Gout and heart disease: What's the connection?
Hearing loss in noisy environments
Hyaluronic acid for skin: Benefits, how to use it, and side effects
Weight cycling linked to increased muscle loss
Self-directed cognitive behavioral therapy may help alleviate chronic pain
What men should know about proposed changes for testosterone therapy
Ashwagandha: Benefits, side effects, and safety concerns
Hearing aids: Types, costs, over-the-counter options, and AirPods
Meditation techniques: How to meditate for stress, sleep, and focus
Anti-inflammatory diet: Foods that help reduce chronic inflammation
Ear, nose, and throat Archive
Articles
Tough to swallow
You don't say? Why does your nose run in cold weather?
Sore throat soothers
Most sore throats are caused by non-life-threatening conditions or certain behaviors. But sometimes a sore throat may be an indication of COVID-19. One should call the doctor if experiencing difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, a high fever, or a cough that produces blood. Ways to relieve sore throat pain include staying hydrated, using over-the-counter painkillers, drinking warm liquids, using cough drops, using a spray or lozenge that contains an oral anesthetic to numb the throat, and treating an underlying condition causing sore throat pain.
COVID-related loss of smell may be associated with mental health risks
New medication advances treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
The FDA has approved a new medication for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, dupilumab, which is given by injection biweekly.
Easier access to hearing aids
The FDA announced in December 2016 that it would no longer enforce the requirement that adults receive a medical evaluation or sign a waiver prior to purchasing most hearing aids.
What is holding you back from better hearing?
The realities of treatment can help relieve hearing loss concerns.
Image: © Thinkstock
Hearing loss is common in older age. It affects one in three people ages 65 or older, and two out of three people ages 75 or older. The condition leaves people struggling to keep up with conversations or simply hear the phone or TV, which can lead to serious problems. "Hearing loss can make a person less likely to engage with friends and family, which can be associated with depression," says Dr. David Jung, an otologist (ear specialist) with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
Common excuses
What you should do
It's easy to overlook evidence that you have hearing loss. The symptoms can be subtle. Perhaps people around you always seem to be mumbling. Perhaps you have a hard time carrying on a conversation in a noisy environment.
If you recognize these symptoms, talk to your primary care doctor. He or she may order a hearing test directly or refer you to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist).
A visit will likely involve an ear exam, an evaluation of your medical history and how it may be affecting your hearing, and a hearing test by an audiologist. Your team will determine if a hearing aid will help you.
If you can hear the sound of a voice well but have trouble distinguishing the words being spoken, first try some simple tricks. Stand closer to people when they talk. Talk in well-lighted areas so you can see the face of the person you're talking with. Sit closer to a stage if you're at a performance.
What to do about the high cost of hearing aids One of the biggest obstacles to getting hearing aids is money. "Many of my patients are desperate to get a hearing aid, but they can't afford one," says Dr. David Jung, an otologist with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. A pair of the devices can cost an average of more than $4,600, yet insurance and Medicare rarely cover any costs. If you need financial assistance, some organizations can help:
The Hearing Loss Association of America (www.hearingloss.org) offers a complete list of resources. Eligibility requirements for hearing aid financial assistance vary. For example, Audient requires that a family of two earn less than about $36,000, and a single person earn less than about $27,000. A move by the FDA is making it easier to obtain over-the-counter hearing aids, which are less expensive than prescription hearing aids. However, over-the-counter devices aren't right for everyone. |
Gout and heart disease: What's the connection?
Hearing loss in noisy environments
Hyaluronic acid for skin: Benefits, how to use it, and side effects
Weight cycling linked to increased muscle loss
Self-directed cognitive behavioral therapy may help alleviate chronic pain
What men should know about proposed changes for testosterone therapy
Ashwagandha: Benefits, side effects, and safety concerns
Hearing aids: Types, costs, over-the-counter options, and AirPods
Meditation techniques: How to meditate for stress, sleep, and focus
Anti-inflammatory diet: Foods that help reduce chronic inflammation
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