The worldwide impact of implementation of unprecedented social distancing and limitations on social activities because of the COVID-19 pandemic may have helped control the spread of the disease but impacted older adults disproportionally. In a report from May of last year Hwang and colleagues noted: “…there is a high cost associated with the essential quarantine […]
COVID Linked to Hearing Loss, Tinnitus
Throughout 2020 COVID-19 had us hiding out at home, washing our hands, wiping down surfaces and masking up. Quite a bit wasn’t known for some time. We knew about flu-like symptoms and disturbances in smell and taste, but not enough about the full spectrum of effects. A year later now, evidence is emerging about symptoms of […]
Types of Hearing Loss – What are the Differences?
There are two traditional types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural. The classification of each relates to the specific physiological cause. Some cases of hearing loss can involve a combination of the two – what hearing healthcare providers call mixed hearing loss. Recently, a third category called “Hidden Hearing Loss” has been described in peer reviewed […]
Are Men or Women More Impacted by Hearing Loss?
Most people know that older adults are more likely to develop hearing loss as a result of Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL), but does a person’s gender also have an impact on their chances of having hearing problems? Men are more likely than women to develop hearing loss Decades of research data have shown that, regardless […]
Dementia and Hearing Loss
In the past decade several scientific studies have shown an association of hearing loss with onset of dementia. With one in eight people over the age of 12 suffering from some level of hearing decline, the importance of this line of study is clear. How are these two seemingly separate conditions linked, though, and how does treatment […]
What Are the Main Types of Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is considered a significant public health issue and the third most prevalent physical health condition. In the U.S. alone, approximately 15 percent of adults over the age of 18 report some degree of hearing difficulty. It is estimated that 28.8 million adults in the United States would benefit from the use of hearing aids. There are […]
The Connection Between Diabetes and Hearing Loss
According to the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention: The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Diabetes Diabetics suffer from several additional medical issues that often accompany the disease (comorbidities), one of those being hearing loss. A recent study (Ren et al 2017) found “Compared with healthy controls, diabetic patients had higher mean hearing thresholds…” […]
Six Reasons to Get Your Hearing Checked
Hearing loss doesn’t typically hurt, leave a rash or overtly impair us overnight. Because of its gradual nature (in most cases), hearing loss can often go undiagnosed or feel less urgent to address. Here are six reasons why ignoring hearing loss is not advised and why the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association recommends regular hearing screenings […]
Understanding Different Hearing Loss Tests
Whether at home or in a doctor’s office, there can be numerous tests that used to find out if you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss. Here are a number of common tests that are used today to determine a person’s level of hearing loss. Self-Tests You Can Perform at Home Generally, these […]
How Treating Hearing Loss Impacts the Quality of Life
Hearing is a vital part of how we experience the world around us. All too often we take it for granted, focusing instead on the seemingly greater impact that vision provides. It is this attitude that prevents many people from seeking early treatment for hearing loss, not realizing how much it can improve their quality […]
Hearing Loss Stats You Shouldn’t Ignore
Many of these hearing loss stats may be surprising, but they illustrate just how common the condition is, and how important it is for many Americans to seek treatment. Factors closely tied to hearing loss Hearing loss may result from illness, genetic predisposition, head injury or noise exposure to name a few. One thing we […]
The Impact of Technology on treatment of Hearing loss
Modern technology is often expected to do wonders for the 360 million people worldwide affected by hearing difficulties. When we see what can be done with implantable devices for diseases such as diabetes, cataracts, and heart rhythm abnormalities it is not surprising that we hold the hearing industry and specialists to such high standards. Compared to some […]
How Colder Weather Might Affect Your Hearing Aid
During the winter, the biggest threat to hearing aids is moisture. The problem with cold weather is that it often includes rapid changes in temperature to your device. If you’re outside, the drop in temperature might be extreme from that of a heated home or car. These rapid changes in temperature can produce condensation on […]
Why You Need to See a Hearing Specialist Instead of Self-Treating
Many people are tempted to look for a quick-fix self-treatment when a hearing problem is detected because they assume it isn’t a big deal. However, even small issues can worsen over time, so having your hearing checked by a professional is crucial to your long-term health. Take a comprehensive hearing test While there are now […]
Why Upgrade Your Hearing?
If you are aware that you are having difficulty hearing, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Don’t let the word “Upgrade” be a cause for anxiety, there are simple things that can give your ability to communicate a boost. Simple Things: More Help The question is “Why Upgrade your hearing?” Hearing is the sense that […]
Hearing Loss in America – By the Numbers
Quick Statistics About Hearing Source Although hearing loss can be a frustrating experience for the affected person and loved ones, it’s important to know you’re not alone. Hearing loss is becoming more prevalent in the United States and all over the world. The good news is that the world is also becoming more accommodating, with […]