July 9 Is World Misophonia Day
While loud noises are bothersome to many, people with misophonia experience especially strong emotional, psychological and behavioral responses. Wednesday, July 9, is World Misophonia Awareness Day. Organized by the nonprofit soQuiet, the goal is to increase support for people living with this condition. People with misophonia experience overwhelming and involuntary reactions to everyday sounds and…
Why Am I Sensitive to Noise All of a Sudden?
A strong sensitivity to noise is called hyperacusis. With hyperacusis, you might perceive regular sounds, like talking, running water or chewing during dinner at Wildflower, as unusually loud, painful or frightening. You may find the volume a little annoying or unbearable. In some cases, the volume can be intense enough to cause poor balance or…
A Guide To Everyday Sounds by Decibel Level
Noise exposure is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, affecting approximately 5% of the global population. Prolonged exposure to noise at or above 85 decibels (dB) or short exposure to noise at or above 120 dB can result in hearing loss. While it’s helpful to know that exposure to 85 dB can…
Fine-Tuning Your Hearing Aids for Better Get-Togethers
Approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. These remarkable devices do more than just amplify sounds—they connect you to the moments that matter most. Taking the time for hearing aid care and programming ensures you can stay fully engaged, whether you’re sharing a toast at a friend’s dinner party or catching up…
The Emotional Journey of Hearing Loss: Understanding and Moving Forward
You may have heard of the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. These stages are often associated with coping with loss. But, they also provide a helpful framework for understanding the emotional journey of hearing loss. Let’s look at the hearing loss diagnosis and treatment process and how these stages may…
Show Your Ears Some Love: Self-Care Tips for Better Hearing Health
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. While most of Valentine’s Day is centered around showing your partner you love and appreciate them, it’s also the perfect time to show yourself some love. One self-care area you may have been neglecting recently is your ear health. Let’s take a look at three ways you can…
Start the New Year Right With Four Hearing Health Resolutions
The start of a new year feels like a clean slate. Many see it as an opportunity to get in shape, eat healthier, travel more or maybe save more money. But there’s one important aspect of health that often gets left out of the conversation: hearing. Let’s look at why it’s a good idea to…
Thriving in Fitness With Hearing Aids: Tips for Active Lifestyles
Staying active can help prevent and manage cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes while also improving mental health and reducing the risk of depression and anxiety. Whether you’re exploring the scenic Madera Canyon Nature Trail, powering through a Pilates class or diving into the pool at your local gym, incorporating exercise into your daily routine can…
Managing Stress-Induced Tinnitus During the Busy Fall Season
The busy fall season of holidays, school events, midterms and finals is upon us. Those events could bring added stress. For those with tinnitus, this added stress can worsen stress-induced tinnitus. Tinnitus, the perception of sounds like ringing or buzzing that aren’t present, has affected 10% of Americans. Here’s a look at common fall stressors…
How to Celebrate Audiology Awareness Month
Each October, Audiology Awareness Month occurs to promote awareness about hearing health and the importance of hearing protection. Audiology Awareness Month was established in March 2008 and prioritizes sharing resources and educating the community. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.5 billion people, or 20% of the world’s population live with hearing loss…