Page 20 - MAYO CLINIC Head to Toe e-magazine 293700

• Find out what meets your needs

Make sure you understand why a specific type of hearing aid is
recommended and how it will meet your needs Don’t assume the
latest, most expensive model is best Practice putting the battery in
and taking it out until you can do it easily
• Buy on a trial basis

A hearing aid should come with a 30- to 60-day trial period and a
warranty Get the terms of the trial period in writing Also ask how
long the warranty lasts — preferably one or two years — what is
and isn’t covered, what the return policy is, and what amount will
be refunded if you return the hearing aid

NOSE, THROAT AND MOUTH
20 Relieving seasonal allergies

Follow these tips if you have hay fever or seasonal or year-round
nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis):
• Identify your personal allergy season

If you have hay fever and live in the Midwest, for example, fall is
a common allergy season, due to ragweed
• Reduce your exposure
If you have allergies during the summer, try to spend more time in
air-conditioned places Consider a high-efficiency particulate air
(HEPA) filter for your home heating and cooling system
• Rinse your nose with a saltwater solution
Rinsing with a saltwater (saline) solution can remove irritants and
allergy-causing particles from your nose Saline nasal irrigation kits
and devices, such as bulb syringes and neti pots, are available over-
the-counter Buy or make your own sterile saline solution
•
Ask about medications
Prescription steroid nasal sprays are among the most effective treat-
ments Antihistamines, available by prescription and over-the-counter,
often provide symptom relief Oral decongestants or anti-allergy nasal
sprays may help Avoid decongestant nasal sprays because they can
worsen nasal congestion Ask your doctor for advice

50 Head-to-Toe Health Tips 19