American Girl’s 2020 Girl of the Year Has Hearing Loss

A lot has changed in the world of dolls since Barbie premiered in 1959. The classic Barbie look—blonde, blue-eyed, thin, and Caucasian—may still be available, but she is now available in much greater variety. The same is true for many dolls and toy brands. Dolls are now available with various hair and eye colors, skin… Continue reading American Girl’s 2020 Girl of the Year Has Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss Can Increase Your Risk for Accidental Injury

Accidents can happen to anyone, right? That is why we call them “accidents,” after all. However, certain factors can increase your risk of accidental injury. While you might think something like “being clumsy” might top the list of risk factors for accidental injury, the truth is something very common: hearing loss. A recent study analyzed… Continue reading Hearing Loss Can Increase Your Risk for Accidental Injury

Understanding Disability Discrimination in the Workplace

 “It’s not our disabilities, it’s our abilities that count.” –Chris Burke If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss, there are many things to consider, such as how you’ll treat your hearing loss, new considerations for your daily routine and even what you may need to do to optimize your routine at work. It’s also… Continue reading Understanding Disability Discrimination in the Workplace

Understanding Disability Discrimination in the Workplace

Disability discrimination in the workplace is a serious problem. 19.1% of disabled people are working according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and many frequently work without benefits. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) forbids employers from discriminating against employees and applicants with disabilities. For those of you with a disability, it will benefit you… Continue reading Understanding Disability Discrimination in the Workplace

Sick and Tired of Listening?

Life can be hectic and overwhelming which can make you feel exhausted. But it shouldn’t happen on a regular basis. If you feel tired often at the end of the day and your medical checkup comes back clean, you might consider making an appointment with a hearing health professional. It’s possible you’re suffering from listening… Continue reading Sick and Tired of Listening?

Fact or Fiction: Common Misconceptions About Hearing Aids

While MythBusters likely won’t be getting involved with this one, hearing health professionals are able to lay to rest some questions about myth vs. fact for their audience of people needing hearing aids Myth: Hearing loss is something that happens to older people. Fact: Approximately one out of every five people over the age of… Continue reading Fact or Fiction: Common Misconceptions About Hearing Aids

Unusual Causes of Hearing Loss

Most people focus on the bigger picture. Do I have enough health and life insurance coverage? What will happen if I have an accident and break a leg or arm? Does my genetic history mean I’ll have heart troubles? Will I get hit by a bus because I was texting and walking? For the general… Continue reading Unusual Causes of Hearing Loss

Is There Relief on the Horizon for Sufferers of Tinnitus and Meniere’s Disease?

The inner ear is a sensitive little thing, susceptible internally to infections, inflammation, and viruses. In addition to these, it’s also at risk of external sources such as explosions, dangerously loud music, and blasts of noise like emergency sirens. Even with proper protection, issues can crop up such as tinnitus or Meniere’s Disease, which is… Continue reading Is There Relief on the Horizon for Sufferers of Tinnitus and Meniere’s Disease?

Tinnitus and it?s Sidekick, Mental Distress

We?ve all heard stories about the aging process bringing on new aches and pains. We?ve also heard about events that have had a profound effect on someone?s hearing such as an explosion or an auto accident that leaves them with hearing loss. What we don?t often learn about until it happens to us or someone… Continue reading Tinnitus and it?s Sidekick, Mental Distress

Can Zebrafish Research Help Rewire the Brain of the Congenitally Deaf?

With the help of small, freshwater zebrafish, researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) have recently discovered that the otoferlin protein in congenitally deaf people has a mutation that causes profound deafness. They’ve also uncovered proof that this protein alters the growth and wiring of neurons that are vitally important to the central nervous system. The… Continue reading Can Zebrafish Research Help Rewire the Brain of the Congenitally Deaf?