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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Astonishing Hearing Loss Facts and Data

October 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Do you have a family member or friend that needs a hearing aid (or at least a hearing test) but won’t go along with your suggestions? Chatting about some of the statistics related to the prevalence, causes and effects of hearing loss may finally get them to make that initial appointment. These facts and stats could help you persuade someone you care about that it is time to schedule a hearing evaluation:

  • The number of Americans with hearing loss has doubled in the last 3 decades.
  • More men than women experience hearing loss.
  • Approximately 36 million people in the United States have some sort of hearing loss, which is almost one out of every five people.
  • Roughly 13% of the population over age 65 will experience tinnitus – ringing in the ears.
  • Many more people could benefit from a hearing aid than in fact wear one. Some estimates say there are 4 additional people who could benefit, for every 1 actually using a hearing aid.
  • Ten million people have permanent loss of hearing due to noise, and 30 million more are exposed to dangerous noise levels every day.
  • Close to 13,000 adults and 10,000 children in the US have cochlear implants.
  • Research studies have indicated that those with hearing loss experience it as mild in 65% of cases, moderate in 30% of cases and severe in 5% of cases.
  • High frequency hearing loss caused by recurring loud noise exposure affects about 26 million people in the US (ages 20-69). This includes regular noise exposure from both work and leisure sources.
  • People with hearing loss wait close to a decade before doing anything about it. Don’t let this be you or someone you love!
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Overview of the 5 Primary Forms of Hearing Loss

October 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Hearing loss is labeled in a variety of ways. The exact part of the auditory pathway affected determines the categorization. The hearing loss may be conductive, senorineural, central, functional or mixed. Certain forms of hearing impairment are more treatable than others, and a trained hearing care specialist will be able to show you your choices after an initial evaluation.

Conductive hearing loss – In situations where sound waves are not adequately conducted to the interior of the ear through the parts of the outer and middle ear, conductive hearing loss arises. This is very common and can be due to a buildup of ear wax, a buildup of moisture in the eustacian tube, which keeps the eardrum from moving properly, a middle ear infection, a perforated eardrum, disease of the tiny bones of the middle ear and other obstructions in the ear canal.

Most instances of this type of hearing loss are reversible, assuming there isn’t any irreversible damage to the structures of the middle ear, and with proper treatment the issue usually resolves fairly quickly. In some cases a surgical procedure can help to correct the condition or a hearing aid may be fitted.

Sensorineural hearing loss – This type of hearing loss accounts for more than 90% of the situations in which a hearing aid is worn. Sensorineural hearing loss is the result of damage in the interior of the ear or damage to the acoustic nerve, which keeps sound signals from being transmitted to the brain. Also known as nerve deafness or retrocochlear hearing loss, the damage is more often than not permanent, although improvements in modern technology have made it possible for some previously untreatable cases to see some improvement.

The most common reasons behind sensorineural hearing loss are the aging process, prolonged exposure to noise, complications with blood flow to the inner ear, fluid disturbance in the inner ear, drugs that cause injury to the ear, some diseases, genetics and issues with the auditory nerve.

Hearing aids are adequate for the majority of people that have this kind of hearing loss, but in more serious cases, a cochlear implant can help bring back hearing to those individuals for whom a typical hearing aid is not enough.

Functional hearing loss – An infrequent occurrence, functional hearing loss is not physical. This condition is due to an emotional or psychological condition in which the person’s physical hearing is normal, but they are not able to hear.Central hearing loss – This condition occurs when a problem in the CNS (central nervous system) keeps sound signals from being processed and interpreted by the brain. Affected individuals can seemingly hear just fine, but cannot decode or decipher what the speaker is saying. Numerous cases involve a problem with the person’s capacity to adequately filter rivaling sounds. For example, most of us can hold a conversation while there is traffic noise in the background, but people with central hearing loss have a difficult time doing so.

Mixed hearing loss – As suggested by the term, mixed hearing loss is a mixture of multiple types of hearing loss – conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Though there are a couple of other types of hearing loss, the combination of these two is most common.

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Fact or Fiction – Surplus Ear Wax Leads to Loss Of Hearing

October 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment

What we call ear wax develops because our ear canals are covered with hair follicles and glands that generate an oily wax called cerumen. The reason for this wax is to line the inner surface of the ear canal and protect it by gathering up bacteria, dirt and dust, and miroorganisms. Ear wax also helps to prevent irritation when the sensitive skin of the ear canal is exposed to moisture; Thus, the production of ear wax is both natural and healthy.

In the majority of people, ear wax ultimately makes its way to the outer areas of the ear, where it either falls out or is rinsed away when we clean our ears. However, the glands in certain people’s ears generate more wax than usual. Because of this, the wax builds up and may harden, blocking the ear canal and preventing sound waves from getting to your inner ear. The accumulation of ear wax is one of the most widespread causes of hearing loss, in people of any age.

The signs and symptoms of a blockage caused by excess ear wax include feeling as if your ears are clogged up, hearing a ringing noise (tinnitus), and a partial loss of hearing, which becomes worse over time. This is a type of conductive (as opposed to sensorineural) hearing loss, where the sound waves are blocked from reaching the eardrum. Thankfully, this grounds for hearing loss is easily identified and remedied.

If the signs and symptoms in the list above sound familiar to you, see us in our clinic where any of our team members can perform pain-free assessments to see whether you do indeed have an excess accumulation of ear wax. If it is, an excessive buildup of ear wax is readily treated, either at home or at the clinic.

If a hearing specialist says that you have excess ear wax that is obstructing your ear canal, you can take steps to remove it yourself in your own home. Do not attempt to use a Q-tip, which can cause the ear wax to become even more compacted. Instead, add a few drops of baby oil, glycerin, mineral oil, or commercial ear drops designed for this purpose to each ear, let them remain in the ear for a couple of minutes to loosen up the wax, and then rinse the loosened wax out, using water at body temperature. (Note: using either hot or cold water to flush your ears can lead to feelings of vertigo or dizziness.) Pharmacies sell small bulb-like syringes that can be used to flush the ear after the wax has been loosened, aiding the process. Two more things not to do are to 1) use a jet irrigator like a WaterPik because its spray is too powerful and might cause damage to your eardrums, and 2) use any kind of irrigation at home if you know for sure that you have a punctured eardrum.

If these home remedies don’t seem to clear up the blockage, call or visit us for assistance.

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Linking Foods and Nutrients to Hearing Losses

September 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The majority of us have been advised to eat our carrots for excellent eye sight. Chances are that you didn’t hear any similar tips about what foods were good for your ears and hearing. Now we can tell our little ones what to eat for healthy ears and hearing, and also sensible for us to follow our own advice!

Several things may cause hearing impairment, including infections, age and noise. Nutrients that may help prevent certain of hearing loss are contained in the food described below.

Surprisingly, fish like trout or salmon which contains vitamin D and omega 3 fats, has been demonstrated in studies to reduce age-related hearing loss. Other good vitamin D and omega 3 sources are the anchovies on your pizza and the tuna fish probably sitting in your cupboard. For a hearing boost in old age, eat any one of these at least two times per week.

Workers subjected to loud noise at work, for example music artists or heavy equipment operators, are at a elevated risk for ear damage. People with a job or pastime exposing them to intense noise, can help protect their hearing with bananas, potatoes, artichokes, or any other foods abundant in magnesium. Scientific studies have found that foods rich in magnesium help defend against noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The mechanism for how the magnesium does this is not known, but the end result has been seen in animals and humans.

Noise exposure can provoke the generation of destructive free radicals which are linked to the demise of delicate inner ear hair cells. Reduce free radical damage with folic acid and antioxidants. Common foods that are rich in both folic acid and antioxidants include spinach, eggs, asparagus and nuts.

You’ll be pleased to learn that dark chocolate is beneficial to your hearing health! The zinc contained in dark chocolate aids in preventing zinc deficiencies which are connected to age-related hearing loss. If you don’t enjoy dark chocolate, eat some oysters on the half shell; any foods that contain zinc will work!

Along with encouraging our children to consume carrots for good eye sight, now we can teach them to protect their hearing and minimize possible hearing problems with specific food suggestions.

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