Noise, or unwanted sound, is one of the most common environmental exposures in the United States. In 1981, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that nearly 100 million people in the United States (about 50% of the population) had annual exposures to traffic noise that were high enough to be harmful to health. How Does the Body Respond to Noise? Despite the widespread prevalence of noise exposure, noise has historically been treated differently from pollutants of a … [Read more...] about Understanding the Effects of Noise Pollution
Karon Lynn Au.D.
How to Reduce Background Noise
Have you ever noticed the background noise in a restaurant or other gathering area? Some spaces seem to promote noise, while others don’t. Some areas seem to boost background noise by using hard reflective surfaces, seating that is close together, high ceilings and music piped into the seating area. What is the reasoning when creating places that are not comfortable to sit and have a conversation? For restaurants, the management wants to have the tables turned over to the next patron as quickly … [Read more...] about How to Reduce Background Noise
Becoming Hearing Aid Savvy
Hearing is something we often take for granted, until we have concerns. The following are some of the commonly asked questions that come up when individuals are considering hearing aids. I think I need hearing aids, but how do I know what I should buy? Your lifestyle determines the technology that would be the best for you. Those who are in group settings for church, meetings or family gatherings will need to purchase aids with more advanced technology than someone who is usually in quiet … [Read more...] about Becoming Hearing Aid Savvy
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Anatomy, Prevention, Treatment
Surveys estimate that noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) affects 10 to 15 million people in the United States. The excessive vibratory motion created by loud sound can cause a plethora of damage in the delicate cochlear sensory cells and the nearby supporting pillar cells of the hearing organ. The hearing organ is called the cochlea. Noise can rupture the tips of the nerve cells, fuse sensory nerve cells together, damage the area through which the cells transmit signals and even change the … [Read more...] about Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Anatomy, Prevention, Treatment
Exploring New Hearing Aid Technology
A new technology in the hearing aid industry is remote adjustment to the hearing aid. This reduces the number of trips back to the office to have fine tuning completed. An appointment is made with your audiologist to be seen remotely at your house or office. It has been an interesting option to implement during the last few months. Most of the people I have contacted remotely are happy about the process, as they can stay in the comfort of their home or go to the environment causing difficulty … [Read more...] about Exploring New Hearing Aid Technology
Environmental Noise May Cause Health Issues
Most people are not aware of the excessive noise in their daily lives. Noise comes from traffic sounds, trains, airplanes, roadwork, construction sites, even noise from people near you talking and listening to music, etc. Your brain is constantly processing all the sound, deciding what it wants to focus on and what is to be ignored. Even when you sleep, your ears are working, picking up and filtering the sound to different parts of the brain. This constant stimulus causes mental fatigue and … [Read more...] about Environmental Noise May Cause Health Issues
Understanding Tinnitus: Ringing in the Ears
More than 50 million people are bothered by tinnitus and approximately 20 percent of those people are severely affected by it. Tinnitus is a sound that is heard without any external stimulation. It can be high or low-pitched; it may sound like humming, clicking, buzzing, whistling, chirping or roaring. The sound may come and go and sometimes people say the loudness of their tinnitus changes. Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease and is not threatening to one’s health. Most tinnitus can … [Read more...] about Understanding Tinnitus: Ringing in the Ears