Category: Hearing Loss

Did you know that smokers are 70 percent more likely to develop hearing loss than nonsmokers? Yet despite this correlation and the many harmful side effects associated with smoking cigarettes, 40 million U.S. adults still smoke. Explore the relationship between smoking and hearing loss to better understand why cigarettes are able to impact the health and function of your auditory system. There have been many studies conducted that conclude the link between smoking and potential hearing loss. In fact, current smokers have a 15.1 percent increased chance of hearing loss, however, there is a higher chance associated with heavier smokers than lighter smokers. For example:  10 cigarettes per day: 40% more likely to develop some high-frequency hearing loss and 10% more ... Read more

Heart disease is one of the most common killers in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease kills about 610,000 people in the U.S. every year – making it the cause of roughly one in four deaths. Over the years, you’ve probably heard some tips for maintaining and improving your heart health – things like regularly exercising, quitting smoking, and eating a healthy diet. However, there is one aspect of heart health that often goes unrecognized: the correlation between hearing loss and heart disease. Understanding the Link Between Hearing Loss and Heart Disease There is an increasingly strong case for a connection between your hearing and heart health. First, while the ear ... Read more

If you or a loved one are in the midst of cancer treatment, you are likely familiar with some of the side effects. One of the lesser-known side effects can be one of the most difficult to treat: hearing loss. According to Cancer.net, a variety of cancers and cancer treatments can, unfortunately, cause hearing problems like hearing loss, tinnitus, and, in some cases, permanent ear damage. Learn about the connection between cancer treatment and hearing loss, and make sure to keep your healthcare provider in the loop if you experience hearing issues during or after cancer treatment. Before you begin a cancer treatment, ask your doctor if that specific treatment is known to cause hearing loss. If it is, talk ... Read more

By Dr. Tony Kovacs, Au.D. Have you ever been to a restaurant with family or friends and noticed your guests are having an easier time understanding the conversation? Have you found yourself leaning in to try to join the conversation, only to be left scratching your head? Hi, I’m Dr. Tony Kovacs, Sound Relief Audiologist in beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado. This restaurant scenario was exactly my experience every time I was in a noisy environment. I concluded that I must have a hearing loss. What other possibilities could there be? Though frustrated with my limited ability to understand my friends and family, I certainly wasn’t shocked because I’d been spending many years mistreating my ears. Before deciding to pursue my ... Read more

Fleets of school buses have taken to the streets. Kids are rocking new threads. The crispness of fall is beginning to creep into the air. It’s official: Back-to-school season is here. In the frenzy of returning to school, it’s easy to forget about your personal health. And staying healthy during the school year goes far beyond getting a flu shot – you also need to look after your ears. While protecting your hearing might not be at the top of your to-do list, maintaining your hearing is a lifelong job. Read on for some back-to-school hearing health tips. Prevent Hearing Loss Before It Happens Hearing loss isn’t just a concern for older individuals. Young people can cause irreversible damage to ... Read more

Do your ears feel stuffy and clogged? Are you suffering from sudden hearing loss or difficulty hearing? From impacted earwax to a sinus infection, clogged ears are major nuisances. Fortunately, there’s likely an easy fix. So scroll down for some answers if you’ve been wondering, “Why do my ears feel clogged?” Impacted Earwax It might seem strange and unpleasant, but earwax is actually a very useful mechanism that your body produces to protect your ears. The stickiness of earwax works to trap dirt, dust, and other pollutants, keeping your ears safe and clean. However, one of the most common reasons behind clogged ears is a buildup of earwax (or cerumen). According to the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, ... Read more