Hearing loss is a common problem that can be caused by a range of factors. From genetics and aging to exposure to loud noises and injury no two people have the exact same experience of hearing loss. However, one common way that many people cope with hearing loss is by pretending to hear. Pretending to hear can happen when you …
How Ear Infections Can Affect Your Hearing in the Long Term
Ear infections are very common. They occur when bacterial or viral infections trap fluid behind the eardrum, leading to inflammation and pain. This condition is known as otitis media. There are two main types: acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME). AOM happens suddenly with symptoms such as ear pain and fever, while OME can linger after …
How to Protect Your Hearing During the New Year’s Festivities
During the New Year’s festivities, people are exposed to various types of loud noises. Fireworks and loud music at parties can reach decibel levels that are very harmful to the ears. Hearing loss can occur when exposed to sounds above 85 decibels for prolonged periods. To compare, Fireworks can exceed 150 decibels, making them a significant risk factor. Knowing the …
Having Fun During the Holidays With Hearing Aids
The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and making memories with loved ones. However, for those who use hearing aids, it can sometimes present unique challenges. Whether it’s the hustle and bustle of festive gatherings or the cacophony of holiday music, there are ways to ensure you fully enjoy the celebrations while managing your hearing needs. Here’s how …
Ear Infections to Watch Out for This Winter
Winter is a season filled with cozy blankets, hot cocoa, and festive celebrations. However, it also brings a higher risk of ear infections. Understanding what causes ear infections and how to prevent them can help keep you and your loved ones healthy during the chilly months. Understanding Ear Infections Ear infections occur when fluid builds up in the middle ear, …
Managing Your Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It’s a symptom rather than a disease and can result from various underlying issues. Common causes include exposure to loud noises, ear infections, earwax buildup, and even certain medications. Knowing what might be causing your tinnitus can be the first step in finding …
How to Avoid Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is an often painful condition that affects the external ear canal. It’s commonly caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment conducive to bacterial growth. Fortunately, there are numerous effective strategies to prevent swimmer’s ear and keep your ears healthy. Understanding Swimmer’s Ear When water gets trapped in your ear, …
How Q-Tips Can Cause Hearing Problems
When you think of Q-tips, you probably imagine them as handy tools for cleaning your ears. Many people reach for them regularly, believing they help keep ears free from wax and dirt. However, the use of Q-tips for ear cleaning can lead to a range of hearing problems. The Misconception of Ear Cleaning People often assume that earwax, or cerumen, …
How to Cope with Ringing in the Ear
Dealing with the persistent ringing in the ears, commonly referred to as tinnitus, is a challenge many individuals face. Tinnitus, a condition affecting millions of people, can manifest as a ringing, tingling, buzzing, humming, or hissing sound in the ears. This auditory phenomenon can vary in pitch and volume, occurring in one or both ears and presenting as temporary or …
How to Communicate Effectively with Someone Who Has Hearing Loss
Communication is a two-way road where listening and speaking are interchanged at intervals. Communication effectively takes a certain level of hearing, listening and understanding of what the other person is saying. If one of these three things is missing, it creates a chasm to fill. This is why communication might be an issue for persons with hearing loss. But it …