Is There a Link Between Cystic Fibrosis and Hearing Loss?
Multiple health conditions have been linked to an increased risk of hearing loss, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Research has shown that patients with cystic fibrosis may be at a higher risk of hearing issues as well. Cystic Fibrosis and Temporary Hearing Loss Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder affecting the cells that…
The Link Between Hearing Loss & Chickenpox
While once a common childhood disease affecting millions of kids each year, chickenpox cases have been drastically reduced through routine vaccinations. Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes an itchy rash and small, fluid-filled blisters to develop. A lesser-known symptom of this viral infection is hearing loss. Understanding Chickenpox The varicella zoster virus (VZV) is…
Why Do Some Antibiotics Cause Hearing Loss?
Some antibiotics are ototoxic. This means they have the potential to damage the ear, resulting in tinnitus, balance issues and hearing loss. Let’s take a look at how this happens, when these medications are used, and what to look out for if you have recently taken them. How Antibiotics Can Damage the Ear Aminoglycosides are…
Habits You Should Quit for Your Hearing Health
Even though we all have our bad habits, some are more harmful than others. In fact, some can harm your hearing health. Below we review four habits to quit today. Smoking/Vaping Within the inner ears are tiny hair cells called stereocilia that convert soundwaves into electrical energy that the brain interprets as sound. These cells…
Traumatic Brain Injury and Your Hearing
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious medical condition that often results from a violent blow or jolt to the head that temporarily impairs the function of the brain. Some common causes of TBI include: Car accidents Falls Sports or recreational injuries Gunshot wounds The symptoms of a TBI can vary widely depending on…
Helping a Loved One with Hearing Loss
Hearing loss happens gradually. Sometimes a family member or close friend might notice a person is having hearing problems before they notice themselves. Have you noticed that a loved one: Frequently asks you or others to repeat themselves when talking Expresses difficulty hearing in loud environments Complains that everyone is mumbling Always has the TV…
Audiology Awareness: What is an Audiologist?
October is one of our favorite months at Hearing Systems. Not just because of pumpkin patches or changing leaves, but because October is Audiologist Awareness Month! If you’re like most people you might not be entirely sure how someone becomes an audiologist or all the different ways an audiologist can help people with hearing and…
Are Sounds Muffled After Exposure to Loud Noise? It May Be Temporary Threshold Shift
You know that feeling of muffled hearing after attending a concert at White Oak Music Hall or walking by a noisy construction site? This phenomenon is known as temporary threshold shift (TTS), which we review below. How We Hear To understand TTS, it’s important to understand how we hear. Soundwaves from your environment are captured…
Is There a Link Between Osteoporosis and Hearing Loss?
Researchers are constantly looking to learn more about which disorders can increase a patient’s likelihood of developing hearing loss. Research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has linked a bone disorder called osteoporosis with hearing loss. Understanding Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens or thins the bones. When bones are brittle,…
How to Protect Your Ears as the Weather Gets Warmer
As spring turns into summer, the nights are getting longer and the danger to your ears increases. Below is a look at some of our best tips to help keep your ears safe this summer. How Noise Can Harm Your Hearing Sounds are measured in decibels, and anything over 85 dB can cause damage to…