Myth vs. Reality: Hearing Loss, OTC Hearing Aids & You
On Oct. 19, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a landmark proposal intended to improve access to and reduce the cost of hearing aid technology for millions of Americans. The agency proposed a rule to establish a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. When finalized, the rule will allow hearing aids…
What Are the Early Signs of Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is common, affecting roughly 15% of American adults, reports the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. But despite its prevalence, only one in five people who could benefit from hearing aids actually wears them, and those who do wait an average of 10 years from the time they first start showing…
What Is Mixed Hearing Loss & How Is It Treated?
It’s important to treat hearing loss as soon as you start to notice symptoms, as left untreated it is associated with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, falls and even dementia. While some forms of hearing loss, like mixed hearing loss, can be complex to treat, an audiologist can help recommend the best solutions for…
How to Prepare for Your First Audiologist Visit
Preparing for your first audiologist visit can feel overwhelming. You may be nervous and unsure about what to expect or what your audiologist is going to say. This is perfectly normal! Thankfully there are steps you can take to prepare for your appointment to help calm your nerves and improve your confidence for the day…
A Test Used for Newborn Hearing Screenings Might Also Detect Autism
A new study found that a common test to screen newborns for hearing loss might be able to predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well. Newborn Hearing Loss and Auditory Brainstem Response The auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a simple test that is part of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening. The ABR measures how well…
The Relationship Between Stress & Hearing Loss
The last few years have been exceptionally stressful for everyone. In recognition of Stress Awareness Month, we are taking a look at stress’ impact on an important area of your life – your hearing health. Listening Fatigue For those with hearing loss, it takes a lot of energy to listen and follow a conversation. They…
Can OTC Pain Relievers Cause Tinnitus?
Over-the-counter pain medication has been helping people for generations. But new research from the Nurses’ Health Study II may have linked the use of frequent painkillers with a history of tinnitus. Understanding Tinnitus Have you ever stood too close to Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and heard a faint ringing in your ear for a…
When is a Cochlear Implant Necessary?
Do you have trouble following conversations when you’re out somewhere with a lot of background noise like Creekmore’s Sports Bar? Have you tried using hearing aids to treat your hearing loss with no success? If so, you may be a candidate for a cochlear implant. Different Than Hearing Aids Hearing aids and cochlear implants both…
Balance & Hearing: What’s the Connection?
You use sensory input from several body parts to help you balance, including the limbs, eyes and ears. However, your vestibular system is primarily located within the inner ear. This is why it’s common to experience both hearing and balance problems at the same time. We review this connection more below. The Vestibular & Auditory…
What is Unilateral Hearing Loss?
What is Single Sided Deafness? Sometimes referred to as unilateral hearing loss, single sided deafness is a condition in which an individual experiences hearing loss in only one ear but can hear normally out of the other ear. While most patients with a hearing impairment suffer from bilateral (two-sided) hearing loss, SSD affects approximately 60,000…