Ear infections usually start with a sore throat or cold. Bacteria spread to the middle ear and infect it, causing fluid to build up behind the eardrum. This fluid causes sound to be muted or even impossible to hear. Fortunately, the hearing loss from an ear infection is usually temporary. However, when ear infections are frequent, damage can occur to the eardrum, bones of the ear or hearing nerve, resulting in permanent hearing loss. Children … [Read more...]
It’s no surprise that when we feed our body healthy food it feels and functions better. But did you know there are particular foods that may help prevent hearing loss? Here are a few: Vitamin D: This vitamin has certainly been enjoying it’s time in the sunlight lately. Our bodies make Vitamin D when exposed to the sun, but because we’re usually slathered up in sunscreen or huddling inside from the cold winter, most of us don’t get … [Read more...]
Did you know that overexposure to noise is the number one preventable cause of hearing loss? Damage to hearing from noise is cumulative and permanent. It can occur after just one exposure to a very loud sound, like an explosion, but most often it’s caused by regular, long-term exposure to loud noises like music or industrial machines. If you work in a noisy environment, it’s important to let your employer know about concerns you may have. … [Read more...]
“Kids, time to put your toys away!” I don’t know about your house, but I have to say that sentence at least 3 times before anyone makes a move in mine, sometimes more. Part of the power of kids is they’re able to give their absolute attention to what they’re doing in the present moment; they become so engrossed they truly don’t hear you. That being said, it’s also normal for children to have selective hearing. I mean, who really … [Read more...]
For many people, water in the ear is simply a nuisance, but did you know that it can also cause swimmer’s ear or surfer’s ear? Furthermore, for children or adults with perforated ear drums or tubes, getting water in the ear could lead to infection. Read on for more information about keeping your ears healthy while you swim. Swimmer’s ear is inflammation or infection of the ear canal and outer ear. It can cause pain, itching, discharge or … [Read more...]
Did you know that cerumen (more lovingly known as earwax) is actually a good thing? It’s part of the body’s natural system of defense. Its purpose is to protect the ear canal by catching dirt, slowing the growth of bacteria, repelling water and protecting sensitive skin. But let’s admit it – first sign of the yellow stuff and most of us break out the cotton swab, ignoring the message on the box that its only meant to be used on the … [Read more...]
Tinnitus (head noises) is a common hearing problem that occurs when a person hears a sound, such as ringing, buzzing, whistling or vibrations, when there is actually no external sound being produced. The symptoms of tinnitus vary widely. Sometimes the sounds are accompanied by headaches, a sore neck, irritability or fatigue. Sometimes they occur with hearing loss and other times they are a sign of the beginning of potential damage to the inner … [Read more...]
Not only do hearing aids improve listening, but studies have demonstrated that hearing aid wearers enjoy improved relationships, social participation and mental health. However, for many people the cost of hearing aids can be overwhelming. Fortunately, both the Ontarian and Canadian governments have programs to assist. In Ontario, the Assistive Devices Program deducts a maximum of 75 per cent of costs for hearing aids, dispensing fees, ear … [Read more...]
Metallica does it and will.i.am wishes he had done it. It may seem counter-intuitive for a musician to wear earplugs, but as veteran rockers like Neil Young, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck suffer from noise induced hearing loss, younger musicians are getting smarter about protecting their ears. Damage to hearing from noise is cumulative and permanent. It usually happens by regular, long-term exposure to loud noises like concerts. For example, the … [Read more...]
I have memories of my grandfather wincing as his hearing aid made a high pitched squeal, or the look of frustration on his face when he had to interrupt a conversation to take his hearing aid out and adjust it. Today’s hearing aids are not those of previous generations. Thanks to digital technology and powerful computer chips, modern hearing aids are smaller, have better sound quality and are more effective than ever before. In fact, a survey … [Read more...]