How to Avoid Social Isolation When You Have Hearing Loss
It’s extremely common for people with untreated hearing loss to experience feelings of loneliness. Unfortunately, when you feel this way, it can, in turn, cause you to withdraw socially from people and activities you once loved. Social isolation is a well-known risk factor for depression and even dementia, which is why it’s important to do…
How Do Our Brains’ Expectations Influence What We Hear?
Over the past few decades, researchers in the neuroscience field have demonstrated that the cerebral cortex generates predictions, and in response, neurons in charge of sensory processing encode the difference between our predictions and reality. Below we review how our ears and brains work together to help us hear, as well as what one study…
Common Misconceptions About Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing or other sounds despite no sound being present. Nearly 10% of U.S. adults have experienced tinnitus lasting five minutes or more. Despite its prevalence, there are misconceptions about tinnitus and how it affects people, as well as what can be done to manage it. Here are a few…
Tips for Traveling with Tinnitus
Traveling, especially for vacation, can be fun and exciting. For those living with tinnitus, traveling even for pleasure can present unique challenges. Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing or other sounds that aren’t present and nearly 10% of the U.S. population has experienced tinnitus lasting at least five minutes in the past year. The…
Understanding the Different Types of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing or other sounds when no actual sound is present. While tinnitus is commonly associated with hearing loss or ear injury, it can occur for various reasons and presents itself in different forms. If you experience tinnitus and one of these forms of tinnitus sounds like you, consider scheduling…
Do Hearing Aids Help Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a condition characterized by hearing sounds that aren’t caused by external sources, such as ringing, buzzing or hissing. Approximately 10% of Americans have experienced tinnitus lasting five minutes or more in the past year. Understanding how tinnitus relates to hearing loss and the role hearing aids can play in managing its symptoms can…
Are Custom Earplugs Right for You?
Whether you took a woodshop class in high school, worked in construction or attended many concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, you’re probably familiar with hearing protection options like earmuffs or earplugs. While earmuffs and earplugs offer good hearing protection, people frequently exposed to high-volume noise may want to consider custom earplugs to ensure their hearing…
Coping with Hearing Loss: Tips for Acceptance and Treatment
Nearly 20% of the global population lives with some degree of hearing loss. While common, discovering you have hearing loss can be challenging and a little unnerving. Here are some tips to help you navigate this condition with confidence and ease. Express Your Emotions Accepting your hearing loss begins with acknowledging your condition and sharing…
Tips to Create a Daily Hearing Aid Routine
Embarking on the journey of wearing hearing aids can be both exciting and challenging. While these devices open a world of sound and connection, they also require some adjustment and care to ensure they function optimally. Among adults aged 70 and older who need hearing aids, only 30% have ever used them. Establishing a routine…
Why Is It Important To Treat Hearing Loss as a Senior?
Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults, with approximately one in three people between 65 and 74 experiencing difficulty hearing. Hearing loss can leave you feeling disconnected from those around you. In many cases, it can lead to frustration, irritability, anxiety and depression. Despite the negative effects of living with…