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I now know that temporarily reduced hearing after loud sound exposure has a name - Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS). I didn't know that TTS can be a precursor to a permanent threshold shift (PTS) in hearing.  I also didn't know that tinnitus or ringing in the head or ears is most commonly associated with hearing loss. I didn't even know that time of exposure + overall loudness can prove to be a dangerous combination for my hearing. ...

Don’t be fooled.  Social Security employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money. So, if you get a call from someone claiming there's a problem with your SS number or account, just hang up. ...

While Social Security offices are closed during the coronavirus crisis, services are still available online and limited, critical services are accessible via phone and email. Also, beware of scammers who may try to trick you into thinking the pandemic is stopping your Social Security payments. This threat is not true. Payments continue, as always. ...

The Cleveland Institute of Music is digging into its extensive archives to provide free performances during the pandemic. No Facebook account? No problem. Follow the links to get started on some of the institute's best performances. ...

“Take a chill pill” may be the modern equivalent of this ancient maxim. Give it a try. Before returning to hyperdrive, prepare to exercise your right to slow down and even say ‘no.’ It’s a liberating experience to not be dominated by anything. ...

Gervasi Vineyard has converted its distillery from manufacturing spirits to manufacturing hand sanitizer. The first batch yielded over 3,000 bottles of 18oz. liquid hand sanitizer and was hand-labeled and bottled by members of the Swaldo family (owners of GV Destinations) and their friends. Earmarked to be donated to the local community, many have already been distributed to hospitals and frontline defenders. ...

Since April is Financial Literacy Month, it's a perfect time to plot out your financial future. The Social Security Administration offers several handy online tools to help you consider various scenarios. Use the interactive Retirement Calculator to run additional benefit estimate scenarios, comparing how different future earnings and retirement benefit start dates can affect your benefit amount. ...

As part of our ongoing series on the region's terrific county park systems, we're taking a trek over to Medina County. While some parks are closed, others are open for leisurely rambles. Go to medinacountyparks.com for the latest updates. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy these links to see what's blooming and moving this spring in Medina's parks. ...