All You Need to Know About Ear Surgery

The surgical procedure known as otoplasty refers to the surgical reshaping of the outer ear. The purpose of this procedure may be cosmetic, to improve the appearance of the ear for dates at The Vortex, or functional, to correct an irregularity. Below we review everything you need to know about this ear surgery. Why Get…
Infections Causing Pain Behind the Ear

There are many issues that could potentially cause pain behind your ear. Some are ear-related, while others might be caused by dental issues or even compressed nerves in the back of your head and neck. Let’s examine some infections that cause pain behind the ear. Middle Ear Infection The middle ear is located between the…
Reasons to Reach Out During Audiology Awareness Month

October is Audiology Awareness Month, which means there’s no better time to contact an audiologist about your hearing problems. If you’re putting off getting your hearing loss diagnosed and treated, below we review some reasons it’s time to reach out. Hearing Loss Has Been Linked to Dementia Hearing loss has been linked to dementia in…
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Back
Do you enjoy sleeping on your stomach, or are you more of a side sleeper? Research shows that neither of these positions is ideal; the best position for sleeping is actually on your back. We review some of the benefits below. Reduced Back Pain A 2019 review article published in BMJ Open, a peer-reviewed open…
Temporary Hearing Loss: Why Does It Happen and How Is It Treated?

While most hearing loss is permanent, there are some patients who are lucky enough to have their hearing return. Known as temporary hearing loss, this condition has three common causes. Below is a look at each cause and their standard treatment. Exposure to Loud Noise Standing in the front row of a concert at Tabernacle…
What Causes Your Ear to Bleed?

Blood coming out of your ear can be rather alarming, especially if you don’t know what is causing it. There are a number of conditions that can result in your ear bleeding. Understanding the causes can help you seek treatment quickly should you ever find yourself in this position. Perforated Eardrum Your outer and middle…
How to Clean Your Hearing Aids

Your hearing aids are complex electronic devices that play an important role in helping you connect with the hearing world. To make sure they stay in good working order, proper maintenance is key. One of the most important components of good hearing aid maintenance is cleaning. Below is a breakdown of how to clean the…
Four Benefits of Hearing Aids

Though approximately 48 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, only one in five actually seeks treatment. In addition, those who do seek treatment wait an average of 10 years to do so. This is likely due to stigma and misconceptions about wearing hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids offer incredible features that improve communication and boost…
Can Wearing Headphones Cause Hearing Loss?

Over the last year, much of our work, school and entertainment has transitioned from in-person to online. If you live in a home with others, there is a good chance you have seen your headphone usage rise along with an increase in screen time. The Link Between Headphones & Hearing Loss There are a variety…
New Drug Makes Potential Hearing Breakthrough

Hearing loss is a wide-reaching condition, affecting more than 48 million Americans. Scientists have been hard at work trying to figure out novel and exciting treatments for hearing loss. New mouse research out of Creighton University School of Medicine has identified a drug that may be able to protect against hearing loss. Chemotherapy and Hearing…