Hearing Protection on the Job: Best Practices for Manufacturing Workers
An estimated 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels each year. When you spend too much time around unsafe noise, the tiny hair cells in your ear responsible for sending sound information to the brain can begin to die. If enough of these hair cells die, permanent hearing loss will arise. If…
How Machine Maintenance Protects Your Hearing
Manufacturing jobs can get a little noisy, and machines that aren’t regularly maintained don’t help. Worn parts, loose fittings and dry bearings increase noise levels. Approximately 5% of the global population has noise-related hearing loss. Let’s take a look at how loud noise damages your hearing and what you can do to protect it. The…
How Can Manufacturing Jobs Increase Your Risk of Tinnitus?
Manufacturing is a big deal in Katy. We have metal fabricators, farming, machine shops and so much more. With a town so focused on manufacturing, it’s crucial to stay educated about how these noisy industries affect our auditory health. Approximately 11% of manufacturing workers have tinnitus—the presence of a ringing or buzzing in the ears…
How Can Farming Damage Your Hearing?
Driving through Katy farmland gives you a pleasant feeling of peaceful and serene nature. Unfortunately, when you get a little closer, farming can produce more noise than you’d initially expect. The biggest culprit behind this noise is farming equipment. How Loud is Farming Equipment? We measure sound in decibels (dB). Extended or repeated exposure to…
Are Hearing Aids a Good Mother’s Day Gift?
Mother’s Day is on May 11th. With that day fast approaching, you’re probably wondering what to give your mom to say thank you for all she’s done for you. Flowers, jewelry, candles and chocolates are at the top of the list for many people. While these are all great options, one more you may not…
Why Is Spring the Perfect Time to Focus On Your Hearing Health?
Spring is all about fresh starts. You get outside more, make plans with friends, clean your house and start checking things off your to-do lists again. It’s also the perfect time to check in on your health—including your hearing. If you’ve noticed it’s harder to follow conversations or enjoy the little details in your environment,…
The Relationship Between Tinnitus and TMJ
Tinnitus, often described as ringing or buzzing in the ears when no sound is present, is a common condition that can stem from various underlying issues. One less known but significant cause is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a condition that affects the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles. For those experiencing both TMJ and tinnitus,…
What to Know About Diplacusis
Diplacusis is a hearing condition that causes a person to perceive sounds in different pitches or at two different times. It’s also known as double hearing and typically arises when a person already has hearing loss. Diplacusis is more prevalent than realized, and a person with normal hearing may have a one to two percent…
Is Your Home Too Loud? Everyday Sounds That Could Be Harming Your Hearing
Hearing loss is common, with nearly 15 percent of American adults reporting some trouble hearing. Everyday sounds in the home, from kitchen appliances to yard tools, can contribute to gradual hearing loss. Awareness of noise levels at home is essential for long-term hearing health. How Hearing Loss Occurs Hearing loss occurs when tiny, fragile hair…
Protect Your Hearing: Common Ear Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore
Hearing loss affects approximately 15% of United States adults. Several common ear issues can impact your hearing, but recognizing the signs and knowing how to manage them can help you take the right steps toward treatment. Let’s explore some potential culprits behind hearing problems and how to address them effectively. Earwax (Cerumen) Earwax traps germs…