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Hearing aids 101: How they work and Kim’s top tech pick

Hearing aids 101: How they work and Kim’s top tech pick

© Phanuwatn | Dreamstime.com, hear.com

Last year, my husband Barry got sick. We thought it was just a cold, but then, the strangest thing happened: He lost hearing in one ear because of a virus. After months of waiting, endless consultations and a lot of research, we learned how common this is.

About 1.5 billion people suffer from some kind of hearing loss, and viral infections are a major cause. That whole time, we struggled to talk to each other. Barry couldn’t hear me, and he didn’t want to try hearing aids.

One conversation changed that. “I use glasses to see. What’s different about using hearing aids to hear better?” He agreed to try them if I could find a good option he wouldn’t feel uncomfortable wearing. I got to work and found one I wanted to share with you, too.

First, how do hearing aids work?

The old clunky models you probably think of did one thing: Amplify sound. The microphone captures sound, the amplifier makes it louder and the speaker delivers it to your ear. Done.

Some of today’s hearing aids have an added high-tech component: Tiny processors that analyze the sound around you.

This means they don’t just make everything louder; they focus on the sounds you want to hear, like your friend’s voice in a loud restaurant. They even reduce annoying background noise.

Here’s where it gets cool

New hearing aids are packed with features you’d expect in a pair of high-end earbuds:

Bluetooth connectivity: Stream music, podcasts or phone calls directly to your hearing aids. It’s your own personal sound system.
Directional microphones: These focus on sound coming from specific directions, like zeroing in on a conversation and muting the chatter around you.
Automatic adjustments: Some models can detect if you’re in a quiet library or a bustling restaurant and adjust their settings accordingly.
Feedback suppression: No more awful high-pitched whistling.

Not all models are created equal

Barry asked for the best, and I took that seriously. Now, AirPods can work if your hearing loss is mild to moderate, but for anything more severe, you need tech built for the job. I looked into a lot of brands and found hear.com.

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You deserve a nice ride

🏁 Look inside your car. It needs a little TLC, right? Yeah, I thought so.

This tiny cordless car vacuum (38% off) charges by USB.
A nice dust brush (29% off) tackles the fuzz on your dashboard and vents.
Hang your bags instead of tossing them on the floor with these $5 headrest hooks.
These cupholder coasters can catch coffee or anything else that drips.
Washable cloth garbage bags for $8 keep trash off the floor.

⭐ Laundry sheets are the best. They’re 19% off, so now’s the time to see if you prefer them over the heavy jugs of liquid and pods, too.

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Practical magic

Helpful little tools you won’t believe you lived this long without.

Make your tile floors look new again with a grout paint pen, available for thick ($12) or skinny lines ($9).
Quick knocking over the broom! Mount this rack (35% off, $9) to keep your cleaning tools neat and tidy.
Here’s a genius idea for when counter space is hard to come by: Put the coffeemaker (or anything else) on a slider (40% off).
Outlet concealers ($23) are so smart behind couches or other places where there’s not much space but you still need to plug in.
Tension shelves (10% off) give you more closet space without having to drill into the walls.

🥸 Because I care about you: If you’re a guy over 40, you need a nose and ear hair trimmer. Just trust me on this.

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These keep selling out

Sometimes, the internet gets it right.

Paying $15 for an espresso martini at a bar is nuts. Make your own at home with instant espresso martini mix ($17).
I’ve seen this exfoliating back scrubber (14% off, $15) everywhere. When was the last time you scrubbed your back?
A bread bow knife ($26) saves your sanity when cutting baguettes and sourdough. No more wonky, uneven slices.
Chop and toss a salad at the same time with these nifty salad tongs ($23).
No one will know you stayed up watching a new show all night if you slap on a little under-eye brightener ($6). 💅

💸 Bonus: You looked for something on Amazon and now you can’t find it. Hit this link to see things you viewed but didn’t buy. Amazing.

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Bit by the DIY bug?

🔨 It doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some little products that make a big difference.

Fill up paint pens ($25 for a set of five; 17% off), and touch up scratches on doors and walls without having to redo an entire area. Easy!
If there’s one thing that ruins the front of a house, it’s oil stains in the driveway. It’s a good thing concrete oil stain remover is under $20.
While you’re waiting to scrub the oil remover, why not install new garage door handles ($10)? They make a boring door look way classier.
Decorative stick-on ceiling tiles add a ton of personality to a room. Click the box for $10 off.
Motion-sensor cabinet lights ($30) are a game-changer. We have them in our garage.

🔋 Charged up: I found this battery organizer ($24) after spending 20 minutes digging through my junk drawer for one AA. The name’s so funny, too.

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Before you get rid of your couch …

Try cleaning it first!

This portable carpet and upholstery cleaner ($115) saved my couch from that “wet pup” smell. (Abby loves the pool.)
Hitting stains immediately with a spot cleaner ($9) saves you a lot of scrubbing later.
Use a fabric shaver (41% off, $10) to get rid of any fabric pilling and snags. It’ll look brand-new again.
If you have a leather couch, use a leather conditioner (29% off, $20) to moisturize it and raise it from the dead.
This steam cleaner ($150) comes with 17 different attachments, so you can also use it on your floors, walls and even in your car.

💡 And remember: Amazon has daily coupons. I have the link bookmarked since they change every day.

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Deals, deals, deals

Warning: You’re going to want these.

This walking pad is 42% off right now. It’s great to help ya from feeling like a complete couch potato while binge-watching Netflix.
If you want something a little more affordable, a mini stair-stepper (52% off, $63) is another simple way to stay active.
Give your booty a good home for 40 hours a week with a gel seat cushion. Make sure to click the coupon box for 30% off.
This dry shampoo (25% off, $23) doesn’t leave your hair with that weird white tint or dry it out like the stuff in the can.
An oscillating tower space heater for under $55 is a steal.

🔗 Link to save: Same-day delivery on Amazon — for times you’re too sick, tired or lazy to leave the house.

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MVPs = Most Valuable Purchases

Jar openers ($10), because no one needs to know you’re standing in front of the fridge at 2 a.m. eating pickles.
Is there anything more rage-inducing than dropping your phone in between the car seats? Save your sanity with a car seat gap filler.
A smart coffee warmer (25% off), so cold coffee never ruins your morning again.
Let your nosy neighbors think you’re hosting a rave with smart light bulbs (under $15).
This bug bite relief tool sucks out all the stuff that makes bites so itchy. It’s under $10, too.

Save money: Check this page to see if anything you’ve bought on Amazon is on sale. I love a good stock-up.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Stuff for life’s little annoyances

These finds will make your day-to-day issues a little easier.

Stop wasting your time pulling the ladder out of storage to change one bulb. Use a light bulb changer.
Trying to hold onto your bag in a bathroom stall without a hook is one of life’s greatest struggles. This portable hanger ($20) is genius, and every woman I know would want it.
Let them eat bagels! This bagel guillotine is too fun and works surprisingly well.
QR code labels ($10) stick onto boxes so you can scan to know exactly what’s inside. Ah, storage nirvana.
Use a cup holder expander ($10) so you don’t have to let your big water bottle roll around the car.

🥶 Rough winter? This space heater is 43% off right now. Go, go, go, before the frostbite hits!

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Cleaning stuff that works under $10

Because you already spent enough money over the last two months.

Did you know when humidifiers start smelling funky, it’s because of a buildup of bacteria? This humidifier cleaner ($6) gets rid of all that gunk.
These garbage disposal cleaners smell so good. And they’re under $5.
The inventor of the Scrub Daddy ($9) should get a Nobel Peace Prize. And whoever invented this Scrub Daddy holder ($9) should get one, too.
Stamp a little dab of this toilet cleaning gel ($5) on the side of your toilet to banish rings.
I love these reusable dish scrubbers ($8). They’re cute and let you get a really good grip on dishes.

Don’t forget: Amazon Basics lets you stock up on essentials for uber cheap. It’s great for school supplies, like glue and pencil boxes.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Clean up your car

🚘🧽 A spotless car makes me wheel-y excited.

Ever get pulled over and have to dig through a messy glove box? Save yourself from future embarrassment with a glove box organizer ($12).
This car coin holder ($8) is genius. Plus, it’s 43% off right now.
I’ll admit it — I’ve absolutely tripped over a phone charging cord while getting out of my car. A retractable car charger ($20) probably would’ve prevented that.
Keep your leather seats clean and free of scratch marks with a backseat dog hammock.
A road trip isn’t a road trip until someone desperately needs a tissue. A sun visor tissue holder ($14) comes in handy for all snot-related emergencies.

Bonus find: This drink cover looks like a scrunchie you wear on your wrist but stretches to cover your glass so no one can spike it. Buying these for all the college kids in my life …

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Fun kitchen gadgets

🍝 Because you guys and gals freakin’ loved the Fasta Pasta …

Transform your boring work sammy with a microwave panini maker (18% off). Did you know a microwave cake maker is a thing, too?
Get rid of the random jar of bacon grease. This grease strainer and collector ($17) is dishwasher-safe and won’t melt.
If you also hate throwing away half-full cans, soda can lids (25% off) to the rescue. I’m totally bringing these to the beach for my seltzers.
Slicing a banana is easy. What’d make it even easier? A banana slicer (39% off, $7). Good for kiddos!
I found this pancake batter dispenser because I’m not ready to say au revoir to crepes after a week in Paris. If anyone has a good recipe, let me know.

🏃💸 Don’t forget about Amazon’s Winter Sale! This sweet dashcam is 40% off, plus another $20 off if you click the coupon.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Protect your docs and photos from fire

Here’s a real-time map of where fires are burning. I pray you and your loved ones are safe. Whether or not you live in California, it’s a good reminder to get your important stuff put into safe storage. I did this last year.

This floor safe ($398) protects your valuables from fire and water. It bolts down, too, so thieves can’t grab it and zip outta there.
For a more affordable and portable option, check out this $64 safety box.
This document bag can handle temps up to 5,200 degrees.
A document folder (18% off) is small, easy to carry and easy to tuck away. Plus, it’s under $15 right now!
This fireproof hanger bag (29% off) hides your valuables under your clothes while keeping them safe from disaster.

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Up your phone photography game

🤳 Who has an actual camera anymore?

Spend $13 on a phone tripod (12% off) instead of leaning your phone on a pile of books every time you want to take a family photo. It comes with a remote, too.
Beach vacay planned and don’t want to buy a GoPro? A waterproof phone pouch saves you $200.
No amount of Photoshop will save that smudged Christmas dinner pic. (Blame the ham.) If only you’d had a microfiber cleaning cloth (30% off, $7) …
Facebook Marketplace hack: If you use a white backdrop, the stuff you’re selling looks a lot fancier. Only $10!
A clip-on selfie light is great for stuff like selfies, Zoom meetings and taking your own passport pictures (with the white backdrop!).

🤑 FYI: Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program can save you a bunch on the essentials you always use. I use it for vitamins and other things I never want to run out of.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Household helpers

There’s enough annoying stuff in the day-to-day. Let’s knock out a few little troubles so you can focus on what matters.

You scrub and scrub surfaces, and they’re still dirty. This drill brush attachment pack for under $20 does the hard work for you.
When twisting the lid off the pickle jar is a real struggle, try this grip jar opener (17% off) to win the battle. It mounts under a cabinet, so it takes up no space.
Does your dog get nervous or too excited in the car? This seatbelt tether (around $10) keeps your pooch safe so you can focus on the road.
Every time you need brown sugar for Grandma’s cookie recipe, it’s rock hard. Never again! This $5 fired clay bear will help maintain its moisture.
This handy-dandy vegetable chopper (9% off) is a no-tear solution to make soup, stew or anything else a lot faster.

🤑 Good deal alert: A bunch of home essentials (think cleaning products, toilet paper and batteries) are part of Amazon’s buy $50, get $15 in Amazon credit promo — a no-brainer if it’s stuff you already buy!

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Struggling to drift off?

🥱 These will help you sleep better. Dreamland misses you!

Nasal strips (19% off, $11) are a game changer for flu season. No more sleeping vertically when you have a stuffy nose!
Attention, hot sleepers! Before these get expensive for summer, grab a cooling mattress topper (25% off). Pair it with cooling pillowcases, and you’ll be a lot less sweaty.
A warm amber nightlight ($10) makes any room cozier … plus, less bedframe toe-stubbing. Win-win.
Seal yourself away from the world with a door draft stopper (23% off, $10). It blocks light, noise and cold air.
For heavy-duty sound blockage, try noise-canceling earplugs (10% off, $22). Fingers crossed they block out the neighbor’s Harley.

🤧 If sickness is messing with your shut-eye, Amazon’s Same-day Store has a health and wellness section. This white noise machine (42% off) arrives in a couple of hours and is under $20! Neat.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Stuck at a desk all day?

💻 Upgrade your workspace for a new year of getting stuff done.

A memory foam seat cushion ($45) helps with booty and back pain. You can use it in cars and airplanes, too. Click the coupon box for 30% off!
Pair the seat cushion with a foot stand ($39) for extra relief. Ahh.
If you use a laptop, this stand (15% off, $17) is your posture’s new BFF. Plus, it helps your computer’s ventilation so it lasts longer.
A room divider is nice for more privacy or hiding all your junk on video meetings.
Quick! Name something more annoying than a cord you need falling behind your desk. You can’t, huh? A magnetic cord holder (25% off) stops that from happening.

🤑 Amazon Outlet is like the sale aisle at Target. It’s where they list all the super-cheap overstock and clearance items. I like the under-$10 section.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Light on the wallet, big on value

💰 These picks will upgrade your life for under $20.

Bottle-emptying caps ($16) are reusable and get every drop of liquid out of plastic bottles. No more wasted dish soap!
Got a new pair of boots for Christmas? Use a shoe-stretch spray ($10) and say bye-bye to blisters and sore toes.
The only thing able to ruin a cute black dress? Deodorant stains. Use these sponges ($9) to scrub them away.
These coffee filter pods ($16) let you use your own coffee in a Keurig instead of buying K-Cup pods.
Washing machine descaler pods ($18 off, $19) break down gunk and grime buildup that make your clothes smell funky. Bonus: Dishwasher version!

🪇 Amazon has a name for products going viral: Movers and Shakers. Hit this page to see what folks are loving. Neat, an emergency weather radio is tops in electronics.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

It’s a new year

🥳 So try something new! These all sound like a blast to combat the post-holiday blues.

This pickle kit lets you ferment and pickle anything your heart desires. My favorite? Red onions, yum!
Crotchet a cute little dinosaur with a crotchet kit for beginners ($25). The step-by-step video tutorials are so helpful.
Want to get into podcasts (ahem, like mine)? You need a nice set of earbuds like these* that sound great, have a 32-hour battery life and are a fraction of the price of AirPods.
This cocktail codex (52% off) shows you the fundamentals of drinkmaking and how to make every kind of cocktail. It even gives substitutes if you’re missing any ingredients!
Try your hand at calligraphy with this workbook for beginners (29% off, $20).
An indoor herb garden kit (19% off) lets you grow your own herbs and veggies. It comes with a bunch of different pre-seeded pods that make it easy.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Rock your resolutions

💡 Don’t go it alone. Sometimes, a simple tool can take your goals from “impossible” to “no biggie.”

Save money: A smart light switch (33% off, $30) cuts your electric bill by letting you turn off lights from your phone. It works with Alexa and Google Home, too.
Get better sleep: A white noise machine (47% off) blocks out all the little creaks and noises so you can sleep easier. Plus, this one’s under $20 right now.
Lose weight: A mini pedal exerciser lets you stay active while sitting at your desk or vegging out on your couch. Or try a $100 walking treadmill when you’re watching TV or working.
Drink more water: Get a smart water bottle that reminds you to take a slug of the mug. It glows when you should take a sip!
Exercise your brain: Start every day with a new brainbuster with this ”Jeopardy!” day-to-day calendar (50% off, $9).
Get creative: This $8 embroidery kit is great for beginners. Already know how? Try a woodcarving kit!
Pray more: I like this book that gives daily devotionals. If you scroll down, there are several more to choose from you might like.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.