We know intuitively that our modern society is louder than our bodies evolved to handle. It’s not uncommon to experience painful sounds from day to day, and many of our jobs or routines put us in regular contact with dangerous sound levels. While sound has to be above about 120 dBA (decibels A-weighted) to cause pain in the ear, even …
In the United States alone, there are over 1 million hospitalizations per year as a result of traumatic brain injury (TBI). It’s estimated that if we include incidents of TBI that do not result in hospitalization, the number climbs to around 3 million. It’s the leading cause of death or disability in the US. Injuries to the brain from blunt …
Though hearing loss has been with us throughout the ages, at present there is no cure. Our best remedies for hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants (devices that bypass the ear entirely, sending electrical energy to the brain via the auditory nerve). Depending on the severity of hearing loss, hearing aids can usually augment hearing ability to near-normal. …
Can ear infections cause hearing loss? There are a variety of factors and circumstances that contribute to hearing loss including environmental exposure to loud noise, heredity, aging, and medical conditions. Existing medical conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes have been linked to hearing loss. Another kind of medical condition that can also contribute to the development of hearing …
Hearing loss impacts millions of Americans. Nearly 30 million people live with impaired hearing, making this a common health concern. Hearing loss often occurs gradually so changes to hearing can easily be overlooked and remain untreated. This is particularly dangerous because it can worsen one’s hearing and exacerbate other existing health issues. It is important for people to have their …
Hearing loss has become one of the most common health concerns that Americans are navigating today. Nearly one in eight people have some degree of hearing loss in one or both ears according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Hearing loss often happens gradually over time so it can be easily overlooked or ignored. This means …
If you experience hearing loss, you may be at higher risk for personal injury. The correlation between hearing loss and accidental injury was closely examined in a 2018 study. The research findings help us understand the ways in which hearing loss impacts people’s lives. Impaired hearing continues to be a growing public health concern that millions of people are navigating. …
Maintaining hearing health is crucial for your general well-being. Our sense of hearing is a major way we understand and move through the world as it facilitates absorbing, processing, and responding to information effectively. This allows us to participate in our favorite activities, engage in conversation, listen to music, and watch television with greater ease and comfort. Hearing involves a …
Relationships are an essential part of our lives. They bring us joy, nurturance, and happiness. Our relationships with family, friends, and partners provide meaning and are often described as the most important part of life. We spend so much of our time with other people, including in our professional lives with coworkers. Hearing loss can strain these relationships, causing your …
Social engagement is often identified as extremely important for children and their development. This emphasis on social interaction during early stages of identity development often overlooks the importance of remaining socially active as one continues to age. Social activity continues to shape who we are and who we are becoming as we are always learning, growing, and changing throughout our …