 It’s our final day of tinnitus-based articles for Tinnitus Awareness Week.
As we’ve previously discussed and reiterated, tinnitus is the sensation of hearing sound without an external source. Tinnitus is derived from the Latin verb "tinnire", which means "to ring". Even though most people describe tinnitus as a ringing sound in the ears, it can also be described as a buzzing, clicking, hissing, swooshing, or whistling noise. In nearly every case, tinnitus is caused due to the brain’s reaction to hearing loss. This diminishes the auditory sound or input to the brain. The brain does not react well to that, so it will create a new sensation that replaces the sound of what it had been hearing and expecting. Temporary vs. Chronic Tinnitus Tinnitus can be a temporary condition or a continuous health problem. Tinnitus that is short, spontaneous, and lasts seconds to minutes, is an almost universal experience. In other instances, acute or temporary tinnitus that lasts minutes to hours typically happens after extreme and extensive noise exposure leads to a short-term ear injury. Chronic tinnitus - which is defined as lasting for over three months - is more common. Pervasiveness According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 15% percent of the general population - that’s more than 50 million Americans - experience a variety of tinnitus. About 20 million people endure chronic tinnitus, and two million people experience severe and debilitating cases. For the majority of patients, tinnitus is a symptom of hearing loss that is caused by age (presbycusis), long-term hearing damage, or severe trauma to the auditory system. Hearing loss leads to reduced stimulation of external sounds to the brain. As a result, the brain sustains neuroplastic shifts in the way it processes different frequencies of sound. Tinnitus is the result of maladaptive neuroplastic changes. Individuals with hearing loss and tinnitus may experience relief from using hearing aids and other devices that can be used for amplifying sound. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and/or tinnitus, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aids that are helpful with tinnitus relief and hearing loss.
0 Comments
 Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing sounds when there is no external sound present. People who experience tinnitus may hear the following sounds:
Facts about Tinnitus
Causes of Tinnitus
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, immediately seek help. A lack of medical attention can lead to further hearing loss. Hearing aids can help mask the sounds. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a consultation.  It is tinnitus awareness week, and we’re kicking it off with information on hearing loss and tinnitus as possible side effects of certain antibiotics and medications.
What is ototoxicity? Ototoxicity refers to having a toxic substance in your body that is harmful to the ear and can negatively impact the health of your hearing abilities. It can induce symptoms of tinnitus, or worsen them, and it can affect your body’s balance because these are all functions of the ear. Ototoxicity can occur after taking common drugs, including certain pain medications and antibiotics (particularly salicylates). Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as loop diuretics, are a major type of drug that can harm your ear health. Some of the other harmful drugs include chemotherapy agents (particularly if they are platinum-based). If any of these ototoxic drugs are prescribed to you, and you have a history of hearing problems, talk to your healthcare provider about possible side effects. If you do notice a shift in your ability to hear, such as a different tone in your tinnitus, the onset of tinnitus, and your ability to maintain overall balance in your body (symptoms of dizziness or vertigo), contact your healthcare provider and notify them about these symptoms. There may be instances where you cannot change the medication because it may be life-threatening, but it’s still important to talk about it with your healthcare provider. It’s important to note that NOT ALL ototoxic medications induce tinnitus. Some make a stronger impact on a person’s balance, whereas others have a strong effect on a person’s hearing loss. The platinum-based drugs (for chemotherapy) would be more likely to cause a person to lose their hearing loss than cause tinnitus. The advantage of the drug would significantly outweigh the side effects. Some medications take a longer time to flush out of your system, so the effects of the drug could happen later. Other medications may cause the effects to happen immediately. Does tinnitus occur or change when taking an ototoxic medication? Some medications almost have an immediate onset of tinnitus. After a pill is taken, in 10 to 15 minutes symptoms can begin to occur. If the medication is injected into the body, the onset will occur quicker. If you take one of these medications and within 20 minutes you notice a buzzing, clicking, hissing, humming, or ringing sound, - that is not coming from your environment - it’s probably a side effect of the medication. Some people may not immediately put two and two together. You may not form a timeline for when you started taking the medication, or when the dosage was added or increased. A new medication may have been taken with an older medication, and you could be dealing with a combination of effects, which could be the sounds that you hear inside your ear. If you lose track of the timeline for when you took the medication, you can contact your pharmacist and find out when you picked up that prescription. That can help you piece together your timeline. If you started taking the medication the day you picked up the prescription, or shortly after, and notice the symptoms of tinnitus, you could conclude that the medication is affecting your hearing. Cardiac medications commonly cause tinnitus. You can talk to your healthcare provider and go over your medications and medication intake routine. To help you with this process, document everything. Document your medication, when you take the doses, and when you begin to notice the tinnitus or hearing loss symptoms. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing tinnitus and/or hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer many hearing aids that help mask the sound of tinnitus.  When your hearing deteriorates as you age there is a higher risk of contracting dementia, which can lead to cognitive decline. A group of neurologists from the Department of Neurophysiology of the Medical Faculty studied how the brain functions as hearing abilities slowly become worse. They discovered that vital areas of the brain become restructured, which impacts a person’s memory.
A Deterioration of Sensory Perception The neurologists studied the brains of mice with hereditary hearing loss, which is analogous to hearing loss among humans. The density of neurotransmitter receptors located in the brain, which is essential for the construction of memory, was analyzed by scientists. They also examined the effects of information stored in the hippocampus - the brain’s most important memory organ. How the Brain Adapts to Hearing A person’s memory can function through a system known as synaptic plasticity. By way of the hippocampus, synaptic plasticity was continuously weakened by advanced hearing loss. The distribution (and density of the neurotransmitter receptors) in sensory and memory segments of the brain, had also steadily shifted. It indicated that the stronger the hearing damage was, the worse memory abilities and synaptic plasticity became. These are the latest proven insights into the commonly believed cause of the cognitive decline and presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) in humans. The team of neurologists concluded that frequency shifts in the neurotransmitter receptor expression - that is the result of advanced hearing loss - create shifts in the sensory information processing that inhibits the hippocampus from properly functioning. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer Starkey’s Livio AI hearing aids, which help improve your hearing and brain function. Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings, and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Earwax, or cerumen, naturally produces to protect your outer ears. It is made up of dirt, oil, sweat, and dead skin cells.
Is your earwax dry or wet? Producing dry earwax is common among Asians, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders. Producing wet earwax is common among Africans and Caucasians. What is the pigment of your earwax? Old earwax is generally dark brown or black. Its color is caused by trapped bacteria and dirt. This earwax color is more common in adults. Light brown, orange, or yellow earwax are considered healthy and normal. Children generally have softer, light-colored earwax. Dark brown earwax, with any red, might indicate a bleeding wound. White earwax that is flaky, is a sign that your body does not produce a chemical linked to body odor. What produces excess earwax? Normally, your body will know how much earwax it needs to make. Keep a healthy diet, practice proper hygiene, and move your jaw around (the same way you do when talking and chewing food). Doing this will let your ears naturally remove excess cerumen, debris, or dirt. If you routinely remove earwax, this alerts your body to generate more. Excess earwax can prevent the ability to hear, which will put you at a higher risk of ear infections and other ear or hearing health problems. Too much stress and over-exercising can increase the amount of earwax that is produced. The same apocrine glands which create sweat, also produce earwax. Excess earwax is typically found in individuals who:
Additional facts:
Tips to safely clean out your ears: Although there are benefits to having earwax, too much wax obstruction can induce conductive hearing loss (when sound waves cannot travel through the inner ear, because of the earwax obstruction). If your ears feel stuffy and believe that earwax may be the cause:
If you are unable to hear out of your hearing aids and notice that there is too much earwax that is clogging up your devices, contact us at Pure Sound for deep cleaning. We will be happy to help. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings, and new hearing aid fittings. Get in touch with us if you need to schedule a hearing test, or if you are having any problems with your hearing aids. If you need any supplies for your hearing aids, please contact us before your office visit.  Hopefully you have been diligently reading our blog posts, because here’s a pop quiz on hearing loss!
True or False? I can purchase hearing aids the same way that I purchase reading glasses from a drug store. This is false. A hearing healthcare professional must run a hearing test on you and prescribe individual treatment that addresses your specific hearing needs. For example, if you have sensorineural hearing loss, hearing aids could be a great option for you. In addition to the range or type of hearing loss that you have, your hearing health care provider will discuss your lifestyle and other preferences in order to program the devices to fit with your needs. If you experience conductive hearing loss, amplification may not be necessary. Your hearing could be restored by removing ear wax that is obstructing you ear canals, or there could be a benign tumor that needs to be surgically removed. Hearing loss could also indicate an underlying health problem, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. In order to find out why you cannot hear, you need a hearing healthcare professional to test your hearing. True or False? Hearing aids will make me hear like I did before experiencing hearing loss. The answer is false. Even though there have been many advancements in hearing aids, especially in the last few years, the devices will not be able to restore your hearing back to normal. It will only preserve the natural hearing abilities that you still have left. Also, if you wait too long - as many people tend to do - your brain needs to relearn how to decipher sounds that you haven’t heard in many years. It’s similar to rehabilitation for a joint replacement or another type of physical injury. True or False? Your brain helps with the function of hearing. This is true. Scientific researchers have spent decades studying the correlation between our ears and our brains. Modern hearing aids help our brain determine which sounds we should concentrate on - like a conversation that you are having with someone at a busy restaurant - and which sounds can be ignored. Your outer ears harness sounds and transfer them into the inner ear, where your tiny sensory hair cells turn them into electrical signals. It’s then transferred through the auditory nerve for the brain to interpret and recognize as sound. When sensory hair cells become damaged or die off, they can no longer accurately process noise that they receive. The result is sensorineural hearing loss, which can normally be treated with hearing aids. According to Johns Hopkins and the National Institute of Aging, elderly adults who have untreated hearing loss lost an average of a cubic centimeter of brain tissue each year compared to individuals who had healthy hearing abilities. True or False? Your hearing health can be negatively impacted by the foods that you consume. The answer is true. In order for your entire body to perform at its best, it requires eating a healthy and balanced diet. Obesity and excessive drinking can contribute to poor hearing. Your auditory system, along with the rest of your body, needs proper blood circulation with the help of a good diet and exercise. True or False? Hearing aids were not useful for other people that I know, so they probably won’t work for me. This answer is false. The experience of hearing loss is different for everyone. Your hearing healthcare provider will need to determine whether hearing aids will benefit you. Your range of hearing loss, personal lifestyle and hearing aid style preferences will be factored in to help decide which hearing aid model you will purchase. After an initial hearing aid fitting and programming, your hearing instrument specialist may need to do additional adjustments and other maintenance to your hearing aids during future appointments. This will ensure that your hearing will improve based on your lifestyle and the environments that you frequently visit. True or false? The main disability among those in the military service and veterans is tinnitus. This answer is true. A study from the American Tinnitus Association revealed that over 50 million Americans have some form of tinnitus. Over 12 million Americans, mostly veterans, suffer from tinnitus that is so severe, it can disturb their personal and professional lives. The military reported that tinnitus has been listed as the largest category for disability claims. Hearing loss is the second. According to hearing healthcare professionals, the majority of tinnitus cases are caused by noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). They account for 90 percent of all tinnitus cases. Any jobs that require workers to be in a noisy environment are at risk of extensive exposure to loud noises - like operating heavy machinery or loud explosions in a veteran’s case. This can cause NIHL. True or false? Musicians have a higher risk of developing hearing loss. This is true. Studies have shown that musicians are nearly four times more likely to endure noise-induced deafness, and 57 percent more likely to experience tinnitus. Some well-known musicians who now have hearing loss due to dangerous levels of noise exposure are, Phil Collins, Ozzy Osbourne and Pete Townshend. True or False? Hearing loss that goes untreated can impact your salary. The answer is true. It is illegal for employers to discriminate against someone who has a hearing disability, but research has shown that if you have untreated hearing loss you could lose $30,000 each year. This is due to the inability to accurately or efficiently accomplish tasks because of your hearing loss. Fortunately, the study showed that individuals who get proper treatment for their mild hearing loss by using hearing aids, reduce that risk by 90 to 100 percent. True or False? My hearing loss only affects me. The answer is false. Anyone who you communicate with will also be affected, and maybe even frustrated. As mentioned before in this blog, untreated hearing loss can result in anxiety, depression and social isolation. This is due to the person’s struggle to communicate with the people in their life. The best solution is to get your hearing loss treated as soon as possible. Close to 70 percent of people who got treatment for their hearing loss with hearing aids, indicated that their social life had significantly improved. True or False? The most effective way to prevent hearing loss is by using ear protection. This answer is true. NIHL and aging are the top reasons for developing sensorineural hearing loss. If you frequently work in a noisy environment, request hearing protection from your employer. If you have a noisy hobby (woodworking or playing a musical instrument),or attend something like a concert or fireworks display, wear proper hearing protection. It may be wise to invest on a good pair of headphones that block out noise or ear plugs. You won’t be able to stop aging, but you can reduce the risks of NIHL by taking preventative measures. True or False? The average child will experience their first ear infection by the time they reach the age of three. This is true. A child’s ears are more likely to get ear infections (otitis media). This is due to how their Eustachian tube is positioned throughout their childhood. Over 75 percent of children have at least one episode of otitis media before they turn three years old. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, don’t wait any longer to get help. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid solutions for people of all ages. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are in need of a hearing aid repair, call us prior to an office visit. We ask that you please place your hearing aids in a clean ziplock bag and wait in your car for our curbside services. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Have you noticed that you’ve been more forgetful lately? Have you missed important meetings or appointments, and needed to reschedule them? Or did you forget about your laundry that was drying out in the sun?
You may not feel as though you are forgetful, but you may be feeling more fatigued. You might blame these experiences of forgetfulness on your memory, but it may actually be your hearing that’s causing the problem. How can You Enhance Your overall Cognitive Abilities and Memory? The first step is to get your hearing tested. Avoid those embarrassing moments when you can’t remember someone’s name or miss an important meeting. A standard hearing test will determine whether you have hearing loss and how severe it may be. You may not immediately recognize any signs of hearing loss, but there still might be some loss in your hearing without symptoms. One of the earliest signs of hearing damage is memory loss. The main cause of memory loss is when your brain is constantly feeling stressed. Here’s what happens:
A human brain holds a finite amount of processing energy. This is the reason why your brain becomes stressed due to the strain. As a result, you may have less mental energy for a healthy memory or cognitive processing. Dementia Linked to Hearing Loss Severe memory loss could result in dementia. Those who do not receive treatment for their hearing loss have a greater risk of cognitive decline, starting with moderate hearing loss and worsening to serious cognitive problems. How can Hearing Aids Stop Fatigue? It’s very important to get treatment for your hearing loss. In one study, there was an undeniable gain in cognitive function for 97.3% of individuals who had hearing loss and wore hearing aids for at least 18 months. Remember, when your brain doesn’t need to strain and overwork itself, your long-term cognitive function improves. Memory loss and cognitive function is a complex issue that won’t always improve by simply using hearing aids. It’s good to engage in brain and physical exercises, socialize with people and maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. The First Sign of Hearing Loss is Typically Memory Loss This type of hearing loss usually isn’t permanent, but rather an evidence of exhaustion. It can become permanent if the underlying issues continue to go unaddressed. Memory loss could be an early warning sign. To address these problems, hearing aids may help. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing memory loss that may be linked to hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a vast selection of hearing aids for a wide range of hearing loss. This is a friendly reminder that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings, and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  COVID-19 has recently been associated with long-term health problems including heart disease, lung disease, and neurological disorders. New research is coming out on whether hearing loss and tinnitus can be a side effect of COVID-19 - it may be a symptom or a complication that emerges days or weeks after becoming infected.
We have been aware of different bacteria and virus infections that may abruptly lead to hearing loss. Previous versions of coronaviruses that caused epidemics, like SARS and MERS, did not appear to be the root of hearing issues. Hearing Loss: COVID-19 Symptoms of sudden hearing loss had been a rare symptom of coronavirus. A report from June 2020 indicated several Iranian patients informed healthcare workers about experiencing hearing loss in one ear, along with vertigo. Another report showed an Egyptian man who did not show any other coronavirus symptoms had developed sudden hearing loss, and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. Other than these reports, there has not been any additional research that was published. Please be aware that sudden hearing loss, whether it’s in one ear or both, is a medical emergency that should be treated immediately. The faster you receive treatment, the more likely you will restore your hearing. Hearing Loss caused by COVID-19 What has been shown as slightly more common, but still rare, is experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus due to COVID-19. This suggests that hearing loss or tinnitus are not immediate symptoms of the virus, but can develop at a later time. There was a case in October 2020 based on a 45-year-old man from the U.K. who developed tinnitus and sudden hearing loss in one ear after becoming critically ill with COVID-19. His hearing was partially restored after accepting steroids for the hearing loss. It cannot be proven that COVID-19 was the direct cause of the man’s hearing loss, but it appears to be very likely that is what happened. It was also reported that he did not receive any ototoxic medications. Additional research is needed to determine the long-term effects of COVID-19 on hearing health. Can COVID-19 Weaken Your Hearing? A study from Israel examined 16 patients, where half had tested positive for COVID-19 and half tested negative. There were no differences seen in the group members’ auditory nerves. The study is still in progress. There were 16 test subjects enrolled, and all of the patients were asymptomatic. Researchers plan to conduct a larger study, which would include those with more severe complications due to COVID-19. Side Effects of COVID-19 Medication Some medications that are used to treat COVID-19 lead to a high risk of side effects including hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo. These medications include chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and quinine. In Conclusion: Hearing Loss and COVID-19 Additional research is necessary to get a better understanding of how COVID-19 impacts hearing and balance. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. Please contact our office before stopping in at one of our locations in Elizabethtown, Lititz, Mt. Joy, or Strasburg.  Health and happiness are important as you age. The best three things that can help you achieve that is maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and making sure you have healthy hearing abilities.
Better Hearing Reduces Social Isolation The ability to hear clearly can help you be more aware of your surroundings, interact with others effortlessly, connect with others, participate in conversations, and remain socially active - even if it’s virtually or at a safe distance. Our connection and engagement with others is important to our overall health and well-being, especially during these times. Studies have indicated that people who enjoy and participate with others in a social setting are more likely to have a longer lifespan than those who remain isolated. Better Hearing can Help Decrease Cognitive Decline Many studies have shown that hearing loss is closely related to dementia. The World Health Organization foresees that the number of people with dementia will triple by the year 2050. As previously mentioned, hearing loss leads to social isolation which raises the risk of dementia. Dementia causes your brain to become weaker, to the point where it uses up the energy that you need in order to remember and think. Between social distancing and social isolation, the risks are much higher. The Lancet Commission on Dementia prevention, intervention, and care recently reported that getting treatment for hearing loss during midlife is the best way to reduce or even prevent the onset of dementia. Better Hearing Helps You Stay Alert and Be Independent Being able to hear gives people confidence. It allows us to feel safer when navigating through the world. Hearing clearly, provides an openness in our spatial awareness. As a result, distinguishing the differences between certain sounds can help us react appropriately whether it’s in a video chat or when out in a grocery store. Anyone who has lost their ability to hear, are likely to miss those signals. This can lead to feelings of uncertainty when interacting with others. People with good hearing are two times less likely to have an accidental injury and three times less likely to have a history of falls than individuals with hearing loss. Better Hearing Reduces Depression Your optimum level of hearing can keep you feeling positive and full of vigor. Hearing the laughter of friends and family, the sounds of your favorite music, a funny joke, birds chirping, or anything else that you love helps to keep you connected. The AARP found that being optimistic and keeping a positive attitude in life can add 7.5 years to your life. There is also an 80 percent reduction in risks of heart disease. Start hearing better today! Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid solutions from brands such as HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Many Americans are living longer with healthier lifestyles. As a result, there is now a new growth in this demographic. There needs to be individualized care for these older adults.
Ageism is a common factor in our society. There are difficulties that hearing healthcare providers encounter on a daily basis. Fighting against ageism is a leading concern that needs to be addressed. With the rise in an aging population, it is vital to improving the overall quality of health, independence, socializing with others, in order to prevent social isolation which can lead to depression. It is important to be able to effectively communicate with others in order to forge a bond between people, which helps to promote healthy aging and a longer life expectancy. Your Social Life & Communication Some of the common ways to promote healthy aging would be to have a more age-integrated society, resourceful environments, and health systems that are age-friendly. Providing more access to technology in order to support the needs of aging adults is vital to a healthy life. There are so many types of technology to use that allow the elderly to stay socially and physically involved with others. This is where technology in hearing health can be utilized. Hearing loss is a risk factor for social isolation and loneliness. Lawmakers are becoming more aware of ways to fight against loneliness. Hearing healthcare providers can be part of the solution. Proper, and early, intervention can help those with hearing loss reconnect with others in a social setting. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the failure to effectively communicate can affect your daily life and cause feelings of loneliness and detachment. The WHO advises that older adults should receive prompt hearing tests and the use of hearing aids Hearing aid technology can help unite people. In addition to your plans to get hearing aids, you need to reconsider how you communicate with others. The ability to cope and communicate in busy settings is linked to stress levels and other health concerns. Negative health and social distress can be caused by feeling fatigued and stressed from difficulties that are faced when trying to listen to others. Public health needs to help those with hearing loss. There are negative repercussions that can happen due to communication problems in noisy environments. Hearing healthcare professionals should promote the use of sound-absorbing materials (i.e. carpet, curtains, etc.), especially in independent and assisted living settings, nursing homes, and hospitals. The use of portable hearing assistance devices and universal communication precautions should also be implemented in order to improve communication in medical settings, especially in loud areas such as emergency rooms. Using Virtual Assistants Virtual assistants, like Alexa, have been helpful. A good suggestion would be to set up reminders to place and keep their hearing aids on and make sure the batteries or rechargeable hearing device is completely charged. Modern hearing aids feature artificial intelligence (A.I.), which is technology that can measure how often you socialize with others, detect falls, and analyze surrounding sounds. If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings, and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Learning the basic facts about hearing loss will not only help you feel more comfortable and confident about wearing hearing aids, but you can become a strong advocate of hearing health for yourself and your loved ones. Do some research before making a step towards getting hearing aids. You can also talk to a hearing healthcare professional to get more thorough information about your specific needs and concerns.
Here are 5 Common Misconceptions About Hearing Loss
If you, or a loved one, need hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of name brands and styles for a wide range of hearing loss. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  As frequently mentioned in the blog, hearing loss generally goes unnoticed because it occurs gradually over time. There are usually subtle signs before you, or a loved one, realize that you need a hearing test. Have you noticed that you turn the volume up to hear your T.V. or listen to music? Even after a person is informed that they have hearing loss, on average, most of them wait about 10 years before they will get hearing aids.
What is Auditory Deprivation? Please avoid the mistake of putting off your hearing health. Untreated hearing loss can lead to auditory deprivation in the long run. The sections of your brain that are vital for hearing can shrink or become atrophied due to lack of use. Auditory deprivation is when the brain struggles to comprehend and process information because it is not receiving enough stimulation. The brain will become active when it hears sounds and turns it into information that can be understood. Untreated Hearing Loss and Brain Atrophy Hearing is an activity for the brain. Ears funnel sounds to the brain as electrical impulses through the auditory nerve. Your brain will then translate the electrical impulses into sound. Hearing loss leads to sensory deprivation. The auditory segment of your brain requires sounds to stimulate it and keep the mind agile. Mild hearing loss can lead to an under-stimulated brain, so it’s important to get help for your hearing loss as soon as you, or a loved one, notices these symptoms. Untreated hearing loss can lead to atrophied auditory pathways, due to lack of usage. When fewer sounds travel to the brain, the brain will respond by adjusting the way it works. Subtle hearing loss causes the brain to deal with auditory processing by focusing more on visual processing. Exercise Your Hearing Abilities If you don’t seek help for your hearing loss, it will become much more difficult to comprehend and process information. In other words, you might be able to hear speech sounds but not understand what is being said. You may feel as though you have cognitive decline, but it is actually hearing loss. But remember, untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline. Can Auditory Deprivation become Permanent? There is still uncertainty as to whether the atrophied sections of the brain that convert sound is permanent or not. It can be different for each individual. On a hopeful note, the brain is extremely flexible. It can adapt and shift when stimulated. New connections can be made for more information to be understood. A study found that negative shifts in the brain can be improved when hearing aids are worn regularly. What causes Auditory Deprivation? Auditory deprivation is usually caused by a lack of treatment for a person’s hearing loss. For instance, if a person has hearing loss and receives hearing aids, but does not wear the hearing aids regularly (or at all), this can lead to auditory deprivation. If a person with hearing loss does not receive auditory stimulation, the connection between the ears and the brain becomes ineffective. The auditory nerve will start to atrophy and become weaker. A different reason as to why auditory deprivation can occur is if a person experiences hearing loss in both ears, but only wears a hearing aid in one of their ears. Auditory deprivation may also occur if the hearing aids do not fit correctly or properly programmed. This is why it’s important to have follow-up appointments and work with your hearing instrument specialist to tailor the hearing aids for your specific needs. Unlike eyeglasses, hearing aids may require a custom fit and will definitely require a customized program for your particular type of hearing loss. Your hearing will shift over time, so it’s important to regularly schedule appointments with your hearing instrument specialist. Two Hearing Aids are Better than One Only wearing one hearing aid - when you have hearing loss in each ear - will lead to poor results. The ear that wears the hearing device will remain strong, but the other ear that does not have a hearing aid will become weaker and atrophy at a faster rate than the ear that is aided. Remember, Adapting to Hearing Aids Takes Time It will take time to adjust to listening, putting your hearing aids on, and wearing them from the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep. This is particularly true if it has been a long time since you’ve been able to hear clearly. You’ll be able to hear things like the hum of your refrigerator, the clicking sound of your blinker lights, birds chirping outside. It may be overwhelming at first, but your brain will eventually become accustomed to the sounds that you haven’t heard in years. Wearing hearing aids all day helps the brain acclimate to the sounds, but it requires a lot of time and patience. How to Prevent Auditory Deprivation It is possible to prevent auditory deprivation by taking safety precautions when you know that you’ll be in a loud environment. Wear earplugs or earmuffs when attending a concert or any other noisy setting. You should get your hearing tested annually, whether you are having trouble hearing or not. Mild hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline. If you, or a loved one, need a hearing test, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer several hearing aid styles and brands for a wide range of hearing loss. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We will be offering curbside services. If you are visiting us for a repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that the leading cause of death is heart disease. It is responsible for the deaths of approximately 610,000 people every year in the U.S. Heart disease is also associated with hearing loss. Maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system is healthy for hearing health.
The majority of heart diseases are related to damaged blood vessels, caused by high blood pressure (hypertension) and/or tight, narrow arteries (arteriosclerosis) due to high cholesterol. These can lead to obstructions, spasms, or even ruptures in major or minor vessels, which can cause chest pains, heart attack, or stroke. Heart muscle, valve, or rhythm disorders can induce other forms of heart disease, like heart failure. Cardiovascular disease is the cause of death for one American each minute. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Most people are unaware of the gravity that heart disease is to them, or that it is closely related to other health problems such as hearing loss. Everyone should be aware of the risks and take preventative care to preserve their hearing and heart health. Hearing Loss and Heart Health How does hearing loss relate to heart health? Proper blood flow is important for hearing health. Research has indicated that healthy circulation helps support great hearing health. On the other hand, poor blood flow and damage to the blood vessels in the inner ear can lead to hearing loss. The hair cells (stereocilia) located inside the cochlea, translate the sounds harnessed by your ears into electrical impulses. Your brain will then interpret them as recognizable sounds. This requires healthy blood circulation. Weak circulation will not adequately provide the hair cells with enough oxygen, which would cause them to become damaged or destroyed. These hair cells cannot be reproduced, which leads to permanent hearing loss. According to an American Journal of Audiology study from 2010, research that had been done over the past 60 years on cardiovascular health and how it influenced hearing health, was reviewed. The researchers discovered that damaged cardiovascular health adversely impacts central and peripheral auditory systems, particularly in elderly adults. A study from 2017 showed that 5,107 Australians had a strong connection between heart disease (along with risk factors for heart disease such a high blood pressure) with a higher risk of hearing loss. Hearing Loss and Strokes A stroke happens when the blood supply for the brain is obstructed and deprives the brain of oxygen. If a stroke occurs in parts of the brain that are needed for hearing and balance, the stroke may lead to hearing loss, dizziness, and other vestibular/balance changes. Lasting Complications that arise due to Strokes When the brain’s temporal lobe is impacted by a stroke, a person could experience lasting negative shifts in their ability to hear. These may involve struggling to distinguish speech sounds. In rare cases, a person might experience “auditory hallucinations”, where they hear sounds that do not exist. Risks of Stroke: Hearing Loss in one Ear There have been proven cases where individuals who experienced sudden hearing loss in one ear (sudden sensorineural hearing loss or SSNHL) were at a higher risk of having a stroke within the following few years after losing their ability to hear. It is uncertain as to why sudden hearing loss occurs, but researchers believe it may be caused by an obstructed blood flow in part of the brain that is important for hearing. Engage in Exercises Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, but you might be able to preserve your residual hearing abilities by doing cardiovascular exercises. A study conducted by researchers at Miami University found a beneficial link between sharpness in hearing and cardiovascular exercises. The study included 102 non-smokers between the ages of 22 and 78. After pedaling on a stationary bicycle, each of the test subjects had their hearing evaluated. The researchers determined that individuals who had higher cardiovascular fitness levels experienced better hearing, particularly for those who were at least 50 years of age. A broader study that was published in the American Journal of Audiology in June of 2017 by researchers at the Department of Health, Exercises Science and Recreation Management at the University of Mississippi, Oxford, studied data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and included 1,070 participants who were at least 30 years old. Individuals in this study who exercised more showed reduced levels of triglyceride. High triglyceride levels are linked to hearing loss. It is important to note that loud gyms and places that hold spin cycling classes can damage your hearing health. Hearing Loss and Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular disease should be taken seriously by everyone. It’s important to highlight that hearing health is just as important as heart health. There is so much data that links the two to one another, which can lead to additional health issues. It’s important to learn more to take action to care for our overall wellness. Get Help Low-frequency hearing loss could indicate that cardiovascular disease is either present or may develop in a person. If you, or a loved one, are noticing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aids for a wide range of hearing loss.  Do you suffer from tinnitus? Using the proper tools to manage it, is key to having a good quality of life.
If you own a smartphone, you’re already one step towards managing your tinnitus. There are so many different apps that are available to deal with tinnitus, which include:
Don’t feel disheartened when a healthcare professional discloses that you simply have to live with tinnitus. There are so many methods of tinnitus relief such as engaging in relaxation and meditation, wearing earplugs or earmuffs, staying away from too much noise exposure (which can harm your hearing health and worsen symptoms of tinnitus). Top Apps to Mask Sound When used properly, sound masking can be one of the best coping tools if you suffer from tinnitus. It’s easy to use. Different types of background noise can be utilized to mask the beeping, buzzing, humming, hissing, ringing, static, whooshing noises that come with tinnitus. For many people who have tinnitus, having the proper background noise may provide temporary, but instant relief. It has been proven to be an effective way to manage the symptoms, but it’s complicated. Each masking sound is different, and there’s an infinite amount of sound masking/sound therapy apps. Recommended apps: MyNoise (Android and iOS) MyNoise includes a vast library of ambiances and soundscapes, which features some experimental sounds that were primarily developed for individuals with tinnitus. You may customize the soundscape by adding or reducing bird, rain, wind, and chime sounds. The myNoise app is a simple way to adjust to the best soundscape to mask your tinnitus. NatureSpace (Android and iOS) The NatureSpace app features soundscapes that were created using high-fidelity audio recordings of authentic nature sounds. What is a Leading App for overall Tinnitus Relief and Habituation? Quieten (Android and iOS) There is currently no known cure for tinnitus, but sufferers can experience relief via habituation. There are only a few apps that have been made to help you habituate to the sound of your tinnitus. A human brain has the ability to tune out the tinnitus, just as it ignores other background noise. Complications that arise when it becomes severe, are provoking strong and worsening fight-or-flight stress as a never-ending reaction. Tinnitus can’t simply disappear. This fight-or-flight response restricts the brain from the ability to ignore the sound. Humans are designed to concentrate on sounds that the brain and nervous system interpret as dangerous. Humans have the ability to adjust the underlying emotional, physiological, and psychological reaction to tinnitus. When you do this, your brain can begin to naturally tune out and ignore the sound of your tinnitus more often. Quieten is a great app from Julian Cowan Hill, who is an author, therapist, and tinnitus expert. The app has a vast number of free audio and educational content that will help you habituate and learn more about tinnitus, along with meditations, coping mechanisms, relaxation techniques, etc. Paid apps for Meditation To manage tinnitus, you must significantly reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. You may engage in mindful meditation, which is one of the most powerful tools that can be used. Mindfulness has been proven to help deal with tinnitus, and also manage the way your brain functions. Some mindful meditation apps include:
Best Free app for Meditation Insight Timer: This is the most popular free meditation app. It has over 60,000 guided meditations, breathing exercises, and music tracks. This is not your traditional guided meditation. There are guided meditations that improve sleep, relieving anxiety, relaxation, focus, and more. These are great options for those who experience tinnitus and are interested in using various types of meditation to help cope. Insight Timer also has a meditation timer feature that is incorporated into the app, which lets users create custom meditation sessions. This is a training tool that plays a chime sound of your choice to help you focus at different intervals to keep you focused as you meditate. If your mind begins to wander, the chime will sound to focus your attention back to the meditation. Best apps to use for Breathing Techniques Breathing techniques are an effective method of dealing with tinnitus, particularly when there are spikes or severe cases on certain days. Some apps feature guided breathing exercises to help you learn and practice the best ways that work for you. Some breathing techniques can quickly bring about a relaxed response to the nervous system. Others can help you fall asleep quickly, reduce levels of stress, improve emotional regulation, or increase energy levels and focus. Breathwrk app (iOS) This is one of the best breathing exercise apps for iOS. It received 4.9/5 stars. It has over 10 guided breathing techniques, audio, visual, and vibration cues, lessons in breathing, tracks your personal progress, etc. Prana Breath: Calm & Meditate (Android) This is a very popular and effective free guided breathing app that is used with Android. It features 8 preset breathing protocols, audio, visual, and vibration cues to make it easy to follow, in addition to the option of setting up customized breathing sessions with your choice of times during the intervals. Prana Breath gives users control over increasing the level of complexity and difficulty of each technique that you practice while tracking your progress. Best Apps to Improve Hearing Loss AudioCardio (Android and iOS) Most people who have tinnitus, also experience hearing loss. These two symptoms may require extra approaches in treatment. If you can improve your hearing, chances are there will be better relief in your tinnitus symptoms. AudioCardio provides a new type of sound therapy that can be compared to physical therapy, but for hearing health. It may help to strengthen the hearing abilities in patients who have sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The app will perform a hearing test to determine the lowest decibel level of sound that you can hear at a range with different frequencies. The app will target the user’s lowest frequency levels and deliver a unique type of sound therapy known as Threshold Sound Conditioning. In many cases of sensorineural hearing loss, the hair cells become damaged, but not destroyed. A person will continue to hear certain frequency sounds if they are loud enough. The app uses a generated tone that was created with an algorithm right at the threshold of what the person can hear. The tones are either inaudible or barely audible. The creators of the app stated that by stimulating the hair cells at the threshold, the app can strengthen hair cells, which leads to better hearing. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid styles and brands for a wide range of hearing loss. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We will be offering curbside services. If you are visiting us for a repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  Loneliness is harmless, right? Studies have indicated that brief periods of loneliness are not likely to have adverse effects on your health, but extended periods of loneliness can increase the risks of death by 26%. Loneliness is said to be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. It also raises a person’s risk of cancer, dementia, depression, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
So how does loneliness cause all of this? Loneliness and Your Overall Health Just like food and water, human beings need a healthy dose of social interaction to thrive. Maintaining a connection with others provides a feeling of belonging and safety. When we are stripped of these important relationships, due to hearing loss, social distancing, or other reasons, the sympathetic nervous system detects a safety threat. As a response to this safety threat, the body will produce hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine (or adrenalin). This is what puts a person in fight-or-flight mode. Eventually, experiencing constant exposure to excessive amounts of cortisol can damage your overall health. How can Treating Hearing Loss Help Reduce Loneliness? Since it is difficult to communicate when you have hearing loss, it also becomes difficult to keep up with your friends, family, and coworkers. Most people in this situation tend to become withdrawn and avoid social interactions altogether. One in five people who experience hearing loss has reported feeling lonely and isolated. If you experience these feelings, please know that you don’t have to live this way. Modern hearing aids are so advanced that they provide excellent sound quality while tracking the frequency of your body and brain activity. You can get hearing aids that are discreet or brightly-colored, depending on your style. Whichever you choose, know that they will help you reconnect with the people and your surrounding environment. The latest studies indicate more and more that hearing health is just as important as any other health concern. The effects of hearing loss on overall wellness can be significant. Please do not put off treatment for your hearing loss any longer. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation.  An uncommon disease that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the inner ear is known as an autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED). It can lead to dizziness, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
Under 1% of 28 millions Americans who experience hearing loss have AIED. Middle-aged women experience AIED at a slightly higher rate than the overall population. What are Symptoms of AIED? AIED and hearing loss go hand-in-hand. The hearing loss will begin in one ear and then it will also develop in the other ear. It may take weeks to a few months for the loss to occur. Possible Additional Symptoms:
What causes AIED? The human body’s immune cells are constantly on their guard if germs attempt to invade the body. They could mistake cells located in your inner ear for a bacteria or virus, and then attack them. This is known as an autoimmune reaction. Immune cells in your body can also harm other organs. Nearly 30% of individuals who have AIED, also have another autoimmune disease that affects their entire body. This includes lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, ulcerative colitis, or Sjoegren’s syndrome (dry eye syndrome). The Difficulty of Diagnosis The symptoms of AIED are common in other diseases, so it makes it difficult to diagnose. It is often confused for an ear infection until the hearing loss has spread to the other ear. You can start by getting a free hearing test from us at Pure Sound Hearing. There’s no test that can confirm if you have AIED, but the results might indicate that you are experiencing an autoimmune reaction. Treatment Options A hearing aid can help you adjust to hearing loss, but more severe cases may require a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant is a small device that uses the nerves located in your inner ear and transmits signals to your brain. The brain then transforms them into sound. If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us at 717-945-1477 before visiting one of our office locations.  Hearing loss is so difficult to pinpoint because it happens very slowly over time. Your brain adapts to the changes without you being consciously aware. Months or years may have gone by before you notice anything. Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is the most prevalent type of hearing loss that affects people 65 years of age, or older.
About one in three Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss. Over two-thirds of those who are over 75 have difficulty with hearing. Overall studies have shown that anyone who has hearing loss, has an easier time dealing with it if they immediately get help. Here are 6 Reasons to get Treatment for Your Hearing Loss:
Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings, and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Otosclerosis is a type of conductive hearing loss that is experienced as a result of an abnormal bone growth located in the area of your middle ear. This bone growth obstructs the way sound is harnessed into the ear, and how the brain processes those sounds.
Otosclerosis and its Relationship to Hearing Loss Sound frequencies are transformed into mechanical energy and then to electrical energy inside the ear. There are three small bones in your middle ear that vibrate and help with this process. They are known as the malleus, incus, and stapes. For individuals who experience otosclerosis, the smallest bone in their body (the stapes) becomes stuck to its surrounding structure, and it cannot vibrate. Vibrations are necessary for sound to travel through the ear. This is what allows a person to hear. The flow of energy simply stops. Sound will go into the ear, but the bone growth in the middle ear blocks it from traveling through towards the inner ear. In some instances, when the ear can no longer transmit sound, people affected by this may initially recognize a low-frequency hearing loss, where low-pitched sounds are more difficult to hear. Who Typically Experiences Otosclerosis? Overall, otosclerosis is rare among people with hearing loss. The most common causes of conductive hearing loss are earwax, middle ear fluid, and perforated eardrums. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), there are over 3 million Americans who have otosclerosis. It is still unknown as to why people develop this problem. Is Otosclerosis Preventable? There are no preventive measures - like reducing exposure to loud noise, diet, or smoking - that can be cut out of your lifestyle to reduce your odds of getting otosclerosis. Risk Factors of Otosclerosis
What are the Symptoms of Otosclerosis? The most common symptoms of otosclerosis are slowly progressive hearing loss and tinnitus. Other symptoms may include dizziness (vertigo). Otosclerosis can occur in one ear or both ears. When both ears are affected, this is known as bilateral otosclerosis. Treatment Options for Otosclerosis According to the NIDCD, there are no medications that are known to treat otosclerosis. If you are diagnosed with otosclerosis, the treatment options would be based on the severity of your hearing loss. Your hearing healthcare provider may simply wait and observe, without intervening. It’s recommended to be observed by your hearing healthcare professional when the hearing loss is mild. Another treatment option is using hearing aids to help you hear. For some people with hearing loss caused by otosclerosis, hearing aids would be appropriate. Hearing aid devices will take care of the primary symptoms of hearing loss, but it will not treat the underlying condition of otosclerosis. Stapedectomy: Surgery for Otosclerosis Surgery is an alternative option for treatment. A stapedectomy involves removing the non-moving stape bone and replacing it with a prosthesis made from titanium. A stapedectomy is performed while a patient is under anesthesia. In some cases, the patient can be released from the hospital or clinic on the same day after the procedure is done, but some centers might recommend staying overnight. In most cases, this surgical procedure can restore hearing. In less common cases, there may be some complications that can induce severe hearing loss or other side effects. For those with bilateral otosclerosis, surgery is performed on the worse ear first. This allows it to heal before getting surgery on the other ear. Getting a hearing aid does not rule out the need for surgery in the future. It is recommended that patients with otosclerosis try hearing aids and then get surgery later. When should You seek Help for Otosclerosis? Just like with any health problem, do not ignore seeking guidance and treatment for otosclerosis. It will continue to worsen without treatment. If you notice symptoms of dizziness, hearing loss, or tinnitus, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. One of our hearing instrument specialists will go over hearing aid treatment options with you. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  There are challenges when it comes to aging. Some of the leading struggles are health-related - mainly hearing and vision. Many studies have shown that 10 to 20% of people over 70 years of age, experience dual sensory loss.
Let’s Define Dual Sensory Impairment/Loss This is when an individual starts to notice that their vision and hearing are in decline. Some people are born with these problems, while others can develop them as they age. Deaf-blindness refers to people who have severe vision and hearing loss. Genetic conditions, such as Usher’s syndrome, a traumatic brain injury or being exposed to a loud blast, may result in dual sensory impairment. Why Should You Get Treatment? Dual sensory impairment has been connected to social isolation and a poor quality of life. This condition has not been thoroughly studied, under-recognized, and under-diagnosed. This is especially true when there are only mild symptoms, where it’s more likely to be undetected by the patient who is experiencing it, or the initial signs may only occur in one area at a time (hearing or vision loss). It might seem normal to experience hearing and vision loss as you age, but losing both of these senses has a serious effect on your overall well-being, safety, and quality of life. As mentioned our blog, hearing loss has been associated with cognitive decline. Studies show that people who have been treated for their dual sensory impairment experience a better quality of life and a lower risk of death compared to those who are not treated. An Overwhelming Feeling From Dual Sensory Loss In addition to other health concerns that are linked to aging, dual sensory loss can be overwhelming. In the elderly, it weakens their senses. Those who experience hearing loss may depend on their vision, whereas people who experience vision loss may depend on their hearing. Audiobooks can aid the vision-impaired and captions can help the hearing-impaired. These accessories are not as useful for those with dual sensory loss. Getting Treatment for Dual Sensory Loss Most people who have dual sensory loss continue to experience functional hearing and vision. They can benefit from rehabilitation after being properly diagnosed. A rehabilitation therapist may help a patient adapt to their sensory loss. Assistive devices and coping strategies will be used as treatment options. This will make daily responsibilities and communication less complicated. Preventing Dual Sensory Impairment It’s difficult to control your family’s medical history when it comes to vision and hearing loss, but the latest research has shown that leading a healthy lifestyle can lower your chances of being diagnosed with dual sensory impairment. Tips to prevent Dual Sensory Impairment:
Where to get help If you, or a loved one, are experiencing changes in your hearing contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We will be offering curbside services. If you are visiting us for a repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  Turner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is found in one out of every 2,000 - 4,000 female births. Girls who are not developing at the same pace as their peers and experience recurring ear infections should get the child’s family doctor to test them for Turner syndrome. It is important to get an early diagnosis for proper treatment. Anyone who has this disorder is more prone to higher rates of autoimmune disorders, chronic ear infections, heart, liver, and kidney abnormalities, and hearing loss.
More Insights on Turner Syndrome In the 23 pairs of sex chromosomes within the human body, there are two sex chromosomes that separate men from women. Males have one X and one Y chromosome in their cells, whereas females feature two X chromosomes. Turner syndrome occurs when females do not have all or part of the second X chromosome. This syndrome restricts the female body from its natural growth and maturity. It may be diagnosed during pregnancy, infancy, late pre-teen, or early adolescence. Anyone who is affected by this condition may notice certain physical traits such as down-turning eyelids, short stature, low set and prominent ears, and a small jaw. Generally, a blood test is used in order to diagnose this syndrome. Turner Syndrome and Hearing Health In a study that was published in the Brazilian Journal of Otolaryngology, individuals with Turner syndrome have several issues concerning their hearing. This indicates that they should frequently get their hearing tested. The prevailing problems that occur are chronic ear infections, conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid solutions for your individual needs. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We will be offering curbside services. If you are visiting us for a repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  Imagine if you were to wake up one morning and suddenly felt so dizzy, that you fell over and realized you couldn’t stand up. Then you notice that you’ve lost all hearing in one of your ears.
These are symptoms of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), or sudden deafness. It is an unexplained or rapid form of hearing loss, that is not the result of “noise trauma” - like a loud explosion that occurs right by your ear. SSNHL inflames the inner ear, and typically only affects one ear. In some cases, SSNHL may also produce signs of vertigo and tinnitus. Statistics on SSNHL According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-NHS), approximately 66,000 Americans experience SSNHL each year. It can occur at any age, but SSNHL is generally diagnosed in adults between their late 40s to early 50s. This can be a frightening experience for patients. There’s confusion at the sudden inability to hear, but then the symptoms cause them to believe that they are having a life-threatening emergency, like a stroke. What to do if you experience sudden hearing loss If you abruptly have difficulty hearing out of one ear, do not just assume it is clogged due to allergies, or a respiratory infection. Do not assume that it will just get better without any intervention. About half of those who have SSNHL will eventually recover some of their hearing in the affected ear within a week or two. Early diagnosis and treatment will help improve the odds. Always see your primary care physician within 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor will begin by ensuring that there is no physical explanation for your sudden hearing loss (Earwax obstructing the ear canal, fluid in the ear, or a punctured eardrum. An examination of other considerations for possible causes may include trauma to the head, exposure to particular chemotherapy drugs, or neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis.) For approximately 90 percent of patients, doctors will not be able to narrow down the exact cause. Some research has connected it to metabolic syndromes (a group of ailments, including high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, in addition to a larger than average waistline) Get tested by multiple specialists If your physical exam shows no clear reason for your sudden hearing loss, you can visit us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free pure-tone test. This is a test that is conducted by our hearing instrument specialist where you listen for a beeping noise while wearing headphones and signaling when you hear the tone. If the test concludes that you have lost at least 30 decibels of hearing in one ear during three consecutive frequencies, you may have SSNHL. You might be advised to speak with your doctor about treatment options. If your hearing does not improve within three months, you may be fitted for hearing aids. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  When you get a cold or flu, it makes you feel miserable. Your ears, nose and throat are all connected to each other, so when one area experiences a problem, the other areas do too. Pressure in your ears is one of the symptoms that occur as a result of a condition that affects your nose, throat or sinuses.
Ear Pressure There is a small pathway that connects your middle ear with their throat. This is known as the Eustachian tube. This tube balances the pressure that builds up in your middle ear by opening whenever you sneeze, swallow or yawn. This stops air pressure and fluid building up in your ear canal, which is positioned behind your eardrum. If the Eustachian tube becomes clogged, sounds may become muffled and you might not hear very clearly. You may also feel pain, pressure, or a fullness in your ears. Side effects from allergies, sinus infections, colds or flus, can create a partial blockage in the openings of the Eustachian tube. Inflammation tissue and mucus that is secreted are signs of dysfunction in the Eustachian tube. If you travel by air or go up in elevated altitudes, this can also cause malfunctions to your Eustachian tube. Issues regarding your sinuses As previously mentioned, your ears, nose, throat and sinuses are interconnected. If there is an issue with one area, it can affect another area. Congested sinuses can lead to pressure and feelings of fullness in your middle ear. Common causes of sinus congestion:
Remedies to relieve sinus congestion and pressure:
Fluid Buildup If there is an issue with your drainage tubes, fluid may buildup in your ears. This flaw can lead to trapped fluid behind your eardrum. Here are some possible symptoms when fluid becomes trapped:
Root causes:
It is vital to determine what is stopping the tubes from properly draining fluid. If this issue goes untreated, the fluid buildup behind your ear can lead to a rupture. How to remove fluid from your ear canals:
Earwax buildup This occurs when wax (cerumen) is pushed deep and becomes impacted within your ear canal or obstructs the entire width of the canal. Earwax blockage can lead to hearing loss, dizziness, pain in the ear, feeling of fullness in the ear, pressure and tinnitus. Cleaning your ears with a cotton swab can inadvertently lead to blocked up ears. Hearing aids or earplugs can also lead to more earwax buildup. The best, and safest method to extract earwax from your ears is by flushing warm water or a saline solution in your ear canal for a few minutes. An irrigation kit may be used. After the water makes the wax softer, it will make its way out to the outer ear where you can wipe it away. Allergies Allergies are another possible cause of ear congestion. Antihistamines and decongestants can relieve ear pressure caused by allergies or other symptoms. Antihistamines can be sold over-the-counter or prescribed by your healthcare provider. Traveling by Air During takeoffs and landings, the sudden shift in air pressure can lead to a change between air pressure in your middle ear and your surroundings. The imbalance stops your eardrum from vibrating when it should be. Pain, feelings of fullness and pressure in the ear can all be signs of airplane ears. How to treat Airplane Ears:
Middle Ear and Outer Ear Infections Middle ear infections (otitis media) can lead to many different symptoms like dizziness, hearing loss, pain in the ears. The cause of middle ear infections are viruses that induce respiratory infections. An outer ear infection (otitis externa) is known as swimmer’s ear. They are generally caused by water that becomes trapped in your ear. This is an ideal condition for bacteria to grow and thrive. Usually, ear infections will clear up on their own. Pain and other symptoms can be relieved with ear drops and pain medications. If your symptoms get worse, even after treating them from home, contact your healthcare provider. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need hearing aid service, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. A staff member from our office will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Hearing loss individually related to cognitive decline for adults with normal hearing
According to JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surgery - a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association which covers every aspect of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the head, neck, ear, nose, and throat - the connection between cognitive decline and hearing loss may be present during earlier stages of hearing loss than previously acknowledged. The present threshold of 25 dB that is associated with adult hearing loss might actually be too high. Analysts from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons studied statistics from individuals who were at least 50-years-old and had undergone pure-tone audiometry and cognitive testing in the Hispanic Community Health Study and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study. They discovered that hearing loss was individually related to a cognitive decline for adults who had normal hearing (an average pure-tone of ≤25 dB) for all cognitive tests. The greatest deterioration in an individual’s cognitive abilities was discovered in those who were beginning to show signs of hearing impairment. Additional Research Needed Justin S. Golub, MD, MS, the assistant professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and a hearing specialist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital stated that physicians used 25 dB - the sound of a whisper - to characterize the threshold between an adult’s healthy hearing abilities and their mild hearing loss, but this an arbitrary level. It was previously accepted that cognitive deterioration would not start until individuals passed this threshold, but no one verified this. Researchers have proposed that any future studies that explore whether hearing loss treatment can prevent worsening cognition and dementia should examine a lower threshold that would define hearing loss instead of the commonly used 25 dB threshold. Other Health-related Issues caused by Hearing Loss Many individuals who have hearing loss believe that they can navigate through life without seeking treatment. While it may be true for some people, hearing loss can have a negative effect on other areas. In addition to cognitive decline, loss of hearing it may cause dementia, depression, and social isolation. It is best to get hearing loss treated as early as possible. Hearing aids cannot restore hearing abilities that have been lost, but it can preserve the remaining hearing abilities that you still have. Those who cannot hear very clearly are less inclined to socialize. Subsequently, they engage in less stimulating discussions. If this pattern goes on over the course of several years, it can have a significantly negative effect on a person’s cognitive abilities. According to The Lancet, preventing or getting treatment for hearing loss can lower the likelihood of dementia by over 9%. The National Institute of Health is now providing funding for a study on the use of hearing aids and how it may slow cognitive decline in older individuals who have hearing loss due to their age. If you, or a loved one, are showing any signs of hearing loss, please contact us immediately at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. Our hearing instrument specialists will recommend the appropriate solutions for your hearing needs. Remember that the ability to hear is precious, so don’t wait until it’s gone to get treatment. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or an assistive listening device, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  There are a multitude of reasons why a person can lose some or all of their ability to hear, from birth or genetic conditions to a sustained injury.
In recent studies, there have been some cases where people who have severe headaches, particularly migraines, are more likely to encounter problems with their hearing. This research indicates that there is a more decisive relationship between migraines and sudden hearing loss. Anyone who experiences persistent or debilitating migraines, should regularly get a hearing test. Migraines can be its own problem, but when it simultaneously occurs with other conditions like hearing loss, the outcome can be relentless. Migraines Most people have never experienced a migraine headache. According to the National Institute of Health, about 12% of Americans suffer from migraines. Migraines can have much more severe symptoms than the average headache. These symptoms can be induced by alcohol consumption, dehydration, or fatigue. Here are some critical symptoms of migraines, or secondary headaches:
During a migraine, you may experience changes in your vision, which could range from blurry sights to seeing auras (bright spots or lines). Feeling pain on the side of your head is also a common symptom. Some migraines can be affected by sound rather than bright lights. Other migraines can be brought about due to stress or anxiety. The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Migraines Even though migraines can be their own separate problem, they can also lead to other health issues like hearing loss. In a study that was conducted by Egypt’s Assiut University Department of Neurology and Psychology, migraines are a neurological disease that can directly affect how the brain responds to sound over time. This could be the result of poor blood flow or lack thereof, due to the way in which migraines impact brain function. Hemiplegic migraines can be physically debilitating, and may be more likely to cause hearing loss. What Type of Hearing Loss can be caused by Migraines? Researchers from Assiut University and Taipei Veterans General Hospital found that people who suffered from migraines are about two times as likely to develop sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). This is a rapid form of hearing loss that can take place in one ear or both ears. It may occur gradually in the course of many days or it can happen immediately. SSHL does not have physical blockage. People who get migraines tend to experience SSHL. This implies that the connection between hearing loss and migraines needs more research. Migraines are obviously not the singular cause of hearing loss, but most people are unaware that it is a potential risk. Treating Hearing Loss that is caused by Migraines If you are currently experiencing migraines, including the type that amplifies sound, get treated for it. Getting help for your migraines might reduce or eliminate your chances of being diagnosed with SSHL. If you have migraines and hearing loss that occurs suddenly, get medical treatment right away. Sudden hearing loss can be caused by head injuries or infections. If you notice a loss in your ability to hear, you can talk to a hearing instrument specialist who will help you choose a hearing aid option that works best for you. Hearing aids can help to preserve the hearing abilities that you still have, while slowing or stopping it from getting worse down the road. Immediate treatment showed that 85% of individuals who have SSHL, can regain their hearing. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aids for a wide range of hearing loss. This is a friendly reminder that our offices are only open by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  Hearing loss diminishes a person’s speech perception, particularly when they are in busy settings. It is less known, however, as to why some people with normal hearing also experience difficulties with speech perception in noise (SPiN).
Some of the things that influence the ability of SPiN in adults who have normal hearing are top-down cognitive functions of attention, restriction and working memory. Restriction in the cognitive level could be considered as the capacity to suppress background noises in order to comprehend speech. Research on Sensory Inhibition to SPiN in Those with Healthy Hearing Inhibition of background noises exists at a bottom-up, sensory stage as a natural process. It functions, even while the listener is not fully paying attention. At this level, it’s viewed as fencing in sensory information that leads to cognitive centers. A lack of sensory inhibition might lead to an overload of auditory noise to reach cognitive centers, which can destroy these resources and cause a weak SPiN performance. In a study conducted by Julia Campbell, Ph.D., Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA, an assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders in the Central Sensory Processes Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin, she and her colleagues wanted to discover whether sensory inhibition correlated to SPiN ability in people with healthy hearing and identify hidden cortical inhibitory networks in this group. Test subjects were asked to view a silent film while being presented with identical sound pairs. They were instructed to not pay attention to the sound. Participants who had typical sensory gating, or inhibitory function, should display a large suppression and latency decrease of the CAEP S2 response compared to the CAEP S1 response as the repetitive sound is perceived as non-novel. They found this predicted response in participants who had typical SPiN, but not in participants who had mild SPiN deterioration, which was consistent with reduced sensory inhibition in this group. Campbell and her colleagues also noted that listeners who had mild SPiN deficits had atypical cortical inhibitory networks that underlie the gating response, which affected prefrontal, frontal and parietal cortical regions. All of these results indicated that people with normal hearing and mild SPiN damage might have decreased inhibition in the sensory level. This has shown that there is an insufficient and abnormal activation of cortical inhibitory networks. This absence of sensory inhibition might provide unnecessary noise to reach cognitive centers and impede speech perception. If you have difficulty with understanding speech, or if you, or others, are noticing that your own speech is slurred, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid brands including HANSATON, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Rexton, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices. |
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed