How Does Cogan’s Syndrome Affect Hearing?
Hearing loss can arise from a number of factors, including aging, loud noise exposure, ototoxic medication (medication that damages the hearing mechanisms of the inner ear), physical trauma, illness, inflammatory medical conditions and more. One medical condition that can result in hearing loss is Cogan’s syndrome. What Is Cogan’s Syndrome? Cogan’s syndrome is an autoimmune…
New Year, New Name: What to Know About Better Speech and Hearing Month’s New Name
The National Association for Hearing and Speech Action (NAHSA) has announced a significant shift for its annual May event. From 2024 on, Better Speech and Hearing Month will be known as “National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. This change aims to eliminate the word “better,” which could inadvertently pass judgment on those living with hearing loss or communication…
How Can You Manage Your Tinnitus at Work?
Tinnitus is characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in one or both ears, even when there is no external sound. According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), about 10% of the U.S. population experiences this condition. If you’re among those who have tinnitus symptoms, you might be seeking…
Acoustic Neuromas
What Is an Acoustic Neuroma? An acoustic neuroma is a benign growth of the auditory nerve. Although it is slow-growing and non-malignant, it can be problematic because it can potentially impact hearing, balance, tinnitus, and/or facial function. These growths are rare, occurring in only 1 out of 100,000 people per year. An acoustic neuroma (also…
Ear Infection
What Causes Ear Infections? Middle ear infection (otitis media) often occurs after a cold or with an infection of the upper airway. The Eustachian tube aerates the middle ear to prevent fluid from collecting. The Eustachian tube is a channel from the back of the throat to the ear allowing air to fill the middle…
Cholesteatoma
What is a Cholesteatoma? A Cholesteatoma is a growth of skin cells commonly occurring behind the ear drum that can cause damage to the ear drum, erode the middle ear bones and in some cases, impact the inner ear. Untreated cholesteatomas can lead to more serious problems including: chronic ear infections, permanent hearing loss, and…
Eardrum Perforation
What Does an Eardrum Do? The eardrum has two main roles: Hearing. Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses. Protection. Your eardrum acts as a barrier to protect your middle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances. What is…
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Eustachian tubes are the narrow passageways that run between the middle ear and upper throat. Their purpose is to equalize pressure and drain fluid from your middle ear. The Eustachian tubes typically remain closed until you chew, swallow or yawn. These tubes can sometimes become blocked, a condition that is called Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). What Are…