Why Are Some Sounds Spookier than Others?
With Halloween coming up, you’re probably spending time at Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. But it’s not just the visuals of these Halloween activities that can give you a fright; studies show that certain sounds can elicit a biological response that is meant to keep us safe. How We Hear In order to understand how some…
Slipping Up: How Hearing Loss Affects Safety
Do you enjoy riding your bike from L.A. Golden Bike Shop around town? If you have untreated hearing loss, doing so could put you in danger, one 2018 study shows. We review this study and the connection between untreated hearing loss and injuries below. What the Research Shows The purpose of the study, which was…
Cancer Treatment and Its Effect on Your Hearing
Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are all effective cancer treatments that come with a long list of additional side effects. While you may be familiar with the hair and weight loss, there are several hearing-related side effects, some of which will continue after the treatment ends. If you or someone you love is about to undergo…
Why Do Loud Sounds Startle People with Hearing Loss?
People with hearing loss often struggle to detect low-level sounds like those that are present during normal conversations. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t be startled by loud noises, and in some cases perceive those loud noises as even more bothersome and intense as they did before experiencing hearing loss. While that might sound odd,…
Common Causes of a Dry & Crusty Ear Canal
If your ear feels dry and crusty, there are many possible reasons that could be causing it, including skin conditions and environmental factors. We explore some of these causes below as well as review treatment options. Skin Conditions Some skin conditions linked to a dry and crusty ear canal are described here. Eczema Eczema is…
Hearing Aid Care in Colder Weather
Summer is waning and colder weather is just around the corner. Even living in sunny California there’s a chance for some cooler, rainy days. While many appreciate the cooler temperatures, if you wear hearing aids it’s important to know how to care for them in colder weather to avoid damage. With a few extra precautions,…
How Certain Foods & Drinks May Cause Tinnitus Spikes
If you suffer from tinnitus, you’ve probably experienced a phenomenon known as a tinnitus spike. Tinnitus spikes are changes in volume, intensity, tone, pitch or sound that makes your tinnitus harder to ignore. These spikes can last minutes, hours, days or weeks. It’s important to know that tinnitus spikes are not a sign you’re regressing…
Helpful Tips for Cleaning Wax Out of Your Hearing Aid
While you may find it unsightly, earwax plays an important role in the health of your ear. It protects the skin in the ear canal, traps debris and bacteria and lubricates the ear to prevent it from becoming dry and itchy. Even so, too much of a good thing isn’t always helpful. If you wear…
Hearing Aids & Healthy Brain Function
Hearing doesn’t just involve your ears; it requires your brain, too. If you have untreated hearing loss, your brain has to work extra hard to compensate and help you hear. This can be incredibly taxing and puts you at risk of developing dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. Fortunately, research shows that hearing aids…
What Causes the Ear to Bleed?
If your ear begins to bleed, it can be alarming. Fortunately, it’s not usually the sign of too serious, though you should seek medical attention promptly to avoid complications. Below we review five possible causes of a bleeding ear. Ruptured Eardrum One of the signs of a torn or punctured eardrum is blood coming from…
