How Does Diabetes Affect Your Hearing?
Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting blood sugar processing, can impact various bodily systems, including hearing, when not properly managed. Learn about the connection between the two here. The Connection Between Diabetes and Hearing Loss The inner ear’s blood vessels are particularly sensitive to blood flow. Diabetes-induced poor circulation and high blood sugar levels can inflict…
Is My Hearing Loss Temporary or Permanent?
Nearly everyone has experienced muffled hearing at least once in their life. When this muffled hearing is temporary, it is not always a cause for concern. However, some instances of muffled hearing are permanent—known as permanent hearing loss. Knowing how to differentiate between temporary and permanent hearing loss is essential in ensuring you’re on the…
How to Combat Listening Fatigue: Tips for People with Hearing Loss
Listening fatigue, also known as ‘auditory fatigue’ or ‘mental fatigue,’ results from ongoing strenuous efforts to listen with hearing loss. For individuals with hearing loss, the brain has to work much harder to process sounds and speech, especially in the presence of distracting background noise. The constant strain of understanding those around you leads to…
How Can a Concussion Affect Your Ability to Process Sound?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head or by damage to the body that causes sudden movement to the head. Common symptoms of a concussion may include but are not limited to: While many concussions are considered mild, moderate or severe cases may exhibit trouble…
WHO Sets New Standard of Safe Listening
The World Health Organization (WHO) directs international health within the United Nations and leads partners in global health responses. In preparation for World Hearing Day 2022, the WHO has released a new international standard for safe listening practices at venues and events. These standards are aligned with the theme of this year’s World Health Day:…
What You Need to Know About Ototoxic Medications
Most people are aware of the two most common causes of hearing loss: aging and noise exposure. However, many are unaware of the dangers of ototoxic medications. Below we review what ototoxicity is, the symptoms of ototoxicity, what types of drugs are ototoxic and what the next steps are if you’ve developed hearing loss due…
The Risks of Untreated Hearing Loss
The Risks of Untreated Hearing Loss Facing the reality of hearing loss can be challenging in many ways. Oftentimes, individuals can be in denial of their hearing loss and refuse to take immediate action, often waiting 7 to 10 years from their initial diagnosis. However, there are many underlying risks that pose a threat…
Talking about Hearing Loss: Why Your Disclosure Method Matters
If you’ve recently been treated for hearing loss, then you are aware of the many benefits that hearing aids bring. Now that you have accepted it within yourself, it should be an easy step to inform the other people in your life, right? It turns out that the way you tell people has more of…
Encouraging a Loved One to Take a Hearing Test
Communication is at the heart of all relationships. We relate to one another through conversations, our shared interests come alive through these moments. Friendships are built, romantic relationships are forged, and community is established through the words we speak and the connections we make. For those of us who have loved ones who are experiencing…
Occupational Hearing Hazards
Hearing loss is the third most common medical condition in the United States, affecting people of all ages, especially those over the age of 65. However, did you know that hearing loss is also a common workplace injury? The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 30 million people are exposed to hazardous…
Tips for Adjusting to a New Pair of Hearing Aids
If you’ve just been fitted for a new pair of hearing aids, congratulations! Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with a hearing loss or you have upgraded from an old pair of hearing aids, the use of hearing aids brings significant benefits to your life. As with all new, life-changing things, adjusting to a new pair…
Recognizing the Signs of Hearing Loss
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that hearing loss effects one-third of people aged 65-74 and one-half of people over the age of 74. Shockingly, hearing loss also effects about one fifth of young adults. If hearing loss is so common, why are so few people seem to be treating their hearing…