Ear, Nose & Throat Blog

It’s the most wonderful time of the year ‘Tis the season to be jolly. But it’s also the season when hearing loss can become more obvious — and problematic. For most, the holiday season is packed with social activities. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, the calendar fills with work socials, family gatherings, shopping excursions and parties…

Baldness, freckles…hearing loss?  Yes, it seems we can inherit many of our parents’ traits, whether or not we truly want them.  While we have known for years that different conditions such as baldness, high blood pressure and poor eyesight can have genetic origins, recent studies have revealed more information into genetic hearing loss in many…

It’s Mother’s Day this month — a terrific time to remember and give thanks for all the things our mothers did to make our childhood easier and more carefree. Cards, brunches and bouquets are the traditional way to honor Mom. But wouldn’t it be great if you could repay her by helping to make her life…

Since symptoms of age-related hearing loss may start occurring by age fifty-five, it is safe to assume that many individuals in the workforce are experiencing some degree of hearing loss. Recently, the non-profit Better Hearing Institute (BHI) took a close look at the impact untreated hearing loss has on the workplace — and its workforce.…

We hear it from our patients all the time: “A little hearing loss is no big deal.” And sure, when compared to vision loss, gradual hearing loss is easier to deal with, work around and put off. But make no mistake, untreated hearing impairment can quickly turn into a “big deal” — which may have serious consequences…

In February we celebrate Valentine’s Day, so when better to discuss matters of the heart? Though most conversations around the heart pertain to love this time of year, the heart’s connection to hearing health and hearing loss should also have you thinking about your loved one. Studies show that hearing health and cardiovascular health impact…

Did you know that approximately 200 prescription and over-the-counter medications are known to be ototoxic, which literally means, “poisonous to the ears”? Ototoxic drugs have the potential to damage the inner ear or cause vestibular dysfunction, which can result in hearing loss, tinnitus or even balance disorders. Many ototoxic effects are temporary and go away…

The sounds of the holiday—joyous music, lively conversation and family gatherings—are a cherished part of every holiday season. But if a loved one has trouble hearing in crowded, noisy situations, or suffers any degree of hearing loss, the holidays may lose some of their luster. A person with hearing loss symptoms may have difficulty hearing…

Do you, or someone you know, have diabetes and hearing loss? It shouldn’t be surprising. A link between the two conditions has been recognized since the 1960s. In 2008, researchers found that diabetics were twice as likely to have hearing loss compared to their non-diabetic peers. Why the link? The exact causes are unknown. But…