How to Ease Your Tinnitus Symptoms: Tips and Strategies
Tinnitus, the presence of ringing or buzzing in the ears, is a common symptom affecting approximately 10% to 25% of adults. Many people only experience short bouts of tinnitus, but it can last longer for others, often leading to feelings of frustration or distress. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to minimizing tinnitus symptoms, a…
Is Notch Therapy an Effective Treatment for Tinnitus?
Tinnitus, characterized by internal ringing, buzzing, clicking or roaring sounds in the ear, affects approximately 15% to 20% of people and can lead to stress, anxiety, irritability and sleep disturbances. Although tinnitus lacks a definitive cure, effective symptom management strategies can significantly improve quality of life. Notch therapy is among the various options available for…
How Are Multiple Sclerosis and Hearing Loss Connected?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system erroneously attacks the protective sheath, called myelin, that covers nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord and eyes. This condition presents various symptoms, and, in a small percentage of patients (4% to 10%), MS can affect auditory functions, leading to sensorineural hearing loss. Although…
Should I Wear a Cochlear Implant and A Hearing Aid?
Cochlear implants and hearing aids offer solutions for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss, often caused by aging or damage to the auditory cells, is generally permanent and is the most prevalent form of hearing loss. Hearing aids are particularly effective for mild forms of sensorineural hearing loss. These devices, which are worn…
Why Hearing Aids Are a Great Gift
The search for impactful and meaningful gifts for loved ones is top of mind during times of celebration. If you’re considering a gift that can truly make a difference, consider the gift of hearing aids. In the U.S., approximately 28.8 million adults could significantly benefit from using hearing aids. Offering a hearing aid as a…
How Do Elevation and Depth Affect Your Hearing?
Most people are familiar with that popping sensation in their ears when they drive up to Mount Si too quickly, fly on a plane or go for a scuba diving lesson. Rapid changes in elevation or depth can cause discomfort, similar to a feeling of fullness or a popping sensation in the ears. This is…
What Is Hidden Hearing Loss and How Is It Identified?
Hidden hearing loss is a form of hearing loss that impacts the ability to hear speech or conversation in noisy settings. Due to its cause, it’s often not diagnosed via regular hearing tests. According to a study published in Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, hidden hearing loss is likely caused by a defect in…
What Does a Sharp Pain in the Ear Mean?
If you experience a sharp pain in the ear, it might be alarming. However, it is rarely cause for serious concern. Below we review some of the common causes of ear pain and how to find relief. Ruptured Eardrum If you’ve ruptured your eardrum, it means you have a hole or tear in the membrane…
Tips for Living with Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the sensation of ringing, hissing, buzzing or whistling in the ear with no external sound source. Nearly 50 million people in the U.S. experience tinnitus. For some, it is a mild nuisance, but for others, it is debilitating. Unfortunately, there is no cure for tinnitus; however, there are treatment options and lifestyle modifications…
Common Myths About Tinnitus
More than 50 million Americans experience some sort of tinnitus, yet there is not much known about this common condition. Getting the facts straight about the ringing in your ear can help you understand what is happening and seek out the right treatment. Below are the top five most common tinnitus myths. Tinnitus Is a…