Tinnitus/Ringing-in-the-Ears in Kids

January 11, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Many adults hear the constant noises of tinnitus (ringing in the ears), but few individuals realize it affects children too. Many kids also experience the symptoms of tinnitus. While adults can usually determine that the sounds they are hearing are abnormal, many children assume the noise is a regular part of life. If your child shows signs of tinnitus it is important to look into it to rule out any underlying condition.

Tinnitus is caused by a number of different conditions in both adults and children. Among the many potential causes are circulatory problems, hearing loss from damaging noise, a build-up of wax in the ear canal, a misalignment in the jaw joints, and trauma to the neck and head. Additionally, tinnitus can result from slow-growing tumors on nerves in the ears and face. Your family pediatrician can help rule out any specific ear problems. If your appointment does not uncover any obvious issues, your doctor will likely advise you to investigate further with an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

Should your child’s specialist find a specific issue that is causing the tinnitus, there is a good chance that the problem can be addressed and the condition eliminated. However, many kids and adults experience tinnitus without a clear cause. In this case, there is no way to eradicate the problem, so your focus should shift to helping your child cope with the sounds he or she is hearing.

Tinnitus can be distracting, making it difficult for your child to pay attention at home or at school. Background noise is an effective way to fight back against this problem. Run a fan or soft music in the background while your child is at home. If your child is suffering from hearing loss alongside tinnitus, a hearing aid can help her focus on important sounds and filter out distractions.

Tinnitus can cause some kids to experience psychological distress. In this case it is important to be supportive and reassuring about the condition. Explain to your child that tinnitus is a common condition that many other kids and adults experience. Ask your audiologist about how you can explain tinnitus to your child in a way that makes sense to them.Take steps to help your child deal with stressful situations, as many children find that stress can make their tinnitus symptoms much worse.

Always keep in mind that many kids outgrow their tinnitus without intervention, so it may cease to be an issue. While it may be a nuisance now, with time your child can overcome it.

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Drugs and Medications that are Ototoxic

December 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Virtually every drug and medication – doctor prescribed or over-the-counter – has a related list of possible side effects (many of which can be very significant). Were you aware that some medications can cause balance problems or hearing loss? These drugs and medications are in wide use, and they’re referred to as ototoxic. Ototoxic drugs include both doctor prescribed or over-the-counter drugs that can damage your hearing and alter your balance. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASLHA), there are more than 200 known medications that may cause temporary or permanent hearing loss and even balance disorders. Quite a few of these ototoxic drugs are in common use, and you’ve most likely heard their names and may even be taking them.

  • Salicylates – Every day pain relievers such as aspirin or aspirin-containing medications contain Salicylates. Tinnitus and hearing loss can be a result of high daily doses (8 or more pills per day) of medicines containing salicylates. Thankfully, the adverse effects disappear once the medication containing the salicylates is stopped.
  • Loop Diuretics – These are typically used in the management of certain kidney conditions, high blood pressure, and heart failure. Potential side effects are tinnitus and hearing loss that you may or may not even notice.
  • NSAIDs – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(known as NSAIDs) can lead to temporary hearing loss and a ringing in the ears in high doses.A couple of widely used NSAIDs are naproxen and ibuprofen.
  • Chemotherapy Drugs – Powerful medicines such as cisplatin, bleomycin, carboplatin and cyclophosphamide are used to treat cancer, but can cause permanent hearing damage. If you have any hearing or balance changes while taking your chemotherapy medications, consult your oncologist.
  • Aminoglycoside Antibiotics – Streptomycin, gentamicin, neomycin, amikacin and kanamycin are just some of the types of aminoglycoside antibiotics prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Complications arise when these drugs generate free radicals, which can destroy the inner ear. Pregnant women should be mindful of possible congenital deafness from taking aminoglycosides during pregnancy.

Increased dosage and/or mixing of these ototoxic medications can increase the risks, but always consult your doctor before adjusting or discontinuing any prescription drugs. To protect your hearing health, talk to your physician for alternatives to known ototoxic medications; if they cannot be avoided, make sure you are taking the appropriate dose precisely as directed.

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Are Open Fit Hearing Aids Right for You? Read About the Benefits and Drawbacks

December 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Finding the hearing aid that is best for you or your loved one can seem intimidating, especially considering the variety of hearing aid options available.This article explains more about open fit hearing aids, a style that has been rapidly growing in popularity among those with hearing loss.

Open fit hearing aids have many similarities with behind-the-ear devices. The visible similarities include the plastic case that rests behind the ear and the small tube that connects to the ear canal. However, the case and the tube on the open fit hearing aids are substantially smaller than on behind-the-ear hearing aids.The factor that differentiates open fit hearing aids from the rest is that their design allows the ear to stay ventilated. This allows low frequency sounds to enter the ear without additional amplification. This offers a more comfortable and natural experience to those with mild to moderate hearing loss that are able to hear low frequency sounds without amplification. For the wearer, this means that distracting sounds such as your own chewing or coughing are not amplified resulting in greater comfort and satisfaction.

The smaller size of the open fit hearing aid is another advantage. Many users are able to disguise these devices, making them a favorite among listeners who are self-conscious about having to use a hearing aid.

Individuals with severe hearing loss are not good candidates for the open fit hearing aids. At high levels of amplification (required for individuals with severe hearing losses) the open fit devices often suffer from feedback noise. The hearing aid’s small size can also work against it, as people who do not have fine motor skills often find it difficult to operate such a small device. Because of its small size, this device uses very small batteries, potentially making regular changes or recharges necessary.

Open fit hearing aids may have their flaws, but they are still a great choice for many users. Consider your own preferences and talk to your hearing professional to determine if this type of device may be right for you.

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Deciding upon the Ideal Hearing Aid Design for a Child

December 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

It’s an unfortunate reality that many young children experience loss of hearing, but with the most suitable type of hearing aid this does not have to slow them down. On the other hand, the sheer quantity of hearing aid designs and options to choose from can certainly make deciding on the right one challenging for most parents. There are some styles that are more appropriate for youngsters than others, so continue reading to explore what type may work best for your child.

There are two main styles of hearing aids that work well for children: In-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE). Unlike adults, children are continuously growing and developing, making regular hearing aid adjustment critical. ITE and behind-the-ear type hearing aids are often selected for children since they are most easy to fine-tune. Fitted to the child’s outer ear, ITE hearing aids are small devices in plastic cases. Additional solutions including telecoil can be built into this type of product. BTE hearing aids tend to be more identifiable because of their plastic case that sits behind the ear. A little piece of tubing joins the case to an earmold that rests in the outer ear. Both styles of devices can address an array of hearing issues.

Hearing aid selection is often more difficult if your child suffers other medical conditions. As an example, behind-the-ear hearing aids might not fit appropriately on children whose ears are misshapen. For some children, a very shallow ear canal might not present enough space to allow for in-the-ear hearing aids. Children with an extreme build-up of ear wax may not be good candidates for ITE devices given that it can interfere with the device performance.

Meeting with your child’s hearing specialist is a vital step in selecting a hearing aid for your child. He or she will lead you through your selections and make recommendations determined by your child’s unique situation. Learning about your role in optimizing your child’s hearing can also be given by your specialist. Removing, inserting, or fine-tuning the volume of your child’s hearing aids to ensure they are comfortable may be your responsibility if your child is young.

While finding the right hearing aid can be confusing and discouraging, with time and research you will find the perfect product for your child.

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Answering the Question: What is Conductive Hearing Loss?

December 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

If a person has trouble hearing because of the ear’s inability to conduct sound waves, he is suffering from conductive hearing loss. A congenital absence or malformation can result in this type of hearing loss or it may be attributable to a blockage in the ear canal. Complete restoration of hearing is attainable with the proper treatment for many varieties of conductive hearing loss.

Numerous congenital issues can result in conductive hearing loss. For instance, someone may be born with an unopened ear canal, or their ear canal might not have developed at all. Deformation of inner ear structures can prevent proper hearing. In certain circumstances these problems can be remedied with surgery. Those that can’t may be remedied with a hearing aid. Congenital problems are one of the less frequent reasons for conductive hearing loss.

Wax or fluid accumulation in the outer ear is one of the more common reasons for conductive hearing loss. Ear wax buildup and infections of the ear can lower an individual’s ability to hear clearly. Prescribed antibiotics resolve ear infections, while a simple cleaning can be sufficient to handle a buildup of wax.

Middle ear buildup can also trigger conductive hearing loss. Fluid accumulation is the most common origin of this problem. Ear infections are a frequent reason for this issue, particularly in kids. Sinus pressure from the common cold or allergies can put pressure on the middle ear, putting a damper on an individual’s hearing. Tumors in the middle ear can also be responsible for conductive hearing loss, but this disorder is uncommon.

Conductive hearing loss can be attributable to other problems, such as the presence of a foreign body in the ear canal or a perforated eardrum. Conductive hearing loss ordinarily arises on its own, but there is the potential for it to overlap with other types of hearing loss. Consult with a hearing care specialist right away if you encounter any unexplained hearing loss. Oftentimes full hearing can be restored with appropriate treatment.

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Selecting Electronic Hearing Protection That’s Best for You

November 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment

As reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) affects 26 million individuals of all ages in the U.S.. NIHL is a result of contact with dangerous noise levels of 85 decibels or more, and may be permanent or temporary. The variety sounds that can result in NIHL cover anything from day to day city traffic at approximately 85 decibels to firecrackers, firearms and motorcycles which may top 120 dB. Luckily, there are many types of hearing protection devices sold at your local sports or hardware store to accommodate the diverse sound levels in a variety of situations.

The noise reduction rating system. In the US, hearing protection is rated based on its level of protection in a system known as the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). This rating ranges from 0 to 33 dB with the larger rating offering greater ear protection.

Earplugs versus Earmuffs

Electronic earmuffs – Electronic earmuffs may resemble regular earmuffs, with soft insulating material that covers the ears, but they are really rather different. Certain earmuffs are manufactured especially for those who are exposed to gunshots on a routine basis, such as hunters, soldiers or police. Other earmuffs come with a built-in 2-way radio system that allows users to communicate with one another in dangerous working environments. Still others offer AM/FM radio reception, which can provide a bit of entertainment while you’re performing noisy work around the yard.

Electronic earplugs – Electronic earplugs are compact devices placed inside the ear to block extremes in external noise, while still allowing you to hear normal sounds in your vicinity. In addition, they react and adapt to deaden sudden noises, such as a gunshot or the crash from a cymbal. Some types of electronic earplugs can allow lower-decibel sounds including speech to reach the wearer while still blocking dangerous noises. These are especially useful for hunting and at industrial or construction sites where loud noises are frequent, but you still need to be able to hear directions.

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What Are Behind the Ear Model Hearing Aids and How Do BTEs Perform Versus Other Types?

November 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

When the time comes to select a new hearing aid, you will discover that there are many types and styles to choose from. One of the most common types is the behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, which as with any other product has specific pros and cons. If you are serious about investing in hearing aids for yourself or for a loved one, the information in this brief article may help you determine if this type of hearing aid might be a good choice.

The appearance of BTE hearing aids makes them easier to spot than most other types. Their most visible characteristic is a rounded plastic case that sits behind the ear and attaches to a component placed within the ear via a thin plastic tube. The case portion of the instrument is the hearing aid itself. This section (typically called the case) holds all the batteries and electronics that allow the hearing aid to work, and also the buttons that allow the user to select features and programs. The part that is found inside the ear is called the ear mold. Ear molds are meticulously tailored for each individual user, making them a comfortable way to transmit sounds from the case to the ear canal.

There are a number of advantages associated with using a BTE hearing aid. Because this type of device is bigger than other styles, it fits larger batteries, enabling stronger amplification and more time between charges. More space also allows for extra features, including telecoil, directional microphones and Bluetooth. BTE hearing aids tend to be easier to handle compared to their smaller cousins, making battery replacement and cleaning less difficult.

Aesthetics are one of the most reported downsides to BTE hearing aids. It is extremely tough to disguise the fact that you’re wearing a hearing aid if you decide on a BTE. Users who are sensitive about the appearance can pick cases which complement their skin coloration to help them blend in. This type of hearing aid is also more vulnerable to noise from wind, however many units have features that help counteract this problem.

If it sounds like the advantages of a behind-the-ear hearing aid outnumber its disadvantages, you may have found the ideal to suit your needs. Think about talking to your hearing care specialist to find out more.

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Buyer’s Guide to Bluetooth Technology in Modern Hearing Aids

November 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment

If you’ve bought a new hearing aid in the last few years, there is a chance that it has Bluetooth capability. Although Bluetooth might be most familiar to you as the technology that enables hands-free calling on your cell phone, it has become a capability on many consumer products over the past few years, including televisions, home phones, computers and mp3 players. When your hearing aid is equipped with Bluetooth, you can interact with these devices in novel and practical ways, allowing you to enjoy better hearing.

If your hearing aid comes with Bluetooth technology, its likely that it arrived with a small external device that allows you to access its functions. Generally these devices–often called controllers–are designed to be placed in a pocket or worn around the user’s neck. The controller is used to wirelessly receive sounds from Bluetooth enabled devices and transmit them to your hearing aid. This means no more having to turn up the volume on your television, cellphone or other Bluetooth-compatible devices, because you can have the sound signals sent directly to your hearing aids. You’ll be able to hear your phone conversations in both ears rather than just one, further improving your ability to hear.

Controllers for Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids are made to be simple to use. Most controllers detect Bluetooth signals at the push of a button. For example, if you want to listen to your telephone through your hearing aid, simply push the phone button to access it. Many manufacturers incorporate other functions in these controllers, letting you access many other benefits through this one device.

Hearing aids with a Bluetooth feature can help keep older people with mobility challenges comfortable and safe. Some of the newer models allow the wearer to place telephone calls up to 30 feet away from the phone, providing easy communication without needing to move to the phone. This ease of access may be lifesaving in case of an emergency.

Deciding to purchase a hearing aid with Bluetooth capabilities allows you to enjoy a crisp, clear listening experience which is difficult to achieve through any other means. This straightforward technology can drastically improve your hearing, allowing you to appreciate encounters that may have once been out of reach.

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The Way to Install a Home Hearing Loop System

November 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Congrats on your recent hearing loop purchase and getting started on the path to a more satisfying hearing experience for your household. Deciding on which system to purchase may not have been an easy task, but setting up your hearing loop won’t be difficult. Fortunately, a professional is NOT needed to install a home hearing loop, because the steps are quite simple.

Before you begin. There are four primary components to most hearing loop systems: a sound source (a phone or TV, for example), an amplifier, a wire loop and a sound receiver (probably your hearing aids). Prior to jumping into your new project, be sure to have all the equipment you might need to install your home hearing loop system. Dependant upon your particular hearing loop system, some additional equipment would be good to keep on hand, such as a staple gun or a screwdriver.

The steps involved. The first step is to find a place for your amplifier near your television –either sitting on a shelf or affixing it underneath or beside a cabinet with the tape or fasteners provided. Second, plug the loop amplifier into a power outlet and also into your television’s (or other sound source) audio output jack. Finally, string the amplifier’s wire around the perimeter of the room you are working in either along carpet edges or around the ceiling edgesBe sure to staple it in place over doorways. And that’s really all there is to it! The last thing left to do is adjust the volume settings using the manufacturer’s instructions. The volume controls differ by system and can be located on the amplifier or a standalone control pad.

Safety advice. Never place any electronic equipment in or near water, or in places where moisture may accumulate. Always use a clean, dry cloth to clean the components of your new hearing loop. Moreover, keep the device away from heat sources, such as a fireplace, stove or heater. To prevent overheating your device, place it in an area that allows adequate air flow instead of inside a closed cabinet.

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Protecting Yourself from Noise Induced Hearing Loss at Live Concerts

October 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment

If you have ever been at a concert and thought “This music is simply too loud,” it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve become too old for this sort of music. This reaction could be your body’s means of telling you that you are in danger of hearing impairment. If, after you’ve left the concert, and for the following few days you’ve had a ringing in your ears (tinnitus) or experienced difficulty hearing as well as usual, you may have experienced noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL.

This can happen even after brief exposures to loud noises, and occurs because high decibel sounds can result in physical damage to the very small hair cells that receive auditory signals in the interior of the ear and transmit the signals to the brain, where they are interpreted as sounds. Typically, the NIHL resulting from a single exposure to very loud music or noise is short-lived, and will go away within a couple of days. However in the event that you continue to expose yourself to loud noise or music, it can cause tinnitus that doesn’t go away, or a long-term loss of hearing.

How much damage very loud music does to a person’s hearing is dependant upon a couple of things – how loud the music is, and how long you are exposed to it. Noise levels are measured on the decibel scale, which is logarithmic and therefore difficult for many people to understand; a rise of ten decibels on the scale means that the sound at the higher rating is two times as loud. Thus the noise of noisy city traffic (85 decibels) isn’t just a little bit louder than the sound of ordinary speech (65 decibels), it’s four times louder. A rock concert, at which the sound level is commonly in the range of 115 decibels, is 10 times louder than standard speech. In addition to precisely how loud the music is, the second factor that determines how much damage is done is how long you are exposed to it, the permissible exposure time. Hearing loss can occur from being exposed to sound at 85 decibels after only eight hours. In contrast, the permissible exposure time that you can be exposed to music at 115 decibels without risking hearing loss is less than one minute. Add to this the knowledge that the sound level at some concerts has been recorded at over 140 decibels, and you have a high risk predicament.

Projections from audiologists claim that by the year 2050 up to fifty million Americans will have sustained hearing loss resulting from exposure to very loud music. Bearing this in mind, many live concert promoters and concert venues have started supplying sound-baffling ear plugs to attendees for a minimal charge. One well known UK rock and roll band actually collaborated with an earplug manufacturer to offer them free of charge to people attending its concerts. Some concertgoers have reported seeing signs in the auditoriums that proclaim, “Earplugs are sexy.” Earplugs may, in fact, not be very sexy, but they could possibly save your hearing.

Any of our hearing specialists here would be pleased to supply you with information about earplugs. In case a noisy rock and roll concert is in your near future, we strongly suggest that you consider wearing a good pair.

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