Is Your Hearing Loss the Result of Earwax?
Cerumen, more commonly known as earwax, is a naturally-occurring substance in the ear canal that is made of oil, sweat, dead skin cells and dirt. Though this may sound a little yucky, earwax has several very important jobs: trapping bacteria and dirt that enter the ear, lubricating the ear canal to prevent irritation and acting…
Can Hearing Loss Stop You From Getting a Good Night’s Sleep?
You might assume that people with hearing loss would potentially sleep better than those without since they’d be less likely to wake up from various noises. However, research has shown that hearing loss might actually put you at a greater risk of insomnia. Hearing Loss Increases Problems Sleeping A study published in 2011 administered hearing…
What’s the Link Between Hearing Loss and Lyme Disease?
There are many health conditions that can increase your risk of hearing loss. Research has indicated that Lyme disease may be one of them. What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick. Early signs of infection include a…
How Certain Chemicals Can Cause Hearing Loss
Certain chemicals are ototoxic. This means they damage the ear, which can result in tinnitus, hearing loss and balance issues. These chemicals are found in certain pesticides, solvents and paints, among other products. How Ototoxic Chemicals Harm Ears An ototoxic chemical may harm your ears if it is ingested, absorbed through the skin or inhaled….
Study Finds Unexpected Brain Shrinkage in Patients with Hearing Loss
Previous studies have shown a link between hearing loss and an increased risk of dementia. A new study from the Carle Illinois College of Medicine may be another piece of the puzzle in figuring out why that is. Past Research on Hearing Loss and Dementia A study from John Hopkins University tracked 639 adults for…
Tips for Dealing with Hearing Loss at Work
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that around 12% of the U.S. working population has hearing difficulty. If you have hearing problems and are in the workforce, below are some tips that could help you be more successful in your job. Request Accommodations If your hearing loss limits one or more major…
Hearing Loss Signs for Musicians
Playing in front of a packed crowd at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon would be a dream come true for many aspiring musicians. However, it also puts you at a greater risk of noise-induced hearing loss. A 2017 study examined 125 musicians with at least five years of professional experience and had them undergo…
Three Viral Causes of Hearing Loss
You may associate hearing loss with things like aging or too many nights of loud music at The Barrel Room. However, certain viral illnesses can damage hearing as well. Let’s examine three of the most common viral illnesses that can cause hearing loss, as well as what can be done to treat or prevent a…
The Hidden Cost of Cocktails: How Alcohol Can Hurt Your Hearing
The holidays are around the corner, which means more parties and social gatherings. This also often means more drinking. While moderate drinking appears relatively safe for most adults, too much alcohol can have many negative consequences, including putting you at risk for hearing loss. How Alcohol Affects the Way We Hear Consuming alcohol can affect…
Did You Know October Is Audiology Awareness Month?
What are your favorite sounds of autumn? Ours are the crunching of leaves under our feet at Park of Palms, the crackling of a bonfire and the honking of geese flying south for the winter. If you have hearing loss, you could be missing out on these beautiful autumn sounds. Fortunately, October is Audiology Awareness…