Snoring doesn’t just interfere with the snorer’s sleep. When it comes to couples, one person’s snoring often means sleep trouble for two. And it isn’t only sleep that can suffer. Snoring can put great strain on relationships. A snoring problem often creates not only tiredness but also frustration and resentment between couples. It can interfere with sexual and emotional intimacy, and can push couples to sleep in separate bedrooms.

Hunting season is here! Hunting and shooting are popular pastimes for Americans, but for those who hunt without hearing protection, this could be the season you permanently damage your hearing. While the gun range is usually a tidy row of shooters in earmuffs, out in the woods it’s a different story. Most hunters think one gunshot won’t do much damage, and they hunt without protecting their ears so they can listen for the subtle sounds of animals approaching. Here’s why this is a big mistake.

We are the gadget generation – and whether it’s our MP3s (which includes iPods) or smartphones, we like to stay plugged in, listening to our favourite band or latest podcast.

But we could be doing our hearing a lot of harm.

Just as autumn is a glorious time to throw open the windows and enjoy some fresh air, winter is a time to keep them closed and fight off the chill. But the home-baked smells and warmth of the season aren’t the only things we’ve trapped inside — so is the noise generated by daily living. And while many sounds are absorbed by the soft interiors of our homes — think curtains, furniture and carpeting — our hearing health depends on our ability to keep inside noises at acceptable levels this time of year.

Mining, military, music, construction, manufacturing, carpentry… all these occupations have one thing in common: they’re among the noisiest professions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 22 million Americans are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, making hearing loss the most common work-related injury. The Department of Labor estimates $242 million is spent annually on worker’s compensation for hearing loss disability.