Category: Hearing Loss

Did you know that an estimated 48 million Americans experience some degree of hearing loss? Even more surprising is that only a fraction of people with hearing loss are receiving treatment for this. Oftentimes, hearing loss comes on so gradually that people go years before realizing they have a problem. One of the issues is…

The most commonly associated symptom with ear infections is ear pain. However, ear infections can also cause muffled hearing or hearing loss. This hearing loss is usually temporary in nature and returns to normal once the infection clears up. Some people who experience severe, chronic ear infections may be at a higher risk of permanent…

As the Fourth of July nears and growing numbers of Americans are reporting hearing loss, the American Academy of Audiology and Heuser Hearing Institute are cautioning the public to protect their hearing during firework displays. Noise from fireworks can reach up to 155 decibels. To put this into perspective, this is louder than a jet…

Nicer weather means you’ll want to spend more time outdoors, even to exercise. However, when doing so, it’s important to take measures to protect your ears and hearing. We review tips for this below. Wear Hearing Protection If you’re going to be going for a run through Levy Park on Eastside Street where they could…

Whether you live in the city and you’re trying to drown out the noises or you find listening to music or a sleepcast to be relaxing, you may be tempted to sleep with headphones or earbuds in. But is doing so safe for your hearing? We answer this question below. What the Research Shows A…

Hearing loss is common. In fact, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, two to three of every 1,000 babies in the U.S. is born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears, and one in eight people ages 12 and older has hearing loss in both…

Undoubtedly, you’ve seen the return of pumpkin spice lattes and noticed the sun setting a little earlier each day. That can only mean that fall is upon us. As you look forward to your favorite fall activities, it’s always good to know how to care for your hearing health during this season. Popular Fall Activities…

Everyone knows that fighting fires can be a dangerous job. The men and women of the Louisville Fire Department put themselves at risk every day to keep those in our community safe.   While some risks are obvious, one that may surprise you is that firefighters are at a higher risk of hearing loss. The…

The word “sound” describes a type of energy that travels in waves. You can measure these waves in two ways: amplitude, which is reported in decibels (dB), and frequency, which is reported in Hertz (Hz). In this post, we review how amplitudes and frequencies impact your hearing. What Is Amplitude? Amplitude refers to the pressure…

If you’re planning on scheduling an appointment to get your hearing checked out, first off congratulations on taking control of your hearing health!  Secondly, we encourage you to bring a partner or other loved one to your appointment to help support you on your journey. Your Hearing Loss Affects Your Loved Ones While you may…

Just because a person suffers from hearing loss does not mean they lose the ability to startle at loud noises. In fact, in many cases, loud noises can be perceived as more startling and uncomfortable. If you suffer from hearing loss you may have noticed this phenomenon, referred to as recruitment, or in some cases…

The information you pass along to children when they are young is what shapes their actions as adults. Teaching them how to safely cross the street, tie their shoes and treat their classmates are lessons they will carry forever. Hearing experts suggest adding healthy hearing habits to this list. What Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss? For…

Music plays a large role in society by helping to celebrate important events, bringing people together and increasing overall well-being. Unfortunately, those with untreated hearing loss do not get to experience these positive effects. Hearing aids can help.   Why Hearing Music Is Important As one expert explains, music is “sound that conveys emotion.” This unique…

The most common causes of hearing loss are exposure to noise and aging. While there is nothing to be done about getting older, there are some steps you can take to help lower your risk of developing hearing loss. Below is a look at six lifestyle changes you can make that may help you prevent hearing…

Usually, we talk about hearing loss numbers in terms of American adults. But a newly published report by the World Health Organization confirms that hearing loss is a global issue.  World Report on Hearing The World Health Organization estimates that by the year 2050, 2.5 billion people across the globe will have some degree of…

If the average person were asked to list the most common medical conditions plaguing Americans today, no one would be shocked to see heart disease, cancer or diabetes topping the list. However, most would be surprised to see hearing loss—affecting around 40 million Americans—take a top spot as one of the most prevalent chronic conditions…

Hearing loss is not a condition confined to adults; people of all ages can be affected by a hearing impairment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one to three of every 1,000 children have hearing loss. If your child is one of those, it is important to know how to empower…

A diagnosis of childhood hearing loss usually prompts a lot of questions and concerns from parents. While it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed, rest assured that your child’s audiologist is there to support you every step of the way. To get you started, we’ve compiled an overview of information about childhood hearing loss. Is Childhood…

One of the most common causes of hearing loss is exposure to unsafe noise levels. When this occurs on a job, it is known as occupational hearing loss. There are many industries that expose employees to excessive noise, like construction, air traffic control and the military. Research has shown that members of the military are…

Heart disease is responsible for 655,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, making it the leading cause of loss among both men and woman. Even with such a high prevalence, many don’t understand the true threat of the disease or how closely connected it is with other health conditions, especially hearing loss. Understanding Heart Disease…

Hearing loss can be a confusing experience that leaves you feeling discouraged, frustrated and isolated. October is Audiology Awareness Month, which means now is a great time to learn about life changes that can help make for a better tomorrow. Audiologists, including the experts at , can help identify hearing problems and recommend a treatment…

As the global pandemic continues, we are all figuring out how to adapt to this new normal. While many schools across Kentucky hoped to open back up at the start of the year, more are opting to utilize distant learning to help keep our children safe. This change is challenging for all children, and especially…

Past research has found that vision impairment and untreated hearing loss are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. New research sought to dive further into these connections, exploring the effects of combined vision and hearing problems – referred to as dual sensory impairment (DSI). About the Study The study, called “Dual sensory impairment…

Heuser Hearing Institute is actively working to build relationships and educate our Kentucky legislators on how our mission impacts over 6,200 children and adults with hearing loss annually across the state. It’s important for advocates like you to let your legislators know how their decisions impact people who are deaf or hard of hearing. There…

While age and noise exposure are two of the most commonly-known causes of hearing loss, there are many other factors at play. Below is a list of hearing loss causes that may surprise you. Blood Conditions Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol affect nearly every cell in the body, including those in the ears….

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Lockdowns, stay-at-home orders and social distancing make this a challenging time for all. For those with untreated hearing loss, who are at an even greater risk of developing mental health issues, raising awareness and developing a coping strategy is key. Social Isolation A report from the National Academies of Sciences,…

Approximately 48 million Americans suffer from hearing loss – a condition that has been associated with anxiety, depression and even cognitive decline. While not all cases of hearing loss are preventable, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing the disorder. Below are five habits to kick to promote better hearing health. Smoking Smoking…

While vision is the most important sense you rely on while driving, your hearing also plays a crucial role in helping you be aware of your surroundings while on the road. If you have a hearing impairment, be sure to follow these tips to stay safe. Wear Hearing Aids If you already have a set…

Decibels are important when it comes to measuring hearing ability (or lack thereof). Before you can understand the information presented on your audiogram after a hearing exam, it’s important to know what a decibel is and how it is used in an audiologist’s office. Decibels Measure Sound Intensity Sound energy travels in waves that can…

Many have heard about seeing eye dogs, but fewer know about hearing assistance dogs. These animals are specially trained to help handlers with hearing impairment navigate through the world, and can alert the handler to warning sounds they may miss on their own. Assistance dogs are available worldwide in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia,…

More than 48 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, yet only one in five people who has it wears hearing aids. Even among those who do treat their hearing loss, the average person waits seven years between being diagnosed and actually purchasing devices. There are many reasons people may be hesitant to purchase hearing devices,…

The decision to treat your hearing loss may be a long time coming. This isn’t surprising, as most people wait an average of seven years to treat their hearing from the time they are first diagnosed. While the thought of becoming a hearing aid wearer may seem daunting, it should also be exciting! You’re on…

If you’ve recently had a baby in Louisville, before you left the hospital your newborn was given a hearing screening. This is crucial in detecting hearing loss early and preparing infants and their parents for intervention services that are necessary to ensure they succeed. The Importance of Early Intervention The vast majority of babies in…

Busy parents looking for a break by catching a movie in Louisville have a checklist of items to make their theater-going experience enjoyable. These might include popcorn, candy and soda. If “baby” is also on that list, you should either hire a sitter or reschedule for when they are old enough to actually enjoy the…

It has long been understood that deafness in early childhood is associated with permanent changes in the way the brain processes sound. New research shows that young kids with even mild to moderate hearing loss in Louisville will experience similar changes. Mild to Moderate Childhood Hearing Loss Researchers at the University of Cambridge conducted a…

Hearing loss is common across Kentucky, and it isn’t confined to older adults; nearly 15 percent of children aged 6-19 years old have a hearing impairment of at least 16 decibels (dB) in one or both ears in Louisville. Bilateral hearing loss (affecting both ears) of 40 dB or greater affects 1.4 out of every…

Two to three out of every 1,000 babies are born with a hearing impairment in Louisville. Now that newborn hearing screenings are routine, most of these infants are diagnosed right away—a key step in preventing delays in speech-language, academic and social development. Parents face many challenges in caring for their deaf or hard of hearing…

It’s a new school year in Louisville, and many parents are anxious to see their kids succeed. But if those first report cards are less than stellar, there may be an underlying neurological reason associated with hearing loss. How Hearing Affects Schoolwork A new study by researchers at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, published in the…

Now that school is back in session, Louisville parents are once again getting into the habit of packing lunches, helping with homework questions and making sure their kids have the right supplies. While these are all essential to the learning process, have you made sure your kids’ ears are ready for the school year? Ensuring…

Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of opportunity for Louisville kids to hit the swimming pool or splash around in the backyard. Doing so could lead to a potentially harmful infection called swimmer’s ear, but with a few simple steps, your kids can enjoy the last of the hot weather without worry…

Children and adults in Louisville who experience a ruptured eardrum end up dealing with pain, dizziness, hearing loss and other symptoms. Most heal on their own eventually but skipping a visit to the doctor increases your risk of infection. Understanding what causes these ruptures can help prevent them from occurring. What are the symptoms of…

There are many sources of noise pollution in Louisville. Ordinary, everyday sounds can damage the hair cells of the inner ear, leading to irreversible hearing loss. We’re used to hearing about loud music, sporting events and recreational activities such as riding jet skis and dirt bikes. A Canadian teen wondered whether something far less obvious…

Technology can streamline and simplify life but may also be the bane of our existence. Take music, for instance. Streaming services like Spotify enable you to carry more songs in your pocket than you could fit into an airplane hangar, and earbuds let you listen to those tunes in high-quality stereo on the go. But…

Hearing loss doesn’t only affect seniors and older Americans. An estimated three million children in the U.S. struggle with hearing loss to a certain degree – a fact that poses daily challenges. For parents in Louisville with a hearing-impaired child, even simple activities that others take for granted, such as traveling, require extra planning. The…