News from Audika

'Tis the season to be merry! You'll find that all the green and red decorations at local shops tend to make people generally more lighthearted, happy and relaxed. Perhaps it's because holidays are looming up, or perhaps because it's the time of year when family and friends are available to socialise.

Christmas can be an exciting time, full of the hustle and bustle of the festive season. Shops and neighbours dust off the old Christmas lights, and decorations pop up wherever you turn. But for some people, the holiday season can be a particular challenge, especially for people with untreated hearing loss

Summer has arrived, and it is here to stay for the next few months, but are you ready for everything the season can bring?

September 8th has been assigned 'R U OK Day'. This is a day dedicated to checking in with friends and family to ensure they are appropriately coping with any battles life may be throwing their way. These can be anything, including the struggles and confusion of hearing loss.

Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi! This particular phrase likely conjures up images of sports uniforms, crowd cheers and face paint. If there is one thing that Australians love, it's their sports.

With winter well and truly arrived, it's time for everyone to take precautions to keep themselves healthy during the chilly season. But it turns out that wrapping up warm isn't just helpful for people looking to not catch a cold, it can also help keep your hearing on form.

As a pensioner, there are a range of government services accessible to you, but are you aware that hearing aid subsidies are one of them? If you have noticed a change in your hearing, it is important to get it checked out as soon as possible. This is because when left untreated, hearing loss can often become worse, as reported by the Scripps Research Institute.

When we invest money into new technology, we have a high set of expectations for them to perform better than what we currently have. That's because technology is constantly evolving, sometimes too fast for us to upgrade at the same rate.

If you've just been fitted with your first pair of hearing aids, congratulations! You're about to hear what you've been missing. It's natural to be a little cautious and unsure about wearing your aids for the first time, however, and many people do experience a short adjustment period before the devices become a natural part of their everyday lives. Prepare yourself for your new hearing adventure by reading this guide.

Sun's here, fun's here, and so are many summery events that you're probably eager to attend. Whether it be a party, parade or festival, all of these have one thing in common – loud noises.

If a loved one faces hearing loss, you may wonder if there are any techniques you can employ to help you communicate better. As well as considering hearing aids, here are a few tips that will help you to hold a fulfilling conversation.

One in seven Australians live with some form of hearing loss*, but sadly, those affected are waiting an average of seven years before seeking hearing help, according to a Hearing Care Industry Association (HCIA) report*.

Another year has flown by and once again the holiday season is upon us. Even though this is often an exciting time for catching up with friends and family over meals and drinks, it can also be an especially difficult time for those dealing with hearing loss.

The holiday season has well and truly arrived, bringing with it all the joys of this time of year. From festive decorations decking the halls of our local shops and streets to those classic Christmas carols sounding out over the radio, there's no shortage to the ways you can enjoy the Christmas period.

Researchers have discovered a vital mechanism responsible for stabilising the easily damaged inner ear hair cells. Once destroyed, these cochlear cells do not regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss. These new findings could have a huge impact on hearing loss as we know it.

Living with a serious health condition such as diabetes can mean that you may have to make several adjustments to your daily life in order to ensure you remain in good health. According to Diabetes Australia, there are some 1.7 million people living with the glucose condition across the country.

When choosing a restaurant for your next meal out, you not only want somewhere that has an excellent menu and a good reputation, but also somewhere with a bit of atmosphere.

Have you made your first hearing test appointment? That's amazing – you're on your way to improving your hearing, and your life. That said, we understand your first hearing test can be a little stressful. No one wants to have a hearing problem!

Have you ever wondered how in a crowded room with many people talking at once, you are still able to hear if someone calls out your name? The ability to hear in difficult listening situations is the result of a careful marriage between our ears and brain, which has long intrigued researchers.

If you hear noises in your ear when it is quiet, you may suffer from tinnitus. This condition often results in a buzzing, whistling, roaring or humming noise and is caused by a problem with the hearing system. It is not curable but can be treated easily and managed with some lifestyle changes.

While a number of people may associate hearing loss with the ageing process, what they may not realise is that it can also occur just as easily in your 20s or 30s. The fact of the matter is, there can be many causes for developing hearing problems, but one of the most preventable is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

gnoring a potential hearing problem can lead to it becoming worse For anyone who has been experiencing the symptoms of hearing loss, it can be difficult to take the first step to see an audiologist. This can be because a person is trying to deny the problem, or they are embarrassed by losing their hearing, or because they don't want to worry the people around them.

Do you sometimes find it hard to communicate with others? You find that people don't speak clearly or loudly enough, and as a result, you'd rather opt out of a conversation. However, if this is a common theme amongst all your friends and family, it might actually not be them – you might be on the track to hearing loss!

When you first get hearing aids, it can bring a significant change to your life. However, once you begin to adapt to your new devices, you'll realise how they can enrich your everyday interactions and experiences. If you often play sports, you might be wondering how wearing hearing aids might affect your ability to participate. Here's what you should know.

When it comes to looking after our hearing, the first step of action to take is knowing why it's so important for our health. By understanding why we take precautionary means, we can make informed decisions when it comes to sound exposure.

Hearing loss is becoming more prevalent in society, and currently affects 1 in 6 Australians, according to the Australian Network of Disability. This term does not only refer to people who have lost their hearing entirely, but also includes those with reduced hearing. This can vary in severity and can affect people at any age.

Genetics may play a role in your risk of developing age related hearing loss, according to several studies. According to a study called Genetic Variation Linked to Age-Related Hearing Loss1 published on the website for the US National Institute on Aging, there is a link between a specific gene and hearing loss. This gene, glutamate metabotropic receptor 7 (GRM7), has been found in older people with hearing loss.

Did you know that over a third of all cases of hearing loss in Australia are caused by overexposure to loud noise?* Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common occurrence in those who have a noisy occupation such as construction workers. However, new research suggests that you don't need to work in a loud environment to be at risk of hearing loss.

Many people hear a ringing. Others hear humming, or even buzzing. Some hear clicking or a hissing. Either way, it's the symptom of a continuous noise in your ears that others can't hear, all of which is classified as tinnitus.

Often hearing loss can creep up on people, as it gradually worsens over time. As a result, many people don't notice its arrival and are only alerted to its development by their friends and close family members.

When we embark on the quest to acquire a new skill, it understandably takes a good amount of time and dedication to gain the aptitude you're looking for.

Whether it's Stranger Things, Friends or Game of Thrones, the average Australian watches around 18 hours of television per week, according to a Roy Morgan report.*

Have you ever felt a bit bloated (and thirsty) after you've had food that was loaded with more salt than you're used to in an average meal? This is a result of consuming too much salt, it's not just in your head – though it could go to your head, or rather, your ears specifically.

When someone first points out that you may have a problem with your hearing, it can be unwanted news that's hard to process. You may still be able to hear fine most of the time, and if your neighbours haven't complained about your loud television, that's good, right?

When it comes to taking a flight, whether it be a quick domestic trip or an epic long haul voyage abroad, there are plenty of things you'll need to consider before taking off. According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation, some 2.9 billion people travelled by plane in 2012 alone.

Often, when people are injured, the rest of the body has to compensate to work around the injury, whether it's a broken arm or a twisted ankle. However, did you know the same phenomenon can occur with our hearing?

Meniere's affects the inner ear, which is why symptoms can include vertigo as well as tinnitus, hearing loss and a feeling of ear fullness. Here is some information about the condition and how it can be treated.

Occupational hearing loss is the result of damage to the inner ear. Harm is caused from the noise or vibrations that form a part of certain jobs. It is traditionally associated with certain sectors and jobs and it may affect more people than you think. Around 351 claims are made per month in Australia for workers’ compensation because of this issue.

Responsible for around 90 per cent of all types of hearing loss, those with this condition have had some damage or deterioration of their cochlea or auditory nerve.

Hearing loss can be a lonely experience, and one that often only increases over time if the level of loss progresses. In Australia, 3 out of 4 people over the age of 70 will experience hearing loss, yet just 25 per cent of those who need hearing aids will actually use them.

Everyone knows at least one person who'd prefer to stoically suffer in silence with a problem rather than seek the support of others. While this can be a sign of resilience, a new study shows that this may not be the best idea when it comes to hearing loss.

It can be a shock to learn that you have a disability in the form of a hearing impairment. Once it's been medically diagnosed, it's to come with an adjustment of lifestyle habits to accommodate for it, including wearing a hearing aid.

One of the most wonderful examples of technology helping to improve people's daily lives is undoubtedly that of hearing aids. Due to the nature of our ears, the hair cells that are integral to our perception of sound can die off with age or become damaged, but they do not grow back once such things occur.

Improved memory and attention, speed of processing and problem solving are just a few of the benefits associated with playing brain training games. But can these puzzles also help the older generation living with hearing loss? Recent research seems to think so.

When you think about it, there is always a reason to celebrate. For many, being surrounded by people who love and care for you, having a roof overhead and good food to eat is truly more than enough to feel good about. But even if you have a different definition of a happy life, just be grateful for where you are.

Home is where your Wi-Fi connects automatically. If you find yourself agreeing heartily with this, you've become one of the many millions of us that are reliant on efficient, effective technology.

It's now 2016, and technology has advanced so far that we can walk into a building and instantly connect wirelessly with a multitude of different devices. Traditional technology will soon become a thing of the past, as everyone looks towards ease of functionality and hands-free utility.

Thanks to the ever-advancing nature of technology in this modern day and age, having a hearing problem doesn't mean that a person will never be able to participate in social situations ever again.

Many people find it difficult to admit that they have a hearing problem. For some, it's because they don't realise that their hearing has deteriorated, while for others it might make them feel self conscious, or that they're getting old before their time.

When you leave a music concert or live event, the only thing you want to remember are the fun times you had whilst there. If the event was particularly loud, you may have come home with more than just memories. When laying your head on your pillow in an attempt to fall asleep, have you ever been overcome with a constant ringing in your ears? If the answer is yes, you have experienced tinnitus.

Hearing aids are simple devices that allow someone with hearing loss access to a much wider soundscape. They're easy to configure and use, and come in many shapes and sizes. In fact, some are so small, they're almost indistinguishable when worn.

Being fitted with hearing aids can be an exciting time, as for many it signals the start of a new period of hearing in their lives. However, other people may find it difficult at first to get into the habit of putting their hearing aids in each day, which can have a negative affect on what and how they hear.

It is truly remarkable how hearing aid technology has progressed over recent years. For the one in six Australians with some degree of hearing loss*, there is a wide range of options available to help restore lost sound and make everyday conversations all the more enjoyable.

If you’ve decided to purchase hearing aids, you’ll need to plan financially. Hearing aids are a great investment – not only will they improve your quality of life, they may also help you avoid potentially dangerous situations by improving your hearing. However, when it comes time to buy these useful pieces of technology, it’s important to plan ahead financially for the purchase.

If you can't hear someone talking, you may raise your hand to cup your ear without thinking. It's a common habit that many don't even realise they do until you point it out.

Is your hearing not quite what it used to be? For a number of seniors, older age can bring with it various challenges, including changes to your hearing. Hearing loss is thought to affect upwards of 50 per cent of Australians and New Zealanders aged over 60*, meaning the condition is far more common than many may realise.

Did you know you can actually accessorise your hearing solution? You may have regarded your hearing loss situation in a negative light, because for many, hearing loss of any degree can be quite frightening, but the correct way to accept it is to accept it as a part of you and turn it into a positive. Just gathering the courage to admit there might be a problem with your hearing is a huge step in the right direction, and you'll soon come to realise that hearing loss is quite treatable.

So you're heading to the airport to jet off for an upcoming business trip or holiday, but you also have a hearing condition – how do you cope? Fortunately, if you are a hearing aid user, there is nothing to be concerned about. However, there are a few things you should bear in mind before your departure.

How often do you need to replace your hearing aids? There are a number of factors involved in that decision. How well you take care of your hearing aids, whether or not you experience changes to your hearing, and many other variables go into determining whether it’s time for a new device. We’ve outlined a few ways your hearing care provider may determine if it’s time for a re-fitting.

Different hearing aid styles may be best suited to different people. This is because hearing aids are tailored to cater to a variety of requirements, each providing unique solutions to a range of hearing loss conditions. Technology advance has enabled hearing aids to grow increasingly small in size, yet ultimately more powerful in nature. In you're unsure just which hearing aid style is best for you, take a look at this guide.

The road to restoring your hearing doesn't end when you get hearing aids. In fact, when you first get hearing devices, it marks the beginning of a new journey entirely.

What is your idea of pure Bliss? Maybe something like this: Picture yourself indulging in a spa day. You're in a warm bubble bath surrounded by glowing candles with some ambient music tinkling in the background. But what if you can't hear that music? How can you expect to fully reach your Bliss?

If you're a hearing aid user, you'll be familiar with how quickly the batteries tend to run out of power. Here are a few of our top tips for prolonging the life of your hearing aid batteries, whether you're a new or a long-time user.

Hearing loss is nothing new – it was first documented in the 1500s and has affected millions across the world and throughout history.

Getting a good night's sleep is an important part in any person's day to day activity. It can help to improve memory, boost creativity and reduce stress levels. It is recommended that adults should be receiving seven to nine hours of sleep per night in order to wake feeling well rested, according to The National Sleep Foundation*.

The way we treat hearing loss has advanced incredibly in the past few decades, due in part to the tireless efforts of researchers around the world in pursuit of greater understanding of the condition, as well as ways to address it.

Hearing loss is something that affects around 1 in 6 Australians, according to the Australian Network on Disability*. This includes people of all ages, for a multitude of reasons. However, Audiology Australia estimates tinnitus, the symptom of phantom sounds, to be twice as prevalent as hearing loss.*

As much as 5 per cent of the world's population is affected by the loss of the miniscule sound-sensing 'hair cells' in the inner ear1. With so many people dealing with this affliction, it is one of the leading causes of hearing loss on the planet.

Okay, we'll be honest with you – "How do you hear?" is a bit of a trick question. Your immediate reaction is to assume your ears are totally in charge of this sense. Just like your eyes see, your tongue tastes and your nose smells, your ears hear. But that's not totally correct. Yes, these body parts help filter the corresponding sense, that's correct – but the sound itself is processed in the brain.

As the unofficial home of the silky smooth flat white and a thriving coffee culture, there's no denying that us Aussies are a little caffeine barmy to say the least.

Do you know exactly how much thought and preparation has gone into today's hearing improvement technology? Well, in case you haven't, the first thing to note is that inspiration for better hearing solutions starts with you.

It's easy to underestimate the reach of hearing loss in our own social circles and communities. Often referred to as an invisible condition, it's not always immediately apparent that a person is living with a hearing impairment. However, did you know that as many as one in six Australians have some degree of hearing loss*?

Factors such as overexposure to loud noises, obesity and ageing are just some of the scientifically proven causes that can increase an individual's risk of hearing loss. In Australia alone, one in six people lives with some form of auditory deprivation*.

If you think about the risks you could face in the workplace, many people may identify things like trip hazards, or perhaps the dangers of working with heavy machinery, such as on a construction site.

There are many questions and queries that are asked in relation to hearing loss and hearing aids. If you haven't yet, check out some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about hearing aids in particular. If you have something you'd like to ask an audiologist, trust us, you're not the only one to wonder.

When it comes to musicians needing to protect their hearing, the main culprits who may come to mind are usually roc​k​ stars who perform to packed sports arenas with the screeching of electric guitars and percussion for background.

When you think someone who has hearing loss, many of us are likely to picture an older person. While it's true that many seniors experience age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis in their later years, hearing impairments can also affect people at any stage of their lives.

About one in every six Australians has some degree of hearing loss, a figure that is expected to increase to one in four over the next few decades. While age is certainly a factor in the development of hearing problems, young people are also at risk.

Scientists have discovered a link between hearing loss and genetics, so if you have a family history of hearing loss, it could be worth having your hearing tested.

It is important to look after your ears – not only do they let you hear what is going on but they can also help you balance. Below are some of the ways you can keep your ears healthy and happy.

If you have suffered from symptoms of vertigo, you know how uncomfortable and potentially frightening the condition can be. There can be a few different causes of vertigo, a condition that is characterised by feelings of dizziness or perceptions of spinning.

Our hearing is a precious thing, a vital part of the way we experience the world. It is the sense that allows us to watch a movie in full surround sound, appreciate your favourite song on the radio and participate in conversations with your family and friends.

An estimated one in four Australians are affected by hearing loss* – could you be one of them? While this may seem like a strange question to ask, new research suggests that many people may not even realise they have hearing loss. Here's what you should know.

It was fantastic news for hearing advocates everywhere when the New York Police Department (NYPD) agreed to lift the ban on officers using hearing aids in active duty.

When you discover you have a hearing condition, your life changes. Hearing loss can have a wide range of effects, from an impaired ability to perceive the sounds around you, to changing the way you interact with others socially. What you may not have realised, is that changes in our hearing can also have an effect on the brain.

"Music is an important part of people's lives and can have powerful physical, social, and emotional effects on individuals, including those with all levels of hearing impairment." So said music psychologist Dr Alinka Greasley.

When you are transitioning into senior living, there are a number of things to take into consideration regarding your overall health and wellbeing. From staying active to eating right, there is plenty you can do to help maintain your body in prime condition, including checking your eyesight. Amongst all of this however, have you considered the welfare of your ears?

If you have hearing loss you may be more likely to experience a fall, according to research from the John Hopkins Medical Institutions. The study revealed that the risk of falling increases three-fold in those with hearing loss.

Many times, people who come into one of our Audika clinics will leave more informed about the state of their hearing. It's a supportive process that helps people find the right hearing solutions if they experience any changes in their hearing.

When people develop tinnitus, it can be a potentially stressful time. Not only is there the distraction from the ringing, humming or buzzing in your ears, having tinnitus can also change the way you interact with others in social situations.

Dealing with a hearing impairment comes with its ups and downs. You may feel angry, frustrated and distressed that you're missing out on conversations with your loved ones.

Athletes are often incredibly successful, well-known and hardworking – and many of them have some level of hearing loss. Here are just a few world-renowned athletes who have successfully overcome their hearing difficulties and engaged in successful and rewarding careers in sports.

While many of us love listening to music as loud as it can go, unfortunately this behaviour may not be doing wonders for our hearing health.

The beginning of March heralds the end of summer, but with it comes a day to celebrate healthy hearing!. It’s The World Health Organisations (WHO) International Ear Care Day, which takes place on 3 March each year.

Many of us will have heard a ringing in our ears from time to time, such as after a night out at dance clubs or after a music concert. Some people may even experience it after a long haul flight.

We've said this many times over – hearing loss is something that can affect anyone of any age at any time. It's not necessarily something that targets only "older" people, highlighting why taking preventative measures should always be a priority.

Hearing loss isn't the result of a sole cause – as a complex condition, there are many facets to it, and just as many triggers. Sometimes, it is due to an overexposure to loud volumes, such as in the case of noise-induced hearing loss. Believed to account for 37 per cent of all hearing loss cases in Australia, NIHL is fortunately largely avoidable through primary prevention.

Wax is one of those bodily substances that everyone has, but no one likes to talk about. It’s natural to have it, however, for a few people, the ear over-produces wax and we’re left with an unwanted buildup in our ear canal.

If you have a hearing problem, you aren't alone. According to the Australian Network on Disability, 1 in 6 Aussies is afflicted with hearing loss at any given time. There are plenty of successful, famous people who are thriving with the help of hearing aids.

There are many historical figures who suffered from hearing loss, which proves this condition is no reason not to get ahead in the world.

As women go about their daily lives, they may not realise that some of their habits may be affecting their hearing.

It is important to maintain good hearing and do what you can to reduce the risk of developing hearing loss later in life.

Conductive hearing loss involves problems with the outer or middle ear that prevent sound being conducted properly.

Have you ever found that you can hear a faint ringing, humming or buzzing sound, even though your surroundings are quiet? Perhaps you've come home from a music concert or nightclub to find that your ears are still ringing hours later.

Even if you don’t like sports, you can’t deny the impressive amount of work that athletes have dedicated to perfect their speed, aim, strength and agility. Truly, not everyone can be one of the best athletes in the world. However, there are some who had to overcome a lot more than others in order to achieve greatness. Who are we talking about? Athletes with disabilities, of course.

It's easy to assume that in an age where smartphones can answer just about any query you type into them, we'd have a profound understanding of our hearing. In fact, while researchers have made incredible discoveries in the past few decades, we are still learning about our own hearing.

The holiday season is usually a joyous time, when family and friends take pleasure from being in each other's company, but for people with hearing loss, this festive occasion isn't so positive. Untreated hearing loss can not only affect a person's ability to perceive sound, it can also have knock-on effects regarding their social interactions and emotional well-being.

Approximately one in every four Australians will suffer from some level of hearing loss by the year 20501, according to HearNet. With statistics like that, it's more important than ever to look after your hearing health, ensuring you are doing everything you can to prevent, treat and manage hearing issues.

Our ability to hear can be influenced by a great many factors, from noise-induced hearing loss to presbycusis in older age. Because the sensitive hair cells that allow us to hear do not grow back when damaged, it is important to be aware of prevalent risks to our ears.

Many people (especially children) experience ear infections, which can be painful and uncomfortable. Have you wondered about the relationship between ear infections and hearing loss? If so, read on to discover what causes these unpleasant infections and whether or not they may cause permanent hearing loss in either children or adults.

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a completely normal product of the ear. We all have it, but do you know why we have it, or how it can impact your hearing? Read on to find out more.

Smoking is a habit which can have a raft of associated health risks, both for the smoker and for those around them. According to the Department of Health, smoking is thought to kill some 15,000 Australians each year.

You wouldn't necessarily know by looking at someone whether or not they have tinnitus, but it doesn't mean that the condition isn't there. Estimated to affect up from 17 to 20 per cent of the Australian population, tinnitus involves hearing internal sounds akin to ringing, humming or buzzing.

Although it's commonly understood that loud noises can impact our hearing throughout the years, a recent study has discovered that other life choices may be contributing to hearing loss among the elderly. And it's not what you might expect….

Thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, we can now expect to far outlive our ancestors before us. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, children born in 2011-2013 can expect to live over an astonishing 30 years longer than those born in 1881-1890.

Many of us will already know that too much sugar in our diet can potentially lead to a range of adverse health effects down the line, but could your sweet tooth also aggravate your tinnitus symptoms?

Have you ever had a great time at a music concert, only to get home where it's quiet to find your ears ringing? Nearly everyone will have experienced the unsettling symptoms of tinnitus at some point in their life.

If you are experiencing a medical problem, it makes sense to seek treatment that is available to you. However, for a number of people living with hearing loss, the idea of wearing hearing aids is one they resist

Many people think hearing loss is just that – a reduced ability to hear things clearly. However, while that is true, it's not the only obstacle that someone with hearing loss has to overcome. It affects many aspects of communication, for both sides of a conversation. Let's take a look.

It's fascinating to watch young children interact with their environment. The delight when they first realise that banging something against another object makes a noise is such a small wondrous act to them. Or, watching them trying to emulate the sounds we make, when first learning to talk.

One of the incredible things about technology is the way we can now take our entire music collection with us everywhere we go. No longer do we need to lug around cassette tapes and CDs for our listening pleasure. Thanks to the birth of the iPod, we have the potential to listen for hours on end uninterrupted. Have you ever considered, however, what effect listening to music on your iPod can have on your hearing?

Of all the discussions you'll have with your children or any young family member about health, one area that is often left uncovered is hearing. And this could expose them to unforeseen risk as they mature.

With winter comes rainy days, tough winds and cold ears. It's important to keep extremities like our ears warm, as well as our hands, nose and feet. However, chilly earlobes aren't the only side effect of winter – cold weather can actually harm our hearing. Let's find out how, and learn what we can do about it.

You may know about the importance of looking after your hearing and the symptoms and treatments of hearing loss, but how much do you know about how your ears and hearing actually work?

Have you ever wondered how if you're having a conversation in a noisy situation, with a little effort, you can still make out what is being said?

Via Colori is a street painting festival that helps to raise money for children affected by hearing loss. This event has been operating since 2005, and has raised more than $1.5 million since its first outing in Houston, America.

Research has revealed a link between hearing loss and the brain, suggesting that your ears may influence more than just how well you are able to communicate with others.

While a number of people may associate hearing loss with the ageing process, what they may not realise is that it can also occur just as easily in your 20s or 30s. The fact of the matter is, there can be many causes for developing hearing problems, but one of the most preventable is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

While hearing loss has traditionally been linked with the more senior members of society, more and more young people are experiencing this issue.

At Audika, we are used to encountering people with a range of hearing concerns, from presbycusis, to noise-induced hearing loss and even tinnitus. This last condition isn't always the best understood, with a great number of people uncertain about what tinnitus involves.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise helps to defend against medical problems, is a great way to stay in shape and can actually make us happier! Between 2014 and 2015, 55.5 per cent of Australians aged between 18-64 participated in sufficient physical activity in any given week, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics.

One of the hardest parts of dealing with hearing loss can be the effect it has on your work. Some people may feel they are no longer able to communicate as well as they used to, and in some roles, this can have a big impact.

There are a myriad reasons to quit smoking, many of which come back to improving your health. One of the least discussed, but most important, reasons to quit smoking is that it can have a negative impact on your hearing health, and can lead to hearing loss.

Over-exposure to loud noise is an almost entirely avoidable cause of hearing loss around the world.

Diabetes is a prevalent health condition in Australia that affects around 1.7 million Australians*. It can develop during any stage of our lives, and unfortunately, is yet to have a cure.

It's so common to hear about ergonomics and high blood pressure in the workplace that we often forget that the health of our ears play a huge role in our day-to-day lives.

When you exercise, there are many different processes happening in your body at once. Your heart starts beating faster, your breathing changes and mobility is seen in a wide number of limbs.

The foods we consume affect our bodies in different ways. A high intake of sugary products can cause weight gain whereas a good balance of fruits and vegetables can decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer. A less known food group can also improve our bodily functions, more specifically, our ears.

Do you have a holiday coming up? Are you planning on flying out of state or overseas? If so, there are some things you should know about travelling with a hearing aid.

International Ear Care Day is on March 3. The aim of such an event is to promote and raise awareness about ear and hearing care worldwide. That's because a hearing impairment, such as presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, can happen so gradually due to small changes in your middle or inner ear that when it is finally detected, it is a serious problem.

Listen up – it's time to face the facts. Hearing loss is more common than you think – it actually affects one in six Australians around the country*.

When you're part of a family, you'd do anything to protect them and ensure that they are happy at all times. However, hardships do happen, whether in the form of heartache, distress and illness. If a loved one has recently been diagnosed with hearing loss, it's important that they receive your support through what can be a tricky time.

A condition characterised by an internal ringing in the ears, tinnitus is estimated to affect one in seven people around the world. However, as there can be many different causes for the condition not everyone will experience it the same way.

Thanks to the ever-advancing nature of technology in this modern day and age, having a hearing problem doesn't mean that a person will never be able to participate in social situations ever again.

Earwax (cerumen) is a normal substance produced by the body to clean, lubricate and protect the ears. However, many of us like to clean our ears and try to remove earwax using objects or methods that are not entirely safe.

Your hearing aids are a very complex piece of technology. Just like mobile phones, cameras or laptops, you need to look after them well in order to get the most out of them.

Many sources that explain the benefits of eating a well-balanced diet go on and on about how good it is for your health and many aspects of your body – bones, brain and heart, to name a few. But what about your ears?

Your inner ear helps your body to balance, so it is important to take care of and monitor your hearing. Balance is an important function of human life as it helps us to stay upright as well as aiding us to run, walk and move without falling over.

A trip to the theme park is an outing that appeals to people of all ages, a day filled with excitement and adrenaline-pumping rides. While safety is of the highest priority while you're enjoying the various attractions, you should also consider the health of your ears.

To be able to journey through life together with a loved one sharing the same memories and experiences is a wonderful feeling. That's why if one of you is experiencing hearing loss, it can impact a relationship and maybe even cause strain and tension.

In order to improve your hearing, you may require hearing aids. However, it is important to take care of these items so they work well and improve your quality of life. Here are three common mistakes you should avoid in order to prolong the life of your hearing aids.

A new test may be able to determine which people are most likely to suffer from work related hearing loss, so if you think your profession is doing your hearing damage, it may pay to consider a hearing test.

Discovering that you have a hearing impairment can be an emotionally challenging time for many people. However, when your profession relies on a finely tuned ear, this can be an additional blow.

Hearing aids are no longer just devices that amplify the sounds around us. Thanks to incredible innovations in technology, your hearing aids can do more than you might imagine, from reducing background noise to playing music and minimising tinnitus symptoms.

For many people, taking a painkiller for the occasional headache or sore back is no big deal. However, for those who rely on painkillers as a long term solution, this medication could have an unexpected side effect.