Special Sections from Sun-Times Media

Now hear this: New products reduce noise for seniors with sensitive ears

For baby boomers, noise matters.“Decreased tolerance for loud sounds is a fairly common symptom of age-related hearing loss, as the range of comfortable listening levels seems to shrink,” said Ted Madison, an audiologist in St. Paul, Minn. Manufacturers are responding to concerns about noise with new, quieter products.

Securing a bright future: Teach youth about money management

One of the most valuable things young people can do for themselves is to take control of their finances. The “Be Money Smart” financial education guide, developed by The Allstate Foundation and Junior Achievement, is designed to help students understand money and its role in the economy. This guide is a coordinated effort with Money Smart Week 2013, a weeklong series of free classes from April 20 to April 27 and activities designed to help the public better manage their personal finances.
Weighing the pros and cons of robotic surgery

Should you have robotic surgery? Robotic procedures are being performed more and more often for a variety of operations. But experts say there’s a lack of strong evidence that it’s any better than standard surgery in most cases — and it’s usually costlier.