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Common Causes of Clogged Ears

In Uncategorized by Dr. Arica Black, AuD

Having blocked ears can get quite annoying. It prevents you from hearing the world around you and makes communication much more complicated than it needs to be. It can also be uncomfortable for people, especially if the ears have been blocked for a long time.   Clogged ears can happen to anybody and can be caused by several things. If …

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Effects of Noise Pollution on Your Hearing

In Uncategorized by Dr. Arica Black, AuD

Noise pollution is a harmful and pervasive problem that affects people all over the world. It can cause a range of physical, cognitive, and psychological effects, many of which can have serious long-term consequences.   One of the most obvious effects of noise pollution is its impact on hearing. Exposure to loud noises over an extended period can damage hearing, …

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Potential Problems With Excessive Earwax Buildup

In Uncategorized by Dr. Arica Black, AuD

Cerumen impaction is the medical term used to describe the buildup of cerumen, also known as earwax, in the ear canal. Earwax is produced naturally by the body and has an important role in protecting your ears from dust, dirt, and other small foreign objects. Excessive earwax blockage can cause significant problems to your ear health if left alone. If …

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Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean

In Uncategorized by Dr. Arica Black, AuD

Cleaning your hearing aids regularly is very important to ensure they are working well. We usually recommend cleaning them quarterly, but some patients may need to have them cleaned more often. This is dependent on wax buildup and exposure to other elements like dust and debris. Not cleaning them regularly decreases their effectiveness and could possibly irritate your ear canals, causing …

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Differences Between Disposable and Custom Earplugs

In Uncategorized by Dr. Arica Black, AuD

Consistent exposure to noises louder than 70dB can gradually result in hearing loss. That’s why hearing protection is essential, especially for those who work in noisy environments such as farming, ranching, construction, welding, woodworking, dentistry, etc.   As you look for the right pair of hearing protection, you may find a wide range of options to choose from. There are …

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Foods To Avoid if You Have Tinnitus

In Uncategorized by Dr. Arica Black, AuD

Tinnitus is the perception of hearing sounds that come from ears such as ringing, whistling, clicking, and hissing. Tinnitus is a common condition and there are certain foods that can trigger it or make it worse. Here are some foods to avoid if you have tinnitus:   Foods With High Salt Content Many hearing experts would advise people dealing with …

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Signs You Are Having Issues With Your Hearing Aids

In Uncategorized by Dr. Arica Black, AuD

If you have a diagnosed hearing loss, you should be wearing hearing aids to help improve your quality of life. However, hearing devices can only work as intended if they’re properly selected and fine-tuned to your lifestyle and needs. A few signs can tell you that your hearing aids aren’t a good match for your ears:   Pain and Tenderness …

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Reducing the Risks of Hearing Loss

In Uncategorized by Dr. Arica Black, AuD

Millions of Americans experience some degree of hearing loss in their lifetime. Hearing loss can affect both children and adults. Hearing loss may come naturally with age, but it can also be due to frequent ear infections, noise exposure, earwax buildup, and more. While not all types of hearing loss can be prevented, there are some things that you can …

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What To Expect When Wearing Hearing Aids

In Uncategorized by Dr. Arica Black, AuD

Hearing loss is progressive by nature, meaning it can gradually get worse over time. It is important to know that hearing aids can help stabilize your hearing status if properly fit by an Audiologist. Over time, the devices will help to keep the hearing loss from getting as worse as it could without the use of devices.   One question …

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Types of Hearing Tests An Audiologist Can Do

In Uncategorized by Dr. Arica Black, AuD

Audiologists can perform multiple tests to determine the type and severity of your hearing loss. Here is a list of the more common types of hearing tests available today:   Otoscopy Otherwise known as “looking into the ear,” Otoscopy allows the Audiologist to visualize the overall health of the ear canal and eardrum. This is important to do before other …