Hearing Aids - The Solution to Hearing Problems

Hearing Aids - The Solution to Hearing Problems

Usually it is noticed that when a person feels problem in his ear then at the first he feels pain in inner part of his ear. It depends upon the type of hearing problem, which a user face, so in this situation one should consult audiologist for curing of hearing pain. Because a patient cannot diagnose his problem fully as compared to a specialist one otherwise ignoring such problem may cause serious position of the patient. Moreover if there is a hearing difficulties there is likelihood of recommendation of hearing aid devices by the doctor.

Types Of Hearing Problems

There are different types of hearing difficulties depending upon the different situation, these problems are mentioned one by one:

Conductive Hearing

It is characterized by time being hearing loss and pain in outer or middle of the year. Person also undergoes mild hearing loss and he might be having some loss of sight.

Sensory Hearing Loss

Sensory hearing loss is occurred due to malfunctioning of cochlea in the ear. In this case special tiny hear cells become damaged and it effects on hearing capability of person very badly as compared to conductive hearing difficulties. The person with this problem cannot distinguish among the sounds around himself.

Neural Type Of Hearing Problem:

Neural type of hearing difficulties is occurred because of problem in connection of cochlea to brain. Since it is also regarded as nerve problem as it is only the nerve which takes important sensory information from cochlea to brain so in neural type of hearing difficulties nerve is mostly effected. Sometimes this problem also occurs due to hereditary traits, which comes into light along the growth of a person.

There are also other hearing loses due to different reasons but these are very temporarily. For example when a person is habitual of listening high-pitched voices then after sometime it is observed that it becomes very difficult for him to listen comparatively lower voices.

Working Of Hearing Aid:

To get rid from different hearing loss problem one can use different hearing aids, which depend upon type of hearing loss. Different hearing devices can be different in structure but they perform same function.

Structure Of Hearing Aid

Mostly hearing devices are composed of microphone amplifier speaker and battery. Each part performs its own role for getting best quality performance. These devices are very much sensitive and only ones careless attitude can lead to loss.

Functions Of Different Parts Of Hearing Aid Devices

Since microphone is a important part of the hearing aids which is used to sense the sound from outside of the ear and produce electronic signals, after that voice in form of signals is sent to amplifier section of hearing device. Then amplifier makes audio signals more strengthen and amplify it to a particular level of power. By the use of amplifier volume of sense sound is increased, so we can hear the voice easily. On the other hand battery gives power to electronic parts of hearing device for solving problems like hearing loss patient must go to the clinic to examine his ears from audiologist so that problem could be addressed properly.

Headache - Causes and Treatment Options

Headache - Causes and Treatment Options

Everyone gets a headache from time to time.  Some get them more often than others do.  There are several different types of headache and there are many factors that can trigger the onset of a headache.  Some medications even list "headache" as a side affect.  Some headaches can be the side affects of a more serious medical problem.

There are many different causes of the common headache.  These causes include, but are not limited to, meningitis, glaucoma, temporal arteritis and brain tumor.  There are very few illnesses that never show headache as a symptom.  A high fever can also cause headache, as well as irritability and aggression.  Headaches often occur after suffering a head injury, violent coughing, sneezing, or straining and (most commonly in males) occur after sex.

Headache is a term used to describe the pain in the face, neck and sometimes, upper back and shoulder area.  The brain tissue and skull do not actually feel any pain.  This is due to the lack of pain sensitive fibers.  The nerves surrounding the scalp, face and neck are pain sensitive, however.  This is what you feel when you experience a headache.  It is believed that a headache develops because the blood vessels surrounding the head and face become irritated or tense.

There are several different types of headache, however, there are four main types.  These types are vascular, tension, traction and inflammatory.  Each type of headache has a distinct pain and reactions can vary from person to person.

Migraine is the most common of the vascular headaches.  It is characterized by intense pain on one or both sides of the head.  Migraines can also cause nausea or even vomiting.  In some rare cases, disrupted vision can occur.  Migraine headaches are more common in women than in men.  Headache produced by fever, otherwise known as "toxic" headache, is the second most common of the vascular headache.  Recurring headaches that cause intense pain are often called cluster headaches and they are also vascular headaches.

Tension headaches occur when the muscles in the face and neck tighten or tense up.  The pain associated with this tightening can manifest itself in the forehead.  Traction and inflammatory headaches are often symptoms of other conditions.  These conditions can range from sinus infection to something as serious as stroke.

Headaches, like many other symptoms, can be warning signals for some other, more serious condition.  Sudden, intense headache or headache conjoined with stiff neck call for immediate medical attention.  Other headaches that call for this type of medical attention are headaches that associate with fever, convulsions, or unconsciousness.  Headache interrelated with eye or ear pain, intense headache suffered by someone who has no previous history of headache and persistent headache in children can also be warning signs of a more serious condition.

Headaches can be treated many different ways.  Not all headaches require medical attention.  Some physicians recommend adding more exercise to your daily routine or removing certain foods from your diet.  Stress management can also aid in the reduction of headaches, especially migraine.  Over the counter drugs, which contain acetaminophen or paracetamol, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, tylenol and advil can help reduce the pain associated with headache.  If headaches occur more than three times a month, treatment and prevention methods are usually recommended.  If you have severe, recurring headache, consult your doctor.

Hearing Disorders

Hearing Disorders

There are a number of hearing disorders and related conditions that can affect your balance and hearing, as well as your ability to process sounds into comprehendible information. Among this disorders are: auditory neuropathy, central auditory processing disorder, all categories of hearing loss, middle ear infections, Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, presbycusis, tinnitus, and tumors of the 8th cranial nerve (vestibular schwannomas and neurofibromatosis).

Auditory Neuropathy (AN)

Auditory neuropathy is a type of hearing loss that occurs due to poor transmission of sounds to the auditory nerve and brain. While the outer hair cells of the cochlea are intact and undamaged, sound transmission is still unreliable. The inclusion of neuropathy in the title suggests a disease of the peripheral auditory nerve, but there may not be any direct auditory nerve dysfunction with auditory neuropathy. This may be a disorder of the inner hair cells in the cochlea, the nerve synapse at the auditory nerve, or due to an auditory nerve lesion. Treatment may include hearing aids or cochlear implants, but success is not guaranteed.

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)

CAPDs are disorders of the processing of auditory information. Poor processing is noted by issues in one or all of the following categories: sound localization and lateralization, discrimination, pattern recognition, integration, ordering, and grouping of sounds. Actual hearing loss may not necessarily be present. Treatment typically included therapy that focuses on listening, comprehension, memory, and the like, that is customized to each patient's needs.

Hearing loss

Hearing loss is an impairment of the ability to hear. There are three main types: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Conductive hearing loss implies damage or dysfunction in the outer or middle ear. This affects the loudness of sound. Sensorineural hearing loss implies damage or dysfunction of the inner ear. This affects the clarity of sound. Mixed hearing loss involves a combination of the two. Treatment may include both medical management and hearing aids.

Middle ear infections

Middle ear infections are infections of the middle ear space behind the ear drum where the small bones of the ear are located. This type of infection can cause both temporary and permanent conductive hearing loss. Treatment is medical management with antibiotics or surgical intervention with placement of pressure equalization tubes.

Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease is an inner ear disorder that can affect both hearing and balance. Patients may experience vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating, progressive hearing impairment. Treatment may include therapy for coping strategies, surgical intervention for severe cases, and physiotherapies. Hearing aids may also be fit for those with hearing loss. A competent audiologist with experience fitting patients with Meniere's disease should be consulted. Due to its fluctuant, progressive nature, fittings are highly specialized for these patients.

Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a disorder that causes abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, preventing proper middle ear function. Hearing loss may be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed in nature. If the effects of the otosclerosis are severe, prosthetic surgical intervention may be appropriate. However, more mild issues will typically be treated with a hearing aid alone.

Presbycusis

Presbycusis is hearing loss due to the natural process of aging. Hearing aids and assistive listening devices are the most common treatments. Some patients may also require auditory training therapy to help in their daily communication.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ear that others cannot typically hear. Usually described as ringing, buzzing, popping, pulsating, or squealing, tinnitus can range from mild to severely impairing. Treatment may include intense therapy and sound programs.

Tumors of the 8th cranial nerve

Various types of noncancerous or cancerous tumors may grow on the vestibular and/or auditory portions of the 8th cranial nerve. Hearing and balance may be affected. Patients with tumors often also experience tinnitus issues. Hearing loss may be progressive or sudden. Surgery is often required for these issues.

Call today!

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms noted here or are having any other hearing or balance related issues, seek help immediately. Help is just around the corner. Contact your audiologist today for an evaluation for any of these hearing disorders.

Hearing Loss

Diagnosis of Deafness and Hearing Loss

Diagnosis of Deafness and Hearing Loss

Many people have reported that it is often difficult to gain a specific diagnosis and causes for their hearing loss and deafness.

As with many medical conditions there are normally a high number of causes and individual circumstances to consider, even when using the most sophisticated diagnosis technology it is very difficult to give an accurate diagnosis.

It is widely considered that there are 2 main causes for hearing loss & deafness in patients.

Sensorineural Hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most prevalent cause of deafness in the UK.

This diagnosis relates to damage to the nerves with in the ear and is often referred to as 'nerve deafness'.

Inside the cochlea in the inner ear are hair cells which pass information on sound impulses via nerves to the brain. Any damage that impairs this transfer of this information from the hair cells of the inner ear to the auditory nerve and finally the brain will cause

Sensorineural Hearing.

Example causes for Sensorineural Hearing Loss include;

Aging Process - As we get older we can loose of hair cells in the cochlea and this is often responsible for hearing loss for those over 6.

Acoustic Trauma - very loud noises can damage hair cells.

Infections - These can cause loss of hair cells i.e. mumps or meningitis

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive Hearing loss is basically caused by obstruction in the outer ear which prevents or inhibits sound passing to the inner ear.

This can be caused by anything that interferes with the transmission of sound from the outer to the inner ear, such as;

Ear infections

Glue ear

Build up of wax,

Damage to the ossicles or perforated eardrum

Hearing aids are an obvious choice to help with hearing loss. There are many types and style available to suit most users needs, and can help improve the user's lifestyle

A Simple Approach to Ear Wax Cleaning

A Simple Approach to Ear Wax Cleaning

Wax in the ear is a stick, waxy, yellowish substance that is produced by the ear as a defense mechanism against foreign substances infiltrating the body. We are all familiar with this type of wax and know what it is. In fact, a part of our personal hygiene process includes cleaning the outer ear and removing any wax or dirt there. Ear wax cleaning is more important than for just visual cleanliness. It is something we all must do on a regular basis in order to avoid a buildup of wax in our ear canal. Earwax is our body's way of protecting our ear drums from moisture, bugs, and dirt and it works quite effectively. The wax is then expelled from our ear canal onto our outer ear. This is what we typically have to clean.

Sometimes all of the wax is not expelled and builds up in the inner ear. Other times the wax is expelled but in an effort to clean it, we just push it further back into the canal. Other people suffer from an excessive production of wax in the ear and these people frequently suffer from the forming of earwax plugs in the ear. This build up of excessive wax becomes hard and thick over time and plugs of ear wax are formed in the ear. This build up of ear wax causes other problems that can make the build up of ear wax unbearable. Symptoms of wax build up are hearing loss, itching, pain and even ringing in your ear. These symptoms are a huge annoyance.

You are probably familiar with the kits that you can buy to aid in ear wax cleaning. These kits contain substances and chemicals that soften the wax and allow it to flow out of your ear so that you can gently wipe the wax away and free yourself from the symptoms that you have been suffering from.

If after using a solution or kit you still feel symptoms, you should visit your doctor immediately. You certainly don't want to take chances with your hearing.

One particular method that works well for the regular maintenance of wax free ear is the use of mineral oil to soften any wax that is in your ears and aid its flow out of the ear. This method makes ear wax cleaning a cinch although people that suffer from excessive wax may have to take further action.

A Holistic Approach to Ear Wax Cleaning

A Holistic Approach to Ear Wax Cleaning

A thorough ear wax cleaning is a difficult job, and one best left to the professionals. Which is why holistic health spas and alternative medicine centers universally offer the services of an ear wax candle to help you get that stubborn wax blockage out. Although there are a number of ways to remove ear wax, none of them comes close to the whole body approach that is part of ear candling therapy. Many times the session will be included as part of a massage or oil therapy, designed to give both body and spirit a rest from the daily routine.

Upon checking into your wellness center, you may be asked to lie down on your back or side, or even just to sit upright during the procedure. Some earwax candle practitioners prefer that you have the affected ear facing up, but this is not necessary for earwax cleaning to occur. In fact, recent evidence shows that this may even increase the possibility of melted candle wax adhering to your ear drum. Some debate exists within the alternative medicine community about whether the earwax candle actually draws out ear wax by means of a vacuum or not, but regardless, the blockage should be dislodged no matter what position you are in.

One end of an ear wax candle will be placed inside your ear, and the other end lit. Although there are a variety of candles available on the market, the best quality earwax candles are beeswax, because they don't contain any impurities. The candle should be allowed to burn within 2 to 4 inches of your ear before being extinguished. If necessary, the candle practitioner may use two candles in each ear if he or she feels it is necessary. The combination of warm smoke and air drifting into the ear canal is enough to dislodge most ear wax build up, and many earwax candle patients report that their wax blockage falls out on its own in the next few days following the procedure.

Customer testimonials provide the most enthusiastic evidence for ear candling therapy. Everything from cured dizziness to migraines to even an improved sense of smell is attributed to the use of candling. Should you choose to use this method of removing ear wax, be sure to choose a well-experienced practitioner, as there are inherent risks involved, not the least of which is damage to the ear drum or possible loss of hearing.

A Hearing Test to Determine the Degree of Loss

A Hearing Test to Determine the Degree of Loss

There are many reasons to have a hearing test. Often times, people will focus on whether or not they have lost some of the ability to hear, as if it is a simply yes or no answer. However, the amount of loss present is often very important to doctors and it should matter to you. Depending on the severity of your loss, you may or may not need to use a device to make sounds louder for you. One of the main reasons for testing is to determine if there is loss and, if it is present, the amount that is occurring. This information will help to answer your questions and give you guidance on how to move forward.

When you have a hearing test, your doctor may talk to you about the normal range of hearing. Most people will have this done using a set of numbers that represent the range of loss in decibels. The loss can help to determine what steps are necessary for you and your doctor to take in order to restore some or all of your ability to hear again.

For example, if your tests read that you have a hearing loss range of 16 to 25 decibels, this indicates just a slight loss. This may not require any treatment and your doctor may not want you to do anything at this point but monitor your condition. Those who have a loss range of 26 to 40 have a mild form of loss. Generally, a device will be suggested here especially if you are at the top of this range.

In other cases, the use of a device is common because it is necessary. Moderate loss ranges from 41 to 55 decibels. Moderately severe is the next range and it indicates a loss of 56 to 70 decibels. Those who have 71 to 90 will have severe loss and will require the most advanced technologies to improve their ability to hear. For those who have a loss that is over 91 decibels, this is considered profound loss and it may not be possible to treat or improve this lack of the ability to hear.

In many cases, your doctor will provide you with a range of information about your condition and why it is happening. Generally, a hearing test pinpoints the cause as well as the treatment that may work for you. However, you and your doctor will need to discuss how to prevent further damage and what your realistic benefit will be from the use of a device. Many people do get help and can get back to living the life they used to live.

11 Interesting Facts About Hearing Impairment

11 Interesting Facts About Hearing Impairment

Hearing impairment is something that you have to recognize. You will find that hearing impairment not only suffered by old people. This can also be suffered by people in all ages. In order to give you the knowledge about this thing, the lists in the following are interesting facts about hearing impairment that you might not know before.

Fact # 1
There are over 90 percent of deaf children born from parents with normal hearing. This means that although you and your couple have normal hearing, this does not guarantee that your children will also have normal hearing.

Fact # 2
Approximately 30 to 40 percent of people aged over 65 suffer from some type of hearing loss. It is common that old people have this hearing disorder. This is because the ability of the ears to hear the sound decreases as the improving age. In this case, one in three people over the age of 65 experience some degree of hearing loss. Also, there are 14 percent of those aged 45 to 64 suffer from some type of hearing loss. This means that the older the age, the bigger chance of someone will get this hearing disorder.

Fact # 3
Approximately 15 percent of children ages six to 19 have hearing loss that can be measured, at least in one ear. In this case, this hearing disorder occurred in five out of 1000 newborns.

Fact # 4
Noise exposure underground railway (subway), just 15 minutes a day but it occurs sustainable can cause permanent hearing loss. This will make those who are work in this area have big chance of hearing anything unclear because of the hearing disorder that they have.

Fact # 5
Hearing aids offer a dramatic improvement in most people with hearing loss. With the improvement of these aids, people who suffered from this hearing disorder will be confident because they have the aids that will help them hear the sound.

Fact # 6
Mild hearing loss can cause children to miss 50 percent of the discussion in class. This is very bad for them since they might not catch the material in their classes. As parent you should pay attention to this in order to decrease the hearing impairment that your children have.

Fact # 7
Listening to MP3 player with high volume can cause permanent hearing loss over time. For you who have this hobby should be careful. In this case, you can turn the volume down to decrease the risk of getting hearing loss.

Fact # 8
With appropriate early detection and care, children who are deaf can be elaborated communication skills at the same rate as their peers with normal hearing.

Fact # 9
Noise is one of the main causes of hearing loss. The source of noise can be everything. The sound of plane, train and other sound that disturb your ears can be the source of noise.

Fact # 10
Hearing tests should be performed as a baby. This is done in order to know the solution for this matter. If the hearing loss is detected since baby, the prevention or solution toward this problem can be done since in the beginning.

Fact # 11
People with hearing loss wait an average of seven years before seeking help. Most of them do not know what to do to solve the problem that they face. When this hearing disorder becomes severe, they might be too late for seeking the solution.

Those are some interesting facts that you might not know. This will give you the addition knowledge about the hearing and hearing impairment so that you will be more aware of this hearing disorder.

Cure For Tinnitus - Does Medication terminate Ringing in the Ears?

Cure For Tinnitus - Does Medication terminate Ringing in the Ears?

Tinnitus is very often the symptom of another existing medical condition, although it too can be the predicament as well. It is rather current that this disorder is a symptom of medication, infections, stress, malnutrition, insomnia and of course, deeper underlying medical conditions.

While you and your doctor idea fair that medication can benefit end the ringing in the ears, it does directly slit the intensity of the disorder but only over the short term. Medication should never be venerable as a long term cure for tinnitus as they can cause serious side effects when consumed over time. In fact, as stated above they can be one of the symptoms that cause the ringing in the ears.

catch for instance the medication that helps to alleviate the intensity of the ringing in the ears, alprazolam, which gives moderate relief to the condition at best. The finish lasts slightly longer than short term but is unexcited not a permanent treatment. Medication like antidepressants, tranquilizers, and muscle relaxants do wait on to slit tinnitus but simply alleviate the pressure and relaxes the body so that you can originate dealing with your depression induced disorder.

choose heed that these medications only support to alleviate the symptoms and not the root causes of tinnitus. Hence it is composed imperative that you peek the advice of your physician to speed a stout body check up on you to score out the existing medical condition. Treat the condition and your ringing in the ears will depart as well.

But the key is in the follow up as tinnitus recurs 70 percent of the time. And the key to preventing the recurrence is in living a healthy lifestyle, with a well balanced diet and splendid nutrition, free from stress, away from depression, as well as with regular utilize regime. This holistic perspective forms the basic foundation of the valid cure for tinnitus that will attend you well as a permanent remedy.