Now that we are in the midst of the holiday season—a time filled with gatherings, conversations, and connection—it’s important to take a moment to reflect on both your mental and hearing health. While this time of year can bring joy, it can also highlight challenges for those who struggle to hear well. In fact, research shows a strong link between hearing loss and mental health concerns, including increased feelings of sadness, stress, and isolation.

Even though depression and low mood can have many causes, hearing difficulties often play a bigger role than people realize. Here are some common ways hearing loss can affect emotional well-being, especially during busy holiday months:

• Social isolation – When hearing becomes difficult, people may avoid parties, dinners, or family gatherings because conversations feel overwhelming. This withdrawal can lead to loneliness—especially around the holidays when social connection is a significant part of the season.
• Increased cognitive effort – Straining to follow conversations, particularly in loud environments, can be mentally exhausting. The extra effort spent trying to understand speech can lead to fatigue, irritability, and decreased enjoyment of holiday activities.
• Impact on self-esteem – Hearing loss can sometimes affect confidence. People may worry about misunderstanding others or feel embarrassed asking for repeats, making celebrations more stressful than joyful.

If you or a loved one is noticing these challenges, here are helpful steps to stay connected this season:

Get your hearing checked

Whether you struggle in noisy restaurants, have a history of loud-noise exposure, or are 65+, a hearing evaluation from a licensed hearing professional can provide clarity. Addressing hearing loss early can make holiday interactions far more enjoyable and reduce feelings of isolation.

Communicate your needs

Let your family and friends know when you are having difficulty hearing. Simple adjustments—like choosing a quieter seating area or reducing background noise—can make gatherings feel more inclusive and meaningful.

Use your hearing technology consistently

If hearing aids or other devices are recommended, wearing them regularly helps your brain adjust and improves communication over time. With consistent use, you will experience clearer conversations and more confidence during holiday events.

Stay socially engaged

Connection is especially important during this time of year. Join community gatherings, clubs, or support groups that feel welcoming. Even small moments of interaction can positively impact your mood and sense of belonging.

The holidays should be a time of warmth, connection, and joy—not stress or isolation. If hearing challenges are affecting your well-being, remember that support is available. Prioritizing your hearing health can make this season—and every season—brighter.

Muffled hearing—often accompanied by a feeling of fullness or pressure in one or both ears—can be frustrating and disruptive. Just like smudged glasses blur your view of the world, muffled hearing can make it harder to catch important conversations and enjoy the sounds around you.

The good news is that muffled hearing is often temporary and treatable. By understanding the most common causes and getting the right care, you can get back to hearing clearly. Here’s a look at some of the top reasons behind muffled hearing and what you can do about them.

Loud Noise

Inside your inner ear is the cochlea—a spiral-shaped organ lined with thousands of tiny hair cells that deliver sound signals to your brain. Exposure to loud noise—like concerts, sporting events, or loud machinery—can overwork and damage these hair cells. When that happens, you may notice temporary or even permanent muffled hearing.

Noise-related hearing loss is one of the most preventable causes of hearing damage. You don’t have to skip your favorite events—just protect your ears by wearing well-fitted earplugs or earmuffs to reduce the impact on your hearing.

Earwax Buildup

Earwax (cerumen) protects the ear canal by trapping dirt and bacteria, but too much can block sound from reaching the eardrum. This buildup may result in muffled hearing or a plugged-up feeling in the ear.

Skip cotton swabs and other small objects, as they can push wax farther into the ear and make the blockage worse. Instead, try ear drops to soften the wax or have it safely removed by a professional.

Fluid in the Ear

Fluid buildup in the middle ear is another common cause of muffled hearing. It often follows a cold, allergies, or sinus infection. The trapped fluid prevents sound from moving efficiently through the ear, resulting in muffled hearing or temporary hearing loss.

In many cases, the fluid drains on its own. If it lingers or causes discomfort, a doctor can recommend treatment to relieve pressure and restore normal hearing.

Ear Infections

Middle ear infections (otitis media) are especially common in children but can affect adults as well. Infections cause inflammation and fluid buildup behind the eardrum, which blocks sound and can cause pain, fever, or temporary hearing loss.

Treatment depends on the cause—some infections clear on their own, while others may require antibiotics. Seeking timely care is important to avoid complications and protect long-term hearing health.

Airplane Ear

Airplane ear—also called ear barotrauma—happens when there’s a pressure imbalance between the middle ear and the surrounding environment. This often occurs during airplane takeoff or landing, mountain drives, or scuba diving.

Symptoms may include muffled hearing, ear pressure, popping or crackling sounds, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and sometimes pain. Most cases are mild and go away shortly after pressure equalizes.

To prevent airplane ear, try chewing gum, swallowing, or yawning during takeoff and landing—these actions help open the Eustachian tube and balance pressure in the ear.

When to Seek Help

While many cases of muffled hearing resolve on their own, ongoing symptoms may signal an underlying issue that needs attention. If your hearing doesn’t return to normal, or if you experience pain, dizziness, or ringing in the ears, schedule an ear exam or hearing test with a qualified Las Vegas hearing care provider. Early intervention can make a big difference in protecting your long-term hearing health.

We’ve all heard it before—“Eat your fruits and veggies!” or “Make sure you’re getting your daily vitamins and minerals!” Some people rely on a daily supplement, while others pack their meals with nutrient-rich whole foods. Both approaches reflect the understanding that good nutrition is the foundation for overall health.

It’s no surprise that vitamin C and zinc are praised for boosting immunity, or that calcium is celebrated for strengthening bones and teeth. But here’s something you might not hear every day—some minerals can directly support your hearing and ear health.

The Role of Minerals in the Body

Minerals are natural, inorganic elements found in rocks and soil. They’re called essential because your body can’t make them—you have to get them from what you eat. Vegetables pull minerals from the earth, and when we eat those veggies (or animals that have eaten them), we absorb those nutrients ourselves.

When it comes to keeping your ears healthy, four minerals stand out: potassium, folate, magnesium, and zinc.

Potassium – The Fluid Regulator

Potassium helps manage the balance of fluids in your tissues and blood. Inside your inner ear, a special fluid is essential for turning sound waves into electrical signals your brain can understand. Without enough potassium, that delicate system can’t work as effectively, making it harder for you to process sound.

You’ll find potassium in plenty of familiar foods like bananas, melons, milk, lima beans, yogurt, spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, raisins and oranges.

Folate – The Cell Builder

Folate is a powerhouse nutrient that helps the body create new cells. The artificial form, folic acid, is available in supplements, but food sources are generally the better choice. Leafy greens like asparagus, broccoli, and spinach are excellent options, as are organ meats for those who enjoy them.

Magnesium – The Noise Defender

Studies suggest magnesium may help defend against hearing loss. It does this by neutralizing harmful free radicals produced when you’re exposed to loud noise, which can otherwise damage the hair cells in your inner ear. Strong, healthy blood vessels—supported by magnesium—ensure a steady flow of oxygen to your ears, which is vital for good hearing.

Good sources of magnesium include broccoli, artichokes, potatoes, bananas, spinach and tomatoes.

Zinc – The Immune Booster with Ear Benefits

Zinc is well-known for its role in strengthening the immune system, which is why it often appears in cold and flu remedies. Beyond immunity, it supports cell growth and aids in wound healing. Studies have also linked zinc to potential benefits for those with tinnitus or certain ear infections. Because it can interact with medications such as some antibiotics and diuretics, it’s important to consult your doctor before adding zinc supplements to your routine.

You can get zinc from split peas, dark chocolate, cashews, peanuts, almonds, beans, lentils, dark-meat chicken, oysters and pork.

The Bottom Line

If your diet is rich in fresh, whole foods, you’re probably already getting plenty of these minerals, along with other nutrients that help support healthy hearing. Your ears, much like the rest of your body, thrive when they’re well-nourished. So, the next time you’re filling your plate, remember—you’re not just feeding your body, you’re helping to protect your hearing too.

With summer in full swing in Las Vegas, the combination of high temperatures and low humidity can take a toll on more than just your comfort—it can also impact your hearing aids. Even if you’re not spending hours outdoors, brief exposure to heat, such as sitting in a hot car or walking in direct sunlight, can affect the performance and longevity of your devices. Understanding how the desert climate influences your hearing aids is the first step toward protecting them during the hottest months of the year.

How Heat Affects Hearing Aid Function

To understand how to care for your hearing aids in the summer, it helps to know how they work. These small but advanced devices rely on sensitive electronic components to help you hear clearly in a variety of environments. In Las Vegas’s dry, intense heat, these components can become stressed, leading to diminished performance or even damage over time.

• Each hearing aid consists of key parts:
• Microphone – picks up surrounding sound
• Amplifier – increases the sound’s volume
• Speaker – delivers sound into your ear

Many modern devices also include features like directional microphones, noise reduction, and wireless connectivity. These enhancements make hearing aids more effective—but also more vulnerable to heat, moisture, and physical stress. Knowing how these features respond to your environment can help you adjust settings and usage for optimal performance all summer long.

Tips for Protecting Hearing Aids from Heat

Our desert summers are no joke, and your hearing aids need just as much protection as you do. Excessive heat and sudden changes in temperature—even from sweat or splashes—can interfere with how your devices operate.

• To reduce the risk of damage, follow these summer-smart care tips:
• Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Never leave them in a hot car or direct sunlight, even for a short time.
• Use a dehumidifier overnight to remove any moisture that builds up throughout the day.

These simple precautions can help preserve your devices’ function and extend their lifespan, keeping you connected and comfortable through the hottest part of the year.

How Extreme Heat Impacts Hearing Aid Technology

High temperatures can affect your hearing aids in more ways than one. Some of the most common issues include:

Shortened battery life: Heat accelerates battery discharge. According to Battery University, every 18°F rise above room temperature roughly doubles the rate of battery self-discharge—meaning your batteries may drain faster during summer.

Casing expansion: Heat can cause the plastic components of your hearing aids to expand, which may affect how they fit and feel in your ear.

Increased earwax production: Heat stimulates the body to produce more wax, which can clog your hearing aid’s microphone or speaker and reduce sound clarity.

Condensation buildup: Even in low-humidity environments, sweat and sudden changes in temperature can lead to internal moisture, increasing the risk of malfunction.

Over time, repeated exposure to high heat can damage internal circuitry or cause warping, which may result in costly repairs—or even the need to replace your devices.

To avoid these problems:

• Keep hearing aids away from heat sources.
• Clean them regularly to remove wax and debris.
• Replace batteries more often during the summer.
• Use a dehumidifier to minimize internal moisture.

Preventive care now can help you avoid inconvenient (and expensive) breakdowns later.

Managing Sweat: A Summer Hearing Aid Challenge

Sweating is a natural response to heat, but it can be a hidden threat to hearing aids. While perspiration helps cool your body, it also introduces moisture that can seep into your devices, leading to potential malfunctions. Even water-resistant hearing aids aren’t immune to the long-term effects of repeated sweat exposure.

Here’s how to safeguard your devices from sweat-related damage:

Use hearing aid sweatbands: These soft covers absorb moisture before it reaches the electronics.

Wipe down your devices daily: After any sweaty activity, gently clean your hearing aids with a dry cloth.

Dehumidify each night: A drying box or hearing aid dehumidifier can pull out any lingering moisture and help maintain performance.

Taking just a few extra steps each day can ensure your hearing aids continue to perform reliably—no matter how hot it gets.

Summer in Las Vegas brings sunshine, dry air, and soaring temperatures—and all of these can affect your hearing aids. By understanding the risks and following simple protective steps, you can keep your devices functioning at their best. From battery care to moisture prevention, a little extra attention goes a long way in ensuring your hearing aids keep up with your lifestyle all summer long.

Please schedule your hearing assessment / checkup with Southern Nevada Audiology today! Learn more about the advancements in modern hearing aids.

Each May, we observe National Speech-Language-Hearing Month—a nationwide initiative dedicated to raising awareness about communication disorders and the importance of early intervention. Formerly known as Better Hearing and Speech Month, the observance was renamed in 2024 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to better reflect the full scope of care provided by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists.

This month-long campaign serves as a timely reminder: our ability to hear, speak, and understand is essential to daily life—and when those abilities are compromised, the impact can be far-reaching. Whether it’s a toddler learning to speak or an older adult experiencing age-related hearing loss, communication health matters at every stage of life.

Why National Speech-Language-Hearing Month Matters

Communication disorders are more common than many realize. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), roughly 37.5 million American adults experience some level of hearing loss. Yet many go undiagnosed for years, often adapting to the changes without realizing how much they’re missing.

Children may also experience speech or language delays, stuttering, articulation challenges, or voice issues that can interfere with learning and emotional development. Left unaddressed, these difficulties can hinder social interaction, academic performance, and confidence.

As an audiologist, I’ve seen firsthand how early identification and intervention can change lives. With the right support, individuals can strengthen their communication skills, improve their relationships, and regain independence in their daily activities.

Recognizing the Signs: What to Look For

Understanding the early signs of communication issues can lead to timely, effective care. Watch for indicators such as:

• Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments
• Turning up the volume on devices more than usual
• Asking others to repeat themselves frequently
• Children struggling to form clear words or complete sentences
• Signs of frustration or withdrawal during communication
• While some symptoms may seem minor, they can signal deeper challenges. Addressing them early often leads to better outcomes, especially when guided by trained professionals.

The Power of Early Action

When it comes to speech, language, and hearing disorders, early action is key. For children, prompt evaluation can ensure they reach important developmental milestones and thrive in school and social settings. For adults, addressing hearing loss early can reduce risks linked to cognitive decline, depression, and isolation.

Audiologists play a crucial role in this process—evaluating hearing and balance issues, recommending hearing aids or other treatments, and collaborating with SLPs to provide coordinated care. If you or someone you know is experiencing communication difficulties, don’t wait. A simple hearing screening or speech evaluation can be the first step toward life-changing support.

Take the Next Step

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is more than a calendar event—it’s an opportunity to take action for yourself or a loved one. By recognizing the signs, learning about available resources, and consulting with a certified professional, you can make a lasting difference in someone’s quality of life.

Your communication health is worth protecting. This May, start the conversation.

Hearing loss can be frustrating and, in some cases, concerning. It can affect your ability to communicate, enjoy music, and stay engaged in conversations. The good news? Some types of hearing loss are reversible, depending on the cause. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in restoring or preserving your hearing. Let’s explore the different causes and whether they can be treated.Earwax

Buildup: Reversible
Earwax is essential for protecting and cleaning your ears, but too much of it can block sound. If you use cotton swabs, you might be pushing wax deeper, leading to temporary hearing loss. This buildup can make sounds seem muffled and may even cause discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the ear.

Treatment:
• Try home remedies like a few drops of mineral or baby oil to soften the wax.
• Over-the-counter ear drops can help, but avoid hydrogen peroxide if you have dry ears.
• If home treatments don’t work or if you have diabetes, consult a doctor for professional removal.

Ear Infections: Reversible
A common cause of temporary hearing loss, ear infections trap fluid in the middle ear, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. This can lead to pain, pressure, and difficulty hearing, similar to the sensation of having water stuck in your ear.

Treatment:
• Some infections resolve on their own, while others may require antibiotics.
• If infections occur frequently, ear tubes can help drain fluid and prevent further issues, especially in children.

Sudden Hearing Loss: Usually Reversible
If your hearing suddenly drops in one or both ears, it might be sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). About half of people with SSHL recover naturally within a couple of weeks.

Treatment:
• Corticosteroid pills or injections can help restore hearing.
• If an underlying cause is found, treating it alongside steroids may improve recovery.

Age-Related Hearing Loss: Not Reversible
Hearing often declines gradually with age due to changes in the inner ear. Long-term exposure to loud noises, such as music through headphones, can also contribute.
While the damage to inner ear hair cells is permanent, hearing aids and other assistive devices can help improve your ability to hear and communicate.

Talk to a Doctor About Your Hearing
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, a healthcare professional can determine the cause and recommend the best treatment. You may be referred to:
• An audiologist for hearing tests and treatment.
• An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor for medical evaluation.
• A hearing aid specialist to explore amplification options.

If you’re concerned about your hearing, don’t wait—early intervention can make all the difference! Please schedule your hearing assessment / checkup with Southern Nevada Audiology today! Learn more about the advancements in modern hearing aids.