ER Audiology Blog

Ear pressure can feel uncomfortable, distracting and sometimes painful. Many patients across Capalaba and the Redlands Coast describe it as: A blocked or “underwater” sensation Popping that won’t clear Muffled hearing Fullness in one or both ears But what actually causes ear pressure and when should you have it checked? What Causes Ear Pressure? Ear pressure usually happens when pressure inside your middle ear doesn’t equalise properly with the outside environment. Common causes include: 1️⃣ Eustachian Tube Dysfunction The Eustachian tube connects your middle ear to the back of your nose. It regulates pressure and drains fluid.  When it becomes blocked (often due to colds, sinus congestion or allergies), pressure builds up and your ears feel full.  This is very common during Brisbane’s allergy seasons and humid weather. 2️⃣ Ear Wax Buildup Impacted ear wax can trap sound and create a blocked sensation that feels like pressure. Many people mistake wax blockage for fluid or infe...

If you’re feeling dizzy and your ear feels blocked, you might be asking: Can ear wax cause vertigo? This is a common concern for patients seeking ear wax removal in Capalaba 4157 and across Redlands Coast.  The short answer: Ear wax can contribute to dizziness - but it rarely causes true vertigo on its own. Understanding the difference is important. What Is Vertigo and Can Ear Wax Affect It? Vertigo is a true spinning sensation. It may feel like: The room is moving You are being pulled to one side Movement worsens symptoms Nausea accompanies the spinning Vertigo usually originates from the inner ear balance system , located deep inside the ear. Ear wax forms in the outer ear canal , much further away from the balance organs.  However, impacted wax can press against the eardrum and alter pressure or sound input. This may create: A blocked sensation Mild imbalance A “floating” or off-balance feeling Patients often describe this as feeling “off” rather than true spinn...

Did you know that untreated hearing loss could be costing you thousands of dollars in lost income every year? Economic studies in North America show that people with more severe untreated hearing loss can earn up to around USD 10,000–12,000 less per year than those with milder or treated hearing loss, with large national‑level productivity costs also reported in Australia. Adjusted to an Australian context, that can easily add up to many thousands of dollars per year in lost income and missed career opportunities. Why Does This Happen? Communication breakdown is often the first casualty. When you can't clearly hear in meetings, conference calls, or networking events, you miss critical information. You might not catch that important project update, mishear client requirements, or miss opportunities because you didn't hear them announced clearly. Many people with hearing loss gradually start participating less in meetings and workplace discussions. They’re worried about asking ...

If you live in Capalaba, Redlands Coast or greater Brisbane, you already know how intense our humidity can be. Between summer storms, coastal air, sweat, and sudden downpours, Queensland weather is tough on technology, and hearing aids are no exception. One of the most common questions we hear from patients is: “Are hearing aids waterproof?” The short answer? Not exactly; but many modern hearing aids are highly water-resistant. Let’s break down what that means and how Brisbane’s climate affects your devices. Are Hearing Aids Waterproof in Australia? Most modern hearing aids available in Australia are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. This means they are designed to handle: Sweat Light rain Humid environments Accidental splashes But they are not designed to: Be submerged in water Be worn in the shower Be worn while swimming Survive a washing machine cycle If you’re searching for “waterproof hearing aids Australia,” what you’re really looking for is the IP rating. What Is an IP Ra...

You've just had a hearing test, and your audiologist hands you a chart filled with symbols, lines, and numbers. If you're feeling confused, you're not alone. The audiogram, a graph that shows your hearing test results, can look intimidating at first glance, but it's actually a tool that provides valuable insights into your hearing health. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about reading and understanding your results. You'll learn what the graph means, why certain frequencies matter more than others, and what your results indicate about your hearing. What Is an Audiogram? An audiogram is a visual representation of the softest sound you can hear across different frequencies (pitches). It's created during a test called pure tone audiometry, where you listen to various tones through differing transducers and indicate when you can hear them. The Two Key Measurements Frequency (Pitch)  - Measured in Hertz (Hz) or Kilohertz (kHz) - D...

Hearing loss is largely preventable with proper protection and awareness. Understanding how to protect your hearing at different life stages helps preserve this vital sense for years to come. In our increasingly noisy world, taking proactive steps to safeguard your hearing has never been more important. Understanding Hearing Damage How Hearing Loss Occurs Loud sounds damage delicate hair cells in the inner ear. Once damaged, these cells don't regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss. The damage is often gradual and painless, which makes it particularly insidious. Many people don't realise they're losing their hearing until significant damage has occurred. These microscopic hair cells are responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that your brain interprets as sound. Dangerous Noise Levels Sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing damage with prolonged exposure. For reference, normal conversation is about 60 dB, while a lawn mower reaches 90 dB...