Hear all the best moments of 2023

This post originally appeared on Starkey.com

Happy 2023!

Like many of us, you’ve probably just finished unwinding from a whirlwind month. That time of year when you put others first — your family, friends, colleagues, community. And good for you. It’s what the holidays are about, right?

But now it’s your turn.

As you begin this brand-new year and prepare for what’s ahead, give yourself permission to make changes that put you first. Changes that make you happier and healthier. It’s the greatest gift you can give yourself and the people around you.

Because when you’re happy and healthy, you can experience every moment to the fullest.

And the best way to get started is so easy — in fact, it’s something you can do right now: Schedule an appointment to get your hearing checked and treat any hearing loss you have.

What better way to start this year than to give yourself the power to live every moment: The moment your loved one’s name is called at graduation. The moment your confidence peaks as you greet your friend at that pizza place you’ve been dying to try. The moment your favorite four-year-old tells you who their #1 superhero is. (Psst, it’s you.)

And who even knew crows could sound like that?

That’s right — a whole year full of new moments and discoveries. And better hearing helps ensure you don't miss a single one of them. 

Don’t wait. Seize this moment and contact a hearing care professional for a hearing test and consultation. If it turns out hearing aids can help, they can walk you through your options and help you find the best hearing solution for your unique needs.

Or if you’ve been wearing hearing aids for a while, make 2023 The Year of the Upgrade. You’d be amazed by today’s technology that not only makes hearing effortless, but also gives you the ability to stream audio, translate different languages, customize your programs, and more.

Plus, you deserve it, right?

Not sure where to find a hearing care professional? We can help. Visit our Locations page to find the closest hearing office near you.

May this moment in time bring you the change of a lifetime!

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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels.com

Can COVID-19 cause tinnitus or hearing loss?

COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, brings with it a host of health concerns. Most of these symptoms are respiratory in nature as reported by the CDC; shortness of breath, coughing, sore throat [1]. However, there is some concern that the coronavirus may cause some neurological symptoms as well.

In a study of 214 patients with varying degrees of respiratory involvement from novel coronavirus, 36.4% of patients had symptoms of neurologic manifestations that involved central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and skeletal muscles [2]. Further, there is some initial evidence that the virus may cause damage to the hearing organs of the inner ear.

Currently, there is little evidence published connecting novel coronavirus and tinnitus directly. But according to the American Tinnitus Association, pre-existing behavioral conditions may make it more likely patients will experience tinnitus due to the stress and depression associated with social isolation and infection avoidance.

For example, one large population study posits that people with generalized anxiety disorder are nearly seven times more likely to experience chronic, burdensome tinnitus [3]. In an age of vigilance with risk of infection and the social isolation to avoid spread, stress and depression are common emotions we all may experience.

Ototoxicity is a potential risk

While it is too early to know whether a potential vaccine will have any risk of ototoxicity (a well-known cause of hearing loss), some currently discussed treatments do pose a potential risk to the auditory system.

The quinine family of drugs, historically used for prophylactic prevention and treatment of malaria, have some history of ototoxicity. However, the most recent trial of this family in treatment of COVID-19 has focused around hydroxychloroquine, which has a lower risk of ototoxicity [4].

A promising therapeutic antiviral being developed and in clinical trials for COVID-19, Remdesivir, does not currently list ototoxicity as a potential side effect, per its maker, Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Hearing professionals are enacting new safety protocols

Today, the greatest concern regarding COVID-19 is in transmission. Hearing loss treatment — like most essential health services — include procedures that make social distancing a challenge but are not impossible to execute safely. Telehealth, curbside service, and appropriate in-office protocols are being put in place at Innovative Hearing that will significantly limit exposure potential.

During a time when hearing feels more critical than ever, hearing healthcare becomes an essential health service in which clinicians can and are able to mitigate risk while delivering best hearing practices.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Innovative Hearing today! Click here for a list of locations.

Photo by Ani Kolleshi on Unsplash