How to Celebrate Audiology Awareness Month
October is Audiology Awareness Month, an initiative designed to promote hearing health and the role audiologists play in diagnosing and treating hearing loss. Established in 2008, this month-long campaign focuses on providing resources, educating communities and encouraging early intervention for hearing loss. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.5 billion people worldwide experience…
Overcoming the Plugged-Ear Feeling From Hearing Aids
Have you ever covered your ears with your fingers and found that your voice sounds echoey or amplified? For people new to hearing aids, this plugged-up feeling and amplified noise can become a common occurrence. Let’s look at why this phenomenon occurs and what you can do to manage it. How Do Hearing Aids Cause…
Understanding the Implications of Ignoring Hearing Loss
Hearing loss affects approximately 15% of U.S. adults. While it may initially appear minor—like occasionally missing a word or phrase—it can significantly diminish your ability to communicate effectively with others. Recognizing and treating hearing loss is essential for enhancing your overall quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about the consequences of neglecting…
What Makes Me Most Likely to Develop Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can gradually manifest, often without individuals being aware of it. Across the world, approximately 5% of the population, or 430 million people, have hearing loss and require rehabilitation. Identifying the risk factors associated with hearing loss is pivotal for both prevention and early intervention. Here are some significant contributors: Age As we age,…
What To Know About Hearing Loss Surgeries
In the United States, around 30 million people live with hearing loss. This condition, if unaddressed, can affect an individual’s enjoyment of life. Various treatment pathways exist, with surgical intervention playing a key role in certain scenarios. Surgical treatments are tailored to the specific type of hearing loss, which may include reconstructive procedures or the…
Navigating Hearing Loss from Temporal Bone Tumors
A diagnosis of a temporal bone tumor can be intimidating, but learning about these conditions and their impact on hearing can provide comfort and help you find a less stressful path forward. The Temporal Bone and Hearing Located at the base of the skull, the temporal bone plays a vital role in our auditory system….
What Infections Can Lead to Hearing Loss?
Viral infections can have a significant impact on hearing, leading to both congenital and acquired hearing loss. Let’s look at a few infections that can lead to hearing loss and how to protect against them. What Infections Cause Congenital Hearing Loss? Congenital hearing loss refers to hearing loss that is present at birth. Two viral…
What Are Some Great Times to Carry Earplugs
Hearing loss can occur gradually through prolonged exposure to loud noises or suddenly due to an intense noise burst. The severity of the impact depends on the decibel level, with sounds exceeding 70 decibels (dB) posing a threat over time while those surpassing 120 dB causing immediate damage. You may wonder how to protect your…
What To Know About Presbycusis
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is a common condition affecting roughly two-thirds of Americans aged 70 or older. It is the most prevalent type of hearing loss globally. It’s often overlooked due to its gradual onset and subtle symptoms. So, if you find yourself straining to hear conversations in bustling environments like Sweet Beans Coffee…
What Causes the Popping Sensation in Your Ears on a Plane?
The popping sensation in your ears when you’re flying on a plane is the result of a condition called airplane ear. Airplane ear, so called because it is most common during take-off and landing, can be uncomfortable and range in severity. Let’s look at the causes and symptoms of airplane ear and what you can…