 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.
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 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.  It’s no secret that everyone’s hearing gets worse as they age. Usually, individuals have one ear that can hear better than the other. In some instances, hearing loss can abruptly occur in one ear for no reason. Under these circumstances, you may have experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), or sensorineural hearing loss (SHL), which is a type of nerve deafness.
According to Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, there are approximately 66,000 instances of SHL each year in the U.S. There are probably more cases because this condition frequently goes undiagnosed. Most people do not perceive it as being serious enough to get the help that they need. The lack of early intervention and care increases the chances of permanent hearing loss. Unexplained Causes The exact cause of SHL is unknown, but specialists who study this phenomenon have identified some potential reasons:
People of any age can experience this problem, but it usually affects people who are in their 50s or 60s. As previously mentioned, it normally occurs in one ear. You might hear a “pop”, or feel as though there is an obstruction in your ear. Oftentimes, your hearing won’t disappear all at once. There is a steady decline that happens within several minutes or hours, like when air seeps out from a tire. Other than hearing issues, SHL can influence your balance, which can increase your risk of falling. SHL may also be an indication of a small stroke or tumor. It tends to be overlooked because the symptoms resemble a common cold, feelings of impacted earwax, or water that’s trapped in the ear. Most people will try to treat it on their own by using a common cold or sinus medication, ear drops that swimmers use, or by simply cleaning their ears out. Mistaking it for an irritating ear that feels stuffy will cause some to leave it untreated until it’s too late. Distinguishing the Difference between a Stuffy Ear and SHL Here is something you can do to determine the difference between a common stuffy ear and sudden hearing loss: hum out loud to yourself. With normal hearing, sound can be heard equally by each ear. If you hum when you notice a new loss of hearing in one ear, the humming will transfer from one side to the other. For instance, let’s say that your left ear is affected and the hum is heard louder in that ear. The loss of hearing is more likely a conductive hearing loss, and probably caused by obstruction due to a cold or earwax buildup. You may simulate this effect by humming as you cover your left ear. If the humming sounds louder in the right ear, it indicates that the left ear with hearing loss is caused by recent nerve damage. This will need immediate medical attention. Getting Treatment The time period to get your SHL treated is 10 to 14 days. If it goes untreated, your hearing loss may become permanent. Get your hearing tested. You may not regain your full hearing abilities, but you may preserve the hearing abilities that you still have with proper treatment. If you have moderate to severe hearing loss, there’s only a 20% chance that you will completely recover from SHL, even when you get it treated immediately. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing SHL lasting more than 24-hours, immediately contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. If necessary, our hearing instrument specialists can offer a referral and they can go over hearing aid options.  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.  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.  Hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors. It’s important to note that adults are not the only people who are at risk. About 15 percent of adolescents from the ages of six to 19 experience hearing loss in at least one ear. If a child’s hearing loss goes untreated, it can negatively impact their reading abilities, social skills and performance in school. Even mild hearing loss can lead to missing up to 50 percent of class lessons and discussions. Parents need to be aware of hearing loss in their children and how to properly treat it.
Hearing Loss due to Environmental Factors According to the CDC, 25 percent of hearing loss in children is caused by their environment. The toys that they play with can surpass the 85 dB threshold that is deemed as safe a noise level. Also, children are curious and have a tendency to hold things like speakers up to their ears. The holidays have passed, and your children or grandchildren now have a surplus of toys to play with. You can find out whether a toy surpasses the 85 dB threshold by using a decibel reading app. Some popular toys and their noise levels have been tested. Here’s a list of the Top 15 Noisiest Toys:
If any of these toys were given to your children or grandchildren, consider returning and replacing them with a quieter toy. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and need hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and free hearing aid trial.  Have you made your New Year’s resolution yet? Before you ring in the new year, consider these solutions for your hearing health.
1. Protect Your Hearing Health One out of three people living in the U.S. experience noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Damaged sensory cells (hair cells) located in the inner ear (cochlea), lead to NIHL. Exposure to loud noise causes permanent damage to the hair cells and they are eventually destroyed. Hair cells cannot regrow after they die. Noise can harm your hearing if it is too loud and if you are exposed to it for an extensive period of time. Here are three ways to protect your hearing health:
2. Stop Smoking Smokers are nearly two times more likely to experience hearing loss than non-smokers. If you are a non-smoker who lives with a smoker, you are also more likely to develop hearing loss. Smoking affects a person’s hearing when the nicotine and carbon monoxide found in cigarettes restrict the amount of blood flow, which prevents the circulation of oxygen to your inner ear. Insufficient blood flow could lead to lasting damage to your ear's sensory cells 3. Regular Exercise Your overall health is vital to healthy hearing. Engaging in regular exercises can reduce the risks of chronic illnesses and additional risks to your hearing. Anyone who is overweight is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Those with diabetes are two times more likely to experience hearing loss. Being overweight makes the heart work harder to sufficiently circulate blood to the rest of the body. This includes the ears. High blood glucose levels can lead to damaged blood vessels in the inner ear. 4. Get a Hearing Test Getting a hearing test is the first step to identifying whether you have hearing loss. Just like any health concern, getting your hearing loss treated early can improve your overall quality of life. This includes:
 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.  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.  Being exposed to sounds that are at least 85 decibels (dB) can damage your hearing health. The average food blender emits 88 dB. Driving through a car wash can expose you to 89 dB. A gas-powered lawn mower can reach up to 96 dB. Most of your favorite sports areas (football, hockey, etc.) or bars/restaurants can surpass safe noise levels.
Discover what your hearing thresholds are. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is measured by the decibel level plus the amount of time that you are exposed to the noise. Using your blender should be relatively safe unless you are using it non-stop for several hours. Volume Levels plus the Exposure Time can put Risks to Your Hearing Health It is recommended that you can only expose yourself to eight hours of noise at 85 dB. For every five dB after that amount of time, you should cut the time in half. For example, if you decide to go to a concert or football stadium where the noise levels reach 100 dB, it is advised to leave within half an hour. Unfortunately, the majority of people risk losing their hearing instead. Wear earplugs if you are going to stay in these spaces for an extended period of time. You can always measure the decibel levels of the areas that you are in. Starkey’s SoundCheck app can be used on your smartphone to make sure the noise levels are safe. NIHL is the only preventable type of hearing loss. Click here for more information on how to protect your hearing health by selecting proper hearing protection. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, 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 issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before stopping in at one of our office locations.  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. Hearing Loss: Categories, Causes, Symptoms, Statistics & the Dangers of Not Getting Treatment10/23/2020  Hearing loss can occur in one ear or both ears. The scope of hearing loss can be mild to severe, or profound. There are a number of causes. Anyone, of any age, can experience it, but it is prevalent among people who are at least 60 years of age.
Fortunately, there are a number of solutions for hearing loss, which include hearing aids. By learning more about symptoms, causes, tests, treatments and prevention of hearing loss, you can get a clearer picture of how it affects your loved ones who you interact with. Statistics on Hearing Loss
Uncommonly known Risks of Hearing Loss Hearing loss not only affects the person who experiences it, but also the people who you interact with. Hearing loss that goes untreated influences your overall health and well-being. As mentioned in previous blog posts, studies have proven that those with hearing loss are more likely to suffer from cognitive decline, depression and social isolation. Individuals with hearing loss tend to have higher medical bills for other health related problems and a greater risk of falling. Those with hearing loss have been associated with higher rates of unemployment and lower wages earned at their jobs, due to the inability of accurately accomplishing tasks. Hearing Loss Symptoms Symptoms of hearing loss are unique for everyone. It depends on the cause of hearing loss, the type of hearing loss, and the severity of the loss. Those with presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) are more likely to experience high-frequency hearing loss. This means that sounds that are higher in pitch, like women’s or children’s voices, might be more difficult to hear. These are general symptoms of hearing loss:
Categories of Hearing Loss There are three primary types of hearing loss:
Hearing Loss Causes There are a number of reasons why hearing loss can occur. Your hearing healthcare provider needs to determine what is causing your hearing loss in order to give you the proper treatment. Risks of Hearing Loss
Uncommon Causes of Hearing Loss
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 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 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.  Have you ever heard the seemingly incessant sounds of a child screaming, thumping music from a teenager’s bedroom, someone who was vacuuming an entire house, or never-ending traffic noises? On a typical day, you might hear a lawnmower, barking dogs, loud sirens, or workers at a construction site.
Harmful Sounds in Your Environment Noise pollution is dangerous because it’s invisible. Most people don’t have a second thought about it. Without the proper precautions, it can be harmful to your hearing health and - in some cases - unavoidable. Define Noise Pollution Noise pollution occurs when there is excess noise that is so loud that it can damage a person’s ability to hear. As a result, their daily activities can be interrupted, whether at home, school, work, or during their downtime. Noise Pollution is a Serious Problem About 30 million Americans are regularly exposed to dangerous levels of noise. This is an increase of 10 million from the previous few years. There are millions across the globe who are affected by noise pollution. Most Common Sources of Noise Pollution This mainly depends on where you live, what your job is, and what your hobbies are. A construction worker who lives in a bustling city and regularly takes the subway is more likely to hear a lot of noise pollution than a bank teller who lives in a quiet neighborhood and typically drives alone. Generally, these are the leading sources of noise pollution.
How does noise pollution affect your health? Do you ever feel annoyed when you hear a car alarm? How about the wailing sound of an emergency siren? It’s normal to hear all of these sounds at once in large cities. It’s stress-inducing, and experiencing recurring stress is not good for your health. The noise can be distracting, harm the health of your hearing, and lead to a poor night’s sleep which affects your ability to function throughout the day. Chronic noise in your environment can lead to sleep deprivation, irritation, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), heart disease, harm to your endocrine system, higher risks of diabetes. The following are related to excessive exposure to noise:
Noise Pollution Awareness Noise pollution is just beginning to be made aware of, in addition to how it affects your hearing and overall health. There are some organizations that are working to make the world safer and quieter. Silencity, a New York City-based organization, increases awareness on the dangers of noise pollution and searches for restaurants and public areas where people can have a quiet and safe visit. Pipedown, a UK-based organization, works to eliminate music inside of restaurants and shops. Noise-free America advocates for both political and public awareness on the harmfulness of noise pollution. Protect Your Hearing from Noise Pollution Stronger initiatives to decrease noise pollution are needed in every bustling city. Here are some tips to protect your hearing and health against harmful noise pollution.
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 vast selection of hearing aid brands and styles for a wide range of hearing loss. 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. 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.  Each of our senses is used throughout our daily lives. If you remove one, things can drastically change. For example, with hearing loss, some conversations become more challenging to hear. Music that you once enjoyed may sound different, which is frustrating to someone with a hearing impairment.
Hearing loss is prevalent in workers, notably in workers who are exposed to dangerous noise levels in their work environment. As frequently mentioned in previous blog posts, unsafe noise levels are 85 decibels (dB) or higher. When someone needs to shout in order to communicate with a person who is an arm’s length away (approximately 3 ft.), those people are probably being exposed to very dangerous noise levels that may harm their hearing. Exposure to these unsafe noise levels and/or chemicals that impair hearing may induce occupational hearing loss or hearing loss that is connected to the work environment. Hearing Loss in the Fields of Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, and Hunting Risks of hearing loss development differ based on industry. A study was conducted to gather data on the pervasiveness of hearing loss in noise-exposed workers in the Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, and Hunting sector 2003-2012. This study examined the number of workers in this industry’s subdivision that had “material hearing impairment”, or Auditory Neuropathy. Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, and Hunting are among the top industries that have workers exposed to hazardous noise that can cause hearing loss. That’s 37% of workers who are exposed compared to 25% of workers in all of the other industries combined. Hearing loss within Forestry and Logging, a subdivision in the sector, is even more prevalent. Employees in this subdivision had a greater percentage of hearing loss (21%) than every noise-exposed industry combined (19%). Another study discovered that just 7% of non-noise-exposed workers reported difficulty with hearing. A worker’s tasks in the Forestry and Logging subdivision include:
The labor that is associated with these efforts, for instance, unlatching cables that are used to hold and move logs, expose workers to approximately 92 dBA. Using a chainsaw exposes workers to approximately 91-110 dBA. This makes up some of the highest noise exposures within this industry’s workers. The total average exposures in some professions range between 97-102 dBA. Exposure to these noises, and others, contribute to more instances of hearing loss in this industry. Under Forestry, Logging, Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products had the most widespread cases of hearing loss (36%). This illustrates the highest prevalence within the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting industries. How to Establish a Safe Work Environment for Hearing Health In order to prevent workers from losing their ability to hear, start by decreasing the noise at the source. Here are other ways to create a safer work environment for employees’ hearing health:
There are also activities in Forestry and Logging that expose workers to vibrations, which may contribute to risks of hearing loss through changes in blood flow in the inner ear. Vibration exposure can be diminished by regularly maintaining equipment and using anti-vibration chainsaws and gloves. If you, or a loved one, are in need of a hearing test and hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing. 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.  There was a rate of more than 55 percent of noise-induced hearing loss among Mexican employees in a cement factory, according to a recent study conducted in Mexico. In other areas of the factory, the rate reached up to 85 percent. Out of those workers, 70 percent had binaural hearing loss and 30 percent endured diminished ability to hear in one ear.
The ranges of hearing loss were between 20-30 dB to over 60 dB. There was 72 percent of employees who had binaural hearing loss between 20-30 dB at 4000 Hertz. The employees were between the ages of 18 to 55. The number of years that they worked in the factory ranged between 1 to 31. Years Worked and Subsequent Relevance The number of years was an important factor in the study. Individuals who worked between 1 to 7 years were slightly less likely to endure any range hearing loss than those who worked between 8 to 31 years. The first group showed a risk of 50 percent, and the second group had a rate of approximately 70 percent. In the crushing, crude milling, and cement milling areas, there were noise levels that reached over 90 dB. The greatest percentage of workers who had hearing damage, at 85 percent, were those in the calcination area. Even though this was not the loudest environment, employees needed to navigate through all of the other areas before arriving in this area. What is the Effect of Decibels? The study indicated that 65 percent of employees who were exposed to noise levels that reached over 90 dB, suffered from hearing loss. Among these individuals who were exposed to noise levels from 85 to 90 dB, 44 percent had problems with their hearing. Hearing Protections that need to be Implemented Being a loud work environment is dangerous to your hearing. An 8-hour workday with exposure to 85 dB, is the highest noise level permitted in the workplace. Employers must provide hearing protection for employees and hearing evaluations. Steps should be taken at the noise source and other regulations should be enforced in order to reduce noise levels in the workplace if the suggested maximum noise levels are exceeded. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing work-related noise-induced hearing loss, or any other type of hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a number of hearing aid solutions that can be programmed for your specific 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 ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your face 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, please contact us before visiting one of our office locations.  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.  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.  Being infected with the mumps can last for a couple of weeks, but there are lifelong side effects - specifically for your hearing health. There has been a rise of this virus since 2015. In the winter of 2019, an onset of this virus in the Northeastern region of the U.S. urged public health officials to advise parents to vaccinate their children and themselves in order to slow down the spread of this disease.
The Mumps The mumps are part of the same family of viruses that are known to produce measles and a number of respiratory infections. It can quickly spread from person to person via infected saliva - so when a person coughs or sneezes. It usually takes up to two weeks for a person to show signs of illness after they’ve been exposed. The symptoms of Mumps
What complications can occur? Other than hearing loss, the mumps can lead to inflammation and swelling in the brain (including membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord), breasts, ovaries, pancreas and testicles. Most of these problems are very uncommon. How can the mumps induce hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the more startling symptoms of the mumps. It’s still uncertain as to how exactly mumps cause hearing loss. Some specialists believe that it can lead to a damaged cochlea - the snail-shaped structure inside your ear that stores the stereocilia and stria vascularis. The stereocilia, A.K.A. the tiny hair cells, convert sound waves into nerve impulses. The brain then interprets those signals as sound. The stria vascularis circulates blood to the inner ear. The auditory nerves may also become damaged, which can affect a person’s ability to hear. Anyone who experiences hearing loss due to side effects of mumps probably have sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss usually occurs in one ear, which is known as unilateral hearing loss or single-sided deafness (SSD). Normally, this type of hearing loss is reversible, but if left untreated it can become severe and permanent. A child can lose most of their ability to hear in one ear. Measle and rubella may also induce sensorineural hearing loss. Healthy hearing can’t be restored, but there are ways to help with hearing and communication: Hearing aids: These devices might be useful if you experience mild-to-moderate hearing loss. A hearing instrument specialist can help you choose the best hearing aid style and brand that works best with you and your lifestyle. Bone-anchored hearing devices: These could be a possible solution if you experience SSD. This is a surgically embedded electrode array device that circumvents the damaged cochlea, and creates a direct stimulation of the auditory nerve. American Sign Language (ASL): This is a language that has its own grammar and syntax. It utilizes body language, facial expressions and hand gestures. Cued speech: This is a type of sign language that utilizes hand gestures and mouth shapes. Hearing loss that is caused by mumps is uncommon. Studies show that 1 - 4% of those who are infected with mumps end up with hearing loss. Prevent the Mumps The best way to prevent getting the mumps is through immunization. Discuss vaccinations for your children and adults in your family who haven’t had the mumps yet and have not received a vaccination - or are in need of a booster shot. Mumps is a disease that arises during childhood. Parents are recommended to get their children immunized between 12-15 months of age, a booster shot at 4-6 years of age and another booster during their teenage years. The vaccine is usually given to a child three times - around a child’s first birthday, when they reach kindergarten, and again during high school or college. The final booster is vital. Studies have shown that anyone who only had one or two mumps vaccines were at higher risk of getting the mumps than those who received all three boosters. Anyone who was born prior to 1957, and has not had the mumps should talk to their primary healthcare physician about receiving an immunization, particularly if they are frequently in a high-risk environment - like a hospital or school, or near the epicenter of a current mumps outbreak. Do you speculate about hearing loss? If you, or a family member, are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid devices from top name brands. 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. What can Parents do to Protect Their Children’s Hearing Health When Frequently Using Headphones?8/10/2020  When it comes to hearing health, the volume isn’t the only factor to take into consideration. The length of time spent listening to audio should also be of concern.
Kids are constantly wearing their headphones these days. It’s become more prevalent since everyone has been home in quarantine. Due to families being together more often under one roof, everyone still needs their own space. Many will resort to listening to music or podcasts with headphones, or earbuds. Listening at a loud volume, for too long, can deteriorate your ability to hear. Use appropriate safety measures to avoid hearing loss, challenges with communication, tinnitus, feelings of fullness in the ear, sensitivity to sound and physical pain. Unfortunately, hearing protection has not been more widely taught to people. You can learn from the lifestyles of older generations who now experience hearing loss. Many people are more concerned about their children’s screen time, appropriate social media usage, and video games. Your doctor may be more concerned about smokers in your home, the amount of TV that is watched, their diet and exercise routines. They never show concern for volume levels of their audio or how often kids use headphones. Hearing tests are generally not conducted when you go to a doctor’s visit unless you specifically ask for one. If your kids wear headphones while playing video games or listening to music, and they can’t hear anything that you say, that means the volume is too loud. How safe are headphones designed for children? Headphones for children are generally not safe for children to use. The highest volume that they can reach up to is 85 decibels (dB). The dangerous exposure levels do not simply depend on the intensity, but also the duration and frequency. Time and volume levels are both important to take into account. The 85 dB is used as one of the few ways to regulate noise. Some headphones that are marketed for children - the devices that have volume limits and promote their safety - highlight the comfort of the ear pads and lengthy battery life, so that they can wear them all day long. So while it’s supposedly safe to turn the volume up, it is the consistent amount of time exposed to the significantly lower volume that damages your hearing health. Safe measurements to listening The amount of safe listening is different for each person. On average, the safe limit for the majority of headphone users for an unlimited amount of listening time is 70 dB. Brian Fligor, Ph.D., a pediatric audiologist in Boston and Rick Neitzel, Ph.D., an associate professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Michigan. Both Dr. Fligor and Dr. Neitzel consulted the World Health Organization’s Make Listening Safe program, which increases awareness of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). If you are exposed to noise for eight hours per day, a generous limit would be 83 dB, but 75 dB is more reasonable. Dr. Fligor suggests that a strict maximum recommendation may turn people off from well-meaning advice. Sound waves are not steady. They ebb and flow with various frequencies, harmonics and reverberations. Noise exposure is cumulative. If a child loves to use their headphones and also plays an instrument, mows the lawn or strikes on pots and pans, their dosage of noise goes up. You can make your child wear protective earmuffs or even earplugs for older children. Earplugs for younger children could be a choking hazard. It is impossible to predict whose ears can withstand the noise and whose ears cannot. According to Bryan Pollard, the president of Hyperacusis Research, which funds research on noise-induced pain, the same amount of noise may have no impact on some people and cause severe hearing damage to others. Damage caused by consistent low-level noise, just like gradual hearing loss caused by natural aging (presbycusis) can come about without warning. Each person has to decide for themself how much of their hearing that they are willing to risk. How can you determine if you are destroying your ears? Unfortunately, it’s typically difficult to know until it is much too late. Shifts in your ability to hear can happen slowly, and you aren’t going to know which noise that you become exposed to winds up permanently damaging hearing health. Hearing loss does not simply mean that sounds get quieter. Communicating becomes more challenging. Sounds can be heard but may become distorted. Speech noises can be unclear or muffled; music may sound dull for harsh. Conversations with others can turn into a frustrating and stressful endeavor. Tinnitus, a perceived beeping, buzzing, or ringing noise, affects 10 to 20 percent of the population. It normally takes less noise exposure to induce tinnitus than hearing loss. Tinnitus is more difficult to manage than hearing loss. It’s usually accompanied by feelings of pressure or a blockage in the ear, known as aural fullness. A symptom of hearing loss that’s even worse than tinnitus is hyperacusis. This is when sounds become so sensitive to you, that surrounding noises seem unbearable. It can become so progressive that the simple clinking noise of your dishes during a meal can induce a lingering pain in your ears. Parenting advice on making listening safer for children Make sure you cannot hear sounds seeping through your children’s headphones. If you can, that means it’s too loud. Also, occasionally check the volume levels or utilize a lock to control them. Your child should be able to hear from you whenever you speak to them. Make sure that they take intervals between listening. You can use noise-canceling headphones. They get rid of background noises, for example, while sitting through a car ride. Your child will be able to hear without the need to increase the volume level. These headphones are not to be mistaken for volume-limiting headphones or earmuffs that block out noise. Those are different accessories that are used in different situations. At least every three years, children should get a hearing test. Standard audiograms and a speech-in-noise test can identify prospective issues. Also, if you notice that your child is responding with, “What?” too frequently, then it’s probably time to get them tested for their hearing. Any signs of ear symptoms, even if they are temporary, are not to be taken lightly. If your child experiences tinnitus (beeping, buzzing, ringing noise with no outside source), hearing muffled sounds, feelings of fullness in the ear, fluttering, sensitivity to sounds, hearing sounds that are distorted, or pain these are all warnings of impending hearing loss. Get help immediately. Hearing loss can quickly happen, and it’s best to get treatment as soon as possible to avoid or slow down any further loss. If you, or a loved one, are in need of a free hearing test and consultation, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids. We offer a variety of hearing aids for individuals of all ages. This is a friendly reminder that our offices are only open by appointment and for essential visits at this time. An essential visit includes new hearing fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. We kindly ask that you 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 retrieve 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.  The progress of research on coronavirus has been swift, but there is still so much that is unknown about the virus. One of the unanswered questions are the possible long-term side-effects for anyone with the disease.
There is more and more information which shows that COVID-19 isn’t just a lung infection. There might be long-term consequences to an infected person’s health, other than their respiratory system. This includes health problems with their cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems. There may be suggestions for health regimens that may appear to be unrelated to COVID-19. For instance, there have been reports of blood clots, digestive issues, headaches and an inflammation appearance of the COVID toe. Research, and past cases, has shown that viruses like the measles, meningitis and mumps may induce hearing loss. COVID-19 can induce peripheral neuropathy - deteriorating the nerves that transmit information to and from the brain. Theoretically, COVID-19 may lead to auditory neuropathy - a hearing disease in which the cochlea continues to function but the transmission along the auditory nerve to the brain is damaged. Individuals who experience auditory neuropathy have trouble hearing if there is too much background noise, like in a bar or restaurant. There has been a connection between auditory neuropathy and Guillain-Barré syndrome - a severe immune disease that impacts the central and peripheral nerves. The coronavirus has also been linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Low Evidence, but Preparation is Necessary News reports on hearing loss and COVID-19 have so far been unproven. It is crucial not to diagnose hearing loss where it doesn’t exist, or where it’s coincidental based on the high rates of the virus among the population. The research could reveal the beginning of our understanding of this health issue. It’s important to be prepared in order to act accordingly. A physician in Manchester, England, surveyed COVID-19 patients following their release from the hospital. Three out of 25 patients have reported issues with their 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 wide variety of hearing aid solutions for your individual needs. These include hearing aids from 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.  Tinnitus is the perceived sound of incessant buzzing, clicking, hissing, ringing or whistling noises.
Are you one of the millions of people across the globe who experience tinnitus? If so, you are well aware of how it affects every aspect of your daily life. If untreated, this condition can result in depression and stress. According to the American Tinnitus Association, there are millions of Americans who suffer from tinnitus. With a vast number of people who experience these symptoms, it’s important to discredit any false information. Learning about the facts of tinnitus can guide you to find the appropriate treatments that can help to reduce symptoms and improve your overall health. Myth #1: Tinnitus is a disease. Tinnitus is a symptom of a hidden medical condition, NOT a disease. Brain damage, dangerous noise levels, heart disease, or a traumatic brain injury can all cause tinnitus. Tinnitus, which can lead to hearing loss, can be induced by certain medications. There is currently no known cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments that can help reduce the symptoms. Myth #2: Tinnitus is not real. Some might think that the symptoms of tinnitus are imagined, or that it’s just all in their head. There aren’t any tests that will indicate that you have tinnitus, but that doesn’t make the symptoms any less real. There are millions of people across the globe who suffer from mild to severe cases of tinnitus. Myth #3: I can’t do anything about my tinnitus symptoms. There is ongoing research and the treatments are always changing and getting better. A hearing healthcare specialist can provide solutions to help treat your symptoms and make them more manageable. Myth #4: Only people who have hearing loss can get tinnitus. Even though it’s true that people who experience hearing loss can also suffer from tinnitus, a person can also get tinnitus if they do not have hearing loss. Exposure to blaring noises from concerts, an explosion, or loud machinery, may lead to experiencing a brief ringing sensation in the ears. As previously mentioned, there are certain medications that can induce tinnitus. Even if you do not believe that you have hearing loss, it’s still a good idea to get a check up from a hearing healthcare provider. Myth #5: Tinnitus will disappear if I have a healthier diet. Some have made claims that additives and food, like alcohol, caffeine and sodium can make symptoms of tinnitus, worse. Consuming any of these items is typically not the main cause of tinnitus. Your overall health requires a balanced diet, exercise, and adequate sleep. Your tinnitus has to be treated individually. Reducing symptoms of tinnitus MIGHT include changes to your diet and exercise routines, but they will not cure you of your symptoms. Myth #6: Everyone who has tinnitus will end up going deaf. Even though tinnitus and hearing loss usually occur together, they are two separate syndromes. If you have tinnitus, it does not mean that you also have hearing loss. If you have some hearing loss, it does not automatically indicate that you will be completely deaf. Hearing aid devices can simultaneously help to keep your residual hearing intact and help drown out tinnitus symptoms. Myth #7: Hearing aids cannot help relieve tinnitus. The latest advancements in hearing aids, actually can tackle the problems of tinnitus and hearing loss by enhancing external sounds. This masks internal sounds caused by tinnitus. Other methods of tinnitus relief may include better diets, exercise, meditation, and managing stress. Myth #8: Tinnitus is only caused by listening to loud music, or media, through earbuds. Listening to music at dangerous noise levels can lead to tinnitus, but there can be other causes. Tinnitus can affect anyone, but there isn’t always a clear reason. The risks are not eliminated, simply because you don’t regularly listen to loud music/media or listen to these things through earbuds. Myth #9: There’s no harm in having tinnitus. Usually tinnitus is harmless. For some, it can be a sign for an underlying health issue, like acoustic neuroma, heart disease or high blood pressure. Don’t ignore the symptoms. Get checked out for it. For anyone who has tinnitus that is severe, chronic and/or causes distress, it can reduce their quality of life, and affect personal and professional relationships. There have been cases where some people’s tinnitus symptoms have led them to experience suicidal thoughts. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing tinnitus, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a consultation. We offer a wide variety of hearing aid solutions that can be tailored to your specific needs by our hearing instrument specialists. 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.  About 78 percent of farmers in the U.S. believe that they experience hearing loss. This is a much higher number of individuals compared to other groups.
Working on a farm every day exposes workers to noises from heavy machinery, squealing pigs, tractors and ventilation systems. As a result, farmers are at a high risk of losing their hearing. Excessive Levels of Noise are Heard on a Daily Basis A study asked 5,000 farmers about their hearing over a course of 10 years. The research concluded that 92 percent of these farmers had been exposed to excessive levels of noise while working on a farm. Due to this dangerous exposure, 78 percent had issues with their hearing. What are the Average Farm Noise Levels? As previously mentioned in this blog, the threshold for hearing loss is 85 decibels (dB).
A Lack of Hearing Protection Anyone who works in a noisy environment should regularly wear hearing protection. In the study, only 44 percent of men stated that they regularly use hearing protection. In Sweden, 40 percent of male farmers reported using protection for their hearing. About 78 percent of women who farmed were more likely to use hearing protection. These studies verified how significant it is to wear protection for your hearing health. Fifty farmers who regularly use protection for their hearing, were paired up with non-users. The outcome showed that there was much less hearing loss in farmers who wore hearing protection. Additional ways to Protect Hearing Other than wearing hearing protection, it’s also important to limit your noise exposure. According to Niklas Adolfsson, from the Swedish Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, noises can be reduced on farms by installing sound insulation inside of a barn and choosing the quietest equipment when investing in tools/machinery. Other Effects The loud noise levels do not only create a high risk of hearing loss, but they can also be a huge distraction, which can lead to mental and physical fatigue. Anyone who has hearing loss, needs to use more of their energy in order to carry out their duties. In this case, farmers tend to expend more energy so that they can do their job in a noisy climate. This can lead to more work related injuries. If you, or someone that you know, are a Lancaster County farmer who experiences 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 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.  It is common knowledge that overeating is unhealthy, especially over a long period of time. Obesity is a major health condition that is not only linked to diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease, but it is also a factor that can cause hearing loss. Out of about 48 million Americans, roughly 20 percent of the population have hearing loss. In adults it’s almost twice that number. Approximately 93 million Americans are obese. This is a serious health concern.
The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Obesity Studies have indicated that there is a link between obesity and hearing loss, but that precise connection is still being studied. It is hypothesized that the connection between the two factors affects the circulatory system. Hearing loss has also been associated with diabetes and high blood pressure - two other factors that are tied to obesity. Ears detect sound with stereocilia, tiny hairs located in the inner ears. Stereocilia require a steady flow of blood and oxygen in order to properly function. Obesity causes the blood flow to become restricted. As a result, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood throughout the entire body. This will cause your inner ears to not function properly, due to the lack of blood flow. This can cause irreversible damage to the ear. Diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure impact the inner ear in a similar way: each of these diseases adversely affects your circulation. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital as you get older. Age-related hearing loss is connected to a high fat mass index. During adolescence, your body’s metabolism was more efficient and worked quickly. This is why it’s important to try and keep up with healthy eating habits that were followed at a younger age. Your hearing health, and general health will benefit from a healthy diet and exercise. Obesity, Hearing Loss, and Treatment If your hearing loss was caused by obesity, you won’t get it back, but it’s good to maintain hearing health precautions and take care of your overall health to preserve the hearing abilities that you still have. Get your hearing tested to determine your range of hearing loss. Permanent damage to your hearing may be treated with a hearing aid or assistive listening device. If your hearing loss is not too severe, talk to your doctor before your health gets worse. You can ask for suggestions to make an exercise and diet plan to reduce the impact of obesity on your hearing health and overall well being. Your doctor will most likely recommend a cardio intensive exercise routine, which will circulate your blood and improve your general health. You will probably benefit from this by having better mental health, which can help reduce depression. Preventing Obesity-Related Hearing Loss Maintain a healthy diet and regularly exercise to avoid obesity-related health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Following a healthy diet will keep your hearing healthy in check. You can talk to a nutritionist to help you achieve these goals. The nutritionist will encourage you to consume foods with the proper balance of nutrients. These will include foods that are high in iron. A lack of iron in your diet can worsen your hearing loss and lead to tinnitus. 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. |
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