Hearing Loss Articles

Imagine forgetting the name of a loved one, struggling to follow a discussion, or losing track of familiar routines. Not just occasionally, but often enough to cause concern. As we age, these experiences can feel unsettling and are sometimes brushed off as “just getting older”. But what if there’s more to the story than memory alone? What if something as seemingly unrelated as your hearing plays a key role in how clearly your mind functions?

Hearing aids have come a long way over the past decade. Once bulky and basic, today’s hearing devices are packed with advanced technology that enhances sound quality, reduces background noise, and seamlessly integrates with your digital life.

It’s hard to tell the difference between harmless memory lapses and early signs of something more serious. As we age, it’s natural to wonder whether cognitive slips are just part of getting older or the beginning of cognitive decline. Thankfully, cognitive screening makes it easier to identify whether those changes are part of normal aging or early indicators of cognitive impairment.

The lifespan of your hearing aid batteries is important because it directly affects your hearing aid’s reliability and cost-efficiency. When you’re aware of how long they typically last, you can avoid sudden power loss and ensure consistent hearing support. This also helps you choose the right hearing aid batteries and know what to expect. Plus, think of how much money it can save you in the long run.

We hate to break it to you, but concerts can damage your hearing. They can be thrilling experiences, but between the loud music, high-energy atmosphere, and excessive exposure to loud noise, these can all pose a real threat to your hearing health. We don’t mean to spoil your fun, but it’s important to understand the risks and take steps to protect your ears. This can help you enjoy live music for many years to come, without the lingering effects of ringing in the ears or permanent hearing loss.

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing is a quick, non-invasive way to measure inner ear function and screen for hearing loss. It is critical in universal hearing screening programs, especially for newborns and young children. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require the patient’s active participation, making it ideal for infants and toddlers.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the otoacoustic emissions test: what it measures, how it works, and why it’s essential for identifying hearing problems early. We will also discover how the results can help determine if further testing or intervention, such as hearing aids in Toronto, Canada, is needed.

In our earlier blog posts, we discussed the two most common types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. At the tip of the iceberg, we explained that both are categorized based on the area of the ear where the problem lies, with conductive hearing loss affecting the outer or middle ear and sensorineural hearing loss involving the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Mixed hearing loss is a complex condition that combines both of these types. Sometimes, conductive and sensorineural hearing loss occur simultaneously, where a person may have damage to the inner ear or nerve and then develop a conductive issue later, such as a middle ear infection.

Understanding how it develops, its symptoms, and how it’s treated can help you or your loved ones manage the condition more effectively. Here’s what you need to know.

Tinnitus is the perception of a ringing or buzzing sound in one or both ears without outside noise. When it occurs after a blow to the head, concussion, or other trauma, it’s known as post-traumatic tinnitus. This condition is more common than many realize and can be a direct consequence of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), even a mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI). It can manifest as high-pitched ringing, buzzing, or pulsatile noise.

There are three main types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss. Each manifests differently and has distinct causes, symptoms, characteristics, and origins. Conductive hearing loss occurs when something obstructs sound from passing through the outer or middle ear, stopping it from reaching the inner ear. It affects a wide demographic, including children and the elderly.