A study by Henry Ford Hospital shows a direct association between cotton swab use and ruptured eardrum. The good news: The study also shows that, in most cases, the rupture heals on its own and surgery is only necessary for the most severe cases. In fact 97% healed on their own. The authors of this study offer some good advice for cleaning your ears.

• Take cool peroxide, hot tap water and mix equally. Be sure it is body temperature and gently irrigate the ear one or two times per month.
• Take plain vinegar and water and use four or five drops in the ear once a week.
• See a doctor, who can remove ear wax for you.
• Try an over-the-counter treatment such as Debrox.

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October is a busy month for the hearing industry: Audiology Awareness Month, Hearing Aid Awareness Week (October 3rd - 10th) and National Protect Your Hearing Month. In addition many hearing aid manufacturers recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month by selling pink hearing aids; one example being Oticon's Agil - Pink with a Purpose!

National Protect Your Hearing Month is an important initiative simply due to the recent research demonstrating hearing loss is now much more prevalent in children and teens. Hearing loss is no longer a major health concern for only those over the age of 65 - it spans all generations. Noise, music, personal listening players, cell phones - they are all a major part of everyday life and may be causing hearing loss that very well can be prevented.

Education is the most important aspect to preventing noise-induced hearing loss. The more children, teens and adults know about the dangers of noise and how it can cause hearing loss later in life, the more likely they will practice safe listening skills and protect their hearing.

To learn more about National Protect Your Hearing Month visit: Hearing Protection: October is National Protect Your Hearing Month.

We have all heard about the health benefits of fish oils, also referred to as Omega 3 fatty acids. Some include cardiovascular health, joint health, and treatment for dry eyes, to name a few. Now a recent study has revealed fish oils have a protective capability against hearing loss....

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