One of the sometimes bothersome things about being a hearing care specialist

is that a lot of the circumstances we deal with that have caused our patients to lose their hearing can’t be reversed. Damage to the tiny, very sensitive hair cells of the inner ear is one of the more prevalent reasons for hearing loss. The work of these hair cells is to vibrate in response to sounds. What we think of as hearing are the translations of these vibrations into electrical energy, which is then sent to and interpreted in the brain.

These hair cell structures have to be really small and sensitive to do their jobs correctly. It is precisely because they are small and sensitive that they are also readily damaged. Aging, infections, certain medications or exposure to loud sounds (resulting in noise-induced hearing loss/NIHL) are all possible sources of damage. In humans, once these hair cells have become damaged or destroyed, they cannot be regenerated or “fixed.” As a result, hearing professionals and audiologists have to treat hearing loss technologically, using hearing aids

or cochlear implants.

Things would be a lot simpler if we humans were more like chickens and fish. In contrast to humans, some fish species and birds actually have the ability to regenerate their damaged inner ear hair cells and regain their lost hearing. Odd, but true. Zebra fish and chickens are just 2 examples of species that have the capacity to spontaneously replicate and replace their damaged inner ear hair cells, thus allowing them to fully recover from hearing loss

.

While it is important to state at the outset that the following research is in its beginning stages and that no practical benefits for humans have yet been achieved, considerable advancements in the treatment of hearing loss may come in the future from the innovative Hearing Restoration Project (HRP). This research, funded by the nonprofit Hearing Health Foundation, is currently being conducted in 14 labs in Canada and the US. What the HRP scientists are attempting to do is isolate the molecules that allow this replication and regeneration in animals, with the purpose of finding some way of stimulating similar regeneration of inner ear hair cells in humans.

The work is painstaking and challenging, because so many distinct compounds either help with replication or prevent hair cells from replicating. But their hope is that if they can identify the molecules that stimulate this regeneration process to happen in avian and fish cochlea, they can find a way to stimulate it to happen in human cochlea. Some of the HRP scientists are pursuing gene therapies as a way to stimulate such regrowth, while others are working on stem cell-based approaches.

As noted before, this work is still in its very early stages, but we join with others in wishing that it will bear fruit, and that one day we will be able to help humans reverse their hearing loss as easily as chickens do.

Brian Wilson, Phil Collins, Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton – what trait do these diverse musicians all share? All of these musicians experienced – as a result of playing the music they love – permanent hearing loss.

When musicians come to me for treatment, I feel obliged to inform them of a lamentable fact of life – playing music may damage their hearing. Exposure to loud music causes noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which can produce a temporary ringing in the ears (tinnitus); if you continue to expose yourself to the loud music, the condition can become permanent.

And this is true whether you play in a rock band onstage in front of thousands, in a symphony orchestra, in a chamber music group, or at home, rehearsing. You can experience hearing loss when exposed for a prolonged period of time to any sound over 85 decibels (dB). An electric guitar played onstage generates 120dB, but a violin can produce 103dB, and thus cause almost as much hearing loss. Estimates by audiologists say that more damage is done to musicians’ hearing during the hours they practice or rehearse than in the short periods they spend performing, onstage.

Fortunately, there is something you can do to protect your hearing – invest in a pair of earplugs; not the cheap foam earplugs you find in drugstores, but high-quality musicians earplugs. The first musicians earphones were invented by Etymotic Research, and other manufacturers still use their design to create specialized ear protection for musicians. These musicians earphones are better for your purposes because they allow you to hear the full frequency range of both music and speech, but at lower volumes that don’t damage hearing.

Universal-fit musicians earplugs, starting at about $15 a pair, can be found at most stores that sell musical instruments. But for the musicians I see – whether they play professionally or just for fun – I recommend custom-molded musicians earplugs with Etymotic filters, because of the greater protection they provide. These will be more comfortable to wear for long periods of time, more effective at blocking undesirable levels of noise while allowing you to hear the music properly, and easier to clean and care for. Yes, they’re more expensive than the earplugs sold in music stores, but since hearing damage is irreversible, how much is your ability to hear the music you play worth to you?

What is a telecoil and what can it do? Maybe your current hearing aid has one or perhaps you’ve been looking for a new hearing aid and are wondering about this feature. As its name suggests, a telecoil is a tiny coil of wire. It sounds simple, but it greatly enhances the functionality of your hearing aid. Continue reading to discover more about what a telecoil can do for your ability to hear.

Telecoils are made to pick up on magnetic signals. Conventional microphones and amplifiers in hearing aids boost all the sounds that they encounter, but a telecoil only transfers magnetically created sounds. The telecoil was first introduced to enhance listening ability on the telephone. Since older phones used magnets in their speakers, telecoil devices could provide a clear transmission of a phone conversation. Contemporary phone technology has done away with these magnets, but many telephones will include electronics that allow them to communicate with telecoil devices.

The use of telecoils began with the telephone, but now they are utilized in many ways. They are often used in conjunction with Assistive Listening Systems in movie theaters, stadiums and auditoriums. You may find that a venue will loan you a headset to assist in transmitting these signals. In most cases the magnetic sounds you receive will be a higher quality than what you could experience acoustically.

The way you use your telecoil will vary depending on the size, age and type of your hearing aid. Telecoils are more often seen in larger hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear models. A tiny switch that allows the wearer to flip into telecoil mode is most common on older hearing aids. Newer hearing aids ,on the other hand, allow the wearer to change between program modes with the press of a button.

Interference can be an issue when using a telecoil, but it is generally rare. The interference typically comes from equipment such as CRT monitors or from fluorescent lights in the room. It will sound like buzzing which becomes louder as you get closer to the origin of the interference.

The possibility of interference is a small price to pay for the many benefits offered by telecoil-equipped hearing aids. This technology is an inexpensive way to increase the capabilities of your hearing aid.

When you start shopping for hearing aids you’ll quickly come across many different designs to choose from among them the receiver-in-canal (RIC). There are several benefits particular to RIC units, in addition to many commonalities with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. Continue reading to discover the benefits and drawbacks of receiver in canal devices.

In behind-the-ear and in-the-ear hearing aids, the device’s components are all held in the same case: either behind the ear or in the ear. One of the key differentiating factors of the receiver in canal hearing aid is that it has two separate parts. A case behind the ear holds the aid’s amplifier and microphone, while a small bud that contains the receiver is used inside the ear canal. A small tube connects the receiver to the case.

There are several advantages associated with separating the receiver from the microphone and amplifier. Feedback and occlusion tend to be much less of a problem with receiver in canal devices than they are with other hearing aids. With the ear canal open, wearers generally report a more natural sound which is judged to be more comfortable. High-pitched tones are amplified particularly well, making receiver in canal hearing aids very suitable for individuals suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss.

The physical configuration of RIC devices also provides a number of advantages. Both the case that fits behind the ear and the receiver in the ear are easy to hide. The small size of the case also makes it lightweight and comfortable to wear.

Receiver in canal hearing aids do have a few disadvantages to be aware of. They are particularly vulnerable to ear moisture on the receiver, potentially making frequent repairs a necessity. Amazingly, the potential for loss is another drawback. Because they are so small and lightweight it can take some time for the user to realize that the hearing aid is missing. Compared to other hearing aid styles, RIC designs are average to above average in cost.

Receiver-in-ear hearing aids do have their flaws, but their numerous advantages make them a worthwhile choice for many listeners. Seeking the advice and assistance of a hearing specialist is the next step in selecting the best hearing aid for your hearing loss and lifestyle.

Hearing aids are extremely effective at enhancing a person’s hearing, but when used in a crowded environment they can easily bombard the listener with unnecessary noise. Large, open spaces such as audotoriums, places of worship, concert halls and movie theaters can be particularly difficult. The good news is, hearing loops systems provide a solution to this problem, allowing hearing aid users to easily distinguish the sounds they wish to focus on.

Hearing loop systems take advantages of the telecoil feature that is included in most hearing aids. The original purpose of these telecoils was to work with the magnetic fields created by telephone hardware. People who had a telecoil could enjoy a clear phone conversation without having to worry about background noise. These same telecoils can be used by today’s hearing loop systems, which create magnetic fields on a much larger scale.

A hearing loop system has several components, starting with some type of audio input (usually from a dedicated microphone feed or a public address system). The input travels into a hearing loop amplifier, which then drives a current through one or several cables that are looped around the venue. Properly installed loops do not have dead zones, which means that anyone with a telecoil who is inside the loop can pick up on the transmitted audio.

Despite the fact that several newer technologies like FM transmission neck loops are being installed in public and private venues, traditional audio loop systems continue to offer several unique benefits. The fact that hearing loop systems are reliable, relatively easy to set up and work with the telecoils already installed in many of today’s hearing aids makes them popular with facility managers as well as with guests. Listeners also appreciate their more subtle nature, which allows them to enjoy a concert, presentation, or worship service without the self-consciousness that can accompany wearing a neck loop.

Despite their initial set-up cost, hearing aid loops are an efficient and effective way to make sure all visitors to a venue are able to enjoy their experience.

As you look for a hearing aid – either for a loved one or yourself – one of the more widespread alternatives you will come across is the in-the-ear (ITE) style. In-the-ear hearing aids are a popular choice for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. They are custom-made to fit comfortably in the lower portion of the outer ear. What follow is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the in-the-ear hearing aid style.

In-the-ear hearing aids are specially designed to fit each wearer’s ear. The custom fit is achieved by first creating an ear mold which becomes the template for the device’s shape. This tailor-fit is to ensure that the aid produces high quality sound and to eliminate feedback, but it offers the additional advantage of being very comfortable. All the components needed for this type of hearing aid are stored in a single case, eliminating the need for wires and tubes. This makes them lightweight and easy to wear.

In-the-ear hearing aids have a number of auditory advantages, including their superior ability to pick up on high-frequency sounds. Unlike a behind-the-ear model, these devices can take advantage of the outer ear’s ability to collect and focus high frequency sound waves. Additionally, because this type of hearing aid is recessed in the ear, many people are able to use telephones and headsets normally. The in-the-ear device is very small. Their small size has advantages and disadvantages to consider.

The devices are easy to camouflage in the ear, making them a good choice for wearers who are self-conscious about their need for a hearing aid. However, this small size also causes a short battery life and keeps them from having all the features found in some other devices. People with poor motor control or eyesight problems may have difficulty replacing the battery or operating the controls.

Despite its flaws, many listeners greatly benefit from in-the-ear hearing aids small size and high sound quality, making them an ideal device for many individuals. For help choosing the best hearing aid style for your hearing loss and lifestyle give us a call.