How Hearing Loss Can Isolate You & Make You Feel Lonely
If there’s one thing we can all agree on about this pandemic, it’s that it’s been an incredibly lonely time. From closures of bars and restaurants to cancellation of social events, and from social distancing to full quarantine, most of us have suffered from increased feelings of loneliness over the past two years. This is…
Hunting & Hearing Loss
Any sound over 85 decibels (dB) can cause permanent damage to your hearing system with enough exposure. For reference, that is about the volume of passing highway traffic or a busy café. A single gunshot can clock in at 140 to 190 dB – loud enough to cause immediate damage. This is why hunters should…
Can Holiday Toys Damage a Child’s Hearing?
Is there anything more thrilling than watching your child or grandchild open the present you got them when you know it’s exactly what they’ve been wanting? Of course not. But if you don’t pay attention to the noise level of the toys you buy them, you could inadvertently be putting their hearing at risk. How…
Tuning into Hidden Hearing Loss
While standard pure-tone hearing tests accurately diagnose most hearing loss, there are some people who experience problems hearing, yet their tests come back as normal. This is referred to as hidden hearing loss. Hidden hearing loss can be an exceptionally frustrating and confusing experience for those who have it. Let’s examine some of the symptoms…
Tips to Hear Better for the Holidays
It’s November and the holiday season is officially upon us. This means family gatherings, holiday parties and visits to Lights of the South. While these are activities that bring a lot of excitement and joy, they can also be stressful. This is especially true if you have hearing loss. With all the extra socializing comes…
Check Your Hearing This Audiology Awareness Month
October is Audiology Awareness Month! That means there’s no better time to schedule an appointment for a hearing test. Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, anxiety, depression, falls and even dementia. This is why it’s so important to seek treatment for hearing loss early. Below we review the signs it’s time to…
Common Noises that May Lead to Hearing Loss
Now that vaccinations have rolled out, we’re beginning to get back to some of our favorite pre-pandemic activities. However, it’s important to know that some hobbies and activities can be harmful to your hearing. Below we review how loud noises cause damage and when you should take precautions to protect your hearing health. What Is…
How to Manage Tinnitus Spikes
Tinnitus is a sensation of a ringing, roaring, hissing, whistling, buzzing or humming sound with no external source. Because tinnitus is a symptom rather than a disease itself, the best way to manage tinnitus is to treat the underlying cause. Unfortunately, the underlying cause can’t always be found. Many people with tinnitus experience tinnitus spikes,…
Hearing Problems & COVID-19
Over the past year, COVID-19 has been linked to a number of long-term conditions, such as heart damage, lung damage and neurological problems. Emerging data shows that hearing loss may also be the result of being infected with the coronavirus. Hearing Loss as an Initial Symptom In rare cases, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) can…
You Don’t Have to Experience Feelings of Loneliness with Hearing Loss
If you have hearing loss, you can find yourself in a vicious cycle where you can’t communicate well, which causes you to socially withdraw from activities you once enjoyed, like going to Brookfield Park with loved ones. This social withdrawal can lead to feelings of loneliness, which is associated with negative health effects, including ones…