Addressing Military-Related Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can affect individuals of all demographics, but there are certain risk factors that may increase your chance of developing a noise-related impairment. One notable factor is occupation. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 22 million American workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels. For combat soldiers, this phenomenon is…
Exposure to Socially Important Sounds Can Improve Your Hearing
Years of research have shown the significance that social interaction can have on our psychological and physical well-being. Without it, people are at an increased risk of depression, reduced immunity and increased risk of mortality. Social interaction also has another surprising effect: improved auditory function. Researchers at Georgia State University recently conducted a study to…
New to Hearing Loss? Here’s What You Need to Know
What Causes Hearing Loss? Most often, hearing loss is caused by regular exposure to unsafe noise levels. Over time, damage to our inner ear cells inhibits our ability to hear certain frequencies. There are a number of other potential causes of loss as well. Genetics, ototoxic medications, injury to the head, autoimmune disease, ear infections…
The Hidden Hearing Loss Effect
Each day we all experience sound in the environment. Many of these sounds are low intensity, satisfying, and others are the mundane sounds of life, such as television, radio, household appliances, cars running, traffic, etc. Most of these sounds are at very safe levels and do not cause any danger to hearing. We also know however,…
Hearing Loss in Portland
Are You One of the Nearly 100,000 People in Portland with Hearing Loss? Hearing loss is a common condition that affects about 15% of the population across the U.S. Unfortunately, public awareness about this issue is low, and only about 1 in 5 people affected by this condition seeks treatment. If you’re ready to…
Custom Earmolds Part 1: Introduction
When you visit a Portland hearing loss doctor, you expect to receive individualized, customized care. So why not expect the same thing from your hearing aids, ear plugs and other in-ear accessories? Custom earmolds are gaining popularity amongst our Portland patients. These earmolds are created personally for your ears and can be used for a…
Custom Earmolds Part 2: Musician’s Earmolds
Musicians have consistently higher rates of hearing loss and tinnitus than other Portland residents. In fact, Portland musicians are around four times as likely to develop hearing loss than non-musicians. Along with this alarming statistic about hearing loss, Portland musicians’ risk of developing tinnitus is about 60% above average. This means top-quality hearing protection is…
Custom Earmolds Part 3: Noise Protection Plugs
Loud noise exposure is the #1 cause of hearing loss in Portland patients. In fact, throughout Oregon and across the country, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is responsible for about 1 in 4 cases of hearing loss. The good news is that NIHL is easy to prevent by using proper ear protection. Custom noise protection earplugs…
Custom Earmolds Part 4: Swimmer’s Plugs
Swim plugs are personally crafted earplugs made using waterproof silicone. These earplugs create a tight, snug and comfortable seal while preventing water from entering your ear canals. Swim plugs can be made for Portland patients of any age, though they’re really popular for kids prone to ear infections. Swim plugs aren’t just for swimming—they’re great…
Hearing Loss: Numbers to Know
Sometimes it’s hard to under stand just how serious of a problem hearing loss actually is. This is why so many people in Portland with hearing loss are completely unaware of their problem. Hearing loss doesn’t just mean missing out on conversations, though. The condition has been linked to several more serious medical problems like…
