 Exposure to noises can quickly or gradually worsen a person’s hearing health. It only takes a single loud noise, like fireworks going off near your ears, to cause damage to your hearing. If the sound is very loud, your hearing can be lost instantly. Repeated and extensive exposure to loud sounds can lead to severe hearing loss.
Here’s a list of loud noises that you may regularly be exposed to. If you don’t already do so, wear earplugs or ear muffs whenever you are around these noises. Daily Activities
Entertainment Events
Tools and other Loud Noise Sources
Common Noises and their Decibel Levels Sound is measured through decibels (dB). They can be measured through a decibel meter app that can be downloaded onto your smartphone or tablet. The average human whisper is just 30 dB, normal conversation is about 60 dB, and a running motorcycle engine can reach up to 95 dB. Any noise reaching at least 70 dB can damage hearing if you are exposed to it for an extensive period. Noise over 120 dB can immediately harm your ears and hearing health. Examples of Everyday Noises and How Loud They Are The sounds at these levels usually do not damage hearing. Softest sounds heard by the human ear: 0 dB Normal breathing: 10 dB Ticking watch: 20 dB Soft whisper: 30 dB Refrigerator hum: 40 dB Normal conversational voice, air conditioner: 60 dB These noises may cause minor irritation. Washing machine, dishwasher: 70 dB These noises may cause more irritation. Heavy city traffic (while in a car): 80-85 dB This noise may cause a lot of irritation. Gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers: 80-85 dB A person’s hearing may become damaged after 2 hours of exposure. Motorcycles: 95 dB After 50 minutes of exposure, a person may experience hearing loss. An oncoming subway train, a car horn that is 16 feet away, or a sporting (football) event in an arena: 100 dB Hearing loss may occur after at least 15 minutes of exposure. The maximum volume level for a personal listening device, TV, or loud entertainment venue: 105 - 110 dB Hearing loss may occur in less than 5 minutes of exposure Shouting or barking in the ear: 110 dB Hearing loss may occur within less than 2 minutes of exposure. Being near sirens: 120 dB May experience pain and ear injury in addition to hearing loss. Fireworks: 140 - 150 dB May experience pain and ear injury in addition to hearing loss. If you have hearing loss that was caused by dangerous noise levels, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Generally, symptoms of tinnitus are fleeting, but some people do have symptoms that are so relentless that they can affect their sleep, which can lead to poor mood and difficulty with concentration.
Tinnitus is more of an annoyance than a life-threatening condition. It is the symptom of an underlying problem. Anyone who constantly experiences symptoms of tinnitus may find navigating life a little more challenging than someone who does not have it. Even though there’s no cure, there are ways to find relief. The Cause If you notice symptoms of tinnitus, contact a hearing healthcare provider immediately. The sooner you receive help, the easier it is to control symptoms. Narrowing down the underlying cause will help them determine your best treatment option. 1. White Noise Machines A silent space is the worst environment for anyone with tinnitus. Your brain must redirect its attention to other noise and force the tinnitus into the background. White noise machines or apps can help with this problem. A constant, low-frequency sound will muffle the tinnitus and teach your brain to disregard the noise. Air conditioners, air purifiers, or refrigerators can conveniently be used instead of a white noise machine. 2. Do Not use Ototoxic Medicines If you notice tinnitus after taking a new medication, the pills may be the culprit. Some prescriptions or over-the-counter medications are ototoxic, indicating they can harm your hearing abilities. 3. Treatment Options There is currently no cure for tinnitus, but training your brain to ignore it is possible. If this training, the white noise machines, or changing your medication does not work, find a specialist who focuses on tinnitus treatment. Hearing aids or apps that connect to your hearing aids can drown out tinnitus symptoms. Some hearing aids feature a white noise generator which must be programmed into the device by a hearing instrument specialist. Are you or a loved one experiencing symptoms of tinnitus and hearing loss? Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  In addition to Better Hearing and Speech Month, the month of May to raises awareness about strokes. A stroke happens when there’s an obstruction in a blood vessel that transports blood to the brain. It can occur in the form of a clot or rupture that stops oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain. When this happens, cells can die off.
A stroke that remains untreated can lead to a higher risk of permanent damage to the body. This can range from experiencing debilitation/paralysis on one side of the body, to spasticity, and fatigue. Changes in cognitive functions, including communication, memory, speech, and lack of control in facial muscles may occur. Hearing loss is also a common side effect of enduring a stroke. Some may even experience an ear stroke. Hearing Loss Following a Stroke It is common for patients to experience hearing loss after having a stroke. A person’s auditory system can be negatively impacted at every level. The way they hear and recognize sounds can also be affected. If someone has a history of strokes, they are more prone to experiencing hearing loss. Strokes that alter the outer part of the brain stem have a higher chance of inducing sudden hearing loss. What is an Ear Stroke? An ear stroke can harm your hearing health. Another name for an ear stroke is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). Just like a regular stroke, it can’t be predicted. It can be a daunting experience because it can happen to anyone at any time, and unfold within a few days. Some people suddenly wake up and notice their hearing has changed, while others will notice a gradual loss over the course of three days. SSNHL usually happens in one ear. The conclusive explanation of SSNHL remains unknown. There might be various causes, including autoimmune diseases, inner ear membranes that have been torn, tumors, vascular occlusion, viral infections, or bacterial infections. Treatment Options that Should be Implemented Immediately If you or someone is experiencing and suffering from a stroke, act fast. The acronym FAST stands for:
Go to the hospital immediately if you or someone near you suddenly experiences a drooping face, weakness in the arms or numbness on one side, or problems with speech (slurring words). You will complete a neurological exam in order to determine and understand the cause of your stroke, along with appropriate treatment options. If you’ve experienced hearing loss after an ear stroke, or for any other reason, please contact Pure Sound Hearing for hearing aid options.  Today is the 28th annual celebration of International Noise Awareness Day. This day is recognized in order to raise awareness about potential harm that noise can cause to hearing, health, and overall quality of life. It's meant to create changes that need to be made within your community when it comes to harmful noise and taking care of your hearing.
Participants are encouraged to safely organize noise awareness activities within your local community. You may also bring attention to it through social media posts with hashtags like:
The main message that International Noise Awareness Day wants to get across is: Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health! If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, get in touch with one of our hearing aid providers at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  More than 37 million Americans experience some range of hearing loss. Severe hearing loss can turn the average conversation into whispers and music may only sound like a faint humming noise.
What are the Symptoms of Severe Hearing Loss? Hearing loss, whether it’s sudden or gradually occurs over time, can make conversations difficult to follow. In addition to hearing loss, you may also experience:
What are the Degrees of Hearing Loss? In order to determine the range of your hearing loss, an audiogram may be used during a hearing test. This can show your degree of hearing loss by looking at the range of decibels (dB) - a measurement of sound - that you are able to hear.
1. Conductive hearing loss: caused by an issue in the ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear that restricts sound from traveling to the inner ear. This can happen due to an ear infection, fluid build-up, a mass (cholesteatoma), or an object in the ear - like earwax build-up. 2. Sensorineural hearing loss: typically caused by damage done to the inner ear’s hair cells. Other causes may include damage to the auditory nerve which impacts your hearing, or the brain. It normally occurs as you age, or due to excessive exposure to noise, genetic factors, trauma, radiation, or chemotherapy. 3. Mixed hearing loss: this is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. There could be complications in the outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, or auditory nerve. This can happen as a result of a serious or even seemingly minor head injury, long-term infection, or genetic disease. Hearing loss can occur in one or both ears. It can be sudden or gradually worsen as you age. If you notice sudden hearing loss, contact us a Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. What causes Severe Hearing Loss? In normal, healthy hearing, sound waves are harnessed from the outer ear and travel to the eardrum and middle ear bones which then vibrate. The sounds then move to the inner ear through the cochlea (a shell-shaped tube). While the fluid is moving, thousands of tiny hair cells also move and then translate the vibrating sounds into nerve signals. These signals travel to the brain and are converted into detectable sounds. Hearing loss occurs due to complications in the areas of your ear that allow you to hear. The following conditions can induce severe hearing loss: Age: Also known as presbycusis, as people age sections of the ear, like so many other areas, become less resilient. When tiny hairs become damaged, it’s permanent. As a result, they cannot respond to sound waves as effortlessly. Without any intervention, hearing loss may worsen over time. Exposure to Loud Noise: Noises that come from the music blaring through earbuds to power tool noises, or planes, trains, and automobiles can harm the hair cells located in the cochlea. The volume level, plus the length of time you spend hearing the sounds can determine how much hearing you’ll lose. Learn more about noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) from “9 Facts About Noise-Induced Hearing Loss”. Ear Infections: These can cause a build-up of fluid in the middle ear. Normally, the hearing loss caused by an ear infection is mild and goes away within a short period of time. If infections are not treated, they could become serious long-term problems. Perforated Eardrum: An ear infection, exposure to loud sounds, head trauma, or too much ear pressure from flying in an airplane or scuba diving can harm the eardrum. A hole, that may or may not heal, could form. Based on how large the hole is, a person might experience mild to moderate hearing loss. Cholesteatoma: This is an accumulation of skin in the middle ear that is caused by a collapsed eardrum or when the skin grows and spreads through a hole in the eardrum. Cholesteatomas can develop over time and cause hearing loss by ravaging the middle ear bones or, in rare instances, the inner ear. Diseases or Infections: Measles, meningitis, mumps, and syphilis are some conditions that can cause hearing loss. Ménière's Disease: There are some symptoms of this inner ear disorder including dizziness, feelings of fullness in the ear, temporary hearing loss, and tinnitus. Hearing loss that is associated with Ménière's disease tends to worsen, but only affects one ear. Tumors: Cancerous or benign tumors can induce hearing loss. This includes acoustic neuroma, paraganglioma, and meningioma. If a patient has a tumor, they may also experience feelings of numbness in their face, weakness, and tinnitus. An obstruction in the ear caused by an object: When there is a foreign object that is lodged in your ear, it can block out the ability to hear. This may include debris or hardened earwax buildup. Misshapened ear: Some patients are born with ears that are shaped differently, and may create challenges with hearing. Trauma: Skull fractures or a punctured eardrum can induce severe hearing loss. Medications: Certain drugs, such as antibiotics, aspirin, chemotherapy drugs (carboplatin, cisplatin), and large quantities of Vicodin can cause hearing loss. In some cases, the hearing will return after you stop taking the drug. In many cases, hearing loss becomes permanent. Genetic Factors: Scientists have discovered that there are genes that make people more likely to experience hearing loss, especially as they age. In most cases, screenings for newborns find genetic hearing loss, but it can be found later. Autoimmune Disorders: Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can impact hearing. It is one of the main symptoms of a number of autoimmune disorders, which include Behcet’s disease, Cogan’s syndrome, and Wegener’s granulomatosis. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. Our specialists will go over your test results and suggest appropriate treatment options. Immediate testing and wearing hearing aids is required to slow down and properly treat hearing loss.  Everyone knows that hearing loss is generally caused by exposure to loud noise and aging. But did you know that some chemicals and medications can also damage the inner ear, and cause hearing loss? The literal translation of “ototoxicity” is “ear poison”. Medications or chemicals that are ototoxic can cause balance problems, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
Typical Ototoxicants There are five primary categories of ototoxicants, which include:
Most people do not store these powerful solvents and compounds inside their homes, therefore the ototoxicants that the general public comes across are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. Ototoxic symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, nausea, nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), and vertigo. Before hearing loss becomes noticeable, tinnitus normally occurs first. Are there Treatment Options for Ototoxicity? The hair cells located in the inner ear are extremely fragile, so there’s no helpful treatment for ototoxicity. Once your hair cells are damaged, that is permanent along with your ability to hear. Preventative action is the best way to approach this. If your hair cells are not permanently damaged after an exposure, hearing, and balance may recover in a matter of months. If your hearing is permanently damaged, hearing aids and other hearing therapies can help. A professional hearing healthcare provider can help you choose the best options for you. How to Avoid Ototoxicity Ototoxicity can be averted by refraining from coming in contact with substances that contain ototoxic substances. It may be difficult to attain this as many life-saving medications like chemotherapy drugs are also ototoxic. You must decide by weighing the risks and benefits. Raising awareness for the general public as well as drug manufacturers who are developing ways to diminish these side effects and figuring out advanced treatment options that won’t impact hearing health, is the first step to tackling this issue. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns with ototoxicity, and understand what substances you’ll be coming in contact with if there are any risks in your work environment. Understanding and reducing these risks will help keep you safe. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and believe hearing aids would be helpful, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Everyone’s ears produce earwax - some more than others. It’s normal and healthy. The purpose of earwax is to protect your ears from bacteria, dirt, and dust particles from getting deeper into the ear canal, which may cause an infection. It moves these particles to the outer part of the ear so you can gently clean it off with a warm, damp cloth. Too much earwax buildup can become a problem, especially while wearing hearing aids.
The buildup of earwax can lead to damaged hearing aids. Loud feedback noises, muffled/poor sound quality, an uncomfortable fit, and worsened hearing may also occur. Contact your hearing instrument specialist for professional and thorough cleanings so that you can remove earwax buildup. Your hearing aid provider should have reviewed how to handle light, daily cleanings, and general maintenance practices with you during the initial hearing aid trial period. How can Hearing Aids lead to Earwax Problems? Earwax tends to build up more for hearing aid users. The devices are more likely to cause the cerumen glands located in the ears to become stimulated and create more earwax. Sometimes, hearing aids can prevent the wax from instinctively clearing itself out of the ears. A hearing healthcare provider can discuss regular cleanings with you if you frequently experience earwax buildup. Regular cleanings can lower the chances of buildup, ear infections, and additional hearing loss while keeping your hearing aids functioning. How can Earwax lead to Hearing Aid Problems? If you experience too much earwax build-up in your ears, and it doesn’t clear out on its own, your hearing aids can become damaged. The wax can obstruct sounds, making them harder to hear. The hearing aid receiver (the piece that goes in the ear canal) can become clogged. Sounds from the microphone won’t be able to transfer through. This ricochet’s the sound waves back, which creates feedback noise - the high-pitched sounds that can be painful to hear. When the vents and receivers become blocked with earwax, the hearing aids won’t be helpful. Any moisture from the earwax can also harm the hearing aid and cause battery erosion, leading to severe defects in hearing aids. Preserve Your Hearing Aids with Cleanings Nearly 60-70% of hearing aids that need professional repairs are due to damage caused by earwax buildup or other natural materials. Simply cleaning them on your own or getting a professional cleaning can save you the hassle of regularly dealing with glitches, problems, and repairs. Your hearing instrument specialist will help you select the proper cleaning kit for your hearing aids if necessary. Tools such as dry cloths, professional strength cleaning wipes, wax picks, tube and vent cleaners, and brushes will be available. Clean your hearing aids using a soft, dry cloth to wipe them down. You should be able to see most of the wax on the devices. If your hearing aids have a wax guard or filter, check and change them out regularly if dirty. The sound bore (the tip where sound releases from the hearing aid) can become obstructed with earwax or debris. Use a cleaning tool with a brush or loop to remove any debris. Hearing aid tubing can also become obstructed. Use a wax loop or air blower to extricate earwax or other debris. We’ve mentioned earlier that earwax can build up and cause too much moisture to accumulate on the hearing aids. Moisture can harm your hearing aids and lead to a corrosive battery. If this happens, inform your hearing instrument specialist and ask about a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier. What is the Proper way to Clean Your Ears? If you need to clean out the earwax in your ears, you need to be careful. Depending on how much earwax you produce and how thick the wax is, cleaning your ears out with cotton swabs or any other small object may push the earwax deeper into the ears. It can cause a blockage which can restrict your ability to hear. Do not engage in ear candling. It's best to use a warm wet cloth to wipe off earwax that naturally releases from the ear. You may also gently wipe your ears with warm water during a shower or a bath. If you need a professional cleaning for your hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing.  A clinical trial conducted by Frequency Therapeutics has ceased to continue its research on the stem cell drug FX-322 due to poor outcomes. There were too many obstacles when treating hearing loss with medication.
The best option for treating hearing loss continues to be hearing aids for sensorineural hearing loss. FX-322 is an injection for the ear drum. The objective of the drug trial was to discover whether it could succeed in changing stem cells into stereocilia - hair cells located in the cochlea which make hearing possible. Studies on different types of hearing loss included age-related hearing loss (presbycusis). The Results are Not Hopeful In the category of improved speech perception, the data collected revealed little differences at the 90-day mark between individuals given FX-322 and those who received a placebo. In the summer of 2021, investors filed lawsuits against Frequency Therapeutics for their false claims about the clinical trials. The company also stopped developing another drug in its first phase of safety trials, known as FX-345. There is no Hearing Loss Cure The trials are part of research to find a way to reverse specific types of sensorineural hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is when hair cells in the inner ear and/or auditory nerve - which attaches the ear to the brain - become damaged. Hair cells can become damaged due to genetic disorders, aging, and/or a single or prolonged exposure to very loud noise. Wearing hearing aids can help with sensorineural hearing loss. It uses the patient’s residual hearing and specific programmed settings that amplify what they need to hear. Modern digital hearing aids are significantly more advanced than old rudimentary models, but they still cannot restore hearing back to normal. Seeking immediate treatment after experiencing hearing loss due to noise exposure is crucial for reducing further damage and loss. Steroids are commonly used in these cases. You still need to be careful about using steroids so as not to worsen or induce hearing loss. Don’t wait to seek Treatment for Hearing Loss These drugs will eventually get injected into the middle ear, but this treatment will not be available at your local hearing clinic anytime soon. Approval from the Food and Drug Administration is needed first, which will take several years. So, if you are or have been noticing hearing loss, get tested and treated as soon as possible. Hearing aids don’t just help with daily communication, but they also reduce loneliness, isolation, and the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Contact one of our hearing aid providers from Pure Sound Hearing as soon as possible.  These days, noises almost constantly surround us. It can range from the harmless but seemingly endless tapping on a keyboard in our workspace to louder noises from traffic or construction zones that can damage our hearing. Hearing loss, tinnitus, or struggling to hear or communicate with others when there’s too much background noise are common problems for people with damaged hearing.
There’s no cure for permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). It’s crucial to either decrease your exposure to noise by lowering the volume on devices, moving to a quieter area, or reducing the exposure time to that noise. If that is not possible, wear hearing protection. There are many different colors, materials, sizes, and styles of hearing protection, so we’ve got a guide to help you select the best option for your unique listening experiences. 1. What is the Amount of Noise Reduction Needed for the Average Person? Noise that reaches above 70 decibels (dB) for a prolonged period might begin to harm your hearing. Noise over 120 dB can instantly impact your ears and the ability to hear. First, select hearing protection that will intercept enough noise to lower your exposure to safe listening levels. Most industrial settings are under 95 A-weighted decibels (dBA) or sound levels recommended for healthy listening. Workers need 15 dB of noise reduction to be safe from harmful noises. The average hearing protection can provide 10 dB of sound reduction, do some research to find something that can cover the 15 dB. If you’re uncertain about the noise levels at your worksite, use a decibel meter app. Louder environments require better noise reduction, but it’s important not to block out too much noise. You still need to be aware of your surroundings. Too much protection for your ears might require you to remove your earplugs or earmuffs to hear others or listen to your equipment. Try getting enough noise reduction to lower your exposure to 75-85 dBA. There is a Noise Reduction Rating found on the packaging of hearing protection. It represents the range of noise obstructed by the hearing protector when tested in a lab, but workers tend to have significantly less noise reduction while on the job. Find out how much noise reduction you receive from a piece of hearing protection by getting fit-tested. If fit-testing is unavailable at your workplace, you can figure out the fit of the earplugs by talking out loud while gently cupping and uncupping your hands over your ears. A good fit should mean that your voice sounds nearly the same when you cup and uncup your ears. You should wear double hearing protection when exposed to noises that reach 100 dBA or more (like chainsaws or jackhammers) or noises that make impulsive sounds (like a nail gun or gunshot). 2. Consider Your Workplace and Tasks Performed on the Job Your job and work environment should affect your decision when finding the proper hearing protection. Do you wear other things on your head to protect yourself, like safety glasses, a hard hat, or a respirator? Eye protection and eyeglasses can prevent a sealed earmuff over the ear, letting noises enter the ear. Earmuffs can make hard hats or helmets challenging to wear effectively. Some earmuffs feature a discreet headband or fit directly onto a hard hat or helmet. Be sure to don hearing protection that safeguards against other safety equipment used in your workplace. Think about how frequently you get exposed to noises and how often there are breaks in between the noises. Earmuffs are more convenient to remove and replace than earplugs, so wearing them may be better for recurring noises. Another option can be customized earplugs, which may be easier to remove and replace than foam plugs. Are your hands consistently getting dirt and grime on them while working? Earplugs need to be rolled smaller with clean fingers before insertion. Unless you have a washing facility that is convenient to visit or you have time to wash your hands before inserting the earplugs, use earmuffs instead. Do you need to hear others while wearing hearing protection? Flat attenuation hearing protectors may be helpful. Special communication headsets that support speech and communication while working in a loud environment are available. 3. Comfort and Convenience When you select hearing protection that works best for you, wear them consistently and correctly when exposed to loud noises. Find something that fits comfortably but is still convenient to carry around. Disposable earplugs are the primary choice for hearing protection. You can wear them for an extensive amount of time and in any environment. They are easy to store, light in weight, and can be kept on hand when you have an unexpected exposure. There are a variety of sizes, so pick one that’s right for you. There are small foam earplugs that are inexpensive. You should only wear disposable earplugs once and then toss them out. The ears and earplugs are a breeding ground for bacteria due to moisture, warmth, and dirt becoming trapped in the ear canals. Reusing dirty earplugs can cause severe ear infections. Earmuffs are generally one-size. They are easier to put over the ears and properly fit consistently. They are easier to remove and replace, and most use them intermittently. Good hearing health needs proper hearing protection and knowledge about selecting hearing protection, so use this guide before making a final decision. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  You may not think that you have any form of hearing loss. It’s usually subtle, except in severe cases. You may have hearing loss and not realize it, especially if it’s in the high-frequency range.
There are two different frequencies: high-frequency and low-frequency. A person with high-frequency hearing loss has trouble hearing sounds between 2000-8000 Hz. Some examples of these sounds include birds chirping, children’s voices, and high-pitched instruments like flutes or violins. A person with low-frequency hearing loss has trouble hearing 2000 Hz or lower sounds. Some noise examples include a large dog’s bark or low-pitched instruments like the tuba. Hearing loss in low-frequencies is also known as reverse-slope hearing loss. Causes of High-Frequency Hearing Loss High-frequency hearing loss is common among people with loss of hearing. The causes of this particular hearing loss include:
Symptoms of High-Frequency Hearing Loss One of both ears can be affected by high-frequency hearing loss. The range of severity is as different as the symptoms. Some may not notice it, while others see a significant change. Here are the most common signs to observe:
Are There Preventative Measures to Avoid High-Frequency Hearing Loss? Like noise-induced hearing loss, the only way to prevent high-frequency hearing loss is by avoiding loud settings and wearing proper hearing protection when necessary. If you cannot hear someone speaking to you within arm’s length, this means your environment is too loud. Aging and genetic factors can also cause high-frequency hearing loss, making it unavoidable for some people. Treatment Options for High-Frequency Hearing Loss A pure tone screening test determines whether you or a loved one have high-frequency hearing loss. The test will have a range of various frequencies played for the patient to listen to and identify. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and pure tone screening. There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but a hearing aid can help manage your symptoms. Our specialists at Pure Sound Hearing will be able to guide you through your treatment options and recommend hearing aids if necessary.  It’s Springtime! The nice weather is probably drawing you outdoors more often.
Unfortunately, the beautiful flowers that have blossomed have raised the production of pollen and allergies. Even though airborne allergens can be breathed in at any time of the year, there tends to be a spike in allergy-related hearing loss and tinnitus during the spring season. Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, can induce symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, ear pressure, feelings of fullness in the ears, or clogged ears. For some, inflammation and/or too much fluid affects a person’s hearing abilities or causes tinnitus. Those who suffer from tinnitus might notice a louder ringing or worsened symptoms of tinnitus. Can Hearing Loss be caused by Allergies? In response to allergy exposure, the body’s immune system will produce antibodies that release histamine. Histamine is what causes itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. This is basically hay fever. When mucus overproduces, this can block the Eustachian tube - this tube is the draining passage for the middle ear. The middle ear makes sounds louder and transfers sound from the outer ear to the inner ear. If this area becomes inflamed or obstructed your hearing can be affected and/or you can get an ear infection. Generally, patients who have allergic reactions may notice minor hearing loss with feelings of fullness or pressure in the ear. This indicates that the person may have hearing loss and possibly fluid or inflammation in the middle ear. Categories of Allergy-Related Hearing Problems Fullness: Excessive fluid in the ear causes pressure or a feeling of clogged ears. The fluid gets pushed up against the eardrum, creating irritation and making it challenging to hear. Usually, the irritating feeling will eventually go away. If you are noticing any pain, you may have an ear infection and should get help immediately. Conductive Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss happens as a result of sound waves that are unable to correctly travel through the ear and into the tiny bones of the middle ear. If there is excess fluid or ear wax, sound may not properly travel through the cochlea. Conductive hearing loss can be treated and may improve on its own, but it is hard to figure out whether hearing loss is short-lived, treatable, or permanent without thorough tests. If you experience sudden hearing loss or noticeable hearing loss, make an appointment with us at Pure Sound Hearing right away. If you wait too long, it can be difficult to treat. Tinnitus: Tinnitus that is caused by allergies happens when the ringing only occurs simultaneously with other symptoms of allergies. If you have allergy-induced tinnitus for many months during the year contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for hearing aid treatment options. When Should You Seek Professional Help? When your tinnitus symptoms get worse with allergies, it can impact your hearing abilities, your general mood, sleeping patterns, and overall quality of life. If you or a loved one has tinnitus, contact us at Pure Sound for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  There are some types of hearing loss that are genetic and result in gene mutations.
A person’s genes can make a person more or less susceptible to hearing loss that is caused by aging, medications, infections, or noise-induced. About 35-55% of age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is genetic. Sensorineural and conductive hearing loss are both genetic. Sensorineural Hearing Loss This is the most common type of hearing loss. It is caused by deteriorated inner ear nerves and hair cells. Age, excessive noise exposure, head injury, genes, or an illness can lead to this type of hearing loss. There is no medication or surgery that can correct this loss, but hearing aids can be used as a treatment option. Conductive Hearing Loss This is caused by an obstruction in the outer or middle ear. Earwax, fluid, a tumor, or the natural formation of your ear can cause obstruction. The blockage essentially inhibits noise from traveling to the inner ear. Surgery or medication are treatment options for this type of hearing loss. The Genetic Makeup of Ear Cells Affects the Way We Hear The human body is composed of chemical units that are found in cells, A.K.A. genes. Inside the cell, genes form chromosomes which is what makes DNA and features our hereditary traits. Some genetic makeup of the ear cells can influence hearing abilities and help our brains interpret sounds. Sometimes there’s a shift in your genes’ DNA, which can affect how they work. If these mutations happen in a gene that holds crucial information about our sense of hearing, it can lead to hearing loss or even deafness. Hereditary Conditions that Cause Hearing Loss Otosclerosis, Usher’s syndrome, and Pendred syndrome are all hereditary conditions that cause hearing loss. Sensory hair cells that are located in the inner ear are crucial for healthy hearing. If there’s a mutation in these cells, they may not function correctly and lead to hearing loss. Gene mutations and a deformity in the inner ear can lead to deafness at birth or inevitable deafness. Congenital hearing loss is a genetic condition in which children are either born with hearing loss or born with genes that will cause them to lose their hearing in the future. Typically genetic conditions are what causes hearing loss in newborns. Every human gene has two copies that are inherited from the mother and father. The risks of hearing loss can be based on a mutation that is dominant or recessive. A dominant mutation can lead to hearing loss if there is damage to at least one of the inherited copies from the parents. Recessive mutations can lead to hearing loss, but only if there’s damage to both copies. For example, if both parents carry the gene mutation, their child has a high chance of hearing loss. The Complexities of Finding Genetic Causes of Hearing Loss It’s not easy to identify the exact cause of genetic hearing loss. Several different genes can produce the same type of hearing loss. Those same genes can be part of different kinds of hearing loss. People with the same gene mutation could still experience different degrees of hearing loss. If you are experiencing hearing loss due to genetic factors, or for any other reason, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers.  This year, March Madness starts on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, and ends on Monday, Apr 3, 2023. With basketball season gearing up, we want to raise awareness about attending live sporting events and hearing health. Whether you plan to attend a live game in the arena, from the comfort of your home, or with friends and family at a bar, make sure you take care of your hearing.
Did you score tickets to see the game live? Lucky you! Before you go, make sure you bring some earplugs. Sports reporters have measured noise levels at an NBA game that reached 109 decibels (dB). Remember, 70 dB is the new threshold for hearing loss. Anything over that number can be dangerous. Check the concession stand to find out if they sell earplugs. The level of noise at sports bars can be just as loud. Professionals in the hearing health industry attended popular sports bars during the playoff seasons and measured these noise levels. The average decibels can reach up to 70 dB - similar to a vacuum cleaner. When there was a pivotal moment during the game, the noises went up to 110 dB - equivalent to a jackhammer. It is customary for construction workers to wear hearing protection when operating this tool. In 2014, fans from Kansas City made noises that reached 142.2 dB. It set a new Guinness World Record. That is louder than a jet plane. An extensive amount of exposure can lead to physical pain and do serious harm to your ears. Protect Your Hearing Instead of skipping out on the fun, here are some tips to protect yourself:
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  You can experience noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) from one encounter with a loud noise (like a roaring fire alarm). When sounds are too loud, it doesn’t take very long for hearing loss to follow. The longer a person is exposed to the noise, the more risk there is of hearing loss. It’s especially true if you don’t wear protection for your hearing or if there’s no break in between the exposures.
Here are some examples of loud noises to which you may be vulnerable. Daily Life
Entertainment
Power Tools and Miscellaneous
Typical Sources of Noise and Decibel Levels Decibels (dB) are the unit of measurement of sound. A soft voice is approximately 30 dB, a conversation in a normal tone is about 60 dB, and the running engine on a motorcycle is about 95 dB. Noise that surpasses 70 dB for an extensive amount of time could begin to harm your hearing. Any noise over 120 dB can instantly damage your hearing abilities. Here are some examples of everyday noises and their decibel levels. These sounds generally do not cause hearing loss: The softest sound heard by humans: 0 dB Normal breathing: 10 dB The ticking noise from a watch: 20 dB Whispers: 30 dB Refrigerator hum: 40 dB Normal conversation, air conditioner: 60 dB Washing machine and dishwasher: 70 dB - may cause a mild disturbance. City traffic (while inside a vehicle): 80-85 dB - may cause more disturbance. The following sounds can cause hearing loss: Gas-powered lawnmower/leaf blowers: 80-85 dB - may damage hearing after a 2-hour exposure. Motorcycle: 95 dB - may damage hearing after a 50-minute exposure. Oncoming subway, train, or car horn within 16 feet, and crowded sports arena: 100 dB - may damage hearing after 15 minutes. The highest volume level for personal listening devices; a TV, a smartphone; and establishments for entertainment (bars, clubs, rock concerts): 105-110 dB - may damage hearing within 5 minutes or less. Yelling or a dog barking in your ear: 110 dB - may damage hearing in 2 minutes or less. Being near loud sirens: 120 dB - can cause ear pain and injury, in addition to hearing loss. Firecrackers going off: 140-150 dB - can lead to pain, ear injury, and hearing loss. How can you determine which sound levels are safe? The impact of low noise levels over an extended time is the same as loud noises heard over a shorter time. You can use a sound level meter (SLM) app to measure noise levels in your environment. Some apps can predict the maximum amount of noise you can handle daily. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend keeping environmental noises lower than 70 dBA over 24 hours - that’s 75 dBA over 8 hours - to avoid noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing problems, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Whether it’s hearing your favorite love song or the words “I love you” this Valentine’s Day, remember that it’s not just important to keep your ears healthy - you need to physically and emotionally take care of your heart too.
The heart needs exercise to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Proper blood flow to crucial organs, including your ears, is necessary for overall health. What potential risks can a poor cardiovascular system cause to your hearing?
When discussing any health concerns, taking preventative measures is the best way to avoid these problems. Hearing loss can cause cognitive decline and isolation, which may lead to depression. Make sure that you take care of your physical needs, as well as your emotional, spiritual, and social needs. A meaningful connection with others is just as important as taking care of your body. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, connecting with others can be challenging. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule regular hearing tests and seek treatment with hearing aids if your hearing has worsened. Happy Valentine’s Day from the staff at Pure Sound!  If you want to have a healthy auditory system, you also need to have a healthy heart. Proper blood flow to critical areas of the body is essential. For the inner ear, blood flow to the cochlea is key to hearing better. Good blood flow in the heart is as equally important.
According to a 2010 Wichita State University study, poor cardiovascular health and bad hearing go hand in hand, as well as good cardiovascular health and good hearing. The study found that low-frequency hearing loss can predict heart problems. Let your primary healthcare provider know if you have low-frequency hearing loss so they can determine whether there are also heart-related risks. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing problems with hearing for any reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation from one of our hearing aid providers.  To better understand your hearing loss or your loved one’s hearing loss, think back on situations where there were miscommunications.
1. What is the Severity of Your Hearing Loss? It’s the simplest and most common way of characterizing your hearing loss as mild, moderate, severe, or profound. Mild hearing loss will still let you hear a conversation without straining as long as you are in a quiet space, without too much background noise, while the person speaking is nearby. In most cases, if you have severe to profound hearing loss, you won’t be able to hear what anyone is saying. Hearing loss is more than the inability to hear distinct sounds and tones. 2. Types of Sounds that People can Hear Presbyacusis is a type of high-frequency hearing loss most common among the elderly. Speech will sound muffled and challenging to understand. Children and other people with higher-pitched voices will be difficult to hear. You might experience low-frequency hearing loss, mid-frequency hearing loss, or hearing loss on all frequencies. Sensitivity to certain sounds is also a type of hearing problem. These issues will affect your ability to follow speech and your comfort level in different environments. Your hearing healthcare provider might use terms like conductive, sensory, sensorineural, or mixed when characterizing your hearing. These words describe which part of your auditory system has deteriorated. Getting a better sense of them can help you understand why you hear sounds in a certain way and how hearing aids can help. 3. Is Your Hearing Consistent? Do you notice any changes in your hearing throughout the day or from week to week? Hearing loss that varies can be confusing if you are unaware that you have hearing problems. 4. Do You Experience Tinnitus? Tinnitus can make hearing even more challenging with any range of loss. If the intensity of your tinnitus fluctuates, it indicates that you may be able to hear better in certain situations, even if your hearing stays the same. The noises caused by tinnitus will intercept whatever you are trying to hear. Tinnitus can also lead to poor rest. Some therapies may alleviate tinnitus symptoms, including noise machines, meditation, or masking features on apps and hearing aids. 5. At What Age was the Onset of Your Hearing Loss? Suppose you’ve had hearing loss since infancy (congenital hearing loss). Your residual hearing abilities will be different than if you start losing your hearing later in life due to aging (presbycusis). Your voice may change and sound different, relationships with others may become strained due to misunderstandings or an impatient partner, and your emotional connection with hearing might also be different. If you’ve been able to hear during your whole life and that slowly changes, it can be challenging to adjust to this new reality. 6. Did your Hearing Change Suddenly or Gradually? Seek treatment immediately if you notice sudden or rapid hearing loss. Early treatment can give you a better chance of preserving the hearing abilities that you still have. Gradual hearing loss can usually get detected by loved ones, colleagues, or other people you see regularly based on your interactions with them. If you, or a loved one, notice any signs of hearing loss contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Did you know that 25 percent of people with hearing loss, don’t realize they have it?
Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is the most common type of hearing loss. It’s also the type of hearing loss that occurs very slowly over time, making it difficult to notice the loss until it’s too late to treat it. Early signs of hearing loss are hard to recognize, but it is possible to identify them. There are clues that you, or others in your life, need a hearing test. 9 Signs You Are Experiencing Hearing Loss 1. Everyone sounds like they’re mumbling Do others sound like they aren’t speaking clearly? Are you able to hear certain speech sounds, but not other sounds? Most people with hearing loss start to notice they cannot hear women with high-pitched voices, or children’s voices. If everyone sounds like they aren’t speaking clearly, you should get a hearing test. 2. Not being able to follow a conversation Can you mostly hear when others speak, but have difficulty following along during a conversation? When a person loses their hearing, the brain has to work harder to listen, interpret, and fill in the blanks. This makes it challenging to follow along during conversations. If more than one person is talking, it becomes even more challenging. 3. Others notice your hearing loss before you do If your family members are constantly telling you to turn the volume down on your TV, computer, or any other device, it’s time to get your hearing tested. If you are both feeling frustrated when trying to communicate with each other, it’s definitely time to get your hearing tested. 4. Easily distracted when there’s background noise No matter what level of hearing abilities you have, background noise can distract you from your conversations. Most people with healthy hearing can mentally block out most noises and focus on the person/people they are talking to. Someone with hearing loss will stop being able to do this because they are too tired to block it out. Staying on task can be difficult, so if you are easily distracted it’s time to get your hearing checked. 5. Difficulty hearing phone conversations Some people with hearing loss cannot hear others clearly enough over the phone. The reception can make this experience worse. Speech that is heard through any phone sounds slightly different than human speech. For anyone with hearing loss, this can make conversations more challenging. 6. Tinnitus Tinnitus and hearing loss often go hand-in-hand, but not always. It’s usually a high-pitched ringing noise that is heard with no outside source. It gets worse when the person who has it is in a quiet environment. Tinnitus can also sound like a beeping, chirping, hissing, humming, thumping, or roaring sound. If you notice these noises, which tend to occur after being exposed to very loud sounds, get help immediately. 7. Unequal levels of noise Hyperacusis, also known as hypersensitivity to some noises, is a rare symptom of hearing loss. Losing your hearing can actually make certain sounds louder. Your brain will compensate for the hearing loss by making different sounds louder. 8. Forgetting conversations you had Do some conversations go through one ear and out the other? It may not be your memory, but rather the fact that your brain is overworked and therefore you have trouble recalling conversations that you weren’t able to hear in the first place. 9. Problems with balance It’s possible, but rare for hearing loss alongside balance problems. The inner ear controls equilibrium, and anything that affects its function can make it harder to remain balanced and standing upright. If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  We’ll be discussing how Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and tinnitus can be connected to one another, and how a person can be affected by experiencing these issues simultaneously. Research has shown that there’s a link between what reinforces the condition and illustrates how each condition gets worse when experienced in tandem. A guide on how to manage these conditions through various therapies will also be discussed.
Defining Tinnitus and PTSD Tinnitus is when a person hears a phantom buzzing or ringing noise that is not caused by an external factor. Tinnitus can be experienced by any age group. It can be the result of hearing loss caused by aging, exposure to loud noises, trauma to the head, or diseases/infections in the inner ears. PTSD is a disorder that is connected to trauma and stress. It is typically linked with members of the armed forces or emergency services because of the high exposure to stressful experiences on the job. PTSD that is experienced by the general public is usually caused by physical or emotional trauma. Who may experience both Tinnitus and PTSD? There are a number of at-risk populations that are prone to experience PTSD. Civilians who experienced verbal/sexual abuse, domestic violence, motor accidents, and trauma that occurred at a young age may have PTSD episodes. Military service personnel who endured trauma from combat, survivors from blasts or were held captive for an extended period of time also join this list of the at-risk populace. Subsets within these groups who experienced trauma have also noticed tinnitus. This includes people who were exposed to blasts, had a traumatic brain injury (TBI), whiplash, and problems with head trauma, noise trauma, temporomandibular (TMJ joint), and areas of the neck. The primary disability claim by U.S. veterans is tinnitus. It makes up more than 80,000 claims each year. The second highest is hearing loss, which makes up 60,000 claims, and there are at least 40,000 claims of PTSD each year. Acoustic trauma can lead to tinnitus. Acoustic trauma is basically loud noise exposure, head trauma, stress, and related medical complaints. These are the daily risks that members of the military experience. Tinnitus is also common among most of the older population. Even though experiencing PTSD and tinnitus is high among military service personnel, just tinnitus is high among the elderly population. Both conditions are experienced by the general population. Three percent of the general population may experience PTSD symptoms at some point in their life and 10% of the population may experience tinnitus. Some factors that influence the pervasiveness of PTSD and tinnitus in the general population include physical and emotional domestic abuse, violent crime, stress, exposure to noise, and high numbers of traffic-related collisions. Some of the safest roads in the world are in the UK, but in they also experience an average of 336 accidents per day, or 122, 365 each year. Accidents on the road can cause trauma, PTSD, and tinnitus caused by exposure to loud noise, head and neck injuries, and shock. The connection between PTSD and Tinnitus PTSD and tinnitus may be experienced simultaneously if a person undergoes head trauma during active combat, a car collision, whiplash, or acute stress. These conditions would be diagnosed individually, but they are closely linked by their physiological structures. If PTSD and tinnitus are the results of the same event, when a person tries to deal with both conditions simultaneously the symptoms can underscore each other. The stress from PTSD can trigger tinnitus. PTSD and worsened Symptoms of Tinnitus The interference of tinnitus itself can traumatize a person, particularly if that person has trauma that has gone unresolved. Having tinnitus and not being able to properly manage it can remind them of their traumatic experience. Studies from the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Centre Tinnitus Clinic in Tennessee revealed that patients diagnosed with PTSD experienced very severe tinnitus than patients who only had tinnitus. Those who had endured trauma may also have a tendency to focus on the symptoms, which made them worse. Focusing on the noises does not help patients habituate to the phantom sounds. Those who have tinnitus that is worsened by PTSD may also experience hyperacusis - an extreme sensitivity to noise. Tinnitus and worsened Symptoms of PTSD Studies on Cambodian refugees at an American psychiatric clinic revealed that symptoms of PTSD were severe in half of the patients who also experienced tinnitus compared to patients without tinnitus. How to Manage PTSD and Tinnitus Symptoms Simultaneously experiencing PTSD and Tinnitus can cause each condition to feed off of the other. Tinnitus habituation - experiencing tinnitus to the point where you are no longer bothered by it - can occur after facing and managing your trauma through therapy. Tinnitus symptoms can be managed through sound therapies including apps or noise machines. After the PTSD is processed a more long-term approach to dealing with tinnitus can be managed by wearing hearing aids that can mask the symptoms of tinnitus. If you or a loved one are experiencing tinnitus and/or hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Tinnitus symptoms become triggered for different reasons in each person. It can range from poor sleeping habits to your diet. We’re sharing some foods to avoid along with lifestyle changes that can help make symptoms more manageable.
Ototoxic Foods Certain foods and eating habits can directly impact your overall health. A diabetic with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels follows a specific diet. Most are unfamiliar with ototoxic foods. Ototoxicity refers to the harmful effects on the ears that certain substances (like foods or medications) can induce. If you have problems with your ears and/or hearing health, you should avoid these substances. Some foods are good for protecting your ears. These foods are rich in folic acid, Omega 3, and Vitamin C. some foods are harmful to the ears. Which Foods can be Harmful to Your Hearing Health Hearing healthcare providers urge anyone with hearing problems to cut down their consumption of the following:
4 Bad Habits Alcohol and tobacco: Everyone knows that consuming these substances can take a toll on your health. It’s also worth noting that tobacco smoke can decrease blood flow to the inner ear. Frequent noise exposure: overexposure to loud noises harms the auditory cells located in the inner ear. Hearing slowly worsens over time if the exposure lasts too long. Background noise, excessive workplace noise, or listening to loud audio with headphones/earbuds, pose serious risks to hearing health. Always carry around earplugs and wear them if you are exposed to loud noises. Poor hygiene: Too much earwax that isn’t removed correctly can lead to a blockage in the ear canal. Gently rinse your ears with warm water and a cloth. DO NOT insert anything small like cotton swabs to remove the wax. Depending on the amount and type of earwax you produce, you are pushing the earwax further into your ears. Some people’s earwax can be dry and flakey, and others can be moist and sticky. Medications: Ototoxic drugs can worsen symptoms of hearing loss or induce other hearing problems. Salicylate, used in common anti-inflammatories, can harm a person’s hearing if taken in high doses. Discuss medications that you currently take or ones that you plan on taking with your hearing healthcare provider. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and/or tinnitus, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  We're kicking off Tinnitus Awareness Week with some informative blogs.
Did you know that tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be caused by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)? TMD is any dysfunction associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). These joints can be on either side of a person’s face, directly in front of the ears. TMJs attach the lower jawbone to the skull and help with chewing and speaking. However, tinnitus is mainly due to sensorineural hearing loss. The brain creates tinnitus in sensorineural hearing loss due to impaired neurons and sensory cells. Management strategies, including counseling and sound therapy, may be utilized. In contrast, tumors, metabolic or cardiovascular diseases, ototoxic (ear-damaging) drugs, and middle ear injuries or diseases represent a smaller portion of tinnitus cases. Treating the underlying condition, in these cases, usually alleviates tinnitus symptoms. The good news is that TMJ sufferers are under this category, which means it’s treatable. The link between TMJ problems and Tinnitus The temporomandibular joint is in front of your ears - where the jawbone (mandible) connects to the temporal bone. Besides being physically close to the ear, it also shares some nerves and muscles with the middle ear. For example, a ligament connects the middle ear bone, or malleus, to the jaw. In addition, particular nerves serve both the eardrum and jaw. Also, a nerve supply from the TMJ connects to the part of the brain associated with hearing. For these reasons, difficulties with the cartilage, ligaments, and muscles of TMJ can lead to tinnitus. Tinnitus and TMJ Problems There is a relatively small number of people with tinnitus connected to jaw problems. Check with your physician or dental specialist. You might already see the connection. Ask yourself these questions:
TMJ problems may be causing your tinnitus problems if you see any connection with the above elements. TMJ problems causing Tinnitus are Treatable The great thing is that tinnitus caused by TMJ problems often goes away when the underlying problem gets addressed. If you think your tinnitus may be associated with your TMJ, talk with your dental specialist or physician. Once you know if there is a connection, they will offer the proper treatment. If you are experiencing tinnitus and hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Shingles often denote the feeling of a painful, itchy rash on some regions of the body. But did you know that shingles can also impact your hearing and balance? In some cases, it can cause hearing loss.
When shingles cause problems to a person’s hearing and balance, it presents itself in one of two different health issues:
Getting shingles does not automatically lead to hearing loss. Ramsay Hunt syndrome may occur due to complications with shingles that cause facial weakness and paralysis. It can include dizziness, hearing loss, or a rash near the ear. Hearing Loss and Shingles Most patients who experience hearing loss due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome generally have a temporary loss. Permanent hearing loss and muscle weakness may occur if there is a delay in intervening. A study showed that patients with Ramsay Hunt experience worse hearing loss in the high-frequency range than in the low-frequency range. Patients with vertigo had more severe hearing loss than those without balance problems. The National Organization for Rare Disorders revealed that Ramsay Hunt affects 5 out of 100,000 people. Those cases might be higher due to underreporting - it’s difficult to diagnose in patients who do not develop a rash. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  The top three chronic physical conditions for people of any age are arthritis, heart disease, and hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Statistics from 2022 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) found that:
Older Adults: Hearing Loss Statistics
Statistics on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Too much exposure to loud noises is the top cause of NIHL. Nearly one in five employees is exposed to dangerous noise levels in their work environment. The CDC has found the following reports on NIHL:
Statistics on Children with Hearing Loss
Statistics on Veterans with Hearing Loss U.S. veterans are at high risk of noise exposure while on the job. Services for hearing aids and hearing loss is available to them through the VA.
Statistics on Hearing Aid and Hearing Care What is the number of hearing aid users? According to the 2022 MarketTrak data:
Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Cognitive Decline, and Balance Problems MarketTrak’s 2022 survey also revealed that anyone with hearing issues also has higher rates of common conditions and is more than 3.5 times more likely to have tinnitus, cognitive/memory problems, falls, and balance problems. Those who do not wear hearing aids have higher rates of depression due to isolation, which worsens based on the severity of hearing loss. When you have trouble hearing, and those with whom you communicate don’t try to adopt an easier style of communication, it drives the person with hearing loss to give up on trying to interact with people altogether. Studies have also shown that those with heart disease are at a higher risk of hearing loss. When your blood flow has poor circulation, oxygen can’t reach the delicate hair cells in the cochlea which damages or destroys them. Hair cells cannot regrow, so once they are destroyed it will lead to permanent hearing loss. For people with diabetes, hearing loss is twice as common than in those who don’t have hearing problems. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss for any reason, please contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers.  Are you planning to commit to your hobbies in the new year? Everyone should take on a hobby to enjoy in their spare time. Hobbies can be a significant part of our life and bring enjoyment when life gets too stressful. Consider health and safety precautions before embarking on any potentially loud hobbies that can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Woodworking If you’re interested in woodworking, whether you’re a beginner who wants to build some shelves or a seasoned woodworker who wants a canoe, wearing earplugs or earmuffs is necessary when working with power tools. Power tools and decibel output Hammer Drill: 114 dB Chain Saw: 109 dB Circular Saw: 101 dB Hand Drill: 99 dB Router: 95 dB Belt Sander: 94 dB Table Saw: 93 dB Playing an instrument Whether you are learning a new instrument or have been playing for many years, you should wear hearing protection when playing very loud instruments and take breaks in between playing. Instruments and their decibel output (when played at their loudest) French horn: 90 to 106 dB Trombone: 85 to 114 dB Flute: 85 to 111 dB Cello: 82 to 92 dB Clarinet: 92 to 103 dB Piano (normal practice): 60 to 70 dB Piano (fortissimo): 84 to 103 dB Oboe: 90 to 94 dB Swimming Hearing protection does not only include safeguarding your ears from harmful sound waves, but it’s also helpful to keep your ears clean and prevent debris from entering your ear canals. Any style of earplugs will ensure air bubbles or water that gets trapped in the ear and will stay away from the ear canal or eardrum. Water that gets trapped can affect your hearing and may cause an ear infection. Earplugs reduce noise. They cannot cancel out all noise, so if you wear them while swimming, you’ll still be able to hear a lifeguard’s whistle. Earplugs are available in many different styles and sizes. Standard foam earplugs are available at Pure Sound Hearing. If you need earplugs, a hearing test, or hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  As we wind down from this year and prepare to welcome the new year at a friend or family member’s party or an event, please remember to protect your ears from loud noises that are bound to occur.
New Year’s Eve is commonly associated with celebrating with loud music, dancing, fireworks, and alcohol. Do you ever think about how loud a cork removed from a champagne bottle can be? Even getting hit in the ear with it flying nearly 25 miles per hour can cause damage to your eardrum. A fireworks display is beautiful to watch and enjoy after the clock reaches midnight, but be aware that the bursts of noise can range from 150 to 175 decibels (dB). The average human’s listening threshold is 70-85 dB. That noise level can cause permanent damage to your hearing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should not be in an area with over 140 dB of peak sound pressure. Many people have endured some damage to their ears due to the sound of fireworks. Similar noise levels, such as live concerts, sound systems, and explosions, can cause tinnitus or permanent hearing loss. If you experience tinnitus due to fireworks noise, the phrase ‘ringing in the New Year’ can have a new meaning. The importance of Distance between You and the Source of the Sound One element of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) caused by sounds like fireworks is the range of distance a person is from the source of sounds. The closer you are from where the sound originates, the more likely you experience hearing loss. To reduce the damage that noise does to your ears, make sure you are 15-20 meters away from the sound source. Children’s hearing is much more sensitive, so keeping them at a further distance is highly recommended. Protect Your Ears with Ear Plugs Is the sound nearby also loud? Earplugs aren’t just helpful in blocking out annoying background noises. Use them to protect your ears from dangerous levels of sound. Indirect Noise Exposure Anyone who lives near a popular/loud venue could be experiencing noise disturbance. Most people will tolerate the noises during celebrations. When these events last too long throughout the night and into the early morning hours, this can be considered noise pollution. Night hours last from 11 pm to 7 am. The law allows a maximum noise level between these hours. A warning may be issued if there are complaints about the noise levels. For anyone who chooses not to expose themselves to the noise from these events, it can impact their mental and physical health. Noise pollution can raise blood pressure, causing hypertension and heart disease. Homes nearby can be protected if New Year’s Eve event organizers block out some noise by using acoustic barriers. These barriers stop noise from being heard by people who did not attend the event. If you are experiencing hearing loss caused by noise exposure or for any other reason, contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. |
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