What Is a Decibel?
Chances are you have heard the term decibel thrown around when talking about loud noises and hearing loss. But what does it really mean? Understanding how audiologists measure sounds can help you be more aware of your surroundings and protect your hearing health. The Intensity of Sound Energy that travels in waves in known as…
Read MoreStop Ignoring Your Hearing Loss
Simply ignoring your problem and hoping it goes away on its own never works. This is especially true for those living with untreated hearing loss. While you may have been able to convince yourself that everything is fine, it turns out that hearing plays a large role in many issues that affect your quality of…
Read MoreDo You Have Ménière’s Disease?
Vertigo is a common symptom in Portland. When accompanied by pressure in the ears, hearing loss that comes and goes and a ringing or other sound, you may be suffering from an inner ear disorder called Ménière’s disease. Symptoms of Ménière’s Disease A French doctor named Prosper Ménière identified his namesake disease in 1861. Because…
Read MoreCan Acupuncture Help Treat Hearing Loss & Tinnitus?
With hearing loss and tinnitus prevalent throughout the Pacific Northwest—an estimated one out of every five people in Portland experiences one or both to some degree—the quest for a solution is a high priority for many. While traditional treatment options such as hearing aids are most popular, some patients are looking for alternative approaches such…
Read MorePeace, Love & Hearing Loss
Lucky Portlanders who enjoyed three days of peace, love and music in upstate New York during the summer of 1969 are paying the price today. Many are suffering the effects of noise-induced hearing loss—an irreversible condition that can seriously impact their daily lives. Summer of Love, Winter of Hearing Impairment Hearing loss becomes more common…
Read MoreWhat is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
The number one cause of hearing loss in Portland isn’t aging, as many believe; it’s actually noise exposure. Over the course of a lifetime, some damage to the sensory cells in your inner ear is inevitable. If you are frequently exposed to loud noise, hearing impairment can occur at a very young age – even…
Read MoreStand Up to Noise Pollution
Portland occasionally contend with hazy skies obscuring those spectacular views of Mt. Hood. As unsightly as this may be, not all pollution is so clearly visible. Noise pollution is a growing problem not only in the pacific northwest, but throughout the world. And it’s one we hardly notice anymore. Defining Noise Pollution The World Health…
Read MoreWhen Your 8 to 5 Exceeds 85 Decibels
If you’re like most people in Portland, you probably think hearing loss won’t be a problem until you’re well into your golden years. The truth is, only one-third of adults with a hearing impairment are older than 65. Hearing loss affects people of all ages, and one of the most common culprits in younger people…
Read MoreUntreated Hearing Loss is Costly
People in Portland with hearing loss are already at a disadvantage for many reasons. A new study shows their condition doesn’t only affect their health – it also hits them in the pocketbook. The Hidden Costs of Hearing Loss Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health surveyed 77,000 patients suspected of having untreated…
Read MorePersonal Identity and Hearing Loss
Even as an audiologist who has been licensed for over 28 years, I am astonished by the number of patients who visit the clinic for the first time and express embarrassment, shame, or even apologize for their difficulty hearing. This raises the question: Is there still some degree of stigma related to hearing loss and…
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