Can Balloons Cause Hearing Loss?
Have you ever been at a birthday party only to jump out of your skin because of an unexpected balloon pop? I know I have. Two researchers from the University of Alberta decided this was worth studying. They found that the sound of a balloon popping can cause hearing loss. How Loud is a Balloon?…
Talking to Your Boss About Hearing Loss
There are 48 million people in Simi Valley and throughout the country with hearing loss. Many of these individuals are still actively working in an office. So, the question often comes up: how do you deal with your hearing loss at work? Over the past few decades, hearing loss has become less of a taboo…
What is High-Frequency Hearing Loss?
One of the most common types of hearing loss is caused by aging. Known as presbycusis, this type of hearing loss makes hearing high frequency sounds difficult. High-frequency hearing loss can also be caused by: Exposure to loud noises. Genetics. Ototoxicity. Disease. High frequency hearing loss leads to an individual having trouble hearing sounds in…
What does hearing loss sound like?
Hearing loss is one of the biggest health concerns in Thousand Oaks and throughout the U.S, affecting nearly 48 million people. Since symptoms of this condition appear so gradually, many people are completely unaware they are losing their hearing. The best results come from early intervention; the sooner you get help for your hearing loss…
What is Ototoxicity?
Chances are, you have heard your Simi Valley audiologist mention ototoxicity as a possible cause of hearing loss. But what is it? Ototoxicity refers to chemicals or drugs that are toxic to the ear. These medications can actually damage the hair cells in your inner ear or the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for sending…
Hearing Loss in the Classroom
Last year, we published an article about what the future of hearing was in schools. Since then, the Center for Disease and Control has estimated that the number of school-aged children with hearing loss has increased from 12 to 14.9 percent. These children suffer from hearing loss of at least 16 dB in one or both ears….
10 Tips for Efficient Communication with the Hearing Impaired
Communicating With Hearing Loss Communicating well is an art form. Knowing when to pause, listen and laugh are all skills we learn as we age. But do you know the finer points of how to communicate well with someone who has hearing loss? Many people in Thousand Oaks end up simply talking louder, incorrectly assuming…
Are You Living with an Acoustic Neuroma in Thousand Oaks? Part 2: Risks, Diagnostics & Treatment Options
Although acoustic neuromas aren’t the most common audiological concern affecting Thousand Oaks residents’ hearing and balance, these tumors affect a significant number of people throughout California and across the U.S. In Part 1 of this blog post on acoustic neuromas in Thousand Oaks and surrounding regions including Simi Valley covered what they are and how…
Are You Living with an Acoustic Neuroma? Part 1: Understanding Auditory Tumors
An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the inner ear that can cause problems with the auditory system, including hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo and dizziness, patients of all ages. Acoustic neuromas form on the vestibular nerve, which resides in the inner ear and is responsible for balance. Although these tumors, sometimes referred to as…
Hearing Aid Fitting. The Best Next Step
After months (more likely years) of your family and friends urging you to seek help for your fairly obvious hearing loss, you gave in and had your hearing tested. After your hearing test, your audiologist uses this information to determine the best digital hearing aid for your type and degree of hearing loss. Once the…