Why Hearing Can Change Over Time: Understanding Age-Related Loss

A lot of things change as you get older. You might work a little less, travel more or spend extra time at the Putnam Tennis Courts. Another common change lies in your hearing. Hearing Loss as You Age Age-related changes in the inner and middle ear, as well as complex changes along the nerve pathways…
Resolve for Better Family Communication This New Year’s

There are a fair number of factors that contribute to a happy family life, but one of the most important is healthy communication. Effective communication in the home prevents misunderstandings, conflict and hurt feelings. One thing that can interrupt communication is hearing loss. How Does Hearing Loss Affect Communication? Hearing loss muffles the speech you…
Helping Your Loved Ones With Hearing Loss Enjoy the Holidays

With all the twinkling lights, ice skating, peppermint drinks and gift wrap, there’s a lot to love about the holidays. But nothing makes them quite as magical as spending quality time with your loved ones. If any of your loved ones have hearing loss, finding ways to help them feel included in the season is…
Which Hearing Aids Are Best for Healthcare Workers?

Hospitals like Charlton Memorial and Day Kimball Healthcare have doctors, nurses and administrators who spend their days ensuring that each patient receives the best care. If you’re a healthcare worker, you might monitor blood pressure, run lab tests, document symptoms, call health insurance providers and so much more. With all that you have on your…
Spotting Hearing Damage After a Concert

Listening to your favorite band play their signature song at The Stomping Ground has all the makings of a great night. One thing you can do to make the evening even better is to watch out for your hearing health. While it may not sound exciting at first, caring for your hearing health and monitoring…
How Does Hearing Loss Affect Auditory Discrimination?

Auditory discrimination is your ability to differentiate between competing noises. For example, if you’re out with friends at Quarter Keg Pub, you’ll hear speech, forks banging against plates and possibly some music. You use auditory discrimination to home in on the person you’re talking to, effectively tuning out all the other noise. Another term for…
Sudden Muffled Hearing: Causes and Treatments

Nearly everyone has experienced the uncomfortable feeling of muffled hearing, almost as if you’re underwater or listening through a thick wall. Muffled hearing arises when something blocks the normal path of sound waves through the ears. Let’s take a look at four common causes of muffled hearing and how you can manage them. Earwax Impaction…
Spring Allergies: Is Now the Time to Start Immunotherapy?

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis or spring allergies, affects more than 81 million Americans. Spring allergies can range from a mild nuisance to a full-on battle against sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes. While some may be able to manage their allergies with daily medication, others require long-term treatments like immunotherapy. What To Know About…
Can I Have Tinnitus In One Ear?

Tinnitus, or the perception of ringing, buzzing or other sounds when no external sound is present, is typically known to occur in both ears. However, it is possible to experience tinnitus in only one ear, a condition known as unilateral tinnitus. Let’s explore the potential causes of tinnitus symptoms in only one ear. Causes of…
Why Do My Ears Itch?

Typically, itchy ears are no cause for alarm, but symptoms can be inconvenient. Let’s explore some common reasons for itchy ears and practical ways to soothe the irritation. Common Causes of Itchy Ears There are several causes for itchy ears, ranging from seasonal allergies to skin conditions. Here’s a closer look at potential culprits: Allergies…