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The following lists epidemiologist studies and provides an explanation about when to use a particular study and why it’s a good choice.</p>\n<h3><strong>Ecological study </strong></h3>\n<p>This type of study is particularly useful when it’s difficult or impossible to gather individual-level data and when you want to compare multiple country data.</p>\n<h3><strong>Cross-sectional study</strong></h3>\n<p>This type of study is suitable when you are interested in the following:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>You want to conduct a prevalence study.</li>\n<li>You want to conduct a population survey.</li>\n</ul>\n<h3><strong>Case-control study</strong></h3>\n<p>This study is suitable for the following situations:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>The disease is rare.</li>\n<li>You want to study the cause of death.</li>\n<li>You want to identify risk factors.</li>\n<li>You want to conduct a study in a short time with a limited budget.</li>\n<li>You have access to patients’ past records.</li>\n</ul>\n<h3><strong>Cohort study</strong></h3>\n<p>This type of study is efficient in the following situations:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>You have a large group of people who can be followed over time.</li>\n<li>Attrition rate is minimum because the study population in the cohort wouldn’t move often.</li>\n<li>You have good amount of resources in terms of funds and time.</li>\n<li>You want to control confounding variable and biases more efficiently so that the results are more reliable.</li>\n</ul>\n<h3><strong>Experimental study</strong></h3>\n<p>Use this type of study in the following situations:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>You want to evaluate the effect of a treatment or other intervention.</li>\n<li>You have comparison groups.</li>\n<li>You want to proof a hypothesis that isn’t otherwise possible to study.</li>\n<li>You expect accurate results from a controlled study.</li>\n</ul>\n<h3><strong>Clinical trials</strong></h3>\n<p>Use a clinical trial in the following situations:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Drug trial: To study the efficacy and safety of a new drug</li>\n<li>Hospital-based interventions</li>\n<li>Community-based interventions</li>\n<li>Blinded, controlled studies</li>\n<li>Control for confounders</li>\n<li>Control biases</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Promoting fruits as a public health preventative measure","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Fruits are natural sources of healthy food — they’re low calorie and low sodium with a negligible amount of fat. With more than 2,000 varieties of fruits, you may wonder which fruits are better than others.</p>\n<p>When working in public health, one of your roles may be in educating the public about eating foods that are good for them. The following fruits are delicious and healthy:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Apples:</strong> They come with many nutrients, including soluble and insoluble fibers, such as pectin, hemicellulose, and cellulose; vitamin C; and plant polyphenols, which fight against diseases. Most polyphenols are just beneath the skin. Apples protect people from diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, obesity, and neurological disorders.</li>\n<li><strong>Avocados:</strong> They’re high in healthy fats and low in natural sugars. The vitamin and mineral contents of avocados include vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin E, vitamin K, and potassium. They’re also good source of fibers. Two carotenoids known as lutein and zeaxanthin help eye health. Avocados contain monounsaturated fat that improves a person’s good cholesterol (HDL) and decreases triglycerides, without raising the bad cholesterol (LDL).</li>\n<li><strong>Bananas:</strong> They’re an excellent source of potassium — 7 percent of the daily value (DV)); vitamin C — 12 percent of the DV; vitamin B6 — 27 percent of the DV; and magnesium — 8 percent of the DV. Bananas contain about 60 to 80 percent of their carbohydrates as indigestible carbohydrates, which contain prebiotic properties. Prebiotics help in the formation of probiotic bacteria found in yogurt. Green, unripe bananas are a good source of the dietary fiber pectin.</li>\n<li><strong>Blueberries:</strong> They’re high in flavonoids that give blueberries their characteristic blue-purple color. This compound helps fight cell-damaging free radicals that can lead to disease.</li>\n<li><strong>Cherries: </strong>Cherries are rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidant plant compounds, such as anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamates, which help protect the body from oxidative stress. They’re a good source of serotonin, tryptophan, and melatonin, which support good mood and sleep.</li>\n<li><strong>Dragon fruit:</strong> Dragon fruit is a good source of fiber, iron, magnesium, and vitamins C and E. It’s also an excellent source of carotenoids, such as lycopene and beta-carotene.</li>\n<li><strong>Mangoes:</strong> They’re an excellent source of potassium, folate, fiber, and vitamins A, C, B6, E, and K. Mangoes are high in mangiferin, a potent antioxidant. They’re rich in numerous plant polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.</li>\n<li><strong>Oranges:</strong> They can provide 91 percent of the DV for vitamin C. They’re also high in potassium, folate, thiamine (vitamin B1), fiber, and plant polyphenols.</li>\n<li><strong>Pineapples:</strong> One cup (165 grams) of pineapple provides 88 percent of the DV for vitamin C and 73 percent of the DV for manganese. Magnesium helps in controlling blood sugar, and it also acts as an antioxidant. Pineapples contain a number of polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.</li>\n<li><strong>Strawberries:</strong> They’re delicious and highly nutritious, a good source of vitamin C, folate and magnesium. They’re full of plant polyphenols that act as antioxidants, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and tannins. They’re high in anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and proanthocyanidins, which reduce the risk of chronic diseases.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Types of bioterrorist agents","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Traditionally, the purpose of surveillance was to prevent epidemics and the spread of selected diseases, to respond to disasters and assisting communities in recovery, to protect against environmental hazards, and to evaluate an intervention.</p>\n<p>Many public health emergencies are readily apparent, but other threats may not be visible until they affect a large number of people’s lives.</p>\n<p>The threat to human lives changed dramatically after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and bioterrorism events spreading through the U.S. postal system thereafter.</p>\n<p>Being prepared and planning against impending bioterrorist threats is important. Therefore, the scope of surveillance has expanded to a type called <em>event-based surveillance.</em> It involves the use of reports, stories, rumors, and other information needed to identify events that pose a potential threat to public health.</p>\n<p>Preparedness and planning can’t eliminate any biological (viruses, bacteria, or their toxins) agents, chemical compounds, and radiation materials that can cause casualty threats. However, preparedness and planning will help you identify risk factors or events, track disease trends, determine action items, and target interventions.</p>\n<p>The agents mentioned here can be released by way of the air (aerosols), food, water, insects, or direct contacts. Biological agents with bioterrorism potential are divided in to the three following categories.</p>\n<h3><strong>Category A agents</strong></h3>\n<p>These organisms pose a risk to national security. They transmit quickly, easily affecting a large group of people and killing many people. The diseases caused by these agents are as follows:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Anthrax caused by <em>Bacillus anthracis</em></li>\n<li>Botulism caused by <em>Clostridium botulinum</em></li>\n<li>Plague caused by <em>Yersinia pestis</em></li>\n<li>Smallpox caused by <em>variola major</em></li>\n<li>Tularemia caused by <em>Francisella tularensis</em></li>\n<li>Viral hemorrhagic fever caused by filoviruses (for example Ebola) and arenaviruses (for example Lassa fever)</li>\n</ul>\n<h3><strong>Category B agents</strong></h3>\n<p>These are the second highest priority organisms. They’re also transmitted from one person to another but not as readily as Category A agents.</p>\n<p>Due to the moderate rate of morbidity and mortality, the surveillance program for these agents requires the specific enhancement of CDC’s diagnostic capacity. Here are the selected diseases/agents in this category:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Brucellosis caused by <em>Brucella</em> species</li>\n<li>Epsilon toxin of <em>Clostridium perfringens</em></li>\n<li>Food safety threats due to Salmonella species, E. coli 0157:H7, Shigella species</li>\n<li>Psittacosis caused by <em>Chlamydia psittaci</em></li>\n<li>Q fever caused by <em>Coxiella burnetii</em></li>\n<li>Ricin toxin from castor beans</li>\n<li>Staphylococcal <em>enterotoxin B</em></li>\n<li>Typhus fever caused by <em>Rickettsia prowazakii</em></li>\n<li>Viral encephalitis caused by <em>alphaviruses</em></li>\n<li>Water safety threats caused by <em>Vibrio cholerae</em>, <em>Cryptosporidium</em></li>\n</ul>\n<h3><strong>Category C agents</strong></h3>\n<p>These agents can be engineered for mass dissemination. They include emerging infectious diseases caused by <em>Nipah</em> virus or <em>hantavirus</em>. Chemical agents with bioterrorism potential include the following:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Biotoxins:</strong> Abrin, brevetoxin, colchicine, digitalis, nicotine, ricin, tetrodotoxin, and others</li>\n<li><strong>Blister agents:</strong> Applied through eyes, respiratory tract, and skin; include distilled mustard, mustard gas, nitrogen mustard, phosgene oxime, and others</li>\n<li><strong>Blood agents:</strong> Arsenic, carbon monoxide, cyanogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide, potassium cyanide, sodium cyanide, and sodium monofluoroacetate.</li>\n<li><strong>Choking agents:</strong> Ammonia, bromide, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, methyl bromide, methyl isocyanate, phosgene, sulfuryl fluoride, and others</li>\n<li><strong>Long-acting anticoagulants:</strong> Super warfarin</li>\n<li><strong>Metals:</strong> Arsenic, mercury, and thallium</li>\n<li><strong>Nerve agents:</strong> Sarin, soman, tabun, and others</li>\n<li><strong>Tear gas</strong></li>\n<li><strong>Toxic alcohols:</strong> Can damage a person’s heart, kidneys, and nervous system</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Bioterrorism threats represent a special challenge for public health. The prevention against bioterrorism require a coordinated effort that include people from many areas, such as criminal justice, military, and intelligence agencies.</p>\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":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-03-10T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":297775},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:48:05+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-03-08T17:06:09+00:00","timestamp":"2023-03-08T18:01:23+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":"Exercise & Movement","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34166"},"slug":"exercise-movement","categoryId":34166},{"name":"Yoga","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34175"},"slug":"yoga","categoryId":34175}],"title":"Yoga For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"yoga for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"yoga-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Try your hand (and legs...and back...and neck) at Yoga, an ancient practice that has mental and physical benefits.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Yoga is an ancient practice that still provides numerous benefits today to the people who practice it regularly. Some people are scared off by certain myths they’ve heard about Yoga, but in truth, there’s no reason why anyone can’t and shouldn’t practice it.\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to Yoga, finding a class and a teacher that fits your needs is crucial. After that, you need to make sure you’re doing all you can to make your Yoga practice as successful and beneficial as it can be.","description":"Yoga is an ancient practice that still provides numerous benefits today to the people who practice it regularly. Some people are scared off by certain myths they’ve heard about Yoga, but in truth, there’s no reason why anyone can’t and shouldn’t practice it.\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to Yoga, finding a class and a teacher that fits your needs is crucial. After that, you need to make sure you’re doing all you can to make your Yoga practice as successful and beneficial as it can be.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9246,"name":"Larry Payne","slug":"larry-payne","description":" <p><b>Larry Payne, PhD,</b> is the founding president of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and was named one of America&#8217;s most respected yoga teachers by the <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. <b>Georg Feuerstein, PhD,</b> was internationally respected for his contribution to Yoga research and the history of consciousness.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9246"}},{"authorId":35259,"name":"Brenda Feuerstein","slug":"brenda-feuerstein","description":"<span class=\"a-text-bold\"><strong>Brenda Feuerstein</strong> </span>is founder and director of Traditional Yoga Studies, a company that promotes authentic Yoga teachings and research.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35259"}},{"authorId":9247,"name":"Georg Feuerstein","slug":"georg-feuerstein","description":"The late <strong>Georg Feuerstein</strong> was internationally recognized as a leading expert on the Yoga tradition and authored many seminal works on it. He also created a teacher training manual on Yoga philosophy that Yoga teachers in eleven countries refer to, as well as several online Yoga philosophy courses that are still active today.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9247"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34175,"title":"Yoga","slug":"yoga","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34175"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":203634,"title":"How to Do a Safe, Quick Prenatal Yoga Routine","slug":"how-to-do-a-safe-quick-prenatal-yoga-routine","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","yoga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203634"}},{"articleId":153820,"title":"Finding 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Practice","slug":"resources-to-boost-your-yoga-practice","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","yoga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/153615"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":294676,"title":"Chair Yoga For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"chair-yoga-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","yoga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/294676"}},{"articleId":271190,"title":"10 Tips for Your Yoga Practice: Off the Mat","slug":"10-tips-for-your-yoga-practice-off-the-mat","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","yoga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/271190"}},{"articleId":271187,"title":"10 Tips for Your Yoga Practice: On the 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Home","slug":"15-minute-yoga-after-50-routine-for-home","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","yoga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/271181"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282686,"slug":"yoga-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119989066","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","yoga"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/111998906X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/111998906X/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/111998906X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/111998906X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/111998906X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/yoga-for-dummies-4th-edition-cover-111998906X-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Yoga For Dummies, 4th Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9246\">Larry Payne</b>, PhD,</b> is the founding president of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and was named one of America&#8217;s most respected yoga teachers by the <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. <b>Georg Feuerstein, PhD,</b> was internationally respected for his contribution to Yoga research and the history of consciousness.</p> <span class=\"a-text-bold\"><strong><b data-author-id=\"35259\">Brenda Feuerstein</b></strong> </span>is founder and director of Traditional Yoga Studies, a company that promotes authentic Yoga teachings and research. The late <strong><b data-author-id=\"9247\">Georg Feuerstein</b></strong> was internationally recognized as a leading expert on the Yoga tradition and authored many seminal works on it. He also created a teacher training manual on Yoga philosophy that Yoga teachers in eleven countries refer to, as well as several online Yoga philosophy courses that are still active today.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9246,"name":"Larry Payne","slug":"larry-payne","description":" <p><b>Larry Payne, PhD,</b> is the founding president of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and was named one of America&#8217;s most respected yoga teachers by the <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. <b>Georg Feuerstein, PhD,</b> was internationally respected for his contribution to Yoga research and the history of consciousness.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9246"}},{"authorId":35259,"name":"Brenda Feuerstein","slug":"brenda-feuerstein","description":"<span class=\"a-text-bold\"><strong>Brenda Feuerstein</strong> </span>is founder and director of Traditional Yoga Studies, a company that promotes authentic Yoga teachings and research.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35259"}},{"authorId":9247,"name":"Georg Feuerstein","slug":"georg-feuerstein","description":"The late <strong>Georg Feuerstein</strong> was internationally recognized as a leading expert on the Yoga tradition and authored many seminal works on it. He also created a teacher training manual on Yoga philosophy that Yoga teachers in eleven countries refer to, as well as several online Yoga philosophy courses that are still active today.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9247"}}],"_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;yoga&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119989066&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6408cd7309934\"></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;yoga&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119989066&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6408cd730a072\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":153795,"title":"Debunking Yoga Myths","slug":"debunking-yoga-myths","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","yoga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/153795"}},{"articleId":153820,"title":"Finding the Right Yoga Class for You","slug":"finding-the-right-yoga-class-for-you","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","yoga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/153820"}},{"articleId":153794,"title":"Examining Keys to a Successful Yoga Practice","slug":"examining-keys-to-a-successful-yoga-practice","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","yoga"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/153794"}}],"content":[{"title":"Debunking Yoga myths","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Many myths and misconceptions surround Yoga and Yoga practice, scaring off many would-be practitioners. The following list debunks some of those myths and gives you the real story so you can confidently add Yoga to your day.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Yoga is only for double-jointed people.</strong> Yoga is for everyone, and you can tailor it to your individual needs. Yoga doesn’t require you to be flexible.</li>\n<li><strong>Yoga is a religion. </strong>Yoga is a philosophy with a toolkit of various practices that, when implemented, can calm the fluctuations of the mind. Yoga philosophy stems from a system that predates Hinduism and also influenced Hinduism, thus the similarities. But whereas Hinduism is a religion, Yoga is not; it’s practiced by people of many religions and others who are fully secular.</li>\n<li><strong>Yoga is only for South Asian people.</strong> Yoga originated in the East (India, to be precise), but it’s universally applicable. Besides, many of its practices have been modified to suit contemporary Western needs and tastes. Yoga even comes recommended by knowledgeable physicians around the world because of its great restorative power.</li>\n<li><strong>Yoga is just a bunch of mindless exercises. </strong>The popular image of Yoga as gymnastics is wrong. The physical exercises form only a part of its comprehensive approach. And the exercises are far from mindless — they call for both focus and mindfulness.</li>\n<li><strong>Yoga is only for weaklings.</strong> Yoga favors a gentle approach, but its advanced postures call for considerable strength and stamina. Many athletes complement their other forms of exercise with Yoga.</li>\n<li><strong>You can’t gain muscle strength through Yoga.</strong> Yoga has a whole range of postures that help strengthen your chest, back, abdominal, arm, and leg muscles. Take a look at advanced practitioners; their muscular strength and development may surprise you. In addition to improving your strength, Yoga can help you combat stress and keep you generally fit.</li>\n<li><strong>You need a guru to do Yoga.</strong> If you couldn’t try out some basic Yoga exercises by yourself, Yoga publishers wouldn’t do the business they do<em>.</em> Consulting with a Yoga teacher or instructor can be helpful, but a guru is necessary only when you want to engage in Yoga as a full-fledged spiritual practice. If you decide you’d like a Yoga professional in your life, do lots of research and talk to people you respect and trust.</li>\n<li><strong>Yoga requires you to believe in all kinds of strange ideas.</strong> Yoga is based on universal principles shared by many other systems that have a holistic orientation to life. The fundamental approach of Yoga is for you to test those principles and find out for yourself whether they work for you. You either find them useful or you don’t, but no belief in bizarre ideas is necessary.</li>\n<li><strong>People older than 50 can’t learn Yoga.</strong> Yoga is for people of all ages. Some people start in their 70s, 80s, and 90s. It’s never too late — or early — to start practicing Yoga.</li>\n<li><strong>Yoga can offer only a handful of exercises. </strong>Yoga has a vast repertoire of postures, and Yoga teachers are constantly adding accessible variations to refine the system and make it suitable for the widest range of people possible.</li>\n<li><strong>You can practice Yoga once a month and achieve good results. </strong>As with any other exercise system, you get out of Yoga what you put into it. Regular daily Yoga practice gives the best results, but rest assured that a little effort does go a long way.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Finding the right Yoga class for you","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Starting anything new can feel overwhelming, but choosing the Yoga class that fits you is easy when you take time to evaluate your Yoga needs. So, how do you know the right class when you see it?</p>\n<p>When you visit a Yoga center, classroom, or online class, pay attention to your intuitive feelings. Consider how the staff and teacher treats you and how you respond to the people attending class.</p>\n<p>If you’re attending an in-person class, stroll around the facility and feel its overall energy. First impressions are often (although not always) accurate.</p>\n<p>When checking out a potential class to join, ask yourself the following questions.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Is the classroom’s atmosphere calming and inviting?</li>\n<li>What’s my gut response to the teacher?</li>\n<li>Do I prefer a specific gender for a Yoga teacher?</li>\n<li>Does the teacher have at least 200 hours of training from an accredited school, or the equivalent from a well-respected master teacher?</li>\n<li>Is the teacher trained in making Yoga accessible for everyone?</li>\n<li>Does the teacher inspire trust for students’ safety as they practice?</li>\n<li>Does the class provide an appropriate amount of intensity and challenge for my fitness level?</li>\n<li>Does the teacher or school have a good reputation? The Yoga Alliance, with over 100,000 registered teachers and schools, offers a searchable database.</li>\n<li>How do I respond to other students?</li>\n<li>How big are the classes, and can I get proper individual attention from the teacher?</li>\n<li>Would I be happy coming here regularly?</li>\n<li>Do I feel better after the class than I did before the class?</li>\n<li>Can I afford the classes? If not, do they offer a reduced rate for classes?</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Examining keys to a successful Yoga practice","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Yoga enthusiasts come to the mat seeking a variety of rewards: to gain strength, increase flexibility, manage stress, or adopt a more peaceful way of life. Whatever your reasons for turning to Yoga, you want keep these considerations in mind to get off to a good start:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Set clear goals for yourself.</strong> Decide exactly what you want to accomplish (flexibility, fitness, better health, inner peace, a sense of community, and so on).</li>\n<li><strong>Make a realistic commitment. </strong>Promising yourself you’ll practice for an hour every day sounds great, but it doesn’t do you any good if you can’t reasonably maintain that schedule. Just 10-15 minutes a day is a great start.</li>\n<li><strong>Get your physician’s approval.</strong> If you have a health challenge or are pregnant, be sure to consult a physician before embarking on a Yoga practice program. Familiarize your physician with the specific kind of Yoga you intend to practice. Your doctor may caution you away from certain forms of practice and steer you toward others. If your physician is unfamiliar with Yoga, consider showing them a copy of this book.</li>\n<li><strong>Enjoy gentle Yoga.</strong> You don’t need to compete with yourself or anyone else. Allow Yoga to gently unfold the potential of your body and your mind. Don’t overdo the physical part of the practice. Keep the enjoyment factor high.</li>\n<li><strong>Keep a practice journal.</strong> Chronicle your experience with Yoga and periodically read through your journal to see the progress you’ve made. Progress is the best motivator.</li>\n<li><strong>Create a support system for yourself.</strong> Most people find immediate rewards when they get on the Yoga mat and start moving and breathing, but getting themselves to the mat or the class can be challenging. Allow yourself to feel motivated and inspired by fellow practitioners. If you prefer to practice on your own at home, you may still want to consider participating in a live online or in-person Yoga class occasionally, if only to get feedback or find encouragement.</li>\n<li><strong>Vary your program periodically.</strong> Even the best program can get boring. Prevent your enthusiasm from flagging by changing your routine occasionally. Trying different teachers is a great way to learn new postures and sequences.</li>\n<li><strong>Educate yourself.</strong> Continue to learn about Yoga, to make your Yoga practice more meaningful. Books, magazines, and websites on Yoga abound. With the Internet, getting access to the great Yoga teachers and thinkers is even easier. Take the time to read and study, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the depth you can discover in Yoga.</li>\n<li><strong>Have a role model to inspire you.</strong> Everyone needs ideals. You don’t need to worship a hero, but having someone to look up to who, in your eyes, has succeeded and whom you find inspiring is always a good idea.</li>\n<li><strong>Be a Yoga enthusiast, but not a bore. </strong>By all means, be enthusiastic about your Yoga practice, but know that not everyone shares your enthusiasm, including the dearest members of your family. Yoga’s positive effect on your body and mind is the best advertising; let those effects speak for themselves instead of annoying your family and friends with constant talk of Yoga.</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":"2023-03-08T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207698},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2023-02-28T19:23:47+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-02-28T19:23:47+00:00","timestamp":"2023-02-28T21:01:20+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":"Diseases","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34139"},"slug":"diseases","categoryId":34139},{"name":"Addiction","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34140"},"slug":"addiction","categoryId":34140},{"name":"General Addiction","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34142"},"slug":"general-addiction","categoryId":34142}],"title":"Overcoming Internet Addiction For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"overcoming internet addiction for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"overcoming-internet-addiction-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to recognize the signs of Internet addiction in yourself or a loved one. Also, learn why the Internet can be addictive.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Internet addiction involves excessive, and at times compulsive, overuse of Internet screen devices. Typically, some types of content are potentially more addictive, including social media, pornography, video games, binge TV watching, shopping, and gambling.\r\n\r\nThe Internet delivers desirable content unpredictably, and the reward center of the brain loves the unpredictable experience of <em>maybe.</em> Addiction is about <em>maybe</em> finding the pleasure you once experienced, and you thinking that <em>maybe </em>it will be fun again.\r\n\r\nThis is the neurobiological chase for the previous pleasurable dopamine hit.","description":"Internet addiction involves excessive, and at times compulsive, overuse of Internet screen devices. Typically, some types of content are potentially more addictive, including social media, pornography, video games, binge TV watching, shopping, and gambling.\r\n\r\nThe Internet delivers desirable content unpredictably, and the reward center of the brain loves the unpredictable experience of <em>maybe.</em> Addiction is about <em>maybe</em> finding the pleasure you once experienced, and you thinking that <em>maybe </em>it will be fun again.\r\n\r\nThis is the neurobiological chase for the previous pleasurable dopamine hit.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":34964,"name":"David N. Greenfield","slug":"david-n-greenfield","description":" <p><b>David N. Greenfield, PhD, MS,</b> is the Founder and Clinical Director of The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction and former Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and Consulting Medical Director at Lifeskills South Florida. He is a leading authority on behavioral and process addiction, Internet and screen behavior, and the treatment of Internet and video game addiction, and is author of <i>Virtual Addiction</i>.</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34964"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34142,"title":"General Addiction","slug":"general-addiction","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34142"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209422,"title":"Addiction and Recovery For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"addiction-and-recovery-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","addiction","general-addiction"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209422"}},{"articleId":201643,"title":"Taking a Look at the Three Phases of Compulsive Gambling","slug":"taking-a-look-at-the-three-phases-of-compulsive-gambling","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","addiction","general-addiction"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201643"}},{"articleId":200634,"title":"Considering the Cost of Addiction to Families","slug":"considering-the-cost-of-addiction-to-families","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","addiction","general-addiction"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200634"}},{"articleId":200160,"title":"Examining the Effects of Psychedelics and Hallucinogens","slug":"examining-the-effects-of-psychedelics-and-hallucinogens","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","addiction","general-addiction"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200160"}},{"articleId":199936,"title":"Interventions: Breaking through Denial and Fear","slug":"interventions-breaking-through-denial-and-fear","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","addiction","general-addiction"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/199936"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":287508,"slug":"overcoming-internet-addiction-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119711872","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","addiction","general-addiction"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119711878/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119711878/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/1119711878-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119711878/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119711878/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/overcoming-internet-addiction-for-dummies-cover-9781119711872-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Overcoming Internet Addiction For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"34964\">David N. Greenfield</b>, PhD, MS,</b> is the Founder and Clinical Director of The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction and former Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and Consulting Medical Director at Lifeskills South Florida. He is a leading authority on behavioral and process addiction, Internet and screen behavior, and the treatment of Internet and video game addiction, and is author of <i>Virtual Addiction</i>.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":34964,"name":"David N. Greenfield","slug":"david-n-greenfield","description":" <p><b>David N. Greenfield, PhD, MS,</b> is the Founder and Clinical Director of The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction and former Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and Consulting Medical Director at Lifeskills South Florida. He is a leading authority on behavioral and process addiction, Internet and screen behavior, and the treatment of Internet and video game addiction, and is author of <i>Virtual Addiction</i>.</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34964"}}],"_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;diseases&quot;,&quot;addiction&quot;,&quot;general-addiction&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119711872&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63fe6ba09064a\"></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;diseases&quot;,&quot;addiction&quot;,&quot;general-addiction&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119711872&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63fe6ba09166a\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Internet addiction basics","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>What is addiction? Addiction is a pattern in which substances or behaviors (like Internet use) are consumed in an excessive or compulsive manner, which then creates changes in mood, thinking, judgment, motivation, physical health, productivity, and psychological well-being.</p>\n<p>Often, psychiatric symptoms and disorders co-occur with or from an addiction. Addiction or overuse involves the whole person, often presenting with aspects of both tolerance (with the Internet, this means needing more stimulating or intoxicating digital content or time online) and withdrawal (which often involves some level of physical or psychological discomfort when the behavior is discontinued).</p>\n<p>Negative consequences almost always occur with Internet and tech addiction. Sometimes these impacts are mild and may simply be related to excessive time spent and the imbalances this activity creates, while at other times, the dysfunction and life disruption can be substantial.</p>\n"},{"title":"Breaking down why the Internet is addictive","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The Internet has many unique qualities that make it addictive:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Broadcast intoxication</strong>: This is the pleasure of recording and posting your life.</li>\n<li><strong>Productivity illusion:</strong> This is the idea that the Internet makes you more productive when, in fact, most of the time you spend online is not for productive purposes.</li>\n<li><strong>Threshold reduction:</strong> Content is more easily consumed and overused when doing so online.</li>\n<li><strong>Reward deficiency:</strong> When comparing the stimulation of the Internet to real life, real life can feel flat and less interesting by comparison.</li>\n<li><strong>Instant gratification:</strong> This is about getting what you want when you want it, which reduces patience for real life.</li>\n<li><strong>The fun of infotainment:</strong> The Internet makes information fun — where else can you get lost in Wikipedia?</li>\n<li><strong>Perceived anonymity:</strong> The Internet seems like a private place to communicate — although it is anything but private.</li>\n<li><strong>Disinhibition:</strong> This means feeling freer to express yourself when online.</li>\n<li><strong>Losing track of time:</strong> Time is distorted when online — dissociation is often experienced when on the Internet or on screens.</li>\n<li><strong>Content intoxication:</strong> This means the direct delivery of stimulating content via the Internet modality.</li>\n<li> <strong>Synergistic amplification:</strong> The Internet modality itself is addictive and serves as an efficient neurobiological delivery mechanism, in the same way that a hypodermic efficiently delivers a drug to your blood stream. The <em>content</em> is the drug itself, and when you combine a stimulating form of content with the addictive Internet delivery mechanism, you get an amplified, dopamine-innervating experience, which can contribute to continued overuse or addiction.</li>\n<li><strong>Variable ratio reinforcement:</strong> The Internet is the world’s largest slot machine; you never know <em>what</em> you are going to get, <em>when</em> you will get it, and <em>how</em> good it is going to be. This <em>maybe</em> factor is the intermittently rewarding way the Internet operates, which innervates dopamine, and is both <em>extinction resistant</em> and <em>addicting.</em></li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Diagnosing and treating Internet addiction","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Diagnosing Internet and technology addiction is not dissimilar to assessing other types of addictions or mental health problems. Ultimately, it’s about the functional impact the behavior has on major life spheres and daily activities.</p>\n<p>In a sense, if there is no negative life impact, then theoretically, there is no need to change your tech use patterns or to receive treatment.</p>\n<p>Not all Internet and technology addictions need to be diagnosed or treated professionally; many (if not most) people find that some modification of their screen use, or changing habitual patterns of use, can reduce total time spent online, as well as their use of the most problematic content, apps, games, or websites.</p>\n<p>Video game addiction, social media overuse, and pornography addiction are some of the most problematic areas of screen use, but many people just spend way too much time surfing all types of content.</p>\n<p>Diagnosis requires that you examine your relationship with your devices and the <em>types</em> and <em>amount </em>of content you consume. Most importantly, it involves examining your life-tech balance by seeing how much time you’re spending on your screens, and for what purpose. This does not necessarily refer to your use of your devices for work or school or, say, banking; rather, it is about extended, compulsive, and unconscious use (often for many hours per day).</p>\n<p>Prolonged time on the Internet engaging in such activities can result in negative effects on your health and well-being, work or school performance, family and social relationships, sleep, and emotional/psychological functioning.</p>\n<p>Numerous psychiatric symptoms and disorders can co-occur with Internet addiction and may either be the result of, or contribute to, a screen and technology addiction.</p>\n<p>Generalized and social anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, impulse control disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sleep disorders are some of the most common issues and concerns that appear to co-occur with Internet addiction.</p>\n"},{"title":"Balancing life and Internet use","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The ultimate cure for Internet and screen overuse and addiction is to change your relationship with these technologies.</p>\n<p>The machines you use will impact you only if you allow them to; often making small changes in how you use your screens can help. These changes may include the following.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Limit recreational use of the Internet and screens to one to two hours a day.</li>\n<li>Consider developing alternative entertainment and pastime activities that are less screen-based.</li>\n<li>Develop a more conscious and moderate approach to using the Internet and screens. Become aware of how, when, and why you are using your screens, and make some modifications in these patterns. Pay particular attention to how boredom is a frequent trigger for picking up a screen.</li>\n<li>Practice greater amounts of time living without your smartphone. Try to eat meals without it, do not have it in your bedroom at night, and reduce the number of notifications that cause you to constantly check your phone.</li>\n<li>Consider switching your smartphone screen to black and white (gray scale) — your brain may find this less appealing and you may naturally cut down your screen use.</li>\n<li>Use fewer social media less often. Try more real-time living and social relating with friends, family, and acquaintances. Break out of the social validation loop, where you constantly post, read, rate, and comment on other people’s updates and posts. Make a phone call instead of texting or using a social media app.</li>\n<li>Consciously limit screen time that you just cannot seem to control naturally. Consider eliminating certain forms of content completely, such as video gaming, porn, social media, or mindless surfing.It is okay to admit you don’t have control over some of the websites and apps you use, because they are designed to have just that effect — the Internet is neurobiologically built around capturing your time and attention.</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":"2023-02-28T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":297561},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:41:05+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-02-27T15:07:03+00:00","timestamp":"2023-02-27T18:01:02+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":"Exercise & Movement","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34166"},"slug":"exercise-movement","categoryId":34166},{"name":"Pilates","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34170"},"slug":"pilates","categoryId":34170}],"title":"Stretching the Spine with Pilates","strippedTitle":"stretching the spine with pilates","slug":"stretching-the-spine","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This article shows you how to do the Basic Cat and Sexy Cat Pilates exercises for strengthening and stretching your spine.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"If you've ever watched a cat, be it a house cat or a jaguar, you may have been intrigued by the cat's incredible agility and resilience. How does a cat jump from high places and land with little impact? How can a cat fit into spaces that seem way too small for it? How does a cat balance on the slimmest edge with the greatest of ease?\r\n\r\nPilates might not give you the answer to these questions, but if you want to be more like a cat and gain the flexibility, grace, balance, and strength of a cat, Pilates is the way to go.\r\n\r\nMyth has it that Joe Pilates was obsessed with the movement of animals and used them as models when developing exercises. The following exercises use the cat as a model and are meant to stretch the spine. You may notice that the word <i>sexy</i> comes up in this article. Face it — having a flexible spine is sexy, and certain movements of the spine are downright sexy!\r\n\r\nThese stretching exercises are not considered part of classic Pilates, but they're great for everyone. This is where you can get a little creative. Add in these exercises at any point during your day or during your workout when you feel you need to stretch out your spine.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">If you wake up in the morning with a stiff back or neck, spend a couple minutes doing one or two of the cat stretches.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Basic Cat (beginning level)</h2>\r\nThe Basic Cat is one of the gentlest and simplest ways to stretch out the back. You see cats making this movement in the morning when they wake, and you can do it too!\r\n<h3>Getting set</h3>\r\nTo begin, get on all fours. Align your hands beneath your shoulders and your knees beneath your hips. Allow your back to assume its natural position, in Neutral Spine (See image <em>a</em> below).\r\n<h3>The exercise</h3>\r\n<b>Inhale:</b> Arch your back slightly, allowing your head to rise and your butt to stick up and out (See image <em>b</em> below).\r\n\r\n<b>Exhale:</b> Pull your navel in toward your spine and squeeze your butt. You begin with a Lumbar C Curve, meaning that your lower back is curved like a C, then continue rounding into the upper back. Finally, allow the head to slowly drop forward. At this point, your whole spine should be making a C shape (See image <em>c</em> below). Your back should be rounded to the greatest extent possible.\r\n\r\nPush your arms into the mat for extra resistance while stretching the upper back. Keep your abdominals and rib cage pulled in. Think of using this pulling action to stretch through your whole spine.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Think of pulling your tail between your legs and rounding your back into a Halloween kitty pose.</p>\r\n<b>Inhale:</b> Return to Neutral Spine, then go further into the arch, sticking your tail and head upward.\r\n\r\nComplete four repetitions.\r\n<h3>Dos and don'ts</h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Do go for the fullest stretch in each direction.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Don't hunch your shoulders. Let them relax down away from your ears.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div class=\"figure\"><img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-7645-5397-6_1001.jpg\" alt=\"Basic Cat.\" border=\"0\" /></div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Sexy Cat</h2>\r\nThe Sexy Cat is a modification of the Basic Cat and requires a bit more coordination. Because you spiral the hips and spine, this stretch is three-dimensional and loosens up more areas of tightness than the Basic Cat.\r\n\r\nStart by doing one Basic Cat to get the flow of the spine arching and contracting. Then add a spiral in one direction with your hips, and in the opposite direction with your head and neck. Imagine the tailbone inscribing a full circle on the wall behind you in one direction, and the crown of your head inscribing a full circle on the wall in front of you in the other direction\r\n\r\nComplete four repetitions and then reverse the direction of the spiral for four more repetitions.","description":"If you've ever watched a cat, be it a house cat or a jaguar, you may have been intrigued by the cat's incredible agility and resilience. How does a cat jump from high places and land with little impact? How can a cat fit into spaces that seem way too small for it? How does a cat balance on the slimmest edge with the greatest of ease?\r\n\r\nPilates might not give you the answer to these questions, but if you want to be more like a cat and gain the flexibility, grace, balance, and strength of a cat, Pilates is the way to go.\r\n\r\nMyth has it that Joe Pilates was obsessed with the movement of animals and used them as models when developing exercises. The following exercises use the cat as a model and are meant to stretch the spine. You may notice that the word <i>sexy</i> comes up in this article. Face it — having a flexible spine is sexy, and certain movements of the spine are downright sexy!\r\n\r\nThese stretching exercises are not considered part of classic Pilates, but they're great for everyone. This is where you can get a little creative. Add in these exercises at any point during your day or during your workout when you feel you need to stretch out your spine.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">If you wake up in the morning with a stiff back or neck, spend a couple minutes doing one or two of the cat stretches.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Basic Cat (beginning level)</h2>\r\nThe Basic Cat is one of the gentlest and simplest ways to stretch out the back. You see cats making this movement in the morning when they wake, and you can do it too!\r\n<h3>Getting set</h3>\r\nTo begin, get on all fours. Align your hands beneath your shoulders and your knees beneath your hips. Allow your back to assume its natural position, in Neutral Spine (See image <em>a</em> below).\r\n<h3>The exercise</h3>\r\n<b>Inhale:</b> Arch your back slightly, allowing your head to rise and your butt to stick up and out (See image <em>b</em> below).\r\n\r\n<b>Exhale:</b> Pull your navel in toward your spine and squeeze your butt. You begin with a Lumbar C Curve, meaning that your lower back is curved like a C, then continue rounding into the upper back. Finally, allow the head to slowly drop forward. At this point, your whole spine should be making a C shape (See image <em>c</em> below). Your back should be rounded to the greatest extent possible.\r\n\r\nPush your arms into the mat for extra resistance while stretching the upper back. Keep your abdominals and rib cage pulled in. Think of using this pulling action to stretch through your whole spine.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Think of pulling your tail between your legs and rounding your back into a Halloween kitty pose.</p>\r\n<b>Inhale:</b> Return to Neutral Spine, then go further into the arch, sticking your tail and head upward.\r\n\r\nComplete four repetitions.\r\n<h3>Dos and don'ts</h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Do go for the fullest stretch in each direction.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Don't hunch your shoulders. Let them relax down away from your ears.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div class=\"figure\"><img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-7645-5397-6_1001.jpg\" alt=\"Basic Cat.\" border=\"0\" /></div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Sexy Cat</h2>\r\nThe Sexy Cat is a modification of the Basic Cat and requires a bit more coordination. Because you spiral the hips and spine, this stretch is three-dimensional and loosens up more areas of tightness than the Basic Cat.\r\n\r\nStart by doing one Basic Cat to get the flow of the spine arching and contracting. Then add a spiral in one direction with your hips, and in the opposite direction with your head and neck. Imagine the tailbone inscribing a full circle on the wall behind you in one direction, and the crown of your head inscribing a full circle on the wall in front of you in the other direction\r\n\r\nComplete four repetitions and then reverse the direction of the spiral for four more repetitions.","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":[{"label":"Basic Cat (beginning level)","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Sexy Cat","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":295416,"title":"Pilates For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"pilates-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295416"}},{"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"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":295416,"title":"Pilates For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"pilates-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295416"}},{"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"}}]},"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, 2nd Edition","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-63fcefde946f4\"></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-63fcefde951d8\"></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":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-02-27T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":199142},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:49:55+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-02-27T14:59:33+00:00","timestamp":"2023-02-27T15:01:02+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":"Exercise & Movement","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34166"},"slug":"exercise-movement","categoryId":34166},{"name":"Pilates","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34170"},"slug":"pilates","categoryId":34170}],"title":"Easing Your Back Pain with Pilates","strippedTitle":"easing your back pain with pilates","slug":"easing-your-back-pain-with-pilates","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Most of the Pilates mat exercises strengthen the muscles necessary to properly support the spine and bring an awareness about what proper posture actually is. I","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Most of the Pilates mat exercises strengthen the muscles necessary to properly support the spine and bring an awareness about what proper posture actually is. It's not enough just to do Pilates mat exercises; if you want to improve your posture and heal your back pain, you must incorporate Pilates into your daily life. You must translate the Neutral Spine, the feeling of length, and the Abdominal Scoop into your desk job. If you can incorporate the deeper Pilates concepts into your daily life, you'll notice changes immediately — in your back pain, in your posture, and in your sense of well-being.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Most back pain is due to faulty posture — the posture in which you probably spend most of your days.</p>\r\nDo you sit at a desk and stare straight ahead? Unfortunately, most people do, and they find it very difficult to sit up with proper posture for eight hours at a time. It becomes a vicious cycle: First you sit for long periods of time in a way that doesn't properly support the spine (generally, in a slightly hunched-over position). Then you lose strength in your postural muscles by not using them day after day, and then you can't sit up properly even if you wanted to because you've lost strength! What to do? Well, guess what? Pilates!\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Understanding the common causes of lower back pain</h2>\r\nAgain, most back pain is a result of bad posture when sitting, standing, or walking. The main things to remember to prevent bad posture are to sit and stand up tall, keep your belly pulled in, and keep your shoulder blades pulling down your back. When you find your correct posture, you should feel the ease it creates in your whole back.\r\n\r\nYou may need to slowly work up to sitting properly for long periods of time. Even your postural muscles need to get in shape. But the more awareness you have, the better you will feel. If you stand a lot, think of keeping your knees soft; don't lock them. Try to keep even weight on both legs. Keep your belly pulled in.\r\n\r\nBut bad posture isn't the only culprit. A sedentary lifestyle is also often to blame. Let's face it: People just weren't meant to sit at a computer monitor for eight hours a day — or to sit on a chair at all, for that matter. Sitting isn't easy on your back. If you think about it, when you sit in a chair, the back muscles have to work all the time to keep you upright. Your legs are not able to help out at all. Furthermore, staying in one position doesn't promote good circulation and muscle tone. Break up your work day by getting up regularly from your chair and stretching out, going for a walk, or doing a Pilates series, if you can.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Avoiding loaded flexion</h2>\r\nMost construction workers have terrible backs by the time they're 40, because they spend much of their day bending over and lifting up heavy objects. Even if you maintain perfect alignment when lifting, you can't avoid loading the spine in flexion if you're installing a floor, say, or doing much of anything below the waist.\r\n\r\n<i>Flexion</i> is the rounding forward of the spine when standing or sitting, or what your spine does when rolling up in a sit up. <i>Loaded </i>means . . . well, loaded. An example of loading the spine in flexion is the Rolling Down the Wall exercise if you have free weights in your hands. As you roll forward, the weight of your head, body, and the free weights is dropping down. The muscles and ligaments of the back are supporting that weight. Another example of loaded flexion is the Hip-Up exercise. As you lift your hips, the weight of the butt and legs is now on your back. If you roll back too far, the weight of your whole body will be on your neck. The neck is especially vulnerable to having too much load because it is made up of small, fragile vertebrae that are not meant to hold up anything but your head when standing. When you get very strong in your core, your spine can support more weight without being traumatized.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Flexion is the movement of the spine that most damages the structures of the spine; especially the intervertebral discs and the ligaments of the back. If you feel uncomfortable when doing flexion exercises; don't do them! Instead, do all the exercises that don't bother your back, and come back to the others when you have more strength.</p>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">To avoid loaded flexion, use proper body mechanics when bending over and lifting:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Keep a Neutral Spine. You can just think of keeping the spine straight. Don't round the back forward (flexion)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Bend your knees; and if you're lifting something, use your leg muscles not your back!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Keep your Abdominal Scoop by pulling your navel in toward your spine. Doing so helps support the back.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Being your own guide</h2>\r\nA well-known doctor named Robin McKenzie wrote a book called <i>Treat Your Own Back</i>, which revolutionized the way the rehabilitation profession viewed back pain. Basically, the book describes a program where you experiment and find out what movements exacerbate your back pain, and what movements and positions alleviate your back pain. Then you do the things that make you feel better. It sounds so fabulously simple and it works. You can follow the same principles when doing Pilates.\r\n\r\nWhen trying a new exercise, see if the movement makes your back pain worse or better. Use this information to heal yourself. For instance, if you find that flexion (rounding the spine forward), like in Spine Stretch Forward, makes your back feel great, then you can proceed with all the flexion exercises with a fair bit of confidence. In that case, exercises that do the opposite movement, extension (arching the back), as in the Rising Swan, may make your back hurt. If this is so, avoid all exercises that extend the back. The act of twisting may be the source of the problem, or it could be twisting in just one direction. Take note of what hurts and apply this information to your workout.\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">When you're in pain, you must be very mindful when trying out new exercises. Talk to your doctor first to make sure you don't have any serious injury, and then go to a trained Pilates instructor if you are worried about hurting yourself.</p>","description":"Most of the Pilates mat exercises strengthen the muscles necessary to properly support the spine and bring an awareness about what proper posture actually is. It's not enough just to do Pilates mat exercises; if you want to improve your posture and heal your back pain, you must incorporate Pilates into your daily life. You must translate the Neutral Spine, the feeling of length, and the Abdominal Scoop into your desk job. If you can incorporate the deeper Pilates concepts into your daily life, you'll notice changes immediately — in your back pain, in your posture, and in your sense of well-being.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Most back pain is due to faulty posture — the posture in which you probably spend most of your days.</p>\r\nDo you sit at a desk and stare straight ahead? Unfortunately, most people do, and they find it very difficult to sit up with proper posture for eight hours at a time. It becomes a vicious cycle: First you sit for long periods of time in a way that doesn't properly support the spine (generally, in a slightly hunched-over position). Then you lose strength in your postural muscles by not using them day after day, and then you can't sit up properly even if you wanted to because you've lost strength! What to do? Well, guess what? Pilates!\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Understanding the common causes of lower back pain</h2>\r\nAgain, most back pain is a result of bad posture when sitting, standing, or walking. The main things to remember to prevent bad posture are to sit and stand up tall, keep your belly pulled in, and keep your shoulder blades pulling down your back. When you find your correct posture, you should feel the ease it creates in your whole back.\r\n\r\nYou may need to slowly work up to sitting properly for long periods of time. Even your postural muscles need to get in shape. But the more awareness you have, the better you will feel. If you stand a lot, think of keeping your knees soft; don't lock them. Try to keep even weight on both legs. Keep your belly pulled in.\r\n\r\nBut bad posture isn't the only culprit. A sedentary lifestyle is also often to blame. Let's face it: People just weren't meant to sit at a computer monitor for eight hours a day — or to sit on a chair at all, for that matter. Sitting isn't easy on your back. If you think about it, when you sit in a chair, the back muscles have to work all the time to keep you upright. Your legs are not able to help out at all. Furthermore, staying in one position doesn't promote good circulation and muscle tone. Break up your work day by getting up regularly from your chair and stretching out, going for a walk, or doing a Pilates series, if you can.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Avoiding loaded flexion</h2>\r\nMost construction workers have terrible backs by the time they're 40, because they spend much of their day bending over and lifting up heavy objects. Even if you maintain perfect alignment when lifting, you can't avoid loading the spine in flexion if you're installing a floor, say, or doing much of anything below the waist.\r\n\r\n<i>Flexion</i> is the rounding forward of the spine when standing or sitting, or what your spine does when rolling up in a sit up. <i>Loaded </i>means . . . well, loaded. An example of loading the spine in flexion is the Rolling Down the Wall exercise if you have free weights in your hands. As you roll forward, the weight of your head, body, and the free weights is dropping down. The muscles and ligaments of the back are supporting that weight. Another example of loaded flexion is the Hip-Up exercise. As you lift your hips, the weight of the butt and legs is now on your back. If you roll back too far, the weight of your whole body will be on your neck. The neck is especially vulnerable to having too much load because it is made up of small, fragile vertebrae that are not meant to hold up anything but your head when standing. When you get very strong in your core, your spine can support more weight without being traumatized.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Flexion is the movement of the spine that most damages the structures of the spine; especially the intervertebral discs and the ligaments of the back. If you feel uncomfortable when doing flexion exercises; don't do them! Instead, do all the exercises that don't bother your back, and come back to the others when you have more strength.</p>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">To avoid loaded flexion, use proper body mechanics when bending over and lifting:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Keep a Neutral Spine. You can just think of keeping the spine straight. Don't round the back forward (flexion)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Bend your knees; and if you're lifting something, use your leg muscles not your back!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Keep your Abdominal Scoop by pulling your navel in toward your spine. Doing so helps support the back.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Being your own guide</h2>\r\nA well-known doctor named Robin McKenzie wrote a book called <i>Treat Your Own Back</i>, which revolutionized the way the rehabilitation profession viewed back pain. Basically, the book describes a program where you experiment and find out what movements exacerbate your back pain, and what movements and positions alleviate your back pain. Then you do the things that make you feel better. It sounds so fabulously simple and it works. You can follow the same principles when doing Pilates.\r\n\r\nWhen trying a new exercise, see if the movement makes your back pain worse or better. Use this information to heal yourself. For instance, if you find that flexion (rounding the spine forward), like in Spine Stretch Forward, makes your back feel great, then you can proceed with all the flexion exercises with a fair bit of confidence. In that case, exercises that do the opposite movement, extension (arching the back), as in the Rising Swan, may make your back hurt. If this is so, avoid all exercises that extend the back. The act of twisting may be the source of the problem, or it could be twisting in just one direction. Take note of what hurts and apply this information to your workout.\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">When you're in pain, you must be very mindful when trying out new exercises. Talk to your doctor first to make sure you don't have any serious injury, and then go to a trained Pilates instructor if you are worried about hurting yourself.</p>","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":[{"label":"Understanding the common causes of lower back pain","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Avoiding loaded flexion","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Being your own guide","target":"#tab3"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":295416,"title":"Pilates For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"pilates-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295416"}},{"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"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":295416,"title":"Pilates For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"pilates-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","exercise-movement","pilates"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/295416"}},{"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"}}]},"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, 2nd Edition","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-63fcc5ae9eab2\"></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-63fcc5ae9f4ba\"></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":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-02-27T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":200438},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:49:37+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-01-30T18:58:34+00:00","timestamp":"2023-01-30T21:01:02+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":"Diseases","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34139"},"slug":"diseases","categoryId":34139},{"name":"Crohn's & Colitis","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34149"},"slug":"crohns-and-colitis","categoryId":34149}],"title":"Crohn’s and Colitis For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"crohn’s and colitis for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"crohns-colitis-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Though there's some mystery, scientists have discovered clues as to what may cause Crohn’s and colitis. Learn how to keep symptoms at bay.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two major types of inflammatory bowel disease. They’re part of a group of disorders in which the small and large intestines become inflamed. The exact cause is a mystery, but scientists have discovered some clues as to what may cause Crohn’s and colitis.\r\n\r\nThe symptoms of the diseases can vary in each individual, but some symptoms are more common than others. The good news is, you can take steps to reduce your symptoms and keep them from interfering with your life.","description":"Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two major types of inflammatory bowel disease. They’re part of a group of disorders in which the small and large intestines become inflamed. The exact cause is a mystery, but scientists have discovered some clues as to what may cause Crohn’s and colitis.\r\n\r\nThe symptoms of the diseases can vary in each individual, but some symptoms are more common than others. The good news is, you can take steps to reduce your symptoms and keep them from interfering with your life.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9752,"name":"Tauseef Ali","slug":"tauseef-ali","description":" <p><b>Tauseef Ali</b>, MD, is an expert in the field of inflammatory bowel disease. Currently, he serves as a faculty member in the Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He is also the director of the OU Physicians Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. Dr. Ali has served as an academic editor-in-chief of the <i>World Journal of Gastroenterology</i>.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9752"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34149,"title":"Crohn's & Colitis","slug":"crohns-and-colitis","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34149"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":168335,"title":"The Major Causes of Crohn’s and Colitis","slug":"the-major-causes-of-crohns-and-colitis","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","crohns-and-colitis"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/168335"}},{"articleId":168336,"title":"Eight Things That May Worsen Your Crohn’s and Colitis Symptoms","slug":"eight-things-that-may-worsen-your-crohns-and-colitis-symptoms","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","crohns-and-colitis"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/168336"}},{"articleId":168337,"title":"Common Symptoms of Crohn’s and Colitis","slug":"common-symptoms-of-crohns-and-colitis","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","crohns-and-colitis"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/168337"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":168335,"title":"The Major Causes of Crohn’s and Colitis","slug":"the-major-causes-of-crohns-and-colitis","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","crohns-and-colitis"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/168335"}},{"articleId":168336,"title":"Eight Things That May Worsen Your Crohn’s and Colitis Symptoms","slug":"eight-things-that-may-worsen-your-crohns-and-colitis-symptoms","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","crohns-and-colitis"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/168336"}},{"articleId":168337,"title":"Common Symptoms of Crohn’s and Colitis","slug":"common-symptoms-of-crohns-and-colitis","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","crohns-and-colitis"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/168337"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282126,"slug":"crohns-and-colitis-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119875772","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","crohns-and-colitis"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119875773/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119875773/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/1119875773-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119875773/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119875773/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/crohns-and-colitis-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781119875772-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Crohn's and Colitis For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9752\">Tauseef Ali</b></b>, MD, is an expert in the field of inflammatory bowel disease. Currently, he serves as a faculty member in the Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He is also the director of the OU Physicians Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. Dr. Ali has served as an academic editor-in-chief of the <i>World Journal of Gastroenterology</i>.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9752,"name":"Tauseef Ali","slug":"tauseef-ali","description":" <p><b>Tauseef Ali</b>, MD, is an expert in the field of inflammatory bowel disease. Currently, he serves as a faculty member in the Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He is also the director of the OU Physicians Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. Dr. Ali has served as an academic editor-in-chief of the <i>World Journal of Gastroenterology</i>.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9752"}},{"authorId":9753,"name":"","slug":null,"description":null,"hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9753"}}],"_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;diseases&quot;,&quot;crohns-and-colitis&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119875772&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63d8300e91e3f\"></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;diseases&quot;,&quot;crohns-and-colitis&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119875772&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63d8300e9277c\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":168335,"title":"The Major Causes of Crohn’s and Colitis","slug":"the-major-causes-of-crohns-and-colitis","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","crohns-and-colitis"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/168335"}},{"articleId":168337,"title":"Common Symptoms of Crohn’s and Colitis","slug":"common-symptoms-of-crohns-and-colitis","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","crohns-and-colitis"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/168337"}},{"articleId":168336,"title":"Eight Things That May Worsen Your Crohn’s and Colitis Symptoms","slug":"eight-things-that-may-worsen-your-crohns-and-colitis-symptoms","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","diseases","crohns-and-colitis"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/168336"}}],"content":[{"title":"The major causes of Crohn's and colitis","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The exact cause of Crohn’s and colitis is still a mystery, but scientists have hit on some clues:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>A faulty immune system:</strong> Scientists believe that a fault in the immune system could weaken the body’s defense system and allow bacteria to invade the intestines and cause inflammation. The inflammation lasts longer than it would in a healthy person because the immune system of someone with Crohn’s or colitis can’t flip the inflammation switch to off.</li>\n<li><strong>Environmental factors:</strong> Smoking; a diet high in refined sugars, animal proteins, and fats; certain drugs, such as antibiotics; and stress are thought to alter the population of intestinal bacteria and cause chronic inflammation in the intestines.In addition, because of the improved hygiene conditions in the developed world, children aren’t exposed to as many germs as they used to be 20 years ago. So, the immune system has shifted away from fighting infection to developing autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s and colitis.</li>\n<li><strong>Genetics:</strong> Gene mutations are thought to be unique in Crohn’s and colitis patients and may be the culprit in causing defects in the immune system and other mechanisms, leading to persistent inflammation in the intestines. In addition, if you have a family history of Crohn’s and colitis, you’re more likely to have the disease yourself, especially if your family history includes a first-degree relative, such as a parent, child, or sibling.</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">All these factors are just <em>potential</em> causes of Crohn’s and colitis. Plenty of people with a genetic mutation or family history never develop the disease themselves, and plenty of people with the disease have no genetic mutation or family history.</p>\n"},{"title":"Common symptoms of Crohn's and colitis","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Crohn’s and colitis are two different diseases, but they share many of the same symptoms. Here’s a list of the common symptoms of Crohn’s and colitis:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Chronic diarrhea:</strong> Diarrhea is the frequent passage of watery or semi-formed stools. Everybody gets diarrhea from time to time, but diarrhea lasting longer than 30 days is a common symptom of Crohn’s and colitis.</li>\n<li><strong>Blood in the stool: </strong>You may notice bright red blood in your stool, or your stool may be black in color, which is a sign of old, clotted blood.</li>\n<li><strong>Abdominal pain:</strong> You may experience abdominal pain anywhere in the abdomen.</li>\n<li><strong>Rectal urgency:</strong> When you have Crohn’s or colitis, you may experience a sudden, compelling need to have a bowel movement. This is known as rectal urgency.</li>\n<li><strong>Tenesmus: </strong>Tenesmus is a constant sensation of fullness and incomplete relief during a bowel movement. You may feel like you need to go to the bathroom, but then you don’t have an actual bowel movement.</li>\n<li><strong>Intolerable abdominal pain:</strong> If you develop intolerable abdominal pain, it may point toward intestinal obstruction, perforation, or severe inflammation. You may also notice other signs like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.</li>\n<li><strong>Weight loss:</strong> When you have Crohn’s or colitis and you’re losing weight, inflammation is still active. Most of your body energy is being diverted to control inflammation, and your nutrition isn’t keeping up with the amount of energy your body is expending.If you’ve had colitis for many years and you’re now starting to lose weight, this could be worrisome. Longstanding colitis puts you at risk for cancer, so be sure to notify your doctor immediately about any weight loss you experience.</li>\n<li><strong>Fever and chills:</strong> Developing any fever with or without chills may point to worsening inflammation, infection in your intestines, or an intestinal <em>abscess</em> (collection of pus).</li>\n<li><strong>Severe bleeding:</strong> If you notice blood in your stool every time you go to the bathroom, you may have a severe inflammation.</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">If you experience any of the preceding signs or symptoms, consult your doctor right away.</p>\n"},{"title":"Eight things that may worsen your Crohn's and colitis symptoms","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Taking your medications as prescribed is one way to keep your Crohn’s and colitis under control. However, the disease can become active despite taking medications. Certain things are known to trigger Crohn’s and colitis flares or increase your symptoms. But if you know about these triggers ahead of time and avoid them, you can help yourself stay in remission and avoid flares. Here are the common triggers for Crohn’s and colitis:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Smoking:</strong> Smoking not only increases your risk of having Crohn’s disease, it makes the disease worse, causing you to have more flares. Studies have also shown that smoking brings Crohn’s disease back after surgery. The relationship between smoking and ulcerative colitis is interesting. Many patients get their first attack of colitis after quitting smoking. But that doesn’t mean resuming will cure your colitis.</li>\n<li><strong>Drugs:</strong> Various drugs can trigger Crohn’s and colitis symptoms, including frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Motrin, Advil, or Aleve. Certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and penicillin, increase your risk of having an infection of your intestines, which can mimic acute flare.Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about the medications you’ve been prescribed. Don’t stop taking a prescribed antibiotic without consulting with your doctor first.</li>\n<li><strong>Diet:</strong> Certain foods may give you more problems than others, but everyone reacts differently to different foods. What your sibling with Crohn’s or colitis can tolerate and what you can tolerate may be different. Pay attention to which foods are giving you trouble, and avoid them in the future. Here are some common culprits:\n<ul>\n<li>Artificial sweeteners</li>\n<li>Fatty foods</li>\n<li>High-fiber food</li>\n<li>Gas-producing food, such as lentils, beans, legumes, and broccoli</li>\n<li>Caffeine</li>\n<li>Spicy foods</li>\n<li>Nuts and seeds</li>\n<li>Dairy products if you’re lactose intolerant</li>\n<li>Wheat and other products<em> </em>if you’re sensitive to gluten</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li><strong>Alcohol:</strong> Studies have <em>not</em> shown that drinking adversely affects the inflammation in Crohn’s and colitis patients. Alcohol does, however, irritate the intestines and can worsen symptoms of diarrhea in some patients. It can also interact with certain medications you may take for your disease, such as metronidazole and methotrexate.</li>\n<li><strong>Dehydration: </strong>Active disease makes you go to the restroom frequently, causing you to lose water and salt and putting you at risk for dehydration. Dehydration itself can cause stress to your body functions and cause more weakness and inability to cope with illness. And a vicious cycle starts. Bottom line: Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of clean water a day.The amount of water you need may vary depending on your age, weight, activity level, and body fluid losses (such as water lost during diarrhea). Talk with your doctor and dietitian about your total daily water requirement.</li>\n<li><strong>Depression:</strong> Studies have shown that depression can cause disease flare. You can have more symptoms and an increase in inflammation of the intestines when you’re depressed. Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant to treat depression and, thus, reduce the symptoms of your Crohn’s or colitis. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you’re feeling depressed.</li>\n<li><strong>Lack of sleep:</strong> Sleep can affect the immune system, and poor sleep or sleep deprivation can activate inflammation. Poor sleepers tend to have more inflammation of their intestines and are at risk for future flares. Getting an uninterrupted seven to eight hours of sleep per night can keep your symptoms at bay.</li>\n<li><strong>Stress:</strong> Stress has a negative impact on the immune system. Physical and emotional stress has been shown to cause disease flare and an increase in symptoms. Nobody has a stress-free life, but do what you can to keep your stress to a minimum, even if that means taking a yoga class or dropping the kids off at your health club’s daycare center while you sit in the sauna for 30 minutes. (Just make sure to stay hydrated if you’re sweating out your stress.)</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":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-10-13T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208002},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2023-01-25T18:26:21+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-01-26T15:58:14+00:00","timestamp":"2023-01-26T18:01:03+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}],"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=\"wp-image-296920 size-full\" 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. 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=\"wp-image-296920 size-full\" 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. 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-63d2bfdf07686\"></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-63d2bfdf07b95\"></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":"2023-01-26T15:52:40+00:00","timestamp":"2023-01-26T18:01:02+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\r\n \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\r\n \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":296914,"title":"Bluetooth and Other Technology to Use with Hearing Aids","slug":"how-to-use-bluetooth-and-other-technology-with-hearing-aids","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/296914"}},{"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-63d2bfdf017a7\"></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-63d2bfdf01d51\"></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. 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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 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2,834 results
2,834 results
Diseases Epidemiology For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-10-2023

This Cheat Sheet simplifies a few topics that you may encounter in your epidemiology coursework. For example, epidemiologic study design is important for conducting research. Furthermore, when working in public health, you want to help people prevent disease, and educating the populations you serve about making healthy food choices is a great way to do so.

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Yoga Yoga For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-08-2023

Yoga is an ancient practice that still provides numerous benefits today to the people who practice it regularly. Some people are scared off by certain myths they’ve heard about Yoga, but in truth, there’s no reason why anyone can’t and shouldn’t practice it. If you’re new to Yoga, finding a class and a teacher that fits your needs is crucial. After that, you need to make sure you’re doing all you can to make your Yoga practice as successful and beneficial as it can be.

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General Addiction Overcoming Internet Addiction For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-28-2023

Internet addiction involves excessive, and at times compulsive, overuse of Internet screen devices. Typically, some types of content are potentially more addictive, including social media, pornography, video games, binge TV watching, shopping, and gambling. The Internet delivers desirable content unpredictably, and the reward center of the brain loves the unpredictable experience of maybe. Addiction is about maybe finding the pleasure you once experienced, and you thinking that maybe it will be fun again. This is the neurobiological chase for the previous pleasurable dopamine hit.

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Pilates Stretching the Spine with Pilates

Article / Updated 02-27-2023

If you've ever watched a cat, be it a house cat or a jaguar, you may have been intrigued by the cat's incredible agility and resilience. How does a cat jump from high places and land with little impact? How can a cat fit into spaces that seem way too small for it? How does a cat balance on the slimmest edge with the greatest of ease? Pilates might not give you the answer to these questions, but if you want to be more like a cat and gain the flexibility, grace, balance, and strength of a cat, Pilates is the way to go. Myth has it that Joe Pilates was obsessed with the movement of animals and used them as models when developing exercises. The following exercises use the cat as a model and are meant to stretch the spine. You may notice that the word sexy comes up in this article. Face it — having a flexible spine is sexy, and certain movements of the spine are downright sexy! These stretching exercises are not considered part of classic Pilates, but they're great for everyone. This is where you can get a little creative. Add in these exercises at any point during your day or during your workout when you feel you need to stretch out your spine. If you wake up in the morning with a stiff back or neck, spend a couple minutes doing one or two of the cat stretches. Basic Cat (beginning level) The Basic Cat is one of the gentlest and simplest ways to stretch out the back. You see cats making this movement in the morning when they wake, and you can do it too! Getting set To begin, get on all fours. Align your hands beneath your shoulders and your knees beneath your hips. Allow your back to assume its natural position, in Neutral Spine (See image a below). The exercise Inhale: Arch your back slightly, allowing your head to rise and your butt to stick up and out (See image b below). Exhale: Pull your navel in toward your spine and squeeze your butt. You begin with a Lumbar C Curve, meaning that your lower back is curved like a C, then continue rounding into the upper back. Finally, allow the head to slowly drop forward. At this point, your whole spine should be making a C shape (See image c below). Your back should be rounded to the greatest extent possible. Push your arms into the mat for extra resistance while stretching the upper back. Keep your abdominals and rib cage pulled in. Think of using this pulling action to stretch through your whole spine. Think of pulling your tail between your legs and rounding your back into a Halloween kitty pose. Inhale: Return to Neutral Spine, then go further into the arch, sticking your tail and head upward. Complete four repetitions. Dos and don'ts Do go for the fullest stretch in each direction. Don't hunch your shoulders. Let them relax down away from your ears. Sexy Cat The Sexy Cat is a modification of the Basic Cat and requires a bit more coordination. Because you spiral the hips and spine, this stretch is three-dimensional and loosens up more areas of tightness than the Basic Cat. Start by doing one Basic Cat to get the flow of the spine arching and contracting. Then add a spiral in one direction with your hips, and in the opposite direction with your head and neck. Imagine the tailbone inscribing a full circle on the wall behind you in one direction, and the crown of your head inscribing a full circle on the wall in front of you in the other direction Complete four repetitions and then reverse the direction of the spiral for four more repetitions.

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Pilates Easing Your Back Pain with Pilates

Article / Updated 02-27-2023

Most of the Pilates mat exercises strengthen the muscles necessary to properly support the spine and bring an awareness about what proper posture actually is. It's not enough just to do Pilates mat exercises; if you want to improve your posture and heal your back pain, you must incorporate Pilates into your daily life. You must translate the Neutral Spine, the feeling of length, and the Abdominal Scoop into your desk job. If you can incorporate the deeper Pilates concepts into your daily life, you'll notice changes immediately — in your back pain, in your posture, and in your sense of well-being. Most back pain is due to faulty posture — the posture in which you probably spend most of your days. Do you sit at a desk and stare straight ahead? Unfortunately, most people do, and they find it very difficult to sit up with proper posture for eight hours at a time. It becomes a vicious cycle: First you sit for long periods of time in a way that doesn't properly support the spine (generally, in a slightly hunched-over position). Then you lose strength in your postural muscles by not using them day after day, and then you can't sit up properly even if you wanted to because you've lost strength! What to do? Well, guess what? Pilates! Understanding the common causes of lower back pain Again, most back pain is a result of bad posture when sitting, standing, or walking. The main things to remember to prevent bad posture are to sit and stand up tall, keep your belly pulled in, and keep your shoulder blades pulling down your back. When you find your correct posture, you should feel the ease it creates in your whole back. You may need to slowly work up to sitting properly for long periods of time. Even your postural muscles need to get in shape. But the more awareness you have, the better you will feel. If you stand a lot, think of keeping your knees soft; don't lock them. Try to keep even weight on both legs. Keep your belly pulled in. But bad posture isn't the only culprit. A sedentary lifestyle is also often to blame. Let's face it: People just weren't meant to sit at a computer monitor for eight hours a day — or to sit on a chair at all, for that matter. Sitting isn't easy on your back. If you think about it, when you sit in a chair, the back muscles have to work all the time to keep you upright. Your legs are not able to help out at all. Furthermore, staying in one position doesn't promote good circulation and muscle tone. Break up your work day by getting up regularly from your chair and stretching out, going for a walk, or doing a Pilates series, if you can. Avoiding loaded flexion Most construction workers have terrible backs by the time they're 40, because they spend much of their day bending over and lifting up heavy objects. Even if you maintain perfect alignment when lifting, you can't avoid loading the spine in flexion if you're installing a floor, say, or doing much of anything below the waist. Flexion is the rounding forward of the spine when standing or sitting, or what your spine does when rolling up in a sit up. Loaded means . . . well, loaded. An example of loading the spine in flexion is the Rolling Down the Wall exercise if you have free weights in your hands. As you roll forward, the weight of your head, body, and the free weights is dropping down. The muscles and ligaments of the back are supporting that weight. Another example of loaded flexion is the Hip-Up exercise. As you lift your hips, the weight of the butt and legs is now on your back. If you roll back too far, the weight of your whole body will be on your neck. The neck is especially vulnerable to having too much load because it is made up of small, fragile vertebrae that are not meant to hold up anything but your head when standing. When you get very strong in your core, your spine can support more weight without being traumatized. Flexion is the movement of the spine that most damages the structures of the spine; especially the intervertebral discs and the ligaments of the back. If you feel uncomfortable when doing flexion exercises; don't do them! Instead, do all the exercises that don't bother your back, and come back to the others when you have more strength. To avoid loaded flexion, use proper body mechanics when bending over and lifting: Keep a Neutral Spine. You can just think of keeping the spine straight. Don't round the back forward (flexion) Bend your knees; and if you're lifting something, use your leg muscles not your back! Keep your Abdominal Scoop by pulling your navel in toward your spine. Doing so helps support the back. Being your own guide A well-known doctor named Robin McKenzie wrote a book called Treat Your Own Back, which revolutionized the way the rehabilitation profession viewed back pain. Basically, the book describes a program where you experiment and find out what movements exacerbate your back pain, and what movements and positions alleviate your back pain. Then you do the things that make you feel better. It sounds so fabulously simple and it works. You can follow the same principles when doing Pilates. When trying a new exercise, see if the movement makes your back pain worse or better. Use this information to heal yourself. For instance, if you find that flexion (rounding the spine forward), like in Spine Stretch Forward, makes your back feel great, then you can proceed with all the flexion exercises with a fair bit of confidence. In that case, exercises that do the opposite movement, extension (arching the back), as in the Rising Swan, may make your back hurt. If this is so, avoid all exercises that extend the back. The act of twisting may be the source of the problem, or it could be twisting in just one direction. Take note of what hurts and apply this information to your workout. When you're in pain, you must be very mindful when trying out new exercises. Talk to your doctor first to make sure you don't have any serious injury, and then go to a trained Pilates instructor if you are worried about hurting yourself.

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Crohn's & Colitis Crohn’s and Colitis For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 01-30-2023

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two major types of inflammatory bowel disease. They’re part of a group of disorders in which the small and large intestines become inflamed. The exact cause is a mystery, but scientists have discovered some clues as to what may cause Crohn’s and colitis. The symptoms of the diseases can vary in each individual, but some symptoms are more common than others. The good news is, you can take steps to reduce your symptoms and keep them from interfering with your life.

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Physical Health & Well-Being Bluetooth and Other Technology to Use with Hearing Aids

Article / Updated 01-26-2023

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 01-26-2023

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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