Ear Health

15/06/2024

📢 Our Grey Lynn Clinic has moved to 15 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn. We look forward to welcoming you to our new, more convenient location.

17/04/2024

🧐 Strange Things We Have Found Inside Ears During Microsuction 👂

Number 2. A colony of ear mites! 🕷️

Have you ever had anything unusual found in your ear?

(Picture for illustration purposes only)

02/04/2024

🧐 Strange Things We Have Found Inside Ears During Microsuction 👂

Number 1. Broken jewellery 💎

Have you ever had anything unusual found in your ear?

26/03/2024

👂🌀 Tinnitus Tuesday: Navigating the Sounds of Silence 👂🌀

Welcome back to . Today, let's explore the question: What does tinnitus sound like? 🤔

Tinnitus sounds unique to each individual. It's not just ringing in the ears; it can manifest in various auditory sensations. Here are some common descriptions of what tinnitus can sound like:

🔔 Ringing: The classic high-pitched ringing is what many people associate with tinnitus.

🐝 Buzzing: Similar to the sound of a buzzing insect.

❄️ Humming: A continuous low-pitched sound, like the hum of a refrigerator running.

🍃 Whooshing: Resembling the sound of wind rushing past the ears.

🖱️Clicking: A pattern of clicks or crackling sounds that can be irregular or rhythmic.

💨 Hissing: A steady hiss, like air escaping from a tyre.

🌊 Roaring: A deep, throbbing noise akin to the roar of an ocean wave.

The sound may also change entirely or vary in tone, pitch, or intensity.

Tinnitus is common, with surveys estimating that 10 to 25% of adults experience it (NIDCD, 2023). Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Despite its challenges, many have discovered successful strategies to manage tinnitus.

21/03/2024

An incredible (and slightly grotesque) story courtesy of our fantastic team in Dunedin.

Our favourite is the mummified fly! 🪰

Which is yours?

One patient had poured vodka in her ear, while another was found with a mummified fly. Just one of dozens of weird items Rachel Still has recovered from inside ears.

12/03/2024

🎶✨ Tinnitus Tuesday: Discover the Harmony of Sound Therapy

Welcome to our series, where we share tips and tricks to manage tinnitus and bring more peace into your life. 🕊️

Today, we're tuning into the power of sound therapy - a method that can play a key role in your tinnitus management journey. 🎧

Sound therapy isn't just about listening to music; it's a therapeutic approach that uses specific sounds to reduce the prominence of tinnitus, helping your brain focus on external noises instead of the internal ringing. 🧠🎶

Here's how it can help:

Masking: Certain sounds can cover the tinnitus noise, providing immediate relief. White noise machines or apps that simulate natural sounds like rain or ocean waves can be particularly effective. 🌧️🌊

Distraction: Sound therapy can help divert your attention away from tinnitus, making it less bothersome. Engaging with music, audiobooks, or podcasts can be a great way to redirect your focus. 📚🎵

Habituation: Over time, your brain can learn to ignore tinnitus sounds, a process supported by sound therapy. This can help reduce the impact of tinnitus on your daily life. 🔄

Relaxation: The stress and anxiety tinnitus causes can exacerbate symptoms. Sound therapy contributes to relaxation and stress relief, breaking this cycle. 🧘‍♂️

If you're curious about incorporating sound therapy into your tinnitus management plan, you can start by exploring apps (iOS and Android) for sound masking, including:

myNoise
NatureSpace
Endel

Don't let tinnitus silence your life's soundtrack. With sound therapy, discover new ways to find harmony and relief. 🎼💕

06/03/2024

Microsuction with an ENT microscope provides a magnified view of the ear canal and eardrum, ensuring precision in every procedure.

Audiologist Dr Soren Thompson expertly handles the advanced ZEISS OPMI Pico microscope in this image.

05/03/2024

👂✨ Be A Friend to Every Ear: How to Support Those with Hearing Loss ✨👂

Inclusivity means ensuring everyone is part of the conversation in our vibrant communities. 🌈 At Ear Health, we're dedicated to fostering environments where individuals with hearing loss feel fully supported. Here's how you can help:

Seek Out the Light: Good lighting is vital. Ensure you're facing the person, allowing them to read your lips and expressions easily. 🌟

Clarity Over Volume: Speak clearly, at a measured pace. There's no need to shout; it's understanding we're after, not volume. 🗣️

Keep It Natural: Let your lip movements flow naturally. Over-exaggeration isn't necessary and makes it harder to understand you. 👄

One Voice at a Time: Ensure only one person speaks at a time in group settings. This makes it easier to follow along and feel included. 👥

Minimise the Noise: Background noise can be a significant barrier. If possible, reduce it or move to a quieter location. 🚫🔊

Inclusion is Key: Always include everyone in activities and conversations. No one should feel left out. 💓

Avoid Postponements: Saying "I'll tell you later" can isolate someone. Share in the moment, ensuring everyone is part of the experience.⏳

Creating a hearing loss-friendly environment is simpler than you might think. These small acts of consideration can make a big difference in someone's day. Let's all do our part to ensure our communities are welcoming to everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities. 💬❤️

14/02/2024

Q. What does a burst eardrum feel like? 🤔👂

A. A burst eardrum can feel like a sudden sharp pain in the ear, followed by relief from the pain, drainage of fluids, which may include blood or pus, hearing loss in the affected ear, ringing or buzzing noise (tinnitus), and sometimes dizziness or vertigo.

These symptoms can vary based on the cause and severity of the eardrum rupture. It's essential to seek medical advice if you suspect you have a burst eardrum to prevent complications and promote healing.

Learn more: https://www.earhealth.co.nz/signs-of-a-burst-eardrum-or-perforated-eardrum/

06/02/2024

5 Home Care Tips for Eardrum Perforation Recovery

🔹 Warm Compress: Apply a warm, dry cloth to the affected ear to help reduce pain and inflammation.
🔹 Manage Ear Pressure: Blow your nose gently to avoid additional pressure on the eardrum.
🔹 Keep Water Out: Use earplugs or a shower cap to protect your ears from water during healing.
🔹 Dry Ear Canal: Maintain a dry ear canal to prevent infections; consider ear microsuction if dampness persists.
🔹 Be Cautious with Ear Drops: Only use ear drops if recommended by a healthcare professional to avoid complications.

🩺 Always prioritise medical advice while considering these strategies for comfort and support during recovery.

04/01/2024

Happy New Year from Ear Health!

We hope it's a year brimming with new journeys, accomplishments, and boundless joy. May this year shine even brighter, presenting numerous opportunities for success and delight.

15/12/2023

How many earwax removal methods have you tried? 🤔👂

Check out our comprehensive guide comparing ear irrigation, microsuction, manual tools, and ear drops.

Explore the best methods on how to remove ear wax effectively. Our guide compares microsuction, ear irrigation, manual removal and over-the-counter drops.