speaker depending on the acoustics as well as the quality and placement of the speakers. You can either place the remote microphone on the podium or request the speaker wear it to give you a direct signal (see the figure below). The range on remote microphones varies from roughly 30 to 90 feet depending on the manufacturer. If you’re in a small group setting with the one-on-one remote mic, like a noisy restaurant with a group of three, you can try placing the microphone on the table between your dining companions or ask them to pass it back and forth as needed. It’s an extra step but will make for a smoother and more enjoyable conversation for everyone. Group setting remote mic A newer version of the remote microphone is a table remote microphone that is specially designed for group conversations. This product sits on a table and uses a combination of advanced signal processing and special microphones called beamformers to identify and focus on anyone speaking at the table and transmit that signal directly to your hearing aids. The table remote microphone is a great option when in a restaurant or at home with multiple people or for use at work meetings around a conference table (see the figure below). At the publication of this book, this is a newer product and is only available through a few hearing aid manufacturers, but the initial popularity among patients suggests it’s going to quickly become a widely offered product. Connecting to the TV The TV connector serves a very specific role of transmitting the audio signal from any home audio device, namely TVs and stereos, directly to your hearing aids (see the figure below). Simply plug the TV connector into the audio port on your TV or stereo to connect to your hearing aids. This can make listening to TV much more enjoyable with a direct and sometimes clearer signal compared to using your hearing aids alone. Many companies now offer the capability for the TV connector to stream to multiple sets of hearing aids if you are watching TV with a friend or family member! Streaming all your devices Technology is rapidly evolving, and some hearing aids can directly connect to smartphones and other accessories mentioned in this section. However, some hearing aids will require a streamer (see the figure below) to act as an intermediary transmitter to allow hearing aids to connect to other products. The streamer is usually worn on a lanyard around a hearing aid user’s neck or kept in their pocket. For some hearing aid manufacturers, the streamer and remote control are combined into a single product to make your life easier. Make sure you do a little research first to find out if your hearing aids require a streamer to connect to accessories and your smartphone. When purchasing hearing aid accessories, make sure they are compatible with your hearing aids. At the time of this book, most hearing aids are only compatible with accessories made by the same manufacturer. Even within a single manufacturer, new generation technology does not always work with older technology. You can always ask your hearing care professional to help you navigate the accessories market.

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General Physical Health & Well-Being Different Types of Hearing Aids

Article / Updated 01-24-2023

Modern hearing aids are sleek, and many styles are nearly invisible. This is a far cry from early hearing aids that required body-worn accessories (to visualize that, imagine something like the old Discman CD player worn on your belt with wires attached to headphones). It’s also a far cry from the mental image many people have when they picture hearing aids as large and bulky pieces of plastic that stick out from behind the ear connected to huge earpieces sitting in your ear canal. Hearing aids come in several different shapes and sizes to customize the fit to the wearer. This article covers the broad-style categories but always remember that other variants exist and different manufacturers use different names. Generally, there are two main styles of hearing aids: behind-the-ear and in-the-ear. Each has some subtypes. A good hearing aid fit is important to prevent that buzzing sound that is known as feedback. This happens when the amplified sound coming out of the hearing aid speaker is picked up again by the hearing aid microphone and reamplified. Behind-the-ear hearing aids Behind-the-ear hearing aids, often known as BTEs, are the most common style of hearing aid. It sits behind the ear — hence, the name — while a tube runs to the front of the ear where it connects to either an earmold or dome in the wearer’s ear canal, as shown in the figure below. While earmolds are custom made to fit a wearer’s ear, domes are premade mushroom-shaped silicone pieces that come variety of sizes and designs to find the best fit for the wearer’s ear canal. BTEs have evolved into several subtypes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Earmolds require a custom impression of your ear canal. There are at-home, do-it-yourself earmold impression kits, but we recommend you use these with caution. Improper use can leave silicone material in the ear which requires a professional to remove. When in doubt, see a hearing care professional to make your earmold impressions. Traditional BTEs The traditional BTE (see the figure below) houses all the components of the hearing aid (the microphone, amplifier, processor, and speaker) in a single space that sits behind the ear. It is connected to a custom earmold using flexible, medical-grade plastic tubing. The BTE is a fairly rugged product that provides ample space for more powerful hardware, which can accommodate the needs of any degree of hearing loss. There are even “power” models for profound hearing loss. While the traditional BTE is the most versatile of hearing aid design, it has not always been perceived as the most discrete, so engineers have come up with newer versions of the BTE: slim tube and receiver-in-the-canal BTEs. Slim tube style BTEs Like the traditional BTE, the slim tube BTE (see the figure below) also houses all the components of the hearing aid behind the ear, but it uses much smaller tubing for a more discrete look. Rather than using a larger custom earmold that fills up the ear, slim tube BTEs use a dome or smaller custom earmold that sits deeper in the ear canal. The smaller size limits the slim tube style to mild to moderate hearing losses. In some cases, the slim tube style can work for severe hearing loss, but it is pushing the boundaries of this style’s capabilities. Receiver-in-the-canal style BTEs With a newer receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) BTE (see the figure below), the receiver or speaker sits in the dome or small earmold in the wearer’s ear canal and is connected to the body of the hearing aid behind the ear via a wire. This means that the signal output is being delivered right into the wearer’s ear rather than having to travel through tubing from the hearing aid body sitting behind the ear. This style may result in a clearer, crisper signal and can reduce feedback. Its design is smaller and more discrete. The major drawback to this style is that the receiver and wire are delicate and require regular maintenance and a gentle touch to avoid becoming damaged easily. Open and closed styles Slim tube and RIC styles often use domes rather than custom earmolds for the part that sits in the ear canal. These domes can be open or closed fit, which refers to whether the domes have holes in them (open fit) or not (closed fit). People with milder, high-frequency hearing losses can use open fit domes, which allow for more natural sound to enter the ear canal and allow for the ear canal to breathe. Conversely, closed fit domes are used for more moderate or severe hearing loss as they block outside sound and amplify low-frequency sounds. Open domes help prevent the occlusion effect — that is, when your ears feel plugged up and your voice sounds louder to you with an echo-like quality. You might also refer to this sound quality as “hollow” or “booming.” This happens because when we move our jaw to speak or chew, we create vibrations in the ear canal. When the ear canal is completely blocked with a hearing aid or earmold, those vibrations can’t escape and result in the occlusion effect. People who have better low-frequency hearing and use closed domes, earmolds, or ITE-style hearing aids are more likely to report experiencing the occlusion effect. Should you run into this issue, check with your hearing professional. Fun fact: You can simulate the occlusion effect by repeating words and sentences aloud with and without your fingers plugging up your ear canal (alright, maybe not that fun). In-the-ear hearing aids With in-the-ear hearing aids, also known as ITEs, the entire device sits in the wearer’s ear (see the figure below). These devices are custom made and require an earmold impression to be sent to a manufacturer. Popular smaller variants of the ITE are referred to as completely-in-the-canal (CIC; see the figure below). These styles are even smaller and, as the name implies, sit deeper in the ear canal. In fact, the CIC is essentially invisible and so small it requires an attached removal handle to get it in and out of the ear canal. The primary purpose of the CIC is cosmetic. A major drawback is that the small size comes at the expense of power. These small hearing aids are intended for mild hearing loss and cannot address the needs of more moderate or severe loss. The size of the CIC also limits the features available; CICs often can’t use advanced technology features like directionality. Some users who choose these styles become disappointed in their hearing aids and believe them to be ineffective when, in reality, these people have been fit with a hearing aid that is inappropriate for their level of hearing loss or hearing needs. ITEs are a great option when the user has problems inserting and manipulating behind-the-ear–style hearing aids due to numbness in their fingers or arthritis. The custom shape of the ITE makes it somewhat easier to slip into the ear. Pros and cons of hearing aid styles Picking the right hearing aid for you requires checking out the pros and cons of each style of hearing aid. Take a look at the table below to see which style may be the one for you. Hearing Aid Styles Pros and Cons Type Used For Pros Cons Traditional behind-the-ear All degrees of hearing loss from mild to profound Extremely versatile device with widest range of available features Relatively larger in size and most visible to the eye Slim tube behind-the-ear Mild to moderate hearing loss with some flexibility to fit severe hearing loss depending on the specific device Less visible than traditional BTE and can use open domes for more natural sound Requires enough dexterity to manipulate smaller size than traditional BTE and doesn’t meet the needs of most severe and profound hearing losses Receiver in the canal behind-the-ear Mild to moderate hearing loss Smallest BTE, clear sound from placement of speaker in the ear Most fragile BTE In-the-ear Mild to severe hearing loss Custom fit that is easiest to use when wearer has limited dexterity Smaller size may limit a few features Completely in-the-canal Mild hearing loss Nearly invisible Small size limits power and features like directionality

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General Physical Health & Well-Being How to Know If You Have Hearing Loss

Article / Updated 01-20-2023

Hearing loss is about clarity not volume. Most people think of hearing loss as simply turning down the volume on a TV, which makes all sounds quieter. But hearing loss is more like turning down the volume on only specific frequencies or pitches of sound so while some sounds are quieter others are just as loud. Many people aren’t a very good judge of their own hearing. In fact, most people tend to believe their hearing is better than it actually is, according to research from our own team at Johns Hopkins University. Why are we such bad judges of our own ability to hear? Barely noticeable changes One answer is that hearing loss happens gradually and slowly over time. The snail-like pace at which our hearing declines may make it difficult to notice any changes. Early signs of hearing loss may be situational. We might miss a word here and there over dinner in a noisy restaurant or have trouble following a conversation with someone soft-spoken. It is easy to shrug off the seemingly isolated early incidents. Everyone else is mumbling! For most people, hearing loss affects their ability to hear high frequencies (whistling or birds chirping) while leaving the ability to hear low frequencies (animal grunts or thunder) relatively untouched. But not all sounds fit neatly into low or high frequencies. Speech has sounds from several frequencies. In fact, a single word can represent multiple frequencies. For example, the word “show” includes “sh” (high-frequency) and “ow” (low-frequency). With the most common types of hearing loss, the “sh” would be difficult to hear while “ow” would be perfectly audible. This results in a phenomenon where you would hear someone talking, but what they’re saying isn’t clear. This is why a common phrase among those with hearing loss is “I can hear you but you’re mumbling!” Hearing some sounds but not others affects clarity, which isn’t always something people think of when they think of hearing loss. Hence, sometimes it’s hard to make that leap to suspecting hearing loss. Compensating until you can’t Our brain plays a big role in making it tough to recognize hearing loss, especially when it first starts. Generally, our brains are great at their job of processing incoming information and can often still make sense of unclear speech. The brain does this by using contextual information like the general topic of conversation to fill in the blanks. This means that as we develop hearing loss, our brains initially do a pretty good job of making up for any hearing loss. But compensating for hearing loss requires a lot of extra energy and effort from our brains. Over time, our hearing tends to worsen and our brain’s ability to compensate lessens until it actually starts to slow down as well from the fatigue of keeping up with all the unclear sound. Don’t know what you’re missing Our brains are good at noticing new auditory information and ignoring common and mundane sound. Think about being in your own home versus visiting a place for the first time. In our own homes, we tend to ignore familiar sounds — the humming of appliances, creaking floorboards, or squeaking doors. But in a new place, our brains are on high alert, and we notice every single new sound. The same concept goes for common environmental sounds when we aren’t specifically listening for them: traffic noise from other cars while driving or chirping birds while walking through the park. When we aren’t specifically listening for a sound, it often becomes forgotten background noise. This makes it difficult to realize what we miss when we have hearing loss. Has your hearing declined? Given how difficult it is for us to judge our own hearing ability, consider having a conversation with those close to you to help you identify any hearing loss. Your hearing loss can impact them, too. In many situations, it is a spouse, child, companion, or other frequent communication partner who first detects signs of hearing loss — from little things like noticing you turn the TV up louder to feeling isolated from you because conversation has become more difficult. The perceptions of those around you is a great way to gauge your own hearing. It is also often helpful to look for clues in how hearing may be affecting your day-to-day life. Consider, for example, any changes in your social activity, communication patterns, and regular activities to help identify any hearing loss. You may be subconsciously avoiding situations or even altering the way you engage with people because of difficulty hearing. Take a minute to ask yourself some of the following questions to get a better feel for whether you may have some hearing loss: Are you asking others to repeat things more often? In follow-up, do you find others saying things like “Never mind, I’ll tell you later” when you ask them to repeat something? This may be a sign that others have begun to notice your hearing difficulties. Are you having trouble following conversations in meetings? Do you find yourself believing many other people mumble too much? Do you have difficulty hearing people when you aren’t looking directly at them when they speak or when they turn away from you during conversation? Have you felt embarrassed to contribute to conversations because you’re unsure of the topic? Do you feel excluded at dinner or other group conversations or unable to keep up? Do you have any difficulty hearing small children? (People with hearing loss often find children’s voices, which are higher pitched, difficult to understand.) Do you turn up the volume on electronics such as the television? Do you avoid talking on the telephone because it’s fatiguing and hard to make out what the other person says? Do others around you complain that the TV is too loud? Do you find yourself avoiding restaurants or social gatherings more than you used to because they’re too noisy? Do you find yourself more tired than usual when engaging in conversation? Are you avoiding activities you used to regularly participate in, such as attending concerts, plays, meetings, or religious services? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s a good idea to get your hearing tested. Read on to find out more. When to get your hearing tested Hearing loss is very common and more than half of all adults over the age of 60 experience hearing loss. It may be a good idea to schedule a hearing test when you turn 60 if you notice any of the signs of hearing loss mentioned above, whichever comes first. Screening, testing, and diagnostics You may see the terms hearing screening or hearing testing thrown around and sometimes you’ll see the term diagnostic hearing test versus self-guided hearing test. Here’s what these mean: Hearing screening refers to any assessment or task that helps identify whether or not you likely have some hearing loss but offers little details. Hearing screenings vary in how they’re performed and could be anything from whether you can hear someone whisper in your ear to a task where you have to identify numbers spoken in the presence of background noise. Hearing testing refers to pure-tone audiometry tests (see Chapter 7) that provides sufficient detail to describe your hearing in each ear using either the hearing number or categories like mild, moderate, severe, or profound. Self-guided hearing testing refers to hearing testing that is performed by you without the help of a professional, such as on a smartphone. Diagnostic hearing testing refers to a full battery of tests performed by a hearing professional, usually an audiologist, for the purpose of diagnosing hearing loss. Establishing a baseline A baseline hearing test simply refers to your first diagnostic hearing test, the results of which become the baseline or reference point for future hearing tests to keep track of any changes in hearing. The baseline test also helps hearing professionals create a custom plan for you based on patterns in changes in your hearing over time. We recommend establishing a baseline as soon as you suspect hearing loss or at least by the time you turn 60, even if you’re not particularly concerned with your hearing at the moment. Making the appointment Here are the details you need to know to make an appointment: Insurance, including Medicare, usually covers at least one diagnostic hearing test a year when ordered by a physician (check with your provider when in doubt). An audiologist will usually perform the diagnostic hearing test. Request a referral from your primary care provider (if required by your insurance company). Search online for a local audiologist near you that accepts your insurance or use websites like HearingTracker.com, which maintains a directory of audiologists from across the country with patient reviews. Curious about testing your own hearing? Try one of numerous smartphone- or web-based hearing tests and screeners such as Mimi Hearing or SonicCloud, which are free and can be found in your smartphone app store. You could also try the AARP at-home hearing screener found at nationalhearingtest.org (free for AARP members!).

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Pilates Pilates For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 12-19-2022

Pilates has become one of the most popular fitness systems in the world. The Pilates method works to strengthen the center, lengthen the spine, build muscle tone and increase body awareness and flexibility. This Cheat Sheet summarizes what you need to get started in Pilates and includes lists of exercises, from fundamental to advanced.

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General Emotional Health Burnout For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 12-12-2022

Listen to the article:Download audio If you've arrived at burnout, it’s not because you've been lazy; rather, you've been quite busy. And even though you may be exhausted and depleted, the busyness still doesn’t stop. Your sense of depletion and fatigue may permeate every aspect of your life so that the tasks, chores, and routines you used to be able to handle with ease are now overwhelming. Everything seems to drain your energy. You can begin to help yourself with the suggestions that follow.

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General Emotional Health What Exactly Is Burnout?

Article / Updated 12-12-2022

Listen to the article:Download audio The term burnout was first coined by the psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in the 1970s. It is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an “occupational phenomenon” that is “… a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed." In that definition, the WHO says burnout is characterized by three dimensions: Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job Reduced professional efficacy The WHO definition goes on to state that “burnout refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life.” In modern society, however, the line between work and “other areas of life” has sufficiently blurred. These days, it is really unfair to talk concretely about “work-life balance” or to imply that burnout would only arise from your job, if, for example, you are a parent, the primary caregiver for an aging parent, or a volunteer leader of a community organization. I say that burnout arises out of your attempts to fulfill your obligations of any kind. Indeed, burnout is not exclusive to work. It is a stress-related issue, and you can, therefore, arrive at burnout as a result of the cumulative effect of stress from too many obligations in any area of your life. What burnout is not Putting aside this little shift to looking at all of your obligations as potential sources of burnout, it can be valuable to focus on figuring out what burnout is and also what it is not, so you can invest your time and attention in addressing the larger challenge itself and not waste your effort on “Band-Aid fixes.” What I’m suggesting here is the equivalent of “work smarter, not harder,” and getting a better sense of what you are trying to improve or correct will help you be more effective in reducing burnout and increasing satisfaction in your life. Taking pain medication to address the symptoms of a shoulder injury can certainly help dull the pain, but appreciating that the pain comes from a broken bone will go a lot further toward long-term relief of the pain. Appreciating the source of burnout versus the symptoms can help you be more effective. You can see in the WHO definition that the term “burnout” addresses a syndrome that results from chronic stress from your obligations. It’s worthwhile to unpack those two terms a bit further to appreciate both the depth and the seriousness of burnout and begin to highlight some ways to reduce it in your life. A syndrome is defined as a group of symptoms that consistently occur together or a condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms, traits, or distinctive features. Because these traits or symptoms occur in a kind of cluster of unpleasantness, chasing after one or the other of them is not likely to address the true underlying cause, even if relieving one of them could feel good in the moment. Considering the extent of the feelings Many people today feel distraught, overwhelmed, and anxious as a result of managing through the COVID-19 pandemic and financial and global uncertainty. You may be one of them. Are you tired and worried, but still have time and energy to enjoy your life; do you feel more or less satisfied at work and feel rejuvenated after a good weekend getaway (that you can afford)? Or are you are feeling profoundly exhausted? It feels like there isn’t enough time in the day to meet all of your obligations. Perhaps your mother is unwell and requires frequent doctor’s visits or around-the-clock care, your new boss is extremely demanding and unforgiving, and you feel more and more like a failure and not good enough. Your body aches, you worry about getting COVID-19, and you can’t remember when you had a full night’s sleep. You want a break but don’t see one in sight as your family relies on your income. Will a night out with friends help? Maybe a mani-pedi or a massage? The real question is whether quick fixes can actually address your deep feelings of exhaustion or cynical attitude in any meaningful way. They may help you feel somewhat better … for a while, but in the end, you’re likely to find (or you’ve already found) that these are drops in a bucket that is far bigger than a single act can fill. This isn’t an argument for not doing these things, but just a way of saying that a complex challenge like burnout calls for a broader approach if you really want to turn the tide. Burnout isn’t like a headache or a sore muscle that can be treated with a pill or a massage. It isn’t something that happens because you have a rough day, nor is it having to do a difficult thing as part of your obligations (even if it is distasteful or downright degrading). Rather, it’s more complex and a reflection of something more chronic and insidious that requires deeper care and support. What makes burnout so complex The other key word in the WHO definition is chronic. A chronic syndrome is one that has persisted for a long time or constantly recurs and is hard to eradicate. What this term chronic suggests is that there are no quick fixes to a problem that has been something like a constant (and difficult) companion to you for a while. It’s been around for so long, in fact, that it has graced you with myriad health issues that may have driven you to seek medical care — when you can get there — and when you can’t, to popping pills or self-medicating with food or alcohol. It’s important to note one more aspect of the WHO definition before moving on. It states that burnout “is not classified as a medical condition.” The significance of this statement is that there is no clear treatment for it, and it is considered a factor “… influencing health status or contact with health services.” In practical terms, this brings up two important points: Burnout may very well drive you to the doctor (who may or may not recognize your complaints as burnout or know exactly how to treat it) It has very real physical health consequences, nonetheless, well beyond the specific symptoms you may experience. The medical consequences of burnout are huge and widespread. Note, however, that they are symptoms and add to the complexity of burnout, but they do not constitute burnout in of themselves. Here’s a helpful table to differentiate bad feelings or bad days from true burnout. Not Burnout Burnout You have a bad day. Every day is a bad day. Caring about things feels hard. Caring about your life feels like a total waste of energy. You’re tired. You’re exhausted all the time. You have some dull or difficult tasks to do routinely. The majority of your day is consumed with mind-numbingly dull or overwhelming tasks. You wonder if you’re making a difference. You feel like nothing you do makes a difference and nobody appreciates what you do. You have doubts and are sometimes pessimistic. You (or your colleagues) find you to be cynical and a “Debbie Downer.”

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Catholicism How to Pray the Rosary

Article / Updated 12-12-2022

Listen to the article:Download audio Rosary beads help Catholics count their prayers. More importantly, Catholics pray the rosary as a means of entreaty to ask God for a special favor, such as helping a loved one recover from an illness, or to thank God for blessings received — a new baby, a new job, a new moon. On the crucifix, make the sign of the cross and then pray the Apostles’ Creed. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. On the next large bead, say the Our Father. Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen. On the following three small beads, pray three Hail Marys. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. On the chain, pray the Glory Be. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. On the large bead, meditate on the first mystery and pray the Our Father. You pray mysteries for each of the five sections (decades) of the rosary according to the day of the week: Mondays and Saturdays: The Joyful Mysteries remind the faithful of Christ’s birth: The Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38); The Visitation (Luke 1:39–56); The Nativity (Luke 2:1–21); The Presentation (Luke 2:22–38); The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–52) Tuesdays and Fridays: The Sorrowful Mysteries recall Jesus’ passion and death: The Agony of Jesus in the Garden (Matthew 26:36–56); The Scourging at the Pillar (Matthew 27:26); The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27–31); The Carrying of the Cross (Matthew 27:32); The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:33–56). Wednesdays and Sundays: The Glorious Mysteries focus on the resurrection of Jesus and the glories of heaven: The Resurrection (John 20:1–29); The Ascension (Luke 24:36–53); The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–41); The Assumption of Mary, the Mother of God, into heaven; The Coronation of Mary in heaven. Thursdays: Pope John Paul II added The Mysteries of Light, also known as the Luminous Mysteries, in 2002: The Baptism in the River Jordan (Matthew 3:13–16); The Wedding Feast at Cana (John 2:1–11); The Preaching of the coming of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14–15); The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8); The Institution of the Holy Eucharist (Matthew 26). Skip the centerpiece medallion, and on the ten beads after that, pray a Hail Mary on each bead; on the chain, pray a Glory Be. Although a decade is 10, these 12 prayers form a decade of the rosary. Many Catholics add the Fatima Prayer after the Glory Be and before the next Our Father: O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. Amen. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 four more times to finish the next four decades. At the end of your Rosary, say the Hail Holy Queen. Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation; grant we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Etiquette Modern Etiquette For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 12-08-2022

Practicing proper etiquette means knowing the mechanics of dining, the correct amount to tip for a service, giving a gift graciously, and traveling with ease while exercising good manners.

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General Emotional Health Adulting: How to Succeed in Your First Job

Article / Updated 12-08-2022

To do well at your job requires a combination of many qualities and skills. You must have a strong work ethic, be trainable, and have basic problem-solving skills. Throughout your life thus far, you have been working to build the foundation needed to be successful in the workforce. You have most likely received the training you need from your schooling, extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, work experiences, and guidance from parents, teachers, and mentors. Hard skills versus soft skills Skills that employers want vary from job to job, but they all include some form of soft skills and hard skills. Soft skills relate to how you work, and hard skills relate to what you know. Through a combination of soft skills and hard skills, you will find the right mix to be successful on the job! Hard skills Hard skills are technical skills that you learn in the classroom, in professional trainings, in online courses, in certification programs, or on the job. These skills are related to a particular field, and they require specific knowledge in that subject area. Hard skills are easier to define than soft skills because they can be tested; you can either speak a second language fluently or you can’t. Another example of a hard skill is if you want to be an architect, you must be able to understand and apply the technical skills of building and construction. You hope the bridge you drive across every day has been designed and built by an architect with the hard skills required to make the bridge safe and durable. The following are some examples of hard skills: Computer skills Data analysis Scientific expertise Writing Geometry Photo editing Graphic design Social media management HTML, JavaScript, and other programming languages Software use, such as Microsoft Office, Google Office Suite, Salesforce Foreign languages Patient care Accounting Scheduling All of these hard skills are pretty specific. Some skills are transferrable to different careers, but to land the job you want, you need to know the specific hard skills required for that position. Usually, you can find the degree requirements, licenses, and hard skills needed for a position listed in the job description. Check out the table below to see what level of higher education or training you need to meet your career goals. College degree levels Degree Type Years Required Example Associate Degree Two to three years Associate of Science (AS) Bachelor’s Degree Four or more years Bachelor of Arts (BA) Master’s Degree Bachelor’s degree plus two to three years Master of Education (MEd) Doctoral Degree Master’s degree plus four years or more Doctor of Philosophy in Systems and Engineering Management (PhD) Keep in mind that you do not have to attend college to have a successful career, but a high school diploma is a necessity. If college is not required, be ready for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or program certifications for many job positions. For example, you do not need a college degree to become a certified electrician, but you must complete an apprenticeship that includes 8,000 to 10,000 hours (approximately four to five years) of on-the-job training, plus testing to receive your license or certification. If you do not have a certain hard skill, no worries; sign up for some college classes or community programs to perfect your skills. Also, many places provide on-the-job training to make sure you know the hard skills needed to be a part of their teams. Soft skills Job performance is a big deal. It’s what employers use to gauge raises, bonuses, advancement, and job security. Soft skills are a large part of your performance. Soft skills are personality traits that affect how you interact with others and have their roots in your behavior, attitudes, and values. Soft skills are just as important, if not more so, as the hard skills or qualifications that you need for a job. Many people end up underperforming in a job not because they couldn’t do the work, but because they couldn’t get along with others. Here are some valuable soft skills that can be helpful in any job: Time management: Can you consistently come to work, get there on time, and finish projects by the deadline? Multitasking: Can you handle multiple expectations and tasks at a time? Attention to detail: Can you pinpoint technical errors? Can you focus on the task at hand for hours at a time? Innovation: Can you come up with new ideas? Can you think outside the box? Are you proud of yourself and your ideas? Problem-solving: If you get in a bind, can you figure out a solution on your own? Emotional maturity: Can you control your emotions in stressful situations? Can you act appropriately and professionally in the workplace? Dedication: If you say you will do something, will you actually do it? Do you follow through on job assignments? Duty: Do you understand that you are required to meet the obligations of the job if you want to keep the job? Enthusiasm: Are you excited and positive in your approach to your work? Honesty: Can you be trusted with sensitive information and be honest about your mistakes? Leadership: Can you help set a direction and guide other people to the right place? Collaboration: Can you be respectful of others’ opinions and ideas on your team? Do you work well with others? Overall, employers are looking for good human beings. Are you reliable, can you be trusted, and can you communicate effectively? If you can show impressive soft skills, you will go far within an industry and could quite possibly move up the ranks. While it’s important to be qualified with the hard skills needed for a job, some employers might choose someone with more advanced soft skills because they can be trained in the hard skills. Soft skills can be sharpened by asking for feedback from others. From the list above, are there some soft skills you need to develop further? If you neglect your soft skills, you could be the cause of conflict in the workplace. Don’t put your career at risk.

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General Emotional Health Check Your Level of Burnout with This Quiz

Article / Updated 12-07-2022

Knowing how much burnout you may be experiencing may begin to give you clues about how to tackle the whole phenomenon of burnout in your life. Shall we see how you fare on the burnout quiz? Note that whatever you score on this quiz, it is not a representation of you being “good” or “bad” but rather a guide to let you know what you may want to focus on or what sort of support you need to become the thriving and happy person you want to be. Discovering just how burned out you feel Take some time to consider the following statements and assign each one a number based upon how well it applies to you, using the following scale: Not At All: 1 point Rarely: 2 points Sometimes: 3 points Often: 4 points Very Often: 5 points Statement Score (1–5) I’ve got a short fuse these days and have a tendency to get irritated or angry quite easily over things that used to not bother me much. I've got no gas in the tank. I feel physically and emotionally drained. When I think about my work, I feel like a “Debbie Downer” in my negative attitude. I wonder how I ended up in this job or role and find myself wishing for something else. I find myself being less kind and sympathetic to other people and their issues than I ought to be. My co-workers and people in my life tend to tick me off more than they used to. I question the purpose and meaning of my work or my profession, longing for another situation or a simpler time. The people I work with and for don’t seem to appreciate or understand me. I would like to be able to talk with others about how I feel, but nobody seems available or interested. I feel that I could be achieving more than I am, but I just can’t seem to do it. I find myself feeling weirdly disconnected from my work and from other people, as if I am going through the motions and not really there. I sometimes feel like my work is a pressure-cooker to succeed, and I’m the meal being cooked! I feel less satisfied with the work I produce or do. I get aggravated with basic aspects of my job or what I am asked to do. I feel that I am unable to do the best job because of politics, bureaucracy, or systems outside of my direct control. I feel more and more like a square peg in a round hole when it comes to my work. I question whether I fit. The amount of work I have to do always seems to come at me faster and heavier than I can manage. I think I would like to do a better job, but the time just isn’t there to do it. I sometimes feel like the tail of the dog, where I get wagged around but don’t get to have a role in determining my own future and activities. I find myself wondering if I’m burned out, and people give me advice for how to feel better. What the results mean … and what they don’t mean When you total up your score, see how it compares to the scale below: 20–40 No obvious signs of burnout. Time to find ways to flourish! 41–50 Burnout seems unlikely, unless you have a few 4s or 5s 51–70 The caution light is on. You could be at risk for burnout. 71–90 Time to take some action (keep reading), as burnout is likely. 91–100 The red lights are flashing, and you need to act now. It is important, first and foremost, not to let this simple, unscientific quiz take on too much importance overall. It’s a great way to get a quick snapshot of your experience from all angles and to get a general sense of your concerns and how intense they are. This quiz definitely is an informal assessment of burnout, and while it may feel as if it gets at the heart of burnout, it is not scientifically validated. It is what psychologists call face valid in that it appears, on the face of it, to capture burnout, but we can’t really say for sure that it truly measures the syndrome of burnout. Use your common sense in interpreting what the results of this quiz means, and if you are seeking a truly rigorous, empirically valid measure of burnout, the Maslach Burnout Inventory is the industry standard for such things. It can be purchased from Mind Garden, its publisher. Nonetheless, your score may be pointing to where you stand when it comes to burnout symptoms, especially when you pay close attention to which statements rated at 4 or 5. Remember to acknowledge that you have already taken a decisive action toward reducing and eliminating burnout in your life. You may find that knowing your relative score on the quiz helps you determine how you may want to proceed. Specifically, the higher your score, the more likely you are to benefit from the book Burnout For Dummies. Burnout first aid While there are no quick fixes when it comes to burnout, despite how much well-meaning advice there is floating around to that effect, there are some things you can do right this moment if you are alarmed about your level of burnout or feeling particularly discouraged or depressed by your apparent predicament. Most importantly, if your burnout feels well beyond your capacity to manage it and you may be clinically depressed or feeling suicidal, reach out for professional help immediately. If you're in immediate crisis, you can dial 9-8-8 for the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is comprised of more than 200 local crisis centers. If you have an employee assistance program at work, do not hesitate to take advantage of that resource, and if you don’t have that resource, seek out local resources for psychological support and treatment above all else. Burnout is serious, and the impact of burnout can be devastating to the person and the people around them. Aside from seeking professional assistance to manage the effects of burnout, there is great wisdom in the advice you often get from others about self-care — not as a “treatment” for burnout or a cure-all, but simply as a way of creating the tiniest bit of space and relief from the most painful aspects of burnout for now. Let go of needing that self-care (a pedicure, a good run in the park, a beer with the guys, or a night of binge-watching mindless TV shows on Netflix) to be the be-all, end-all response to burnout. Take the pressure off that simple act of self-kindness to be your savior and allow it to be a simple distraction and a bit of a reset that can help you clear your head, break a downward spiral, and create just enough headspace to chart a course forward. This moment, however, do consider simply asking yourself a very straightforward question: What do I need? There’s no need to make the answer complicated or lofty (for example, a brand new job, a promotion, or a vacation in Fiji). Instead, ask yourself what you need in this moment. Perhaps it’s just five minutes to simply sit and breathe, or a good hot cup of tea, or a walk in the neighborhood. Even simply peeling your attention off the computer screen for a few minutes may be the answer to the question. Offer yourself whatever you need without expectation that it will make anything change, but only because in this moment, you need it. Let it be unconditional and sweet and without obligation. Savor it while you can and move on. “What do I need?” is the fundamental question of self-compassion, that you can find out more about in chapter 9, but you already have the capacity within yourself to begin giving yourself more of what you need. No special training required. Give it a shot and let it be for now. You may also discover that you aren’t sure what you need, which is okay for now, too. Simply honor yourself and how you feel, and see what comes up for you.

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