With October being National Audiology Awareness Month, we couldn't think of a better time to talk about the importance of taking control of your hearing health and making an audiologist part of your health care team!

“The docs at Jefferson Ob/Gyn have a collaborative approach to patient care. We discuss care issues and come to a consensus when we see variations among providers. Importantly, however, at the core of our approach is a consistent desire to treat pregnancy as natural and healthy condition, not a disease process. We are parents and patients, too. We interact with patients the way we would like to interact with our doctors. We are all collectors of current, prior and family health histories, applying that information to inform patients of potential problems. Pregnancy and delivery are fluid events, we walk with our patients providing guidance and reassurance. There are 8 of us, that is a lot of experience!”

Hearing is one of our most vital senses, critical in communication, safety, and quality of life. However, hearing loss often creeps up gradually, making it easy to overlook the signs until significant damage has occurred. At Hearing Health Associates, we emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment of hearing issues. But how do you know when it's time to see an audiologist? Here's a guide to help you understand who should see an audiologist and when.

Your hearing is precious, and it's worth celebrating and protecting. This month and every day, we're dedicated to raising awareness about hearing health and sharing valuable tips to keep your ears in tip-top shape!

As spring blooms into full swing, so do seasonal allergies - and pollen is high right now. Beyond the typical symptoms of sneezing and congestion, allergies can also affect other aspects of our health, including our hearing. Allergies trigger inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to congestion, sneezing, and itching. But what does this have to do with your ears?

Many products are advertised for ear cleaning…from cotton swabs to ear candles. However, our ears actually have built-in systems for cleaning themselves. The best way to ensure your ear canals are healthy and functioning properly is to try not to interfere with these natural processes. However, see a doctor if you notice ear pain, ear fullness, or hearing changes. Here are some do’s and don’ts when clearing your ears.

The holidays are swiftly approaching. No matter what event you choose to celebrate, the likelihood that you’ll be attending or hosting at least one party within the next few months with someone with hearing loss in attendance is high.

November is National Diabetes Month, and we wanted to take the opportunity to discuss the close connection between diabetes and hearing loss. According to the CDC, hearing loss is twice as common in people who have diabetes as it is in people of the same age who don't. Diabetes can lead to nerve damage that affects many parts of the body, including your hands, feet, eyes, and kidneys. Diabetes can also cause nerve damage in your ears.

Do you experience difficulty hearing in one ear? Do you have to sit next to your friend with your 'good ear' to participate in a conversation? It is possible to have hearing loss in one ear.

According to a study published in 2018 in the Journal of Nutrition, three eating patterns contributed to about a 30 percent lower risk of hearing loss. The three diets were an alternate Mediterranean diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and the 2010 Alternative Healthy Eating Index.