We all know that loud sounds can cause hearing loss, and awareness is growing about hearing loss that comes from prolonged exposure to softer sounds (as low as 75 decibels). These types of hearing loss are called “sensorineural,” as they derive from damage to the parts of the ear that transduce (convert) mechanical sound energy into electrical energy, in the …
Know Alzheimer’s Disease: Treat Hearing Loss in September during World Alzheimer’s Month
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a great opportunity to prioritize your hearing health! Treating hearing loss reduces the risk of developing dementia – a group of neurological conditions that impacts 50 million people globally. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease which progressively reduces cognitive functions related to memory, thinking, decision making, and learning. World Alzheimer’s Month, launched …
Studies Show Higher Rates of Hearing Loss for People with Diabetes
Hearing loss and diabetes are two of the most frequent health problems in the United States, and there is a link between them. Diabetes patients are twice as likely to develop hearing loss as individuals who do not have the disease. The Diabetes-Hearing Loss Connection High blood sugar levels can harm the microscopic blood cells in the inner ear, disrupting …
Exercises to Help with Snoring
Snoring is one of the more common sleep phenomena, with 40% of women and 57% of men experiencing it habitually. It’s common for snoring to cause an issue for those we may share a bed with, but it can also disturb roommates or family members who sleep in separate rooms. Sometimes snoring can be so loud as to cause partners …
All About Deviated Septums
A deviated septum is characterized by the nasal septum being further on one side of the nose rather than centered. The nasal septum is made of bone and cartilage which forms a wall that separates the nostrils, dividing them into two. This constructs the left and right airways which facilitates breathing through our nose. For optimal airflow, the nasal septum …
How Hearing Aids Can Change Your Life
It’s a story we hear from a lot of people in their 60s today: “I worked as a welder/pipefitter / factory hand back in the 70s and didn’t wear ear protection.” Whatever the specific job may have been, hearing protection wasn’t on most people’s radar back then. There was even a stigma in some work cultures against wearing hearing protection. …
What Causes Clogged or Ringing Ears?
There are a number of conditions that can cause clogged and/or ringing ears. Some may be temporary, while others can result in permanent hearing issues. If you have persistent symptoms, you should see a doctor. Let’s discuss some of the common causes of clogged or ringing ears and whether you should seek treatment. Impacted Earwax Your ears produce earwax, or …
Understanding Laryngitis
Laryngitis is a common problem that many people will encounter in the course of a lifetime. Essentially, it is an inflammation of your larynx (voice box) that can happen due to overuse, infection, or irritation. Your vocal cords are two folds of mucous membrane that cover over some muscle and cartilage. They sit inside your larynx where they open and …
Adults with Hearing Loss at Higher Risk for Unemployment
Hearing loss is prevalent in the United States today, with roughly 48 million Americans living with measurable hearing loss. In the population, aged 65 and up, about one-third of people have hearing loss, and the number climbs to two-thirds by age 75. Nearly 100% of centenarians have hearing loss, so it is likely that we will all experience some hearing …
What Exactly Causes Spring Allergies?
Spring is an exciting time of the year. The weather is getting warmer, flowers are blooming, and there’s more sun! But this can also be a challenging time for people who experience spring allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, spring allergies affect more than 50 million people each year. People have to navigate various symptoms including …