by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A parent asked: Can you please tell me if the antibiotic “Bactrim” is known to be ototoxic? My son was prescribed this medication because of an exposure to whooping cough.” Bactrim (Trimethoprim) is somewhat ototoxic. It is not known to cause hearing loss, but it can cause tinnitus (ringing in the […]
Lawnmowers and Ear Protection
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man wrote Because I have a lot of grass to mow I spend 2 to 4 hours per week on a riding mower. My question is how best to protect what is left of my hearing. I believe my best options are high quality ear muffs or noise canceling ear […]
Comparing Drug Doses
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man asked: I just wanted to find out how much a 250 microgram (mcg) dose of Xanax (Alprazolam) compares with a 1 milligram (mg) tablet of Valium (Diazepam). I can’t seem to work this out! It’s quite easy. There are 1,000 micrograms (mcg) in a milligram (mg), so 4 x […]
High Body Temperature and Hearing Loss
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady wrote: Since 2002 my hearing has gone down rapidly and during that time I have been into bikram yoga 3 to 4 times a week. This yoga is called “hot yoga,” and is done in a room with a temperature of 105 degrees. It is strenuous work and goes […]
Hearing Stereo with Bilateral Cochlear Implants
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man explained: On one of the C.I. [cochlear implant] discussion boards, we’ve been having a discussion that I’m certain you can help with. We are discussing how to get a stereo signal (say out of an iPod) split into a right and a left channel for bilateral C.I. recipients. The […]
Batteryless Flashlights and Cochlear Implants
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A warning recently circulated around some of the Cochlear Implant (CI) lists that read: Attention Cochlear Implant users—you should never use the flashlight that never needs batteries, just shake it. Also, it never needs bulbs, is waterproof and floats in water. Single/double super coils create the charge with every shake. The […]