By Ashley Tilahun, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA

World Hearing Day

March 3, 2024

Hearing loss is a global public health issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 5% of the world’s population, or 430 million people, suffer from hearing loss. This figure includes 34 million children with hearing impairment. It is estimated that over 2.5 billion people will experience some degree of hearing loss, and nearly 700 million people will be affected by disabling hearing loss requiring hearing rehabilitation by 2050. About 1 billion cases can be avoided by proper preventive measures. Hearing threshold higher than 35 decibels in the healthy ear is considered disabling hearing loss.

By Ashley Tilahun, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA

Celebrating World Hearing Day: A Resonance of Hearing Awareness and Action

March 3, 2024

World Hearing Day, observed annually on March 3rd, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about hearing loss and promoting ear and hearing health care. Established by the World Health Organization (WHO), this day serves as a platform to advocate for hearing health, prevention, and access to hearing care across the globe. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of World Hearing Day, its significance, the role of hearing healthcare professionals, and how everyone around the world can contribute to this important cause.

By: Ashley Tilahun, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA

Navigating Silence: A Comprehensive Guide to Senior Hearing Loss

January 19, 2024

It is crucial to recognize and understand the importance of hearing loss challenges in the elderly. As time progresses, our senses become not just portals to understanding our world but also integral facets of our day-to-day experiences.

by Dr. Lusine Mamikonyan

"Mixed Hearing Loss: Causes and Management

January 8, 2024

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Conductive hearing is due to injury to the ear canal, tympanic membrane, or middle ear that prevents sound conduction to the inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs as a result of damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Mixed hearing loss is a rare condition that affects the external or middle ear and the inner ear or auditory pathway to the brain.

By: Dr. Lusine Mamikonyan

Early Signal of Hearing Loss

December 26, 2023

Hearing loss is a common health concern that develops due to aging, loud noises, diseases, ototoxic medications, and genetics. These factors affect the hair cells located in the inner ear. These specialized hearing cells convert mechanical sound waves into nerve impulses that are transmitted to the brain and perceived as sound.      

By: Dr. Lusine Mamikonyan

Occupational Hearing Hazards

December 22, 2023

Occupational Hearing Hazard is a major public health concern as it is one of the most common occupational disorders worldwide. Occupational hearing loss develops due to exposure to loud noise or ototoxic chemicals at work. In most cases, hearing impairment is permanent, but further damage can be prevented with proper measures.

By: Ashley Tilahun, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA

Impact of COVID-19: Unveiling the Link to Hearing Loss

December 12, 2023

In late 2019, a new illness known as COVID-19 emerged, caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. It quickly spread worldwide, resulting in a pandemic that significantly affected every aspect of human life.

By: Ashley Tilahun, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA

A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Loss: Causes and Symptoms

December 12, 2023

Hearing loss is a multifaceted condition that affects millions worldwide, impacting an individual's ability to perceive sounds fully. Understanding the various types of hearing loss and their causes and identifying their symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and effective management.

By: Dr. Lusine Mamikonyan

Ménière disease

December 11, 2023

Ménière disease is a rare inner ear disorder that can impair hearing and balance, mainly affecting one ear. It progresses slowly and can significantly impact the patient’s overall quality of life.

By: Dr. Lusine Mamikonyan

Tinnitus

December 11, 2023

Tinnitus is a sensation of sound in one or both ears without any external sound source. More than 99% of the cases are subjective, as the noise is only perceived by the affected individual and is associated with hearing etiology.

LINNER Makes Waves at Palm Springs Seminar 2023 – A Pivotal Moment for OTC Hearing Aids Industry

December 6, 2023

In a groundbreaking move, LINNER, the innovative OTC hearing aids start-up, recently marked its presence at the Palm Springs Seminar 2023, held in California. This landmark event, hosted by major industry players like Widex, PHONAK, Signia, SENNHEISER, Lucid, and others, stands as the first-ever OTC hearing aids seminar initiated by the ownerMark A Parker PhD. The two-day seminar, conducted on December 1-2, served as a significant stepping stone for LINNER, reinforcing its pivotal role in the evolving landscape of the OTC hearing aids industry.

By: Dr. Lusine Mamikonyan

Age-Related Hearing Loss

December 5, 2023

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a gradual hearing loss in both ears affecting the elderly population. The term presbycusis originates from the Greek words “old hearing.”

By: Dr. Lusine Mamikonyan

Cerumen Impaction

December 5, 2023

Instructions on proper ear hygiene can decrease the risk of earwax. People should avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean their ears. Individuals with frequent cerumen impaction can use mineral oil from time to time. Maintaining hearing aid hygiene can also prevent earwax blockage.  

Written by Taylor Unger, AuD

Anatomy of an Audiogram

December 4, 2023

As a patient with hearing loss, it is important to understand the basics of how to read and interpret the results of a hearing test, also known as an audiogram. The audiogram (figure 1) is arranged by pitch (also called frequency) similarly to the arrangement of a piano (figure 2).

By: Ashley Tilahun, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA

Understanding Auditory Deprivation: Implications and Strategies for Rehabilitation

November 30, 2023

Auditory deprivation can have profound implications on the following:

  • Communication skills
  • Cognitive ability
  • Emotional and mental well-being
  • Social development and interaction
Written by M. Adam Farley

Understanding The Nature of Your Hearing Loss.

November 27, 2023

So you've recently been diagnosed with hearing loss, or you've had it for a while, but you've just been managing and haven't done anything about it, or you aren't sure what resources are available to help you cope and overcome your inability. There are several ways you can begin working towards a better quality life. Knowing your rights is a big, adapting your hearing environment to your needs, and learning about different assistive listening devices and other devices for individuals with hearing loss.

Written by M. Adam Farley

Navigating Hearing Loss in the Holidays

November 26, 2023

In a world filled with endless noise, the significance of mindful listening cannot be understated. On World Listening Day, we celebrate this often overlooked skill, taking the time to truly tune in to the symphony of sounds that surrounds us.

Written by Ashley Tilahun, Au.D., CCC-A., FAAA

Unveiling the Advantages of Bilateral Hearing Devices

November 25, 2023

Individuals experiencing hearing loss may face daily life challenges such as difficulty understanding speech in one-on-one or group conversions, experiencing isolation at times due to background noise interfering with speech clarity, challenges with enjoying music, and an increased risk of decline mentally, emotionally, cognitively, and overall well-being.

Written by Taylor Unger, AuD

What are over-the-counter hearing aids and how do they differ from prescription hearing aids?

November 20, 2023

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids have been approved by the FDA for the use of adults over the age of 18 years; These devices are intended for use for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss (1). They may be purchased directly from a retailer or manufacturer without the requirement of a professional diagnostic testing or fitting (2). This specific product feature eliminates a significant portion of the cost to consumers as compared to a prescription hearing aid.

Written by M. Adam Farley

What is ototoxicity?

November 14, 2023

We all know that there are things that are not good to let come in contact with our eyes or skin. There are things that are not safe to put into our mouths or ingest. With some common sense, we have learned that putting q-tips in our ears can actually cause damage to the ear canal or rupture the eardrum.While it makes sense when you stop to think about it, it is not commonly thought about, but there are some substances that can cause reactions which are known as ototoxic reactions.

Written by M. Adam Farley

The Incredible Ability to Hear and How to Conserve It.

November 7, 2023

Hearing is one of the primary senses we have as human beings. Hearing helps us navigate through life. We use it for so many things. We receive signals called sound through our ears, that signal is processed through several different kinds of energy as it travels through various parts of the ear before it reaches the brain. This process makes hearing a very unique and delicate feature of our bodies.

Diabetes and Hearing Loss: The Unspoken Connection

October 20, 2023

In today's health-conscious era, the repercussions of diabetes are widely recognized, affecting various body systems, from circulation to vision. However, one lesser-known effect of diabetes is its impact on hearing. Exploring the intricate connection between diabetes and hearing loss opens up an important dialogue on preventive measures and the benefits of hearing aids.

The Connection Between Hearing Health and Cognitive Function: Unveiling the Deep-Rooted Relationship

October 10, 2023

The intricate link between our auditory abilities and cognitive health has emerged as a significant area of interest in the medical community. Beyond the mere mechanics of hearing, it's becoming evident that what we hear, or fail to hear, profoundly influences our brain's structure and function.

Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Solutions

October 3, 2023

Tinnitus, commonly characterized by persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears, remains one of the most misunderstood auditory phenomena. Despite its widespread prevalence, misconceptions abound. By gaining a deeper understanding of its causes, implications, and treatments, we can better empathize with and support those affected.