Voice Disorders Affect Listeners, Too
Voice disorders are pretty common in South Carolina; about 1 in 13 adults will experience a throat problem of some sort this year. Few will actually bother seeking treatment but ignoring the symptoms can cause issues – for both the speaker and the listener. Differences in Speech Intelligibility Many of us have experienced a voice…
The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Hearing Loss
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in South Carolina. It can lead to a number of serious health complications, a list that includes cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes – and even hearing loss. What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes interruptions in breathing throughout the night. It occurs when muscles…
Miso Unhappy: When Common Sounds Provoke Uncommon Responses
Have you ever experienced a sound that has set you on edge, made your skin crawl or provoked a similar over-the-top response? Many of us have those cringeworthy moments every night while watching the news but imagine experiencing a reaction like that over otherwise mundane, inconsequential, everyday sounds. As many as 15 percent of South…
We Told You Sticking a Cotton Swab in Your Ear Was Dangerous!
You’ve probably heard that it’s never a good idea to stick things in your ears. This applies to buttons, marbles, coins, fists and even objects seemingly designed for that very purpose. If you’re in the habit of cleaning your ears with cotton swabs, you’ll probably be cured of this desire by the time you have…
Seasonal Allergies or Sinusitis? How to Tell Them Apart
Those suffering through another season of allergies in the Midlands might actually be experiencing a chronic sinus infection called sinusitis. Both conditions share similar symptoms; learning to tell them apart can mean the difference between misery and relief. Allergies vs. Sinus Infections An estimated 50 million Americans experience seasonal allergies – usually in the spring…
Why Hearing Aid Counseling is Important
One out of five people will be diagnosed with hearing loss in Lexington. Fortunately, most of them should be able to benefit from treatment with hearing aids. As great as these devices are, it takes a while to get used to wearing them and understanding everything they are capable of, as well as their limitations….
Why Should You Have a Hearing Screening?
Impaired hearing is one of the most widespread physical health conditions in the U.S. How prevalent is it? About one in five people will be diagnosed with hearing loss in Lexington. While hearing aids are a great solution for the majority of patients, not all who have hearing loss are aware of their condition. This…
Sinusitis: Why it’s Worse in the Winter
You probably don’t associate sinus infections with wintertime, but for the 37 million Americans who experience them every year, there is no such thing as the “offseason.” In fact, sinus symptoms are often worse in the winter months. Even in South Carolina, where winter weather is far less extreme than in many other parts…
Tips for Beating a Wintertime Sore Throat
Winter in South Carolina is obviously not as brutal as it is in Minnesota or North Dakota, but the cold can still limit your activities and keep you indoors. Unfortunately, it’s also the prime time of year for sore throats. If a scratchy, sore throat has you down for the count, there are steps you…
Three Causes of a Ruptured Eardrum
Few people in Lexington or Columbia give their ears a second thought. Most of the time they do their jobs quite well, allowing us to hear and maintain our balance. But should you have the misfortune of experiencing a burst eardrum, suddenly your ears will be all you can think about! Signs of a Ruptured…