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What to Do If Your Ears Won't Pop After a Flight | Beltone
Flying can cause ears to feel clogged or "stuck" due to ear barotrauma, a pressure imbalance between the cabin air and middle ear. This occurs when the Eustachian tubes struggle to equalize rapidly changing pressures during takeoff or landing. Common causes include congestion, allergies, sinus issues, narrow Eustachian tubes, rapid altitude changes, dehydration, or sleeping through descent.To relieve symptoms, try methods like the Valsalva maneuver (gently blowing while pinching your nose), swall...
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Your Family and Friends Are More Affected by Your Hearing Loss Than You Know | Beltone
This article highlights the profound impact of untreated hearing loss not only on individuals but also on their loved ones. Wendy Beth Moore explains that while those with hearing loss may believe they are managing "just fine," research shows that family, friends, and spouses often bear significant emotional and relational burdens due to the condition. Spouses, in particular, experience feelings like isolation, frustration, and even mental health challenges as a result of their partner's untreate...
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Recognizing Early Symptoms of Hearing Loss | Beltone
This article highlights the significant impact of hearing loss on cognitive function, mental health, physical safety, and overall quality of life. It emphasizes the importance of addressing hearing loss early through hearing aids, which can mitigate risks such as cognitive decline, dementia, falls, and social isolation. The article also underscores the benefits of hearing aids in improving professional performance, enhancing participation in hobbies, and boosting mental well-being. Supported by r...
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The Hearing Loss Journey in Five Stages | Beltone
This article explores the journey of hearing loss through five distinct stages, emphasizing the importance of understanding this process for patient-centered care. The first stage involves self-debate as individuals question whether their hearing difficulties are real or due to others' unclear speech. The second stage is validation, where a hearing test confirms the issue, marking the entry of healthcare professionals into the journey. Stage three focuses on taking charge, often involving the use...
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The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia | Beltone
The 2024 Lancet Commission report highlights the significant link between hearing loss and dementia, building on its 2020 findings that identified untreated hearing loss as a key modifiable risk factor. This year's report adds high cholesterol and untreated visual loss to the list of risk factors, bringing the total to 14 and suggesting that nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented by addressing these factors. The report emphasizes the correlation between difficulty hearing in noisy e...
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A Tick-ing Time Bomb: Lyme Disease and Hearing Loss
Ticks are a significant concern for outdoor enthusiasts, especially as they expand their habitats and increase encounters. Lyme disease, a common tick-borne illness, can lead to serious health issues such as hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and dizziness if left untreated. Prevention is crucial; measures include using tick-repellent clothing, applying insect repellents, avoiding tall grasses, and conducting thorough body checks after outdoor activities. Prompt removal of ticks and early diagnosis...