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 […]
Movement of fluid in the semicircular canals signals the brain about the direction and speed of head rotation. In other words, it lets the brain know if you are nodding your head up and down or looking right to left. Each semicircular canal has a bulbous end that contains hair cells. Rotation of the head […]
Hearing aids are generally not covered by health insurance companies, although there are exceptions to the rule. For eligible children and young adults ages 21 and under, Medicaid will pay for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, including hearing aids, under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) service. Also, children may […]