World Flight for Hearing

A good song can be a form of escape, a relief after a stressful day of classes or work. That’s why high school and college students often retreat into the comforting sounds of music, turning up the volume to drown out their troubles. Unfortunately, this can have long-lasting physical effects, and a recent study shows that the prevalence of damage is increasing. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that 20 of Americans between 12 and 19 suffered from hearing loss in 2005-06. And as those students get older, those problems will only get worse. (more…)

Any doctor will tell you that it’s easier to prevent a health problem than it is to cure it. Hearing loss definitely falls into that category. The world around us is getting faster and noisier than ever as people rush to keep up with changing technology. However, there are still simple (and natural) ways to keep your ears healthy. That way, you won’t miss it when life’s many opportunities knock.Noise is one of the quickest ways to affect your hearing. The ear contains sensitive structures called hair cells which convert sound into electrical energy which can be understood by the brain. Noise damages these receptors, and once damaged, they do not regenerate. Sounds that rank at 120 to 150 decibels, like motorcycles and gunshots, can easily cause hearing loss, while any long-term exposure to sounds over 85 decibels can also be potentially damaging. (more…)

If you’re new to the hearing aid scene, your doctor has probably filled you in on most of the medical benefits and rules for your new hearing aid. Now that you’re hearing better and living happier, there are a few things you’ll need to know about your hearing aid that the doctor most likely didn’t tell you.First, for the Do’s of hearing aids:Be sure you wear your new hearing aid the entire day. Chances are you’ll need to make minor adjustments gradually over the course of several days. Always be sure to insert and remove your hearing aid over a soft surface to reduce the risk of damaging it should it fall onto a hard surface. Be sure to store the hearing aid in a dehumidifier case to prevent unwanted moisture. On a related note, be sure to keep your hearing aid out of the bathroom while bathing to prevent steam damage. At night, disengage the battery by partially opening the compartment door. Also, remember to take your hearing aid out during CAT or MRI scans. (more…)