Healthcare News
Microtia and atresia: When ears don't develop fully
Microtia is a rare birth defect in which the external ear is not completely developed. It affects about one of every 3,800 babies born annually, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Microtia usually occurs with atresia, also known as aural atresia, a condition in which the auditory ear canal is either underdeveloped, absent or closed. When this happens, a child will likely have severe conductive hearing loss in the affected ear.
Understanding high-frequency hearing loss
One of the most common types of hearing loss is known as high-frequency hearing loss. This means high-pitched sounds are harder to hear. It can affect anyone of any age, but it's more common in older adults with age-related hearing loss, as well as people exposed to loud noises.
Hearing loss statistics at a glance
Hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition behind arthritis and heart disease, affecting people of all ages. It is especially common among older adults and veterans.
What are hearing loops and hearing aid telecoils?
If you wear hearing aids or are considering making that purchase soon, be sure to ask your hearing care provider about telecoil technology. These small copper coils have come standard in most hearing aid devices for nearly 50 years and, when used in tandem with a hearing loop, can dramatically enhance your listening experience in public places by piping sound directly to the hearing device.
Shingles and hearing loss: What we know
When most people think of shingles, they envision a painful and itchy body rash, yet the shingles virus also can affect hearing and balance, and in some cases, lead to hearing loss.