Antibiotics That Kill Germs...NOT Your Hearing!

As we've mentioned before, certain antibiotics can cause hearing loss.  Commonly used antibiotics such as streptomycin, neomycin, kanamycin, and amikacin can cause damage to the hair cells in the inner ear and lead to hearing loss.  Research to create antibiotics that will kill drug resistant "superbugs" (bacteria that cannot be killed by commonly used antibiotics) without causing hearing loss has increased as the prevalence of "superbugs" has grown. 

Recently, a team from Switzerland, England, and the University of Michigan discovered a new approach to the development of antibiotics that promises to create drugs that can kill "superbugs" while also preserving hearing.  In this study, researchers detail how newer antibiotics such as apramycin show the ability to kill bacterial germs without causing hearing loss.  While research is ongoing, the possibility of high-powered antibiotics that can combat bacteria without damaging a person's ability to hear appears to be within reach!

For more information on what medications can cause hearing loss, visit ASHA's website.



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How Hearing Loss Impacts Memory, Learning, and Comprehension

Credible, new studies are showing how hearing loss negatively impacts an individual's ability to  learn new skills, comprehend information, and remember what is heard.  Age and degree of hearing loss appear to be two of the main factors in determining a person's cognitive and perceptive levels of functioning.  In fact, one study equivocates increasing an individual's hearing threshold by 25 dB to adding seven years to the individual's age.  Research conducted at Johns Hopkins University Center on Aging and Health has demonstrated that people with greater levels of age-related hearing loss also possess lower cognitive scores.  This study clearly demonstrated that hearing loss is independently associated with lower results on a standard cognitive test.  Because of this, people aged 60 and older are strongly encouraged to have their hearing evaluated regularly to avoid any hearing-loss-related cognitive decline.  Maximizing a hearing loss sufferer's remaining level of hearing is critical to learning new skills, memory, and information comprehension.

For more information on this research, click here!

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Is Hearing Loss Genetic?

It's estimated that nearly 90% of all children with hearing loss have parents with normal hearing.  However, genetics do play a role in both congenital hearing loss and hearing loss that occurs later in life.  Research shows that genetic factors cause more than 50% of all incidents of children born with hearing loss (View the ASHA article).  Other causes of congenital hearing loss include prenatal infections, prenatal illnesses, and maternal diabetes.

Some children inherit the tendency to develop hearing loss later in life.  Genetic research teaches us that if a child has one parent who carries a dominant genetic mutation for hearing loss (and typically exhibits hearing loss), each child has a 50% chance of having hearing loss.  If two parents have a recessive mutation for hearing loss (and typically normal hearing), each child has a 25% chance of having hearing loss.  For more information about hearing loss and genetics, visit the ASHA and CDC websites.

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Water Resistant Hearing Aids from Phonak

Phonak, one of the industry's leading hearing aid manufacturers, has introduced an entire line of water resistant hearing aids.  Phonak's M H20 series of  hearing aids (Naida, Ambra, Solana, Cassia, and Nios) feature a water, sweat, moisture, and dust resistant coating and sealant.  While these hearing aids are not waterproof (they cannot be submerged in water), the coating and sealant will protect the hearing aid's electronics from moisture, sweat, and dust.  Phonak's M H20 hearing aids are available in all technology levels for people with mild to severe hearing loss.  This line of hearing aid is ideal for anyone who seeks a durable hearing instrument that can be worn while performing recreational or occupational activities such as golfing or landscaping.  Don't hesitate to call Dr. Dungan or Dr. Barron to see if this style of hearing aid may be right for you.

For more information about Phonak M H20 line of hearing instruments, visit their website!

Treating Swimmer's Ear

Summer has arrived!  As you enjoy the summer weather and swimming, don't forget to protect your ears!  One of the most common maladies of summertime is an outer ear infection commonly referred to as "swimmer's ear."  Swimmer's ear is an infection in the outer ear canal.  It's usually caused by water that remains in the ear after swimming.  This moisture creates an optimal environment for bacterial growth.

Symptoms of swimmer's ear include:

• Itching in the ear
• Moderate to severe pain
• Redness in the ear
• Fever

Treatment for Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear is usually treated by obtaining antibiotic ear drops from your family doctor.  Sometimes it's necessary to obtain a steroid to reduce the inflammation that often accompanies this type of outer ear infection.  If you suspect you may have swimmer's ear, it's important to see your family doctor immediately to prevent the infection from becoming worse.

Prevent Swimmer's Ear!
There are two common ways to prevent an outer ear infection caused by moisture.  Visit an audiologist to have a swimmer's ear mold created that perfectly fits your ear.  This ear mold is fairly inexpensive and prevents water from entering your ear while you swim.  After you swim, dry your ears thoroughly.  Use a blow dryer on a low setting and hold it about one foot from your hear to evaporate any remaining moisture.

For more information about the causes, treatment, and prevention of swimmer's ear, visit The Mayo's Clinic website.

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A Premium Hearing Aid for the Budget-Minded!

The Phonak Dalia Phonak recently announced the release of a hearing aid for the budget minded. The Phonak Dalia contains many advanced features while keeping the price affordable. The Dalia features: SoundRecover This feature restores high frequency sounds that are otherwise inaudible. This improves speech understanding and the overall listening environment. UltraZoom Essential UltraZoom Essential improves speech intelligibility in the presence of background noise. WhistleBlock WhistleBlock prevents feedback/whistling before it begins. For more information on Phonak's Dalia, click here.

Why Maintenance of Your Hearing Aids Is So Important!

Do you scratch your fingers over the microphone covers on your hearing aid to make sure they are working? CAN WE SUGGEST YOU SCRATCH YOUR HEAD INSTEAD? Moving your fingers just one half inch above the mics will prevent oil from your skin plugging the mic ports, resulting in poor hearing in noise. Why? Plugged mic ports can cause the mics to drift, resulting in inefficient noise cancellation. Moisture checks: At check up, we are seeing some with a buildup of rust in the battery compartment. Use the dehumidifier, or, if you sweat so much your hair gets wet, ask us about electronic dehumidifiers to protect your investment. For your next hearing aids, consider the nifty Siemens waterproof Aquaris or the series of Phonak water resistant hearing aids. After many microwavings--usually 2 or 3 years' worth, the dehumidifier capsule should be replaced in your dry spot. The capsule costs $7.00, the complete system $20.00. This is the container filled with silica gel that is apricot colored when working, and dark green when not working. Be sure it is working--we've had several calls recently about moisture issues. Are your ears growing? Yes, indeed. Often, after a year or so, the ear canal tips that were so comfortable are now too small, resulting in feedback or whistling. Schedule an office clean and check to upgrade the fit.