Understanding the Difference Between Misophonia and Hyperacusis
Both misophonia and hyperacusis involve an increased sensitivity to sound, but they manifest in different ways. They stem from distinct causes and produce different discomforts. Knowing how they differ can help guide appropriate diagnosis and treatment.What Is Misophonia? Misophonia is a condition where certain everyday sounds trigger intense emotional reactions. These reactions may include feelings…
Is Tinnitus Worse at Night? How Can I Manage It?
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing or other sounds in the ears when no actual sound is present and it has affected nearly 10% of American adults. Tinnitus can be disruptive to daily life and can have a negative impact on mental health. For many, the symptoms may become especially noticeable at night….
Understanding the Differences Between Misophonia and Hyperacusis
Misophonia and hyperacusis are conditions that involve heightened sensitivity to sound. However, they have distinct conditions with different triggers and treatments. It’s helpful to understand the differences between the two to seek the right support and symptom management. Consider the following about the conditions. About Misophonia Misophonia is a condition where specific sounds trigger strong…
How Altitude Impacts Ear Pressure and Tinnitus
Changes in altitude can impact the ears and for those with tinnitus, these shifts can sometimes intensify the symptoms they already experience. Consider the following when traveling or participating in other activities in heightened elevation that could impact ear pressure. The Inner Ear and Pressure The inner ear plays an important role in hearing and…
Can I Have Tinnitus in One Ear?
Tinnitus, or the perception of ringing, buzzing or other sounds that aren’t present, often affects both ears. However, some people experience it in only one ear, a condition known as unilateral tinnitus. Nearly 10% of the U.S. population has experienced tinnitus lasting at least five minutes in the past year. For the people of Santa…
What Happens During a Hearing Exam?
Hearing tests aren’t just about finding out if you need hearing aids. They provide a complete picture of hearing health and can detect issues that might not be obvious. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from a hearing exam to help you set expectations for your next visit. The Three Types…
What to Know About Hearing Loss & Alcohol
It may be fun to grab a drink with friends during happy hour. However, doing so often can actually have an effect on your hearing. Below we review some of the research on this topic. Drinking Can Cause Cocktail Deafness In one study out of London, alcohol use disorder was shown to lead to problems…
What To Know About the Five Stages of Hearing Loss Processing
You’ve probably heard of the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. These five stages, also called the Kübler-Ross model, represent the emotions you go through when processing a loss or tragedy. While the five stages of grief are most often discussed in response to the loss of a loved one, they…
Can Hearing Aids Slow Cognitive Decline?
If you’re struggling with keeping track of daily tasks, picking up a day planner might help you stay organized. However, if you’re facing more significant memory challenges or experiencing cognitive decline, it may be time to explore other strategies to support brain health. Recent research has highlighted a promising approach: wearing hearing aids may help…
Can You Have Hearing Loss in One Ear?
Hearing loss commonly affects both ears. However, some people do experience hearing loss in just one ear. This is known as unilateral hearing loss. What Causes Unilateral Hearing Loss? There are many possible causes of unilateral hearing loss. Some include: The Challenges of Hearing Loss in One Ear The ability to use both our ears…