For many families, splashing in the backyard or community pool or heading to the nearest beach to cool off in the water is a major part of summer fun. For kids with certain ear problems, swim ear plugs are often recommended, but how do you know if your child needs them—and what types are the best? 

A new study on the epidemiology of firearm and other noise exposures in the United States shows lawnmowers and guns are putting Americans at an increased risk for hearing loss.

Cotton swabs may seem harmless enough, but they can be dangerous when used to clean your ears. Although some people swear by using cotton swabs (Q-Tips™) to remove excess earwax and debris from their ear canals, medical experts will warn you not to try it.

As a mom of a tween who blasts music through her earbuds on a daily basis, you can bet a new article about earbuds and hearing loss caught my eye. Reportedly, there’s been a 30% increase in hearing loss in adolescents (one out of every five, actually), which they are attributing to the increase in earbud use.