World Alzheimer’s Month was launched in 2012, making this September the 10th anniversary celebration. World Alzheimer’s Month is a month-long international campaign by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) to advocate, raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. WHO estimates that worldwide, over 50 million people have dementia, and nearly 10 million new cases are reported every year. What have …
Studies Show that COVID-19 Can Affect Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of hearing a specific noise in one or both ears. This noise is often described as a buzzing, ringing, or hissing sound that can be experienced mildly to loudly. Tinnitus is experienced though no actual sound is present in the environment. The Hearing Health Foundation estimates that at least 10% of people in the U.S. experience …
New Face Masks Can Help Communication
Face masks have become essential to daily life. Over one year into the global pandemic, face masks are mandated (or highly recommended) in public spaces. A critical safety measure, face masks reduce the risk of contracting and spreading coronavirus. While important for individual and public health, masks also present unique challenges for people with hearing loss. A chronic medical condition …
Current & Former Smokers May Be at Higher Risk for Hearing Loss
Studies show that current and former smokers can experience an increased risk of developing hearing loss. Hearing loss is one of the most pervasive medical conditions, impacting an estimated 48 million people. Impaired hearing reduces a person’s capacity to absorb and process sound which produces a range of symptoms that affect daily life. Hearing loss strains communication, relationships, social engagement, …
How Virtual Assistants Can Assist Those with Hearing Loss
Virtual assistants are a form of voice-based technology that is used to provide digital assistance. They function by recognizing a person’s speech and performing a particular task articulated vocally using artificial intelligence (and machine learning). These devices are primarily used to answer questions and carry out commands such as opening a particular app, getting directions, making a phone call, or …
Signs You May Have Tinnitus
Tinnitus, often referred to as a “ringing of the ears,” causes people to hear sounds without an external auditory stimulus. According to the American Tinnitus Association, approximately 15% of Americans “experience tinnitus, often to a debilitating degree, making it one of the most common health conditions in the country.” Of this number, 20 million Americans experience chronic tinnitus, with 2 …
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month
Better Hearing and Speech Month has arrived with the arrival of spring! The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and several other allied organizations will use the month of May to raise awareness about communication disorders, provide information, and lead efforts to improve hearing health. The theme for this year is “Building Connections.” Building Connections in Communities One key area for building …
Studies Show Higher Rates of Hearing Loss for People with Diabetes
Diabetes and hearing loss are among the most common health conditions that people experience. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 34 million people have diabetes. Additionally, nearly 48 million people experience some degree of hearing loss in one or both ears. Research has shown that there is overlap between these chronic medical conditions. Studies have revealed that people …
Links Between Hearing Loss and COVID-19
Now over one year into the global pandemic, emerging studies are investigating the relationship between hearing loss and Covid19. Specifically, ongoing research is looking at tinnitus as a symptom of the virus. Tinnitus is one the most common symptoms of hearing loss. Tinnitus describes a ringing, buzzing, clicking-like noise in one or both ears when no external sound is present. …
A Connection Between Hearing Loss, Depression, and Dementia
Hearing loss has far-reaching effects on overall health. This chronic medical condition is experienced by over 48 million people, making hearing loss a pervasive health concern. Beyond reducing hearing ability, hearing loss produces a range of symptoms that can take a toll on mental and cognitive health. Extensive research has shown that hearing loss is typically associated with other medical …