Feb
24
2009
0

Hearing Difficulties-Hearing Impairment

Learn about hearing impairment, and how commonly it occurs in those aged 65 and above.

Maintaining our balance and allowing us to hear are the two primary functions of our ears. Although our balance seldom fails us as we grow older our hearing, for almost all of us, does become impaired.

  difficulty hearing on telephone

During our lives we all experience loud noises at times by accident, and we may even seek such damagingly intense sounds by attending loud music events or using headphones at sound levels which are unsafe. Whatever is the cause, most us us will experience a loss of hearing ability as we age. In fact, one of three adults over the age of 65 has a hearing loss and half of seniors over the age of 75 have a hearing loss. Such loss is commonly due to over-exposure to noise, heredity or both.

You are most likely to have hearing loss if you experience one or more of the following:-

1) If you notice everyone sounds muffled.

2) The words you think you have heard make no or little sense

3) Despite paying attention to a speaker you find you must repeatedly request that things be repeated more clearly

4) Often need to turn up the volume on your TV or radio.

Should you have answered yes to one or more of the above, we suspect that you will also be tending not to seek to engage in discussions when a number of people are involved, in the way you did once. If so, and both some of 1 to 4 above and this are true, then there is a very high possibility that you are suffering hearing loss. Damage within the cochlea is the most common cause of hearing difficulties. The cochlea is the coiled structure within the inner ear within which hearing takes place. Exposure to loud sounds, that is noise at above 85 decibels is damaging to the cochlea after a period of time. A common way to show decibels when written is to refer in text to ‘dBs’.

Other frequent causes of loss of hearing can be:-

1) Infections of the ear

2) Abnormal bone growths

3) Tumours of the outer or middle ear

4) Ear drum damage (usually by rupturing).

Auditory Neuropathy, Meniere’s Disease, Noise Ostosclerosis and Usher’s Syndrome, are other causes of full or partial deafness which can strike at any age.

In all just three basic three hearing impairments result, as follows:-

A) Conductive Loss of Hearing

In this type of hearing failure such problems as excess fluid build-up, earwax, disease, foreign particles or lack of proper formation of the middle or outer-ear parts all may take place, and the result is an inability of the outer ear to pass the sound vibrations into the sensing pint in the cochlea.

B) Sensor and or Neural Hearing Impairment

This type of hearing damage sounds complicated but is easily described as any defect in the inner-ear. Lumped ito this category are also all difficulties experienced within the brain in interpreting the sound signals when these are relayed neurally.

C) Combination of Hearing Problems

Combine A) and B) and as above, we now have our three possible types, now that we have included this possibility.

Of the three possible forms of hearing loss, this is the final type.

Whether hearing loss occurs in one or both ears, the extent of the deterioration in audible ability may be different in each ear, and may vary with time. Inner ear infections can cause a rapid onset of partial, or complete, deafness.

This article is not written by a qualified medic. On no account must this article be interpreted as advice, for which your medical expert or doctor must be approached for a resolution of your problem.

By Steve Last
Published: 10/11/2007

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Feb
19
2009
0

Meniere’s Disease and Tinnitus

Also known as idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops, Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the ear. Read on to know more about this disease.

Meniere’s Disease

Named after the French physician Prosper Meniere, Meniere’s disease is a problem that is associated with the fluid balancing regulating system in the inner ear. Generally, it is defined as the symptom complex of episodic vertigo (sensation of whirling and spinning), tinnitus (ringing, roaring and hissing that usually occurs in one ear), aural pressure (feeling of pressure in the concerned ear) and fluctuating hearing loss. There is a pattern involved here, which is usually a sensation of pressure build up in one ear with increasing tinnitus and a drop in hearing. After this happens, the vertigo comes quite suddenly and may last for a few hours to several days. It is only once the vertigo attack is over that the hearing improves.
experts on menieres disease
What are the symptoms associated with Meniere’s disease?

One of the most weakening symptoms of Meniere’s disease is vertigo, which can lead to vomiting, severe nausea and sweating. All of these symptoms can come with a little or no warning at all.

Apart from this, some individuals who suffer from Meniere’s disease have attacks that begin with tinnitus, a loss of hearing or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear. All these symptoms are experienced at varying frequencies, intensities and durations. Some other symptoms associated with Meniere’s disease are headache, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.

How is the diagnosis for Meniere’s disease made?

To make a diagnosis, the physician will take a history of the duration, frequency, severity and character of your attacks. He/she might also inquire about whether the hearing loss has been changing and if you have had tinnitus or fullness on either of both ears. The physician would also like to know whether you have a history of mumps, syphilis, inflammation of the eyes, an autoimmune disorder or allergy or ear surgery in the past. You might also be questioned about your general health, such as whether you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and thyroid or any neurologic or emotional disorders. Once the physician has completed the questioning, he/she will conduct diagnostic tests to check you balance functions and hearing.

The tests may include:

Test for Balance

To test balance the physician may perform Electronystagmograph (ENG). In this procedure, recording electrodes are placed near the eyes in a darkened room. After they have been placed in the above manner, warm and cool air is gently introduced into each ear canal. Using this procedure, the eye movements can be used to test the balance system since the eyes and ears work in coordination through the nervous system. Rotational testing or balance platform may also be used to evaluate the balance system.

Test for Hearing

To test hearing an audiometric examination is used. This test typically indicates a sensory type of hearing loss in the affected ear. If the ear is affected, speech discrimination is often diminished.

Other Tests

Some other tests that may be conducted to make the diagnosis, they are:

  • Computer Tomography (CT)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Electrocochleography (ECoG) which is used to indicate increased inner ear fluid pressure in a few cases of Meniere’s disease
  • Auditory brain response (ABR) which is a computerized test used to test the hearing nerves and brain pathway

What is the treatment for Meniere’s disease?

Sadly there is no cure for Meniere’s disease, but irrespective of that the symptoms can be controlled successfully by reducing the body’s retention of fluids through dietary changes (which include low-salt or salt-free and no caffeine or alcohol) or medication. Eliminating tobacco and reducing stress levels also help lessen the severity of the symptoms.

Apart for the treatments mentioned above there are different surgical procedures that have been advocated for patients who have persistent, debilitating vertigo from Meniere’s disease. One such surgical treatment is Labyrinthectomy, in which the inner ear sense organ is removed. This procedure can control vertigo but is reserved for patients who have nonfunctional hearing in the affected ear. Vestibular neurectomy; is another such treatment in which a nerve from the affected ear is selectively severed. This procedure usually controls vertigo while preserving the hearing but also carries risks associated with the surgery.

What should I do when I get an attack?

During an attack, it is advisable to lie flat on a surface keeping your eyes aimed at an object that is stationary. Do not eat or drink much at this stage. When you feel that the symptoms have gone away, get up slowly. At this time you may want to sleep for several hours. Remember to call your doctor if you keep vomiting for more than 24 hours and are not able to keep down any liquids.

By Rachna Gupta
Published: 3/11/2008

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Feb
19
2009
0

Tinnitus Medicine-Medical Treatments

Do you hear a ringing sound in your ears for a long time? This ringing sound in ears is known as tinnitus. To know about the treatment for tinnitus and other important facts, read more…

If you think tinnitus is a disease, then let me make it clear that it is not. It is a symptom of diseases such as ear infection, hearing loss etc. Sometimes, we hear a "whooshing" sound of wind or waves in our ears. This is known as tinnitus. It originates in the head as well as in the ear. In some patients, it takes the form of buzzing, hissing, humming or other high-pitched sounds. Sometimes, due to excessive wax in our ears, tinnitus is likely to occur.
hope for tinnitus sufferers
According to a recent research, approximately 36 million Americans suffer from this disorder. Tinnitus can occur in any of the part of the ear, such as the outer ear, middle ear or inner ear, and the brain.

Causes of Tinnitus

There are many causes of tinnitus. Mostly, tinnitus occurs due to damage in the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve. Injury to this nerve may lead to hearing loss too. An old person usually suffers from certain amount of hearing nerve impairment. However, in case of youth, loud noise can be the leading cause of tinnitus. Besides this, there are other causes that may lead to ringing in the ear, such as a blow on the head, frequent use of certain drugs for headaches, anemia, noise exposure, stress etc.

Treatment for Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common medical disorder that can occur to a person in any phase of his/her life. Therefore, it is better to take precautionary measures for tinnitus. The treatments for tinnitus are mentioned below:

Use of Ear Plugs: One may suffer from tinnitus because of excessive noise. So, ear plugs are advisable for those suffering from this disorder.

Ear Drops: A person with an ear infection, can also have tinnitus. To cure this, physicians suggest ear drops containing hydrocortisone can be used. This will help in relieving the itching and ringing sound in the ear. It is advisable to consult a doctor, before starting any form of treatment.

Use of Suction Device: If excessive earwax is the cause, then it can be treated by cleaning out the wax with a cotton-tipped probe or a suction device.

Use of Tinnitus Mask: Tinnitus mask is a kind of hearing aid. This mask produces a sound that is more tolerable than the ringing sound one hears. It acts as a distractor and helps to cure ear ringing.

Use of Medicines: If your ear ringing is caused by an ear infection, then medicines like antibiotics are helpful. Some people have ear ringing problem due to depression and anxiety also. In such cases, doses of antidepressants like amitriptyline may be prescribed by your doctor.

Use of Hearing Aids: If your ear ringing leads to loss of hearing, then use of hearing aids can be the best treatment.

Application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Here a doctor examines the unwanted thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of a patient with the help of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Surgery: If you are having a chronic tinnitus problem, or your tinnitus is caused by a benign tumor, then it is better to opt for surgery.

Positive Thinking: It is the main way to treat tinnitus. People with positive attitude find it more manageable, than the people with negative attitude.

Relaxation Therapy: Relaxation therapy such as yoga, meditation and hypnosis help in the treatment of tinnitus. Utilizing any one of these, can relieve stress and anxiety that may lead to tinnitus.

Vitamin Therapy: A low dose of pulsatilla and Chinese foxglove root (Rehmannia glutinosa) is used in the treatment of tinnitus by herbalists as a vitamin treatment. These help in lessening lightheadedness, hearing loss, palpitations, blurred vision, headaches, exhaustion and neuralgia that are caused by tinnitus.

Other Treatments: Apart from the above mentioned treatments, there are biofeedback, electrical stimulation, counseling and habituation therapies that are used as medical treatment for tinnitus.

Thus, we can conclude that with the above mentioned treatment, tinnitus is not incurable. Depending on the cause, tinnitus can be treated.

By Ajanta Bhattacharyya
Published: 11/20/2008

 

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Feb
17
2009
0

Tinnitus Hearing aid-Tips For users

Hearing aids for tinnitus

If you suffer from tinnitus, you are well aware that certain pitches may negatively affect you via the hearing aid you are wearing.
In this case, it is necessary to adjust the compression dial and setting of the hearing aid to prevent loud noises from entering within the canal of the ear.
what is a tinnitus hearing aid
In addition it is vital to utilize the real ear measurement method because everyone’s ear will be different in shape and dimensions- in this case we are addressing the ear canal as well as the shape of the ear drum, and other factors. In general, those who have smaller ear canals will be more sensitive to these "loud noises" as opposed to someone who has a larger ear canal.

The best way to go about this is to speak with your audiologist on how to adjust it properly so it doesn’t irritate your ear canal any more than it already has.

Normally it will take a bit of time before the new settings will "kick in" and is when you will notice whether the calibration is on target or is a bit off. Again, having some professional assistance is the way to go with this and other matters with regards to your hearing aid issues and concerns.

By: abida

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

The auther writes articles on different topics. To know more, visit hearing aids, exposed acne coupon

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Feb
08
2009
0

Tinnitus Masking

Tinnitus masking devices.

Tinnitus is a condition that manifests itself with persistant noises in the ear,these can include ringing,buzzing,clicking,whooshing noises to name a few.Tinnitusis is a condition that causes permanent frustration to the sufferer and impacts on their daily lives.One type of treatment that can provide some relief is tinnitus masking thearapy.

Tinnitus masking devices are not new and have been used for many years,they have helped many sufferers to to deal with the constant noises and have provided much needed relief  particularly to aid sleeping.The devices work by giving the sufferer different noises to concentrate on other than the tinnitus sounds.They can instill a calming influence and aid relaxation and relieve the stress of living with tinnitus.many sufferers find tinnitus masking is an important part of dealing with their condition.

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There are several types of masking devices,portable,table top and wearable equipment .The basic principle is that they emit a type of noise that aids in diminishing the effects of tinnitus,white noise is commonly used with this type of equipment.

Portable masking devices typically use white noise played via cd’s or mp3 players and can be recorded at home using special sound conditioners or can be purchased pre recorded,they are convenient as they are easy to carry around wherever you may be.

Table top devices can be placed in the bedroom to aid restful sleep or any other area in the home and play white noise or other types of soothing soundsto mask the tinnitus noise.

There are several types of wearable devices avaliable, some similar to hearing aids,again these work on the same principles of emitting white noise or other specialist sounds

So there are various options of tinnitus masking devices,and any could be an ideal choice for help with relieving  the symtoms of this frustrating condition and maybe the solution you are looking for.

Author

Paul Leonard 2009

 

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