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Hearing Loss Stats that may Shock You

October 29, 2013 By Dr. Tina Jessee

Noise Levels
Click image to enlarge

Do you have a loved one that needs a hearing aid (or at least a hearing test) but won’t go along with your advice? Chatting about some of the data related to the frequency, causes and effects of hearing problems may finally get them to make that first appointment. Below are some basic facts and stats to help you make your case:

  • Roughly 13% of the population over age 65 will experience tinnitus – ringing in the ears.
  • Approximately 36 million people in the United States have some sort of hearing loss, which is almost 1 out of every 5 people.
  • The number of Americans with hearing problems has doubled over the past 3 decades.
  • Of the 12 million Americans with tinnitus, 1 million have it so badly that it disrupts everyday activities.
  • Noise is a key contributing factor to hearing loss. Noise has already caused irreversible hearing loss for 10 million. Another 30 million are exposed to harmful levels each and every day.
  • More people could really benefit from a hearing aid than in fact wear one. Some estimates say there are 4 additional individuals who could benefit, for every 1 actually using a hearing aid.
  • Approximately 26 million Americans aged between 20 and 69 suffer from high frequency hearing loss due to repeated exposure to loud noise either at work or during leisure activities.
  • Close to 23,000 people in the US have cochlear implants – 43 percent of the them children.
  • People with hearing loss delay an average of approximately ten years before doing anything about it. Does this describe you or someone you love?

Fact or Fiction – Excess Ear Wax Leads to Loss Of Hearing

October 10, 2013 By Dr. Tina Jessee

What most people call ear wax occurs because our ear canals are lined with hair follicles and glands that produce an oily wax called cerumen. This wax lines the interior surface of the ear canal and helps to protect it by attracting and gathering alien debris like dirt and dust, bacteria, and various microbes. Ear wax also helps to avoid irritation when the hypersensitive skin of the ear canal is in contact with moisture; Thus, the production of ear wax is both normal and healthy.

In most people, ear wax ultimately makes its way to the outer sections of the ear, where it either falls out or is washed away when we wash our ears. However, the glands in certain people’s ears generate more wax than usual. Because of this, the wax collects and can harden, blocking the ear canal and preventing sound waves from getting to your inner ear. The accumulation of ear wax is among the most frequent grounds for hearing problems, in people of all ages.

The symptoms of a blockage caused by excess ear wax may include feeling like your ears are clogged up, hearing a ringing noise (tinnitus), and a partial loss of hearing, which becomes worse as time goes by. This is a kind of conductive (rather than sensorineural) hearing loss, in which the sound waves are blocked from getting to the eardrum. Hearing loss caused by excess ear wax, happily, can be easily diagnosed and remedied with something like earwax removal.

If you have experienced some or all of the symptoms previously mentioned, come in to our practice where our hearing care specialists can easily and painlessly determine whether the cause is a build up of ear wax. If it is, an abnormal accumulation of ear wax is readily treated, either at home or at the office.

If a hearing specialist tells you that you have excess ear wax that is obstructing your ear canal, you can take steps to remove it yourself in your own home. One thing not to attempt, however, is to use a cotton swab or Q-tip, which tends to just compress the ear wax, not get rid of it. Alternatively, add a couple of drops of glycerin, baby oil, mineral oil, or commercial ear drops made for this purpose to each ear, let them remain in the ear for a couple of minutes to loosen the wax, and then wash the loosened wax out, using body-temperature water. (Hot or cold water may cause feelings of vertigo or dizziness.) Pharmacies offer small bulb-like syringes that can be used to irrigate the ear after the wax has been loosened, aiding the process. Two more things not to do are to 1) use a jet irrigator such as a WaterPik because its spray is simply too powerful and may cause damage to your eardrums, and 2) use any kind of irrigation at home if you know for certain that you have a punctured eardrum.

If this doesn’t seem to work to clear up the buildup of ear wax, come visit us.

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Ray M. has some advise for those who are struggling with hearing loss. To see more patient testimonials, visit us on YouTube!

  • Cheryl M. Florence, AZ

    “My initial visit was to be just a hearing test and evaluation. After a discussion and learning that I could be fitted that day, I was thrilled. I’m really pleased how easy it is to make adjustments, which Dr. Jessee made on several occasions. I am very pleased with my 'hearing aid' experience."  – Cheryl M. Florence, AZ

  • Sarah K., Gilbert, AZ

    “I think Dr. Jessee is fantastic-the way she’s taken care of us. When you call she sees you right away. My appointments aren’t rushed, she takes her time with every patient.” – Sarah K., Gilbert, AZ

  • Kenneth L., Florence, AZ

    “[I] was satisfied with my hearing improvement prior to my first follow up appt. I was VERY satisfied with the adjustments in the hardware (earbuds & tubes changed) and the sound level adjustments Dr. Jessee made at my follow up appt. Dr. Jessee is a personable doctor and I appreciate how comfortable she made us feel.” – Kenneth L., Florence, AZ

  • Mary Z., Chandler, AZ

    “I love Dr. Jessee and I’m extremely satisfied.  I just bought my second set of hearing aids from her.” – Mary Z., Chandler, AZ

  • O.C., Sun Lakes, AZ

    “Good Sound Audiology stays with you and makes sure everything is perfect. They are very professional and have a wealth of knowledge about hearing loss. I am very grateful my doctor recommended Good Sound Audiology for me.” – O. C., Sun Lakes, AZ

Good Sound Audiology is a full-service audiology practice offering a full range of hearing loss services including comprehensive hearing evaluations and hearing aids. Our East Valley clinics serve the greater Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, and Scottsdale areas.

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