Hearing aids are, of course, the most commonly-accepted treatment for hearing loss. Cochlear implants can “hear” for people whose ears aren’t working by transmitting electrical representations of sound to the auditory nerve the same way a healthy cochlea would. The surgical implantation of cochlear implants is now an outpatient process, making it the closest approach to a “cure” for hearing … Read More
Conductive Hearing Loss Signs, Causes, and Treatments
This is called conductive hearing loss when sounds can’t reach the inner ear. Before understanding this type of hearing loss, you need to know how the ear works. The ear canal and the eardrum make up the outside of the ear. The middle ear is a small space full of air and tiny bones. The cochlea is inside the ear, … Read More
Ear Infections & Hearing Loss
“Otitis media,” an infection of the middle ear, is a common illness in children. In fact, by the time a child turns three, over 80% of them will have had an ear infection. Inflammation, a buildup of fluid in the ear, or both, can cause temporary hearing loss. The fluid builds up in the air-filled space behind the eardrum, making … Read More
Is Curing Hearing Loss Possible?
Hearing loss and deafness happens when the brain doesn’t get sound signals because something is wrong with the hearing system. There are two main types of hearing loss, depending on where the problem is: Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells or auditory nerve in the inner ear. This makes it harder to pick up background … Read More
All About Hearing Protection
Many of us take our hearing for granted, with most people not thinking about what it may be like to lose our hearing until the process starts. As a result, few people take the time and effort to ensure that our ears are protected, especially when it comes to noise. Failing to do so can be quite a mistake, as … Read More
Connecting People | May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!
President Ronald Reagan was a fierce advocate for visibility around hearing loss. In 1983, at the age of 72, he openly wore a hearing aid and sparked discussion, resulting in increased acceptance and normalization of how we view and treat hearing loss. One of his most significant contributions to the cause of better hearing was officially signing over May to … Read More
Sensitivity to sound as we age
It is possible for those who have become accustomed to wearing hearing aids to forget you are wearing them at all. After years of use, you may be pretty comfortable with the amplified sound offered by your existing hearing aids, and you might not even notice the times when they leave you wanting more. Hearing aids tend to be … Read More
Comorbidities of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is an often overlooked chronic condition because it is both invisible and typically occurs gradually. But imapired hearing is the third most common chronic condition people experience today. Impacting over 48 million people, hearing loss is a pervasive health issue. It is commonly assumed that hearing loss only impacts the ears and hearing; however, it has multifaceted effects … Read More
Start Your New Year with Better Hearing!
Commit to better hearing in the New Year. Setting this achievable goal is a great way to prioritize your hearing health and wellness. Hearing is a critical way we navigate daily life and understand our surroundings. Hearing loss is a pervasive health issue that millions of people experience. Taking steps to better your hearing offers countless benefits that profoundly improve … Read More
Hypothyroidism & Hearing Loss
We are learning more every day about the relationship between hearing loss and other aspects of bodily functioning. Some conditions have a clear relationship, as is the case with hearing loss cardiovascular disease. We can clearly see how a depleted supply of oxygen can deprive the ears of what they need to do the work of hearing. Similarly, we can … Read More