What is earwax? Earwax is a substance produced by the body to clean, protect, and lubricate the ear. It is made up of dead skin cells, hair, and oils secreted by glands in the ear canal. While earwax is beneficial, too much of it can cause problems. impacted ear wax occurs when the earwax becomes too hard and dry, or is pushed deep into the ear canal. This can block the ear canal and cause pain, itching, and hearing loss.Impacted ear wax is a common problem. It is more likely to occur in adults over the age of 60, children under the age of 2, people who wear hearing aids, and those who clean their ears frequently.Earwax removal is a simple process that can be done at home or by a healthcare professional. impacted ear wax can be removed using a candle, ear drops, or irrigation. If the impacted ear wax does not respond to home treatment, you may need to see a healthcare professional for further treatment.If you have impacted ear wax, it means that the ear wax has built up and hardened in your ear. This can cause problems with hearing, pain, and even infection. Impacted ear wax is more common in older adults, but anyone can get it. There are several ways to tell if you have impacted ear wax.Signs of Impacted EarwaxIf you have impacted ear wax, you may notice that your hearing is muffled. You may also feel like your ear is full or plugged. You may also have pain in your ear, itchiness, or drainage. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor. They can safely remove the impacted ear wax and help you feel better.Smelly earwax can be a sign of an infection. If you have smelly earwax, you should see a doctor. Yellow, brown, or bloody earwax can also be a sign of an infection. If you have this type of earwax, you should see an audiologist to have your ears checked.Will impacted ear wax fix itself?Impacted ear wax usually does not go away on its own. In fact, if you leave impacted ear wax untreated, it can lead to more problems. impacted ear wax can cause hearing loss, pain, and even infection. If you think you have impacted ear wax, its highly recommended that you seek medical attention to ensure that your ears are clean and free of dirt and foreign objects.What happens during professional earwax removal?An audiologist or healthcare professional will use a special instrument to remove the impacted ear wax. This is usually done in a doctors office or clinic. The procedure is quick and easy, and you should feel better right away.A  small, curved tool will be used to remove the impacted ear wax. This tool is called a curette. The curette will be inserted into the ear to gently scrape out the impacted ear wax. In some cases, suction may also be used to remove the ear wax. The whole process usually takes less than 15 minutes.If you have impacted ear wax, it is important to see a healthcare professional for treatment. impacted ear wax can cause hearing loss, pain, and even infection. With proper treatment, you can remove the impacted ear wax, feel better, and hear better.If you have any questions, please call Longmont Hearing & Tinnitus Center at 303-651-1178.

Statistically, people are getting less sleep than ever. With cell phones disrupting our light cycles, stress from 2020, and unhealthy diets, tossing and turning seems to be status quo for many people. But the importance of sleep cant be understated. Not only is sleep imperative to feeling rested, but its also crucial in the support of our immune system and even weight gain. And those factors are incredibly important in 2021. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to getting enough zs at night.Weight Gain and Sleep LossBelieve it or not, short sleep duration is one of the strongest risk factors for obesity. This is believed to be caused by multiple factors, including hormones and motivation to work out. So, if youre trying to lose weight, its important that you get the sleep you need.Concentration and ProductivitySleep is critical for brain function. More sleep means improved cognition, concentration, productivity, and performance. So, if youre not feeling your sharpest, try to get some rest before tackling the more challenging tasks on your list.Immune Function and Mental HealthDuring a pandemic, sleep is more important than ever. One study found that those who slept less than 7 hours were almost 3 times more likely to develop a cold compared to those who slept 8 hours or more. Similarly, its estimated that 90% of people suffering from depression have poor sleeping habits, as well. Quite simply, better sleep is better for your overall health.Tips for Better Sleep HabitsNow that you know some of the major effects sleep can have on our lives, here are some things you can do to improve your rest quality.Find a Routine-Try to follow a nightly bed schedule and stick to it so your body can adjust.Dont Nap Late-If you nap too late in the day, chances are your eyes will be wide open at night.Avoid Screens-When youre in bed try to avoid looking at your phone, laptop, tablet or TV. The artificial light can disrupt our normal sleep patterns.Exercise-Try to move your body and sweat during the day, so your body has a reason to relax and sink into your mattress.Avoid Caffeine-As the day winds down, try to avoid that afternoon cup of coffee so it doesnt keep you up all night.

Independent mortgage brokers have had a significant positive impact on the lending industry. Today, the use of a professional mortgage broker is one of the key strategies used by sophisticated borrowers.What is a Mortgage Broker?A mortgage broker is an independent real-estate financing professional who specializes in the origination of residential mortgage loans. Mortgage brokers normally pass the actual funding and servicing of loans on to wholesale lending sources. A mortgage broker is also an independent contractor working with (on average) as many as 40 lenders at any one time. By combining professional expertise with direct access to hundreds of loan products, your broker provides the most efficient way to obtain financing tailored to your specific financial goals.What Do Mortgage Brokers Do?In the volatile home-lending market, mortgage brokers can serve as safeguards, offering their clients security, safety, and peace of mind. One of the broker's most important functions is escorting your loan application through the entire process, constantly patrolling the component transactions for possible breakdowns. A professional mortgage broker can wade through the mountains of rate data and program options, researching current market conditions to find the most accurate and up-to-date information about cost-effective loan options.Brokers Handle the Details!There are literally thousands of variables that can affect the outcome of your mortgage transaction. That's why you need a mortgage broker to act as a liaison between the title and escrow company, real estate agent, lender, appraiser, credit agency, the underwriters, the processors, attorneys, and any other services which may affect your transaction.A mortgage broker also:Discusses and explains financing program optionsInforms you, in writing, of lock-in optionsExplains all documents of the loan applicationExplains all associated costs of the loan applicationExplains the disbursement of all loan applicationsExplains the loan process, from application to closingProvides you with a good faith estimate of cost and feesCommunicates with you throughout the loan process in a timely mannerCoordinates the final closing of your transactionQuestions, please call Resource Mortgage Corporation at 303-444-1200.

Not Just an Advocate Om-buds-man. Just what in the world is an Ombudsman?! I had the privilege of sitting down with two such individuals the other day who work for the Larimer County Ombudsman program and received first-hand knowledge about this program. I walked away with one solid definition in mind for the term Ombudsman that is simply one who is a trained and experienced SENIOR ADVOCATE. An Ombudsman works as part of a team with the staff of nursing and assisted living homes to protect the civil and human rights of residents. Although an Ombudsman is also defined as a problem solver and mediator, I am left with the strong impression that an Ombudsman would prefer a proactive rather than reactive approach when it comes to protecting the rights of residents. Residents and family members are encouraged to call the local Ombudsman with any questions, big or small, when it comes to resident rights and care. All calls, of course, are kept confidential. A primary goal of an Ombudsman is to address concerns before they could potentially become problems. An Ombudsman is also an EDUCATOR. Starting a new chapter in one's life in a nursing or assisted living residence can be overwhelming. An Ombudsman can tell you many aspects of what you can expect in moving into either type of home and can also provide information and assistance in choosing the right home to best fit your needs and wishes. Most importantly, you can be educated about what your rights are as a resident living in long-term care. Ombudsmen work within the Department of Human Services in each county. These individuals are dedicated to protecting the rights of residents, and in doing so, are there for anyone who may have questions, comments or concerns relating to a loved one living in or moving to a long-term care establishment. For more information contact your local Ombudsman office:Larimer County Ombudsman 970-498-6806Area Agency on Aging - Weld County Ombudsman 970-353-3800Boulder County Ombudsman 303-441-1173Area Agency on Aging - Morgan County Ombudsman 970-867-9409