Hear and Now Blog

Cerumen, commonly known as ear wax, is formed in the ear canal by specialized cells. Unbeknownst to many people, ear wax is actually beneficial to you - it moisturizes the ear canal and protects it from germs. The formation of ear wax is designed to protect the ear and should not be removed with a Q-Tip. You should not use Q-Tips to remove ear wax because you are removing a substance that protects your ears from germs, which in turn could lead to more germs entering your ear canal.

Do you enjoy music? Most people do, but you certainly don't want to sacrifice your hearing for your love of music. iPod's and MP3 players can do just that. Research indicates that iPods and hearing loss may be related, especially if used for long periods of time. Great technology, but at what price?

Let’s face it —no one wants to get a hearing aid.  In fact, when you read the title of this article, did you think you could find a reason to not get a hearing aid? Probably. The reason for this feeling is probably due to one of three common misconceptions about hearing aids. 

It’s very easy to deceive yourself when you know something is not quite right with your body.  It’s easy to think, “This is something that will go away.”  Unfortunately, that is not usually true with hearing loss. Ignoring the problem will not help, and your hearing loss will probably get worse, especially if it is age-related hearing loss. This is contrary to the old adage, “What you don’t know, won’t hurt you.” What you don’t know can hurt you! 

There is an old Argentine proverb—“Who Speaks, sows; Who listens, reaps.”
If you listen to others, as you should, you will definitely reap; it doesn’t matter what age you are. However, you all know that’s not always possible. Life happens. You age and changes occur to your body as you age. You gain some things — like wisdom. Unfortunately, you lose some things also; possibly your hearing.

To understand the meaning of conductive hearing loss it is necessary to understand some of the anatomy of the ear. Conductive hearing loss occurs in the ear canal, which is approx. 35 mm or 1.4 inches long, and is attached to the outer ear. At the end of the ear canal is the eardrum, which vibrates when sound waves touch it. The ossicles, or three tiny bones, pick up the vibrations. The eardrum and the ossicles make up the middle ear, in which conductive hearing loss may also occur.  

The ability to hear is one of your greatest senses. Without it, or if it is diminished in some way, it is extremely difficult to maintain connections with our families, friends, co-workers, et al. Everyone appreciates a good listener. There is a Chinese proverb that aptly applies to good listeners: “To listen well, is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well, and is essential to all true conversation.” So true!