Does answering the phone leave you fumbling, or does movie night mean the volume's never right for everyone in the room? Many modern hearing aids can stream calls, music, and TV directly into your ears — no separate gadget required. In this article, I break down what "Bluetooth hearing aids" really mean, what the research actually shows about phone calls and TV streaming (including where it helps most and where it doesn't), and why this feature tends to be more than a nice-to-have. As always: no pressure, no upsell — just the honest version of what's worth asking about at your next visit.

You've been meaning to get your hearing checked — but you're not quite sure what happens when you walk through the door. At Audiology Northwest, a comprehensive hearing evaluation is a 60-to-90-minute conversation as much as it is a clinical process. Dr. Jonell Block walks you through all seven steps — from the initial case history to the results review — explaining exactly what each test measures, what it feels like, and what it tells us about your hearing. No jargon, no pressure, no surprises. Just honest answers before you even make the appointment.

Most people wait 7 to 10 years between first noticing hearing loss and seeking help. That's a decade of missed conversations, strained relationships, and — according to research published in The Lancet — avoidable cognitive decline. The signs are easy to explain away. In this article, Dr. Jonell Block walks through the five most common patterns she sees in her Spokane practice, and explains why recognizing them sooner is one of the most important things you can do for your brain, your relationships, and your quality of life.