Researchers find earwax may contain indicators of hidden disorders

For many of us, nothing says “nuisance” like earwax—that annoying, sticky substance inside our ears. Despite the negative connotation, earwax is actually more of a friend than foe to our well-being. First and foremost, earwax (also called cerumen) maintains and protects the skin inside the ear, preventing damaging elements like dirt and bacteria from getting into the eardrum.…

One cure for loneliness? Wearing hearing aids

It’s Valentine’s Day, a time when many will be spending quality time with loved ones—and realistically, many will not: Loneliness affects 1 in 4 older adults and 5–15% of adolescents and can have a profound impact on our overall well-being—increasing our risk of dementia, early mortality (by nearly 40%), and other health issues. It’s no wonder U.S. Surgeon General Vivek…

How long do hearing aids last?

Ahhh… technology: We love it. We’re sometimes frustrated by it. But let’s face it—we all can name at least one techno-gadget that makes life simpler or more enjoyable. Maybe it’s our car GPS—helping us get to wherever we want to go with a simple tap or voice command. Or our smartphone, that “right hand” that helps…

Treating hearing loss may delay dementia for a large number of older adults

Over the years, evidence has continued to mount supporting the association between untreated hearing loss and dementia—from the prestigious Lancet study that named hearing loss as the number one modifiable risk factor for dementia to the standout ACHIEVE research that found hearing intervention slowed the loss of thinking and memory abilities by 48% in older adults at an increased risk for cognitive decline.…

How long do hearing aids last?

Ahhh… technology: We love it. We’re sometimes frustrated by it. But let’s face it—we all can name at least one techno-gadget that makes life simpler or more enjoyable. Maybe it’s our car GPS—helping us get to wherever we want to go with a simple tap or voice command. Or our smartphone, that “right hand” that…

How noise pollution can impact our hearing health

It’s not uncommon for people to live near street traffic, but as today’s hearing fact shows, this living situation may pave the way for developing tinnitus. Tinnitus, a hearing health condition that impacts 10 to 25% of adults in the U.S., is characterized by the continuous sensation of ringing or other noise (buzzing, roaring, humming, etc.) in our ears…