Hearing Loss: Categories, Causes, Symptoms, Statistics & the Dangers of Not Getting Treatment10/23/2020  Hearing loss can occur in one ear or both ears. The scope of hearing loss can be mild to severe, or profound. There are a number of causes. Anyone, of any age, can experience it, but it is prevalent among people who are at least 60 years of age.
Fortunately, there are a number of solutions for hearing loss, which include hearing aids. By learning more about symptoms, causes, tests, treatments and prevention of hearing loss, you can get a clearer picture of how it affects your loved ones who you interact with. Statistics on Hearing Loss
Uncommonly known Risks of Hearing Loss Hearing loss not only affects the person who experiences it, but also the people who you interact with. Hearing loss that goes untreated influences your overall health and well-being. As mentioned in previous blog posts, studies have proven that those with hearing loss are more likely to suffer from cognitive decline, depression and social isolation. Individuals with hearing loss tend to have higher medical bills for other health related problems and a greater risk of falling. Those with hearing loss have been associated with higher rates of unemployment and lower wages earned at their jobs, due to the inability of accurately accomplishing tasks. Hearing Loss Symptoms Symptoms of hearing loss are unique for everyone. It depends on the cause of hearing loss, the type of hearing loss, and the severity of the loss. Those with presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) are more likely to experience high-frequency hearing loss. This means that sounds that are higher in pitch, like women’s or children’s voices, might be more difficult to hear. These are general symptoms of hearing loss:
Categories of Hearing Loss There are three primary types of hearing loss:
Hearing Loss Causes There are a number of reasons why hearing loss can occur. Your hearing healthcare provider needs to determine what is causing your hearing loss in order to give you the proper treatment. Risks of Hearing Loss
Uncommon Causes of Hearing Loss
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid styles and brands, for a wide range of hearing loss. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.
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 Have you ever heard the seemingly incessant sounds of a child screaming, thumping music from a teenager’s bedroom, someone who was vacuuming an entire house, or never-ending traffic noises? On a typical day, you might hear a lawnmower, barking dogs, loud sirens, or workers at a construction site.
Harmful Sounds in Your Environment Noise pollution is dangerous because it’s invisible. Most people don’t have a second thought about it. Without the proper precautions, it can be harmful to your hearing health and - in some cases - unavoidable. Define Noise Pollution Noise pollution occurs when there is excess noise that is so loud that it can damage a person’s ability to hear. As a result, their daily activities can be interrupted, whether at home, school, work, or during their downtime. Noise Pollution is a Serious Problem About 30 million Americans are regularly exposed to dangerous levels of noise. This is an increase of 10 million from the previous few years. There are millions across the globe who are affected by noise pollution. Most Common Sources of Noise Pollution This mainly depends on where you live, what your job is, and what your hobbies are. A construction worker who lives in a bustling city and regularly takes the subway is more likely to hear a lot of noise pollution than a bank teller who lives in a quiet neighborhood and typically drives alone. Generally, these are the leading sources of noise pollution.
How does noise pollution affect your health? Do you ever feel annoyed when you hear a car alarm? How about the wailing sound of an emergency siren? It’s normal to hear all of these sounds at once in large cities. It’s stress-inducing, and experiencing recurring stress is not good for your health. The noise can be distracting, harm the health of your hearing, and lead to a poor night’s sleep which affects your ability to function throughout the day. Chronic noise in your environment can lead to sleep deprivation, irritation, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), heart disease, harm to your endocrine system, higher risks of diabetes. The following are related to excessive exposure to noise:
Noise Pollution Awareness Noise pollution is just beginning to be made aware of, in addition to how it affects your hearing and overall health. There are some organizations that are working to make the world safer and quieter. Silencity, a New York City-based organization, increases awareness on the dangers of noise pollution and searches for restaurants and public areas where people can have a quiet and safe visit. Pipedown, a UK-based organization, works to eliminate music inside of restaurants and shops. Noise-free America advocates for both political and public awareness on the harmfulness of noise pollution. Protect Your Hearing from Noise Pollution Stronger initiatives to decrease noise pollution are needed in every bustling city. Here are some tips to protect your hearing and health against harmful noise pollution.
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a vast selection of hearing aid brands and styles for a wide range of hearing loss. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Each of our senses is used throughout our daily lives. If you remove one, things can drastically change. For example, with hearing loss, some conversations become more challenging to hear. Music that you once enjoyed may sound different, which is frustrating to someone with a hearing impairment.
Hearing loss is prevalent in workers, notably in workers who are exposed to dangerous noise levels in their work environment. As frequently mentioned in previous blog posts, unsafe noise levels are 85 decibels (dB) or higher. When someone needs to shout in order to communicate with a person who is an arm’s length away (approximately 3 ft.), those people are probably being exposed to very dangerous noise levels that may harm their hearing. Exposure to these unsafe noise levels and/or chemicals that impair hearing may induce occupational hearing loss or hearing loss that is connected to the work environment. Hearing Loss in the Fields of Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, and Hunting Risks of hearing loss development differ based on industry. A study was conducted to gather data on the pervasiveness of hearing loss in noise-exposed workers in the Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, and Hunting sector 2003-2012. This study examined the number of workers in this industry’s subdivision that had “material hearing impairment”, or Auditory Neuropathy. Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, and Hunting are among the top industries that have workers exposed to hazardous noise that can cause hearing loss. That’s 37% of workers who are exposed compared to 25% of workers in all of the other industries combined. Hearing loss within Forestry and Logging, a subdivision in the sector, is even more prevalent. Employees in this subdivision had a greater percentage of hearing loss (21%) than every noise-exposed industry combined (19%). Another study discovered that just 7% of non-noise-exposed workers reported difficulty with hearing. A worker’s tasks in the Forestry and Logging subdivision include:
The labor that is associated with these efforts, for instance, unlatching cables that are used to hold and move logs, expose workers to approximately 92 dBA. Using a chainsaw exposes workers to approximately 91-110 dBA. This makes up some of the highest noise exposures within this industry’s workers. The total average exposures in some professions range between 97-102 dBA. Exposure to these noises, and others, contribute to more instances of hearing loss in this industry. Under Forestry, Logging, Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products had the most widespread cases of hearing loss (36%). This illustrates the highest prevalence within the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting industries. How to Establish a Safe Work Environment for Hearing Health In order to prevent workers from losing their ability to hear, start by decreasing the noise at the source. Here are other ways to create a safer work environment for employees’ hearing health:
There are also activities in Forestry and Logging that expose workers to vibrations, which may contribute to risks of hearing loss through changes in blood flow in the inner ear. Vibration exposure can be diminished by regularly maintaining equipment and using anti-vibration chainsaws and gloves. If you, or a loved one, are in need of a hearing test and hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We will be offering curbside services. If you are visiting us for a repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  Turner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is found in one out of every 2,000 - 4,000 female births. Girls who are not developing at the same pace as their peers and experience recurring ear infections should get the child’s family doctor to test them for Turner syndrome. It is important to get an early diagnosis for proper treatment. Anyone who has this disorder is more prone to higher rates of autoimmune disorders, chronic ear infections, heart, liver, and kidney abnormalities, and hearing loss.
More Insights on Turner Syndrome In the 23 pairs of sex chromosomes within the human body, there are two sex chromosomes that separate men from women. Males have one X and one Y chromosome in their cells, whereas females feature two X chromosomes. Turner syndrome occurs when females do not have all or part of the second X chromosome. This syndrome restricts the female body from its natural growth and maturity. It may be diagnosed during pregnancy, infancy, late pre-teen, or early adolescence. Anyone who is affected by this condition may notice certain physical traits such as down-turning eyelids, short stature, low set and prominent ears, and a small jaw. Generally, a blood test is used in order to diagnose this syndrome. Turner Syndrome and Hearing Health In a study that was published in the Brazilian Journal of Otolaryngology, individuals with Turner syndrome have several issues concerning their hearing. This indicates that they should frequently get their hearing tested. The prevailing problems that occur are chronic ear infections, conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid solutions for your individual needs. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We will be offering curbside services. If you are visiting us for a repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  There was a rate of more than 55 percent of noise-induced hearing loss among Mexican employees in a cement factory, according to a recent study conducted in Mexico. In other areas of the factory, the rate reached up to 85 percent. Out of those workers, 70 percent had binaural hearing loss and 30 percent endured diminished ability to hear in one ear.
The ranges of hearing loss were between 20-30 dB to over 60 dB. There was 72 percent of employees who had binaural hearing loss between 20-30 dB at 4000 Hertz. The employees were between the ages of 18 to 55. The number of years that they worked in the factory ranged between 1 to 31. Years Worked and Subsequent Relevance The number of years was an important factor in the study. Individuals who worked between 1 to 7 years were slightly less likely to endure any range hearing loss than those who worked between 8 to 31 years. The first group showed a risk of 50 percent, and the second group had a rate of approximately 70 percent. In the crushing, crude milling, and cement milling areas, there were noise levels that reached over 90 dB. The greatest percentage of workers who had hearing damage, at 85 percent, were those in the calcination area. Even though this was not the loudest environment, employees needed to navigate through all of the other areas before arriving in this area. What is the Effect of Decibels? The study indicated that 65 percent of employees who were exposed to noise levels that reached over 90 dB, suffered from hearing loss. Among these individuals who were exposed to noise levels from 85 to 90 dB, 44 percent had problems with their hearing. Hearing Protections that need to be Implemented Being a loud work environment is dangerous to your hearing. An 8-hour workday with exposure to 85 dB, is the highest noise level permitted in the workplace. Employers must provide hearing protection for employees and hearing evaluations. Steps should be taken at the noise source and other regulations should be enforced in order to reduce noise levels in the workplace if the suggested maximum noise levels are exceeded. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing work-related noise-induced hearing loss, or any other type of hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a number of hearing aid solutions that can be programmed for your specific needs. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  When you get a cold or flu, it makes you feel miserable. Your ears, nose and throat are all connected to each other, so when one area experiences a problem, the other areas do too. Pressure in your ears is one of the symptoms that occur as a result of a condition that affects your nose, throat or sinuses.
Ear Pressure There is a small pathway that connects your middle ear with their throat. This is known as the Eustachian tube. This tube balances the pressure that builds up in your middle ear by opening whenever you sneeze, swallow or yawn. This stops air pressure and fluid building up in your ear canal, which is positioned behind your eardrum. If the Eustachian tube becomes clogged, sounds may become muffled and you might not hear very clearly. You may also feel pain, pressure, or a fullness in your ears. Side effects from allergies, sinus infections, colds or flus, can create a partial blockage in the openings of the Eustachian tube. Inflammation tissue and mucus that is secreted are signs of dysfunction in the Eustachian tube. If you travel by air or go up in elevated altitudes, this can also cause malfunctions to your Eustachian tube. Issues regarding your sinuses As previously mentioned, your ears, nose, throat and sinuses are interconnected. If there is an issue with one area, it can affect another area. Congested sinuses can lead to pressure and feelings of fullness in your middle ear. Common causes of sinus congestion:
Remedies to relieve sinus congestion and pressure:
Fluid Buildup If there is an issue with your drainage tubes, fluid may buildup in your ears. This flaw can lead to trapped fluid behind your eardrum. Here are some possible symptoms when fluid becomes trapped:
Root causes:
It is vital to determine what is stopping the tubes from properly draining fluid. If this issue goes untreated, the fluid buildup behind your ear can lead to a rupture. How to remove fluid from your ear canals:
Earwax buildup This occurs when wax (cerumen) is pushed deep and becomes impacted within your ear canal or obstructs the entire width of the canal. Earwax blockage can lead to hearing loss, dizziness, pain in the ear, feeling of fullness in the ear, pressure and tinnitus. Cleaning your ears with a cotton swab can inadvertently lead to blocked up ears. Hearing aids or earplugs can also lead to more earwax buildup. The best, and safest method to extract earwax from your ears is by flushing warm water or a saline solution in your ear canal for a few minutes. An irrigation kit may be used. After the water makes the wax softer, it will make its way out to the outer ear where you can wipe it away. Allergies Allergies are another possible cause of ear congestion. Antihistamines and decongestants can relieve ear pressure caused by allergies or other symptoms. Antihistamines can be sold over-the-counter or prescribed by your healthcare provider. Traveling by Air During takeoffs and landings, the sudden shift in air pressure can lead to a change between air pressure in your middle ear and your surroundings. The imbalance stops your eardrum from vibrating when it should be. Pain, feelings of fullness and pressure in the ear can all be signs of airplane ears. How to treat Airplane Ears:
Middle Ear and Outer Ear Infections Middle ear infections (otitis media) can lead to many different symptoms like dizziness, hearing loss, pain in the ears. The cause of middle ear infections are viruses that induce respiratory infections. An outer ear infection (otitis externa) is known as swimmer’s ear. They are generally caused by water that becomes trapped in your ear. This is an ideal condition for bacteria to grow and thrive. Usually, ear infections will clear up on their own. Pain and other symptoms can be relieved with ear drops and pain medications. If your symptoms get worse, even after treating them from home, contact your healthcare provider. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need hearing aid service, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member from our office will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  There are a multitude of reasons why a person can lose some or all of their ability to hear, from birth or genetic conditions to a sustained injury.
In recent studies, there have been some cases where people who have severe headaches, particularly migraines, are more likely to encounter problems with their hearing. This research indicates that there is a more decisive relationship between migraines and sudden hearing loss. Anyone who experiences persistent or debilitating migraines, should regularly get a hearing test. Migraines can be its own problem, but when it simultaneously occurs with other conditions like hearing loss, the outcome can be relentless. Migraines Most people have never experienced a migraine headache. According to the National Institute of Health, about 12% of Americans suffer from migraines. Migraines can have much more severe symptoms than the average headache. These symptoms can be induced by alcohol consumption, dehydration, or fatigue. Here are some critical symptoms of migraines, or secondary headaches:
During a migraine, you may experience changes in your vision, which could range from blurry sights to seeing auras (bright spots or lines). Feeling pain on the side of your head is also a common symptom. Some migraines can be affected by sound rather than bright lights. Other migraines can be brought about due to stress or anxiety. The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Migraines Even though migraines can be their own separate problem, they can also lead to other health issues like hearing loss. In a study that was conducted by Egypt’s Assiut University Department of Neurology and Psychology, migraines are a neurological disease that can directly affect how the brain responds to sound over time. This could be the result of poor blood flow or lack thereof, due to the way in which migraines impact brain function. Hemiplegic migraines can be physically debilitating, and may be more likely to cause hearing loss. What Type of Hearing Loss can be caused by Migraines? Researchers from Assiut University and Taipei Veterans General Hospital found that people who suffered from migraines are about two times as likely to develop sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). This is a rapid form of hearing loss that can take place in one ear or both ears. It may occur gradually in the course of many days or it can happen immediately. SSHL does not have physical blockage. People who get migraines tend to experience SSHL. This implies that the connection between hearing loss and migraines needs more research. Migraines are obviously not the singular cause of hearing loss, but most people are unaware that it is a potential risk. Treating Hearing Loss that is caused by Migraines If you are currently experiencing migraines, including the type that amplifies sound, get treated for it. Getting help for your migraines might reduce or eliminate your chances of being diagnosed with SSHL. If you have migraines and hearing loss that occurs suddenly, get medical treatment right away. Sudden hearing loss can be caused by head injuries or infections. If you notice a loss in your ability to hear, you can talk to a hearing instrument specialist who will help you choose a hearing aid option that works best for you. Hearing aids can help to preserve the hearing abilities that you still have, while slowing or stopping it from getting worse down the road. Immediate treatment showed that 85% of individuals who have SSHL, can regain their hearing. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aids for a wide range of hearing loss. This is a friendly reminder that our offices are only open by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Being infected with the mumps can last for a couple of weeks, but there are lifelong side effects - specifically for your hearing health. There has been a rise of this virus since 2015. In the winter of 2019, an onset of this virus in the Northeastern region of the U.S. urged public health officials to advise parents to vaccinate their children and themselves in order to slow down the spread of this disease.
The Mumps The mumps are part of the same family of viruses that are known to produce measles and a number of respiratory infections. It can quickly spread from person to person via infected saliva - so when a person coughs or sneezes. It usually takes up to two weeks for a person to show signs of illness after they’ve been exposed. The symptoms of Mumps
What complications can occur? Other than hearing loss, the mumps can lead to inflammation and swelling in the brain (including membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord), breasts, ovaries, pancreas and testicles. Most of these problems are very uncommon. How can the mumps induce hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the more startling symptoms of the mumps. It’s still uncertain as to how exactly mumps cause hearing loss. Some specialists believe that it can lead to a damaged cochlea - the snail-shaped structure inside your ear that stores the stereocilia and stria vascularis. The stereocilia, A.K.A. the tiny hair cells, convert sound waves into nerve impulses. The brain then interprets those signals as sound. The stria vascularis circulates blood to the inner ear. The auditory nerves may also become damaged, which can affect a person’s ability to hear. Anyone who experiences hearing loss due to side effects of mumps probably have sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss usually occurs in one ear, which is known as unilateral hearing loss or single-sided deafness (SSD). Normally, this type of hearing loss is reversible, but if left untreated it can become severe and permanent. A child can lose most of their ability to hear in one ear. Measle and rubella may also induce sensorineural hearing loss. Healthy hearing can’t be restored, but there are ways to help with hearing and communication: Hearing aids: These devices might be useful if you experience mild-to-moderate hearing loss. A hearing instrument specialist can help you choose the best hearing aid style and brand that works best with you and your lifestyle. Bone-anchored hearing devices: These could be a possible solution if you experience SSD. This is a surgically embedded electrode array device that circumvents the damaged cochlea, and creates a direct stimulation of the auditory nerve. American Sign Language (ASL): This is a language that has its own grammar and syntax. It utilizes body language, facial expressions and hand gestures. Cued speech: This is a type of sign language that utilizes hand gestures and mouth shapes. Hearing loss that is caused by mumps is uncommon. Studies show that 1 - 4% of those who are infected with mumps end up with hearing loss. Prevent the Mumps The best way to prevent getting the mumps is through immunization. Discuss vaccinations for your children and adults in your family who haven’t had the mumps yet and have not received a vaccination - or are in need of a booster shot. Mumps is a disease that arises during childhood. Parents are recommended to get their children immunized between 12-15 months of age, a booster shot at 4-6 years of age and another booster during their teenage years. The vaccine is usually given to a child three times - around a child’s first birthday, when they reach kindergarten, and again during high school or college. The final booster is vital. Studies have shown that anyone who only had one or two mumps vaccines were at higher risk of getting the mumps than those who received all three boosters. Anyone who was born prior to 1957, and has not had the mumps should talk to their primary healthcare physician about receiving an immunization, particularly if they are frequently in a high-risk environment - like a hospital or school, or near the epicenter of a current mumps outbreak. Do you speculate about hearing loss? If you, or a family member, are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid devices from top name brands. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations. What can Parents do to Protect Their Children’s Hearing Health When Frequently Using Headphones?8/10/2020  When it comes to hearing health, the volume isn’t the only factor to take into consideration. The length of time spent listening to audio should also be of concern.
Kids are constantly wearing their headphones these days. It’s become more prevalent since everyone has been home in quarantine. Due to families being together more often under one roof, everyone still needs their own space. Many will resort to listening to music or podcasts with headphones, or earbuds. Listening at a loud volume, for too long, can deteriorate your ability to hear. Use appropriate safety measures to avoid hearing loss, challenges with communication, tinnitus, feelings of fullness in the ear, sensitivity to sound and physical pain. Unfortunately, hearing protection has not been more widely taught to people. You can learn from the lifestyles of older generations who now experience hearing loss. Many people are more concerned about their children’s screen time, appropriate social media usage, and video games. Your doctor may be more concerned about smokers in your home, the amount of TV that is watched, their diet and exercise routines. They never show concern for volume levels of their audio or how often kids use headphones. Hearing tests are generally not conducted when you go to a doctor’s visit unless you specifically ask for one. If your kids wear headphones while playing video games or listening to music, and they can’t hear anything that you say, that means the volume is too loud. How safe are headphones designed for children? Headphones for children are generally not safe for children to use. The highest volume that they can reach up to is 85 decibels (dB). The dangerous exposure levels do not simply depend on the intensity, but also the duration and frequency. Time and volume levels are both important to take into account. The 85 dB is used as one of the few ways to regulate noise. Some headphones that are marketed for children - the devices that have volume limits and promote their safety - highlight the comfort of the ear pads and lengthy battery life, so that they can wear them all day long. So while it’s supposedly safe to turn the volume up, it is the consistent amount of time exposed to the significantly lower volume that damages your hearing health. Safe measurements to listening The amount of safe listening is different for each person. On average, the safe limit for the majority of headphone users for an unlimited amount of listening time is 70 dB. Brian Fligor, Ph.D., a pediatric audiologist in Boston and Rick Neitzel, Ph.D., an associate professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Michigan. Both Dr. Fligor and Dr. Neitzel consulted the World Health Organization’s Make Listening Safe program, which increases awareness of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). If you are exposed to noise for eight hours per day, a generous limit would be 83 dB, but 75 dB is more reasonable. Dr. Fligor suggests that a strict maximum recommendation may turn people off from well-meaning advice. Sound waves are not steady. They ebb and flow with various frequencies, harmonics and reverberations. Noise exposure is cumulative. If a child loves to use their headphones and also plays an instrument, mows the lawn or strikes on pots and pans, their dosage of noise goes up. You can make your child wear protective earmuffs or even earplugs for older children. Earplugs for younger children could be a choking hazard. It is impossible to predict whose ears can withstand the noise and whose ears cannot. According to Bryan Pollard, the president of Hyperacusis Research, which funds research on noise-induced pain, the same amount of noise may have no impact on some people and cause severe hearing damage to others. Damage caused by consistent low-level noise, just like gradual hearing loss caused by natural aging (presbycusis) can come about without warning. Each person has to decide for themself how much of their hearing that they are willing to risk. How can you determine if you are destroying your ears? Unfortunately, it’s typically difficult to know until it is much too late. Shifts in your ability to hear can happen slowly, and you aren’t going to know which noise that you become exposed to winds up permanently damaging hearing health. Hearing loss does not simply mean that sounds get quieter. Communicating becomes more challenging. Sounds can be heard but may become distorted. Speech noises can be unclear or muffled; music may sound dull for harsh. Conversations with others can turn into a frustrating and stressful endeavor. Tinnitus, a perceived beeping, buzzing, or ringing noise, affects 10 to 20 percent of the population. It normally takes less noise exposure to induce tinnitus than hearing loss. Tinnitus is more difficult to manage than hearing loss. It’s usually accompanied by feelings of pressure or a blockage in the ear, known as aural fullness. A symptom of hearing loss that’s even worse than tinnitus is hyperacusis. This is when sounds become so sensitive to you, that surrounding noises seem unbearable. It can become so progressive that the simple clinking noise of your dishes during a meal can induce a lingering pain in your ears. Parenting advice on making listening safer for children Make sure you cannot hear sounds seeping through your children’s headphones. If you can, that means it’s too loud. Also, occasionally check the volume levels or utilize a lock to control them. Your child should be able to hear from you whenever you speak to them. Make sure that they take intervals between listening. You can use noise-canceling headphones. They get rid of background noises, for example, while sitting through a car ride. Your child will be able to hear without the need to increase the volume level. These headphones are not to be mistaken for volume-limiting headphones or earmuffs that block out noise. Those are different accessories that are used in different situations. At least every three years, children should get a hearing test. Standard audiograms and a speech-in-noise test can identify prospective issues. Also, if you notice that your child is responding with, “What?” too frequently, then it’s probably time to get them tested for their hearing. Any signs of ear symptoms, even if they are temporary, are not to be taken lightly. If your child experiences tinnitus (beeping, buzzing, ringing noise with no outside source), hearing muffled sounds, feelings of fullness in the ear, fluttering, sensitivity to sounds, hearing sounds that are distorted, or pain these are all warnings of impending hearing loss. Get help immediately. Hearing loss can quickly happen, and it’s best to get treatment as soon as possible to avoid or slow down any further loss. If you, or a loved one, are in need of a free hearing test and consultation, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids. We offer a variety of hearing aids for individuals of all ages. This is a friendly reminder that our offices are only open by appointment and for essential visits at this time. An essential visit includes new hearing fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We kindly ask that you wait in your car while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to retrieve them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  The progress of research on coronavirus has been swift, but there is still so much that is unknown about the virus. One of the unanswered questions are the possible long-term side-effects for anyone with the disease.
There is more and more information which shows that COVID-19 isn’t just a lung infection. There might be long-term consequences to an infected person’s health, other than their respiratory system. This includes health problems with their cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems. There may be suggestions for health regimens that may appear to be unrelated to COVID-19. For instance, there have been reports of blood clots, digestive issues, headaches and an inflammation appearance of the COVID toe. Research, and past cases, has shown that viruses like the measles, meningitis and mumps may induce hearing loss. COVID-19 can induce peripheral neuropathy - deteriorating the nerves that transmit information to and from the brain. Theoretically, COVID-19 may lead to auditory neuropathy - a hearing disease in which the cochlea continues to function but the transmission along the auditory nerve to the brain is damaged. Individuals who experience auditory neuropathy have trouble hearing if there is too much background noise, like in a bar or restaurant. There has been a connection between auditory neuropathy and Guillain-Barré syndrome - a severe immune disease that impacts the central and peripheral nerves. The coronavirus has also been linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Low Evidence, but Preparation is Necessary News reports on hearing loss and COVID-19 have so far been unproven. It is crucial not to diagnose hearing loss where it doesn’t exist, or where it’s coincidental based on the high rates of the virus among the population. The research could reveal the beginning of our understanding of this health issue. It’s important to be prepared in order to act accordingly. A physician in Manchester, England, surveyed COVID-19 patients following their release from the hospital. Three out of 25 patients have reported issues with their hearing. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a wide variety of hearing aid solutions for your individual needs. These include hearing aids from HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Tinnitus is the perceived sound of incessant buzzing, clicking, hissing, ringing or whistling noises.
Are you one of the millions of people across the globe who experience tinnitus? If so, you are well aware of how it affects every aspect of your daily life. If untreated, this condition can result in depression and stress. According to the American Tinnitus Association, there are millions of Americans who suffer from tinnitus. With a vast number of people who experience these symptoms, it’s important to discredit any false information. Learning about the facts of tinnitus can guide you to find the appropriate treatments that can help to reduce symptoms and improve your overall health. Myth #1: Tinnitus is a disease. Tinnitus is a symptom of a hidden medical condition, NOT a disease. Brain damage, dangerous noise levels, heart disease, or a traumatic brain injury can all cause tinnitus. Tinnitus, which can lead to hearing loss, can be induced by certain medications. There is currently no known cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments that can help reduce the symptoms. Myth #2: Tinnitus is not real. Some might think that the symptoms of tinnitus are imagined, or that it’s just all in their head. There aren’t any tests that will indicate that you have tinnitus, but that doesn’t make the symptoms any less real. There are millions of people across the globe who suffer from mild to severe cases of tinnitus. Myth #3: I can’t do anything about my tinnitus symptoms. There is ongoing research and the treatments are always changing and getting better. A hearing healthcare specialist can provide solutions to help treat your symptoms and make them more manageable. Myth #4: Only people who have hearing loss can get tinnitus. Even though it’s true that people who experience hearing loss can also suffer from tinnitus, a person can also get tinnitus if they do not have hearing loss. Exposure to blaring noises from concerts, an explosion, or loud machinery, may lead to experiencing a brief ringing sensation in the ears. As previously mentioned, there are certain medications that can induce tinnitus. Even if you do not believe that you have hearing loss, it’s still a good idea to get a check up from a hearing healthcare provider. Myth #5: Tinnitus will disappear if I have a healthier diet. Some have made claims that additives and food, like alcohol, caffeine and sodium can make symptoms of tinnitus, worse. Consuming any of these items is typically not the main cause of tinnitus. Your overall health requires a balanced diet, exercise, and adequate sleep. Your tinnitus has to be treated individually. Reducing symptoms of tinnitus MIGHT include changes to your diet and exercise routines, but they will not cure you of your symptoms. Myth #6: Everyone who has tinnitus will end up going deaf. Even though tinnitus and hearing loss usually occur together, they are two separate syndromes. If you have tinnitus, it does not mean that you also have hearing loss. If you have some hearing loss, it does not automatically indicate that you will be completely deaf. Hearing aid devices can simultaneously help to keep your residual hearing intact and help drown out tinnitus symptoms. Myth #7: Hearing aids cannot help relieve tinnitus. The latest advancements in hearing aids, actually can tackle the problems of tinnitus and hearing loss by enhancing external sounds. This masks internal sounds caused by tinnitus. Other methods of tinnitus relief may include better diets, exercise, meditation, and managing stress. Myth #8: Tinnitus is only caused by listening to loud music, or media, through earbuds. Listening to music at dangerous noise levels can lead to tinnitus, but there can be other causes. Tinnitus can affect anyone, but there isn’t always a clear reason. The risks are not eliminated, simply because you don’t regularly listen to loud music/media or listen to these things through earbuds. Myth #9: There’s no harm in having tinnitus. Usually tinnitus is harmless. For some, it can be a sign for an underlying health issue, like acoustic neuroma, heart disease or high blood pressure. Don’t ignore the symptoms. Get checked out for it. For anyone who has tinnitus that is severe, chronic and/or causes distress, it can reduce their quality of life, and affect personal and professional relationships. There have been cases where some people’s tinnitus symptoms have led them to experience suicidal thoughts. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing tinnitus, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a consultation. We offer a wide variety of hearing aid solutions that can be tailored to your specific needs by our hearing instrument specialists. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need hearing aid service, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member from our office will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  About 78 percent of farmers in the U.S. believe that they experience hearing loss. This is a much higher number of individuals compared to other groups.
Working on a farm every day exposes workers to noises from heavy machinery, squealing pigs, tractors and ventilation systems. As a result, farmers are at a high risk of losing their hearing. Excessive Levels of Noise are Heard on a Daily Basis A study asked 5,000 farmers about their hearing over a course of 10 years. The research concluded that 92 percent of these farmers had been exposed to excessive levels of noise while working on a farm. Due to this dangerous exposure, 78 percent had issues with their hearing. What are the Average Farm Noise Levels? As previously mentioned in this blog, the threshold for hearing loss is 85 decibels (dB).
A Lack of Hearing Protection Anyone who works in a noisy environment should regularly wear hearing protection. In the study, only 44 percent of men stated that they regularly use hearing protection. In Sweden, 40 percent of male farmers reported using protection for their hearing. About 78 percent of women who farmed were more likely to use hearing protection. These studies verified how significant it is to wear protection for your hearing health. Fifty farmers who regularly use protection for their hearing, were paired up with non-users. The outcome showed that there was much less hearing loss in farmers who wore hearing protection. Additional ways to Protect Hearing Other than wearing hearing protection, it’s also important to limit your noise exposure. According to Niklas Adolfsson, from the Swedish Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, noises can be reduced on farms by installing sound insulation inside of a barn and choosing the quietest equipment when investing in tools/machinery. Other Effects The loud noise levels do not only create a high risk of hearing loss, but they can also be a huge distraction, which can lead to mental and physical fatigue. Anyone who has hearing loss, needs to use more of their energy in order to carry out their duties. In this case, farmers tend to expend more energy so that they can do their job in a noisy climate. This can lead to more work related injuries. If you, or someone that you know, are a Lancaster County farmer who experiences hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid styles and brands for a wide range of hearing loss. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  It is common knowledge that overeating is unhealthy, especially over a long period of time. Obesity is a major health condition that is not only linked to diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease, but it is also a factor that can cause hearing loss. Out of about 48 million Americans, roughly 20 percent of the population have hearing loss. In adults it’s almost twice that number. Approximately 93 million Americans are obese. This is a serious health concern.
The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Obesity Studies have indicated that there is a link between obesity and hearing loss, but that precise connection is still being studied. It is hypothesized that the connection between the two factors affects the circulatory system. Hearing loss has also been associated with diabetes and high blood pressure - two other factors that are tied to obesity. Ears detect sound with stereocilia, tiny hairs located in the inner ears. Stereocilia require a steady flow of blood and oxygen in order to properly function. Obesity causes the blood flow to become restricted. As a result, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood throughout the entire body. This will cause your inner ears to not function properly, due to the lack of blood flow. This can cause irreversible damage to the ear. Diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure impact the inner ear in a similar way: each of these diseases adversely affects your circulation. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital as you get older. Age-related hearing loss is connected to a high fat mass index. During adolescence, your body’s metabolism was more efficient and worked quickly. This is why it’s important to try and keep up with healthy eating habits that were followed at a younger age. Your hearing health, and general health will benefit from a healthy diet and exercise. Obesity, Hearing Loss, and Treatment If your hearing loss was caused by obesity, you won’t get it back, but it’s good to maintain hearing health precautions and take care of your overall health to preserve the hearing abilities that you still have. Get your hearing tested to determine your range of hearing loss. Permanent damage to your hearing may be treated with a hearing aid or assistive listening device. If your hearing loss is not too severe, talk to your doctor before your health gets worse. You can ask for suggestions to make an exercise and diet plan to reduce the impact of obesity on your hearing health and overall well being. Your doctor will most likely recommend a cardio intensive exercise routine, which will circulate your blood and improve your general health. You will probably benefit from this by having better mental health, which can help reduce depression. Preventing Obesity-Related Hearing Loss Maintain a healthy diet and regularly exercise to avoid obesity-related health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Following a healthy diet will keep your hearing healthy in check. You can talk to a nutritionist to help you achieve these goals. The nutritionist will encourage you to consume foods with the proper balance of nutrients. These will include foods that are high in iron. A lack of iron in your diet can worsen your hearing loss and lead to tinnitus. Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Modern life is a fast-paced world that puts us up against many challenges. The stress caused by this velocity can wear you down if you don’t take time out of your day to effectively manage it. Stress can lead to unexpected obstacles, such as a poor night’s rest that can interfere with your ability to accomplish tasks at work.
The Fallout of Stress The human body receives a rush of energy or strength by releasing chemicals into the bloodstream in order to handle stress. This is a normal reaction from our bodies. It supports us through demanding moments, but excessive amounts of stress can deteriorate and weaken your body. Stress isn’t just emotionally tiring, it can lead to additional health problems by diminishing our immune system, cause anxiety attacks, diabetes, headaches, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal complications, migraines, and more. The Connection between Stress and Hearing Loss The body’s response to stress leads to adrenaline being overproduced. This causes a restriction of blood flow to the ears, which is how it affects a person’s ability to hear. Delicate hair cells, or cilia, are found in the inner ear. They need constant blood flow in order to receive the proper amount of oxygen and nutrients. Each day when stress builds up, it may lead to a disruption of the blood flow to the rest of the body. Without steady circulation, these hair cells can become permanently damaged. Hearing loss can occur if an individual becomes overstressed to the point where blood no longer flows to the ears. Stress, Hypertension and Hearing Loss Hypertension is high blood pressure that occurs alongside stress. There are serious consequences of these symptoms that can harm the health of your hearing. High blood pressure weakens blood vessels, which affects the rest of your body - including your ears. If there is damage to the blood vessels in your ears, your hearing can be impaired. Recurring episodes of stress that manifest in the form of hypertension normally cause hearing loss and tinnitus. Hearing loss symptoms that are caused by stress include feelings of fullness, blockage, pain or pressure in the ear(s). Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Over the years studies have associated stress with tinnitus. It is both a cause and a symptom. Tinnitus is the perceived buzzing, hissing or ringing noise in your ears when there is no outside source of the sound. It is normally caused by excessive exposure to loud noises or even some medications. It can linger and then fade away, but it has a tendency to occur when a person is feeling stressed. A study found that 53% of patients who have tinnitus claimed that their symptoms began amid a stressful point of their lives, or became severe during a stressful period. It’s a continuous series of stress that induces tinnitus, which leads to more stress, and that stress leads to more episodes of tinnitus. How You Can Relax If you experience hearing loss that was caused by stress, you first need to lower those levels of stress in order to thwart more damaging effects. Pause everything for a moment. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, rest your mind. You can stop for 20 minutes and simply close your eyes. Engage in regular exercises. Stress impacts your brain as well as your body. If your body feels great, your mind will too. Exercise and other physical activity create endorphins (chemicals in your brain that are essentially used as natural painkillers), and they improve sleep, which lowers stress levels. It only takes 20 minutes of exercise each day to increase your blood flow, which in turn will improve the health of your mind and body. Discuss ways to reduce stress with a friend or healthcare professional. Talking to someone who has experienced what you have, or has credible knowledge, can encourage you to get through it. Mediation. This can help your body and mind focus and relax. You can go out to a quiet place in nature, listen to calming music or a mediation podcast. Participate in your favorite activities. Take out time each day to do something that you enjoy. It can be as simple as listening to your favorite music or reading a book. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, and/or tinnitus, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid solutions that can be customized for your particular needs. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. One of our staff members will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Just about every surfer has shared stories about the injuries they got while surfing gnarly waves. It may have been a head bunt with their board, a hand cut on a fin, or even a dislocated joint from a huge wave. While these are rare injuries, they do help paint a more interesting narrative.
Surfer’s Ear: How it happens and who can get it This blog has frequently discussed swimmer's ear, but there’s a syndrome of surfing that is more prevalent, yet rarely acknowledged. It could actually be more dangerous. This syndrome is known as surfer’s ear (exostosis). Surfer’s ear occurs when the ear(s) become(s) irritated from cold water. This normally happens as a result of long exposure to cold water. Surfers, old and young, can experience it. What happens is, over time, the ear canal becomes irritated and as a result bone will start to grow in that area. This causes the canal to become more and more narrow, which leads to hearing loss. Ultimately, the bone growth becomes very obvious because a person with this problem can experience complete hearing loss. The only treatment for this issue is cutting off or shaving the bone growth. This procedure would need a recovery period of six to eight weeks. Surfer’s ear doesn’t just lead to hearing loss, but the bone growths will trap water which leads to frequent infections. This leads to high risks for people who spend a lot of time in the water to surf. Wetsuits are providing surfers with the opportunity to go into the water almost year round, raising the risks for surfers of all ages. About one in three surfers experience this problem, and if left untreated it can lead to pain and severe hearing loss. Are there Treatments for Surfer’s Ear? The only real cure for surfer’s ear is surgery. It’s best to take preventative measures, like wearing earplugs, prior to going into the water. You can also try these Swedish company's earplugs that are specially designed for surfers. Sound waves can be heard, while the real waves stay out. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, for any reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  This Fourth of July will probably look different than past celebrations. It’s still important to take extra safety precautions, especially if you have hearing loss. Whether you need to maintain social distancing between yourself, friends and family, wear a face mask, or wear hearing protection, there are measures that can be taken to care for your overall health.
In preparation for your festivities, here are some facts about noise and healthy hearing tips to consider. Fireworks are at the center of the Fourth of July. Please be aware that damage to your hearing can happen due to excessive noise exposure. It only takes one short burst of loud noise to possibly cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Fireworks can generate the same amount of noise that a jet engine produces. That’s somewhere between 125-155 decibels (dB). As mentioned in previous blog posts, 85 dB is the threshold of noise that a human can tolerate before it causes hearing damage. Being in close proximity to fireworks can instantly cause hearing loss. Faint noises: 30 - 40 dB. These include sounds like a whisper or a quiet room. Moderate noises: 50 - 60 dB. These include sounds such as moderate rainfall and normal conversations. Very loud noises: 70 - 90 dB. These include vacuum cleaners, alarm clocks, city traffic, hair/hand dryers, motorcycles, truck traffic. Extremely loud noises: 100 - 130 dB. These include noises from power tools, a lawnmower, a snowmobile, or rock concerts. Painful noises: 140 dB or more. These include noises from fireworks or gunshots. When sounds are heard the stereocilia (delicate hair cells) located in our inner ear vibrate. This creates nerve signals that are interpreted by the brain as sound. It is possible to experience too many vibrations in the stereocilia. Exposure to loud noises can harm to these hair cells, and lead to sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. The first cells that become permanently damaged are the ones that vibrate the fastest. These are the ones that provide clearer higher-frequency sounds, such as chirping birds or the sound of children and some women speaking. You can still enjoy fireworks without risking your hearing health. It’s best to see a professional fireworks display, and maintain an appropriate distance to enjoy the visual aspects. If you are not sure how loud the fireworks will be, or won’t be able to enjoy the show at a distance, carry some earplugs with you to wear. Your earplugs need to closely fit your ear canals and seal off as much noise as possible in order to sufficiently block out excessive noises. Read the instructions on your earplug packaging for proper usage. Earplugs are an inexpensive and simple way to protect your ears. Here are some warning signs if you are exposed to dangerous noises, and experience hearing loss:
If you are experiencing hearing loss that was caused by any loud noises, like fireworks, or another reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Our hearing instrument specialists will go over the best treatment options with you. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Are you unable to hear as well as you usually do? There are many factors that can contribute to hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss, or even viral infections.
Your hearing loss could be temporary or permanent, based on how it was caused. If You Experienced Sudden Hearing Loss, Get Treated Immediately. If you have quickly, or suddenly, lost your hearing in one or both ears - and you cannot narrow it down to any clear causes - seek medical attention as soon as possible. You might have harmful inflammation that can be treated with steroids. If you wait too long, or do not seek medical treatment, the hearing loss could become permanent. Do You Need to Seek Medical Treatment as Soon as Possible? Follow this checklist as a guide for knowing whether you need immediate medical treatment:
If you responded “No” to each of these questions, it might be sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), which immediately needs to be checked out by a medical professional. Frequent Causes of Temporary Hearing Loss Overall, temporary hearing loss does not just abruptly occur. It happens slowly in a span of days or weeks by the time you notice it. Temporary hearing loss could be caused by a blockage located in your ear canal, or a similar health-related condition. Here are some possible cause: An Ear Infection In some cases, a lousy cold can lead to an ear infection. This could then lead to muffled hearing. This particular condition usually occurs in children, but it can happen at any age. Ear infections tend to heal on their own, but you should see your healthcare provider if the infection needs to be treated with an antibiotic. Excess Earwax The tiny hairs and glands located inside your inner ear create cerumen, A.K.A. earwax. Your earwax should naturally fall out of your ears, or by gently washing your ears. In many cases, it will build up and obstruct your ear canals. When this occurs, your ears may feel plugged, you might experience tinnitus, or some loss in your hearing. If the wax cannot gently be removed, with a warm washcloth or an earwax removal kit, consult a hearing healthcare provider or your doctor. Do not use sharp objects or cotton swabs to remove the wax. These items may push the earwax deeper into the canal which could puncture the eardrum. Vigorous Exercises or Stress Did you know that certain exercise routines can induce hearing loss or tinnitus? Overexerting yourself well past your personal fitness level could result in temporary hearing loss. Usually in these instances, your hearing should go back to normal within a few hours. See your healthcare professional if the symptoms linger. Severe stress can also lead to issues with hearing and tinnitus. Blaring Noises It is very common to temporarily lose your sense of hearing or suffer from tinnitus after being exposed to loud noise, whether it’s from a rock concert or if you operate a loud power tool. This type of hearing loss is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Your hearing will probably go back to normal after the concert or after you finish using the power tool, but it’s always a good idea to wear earplugs or earmuffs as a precaution. It’s crucial that you do everything possible to prevent hearing damage. Repeated and extensive exposure to loud noises can result in permanent hearing loss. What are the Prevailing causes of Permanent Hearing Loss?
If you believe that your ability to hear has changed, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Our hearing instrument specialists can go over the best treatment options with you. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss can appear alongside a number of disorders, such as immune-mediated inner ear disease, Ménière's disease, and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). It’s a difficult condition to manage because of the different fields of diagnoses and researchers’ understanding of underlying causes are mainly theoretical. As a result, there are very few treatment options.
Causes and Related Disorders of Fluctuating Sensorineural Hearing Loss Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is a rare disease that causes rapid and progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) that fluctuates for weeks or months. The progression of this hearing loss occurs too quickly, therefore it is not considered to be caused by aging but it is also too slow to be considered sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). AIED can manifest as part of other autoimmune-mediated syndromes, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or as part of Cogan’s syndrome, which includes inflammatory ocular symptoms (conjunctivitis, glaucoma, or uveitis) along with hearing loss and vestibular symptoms. It’s been recently discovered that autoinflammatory disorders play a factor in fluctuating hearing loss. Theories have been discussed on the underlying process of this disease which cover circulating immune complexes to conditioned immune cell-mediated damage in AIED vs. dysfunction of the body’s existing immune defense system or the innate immunity. The reason why proper diagnostic measurements for these diseases are difficult to grasp is because it needs audiologic proof of fluctuating hearing loss and a positive response to immunosuppression. SSNHL is a broad term that is used to describe hearing loss that occurs within a brief period of time - under 72 hours. Most instances are considered unilateral with no defined cause. There are three theories on the underlying cause of SSNHL:
For people who are smokers, have a history of smoking, or have hearing loss that was the result of vigorous activity and may cause trauma to the cochlea, the first two theories are possible. In other people who do not have these risk factors, the viral theory - which suggests that severe infections or reactivation causes inflammation and membrane damage - may be a possibility. This theory was backed up by clinical studies that indicated more levels of specific viral antibodies, in vitro animal research, and temporal bone biopsies that revealed atrophy occurring in the inner ear. The causes can be classified under:
Ménière's disease is another class of disorders that are characterized by variables of the following symptoms:
Ménière's disease is defined as a condition with two or more impulsive episodes of vertigo that endures for more than 20 minutes, but less than 12 hours, an audiogram that indicates low - to medium - frequency sensorineural hearing loss in one ear at any point, and fluctuating aural symptoms like aural fullness, hearing loss, tinnitus. It usually occurs in one ear, but it may begin in one ear and then affect the other ear. It rarely starts by being found in both ears at the same time. Before the final diagnosis of Ménière's disease is made, other possible causes, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or vestibular migraine, need to be dismissed. Contributing Factors
Studies of Epidemiology indicate that some cases of Ménière's disease could be caused by an irregular mutation or an autosomal (any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome) dominant inheritance. Allergy-linked Ménière's disease is induced through environmental or food allergies. The theory is that systemic hypersensitivity to allergens could result in inflammation to the inner ear, which would then cause Ménière's disease. There are many medical and surgical treatments for vestibular and balance problems, fluctuating hearing loss, but they are often inadequate and do not help prevent inevitable hearing loss. Hearing aids could be the best solution to this problem. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus or aural fullness, or episodic vertigo please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  General Hearing Loss Statistics
Hearing loss is defined as the inability to hear sounds at 25 decibels or under in speech. This usually leads to problems with comprehending conversations and hearing particular sounds. About 48 million Americans have some range of hearing loss. That’s more than 20 percent of the entire adult population in the U.S. Women and Hearing Loss Women are shown to have a lower risk of hearing loss than men. Among those between the ages of 20 and 69, men are twice as likely than women to acquire speech-frequency hearing loss. It is not completely understood as to why women typically have fewer experiences of hearing loss. Some research has indicated that the female hormone estrogen might protect the inner ear. Estrogen affects many cells, which include the heart, brain, and blood vessels. Women tend to experience hearing loss more often after menopause. During this time, the levels of progesterone and estrogen begin to decline. This is another reason why sex hormones are likely to influence hearing loss. Some researchers suspect that hormone replacement therapy may reduce the risks of hearing loss. Other studies have challenged this hypothesis and highlighted the major side effects of hormone therapy. The study included about 81,000 women who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study II (the first large-scale research study to examine hormone therapy and its link to hearing loss in menopausal and postmenopausal women). The women were between 27 and 44 years of age at the start of the study. They were clinically followed for 22 years between 1991 and 2013. During the study, women self-reported their hearing loss and usage of oral hormone therapy. About 23 percent of the women reported some range of hearing loss during the follow-up period. The hormone therapy used estrogen therapy or estrogen plus progestogen. The study concluded that oral hormone therapy in postmenopausal women, and extensive use of oral hormone therapy, was indeed linked to a higher risk of hearing loss. This indicates that hormone therapy raises the risk of hearing loss. The longer they use them, the higher the risk will be. The study also found that those who were older and experienced menopause had a higher risk of hearing loss. The reasons behind this are still unknown. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, include coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, and in some cases it may cause neurological symptoms.
A study was conducted on 214 patients who had different degrees of respiratory problems due to the coronavirus. There were 36.4% of patients who showed neurological symptoms that were linked to the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscles. There was also evidence that the virus could damage the hearing structures located in the inner ear. As of now, there is not a lot of evidence that directly correlates COVID-19 with tinnitus. The American Tinnitus Association reported that pre-existing behavioral conditions might raise the risk of tinnitus, due to stress and depression that is linked to social isolation and not coming in contact with others to prevent infection. For example, those who already have an anxiety disorder are about seven times more likely to suffer from chronic and severe tinnitus. In a time when people are being more cautious due to the risk of infection, while socially isolating in order to prevent the spread, anxiety and depression have been prevailing emotions that are being experienced by many. Medications as a Possible Risk of Hearing Loss It is currently unknown as to whether a coronavirus vaccine would be considered ototoxic (medications that are harmful to your ears). The quinine family of drugs, an anti-parasite drug, has been used as a prophylactic preventative for malaria. It has some history of being ototoxic. Hearing Healthcare Providers are utilizing new Safety Measures Our current concerns are preventing the spread of COVID-19. Treatment for hearing loss - like many essential healthcare services - incorporate practices that make it challenging, but possible, to safely social distance. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), curbside services and appropriate in-office social procedures are being implemented to substantially limit potential exposure to both the patient and the healthcare provider. Hearing well is very important, especially under these circumstances. Visitors who stop by Pure Sound should know that we are delivering the best hearing practices, services and safety measures. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need hearing aid service, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member from our office will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Today, newborns are given a hearing screening before they leave the hospital. If a child is deaf or diagnosed with hearing loss, parents can be guided by hospital staff and healthcare professionals to get the proper means of communication and resources for treatment.
In some cases, being diagnosed with hearing loss is a precursor to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Gallaudet Research Institute has estimated that 40 percent of children who have hearing loss also have an additional disability. The pervasiveness of ASD among children who are deaf or hard of hearing is 1 in 59. What is autism? ASD is defined as an intricate developmental disorder that becomes present during early childhood and influences a child’s ability to communicate. Children who have ASD do not grow out of this disorder, but similar to hearing loss, getting an early diagnosis can lead to early intervention. This will greatly improve a child’s quality of life. Ways to determine whether your child has more than hearing loss Here are some signs to look for:
Autism and its association with hearing loss Autism impacts children differently, so it’s crucial to recognize how this disorder affects their capacity to hear and comprehend sounds. In some instances, a child may not have any hearing loss. In other cases, a child might have mild, moderate, or profound hearing loss that could be treated with hearing aids. For most children, the nerves that transfer sound to the brain may not function properly. This is known as auditory processing disorder (APD). This makes it difficult for the child to comprehend what others are saying to them. Children with autism might have issues with other sensory experiences. This is known as multi-sensory processing disorder. Autism and auditory processing disorders Autism can affect how a child processes sound. As a result, a child with autism might struggle with learning language. Some things that may help them manage these issues include:
Autistic children could be sensitive to some sounds (hyperacusis), due to difficulties processing those sounds, but continue to have hearing loss in other sound ranges. For example, high-pitched noises can irritate a child, but that child isn’t able to hear low-pitched sounds clearly. This can make it difficult to determine whether the problem is caused by hearing loss, or not. Find out which sounds irritate your child. Some kids can wear noise-cancelling earmuffs or can find a quiet area that they can go to. In other instances, some children are under-reactive. They do not appropriately respond to sounds in their environment. Misdiagnosing hearing loss as autism There have been some cases where a child’s hearing loss is undiagnosed and a problem with communication emerges. This child is typically suspected to have autism. Here’s a resource that can help you distinguish the differences. Seeking Help Each child is affected by autism differently. There is still so much more research needed to understand this disorder. If you suspect that your child is experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids. We offer a free hearing test and consultation to discuss the best options for you and your child. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Feelings of a stuffy nose combined with sneezing can raise a problem for those with hearing loss. On the worst days of your allergy season, you may feel as though you are roaming through fog. Sounds may seem muffled and your ears may be popping more frequently in order to clear out the additional pressure.
When your head moves, you might experience the feeling of fluid moving in your ears. This may induce dizziness or vertigo. Symptoms of tinnitus may occur more regularly. Generally, allergies are irritating. If you have hearing loss, they can affect how you communicate. Why is your hearing affected by seasonal allergies? Seasonal allergies may create fluid that builds up in your middle ear. As a result, you might feel pressure and sounds may be obstructed from traveling to your eardrum. This makes it more difficult for you to hear. This is known as conductive hearing loss. It is the result of “conducting” the sound from its source to where it is heard. This can almost be compared to what those with hearing loss experience when they have a head cold. It’s important to note that hearing loss that is caused by seasonal allergies is typically short-lived. Getting the right medication and treatment can diminish its impact. How to take care of your allergies
If you notice that you are still experiencing hearing loss, after your allergy season is over, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Prime Ages of Hearing Loss vs. Age-related Hearing Loss
Did you know that people between the ages of 18 and 25 are at the prime ages for human hearing? When we reach our 50s, age-related hearing loss will be a main health concern. Hearing loss begins to worsen after age 25, but it usually goes unnoticed. Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is the most common form of hearing loss. It is also the third most prevalent physical condition that affects humans. Hearing loss conditions double during each decade of a person’s life. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Main Facts
Approximately 5% of the world’s population - that’s 466 million people - have a disabling form of hearing loss (432 million adults and 34 million children). It is being estimated that in 2050, more than 900 million people - that’s 1 in 10 people - will experience a disabling hearing loss. A disabling hearing loss is defined as hearing loss that is over 40 decibels (dB) in the healthier hearing ear for adults and hearing loss that is over 30 dB in the healthier hearing ear in children. Most people with disabling hearing loss live in low or middle-income countries. About one third of those aged 65 or older, have a disabling hearing loss. Most of these people live in South Asia, Asia Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa. Hearing loss vs deafness A person with hearing loss is someone who cannot hear as well as someone with normal hearing loss (that’s a hearing threshold of 25 dB or more in each ear). Hearing loss is categorized as mild, moderate, severe or profound. One or both ears can be affected, which can cause difficulty in hearing casual speech or loud sounds. Someone who is ‘hard of hearing’ has hearing loss that varies between mild to severe. Those who are hard of hearing can communicate with others by verbally speaking and may benefit from using hearing aids, other assistive listening devices and captions. Those with more severe hearing loss may benefit from cochlear implants. A person who is deaf has profound hearing loss. They have little or no hearing abilities. They use sign language or lip reading to communicate and understand people. What causes hearing loss and deafness? Hearing loss and deafness may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. Congenital causes could lead to hearing loss that is present at or acquired right after birth. Hearing loss can be caused by genetic factors that may or may not be hereditary, or by pregnancy/birth complications. These include:
Acquired causes can lead to hearing loss at any age. These include:
A common cause of hearing loss in children is suffering from a chronic form of otitis media. What are the Impacts of hearing loss? Hearing loss impacts the practical means of communication with others. Development of spoken language is delayed in children who have hearing loss that is not addressed and treated. Hearing loss that goes unaddressed, or ear diseases like otitis media, will most likely have a negative effect on how children perform academically. These children tend to have higher rates of failure and the need for additional assistance in learning. It would be crucial to have access to the appropriate tools in order for them to have the best learning experience, but those means are not always accessible. Social and emotional repercussions Being excluded from interacting with others due to an inability to communicate can create feelings of isolation, loneliness, and frustration. This is especially true with older people who have hearing loss. Economic repercussions According to the World Health Organization, hearing loss that goes untreated can cost $750 billion in health sector costs, costs in educational support, loss in productivity, and societal costs. In most developing countries, children who have hearing loss rarely receive any education. Adults who have hearing loss are more likely to be unemployed. Among the employed, there is a greater percentage of people with hearing loss who are in the lower levels of employment in comparison to the general workforce. In order to lower the rate of unemployment for those with hearing loss, it’s important to create access to education and vocational rehabilitation services, particularly for employers. Prevention measures There has been some suggestion that half of all cases of hearing loss can be prevented through public health measures. About 60% of children under 15 years old, have hearing loss cases that were due to preventable causes. Here are most of the preventable causes of childhood hearing loss:
Easy ways to prevent hearing loss
Identify and manage hearing loss It is very important to detect hearing loss as early as possible in order to intervene. This will help to reduce the impact of hearing loss during a child’s development and education. Early detection and intervention will improve language acquisition and overall education outcomes. Children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and their family members, should have the opportunity to learn sign language. Hearing screenings that take place at schools are an effective way to detect ear diseases and hearing loss at an early age. Pure Sound Hearing Aids offers a free hearing test and consultation. Those with hearing loss can benefit from wearing hearing aids. The global production of hearing aids only fulfills less than 10% of worldwide needs. There is an overall lack of availability of services for fitting and maintaining hearing aid devices, but our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound are readily available for your hearing aid needs. Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  It’s true.
Classical music turns out to be more dangerous to your hearing health, than rock music. Even though classical music is not blasted at loud volumes that can shake an arena, on average, classical musicians play four to five hours each day. They are either practicing, teaching, or performing multiple times per week. The intensity of sound may be louder on the set of a rock concert, but the number of hours each week that is spent playing is much greater for a classical musician. So to all classical musicians, take this into consideration. Reduce the amount of time spent playing your instrument, or wear hearing protection. If you are a musician who is experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices. |
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