Is It Tinnitus or TMJ Disorder?
The term “tinnitus” describes a phantom sound in the ear that has no external source. It can present in many ways, including ringing, roaring, whistling, hissing, humming, buzzing, popping or clicking. Another condition that can cause sounds like these is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which is why the two conditions are sometimes confused. In this…
What Are Tonsil Stones, and How Do I Get Rid of Them?
Tonsil stones, also referred to as tonsilloliths, are hard, small white or yellow lumps that form on the tonsils. While they are not a sign of a serious medical problem, these stones can cause some unpleasant symptoms and, in rare cases, become an issue that requires further medical attention. Let’s take a closer look at…
How Your Home’s Acoustics Can Affect Your Hearing
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports, “Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing.” If you’re one of these numbers, you’ve likely noticed that the acoustics in your home can affect how well you can communicate with your family or roommates. In this post,…
How to Care for Your Child When They Have an Ear Infection
According to a 2020 article published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, “About 50% of all children will have at least 1 ear infection by the time they reach their second birthday.” If your child has come down with an ear infection, their pediatrician may take a wait-and-see approach. If this is the case, below we…
Is Cold Air Making My Nose Bleed?
Nosebleeds, known by medical professionals as epistaxis, aren’t just inconvenient—they can also be frightening. There are many factors that can cause a nosebleed, and many people believe cold air is one of them. We review the facts about this belief below. What One Study Shows One 2015 study published in the American Journal of Rhinology…
Household Bugs Are More than Just a Pest – Some May Cause Hearing Loss
The two most common causes of hearing loss are advanced age and noise exposure. But did you know that there are certain household bugs that can contribute, too? In this post, we review which bugs can and how you can protect your hearing. Bedbugs The common bedbug, Cimex lectularius, is a pest that can be…
Hearing Loss Treatment May Reduce The Risk of Depression in Seniors
Having hearing loss can increase your risk of developing other health conditions. Research has shown that seniors with hearing loss may be at a higher risk of depression. Let’s examine why this is, as well as what can be done to reduce the risk. The Link Between Hearing Loss and Depression Multiple studies have found…
Why Are Colds More Common During Winter?
Winter is known as cold and flu season, but have you ever wondered why that is? New research shows that chillier temperatures may be playing a part in making us more vulnerable to the common cold. Study Indicates Cold Weather Can Affect Immune Response A new study, just published in December of 2022 found that…
Is It Safe to Sleep with Headphones or Earbuds?
Do you live in a noisy home or a bustling city? Do your racing thoughts cause insomnia? If so, you may be tempted to listen to music or a sleepcast though headphones or earbuds when you lie down in bed at night. However, doing so may not be safe for your hearing. We review why…
Ways To Relieve Sinus Pain
Sinus pain, or sinusitis, is a common condition. Nearly 15% of individuals reported having had sinusitis the previous year. Sinus pain rarely is a sign of any serious problem. However, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be disruptive. The facial pressure, nasal congestion, runny nose and general feelings of unwellness can make for an unpleasant…