Can Hearing Aids Effectively Treat Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is commonly described as "ringing in the ears."  An estimated 10% of Americans struggle with this condition on a daily basis.  While there is no known cure to tinnitus, there are effective ways of treating it.  Hearing aids can help manage the symptoms of tinnitus!  However, they are only one component of a comprehensive approach to helping people cope with this condition.

Read how hearing aids can help manage the symptoms of tinnitus.

Helping Loved Ones Cope With Hearing Loss

From our December Newsletter

During the holiday season, we become acutely aware of loved ones who have difficulty hearing. Keep in mind: No one knows they cannot hear unless they are told. They often "mis-hear," often to the glee of friends and family, because the message they perceive is so different from the intended message. During the busy holiday season, this can be readily apparent, because so often, background noise interferes with clear speech perception. How can we help them? Dr. Richard Carmen, a Clinical Audiologist in Arizona, says, "When we think of helping a loved one with hearing loss, we often think of how important it is to repeat ourselves, speak clearly, speak louder or interpret what others say if they cannot hear the message. But when we do these good deeds for loved ones with a hearing loss, what we don't realize is that we're assisting in their failure to seek help. Many people with a hearing loss never realize how much communication they actually fail to understand or miss completely because you have become their ears. However, it takes only a short time for them to realize that without your help, they're in trouble. It is through this realization that one becomes inspired to take positive action to solve their problem." Find out how you can help a loved one deal with hearing loss.   Image provided courtesy of Ambro

Treating Hyperacusis

Advances in hearing healthcare make treating hyperacusis possible. Currently, there are two main approaches to treating hyperacusis: Sound Desensitization Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) Sound Desensitization In Sound Desensitization therapy, the patient is guided by an audiologist to listen to static noise at increasing volume levels over time. The goal of this type of therapy is to gradually build a person's tolerance of loud noises. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) TRT is a variation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. As noted above, people commonly experience both tinnitus and hyperacusis. Because of this, audiologists use TRT to treat both conditions. If a tinnitus sufferer also shows signs of hyperacusis, the hyperacusis must be treated first. TRT uses a combination of low level, broad-band noise and counseling to restore a normal level of sensitivity to sound. To read a detailed explanation of TRT, click here.

Hyperacusis and Tinnitus

It is estimated that 40% of tinnitus sufferers also suffer from hyperacusis. The reason for this is not completely known. However, it is theorized that the central nervous system does not respond properly to an incoming signal, miscuing the amplifying or dampening actions of the cochlea and middle ear resulting or contributing to the presence of both conditions. For more information on the correlation between hyperacusis and tinnitus, click here.         Image provided courtesy Ambro

The Origin of Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis occurs because the protective mechanisms a normal ear employs are malfunctioning. In fact, even with hearing protection, noises can still seem too loud to a person suffering from hyperacusis. It can come on suddenly or develop over time. Causes of hyperacusis include: Exposure to Loud Noise Head Injury Ototoxic Medications Meniere's Disease TMJ Lyme Disease Autism Central Auditory Processing Disorders For more information on hyperacusis, visit our website!

What is Hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis is an abnormal sensitivity to ordinarily tolerable sounds. Sounds at normal volume levels seem intolerably loud to a person suffering from hyperacusis. It can range from a person who is mildly uncomfortable in a social setting like a restaurant to a person who has a painful level of discomfort from many of the sounds encountered in daily life like page turning or television volume. To a person suffering with this condition, all sounds seem too loud. Click here to read The American Speech and Hearing Association's definition of hyperacusis. Image provided courtesty of Ambro

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

• How do I know when it's time to have my hearing tested? 
• How often should I have my hearing evaluated?
• How long does a hearing test take?
• What is the difference between an audiologist and a hearing aid dealer?
• How much does a hearing test cost? Why do hearing aid dealers give "free" hearing tests while audiologists usually bill insurance?
• If I purchase hearing aids, how long will it be until they become obsolete?
• Don't hearing aids just make everything louder?

For answers to these questions and more, click on the following links:
FAQs and Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dealers

Image provided courtesy of Master Isolated Images

How to Buy A Hearing Aid Without Getting Snookered!

How do I select the right hearing aid for my particular type of hearing loss without spending too much? 
How much should hearing aids cost?
How do I know what accessories and features I really need?
How can I avoid buying more than what I need?

Dr. Jan Dungan, Clinical Audiologist of Appalachian Audiology, will answer these questions and more at a community lecture on November 8th at 10:00 at the Chota Recreational Center in Loudon, TN.  Everyone is welcome to attend!  Bring a friend and plenty of questions!

Treating Dizziness and Vertigo

Advances in hearing healthcare make eliminating or severely limiting the occurence of dizziness or vertigo possible. Audiologists perform audiologic and balance tests to determine the potential causes of these ailments. Often, an individualized treatment plan will include: Balance retraining exercises Low sodium diet Restricted use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco Medicines for nausea prescribed by a medical doctor Vestibular rehabilitation For more information on dizziness or vertigo, visit our website!

Causes of Dizziness or Vertigo

There are several potential causes of inner ear dysfunctions that lead to dizziness/vertigo including: . Bacterial ear infections Hole in the inner ear Inner ear inflammation Foreign objects in the ear canal Meneire Disease Medicines that damage or poison the inner ear (ototoxic medications) Acoustic Neuroma (a non-cancerous growth on the vestibular nerve which connects the inner ear to the brain) Click here for more information on the causes of dizziness/vertigo from the Mayo Clinic.

The Origin of Dizziness and Vertigo

Dizziness or vertigo often occur due to inner ear dysfunctions.  Dr. Ben Wedro, Clinical Professor with The Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, details the origin of vertigo:

 

The inner ear has two parts, the semicircular canals and the vestibule, that helps the body know where it is in relationship to gravity. There are three semicircular canals that are aligned at right angles to each other and act as the gyroscope for the body. The canals are filled

with fluid and are lined with a nerve filled, crystal encrusted membrane that transmits information to the cerebellum, the part of the brain that deals with balance and coordination. The cerebellum adds information from sight and from nerve endings in muscles that deal with the perception of movement to help the brain know where it is in relationship to gravity and the world.

 

Normally, when the head moves, fluid in the semicircular canals shifts and that information is relayed to the brain. When the head stops moving, the fluid stops as well. There may be a slight delay, providing the basis for the vertigo experienced after people participate in many children's games and carnival rides. When a person goes on a merry-go-round or spins quickly around in circles, the fluid in the canals develops momentum and even though the head stops spinning, the fluid may continue to move. This causes vertigo or a spinning sensation and may cause the person to fall or stumble in a crooked line.

In patients with vertigo, inflammation of the fluid or irritation of the crystals on the nerve membrane that lines the walls of the semicircular canals may cause the spinning sensation even without much head movement. Often, only one canal is involved and the person may be symptom free if they don't move.

To read Dr. Wedro's article on vertigo, click here. 

Get the Maximum Benefit From Your Hearing Aids!

The Better Hearing Institute recently released a study showing the benefit received from wearing hearing aids is highly related to the quality of care provided by the hearing healthcare professional.  Hearing aids are primarily returned because the wearer does not feel they receive enough benefit to justify the expense.  For this reason, Appalachian Audiology offers no-charge follow up care and adjustments for the life of any hearing aid purchased through us! 

As you wear your hearing aid, make note of the following questions:

• Am I understanding speech more clearly in the presence of  noise?
• Are my hearing aids amplifying my hearing preferences?
• What environments do I seem to have trouble hearing in?
• Am I asking people to repeat themselves frequently?

We follow the American Academy of Audiology's preferred practice patterns.  In other words, we follow the steps that have the highest success rate in guaranteeing a hearing aid wearer will derive the maximum benefit from their hearing instruments.  To properly adjust hearing aids, studies have shown the audiologist should:

• Test hearing in an enclosed sound booth to accurately determine the type, degree, and location of hearing loss
• Perform "Loudness Discomfort" Measurements to accurately detail the full range of hearing
• Perform "Objective Benefit" Measurements to give real information on the actual benefit a hearing aid wearer is deriving from the use of the instruments
• Perform "Real Ear Measurement" Verification to accurately determine how the hearing aid is benefiting the wearer

For more information about these procedures, read this brochure created by the Better Hearing Institute.

Each part of this process helps the audiologist know how to adjust a patient's hearing instruments properly.  This, too, is a critical component of helping restore a hearing loss sufferer's quality of life!

Can Hearing Aids Improve Our Quality of Life?

In spite of the advances in digital hearing aids, many people remain hesitant to purchase them as a real pathway to re-connecting with loved ones, eliminating barriers to social interaction, and restoring a rich quality of life.  A recent study from the Better Hearing Institute involving over 2000 hearing aid wearers discovered that nearly 90% of hearing aid users are satisified with the benefit they derive from wearing them.  Over 90% of hearing aid users surveyed report a satisfactory improvement in their communication, social interactions, television viewing, outdoor activities, and phone conversations.  Most importantly, 8 out of 10 hearing aid users say they are satisifed with the changes that have occurred in their lives specifically due to their hearing aids.  Hearing aid wearers reported the following areas of

improvement in their lives, ranked in order:

• Effectiveness of communication
• Sense of safety
• Relationships at home
• Self confidence
• Social life
• Feelings about self
• Ability to join in groups
• Sense of independence
• Work relationships
• Sense of humor

Perhaps sharing how hearing aids can truly enhance a person's life is a critical component of helping  others seek real solutions to their hearing healthcare.

For more information, visit our website!

The Most Common Type of Hearing Loss

The most common type of hearing loss is known as Sensorineural Hearing Loss or SNHL.  Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurs when the inner ear (cochlea) or nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain are damaged.  It is usually caused by exposure to loud noises or aging and on rare occassions can be repaired surgically.  In a vast majority of cases, however, the only way to treat SNHL is to find a device that will enhance the ear's remaining hearing capacity.  This involves amplifying the ear's existing ability to hear, which is what hearing aids are created to do.

 

Read what the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association says about SNHL.

How We Hear

Our ears are extraordinary organs. They pick up all the sounds around us and then translate this information into a form our brain can understand. One of the most remarkable things about this process is that it is completely mechanical. Our sense of smell, taste and vision all involve chemical reactions, but our hearing system is based solely on physical movement.

Discover how we hear!

How Better Hearing Impacts Our Quality of Life

 

Research conducted by the National Council on Aging has discovered that the treatment of hearing loss improves intimacy in relationships, ease of communication among peers, and participation in group social activities.  Dr. Sergei Kochkin states, "People with hearing loss delay a decision to get hearing help because they are unaware of the fact that receiving early treatment for hearing loss has the potential to literally transform their lives."

 

Read more about how better hearing impacts our quality of life 

When a Loved One Has Difficulty Recognizing Hearing Loss

Over time, we become acutely aware of loved ones who have difficulty hearing.  It takes an average of seven years for someone experiencing hearing loss to seek help.  How can we encourage them to get the help they need?  Dr. Richard Carmen, a Clinical Audiologist in Arizona, says, "When we think of helping a loved one with hearing loss, we often think of how important it is to repeat ourselves, speak clearly, speak louder or interpret what others say if they cannot hear the message. But when we do these good deeds for loved ones with a hearing loss, what we don't realize is that we're assisting in their failure to seek help.  Many people with a hearing loss never realize how much communication they actually fail to understand or miss completely because you have become their ears. However, it takes only a short time for them to realize that without your help, they're in trouble. It is through this realization that one becomes inspired to take positive action to solve their problem."  

Find out how you can help a loved one deal with hearing loss 

Nine Common Myths About Hearing Loss

"Only the elderly suffer hearing loss!"

"I would already know if I had hearing loss."

"Hearing loss is normal at my age."

"Most hearing problems really can't be helped anyways."

"Hearing aids are bulky, unattractive, obvious, and ineffective!"

Have you or your loved ones ever thought these things? 

Read more about these and other common misperceptions about hearing loss and hearing instruments.

Warning Signs for Auditory Processing Disorders

Auditory processing describes the process of how well the brain understands what the ear hears.  Essentially, it is "what we do with what we hear." An Auditory Processing Disorder impacts the way the brain processes auditory information and leads to difficulties in recognizing and interpreting sounds; particularly speech. 

Click here to read more about APD.

An Auditory Processing Disorder can exhibit itself in many different ways.  If several items from the following list apply to you, a family member, or a friend, it could be time to consult with an audiologist to determine if a hearing loss or processing disorder might be present.

- Talks or likes the television louder than normal

- Interprets words too literally

- Often needs remarks repeated

- Difficulty sounding out words

- "Ignores" people, especially if engrossed

- Unusually sensitive to sounds

- Confuses similar-sounding words

- Difficulty following spoken directions

- Difficulty with memorization

- Hears better when watching the speaker

- Problems with rapid speech

If you feel you may be suffering from an Auditory Processing Disorder, don't hesitate to call our offices to schedule a no-charge consult.

August 19th Fiesta Featuring the World's First Truly Waterproof Hearing Aid!

August 19th Fiesta at both office locations!  This Friday we are celebrating the introduction of the world's first truly waterproof hearing aid- the Siemens Aquaris!  Call us to reserve your spot!  You'll be able to wear it and learn about its' unique features!

 

The Siemens Aquaris satisfies the Food & Drug Administration criteria to qualify as the first truly waterproof hearing aid.  The completely sealed housing shell and battery door enables the Aquaris to be completely waterproof. 

Click here to view the Aquaris!

 

The watertight housing and moisture-resistant surface of the Aquaris safeguard the electronics from corrosion and efficiently repel dust, sweat, and dirt. Enjoy outdoor recreation or exercise without the fear of damaging your hearing aid.  Make your golf partner sweat instead of your hearing aids!

Offered in two performance levels, the Aquaris features:

- Feedback stopper which automatically detects and stops feedback

- Speech Focus which helps you hear and understand what's being said from any direction

- SoundLearning 2.0 which learns and automatically adjusts to your individual hearing preferences

- Bluetooth Technology which wirelessly connects to phones, MP3 players, TVs and other audio devices so you can listen to them while you swim.
 

Learn about the advanced technology of the Aquaris!

 - The Aquapac -

Listen to your iPod while you swim and talk on your cell phone while you fish or kayak! 

Waterproof and water pressure resistant, the Aquapac is perfect for storing your small electronic devices like remote controls, mobile phones, or MP3 players when at the pool or in contact with the elements.

 - Tek and miniTek -

Wirelessly connect to phones, MP3 players, TVs and other audio devices. Stream stereo sound directly to your Aquaris.

- The Sport Clip -

The Sport Clip securely attaches the Aquaris to your ear, preventing the loss or displacement of your hearing aids while you enjoy your favorite extreme activities.

 

 

To find out if the Aquaris is right for your particular type of hearing loss and lifestyle, visit our website or call our offices to schedule a no-charge consult with one of our clinical audiologists!

Diagnosing Auditory Processing Disorders

Someone with an Auditory Processing Disorder may have normal hearing.  Because of this, it takes special testing to identify an APD.  This begins by asking the following questions: 

* Do you have trouble hearing clearly in a noisy environment?

* Do you sometimes make "silly" mistakes or "careless" errors when completing a job assignment?

* Do you miss important sounds or signals that others hear easily?

* Do you have trouble following a series of spoken instructions?  Do you consistently forget instructions?

* Do you hear less well or become less attentive/productive in ordinarily busy surroundings?

Upon suspicion that an APD may be present, testing is performed to determine where a breakdown is occurring along the auditory pathway that is causing the person to have difficulty processing auditory information.  

Judith Paton, a clinical audiologist in California, details a full list of subtypes of APD that manifest themselves in multiple ways. 

Ms. Paton also points out that "The most accurate way to sort out APDs from other problems that mimic them, is through clinical audiologic tests of central nervous system function.  These include tests of auditory memory for sentences, syllables, or numbers, sequencing, tonal pattern recognition or sound blending, and storage of general information which is most often acquired through listening."

Find more information about Ms. Paton's APD research by visiting her website. 

Causes and Treatment of Auditory Processing Disorders

Causes of APD

There are many possible causes of Auditory Processing Disorders.  Among them are:

- Extreme premature birth

- Auditory neuropathy

- Frequent ear infections

- Brain Trauma

However, a vast majority of APD cases have no identifiable cause.

  

Treatment of APD

There are two primary ways a clinical audiologist or speech-language pathologist can treat APD.

  

1.  Therapy

2.  Lifestyle Strategies

 

Therapy

Therapy for APD centers on the attempt to train the brain to distinguish sound (particularly speech) in the presence of background noise.  CDs and programs like LACE and Earobics have proven effective for helping APD sufferers train their brain to more clearly process speech when background noise is present.

  

Lifestyle Strategies

Working with an audiologist trained in the remediation of APD includes creating strategies to help the individual avoid or limit exposure to noisy environments.  Topics like where to sit in a restaurant to get optimal sound or how to arrange furniture to promote clearer communication in the home are addressed.

For more information on Auditory Processing Disorders, visit our website!

Hearing Loss or Auditory Processing Disorder? Part 2

Hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorders differ in a variety of ways.  A person experiencing hearing loss has difficulty hearing sounds while a person with APD has difficulty understanding and differentiating what is heard.  Hearing loss occurs in the inner, middle, or outer ear and impacts the individual's ability to hear auditory stimuli.  APD occurs in the brain along the auditory pathway and impacts the individual's ability to understand and comprehend auditory stimuli.  People with APD have trouble understanding in noise no matter how well they may hear. 

Sometimes an individual could be experiencing both a hearing loss and an auditory processing disorder.  Ultimately, the only reliable way to determine if you are experiencing a hearing loss and/or  APD is to undergo several tests administered by an audiologist.  Part of a thorough hearing evaluation includes tests that determine if an auditory processing disorder could be present. 

If you feel like you may be experiencing an auditory processing disorder, please don't hesitate to call one of our offices and schedule a no-charge consult with one of our clinical audiologists.

Hearing Loss or Auditory Processing Disorder? Part 1

Do you have trouble understanding speech in the presence of background noise?  Sometimes this is due to an Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).
APD is the auditory equivalent of dyslexia.  An Auditory Processing Disorder impacts the way the brain processes auditory information and leads to difficulties in recognizing and interpreting sounds; particularly speech. 

Common symptoms of APD include:

* Difficulty understanding speech in the presence of     background noise

* Inability to tell where a sound is coming from

* Inability to discern the difference between sounds

Click here to read more about APD and its symptoms.

Digital versus Analog Hearing Instruments

There are currently two types of hearing aids: Analog and Digital.  Analog hearing aids convert sound waves into electrical waves, which provide an accurate sound reading. Digital hearing aids convert sound waves using exact mathematical calculations, which produce an exact duplication of sound. As a result, the sound quality produced by digital hearing aids is significantly higher than the quality of sound produced by analog hearing aids.

 The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers this comparison of digital and analog hearing aids.

For more information, visit our website!

Wireless Technology For Hearing Aids With T-Coils

The T-Coil in a hearing aid is a loop of wire that picks up the magnetic signal of a device (such as a phone) through induction.  If a hearing aid has a t-coil, it will have a little switch or button that the user can move or push to choose between the microphone and t-coil.  When the user of a hearing aid with a t-coil flips the switch from M (for microphone) to T (for t-coil), the microphone in the hearing aid is turned off entirely, and the only sounds the hearing aid can hear are the magnetic signals coming from a device such as a phone.  Hearing aids with t-coils are not bluetooth compatible.  However, there are new advances that enable these hearing aids to wirelessly connect to a cell phone or television.  For example, a new neck loop has been developed that can wirelessly connect your cell phone to your t-coil equipped hearing aids.  With this neck loop, it is possible to talk on your cell phone hands-free.  Contact our offices to find out if this device is right for you.

 

 

TV Ears has also developed wireless technology to enable t-coil equipped hearing aids hear the volume of the television without the use of headphones.  It is now possible to use TV Ears without headphones if your hearing aids are T-coil enabled.  Now you can clearly hear your friends and family while enjoying your favorite shows.  For more information, visit the TV Ears website and view the video describing the TV Ears Link System.

 

For more information, don't hesitate to contact our offices.