Hearing loss is grouped in a variety of ways. The exact part of the auditory system affected determines the classification. The hearing loss may be conductive, senorineural, central, functional or mixed. The starting point in developing a treatment plan is to properly identify the kind of hearing impairment. Conductive hearing loss In situations where sound […]
The canals in our ears are covered with hair follicles as well as glands that produce an oily wax known as cerumen, or ear wax. The purpose of this wax is to coat the interior surface of the ear canal and protect it by gathering up bacteria, dirt and dust, and miroorganisms. A further purpose […]
If you’ve ever attended a modern day rock concert and found yourself saying, “That music is way too darned loud,” it does not necessarily mean that you’re getting old. This reaction could be your body’s way of informing you that you are at risk of hearing damage. If after the show you’ve been left with […]
Trying to find some basic facts and statistics to finally get a family member or friend to have a hearing evaluation or be fitted for a hearing aid? Chatting about some of the statistics related to the prevalence, causes and effects of hearing loss may finally get them to make that very first appointment. These […]
As children, many of us were probably told to eat our carrots for good eyesight. But how about foods that are healthy for hearing and ears? Did anyone ever talk to you about those? Kids now can be taught what foods to eat for healthy hearing; sensible advice that we should really all stick to. […]
Having problems hearing? The most common reason for temporary hearing loss is an accumulation of ear wax within the ear canal. Clearly, if you have encountered this or believe that a buildup of ear wax may have caused some reduced hearing, you would like to clean out your ears. Although this is a natural wish, […]
What is a balance disorder? A balance disorder can cause you to feel unsteady, giddy, woozy, or to have a sensation of movement, spinning, or floating. The source for this disorder can be linked to the brain, the nervous system and to an organ in the inner ear called the labyrinth. An important part of […]
“Now I wake up each morning to the sound of birds” A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. The implant consists of an external portion that sits behind the ear and a second portion that […]
Research on balance disorders is ongoing. Recent findings from studies supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) suggest that the vestibular system plays an important role in modulating blood pressure. The information from these studies has potential clinical relevance in understanding and managing orthostatic hypotension (lowered blood pressure related to […]
Researchers are looking at ways to apply new signal processing strategies to the design of hearing aids. Signal processing is the method used to modify normal sound waves into amplified sound that is the best possible match to the remaining hearing for a hearing aid user. NIDCD-funded researchers also are studying how hearing aids can […]
