Never Insert Cotton Swabs In Your Ears – Here’s Why
People use cotton swabs for cleaning their ears, yet are not aware of how dangerous this is. The reason is that small objects like swabs, hairpins, and toothpicks can perforate the eardrums cut the ear canals and even dislocate the hearing bones. This leads to dizziness, tinnitus or another ear injury. More details click here.
Exercise Improves Overall Health And Also Prevents Hearing Loss
We all agree that exercise is great for maintaining good health. However, it also improves hearing. A study showed that, when exercising, the hair cells and capillaries in the cochlea were lost at a much slower rate than in the case of not exercising. Click here for more info.
Protecting Your Ears From High Volume Noise
Hearing loss is a serious issue. On the US, it is the third most common physical condition, after arthritis and heart disease. It happens so gradually that it becomes difficult to detect. There are ways to protect from the high volume noises around you, such as staying alert to loud noises, lower the volume on your personal devices, and stay away from high volume sources. Check all the list. More Information click here.
Aging Causes These Changes In Sight And Hearing
As we age, a series of changes occur, in which the senses begin to degrade. In the case of vision, the muscles get weaker resulting in focusing problems, and other conditions appear, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. In the case of the ear, earwax accumulates more easily, the eardrum gets stiffer, and the neural system changes the sound process. More Information click here.
Some Drugs Can Have Dizziness As A Side Effect
Others Do Not Have It But Cause Dizziness Or Vertigo When Combined With Other Meds
Many drugs have side effects. One of them is dizziness or vertigo. The sense of balance is not only composed of the organs in the inner ears, but also the eyes, which determine body position and movement, and the sensory nerves that communicate with the brain. The meds that can have dizziness as a side effect are antibiotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and diuretics, among others. This side effect may cause falls, bone fractures and contusions, which can be very dangerous for older adults. There are also medications that, even as they do not warn dizziness or vertigo as a side effect, these can be caused by interactions with other medications. Click here for more info.
Avoiding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
It Is The Most Common Type Of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is more common in older adults, but the truth is that it can develop at any age. Causes can be diseases, medication, injuries, or exposure to loud sounds. Noise-induced hearing loss, also called sensorineural hearing loss, is the damage of the hair cells located in the inner ear. This type of hearing loss could be prevented by following certain guidelines, such as avoiding continued exposure to loud noises, such as clubs, music concerts, and headphones. However, there are differences in noise-induced hearing loss. Sometimes it is difficult to avoid hearing them, such as a sudden noise at the workplace, ambulances or sirens, machinery noises, among others. However, if there is ear damage, it can only be assessed after the event, in other words, when it’s too late. There are ways to avoid exposure to loud noises, such as using foam plugs, moving away from the sound source, or even using special earplugs that block the loud noises but allow a conversation. More details click here.
Hearing Loss Increases The Risk Of Injuries
This Occurs Because of The Sense Of Hearing Acts As A Warning System For A Potential Danger
Hearing loss sufferers have a greater risk of injuries. According to specialists, they are 90% more likely to suffer an injury, compared to people with normal hearing. This occurs because the sense of hearing acts as a warning system for any potential danger, such as a vehicle approaching when crossing the streets, or not hearing a smoke alarm. Previous studies had already shown that hearing loss increased the possibility of injury, but this also included the activity related to the damage, which includes driving, at work, or at leisure activities, such as sport. If hearing loss also affects the inner ear, there can be a malfunction of the balance organs, increasing the risk of falling. Click here for more information.
Using Cotton Swabs To Clean The Ear Canal From Earwax Can Be Very Dangerous
Earwax Is A Self-Cleaning Agent And Its Excess Gets Cleaned While Taking A Shower
Many people use cotton swabs, also called Q-Tips, for cleaning their ears. However, this is a very bad idea. Instead of cleaning the wax from the ear canal, the swabs push the wax deeper into the ear, increasing the risk of eardrum damage. Also, the eardrum can get perforated if there is an accidental move. In fact, the earwax is a self-cleaning agent that moisturizes and the ear canal and protects the eardrum from bacteria and dirt. The excess earwax gets cleaned while taking a shower. Additional details click here.
Labile Hypertension Is A Sudden Increase In Blood Pressure
It Can Also Cause Strong Headaches, Tinnitus And Increase The Risk Of Severe Organ Damage
Labile hypertension occurs when blood pressure fluctuates abnormally. It increases over 130/80 mmHg, which is the definition of hypertension and happens for short periods of time. It is usually caused by stress, such as expecting bad news or going for surgery. The usual symptoms of labile hypertension are strong headaches, tinnitus, heart palpitations, and flushing. The sudden increase in blood pressure also puts excess pressure on other organs, such as the heart, kidneys, and eyes, increasing the risk of severe damage. More Information click here.
Undiagnosed Hearing Loss Increases The Risk Of Injuries, Depression, Excessive Stress, And Fatigue
Statistics Say That Only 20% Of The People Who Require Hearing Aids Actually Get Them
Hearing loss is a condition which appears gradually. People tend to compensate for increasing the volume of the TV or asking other people to repeat what they said. In many cases, they are in denial of this condition. However, there comes a moment in which there is an impact on the communication with other people, and the effort in trying to understand them results in fatigue, depression and a sensation of isolation or exclusion, and excessive stress. According to researchers, hearing loss is also related to hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and an increase in the risk of injuries by falling, among others. Hearing loss also prevents proper communication. Statistics show that it takes 7 years from the first signs of hearing loss are noticed, until the sufferer understands that he requires an audiological examination, which can reveal something as simple as accumulated wax, or as serious ad a bone complication or even a tumor. However, it gets worse, because only 20% of the people who need hearing aids actually get them. Learn more about undiagnosed hearing loss and its consequences. More Information click here.
New Treatment For Tinnitus Teaches The Brain To Ignore The Tinnitus Sounds
It Influences The Brain To Become Familiar With The Sounds
There is a new therapy for patients with tinnitus. Some patients try to mask the sound using fans, white noise machines, with no success. A new therapy trains the brain to ignore the ringing, making the tinnitus sound more tolerable. The technology emits a sound similar to the patient’s tinnitus, on an iPod, for 90 nights. This influences the brain to become familiar with the sound. The treatment is done at night because the brain becomes more receptive to changes. Additional info click here.
How Can People With Hearing Loss Be Ready For An Emergency
Use Smoke Detectors And Alert Devices With Visual Warnings, And Inform First Responders Of Disability
Emergency alerts are usually loud sounds, such as an alarm or a smoke detector. This is a disadvantage for people with hearing loss. There are ways for them to prepare themselves and let know other people that they have this disability. The first thing is to put an emergency kit with extra batteries for hearing aids or chargers, a pen and paper to communicate with others, and emergency index cards to inform others that the person has hearing loss, along with emergency contacts and relevant information, such as other health conditions, medications, and allergies. Also, it is important to use alert devices, such as smoke detectors, with visual warnings, such as strobe lights or mattress vibrators, and also inform the neighbors of hearing loss. In case of an emergency, first responders must be informed clearly of the disability and asked to talk slowly while watching the person with hearing loss. More Information click here.
Meditation Can Help As A Treatment For Tinnitus
It Will Clear Your Mind And Makes Tinnitus Episodes Less Noticeable
Tinnitus can be a real annoyance. One of the ways to treat it is through meditation. It seems easy, but it required practice to clear your thoughts. Among the rules are no moving, and no scratching. The scratch discomfort will eventually go away. The hardest rule is not interacting with the thoughts. These will appear, but it is important to find a way to not to interact with them, such as counting the breaths. This also works if you notice that your mind is wandering and want to clear your thoughts. The tinnitus episodes might appear during the meditation sessions, but after some time they will be less noticeable. Eventually, the body begins to anticipate the tinnitus episodes, and you will be able to prevent them with the meditation session. Additional details click here.
Dizziness And Blurred Vision Are Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure
It Causes Poor Blood Irrigation On Inner Ear And Eyes
If you experience dizziness, the cause might be low blood pressure. Other symptoms are nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, and fainting, among others. Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, occurs when blood pressure is below 90/60mmHg. The blood does not irrigate properly certain organs, like the inner ear, causing dizziness and loss of balance, the eyes, which is the cause of blurry vision, and the brain, resulting in fainting. There are ways to deal with it, such as eating smaller meals throughout the day. Click here for more information.
Sound-Based Therapy For Tinnitus Gets Approved For Distribution
A new treatment has been approved for tinnitus. It consists of a sound therapy especially customized for each patient. It provides an option for patients who were unable to access clinical treatment options due to high costs. More Information click here.
This Software Evaluates And Personalizes The User’s Hearing Ability
It Compensates The Frequencies Difficult To Hear
There is an app that analyzes the user’s personal hearing ability and personalizes the sound to compensate it. This is not only oriented to people with gradual hearing loss, but to any person that is unaware that they have a slight hearing loss, which does not interfere with his daily activities nor his communication with other persons. This is great news, considering that 2.5% of the people suffer from untreated hearing loss, and one-third of them are under 35 years. The app first evaluates the frequency perception level of the user. This means, which frequencies are best and are worst heard, similar to an audiologist exam. This personalizes the software for the user. Also, the app can be integrated into several audio platforms. More info click here.
Dizziness Is A Condition Of The Inner Ear That Affects The Balance Organs
It Can Be Linked To Tinnitus, Hearing Loss, And Caused By Migraines And Low Blood Pressure
Dizziness is a sensation of loss of balance, which can go from lightheadedness to continuous vertigo. It affects the inner ear, where the balance organs are located. It can also cause nausea and short-term hearing loss, which can be linked to an ear infection. Another cause is Meniere’s disease. In this condition, the room feels like it is spinning, and other symptoms may be tinnitus hearing loss and a sensation of pressure in the ear. Even though the causes of Meniere’s are unclear, specialists believe that there are genetic factors, and it might be triggered by excessive internal pressure in the inner ear. Dizziness can be caused by a migraine, which may occur before or after the migraine attack or by anxiety, along with heart palpitations. Another cause is low blood pressure, which triggers an episode of dizziness when standing up or changing positions. It can be also the symptom of a serious health condition when combined with other symptoms such as a numb face and double vision. These are linked to a clogged artery, which lowers the blood blow to the brain and increases the risk of a heart attack or a stroke. Check all the causes of dizziness. Additional information click here.
These Headphones Provide A Hearing Test And Adapt Themselves To The User’s Hearing Level
Besides Delivering A Superior Music Quality, Can Detect Gradual Hearing Loss
Headphones and earbuds users are being conscious that listening to loud music will cause permanent ear damage, and are looking for safe options. On the other hand, many headphone makers consider that louder is better. These high-fidelity headphones that could be an alternative. They provide first a listening test to check the hearing condition of the user and afterward adapts the music to that hearing condition. It even determines if one ear is more sensitive than the other. The interesting aspect is that they can be used to retest the hearing level of the user so that they can detect any gradual hearing loss, adapt themselves to the new level, and warn the user about it, in order to visit the audiologist. Click here for more info.
These Sunglasses Use Bone Conduction To Listen To Music
Bone conduction is a technology that allows hearing the sound directly through the vibration of bones, bypassing the outer and middle ear. It is not new – Beethoven was deaf but heard through bone conduction. Now there are sunglasses that allow listening to music by bone conduction. Additional info click here.
Early Detection Of Hearing Loss Can Help Providing A Better Treatment
Hearing loss is not easy to accept. Usually, the eyes start to go at 40 years, requiring glasses, and the ears start to go at 60. Hearing tests should be as frequent as eye tests. In the case of hearing an early detection can help the type of treatment. Additional details click here.
What Are Cochlear Implants And How Do They Work?
One of the treatments for hearing loss is the insertion of cochlear implants. They are small, electronic devices placed surgically under the skin. It stimulates the nerve endings of a deaf person of with severe hearing loss. Click here for more information.
Earbud Users Could Protect Their Hearing With This Invention
It Is Oriented To Teenagers And Young Adults
Earbuds are the preferred listening device for teenagers and young adults. However, they increase the risk of hearing loss or tinnitus. These conditions occur with extended exposure to loud sounds. There is a new invention, consisting of an earbud connected to a smartphone app. The user programs the app how much time he listens to music each day, and will limit the music level during that time. Therefore, the exposure to sound while the user is listening to music would be in a safe range. More details click here.
These Earplugs Will Protect You From Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Or Tinnitus
They Channel The Loud Music Through A Hollow Passage, Reducing The Sound By 20 Db
There are places we go in which usually the music is too loud. Clubs, bars, gyms, rock concerts, even spinning or dance classes. Frequent exposure to loud music might lead to hearing loss or tinnitus, so one solution is to use earplugs. However, there are usually uncomfortable, bulky, and in some cases ugly. There are also earbuds with an external microphone that filter the music when it reaches harmful levels, but they are expensive. On the other hand, people wish to protect their ears, but also enjoy the club atmosphere or the rock concert. There are not earplugs that channel the sound through a hollow passage before it reaches the ears, reducing the sounds by 20 dB. These have no electronics, are stylish, and comfortable. Additional info click here.
Excessive Use Of Ibuprofen Can Have Serious Health Issues
Among The Side Effects Are Erectile Dysfunction, Heartburn, Tinnitus, And More Headaches
Ibuprofen is one of the most used drugs for headaches, hangovers, or muscle pain. It has no side effects if taken in small doses. However, large doses or frequent use can have serious health issues. Among them are lower sperm count, and erectile dysfunction, due to the blocking of the chemical prostaglandin. This substance also protects the stomach against acid, resulting in heartburn. Also, even if it sounds contradictory, taking excessive ibuprofen to treat headaches may result in even more headaches. The cause could be changed in hormones. Another consequence is tinnitus, however, this side effect stops after discontinuing the use of these drugs. Check all the side effects of excessive use of ibuprofen. More details click here.
People With Unilateral Deafness Will Benefit From These Glasses
They Use Bone Conduction
A startup has designed smart glasses that not only provide a better vision but also enhance hearing for single-sided deafness, also called unilateral deafness. The glasses have a microphone that detects the sound and a microprocessor converts it to vibrations sent via bone conduction to the side of the impaired ear. It is less intrusive than a hearing aid. Click here for more info.
These Drugs Can Have Side Effects Altering Your Vision, Hearing Or Taste
There are meds that can have undesirable side effects. These can affect the hearing in the form of hearing loss and tinnitus, vision – blurred vision, double vision, and eye pain, and taste, altering or diminishing it. These can be painkillers, antibiotics, and other common drugs. Check the full list. Click here for more info.
OTC Hearing Aids Will Be Less Expensive And Communicate With A Smartphone
Hearing aids are still expensive for the majority of hearing loss patients. However, a new breed of devices is on its way, which will be sold over-the-counter at a cheaper price, and can communicate with smartphones or tablets, and auto adjust themselves. Click here for more information.
Take This Test And Check If You Are Really Tone Deaf
Amusia, also known as tone deafness, is a cognitive impairment that prevents people from processing musical sounds properly. However, many people think they are tone deaf because they cannot sing in tune, but in many cases, it is only lack of musical training. This test will help determine if you are tone deaf or not. Click here for more information.
Hearing Aids Are Evolving Into Connected Devices
They Will Have GPS, Accelerometers, Health Trackers, And AI
Hearing aids improve hearing by amplifying sound, especially in the frequency range for being able to understand a conversation in a noisy place, and also filter loud noises. However, these devices are getting smarter. Many years ago, most wristwatches showed the time and date. Now they interface with the smartphone, show notifications, track heartbeat rate and blood pressure, GPS, and many more. The same is happening with hearing aids, which are beginning to connect to other devices, even interface with appliances and with a smart home. These advanced hearing aids are called hearables and provide augmented-hearing. Other devices use the phone’s microphone for listening to conversations, have a health tracker and even accelerometers to detect movement and falls since falling is one of the major causes of death in seniors. More Information click here.
Frequent Use Of Magnetic Resonance Scanners (MRI) Increases The Risk Of Hearing Loss
More Powerful Models Have More Magnetism, But Also Generate Higher Noise
Magnetic resonance imaging has given physicians the possibility of visualizing the brain, spinal cord, and other body parts, allowing an early diagnosis of serious conditions. However, it has a downside for the patient, and it is the noise of the modern scanners can reach a peak sound of 125.7 to 130.7 dB, with an average between 110 to 115 dB. This sound level can result in tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss. MRI scanners with a higher level of magnetism have a higher noise level. Also, the scanners generate low-frequency sounds, less than 1 kHz, which have less risk of hearing impairment than higher frequency sounds, higher than 4 kHz. In these cases, the suggestion is to wear earplugs to attenuate the sound. More Information click here.
Researchers Have Developed A Technique To Deliver Drugs To The Inner Ear
Its Closed Space Makes Difficult Targeting Drugs And Meds
There are several types of research on drugs to improve hearing or to slow down the hearing loss, and many of them are oriented to the inner ear, the cochlea, or the hair cells that detect sound and transmit it to the auditory nerve. However, even the drug has had positive results on the lab, the main problem is the drug delivery, due to the fact that the inner ear is a very small space near the brain, and the fluids in the inner ear are always moving. A recent research has figured a new way for drug delivery, targeting the cochlea. It combines the drug with a molecule that mimics a protein essential for the development of the nervous system and to a substance that sticks to the bones. Additional details click here.
Living In A Big City Can Expose Your Body To Noise Pollution
Extended Exposure Can Affect Your Mental And Physical Health
In a big city, most people dot realize the noise pollution created by car horns, construction noises and loud music among others. These noises can be nonstop and we tend not to pay attention to them. However, according to specialists, extended exposure to these continuous noises can have a negative effect on mental and physical health. These include heart damage, heart damage and hearing loss, caused by the stress reaction to these loud sounds, which can end in chronic anxiety. This can be avoided with fewer notifications from the phone, noise-canceling headphones, or just escaping to a silent out-of-town place. Click here for more information.
Certain Industrial Substances Can Cause Hearing Loss
They Include Pesticides, Solvents, Compounds, And Even Certain Medications
Hearing loss is not only related to aging or loud noises. There are substances, called ototoxic chemicals, found in certain pesticides, solvents, metals, compounds, and even medications. There are cases in which the worker is in an environment so noisy, that he cannot differentiate the voices of the other workers. Another problem is that in industries where there are noise and ototoxic chemicals, it is difficult to determine how to prevent hearing loss. More info click here.
Low Pressure On Planes Can Affect Children’s Ears
They Can Be Unable To Balance Internal Pressure On Ears Due To Not Fully Developed Eustachian Tubes
One of the issues of flying is the change of pressure in the plane. Due to the structural materials, the plane has to maintain an internal air pressure similar to 3000 meters above sea level. This can be annoying for adults but can be far worse for children. Adults can balance the internal ear pressure via the Eustachian tubes. However, due to the fact that children’s ears are not fully developed, they might have more problems balancing the pressure on the eardrums, and can even result painful for them. This can be prevented by taking frequent sips of water since swallowing opens the Eustachian and relieves the air pressure. A lollipop also helps, since the child is going to suck it. Check all the tips to prevent ear discomfort in children while flying. Additional information click here.
Study: Potassium In Bananas Can Help Prevent Hearing Loss
Also, Zinc And Magnesium Are Fundamental For Preserving The Hearing Function
According to specialists, bananas can help prevent hearing loss. This is due to the potassium, which helps in the correct functioning of the inner ear, and the transmission of signals to the brain. There are other vitamins and minerals important for preventing hearing loss. Researchers have found that eh inner ear has the highest concentration of zinc in all the body, and its deficiency can result in tinnitus. Magnesium protects the ears against noise-induced hearing loss, which results from operating machinery without protection or listening to loud music. Click here for more info.
Smoking Increases The Risk Of Hearing Loss
It Affects Hearing Low And High-Frequency Sounds
In a study in smokers which included 50,000 participants, researchers found that they had an increased risk of hearing loss compared to non-smokers. Also, smoking affected the hearing of high-frequency sounds more than low-frequency sounds. However, the risk of hearing loss in both types of sounds increased with cigarette smoking. Also, they found that quitting has its benefits, since the risk of hearing loss decreased after 5 years. More details click here.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Can Result In Permanent Damage If Left Untreated
Symptoms Include Headaches, Tinnitus, Depression, And Oral Health Issues
Vitamin B12 helps to keep the nervous system and blood cells healthy. However, its deficiency may result in severe health conditions, such as anemia, which can be common among vegetarians and vegans. Among the symptoms are extreme fatigue, headache, tinnitus, and lack of appetite. Additional symptoms include oral health issues, such as sore and red tongue, and mouth ulcers, and also mental issues, such as mood changes, depression, or psychosis. This condition can be extremely dangerous because, if untreated, it can become irreversible. It must be treated as soon as possible - the longer the condition goes untreated increases the risk of permanent damage. Additional info click here.
Suffering From Vertigo? Check This New Technique
It Involves Head Movements Depending On Which Ear Is Affected
Vertigo is a sensation that everything is turning around and affects the balance organs. It can be originated in the brain or spinal cord, or it can be related only to the inner ear. The causes can me Meniere’s disease, which is fluid buildup inside the inner ear, head injuries, and stroke among others. In some cases, one must stand still until the sensation passes. However, there is a technique that has become viral that can help with it. It involves certain head movements depending on which ear is affected. Check the details. Additional info click here.
Promising Research On Drugs That Could Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
It Could Inhibit Hair Cell Damage In The Inner Ear
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of hearing loss due to the damage to hair cells in the inner ear. These cells cannot be regenerated, leading to permanent hearing loss. There are drugs that also damage these cells, such as the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. In this case, even though the treatment prevents patients from dying of cancer, the side effect affects seriously their wellbeing. Researchers have been working on a drug this prevents this medication-induced hearing loss. They have discovered a drug that not only inhibits hair cell damage from chemotherapy drugs but also damage from excessive noise, which looks very promising. Additional information click here.
Risks Of Using Q-Tips To Clean Earwax
Man people clean earwax by using Q-Tips. This is a very bad idea. According to specialists, many eardrum injuries are caused by inserting Q-Tips or other objects in the ear to clean earwax. Perhaps one can be careful, but another person can move your arm or bump into you by accident. Also, inserting a small object in the ear canal can push even deeper the earwax, causing hearing loss. So, which is the correct way to clean earwax? More details click here.
These Headphones Have Extra Protection To Prevent Hearing Loss
Loud noise is the main reason for hearing loss, and it is more frequent with people who listen to music at high volume. There is no headphone that has a protective membrane between the speaker and the eardrum, protecting from hearing loss. More here Additional information click here.
Zika Can Result In Hearing Loss
Zika infection, which is spreading in many countries, can cause hearing loss. This occurs because Zika affects the brain, the stem, and the peripheral nerves. Since Zika affects also newborn babies, the procedure is to test for hearing and eyesight. More details click here.
Hearing Loss Can Be Caused By Sleep Apnea, Smoking, And Iron Deficiency
Snoring May Decrease The Ability To Understand Group Conversations
Hearing loss is usually associated with age and with exposure to loud noise during a prolonged time. However, there are unusual causes, such as smoking, due to reduced blood circulation in the ear’s structures, and iron deficiency, which can impair the inner ear. Another cause is sleep apnea, which, according to specialists, increases the risk of hearing loss, making it difficult to hear in noisy places or group conversations. Other causes are the sound of the hairdryer, and painkillers, among others. More details click here.
High Volume On Headphones Might Result In Permanent Hearing Damage
We see kids and adults going everywhere with headphones or earbuds. The problem is that most are unaware that the volume intensity might cause hearing damage. One suggestion is to limit at 85 dB, which is the volume intensity of snowblower, lawnmower, a food blender, and average city traffic. Additional details click here.
New Tinnitus Treatment Based On Music Therapy
There is a new treatment for tinnitus based on music therapy, which retrains the brain to accept a “new normal” that includes the humming sound. It uses tone sequencing to adjust to the internal sound and lessen the sensitivity to the frequency. More info click here.
Which Headphones Reduce The Risk Of Hearing Loss?
Are earbuds worse than over-the-ear headphones? The only important factor is volume, and a loud sound may cause a hearing injury. Listening to music at a high volume for a long time can lead to nerve damage. So the best is to use medium or low volume, which works better with noise-isolating headphones. More Information click here.
Researchers Have Discovered A Way To Replace Damaged Hair Cells In The Inner Ear
One of the types of hearing loss involves the hair cells in the inner ear, which detect the vibrations and transmit them to the nerves. Once these hair cells are damaged, they cannot repair themselves or regenerate. For this reason, it is said that hearing loss is permanent. However, researchers have found a way to replace these damaged hair cells via a molecule that activates the regeneration process. Click here for more information.
Understanding Speech In Noisy Environments
Hearing aids are oriented to amplify the sounds and frequencies of the human voice, allowing the wearer to understand a conversation. However, this can be difficult in a noisy environment. Researchers have developed a method to predict intelligibility in noisy backgrounds, which might assist the development of hearing aids. More info click here.
Firearm Suppressors Are A Better Choice To Reduce Ear Damage Caused By Gunfire
Gunfire has a sound intensity from 140 to 170 decibels, enough to cause permanent hearing loss. People believe that foam earplugs are enough to protect the ears, but doctors are recommending firearm suppressors. Foam plugs reduce the blast sound by 20 to 30 decibels, while suppressors reduce it by 30 decibels and also protect from the impulse pressure. Additional information click here.
Electro-Acupuncture Treatment For Tinnitus Increases Circulation In The Hearing System
A study in China has shown improvement in tinnitus patients by the use of electro-acupuncture. While traditional acupuncture had 65% effectiveness, electro-acupuncture has 90% effectiveness. According to the researchers, it reduces tinnitus, benefits the ears and increases conduction n the auditory nerve. This is because the electrical pulses create rhythmic contractions of the muscles in the ear region. This promotes circulation and nutrient delivery to the hearing system. Click here for more info.
High Volume Is Not The Only Reason For Hearing Loss – Check The Other Causes
Hearing loss can be caused by a high volume of sound, such as loud music, appliances, blow dryers, and even a gym class. However, there are other causes. For example, health conditions related to blood, such as type 1 and 2 diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol affect blood circulation in the tiny blood vessels in the inner ear. There are also prescriptions, such as diuretics for heart disease and antibiotics, OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin. Check all the causes of hearing loss. More details click here.
Aphasia Not Only Related To Language And Hearing – Other Brain Areas Are Involved
Aphasia is a language disorder present in stroke patients in which the areas of the brain responsible for controlling hearing have been damaged. As a result, the patient has trouble hearing, understanding spoken words, speaking and even writing. It has been considered a language deficit disorder and treated as such. However, a recent study shows that other areas of the brain are involved, such as hearing, vision, executive functions such as control and planning, and motor processing. Additional info click here.
Diabetes Increases Risk Of Hearing Loss
Diabetes cases have increased due to the modern diet, lack of sleep and physical activity, and poor lifestyle choices, leading to insulin resistance. Also, other conditions related to diabetes, such as poor control of blood sugar, hypertension and blood lipids, can cause a blockage in the tiny blood vessels in the inner ear, resulting in hearing loss. More Information click here.
25% Of Adults Have Some Type Of Gradual Hearing Loss And Are Not Aware Of It
A study revealed that 25% of adults have some degree of hearing loss, but are not aware of it. This is because hearing loss is a condition that shows up gradually, and patients go to the doctor when the condition is severe or evident. In other cases, the patient loses the ability to hear high frequencies, such as the sounds made by the letters S, Z, or TH, and has trouble understanding a conversation. More Information click here.
Learning To Control Vertigo To Avoid Anxiety
An attack of vertigo can seem like everything is spinning around while one is sitting down. This can be caused by an infection of the inner ear or even certain meds. As a result, the sufferer can have stress and anxiety. Since the symptoms are related to movement, patients try not to move or even leave the house. However, according to experts, this might prolong their recovery, so it is better to move around. Additional details click here.
These Foods Will Help Fight Hearing Loss Caused By Inflammation
In most cases, hearing loss caused by old age is related to an inflammation of the hair cells in the inner ear. These hair cells, when damaged, cannot regenerate, making hearing loss irreversible. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent inflammation which can be done by ingesting certain foods. For example, red wine has an antioxidant that can reduce cholesterol and lower inflammation. Dark chocolate can lower inflammation and improve the immune system. Click here for more information.
Causes Of Vertigo And How To Treat It
Vertigo is caused by an inflammation of the canals in the inner ear, and results in a sensation of off balance and that everything is spinning. In other cases, the symptoms include nausea, hearing loss, and rapid eye movements. There are ways to treat it, such as being still, avoiding sleep deprivation, and keeping hydrated. Check all the treatments. More info click here.
Spinning Is Great For Your Looks, But May Be Bad For Your Hearing
Spinning may help with a great physical condition and a great figure, but the loud music can be damaging to your hearing. One of the factors of hearing loss is the frequency of exposure, so instructors and frequent attendants are at greatest risk, therefore, protect your ears before each class. There are also apps that will inform you if the number of decibels in the class exceeds the safety limits. More info click here.
A Ruptured Air Balloon Can Sound Louder Than A Shotgun
Balloons are associated with birthdays and celebrations. However, the sound of a balloon bursting can be louder than a shogun and can be a cause of hearing loss. While the maximum sound that one can a person can be exposed without risking hearing loss is 140 decibels, a ruptured balloon due to overinflating can reach 168 decibels. Additional information click here.
Unusual Hearing Condition Causes Strong Dislike For Certain Sounds
There is a condition in which hearing certain sounds can induce a strong dislike or even an anxiety episode. It is called misophonia, and it can be triggered by sounds like breathing or eating. It generates a response in the brain and results in a sensation of anxiety or frustration. Click here for more info.
New Research Opens The Door For Hearing Loss Recovery In Young Adults
Hearing loss occurs to people of older age, but can also happen to a young adult in their 30s. According to a study, in lab rats, it can be caused by the loss of a small mitochondrial protein. This is because reacting oxygen can trigger the loss of these proteins. However, treatment with antioxidants neutralized the reactive oxygen and prevented the loss of the protein. This could lead to a treatment to prevent and even reverse hearing loss at a young age. More details click here.
Certain Hunters Don’t Wish To Use Ear Protection
Hunters are advised to wear ear protection, since a shoot has 140 decibels, way over the 70 decibels which are the limit for hearing loss. However, they say that headphones won’t allow them to hear the deer coming and that they do not shoot as frequently as to have ear damage. Can this be correct? More info click here.
Earwax Can Help Diagnose Certain Health Conditions
Ear wax can reveal certain health conditions related to hearing. However, first of all, we want to insist on NOT using Q-Tips for removing earwax, because it can affect the eardrums. That said, watery and green earwax is associated with excess sweating, but watery and dark yellow can be a sign of infection, together with a strong odor. Additional info click here.
Hearing Loss Increases The Disposition To Personal Injuries
Poor Hearing Prevents Receiving Warnings About An Imminent Danger
In elder age, hearing loss is accepted as normal, the same as eyesight decline, or loss of muscle mass. Most people believe that they might just require to increase the TV’s volume level and perhaps lose some conversations, but there is a greater risk. Hearing also warns of any imminent danger, therefore, hearing loss increases the possibility of injuries. This worsens in leisure activities, because individuals do not consider the potential risk of these activities, and are not aware of the severity of their hearing loss. More Information click here.
New Treatment For Meniere’s Disease Reduces The Risk Of Hearing Loss
Meniere’s disease is a condition in the inner ear, in which the patient has hearing loss and vertigo, leading t stress, fatigue, and anxiety. The normal treatment consists of injection of an antibiotic into the eardrum, reducing vertigo, but risking permanent hearing loss. There is now a new treatment based on corticosteroids, reducing the risk of hearing loss. Click here for more info.
How To Correctly Discuss With Your Older Family Members The Need For A Hearing Aid
For some families, holidays are also a gathering. If this happens once a year, some changes will be noted among the elder members of the family. One of these can be the difficulty to hear, and perhaps the need for a hearing aid. However, there are other cases in which older adults are reluctant to discuss it. How to approach this issue? Additional info click here.
Study: Tinnitus Related To Anxiety
A research has found a relationship between anxiety and tinnitus in children. One of the conclusions is that, even if tinnitus is difficult to treat, taking care of anxiety makes it more treatable. Additional info click here.
Hearing Loss Can Be Caused By Certain Drugs
Hearing loss is not only caused by loud noises. Certain medications can also affect hearing, in the form of hearing loss or tinnitus. Among them are high-dose aspirin, quinine, certain antibiotics and also a cancer treatment drug. More details click here.
Learn About The Myths In Hearing Loss
Hearing loss has facts and myths. One of them is about that hearing aids are not affordable for many people, but there are payment plans or government subsidies. Also, the patients deny losing his hearing, but hearing loss is so gradual that is sometimes difficult to detect. Check all the myths. More Information click here.
Certain Autumn Activities Can Affect Hearing
There are autumn activities that can affect hearing. Experts say that noise levels over 70 decibels can result in hearing loss. However, gas-powered leaf blowers can reach 102 decibels, and chainsaws and wood chippers can reach up to 110 decibels. It gets worse because it’s cumulative, so the longer or the more frequent exposure, the worse the result. More Information click here.
Migraine And Tinnitus Can Be Caused By TMJ (Tempo Mandibular Joint) Disorder
Sometimes headaches can be caused by a dysfunction in the TMJ – tempo mandibular joint. This means that the mandible is unbalanced due to teeth misalignment, an injury or a previous condition that has affected the joint. In this case, pain also reflects itself in the neck and in the shoulders and can be also the cause of vertigo and tinnitus. The treatment is oriented to balance the posture of the spine, balance the bite and also the mandible. More Information click here.
Hearing Loss Can Be Caused By Prolonged Use Of Painkillers In Women
Painkillers have been related to unwanted side effects and risk of addiction. Now, a study links the prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or acetaminophen to hearing loss in women. The study related use of aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen, to hearing loss, but not aspirin. More Information click here.
Early Hearing Loss Can Be Detected By This Innovative Test
Hearing loss is progressive. This means that it is difficult to detect at an early stage, or that the patient has not perceived any change in the hearing capacity. However, there is now a test that will detect hearing loss when there is normal hearing, or slightly less than normal. It is based on how the brain processes sound with both ears and listen in noisy environments. Additional details click here.
New Treatment Based On Colored Light Reduces The Symptoms Of Migraine And Tinnitus
A new treatment based on colored lenses helps treat migraines and is also being used on patients with tinnitus. It consists of tiny lamps of a different color, and the patient can control the intensity of them. The initial study was made for patients with a migraine, which reduced the intensity of the pain. A number of them had also tinnitus, and also observed a reduction in the symptoms. The different colors distract the sensory area of the brain, reducing the tinnitus symptoms. Click here for more information.
Tinnitus Could Be A Side Effect Of Taking Painkillers
One of the causes of tinnitus is the use of painkillers. In fact, one side effect of several types of pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, is ringing in the ears. Adding it to acetaminophen or an NSAID — a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, increased the risk of having hearing loss. More info click here.
Affordable, Less Expensive OTC Hearing Aids Will Be Available Shortly
However, Since Hearing Is A Complicated Process, Specialists Believe That Patients’ Expectations Won’t Be Met
Hearing loss is gradual, and when the patient realizes he cannot hear so well, it is the moment to get an appointment with the audiologist and buy a hearing aid, which is somewhat costly. However, in the short term, less expensive OTC hearing aids will be available. There are actually personal amplification devices, but are not regulated, nor fitted to the patient, which are mainly purchased by people with a mild hearing loss, and don’t consider that they require yet investing in a personalized device. However, OTC hearing aids will be available at a much lower cost, making it affordable for more people. The problem is that they can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription and monitoring, which has several concerns. The ears are close to the brain, so they require special care. Also, the hearing process involves ears and the brain, because specialists determine how the brain is processing sound. Therefore, there is a risk that the OTC hearing aid buyers will be disappointed because their expectations will not be met. Click here for more information.
This Quick Self-Test Will Help You Determine If You Have Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is not only a problem related to older adults. With exposure to high volume noises in the streets or in music concerts, it can affect anyone. However, if you have it, sometimes it is difficult to admit. Check this quick test and find out. Click here for more information.
Reasons Because People Avoid Hearing Loss Tests
People With Hearing Loss Suffer A Negative Judgment By Others
People check periodically their teeth. They also check their eyes. However, hearing is not checked. The reason is that hearing loss affects people socially and are affected by a negative judgment by others. Also, hearing loss is considered a health condition that appears in the old age, and none wants to be old. However, this situation is changing because people are aware of hazards, such as hearing a car coming, or asking too many times the people to repeat themselves. Additional info click here.
What Is Hidden Hearing Loss?
Exposure To Loud Noises Can Affect The Ability To Recognize Words Over A Noisy Background
Exposure to loud sounds can affect the circuits between the sensory hair cells in the inner ear and the areas which deliver information to the brain. This type of damage is difficult to detect via conventional tests and is called hidden hearing loss. Researchers measured hearing and speech abilities before and after attending a venue with loud music, such as clubs or music festivals. They found that hearing loss was temporary. However, when conducting speech recognition tests with background noise, participants were less able to recognize the speech. More Information click here.
Staying Away From Everyday Sounds Will Help Preserve Hearing
Noises Over 140 Decibels Will Permanently Affect Hearing
Loud noise is the main cause of hearing loss. In some cases, it shows as everyday sounds that are difficult to prevent. Sound over 120 decibels or prolonged sound over 80 decibels will affect hearing. For example, among the noises between 110 and 140 decibels are firecrackers, ambulance sirens and chainsaw – note that it only takes one minute of exposure for permanent hearing loss. Also, sounds between 85 and 110 decibels include a garbage truck, power mower, and a motorcycle. The safe range is below 75 decibels. More Information click here.
Cochlear Implants Benefit Patients With Severe Hearing Loss
They Provide A Representation Of The Sound That Helps Understand Speech
Hearing aids can help patients with a certain degree of hearing loss. However, there are cases hearing loss is so severe that these devices are not helping anymore. In these cases, the solution is a cochlear implant. These do not restore hearing, but it provides deaf patients a representation of the sound that allows them to understand speech. Additional details click here.
Hunters Reluctant To Use Hearing Protection
The Alternative Is Electronic Devices To Block Loud Noise
Hunting requires hearing protection. Rifles can produce a sound between 140db and 175db, and tests have shown that noises over 140db can result in permanent hearing damage. On the other side, hunters insist that with hearing aids, they won't be able to hear the sound of game but risk tinnitus or even hearing loss. Another solution is electronic amplifiers which work as a hearing aid but blocks the loud noise of a gunshot. Click here for more information.
One-Sided Hearing Loss Affects Understanding Conversations In Noisy Environments
The Brain Uses Both Sides Of The Brain To Process Speech
Most of us are familiar with hearing loss as a condition that affects both ears. However, there is also one-sided hearing loss. In can be caused by excessively high sound, head injury and blood interruption to the inner ear, among others. Also, hearing with only one ear makes difficult understanding speech, because the brain does a better job separating background noise from speech when using both sides of the brain. Fortunately, there is a technology that can help. More info click here.
Babies With Hearing Loss Treated At 6 Months Age
However, If Treated Later, They May Fail To Obtain A Wide Vocabulary
Hearing loss in babies can be diagnosed at 3 months, and receive treatment at 6 months. The sooner they receive the treatment, the better because they get a wider vocabulary than those that are treated later due to the malleability of the brain at an early age. However, a study revealed that in many cases children fail to obtain the treatment due to family transportation problems or funding for hearing aids, which are not always covered by insurance. More details click here.
How To Easily Dissolve Earwax And Other Tips
Also, Avoiding Earache On The Plane And Swimmer’s Ear
Keeping the ears healthy will help prevent hearing loss. For example, earwax captures dust and foreign objects and slowly travels outside the ear. However, when it builds up, it can block the ear canal. It can be dissolved with eardrops – just remember not to use cotton buds. Also, swimmers can get an infection from the pool by letting the water stay in the ear canal. In the case of travelers, the pressure difference when take-off or landing can be painful, especially if you have a congestion r cold that has blocked the Eustachian tube. Check how to void these conditions. Click here for more info.
