Allergy Types
There are many allergens; each type has its own set of symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. Seasonal Allergies Allergies fall under two categories: seasonal and perennial. The latter occurs year-round, while seasonal allergies appear during specific times of the year, generally during spring when trees and flowers bloom. They can also occur in…
What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
Noise induced hearing loss is the second most common form of hearing loss (ranking behind presbycusis, hearing loss related to normal aging), and is the most preventable type. How Can Sounds Hurt Your Ears? Background sound is a constant in our busy lives. Normally, background noises are at safe levels that won’t impact our hearing….
What is Unilateral Hearing Loss?
What is Single Sided Deafness? Sometimes referred to as unilateral hearing loss, single sided deafness is a condition in which an individual experiences hearing loss in only one ear but can hear normally out of the other ear. While the majority of patients with a hearing impairment suffer from bilateral (two-sided) hearing loss, SSD is…
What is Sudden Hearing Loss?
For most people who experience hearing loss, the condition comes on gradually over a period of years. In rare cases, an abrupt loss of hearing occurs with little or no warning. This condition is known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). What is Sudden Deafness? Sudden deafness is defined as a hearing reduction of 30…
Choosing a Hearing Aid
If you are experiencing hearing loss, odds are good that you’ll benefit from a hearing aid. But choosing the right one is no simple task. Today’s hearing aids are smaller and more feature-packed than their predecessors, offering an array of options. Narrowing the choices down can be tough, but there are a few important things you…
Hearing Protection
We are exposed to sound on a daily basis. Volume levels vary considerably, and can easily exceed 85 decibels (dB) – the threshold that is considered safe. Any prolonged exposure to noise exceeding this is harmful and can cause permanent, irreversible hearing loss. Excess noise exposure isn’t the only cause of hearing damage. Diseases, drugs and…
Mouse and Cockroach Allergens
Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to have infestations of mouse and cockroach in your house to be exposed to mouse or cockroach allergens. Primary culprits of exposure come from particles of feces from cockroach and from feces, urine, epithelium (skin cells), and dander from mice. These allergens become airborne as the particles…
Living with Pets
Animal dander is the small particles of dead skin cells found on the surface of cats, dogs, birds, and other animals. Animals constantly shed their dead skin cells, and as they move the dander is deposited on anything the animal touches. Animal dander also becomes airborne. It is extremely light-weight and will stay airborne even…
Allergy FAQs
What You Need to Know About Middle Ear Surgery
Within the middle ear is the eardrum. If you attend a concert at Palace Theatre and stand near a speaker without hearing protection, you run the risk of rupturing your eardrum. If the tear is minor, you may be able to let it heal on its own, but if it’s severe, it may require surgery….