The holiday season is right around the corner! For many, holidays are a time for family gatherings and celebrations. However, large social gatherings are one of the most difficult environments for someone with hearing loss. Not being able to hear or engage in conversations can feel very isolating.

The Eustachian tube is a narrow tube connecting the back of the nose and the middle ear. Normally, the tube is filled with air and opens when we yawn, swallow or chew. It functions to protect the middle ear from pathogens; to ventilate the middle ear, which allows the eardrum to work and vibrate properly; and, to help drain mucus from the middle ear.

Hearing loss in infants is a hidden disability. Infants can't express themselves or alert parents that there is a problem. That's why it's important for parents to understand and look for signs of hearing loss.

Tinnitus (ti-NIGHT-us or TINN-a-tus) is also known as "ringing in the ears;" however, it can manifest as whistling, buzzing, hissing, roaring, swooshing, clicking, and many other sounds. Regardless of the sound, it can be extremely bothersome. It's also common. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately one in five people experience Tinnitus at some point in their lives. More than 90% of those experiencing Tinnitus also have hearing loss.

Ear plugs are a great way to prevent swimmer's ear; however, the trial-and-error process to determine which over-the-counter ones work and fit best can be quite frustrating for parents (and kids). Since this is our area of expertise and we've spent many years testing different products, we can help eliminate the guessing game. Our recommendation? The AquaSeal Custom Flotable Swim Plugs.

A new generation of rechargeable battery technologies has set out to make life easier for hearing aid consumers. The most common complaints we hear among hearing aid users relate to batteries: they fail at the most inconvenient times; they can be expensive to replace; and, they're bad for the environment.

I'm 40 years old and have worn hearing aids since my late 20s due to a (lucky me) hereditary hearing loss. I'm a working mom with an active lifestyle, so when it was time for a new pair of hearing aids, I immediately gravitated towards the new styles that would pair with my iPhone. I'm on the phone a lot during the day with my job and have numerous conference calls during the week, so having my calls stream directly through my hearing aids sounded ideal to me.

February is American Heart Month, and we'd like to take a moment to discuss the link between cardiovascular health and hearing health. As it turns out, our ears may actually be listening to our hearts.

Otitis media, also simply referred to as a middle ear infection, is inflammation in the middle ear (the area behind the eardrum) that is usually associated with the buildup of fluid. When infection occurs, the condition is called "acute otitis media." This is when a cold, allergy, or upper respiratory infection, and the presence of bacteria or viruses, lead to the accumulation of pus and mucus behind the eardrum, blocking the Eustachian tube (the tube from the back of the ear to the mouth). Fluid can remain in the ear for weeks to many months.

There are many different styles of hearing aids; the choices can be overwhelming. Ultimately, you and your audiologist will decide which style is best for you depending on your hearing needs, lifestyle, and style preference.

New Year, new you. It's the age-old saying with which we're all familiar. For many of us, January 1 marks the time when we set resolutions to better our lives. Breaking bad habits, losing weight, eating healthier, exercising more - these are the typical resolutions we've come to expect. We'd like you to entertain another one this year: maintaining/improving your hearing health. It may seem insignificant, but it is a simple resolution that can have a long-term impact on your life.

Holidays are a time for family gatherings and celebrations. While most of us relish this time of year and the festivities that ensue, keep in mind that large social gatherings are one of the most difficult environments for someone with hearing loss. Even if surrounded by loved ones, not being able to hear or engage in conversations often makes them feel isolated.