Can Thyroid Disorders Impact Hearing?
If you have a thyroid issue, you may not consider its impact on your hearing. However, research has uncovered an interesting link between thyroid disorders and hearing loss. It is estimated that over 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition at some point during their life, and almost 30 million Americans could…
Understanding the Differences Between Misophonia and Hyperacusis
Misophonia and hyperacusis are sound sensitivity conditions that impact many people’s daily lives. This sensitivity goes beyond discomfort or annoyance—rather, it’s an extreme and sometimes even debilitating response to certain sounds. Both misophonia and hyperacusis are considered sound hypersensitivities, but there are some significant differences between the two. What Is Misophonia? Misophonia is a disorder…
Untreated Hearing Loss in the Workplace
According to the CDC, approximately 12% of all workers have hearing difficulties. The difficulties employees in the workplace have with hearing loss are twofold. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination based on disability, which includes hearing loss, statistics indicate a pay disparity between individuals with normal hearing and individuals with hearing loss. Does…
Reasons to Avoid Secondhand Hearing Aids
The idea of purchasing secondhand hearing aids may seem appealing, especially when 28.8 million Americans could benefit from using hearing aids. However, while buying used electronics or furniture might work out just fine, hearing aids are a very different matter. These are highly personalized medical devices, and using ones that were fitted for someone else…
How to Select the Right Hearing Aids for Your Needs
An estimated 28.8 million Americans could benefit from using hearing aids, yet many people don’t take advantage of them, often because navigating the selection process can feel overwhelming. With so many models, styles and features available, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to begin. Thankfully, with a little expert input and the right evaluation,…
What to Know About Protecting Your Residual Hearing
Once hearing loss has been identified, one of the most important steps you can take is to protect the hearing you still have, also known as residual hearing. Since most types of hearing loss can’t be reversed, protecting what remains is key to maintaining your long-term hearing health. The Importance of Preserving Residual Hearing Your…
Does My Sleeping Position Affect My Ear and Hearing Health?
When you consider ear health, you likely typically think about things like hearing loss or ear infections, and don’t consider how you sleep. Your sleeping posture, especially if you’re a side sleeper, can influence everything from ear pain to hearing aid care. Surprisingly, how you rest your head at night may impact your ears more…
What to Ask My Audiologist at My First Appointment
Nearly 15% of American adults have reported some trouble hearing. During your first appointment with a hearing specialist, they will perform a hearing test to determine the extent of your hearing loss. Knowing the exact type is essential for choosing the best way to manage hearing loss. This appointment is a great time to come…
Improving Audiobooks and Podcasts for People with Hearing Loss
Nearly 15% of American adults have reported some trouble hearing. This may make enjoying audio content like podcasts and audiobooks seem impossible. The good news? There are simple ways for both content creators and listeners to make audio content more inclusive and enjoyable for people with hearing loss. Creators and Audio Content Creators of audio…
Can Hearing Loss Affect How Music Sounds?
For many, music is a relaxing hobby. However, hearing loss can change the way songs sound, even at places like Rockport Opera House, making them feel off-key, distorted or less vibrant. Hearing loss can affect pitch perception, clarity and balance. With nearly 28.8 million Americans experiencing some degree of hearing loss, understanding its impact is…