Although an annual hearing test is not necessary for everyone, there are many reasons that you should get on board with a yearly exam. Young people who are not exposed to much noise and who do not experience any trouble with their hearing can usually get by with hearing tests less frequently. However, those who are over the age of …
Loud Movies & Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Movie lovers are welcoming the return to cinemas, complete with the sharp picture, comfortable seats, and wide array of snacks. This viewing experience is far better than what most of us experience at home, and the feeling of immersion can transform a movie into a full-body experience. When you go to the cinema, you might feel like you are stepping …
For Women, Painkiller Use May Lead to Hearing Loss
A recent study established a link between the use of two painkillers—paracetamol and ibuprofen—and hearing loss. Although the study used statistical methods to show a correlation, it is unclear if these drugs actually caused the hearing loss or not. The study used a long-term study of women to track their use of these painkillers and to report on their experiences …
Supporting a Loved One with Hearing Loss
Each person’s experience of hearing loss is unique. When you have a conversation with someone who has hearing loss, you can learn a lot about specific situations that are difficult and things you can do to make things easier. Although each experience of hearing loss is different, there are some general principles you can follow to support your loved one. …
Can Air Pollution Affect Our Hearing Abilities?
When we think about preventing hearing loss, habits of our individual lifestyles come to mind. We know that wearing earplugs and avoiding excessive volumes of sound are effective at preventing noise-induced hearing loss. Limiting the volume on earbuds and headphones is another important way to prevent noise-induced loss. In addition, recent studies have shown promising effects of diet and exercise …
Current & Former Smokers May Be at Higher Risk for Hearing Loss
Many of the risk factors for hearing loss have to do with hearing-related behavior. For instance, those who work in noisy places of business have higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Similarly, those who take part in recreational activities that subject them to loud sound, such as attending sporting events at big arenas or going to loud concerts, can have …
Studies Show that COVID19 Can Affect Tinnitus
Researchers have learned a lot about the effects of COVID-19 over the last two years. We now know the common symptoms, both short-term and long-term, and the list continues to grow. Some of the symptoms resemble a common cold or flu, such as respiratory distress, headaches, and cough. Others are quite unusual, such as the loss of taste and smell. …
How Virtual Assistants Can Assist Those with Hearing Loss
Have you ever been in another person’s home and your host calls out to “someone” you didn’t realize was in the room? The first time you witness someone interacting with a virtual assistant, it can come as a great surprise! Virtual assistants such as Alexa, Siri, “Hey Google” Assistant, and Cortana are becoming incredibly common, but it can still take …
Connecting People | May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!
One look at the news, and you will see how many people are feeling disconnected from one another. Whether reading about conflict on the other side of the globe or hearing a broadcast about an incident in your own community, you can see that people sometimes feel a lack of common ground. For those who are closest to us, a …
Connecting People | May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!
Communication is the best way to connect with others. You might have heard the commonly held adage that good communication is the foundation of a healthy relationship. Although this statement might feel vague, it contains a wealth of wisdom about how to diagnose an unhealthy relationship and how to build a better one. This principle does not only apply to …