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Sound Advice: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Prevention

April 22nd, 2011

By: Peter J. Marincovich, Ph.D., CCC-A
Audiology Associates
1111 Sonoma Ave., Suite 308
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 827-1630
www.audiologyassociates-sr.com

Have you noticed that daily life in our society gets louder every year? The change is subtle and is a problem that most of us take for granted and even ignore. According to many leading Audiology professionals, casually ignoring the sounds around us can lead to serious hearing problems, including noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

One of those professionals is David Coffin, Audiology clinic coordinator at Indiana’s Ball State University. “We are exposed to all sorts of sounds that can lead to permanent hearing loss,” Coffin says. “The average person will wear a helmet when riding a bike, or a seat belt in a vehicle, but doesn’t even think about ear protection when going to watch a rock band, a fireworks display, or even an auto race.”

According to the Better Hearing Institute, 30 million Americans are exposed to dangerous noise levels each day and 10 million Americans have already suffered irreversible hearing damage from noise.

The problem of noise induced hearing loss has been around for decades. It occurs at home, in the yard, at the office, at the factory, on the farm and in the military. But today, because of technology, virtually everyone is effected and at younger and younger ages. It is not uncommon for audiologists to see 20-year-olds with the hearing of 60-year-olds.

However, there is good news as well: NIHL is easily identifiable and completely preventable. Today, audiologists can assist with the prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation of hearing loss.

Hazardous Noises

Normal conversations occur at approximately 60 decibels. Raising your voice over a noise in order to be heard by someone an arm’s length away is a good indication that the noise could be within risky range. Knowing which noises can cause damage, such as jet engines, lawn mowers, motorcycles, chainsaws, powerboats, and personal media players is the best arsenal against NIHL.

“Risky noise,” says Coffin, “can come in the form of the pop of fireworks, the snarls of traffic, the buzz of lawn mowers, or the percussive tones of marching bands.”

According to Coffin, such sounds are typically within the range of 90 to 140 decibels, but any noise above 80 can cause long-term hearing damage. The maximum exposure time per day for the exposed ear is 8 hours at 90 decibels. The risk of noise-induced hearing loss depends on both the intensity and duration of the exposure. As intensity increases, the length of time for which the exposure is “safe” decreases. For example, exposure to 85 decibels (often produced by gas-engine lawn mowers) for 8 hours can be as equally damaging as exposure to 110 decibels (often produced by a chain saw) for only a few minutes. For every 5 decibel increase in volume, the maximum exposure time is reduced by 50 percent. Therefore, according to Sight and Sound Associates, the maximum daily exposure time at 95 decibels is four hours; at 120 decibels, seven minutes, 30 seconds.

Warning signs that exposure to hazardous noise has occurred or is occurring include: the inability to hear someone a few feet away, ear pain after leaving a noisy area, ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) in the ears immediately after exposure to noise, or hearing people talking but being unable to understand them.

Loud explosions that peak for a few milliseconds at levels greater than 130 to140 decibels may cause hearing loss. More often, however, hearing loss is caused by repeated exposure to noise above 85 decibels over long periods. Some sources of common noises and associated decibels are: lawn mower, 90 decibels; stereo headphones, 105-110 decibels; automobile horn, 110 dB; baby’s cry, 115 decibels; rock concert, 115-120 decibels; and firearms, 125-140 decibels.

The commercial popularity of portable media players with earphones, such as the iPod and similar devices, and their long-term use by consumers, increase the risk of NIHL in those users. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, almost 15% of Americans below the age of 19 suffer from some measure of hearing loss. And according to Sight and Hearing Association, the incidents of teenage hearing loss has increased 400 percent over a ten-year period, as found in a recent study of eighth graders.

Symptoms of NIHL

NIHL usually develops gradually. People may lose a significant amount of hearing before becoming aware of its presence. The first sign of NIHL is not being able to hear high-pitched sounds, such as the singing of birds, or not understanding speech when in a crowd or an area with a lot of background noise. If damage continues, hearing declines further, and lower pitched sounds become hard to understand.

Signs of hearing loss from unsafe sound exposure include the inability to comprehend somebody talking from two feet away, hearing muffled speech, experiencing pain or ringing in the ears following exposure, and needing others to speak louder in conversation.

People often fail to notice the impacts of unsafe exposure to noise because it causes few symptoms. Hearing loss is rarely painful. Symptoms may go away minutes, hours or days after the exposure to noise ends. Many people naturally assume that if the symptoms abate, their ears have recovered to normal. However, even in the absence of more symptoms, some cells in the inner ear may have been destroyed by the noise. Hearing returns to normal only if enough healthy cells are left in the inner ear. But if the noise exposure is repeated and more cells are destroyed a lasting hearing loss will develop.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

When the hearing system is exposed to noise at a risky or hazardous level, mechanical and metabolic changes can occur. Scientific research, based on studies of industrial workers, as well as lab studies of humans and animals, have investigated the effects of noise on hearing.

In these studies, excessive noise stimulated cells in the inner ear, resulting in chemical processes that can exceed the cells’ tolerance. This damages cell function and structure and results in sensorineural hearing loss (as opposed to a conductive hearing loss, where the outer or middle ear have been affected) and tinnitus (ringing of the ears).

The sensory cells in the cochlea may recover from their damage (as you have possibly experienced after a loud concert or work with a loud machine). Usually, recovery from temporary threshold shift (or TTS) occurs quickly, largely disappearing in 16 to 48 hours after exposure to loud noise. However, if the hearing sensitivity does not recover within a few days, an irreversible and permanent threshold shift has taken place.

Prevention

Hearing loss is not reversible, but NIHL is preventable. Individuals vary in their susceptibility to hearing loss and hearing typically declines with age, but a healthy person who is not exposed to hazardous noises can enjoy normal hearing into his senior years.

Noise is probably the most common occupational hazard facing workers today. Employers at noise-hazardous workplaces, and physicians, are in a position to advise those at risk for developing NIHL that there are three simple keys to prevention:

1)      Understand what noises put them at risk – those above 85 decibels, commonly portable media players, lawn mowers, motorcycles, chain saws, jet engines, etc. A general rule of measurement is that if one has to shout to be heard an arm’s length away, assume the noise is above a hazardous threshold.

2)      If possible, decrease noise at the source – for example, keep the volume low on portable media players, purchase motorized equipment with an effective muffler, etc.

3)      Buffer loud noises with earplugs or other forms of hearing protection. These are known as hearing protective devices (HPDs) and are required by law to be labeled with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) based on performance obtained under ideal laboratory conditions. HPDs are powerful tools for preventing NIHL if worn correctly and throughout the duration of the hazardous noise. Also sound absorbing materials, such as floor mats, can help reduce noise.

Early identification is important in order to recognize the presence of NIHL and take steps to prevent further hearing loss. Those regularly exposed to hazardous noise in the workplace or elsewhere should have an annual hearing test. If hearing loss is developing, it might indicate under-protection and could suggest preventative measures, such as better HPDs or turning down the volume on the iPod

Dr. Peter J. Marincovich, Ph.D., CCC-A

Clinical Audiologist

Dr. Peter Marincovich earned his graduate degree in communicative disorders from Louisiana State University, and his Ph.D., in Audiology from the University of Memphis. A Santa Rosa native, Dr. Marincovich has practiced in his hometown since 1984. Dr. Marincovich works with patients of all ages and levels of hearing loss. He is also a frequent presenter at seminars and academic conferences. He holds specialized credentials in teaching the handicapped, and conducts courses at Santa Rosa Junior College. Dr. Marincovich is owner of Audiology Associates with offices in Marin, Santa Rosa and Mendocino.

References

ANSI (1996). American National Standard: Determination of occupational noise exposure and estimation of noise-induced hearing impairment. New York: American National Standards Institute, Inc., ANSI S3.44-1996.

National Institutes of Health (1990). Noise and Hearing Loss. NIH Consensus Development Conference Consensus Statement 1990, Jan 22-24; 8 (1).

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (1998). Revised Criteria for a recommended standard – Occupational noise exposure, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 98-126.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (1999). Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. NIH Pub. No. 97-4233.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (1983). Occupational Noise Exposure Standard. 29 CFR Chapter XVII, Part 1910.95.

Yattaw, M. (1999, July 21). Audiology doctorate among nation’s first. Ball State University News. Retrieved October 19, 2010, from http://www.bsu.edu/news/article/0,1370,-1019-1169,00.html

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Posted in Audiologist, Child Hearing Loss, Clinical Audiologist, Deaf Children, Deaf Kids, Deafness in Children, Decreased Hearing, Digital Hearing Aids, Doctor of Audiology, Ear Doctors, Hearing, Hearing Aids, Hearing Care, Hearing Difficulty, Hearing Health, Hearing Impaired, Hearing Level, Hearing Loss, Hearing Test, Kids Hearing, Kids Hearing Loss, Loud Noise, Noise Exposure, Noise Hazards, Noise levels, Noise-induced, Protecting Ears, Reduce Noise, Sound voids, tinnitus, Treatable Hearing Loss, Uncategorized

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Raising the Bar of Excellence — AudigyCertified™: It’s Who We Are, It’s What We Provide

January 28th, 2011

By Crystal L. Chalmers, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology
North State Audiological Services
15 Jan Court
Chico, CA 95928
(888) 844-7024
www.nsaudiology.com

With the start of the New Year, we are reaching an important date here at North State Audiological Services.

In January of 2008, my husband and business partner, Edward Migale, and I attended a Guest Summit meeting held by Audigy Group in Palm Desert, CA.  At that meeting we met Audigy Group founder and president Brandon Dawson along with Executive Vice President Mason Walker and other key staffers.

It didn’t take long for Edward and me to realize that the offer of membership in this exclusive association was a perfect match for my vision of North State Audiological Services as the leading hearing care provider in the entire North State region.  As many of you know, I long ago chose the fascinating profession of audiology as my life’s work, and wanted nothing more than to help as many people as possible with their hearing care needs.

Since starting this practice over 16 years ago we have reached thousands of people in Chico and the surrounding area, providing excellent care along with technological expertise, but I wanted to be able to do more.  The vision shared to us that day by Mr. Dawson and his staff promised that the services offered by Audigy Group would provide us with the tools to do so.

Has that happened?   Yes! … 100 times over!  How so?  First of all, Audigy Group provides us with superb staff training.  For any of you who have been to the office in the last few years – and notably the last year and a half – you would know that our staff excels in patient care.  All of our staff, along with Edward and myself have taken – and continue to attend – courses that teach us how to take better care of your needs.  I can say with pride that I fully believe we now provide patient care at level superior to any health care facility anywhere in the nation.

Technologically, we have made investments in testing equipment, as well patient support systems, that are state-of-the-art.  You will find no better diagnostic equipment, anywhere.

And our hearing aids?  In a word: Fabulous! AudigyGroup has partnered with several of the leading hearing technology manufacturers in the world and now provides its members with exclusive access to AGX Technology.

This is not merely private-label products.  AGX Technology is the only private brand in the entire world-wide hearing care industry that is supported by multiple manufacturer products and has brand specific software.  Much of the software was designed and customized by AudigyCertified professionals – fellow members whom I have met at our semi-annual conferences and multiple training sessions.  Like myself they are passionate about the field of audiology and their input into the development of these products is based on years of experience working with patients just like you.

In addition, with close to 200 Audigy Group members with a combined 500 plus practice locations in over 40 states, there is no need to be concerned about cross country travel plans; Audigy Group members will gladly take care of other member’s patients should there ever be a need.

As for the future, Audigy Group is poised to continue its growth as the dominant force in the hearing care industry.  Under the careful guidance of Mr. Dawson, Mr. Walker, and the many talented professionals employed there, Audigy Group has grown from a mere handful of visionaries in 2006 to the largest member-owned association of independent hearing care professionals in the United States.

I and my staff are exceedingly proud to be a part of that growth and commitment to excellence and hope you’ll join us in celebrating our 3 years of achievement.

Here is how you can participate in our celebration:

From now through the end of 2011 anyone who wears hearing aids – no matter where or when you purchased them – can come to our office for a free cleaning and hearing aid batteries.  Simply stop by our office anytime during normal business hours which are Monday thru Thursday 9:00 am till 5:00 pm (closed for lunch Noon till 1:00 pm) and Fridays 9:00 am till 12 Noon.  We are located in southeast Chico very near the junction of Highway 99 and the Skyway.  Our address is 15 Jan Court, which is off of Forest Avenue, behind the Raley’s Skypark Plaza.  For a map and complete directions, visit my Internet website at www.nsaudiology.com .

We will clean your hearing aids, and install fresh batteries …. for FREE! There is no absolutely no cost or obligation to participate in this offer … because hearing is a wonderful gift!

About the writer: Crystal Chalmers, Au.D., is an AudigyCertified™ Doctor of Audiology, the owner of North State Audiological Services in Chico, and a member of AudigyGroup, the nation’s largest member-owned association of independent hearing care professionals.

Since 2006, AudigyGroup has interviewed over 5,000 of the 18,000 audiologists in the United States, yet has selected only 190 to be members in this elite association. AudigyCertified™ is a trade-mark of Audigy Group, LLC.

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Posted in AGX Hearing Aids, Au.D., Audigy Group, AudigyCertified, Audiologist, California, Chico, Clinical Audiologist, Crystal Chalmers, Doctor of Audiology, North State Audiological Serivces, Uncategorized

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Mayo Clinic Asks If It’s Safe For Seniors To Self-Refer To An Audiologist

November 5th, 2010

Jacksonville, Fla — In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, Mayo Clinic researchers in the Audiology Section investigated whether it was safe for Medicare beneficiaries to self-refer to audiologists for evaluation of hearing loss. Some clinicians have been concerned that audiologists might miss significant otologic conditions.

The retrospective study “Safety of audiology direct access for medicare patients complaining of impaired hearing” looked at 1550 records comprising all Medicare eligible patients referred to the Mayo Clinic in 2007

Assessment and treatment plans were compiled from the electronic medical record and placed in a secured database. In the first group records of patients seen jointly by audiology and otolaryngology practitioners were reviewed by four blinded reviewers, two otolaryngologists and two audiologists, who judged whether the audiologist treatment plan, if followed, would have missed conditions identified and addressed in the otolaryngologist’s treatment plan.

In a second group, records of patients seen by audiology but not otolaryngology were evaluated by a neurotologist who judged whether the patient should have seen an otolaryngologist based on the audiologist’s documentation and test results.

The researchers found that in the first group who saw both the  audiologist and otolaryngology practitioners, there were no audiology discrepant treatment plans in over 95% of cases. In no case where a judge identified a discrepancy in treatment plans did the audiologist plan risk missing conditions associated with significant mortality or morbidity that were subsequently identified by the otolaryngologist.

For group two, neurotologist judged that audiology services alone were all that was required in 78% of cases. An additional 9% of cases were referred for subsequent medical evaluation. The majority of remaining patients had hearing asymmetries. Some were evaluated by otolaryngology for hearing asymmetry in the past with no interval changes, and others were consistent with noise exposure history.

The authors conclude in the abstract, “These findings are consistent with the premise that audiology direct access would not pose a safety risk to Medicare beneficiaries complaining of hearing impairment.”

SOURCE: Journal of the American Academy of Audiology

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Posted in Audiologist, Doctor of Audiology, Ear Doctors, Uncategorized

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Hearing Loss Now Third Most Common Health Problem in the United States….

August 6th, 2010

By: Janis Wolfe Gasch, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology
Founding Director
Arizona Hearing Specialists
7574 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85741
(520) 742-2845
www.arizonahearing.com

Hearing Loss Now Third Most Common Health Problem in the United States and Americans believe their social life and safety are suffering…..

Tucson, AZ – With more than 50 million Americans suffering from its effects, hearing loss is now the third most common health problem in the country today, behind only arthritis and heart disease.  Additionally, Americans believe their social life and/or safety is the most negatively impacted by substantial hearing loss, results found from a nationwide survey of 1,000 adults (conducted by HearUSA – Kelton Research).

“More than half of all hearing impaired persons are younger than 65,” says Janis Wolfe Gasch, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology and Founding Director of Arizona Hearing Specialists in Tucson and Green Valley.  “Sadly, too many people either do not recognize that they are having hearing difficulties, or do not want to admit their difficulties due to preconceived notions or social stereotypes.”

Findings have shown that even mild hearing loss can lead to avoidance of social situations, reduced alertness and reduced job performance and earning power. Because not seeking treatment can have long-term negative effects on communication and cognition, Dr. Gasch wants to remind people that help is available. 

Arizona Hearing Specialists wants to encourage people in the community to seek answers to their questions about hearing difficulties and to educate themselves about available solutions.  For over 25 years, the locally owned hearing care practice has been helping people improve the quality of their lives through better hearing.  Additionally, they are certified by Audigy Group as being one of the leading hearing care providers in the nation. 

During August, two educational seminars, with breakfast included, are free to the public on two separate dates.  However, due to limited seating, the Seminar requires advance reservations. Interested persons should call 520.742.2845 to reserve their space.  Spouses or significant others are encouraged to also attend. People are also welcome to visit www.arizonahearing.com for other events and information throughout the year.

“My goal in sponsoring these events is to provide people in our community with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions regarding their hearing health,” says Dr. Gasch.

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Posted in Arizona Hearing Specialists, Audigy Group, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Care, Hearing Difficulty, Hearing Health, Hearing Loss, Uncategorized

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Hearing Care, the Internet, and “Big Box” Retailers

July 23rd, 2010

By Crystal L. Chalmers, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology      
North State Audiological Services
15 Jan Court
Chico, CA 95928
(888) 844-7024
www.nsaudiology.com

A full decade into the 21st Century, it would be rare to find an American who has not been to a modern shopping mall or used the Internet.  In fact many of us visit “Big Box” anchored shopping malls at least occasionally, and the number of Americans who regularly use the Internet far exceeds the number who do not.  Even amongst senior citizens — the final demographic to embrace this technology — the gap between Internet users and non-users continues to narrow.

Without doubt, the Internet is a fabulous tool, providing us with a wealth of easily obtainable information in mere seconds.  And the amount of relatively low-priced goods and services that “Big Box” and chain retailers supply can certainly help many families stretch their monthly budget.

But are these two venues the be-all-and-end-all for every consumer scenario?

The short answer is, “Absolutely not!” … especially when it comes to professional hearing care technology and follow-up service.  The Internet outlets as well as “Big Box” and retail chain stores simply cannot provide the level of patient care and service that a full-service, AudigyCertified™ hearing care practice must provide to its patients.

These outlets may tout “low prices” but remember that “price” is only an issue in the absence of value.  And when it comes to hearing care services and technology, value is clearly lacking from these types of retailers.

Compare Apples with Apples

You’ve heard that old saying countless times before and there is a good reason for its longevity.  High volume consumer retailers and Internet companies are famous for blow-out prices on a host of products, many of which are either close-outs on outdated technology or are subsidized by the manufacturer.  Then, they make those skinny margins work for them by cutting corners on labor which means poor service … for you!

This may be fine for a lot of goods such as flashlight batteries, printer paper, bulk grocery items, and various sundries.

But because hearing difficulties are so unique to each and every individual a far different approach is absolutely mandatory for a successful solution.  Achieving that solution should be a process built upon a relationship of trust and respect between the patient and a highly trained, competent, and ethical professional whose services and products provide long-term value.

For example, as a private care Doctor of Audiology and member of Audigy Group™ – the nation’s largest member-owned association of hearing care professionals — my practice is AudigyCertified™ in order to guarantee my patients that they will receive nothing less than the most experienced, professional care available in the Untied States.

All my patients receive the following:

● 100% Service Satisfaction Guarantee in Writing

● Complimentary 75 Day Trial Period on all New AGX Hearing Aid Technology Purchases

● 3 Year Warranty

● 3 Year Loss and Damage Insurance

● Free Batteries … for Life!

● Complimentary Monthly Clean & Check of Technology with Fresh Batteries Installed

● Free Annual Hearing Screening

As a smart consumer, you really do need to make sure you are comparing apples with apples.  And one good way is through the Internet, which, as noted above, shines in providing information.  Check websites. Do research.  Verify credentials as well as state and federal consumer protection laws.  A good website should educate you.

In closing, I founded North State Audiological Services with the goal of offering complete hearing health care ranging from diagnostic testing to treatment for tinnitus, with hearing technology sales and fitting based upon patient need and lifestyle; not on manufacturer incentives.  For my staff and I, our jobs are not about selling something.  Instead, it is all about taking care of our patients and helping them hear better.

Do you have questions for me or about my practice?  You can call toll free at (888) 844-7024, post a comment on this blog, email me at drchalmers@nsaudiology.com or visit my website at www.nsaudiology.com …… because hearing is a wonderful gift!”

About the writer:  Crystal Chalmers, Au.D., is an AudigyCertified™ Doctor of Audiology, the owner of North State Audiological Services in Chico, and a member of Audigy Group, the nation’s largest member-owned association of independent hearing care professionals. 

Since 2006, Audigy Group has interviewed over 5,000 of the 18,000 audiologists in the United States, yet has selected only 170 to be members in this elite association. AudigyCertified™ is a trade-mark of Audigy Group, LLC.

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Posted in AGX Hearing Aids, Audigy Group, AudigyCertified, Chain Hearing Aid Retailors, Crystal Chalmers, Diagnostic Testing, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aids, Hearing Care, Hearing Difficulty, Hearing Screening, Hearing Technology, Hearing Test, North State Audiological Serivces, Professional Hearing Care, tinnitus, Uncategorized

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Hearing Aid Donation: Putting Old Hearing Aids to Good Use

July 16th, 2010

By: Janis Wolfe Gasch, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology
Founding Director
Arizona Hearing Specialists
7574 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85741
(520) 742-2845
www.arizonahearing.com

Tucson, AZ, July 7th, 2010 – To help needy children, Arizona Hearing Specialists is accepting donations of all kinds and brands of gently used hearing aids. The staff repair, clean and then donate them to the children of St. Andrew’s Clinic in Nogales, Arizona.

For many years, Arizona Hearing Specialists has been a proud supporter of St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic in Nogales, AZ. Dr. Gasch and her staff volunteer time and services to children from Mexico with hearing loss. This is made possible by the generous donations of hearing aids and batteries from our community. Their dedicated team assists in the fitting and follow-up for these children. Ask any team member at Arizona Hearing Specialists about how you can help make a difference with the “gift of hearing.” Arizona Hearing Specialists takes pride in being an upstanding member of the community. That is why they continually strive to provide education to the members of our communities through various educational seminars about hearing, hearing loss, communication and the latest developments in hearing aid technology.

The free clinic is held the first Thursday of every month (except July) and serves over 200 needy children. These children come from all over Mexico and have a wide variety of medical conditions for which they are unable to get treatment elsewhere. The program was founded in 1973 and is the longest running border health project in the United States.  To view a video on the clinic and the volunteers, please watch: http://www.borderbeat.net/default/1262-st-andrews-volunteers
Hearing aid donations are accepted (in person or by mail) at Arizona Hearing Specialists, Monday to Friday from 9 am – 5 pm (closed for lunch) at the following locations:
7574 N La Cholla Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85741; or 512 E Whitehouse Canyon Road, Green Valley, AZ 85614

Founded over 27 years ago by Janis Wolfe Gasch, Au.D., Arizona Hearing Specialists concentrates on the identification, prevention and treatment of those who have hearing loss. In three locations Arizona Hearing Specialists fits the most current technology in hearing aids available from all the major manufacturers. Those who have concerns about hearing loss can reach them at (520) 742-2845 or http://www.arizonahearing.com.

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Posted in Arizona Hearing Specialists, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aid Batteries, Hearing Aid Donations, Hearing Aids, Hearing Technology, St. Andrew's Clinic, Tucson Hearing Aids

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Now Hear this…. Are You at Risk for a Hearing Loss?

June 18th, 2010

By: Bettie Borton, Au.D., FAAA
Doctor of Audiology
Doctors Hearing Clinic
7025 Halcyon Park, Suite A
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 396-1635
www.doctorshearingclinic.com

Did you know hearing loss…

  • Is the third most prevalent chronic health condition in America, behind high blood pressure and arthritis?
  • Affects 36 million Americans (about 17% of adults)?
  • Is more common in men than women?
  • Costs our economy billions of dollars in lost wages and hidden costs annually?

Is not being adequately identified by healthcare professionals? Only 38 percent of adults ages 70 years and older and only 29 percent of adults ages 20 to 69 have had their hearing tested within the last 5 years!

Do you or someone you love have a hearing loss? If so, you’re not alone. Almost 20% of adults in the United States will develop hearing loss during the course of their lives, and if undiagnosed and untreated, its affects can be devastating. Impaired hearing can have a profound impact on emotional, physical, economic, and social well-being.  People with hearing loss have documented decrease in quality of life, reporting symptoms of depression, dissatisfaction with life, reduced functional health, and social isolation. Statistically, they have lower income levels, and frequently complain of frustration in relationships and various communicative situations, as well as inability to enjoy social situations, and fatigue. Despite the fact that most people with hearing loss can be helped with today’s state of the art amplification, many never seek help, or resist the use hearing aids or other assistive listening technologies.

The causes of hearing loss are varied and resultant impact on auditory capability may range from mild to pronounced. Sometimes the cause or etiology, such as wax build up in the external ear canal or an ear infection, is readily apparent. In other instances, the cause of hearing loss may be more obscure. Decreased hearing is often called “the invisible handicap”. Because hearing impairment (especially loss related to aging) often presents very gradually, those with significant hearing impairment can be unaware of their loss. Family members, significant others, co-workers and friends are frequently the first to notice communication problems related to decreased hearing sensitivity.

Given that 36 million Americans are faced with this “invisible handicap” what kinds of risk factors increase the likelihood that someone will develop hearing loss? Why do some people develop hearing loss and while others do not? Some risk factors are obvious, but others are much more obscure.

Perhaps the most widely recognized risk factor is aging. Presbycusis, or the loss of hearing that gradually occurs as we grow older, is a familiar scenario for those of us with older family members. In fact, about 30-35 percent of adults between the ages of 65 and 75 years have a hearing loss, while an estimated 40-50 percent of people 75 and older have a hearing impairment.

Loss associated with presbycusis is usually greater for high-pitched sounds, resulting in the frequent comment “I can hear people talking, but can’t understand them clearly”. It is most commonly binaural (in both ears), affecting the ears equally. Because this type of loss in hearing sensitivity is so gradual, people who have presbycusis frequently lose their frame of reference for normal loudness of sounds, and often do not realize that their hearing acuity is diminishing.

The resultant relationship dynamic is frequently the subject of jokes – “My husband suffers from ‘selective’ hearing and he’s driving me crazy”! In reality, however, hearing impairment is no laughing matter and can take quite a toll on communication with significant others. Research indicates that for couples where one person has unaddressed hearing loss, the divorce rate is actually significantly higher.

Most people would agree that we now live in a very noisy world. Noise levels for rock concerts, radios, motorcycles, traffic, industrial and lawn equipment, and even our personal listening devices constantly bombard our auditory system. It is not surprising that noise exposure is another one of the most frequently cited risk factors for hearing loss, and now rivals aging as the number one cause of hearing loss in this country.  Noise from occupational, recreational and sporting activities all pose significant hazards to hearing in the United States today. Firearm use is one of the biggest culprits in our area of the country. A single shot from a shotgun, experienced at close range, can permanently damage hearing.  Repeated exposures to loud machinery in the work place or as part of yard maintenance or recreational experience may, over an extended period of time, present a serious risk to hearing. Even something as seemingly benign as blow dryers for styling hair put hearing at risk.

Consider the noise levels for such activities as NASCAR, jet ski and power boat usage, and lawn equipment. The cumulative effects of these noise hazards and many others pose a serious risk for hearing. Noise exposure risk is a time weighted function – in other words, the longer the exposure time, the greater the risk, and lower the loudness level required to cause damage. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 10 million Americans have already suffered irreversible hearing damage from noise, and 30 million more are exposed to dangerous noise levels each day. A one-time exposure to hazardous noise resultant from gunfire or a rock concert, no matter how brief the time, of 120 dB or more can leave hearing permanently impaired. Prolonged exposure to only 85 dB (which can be generated by a commonly used appliance such as a blow dryer or hand held power tool) can do the same. 

Children and young adults are bombarded with potentially damaging noise exposure, most of which is easy to overlook. Most people intuitively recognize that “boom boxes”  IPODS, and other personal listening devices, if played too loudly, constitute a risk to hearing. However, consider the noise levels inherent to playing in a school band or orchestra. Students engaged in this commonplace activity spend hours practice in noisy environments within the context of their academic activities, yet many of them are not wearing appropriate ear protection, nor are schools effectively addressing this problem. To complicate matters, for reasons that are not fully understood some people are more susceptible to noise exposure than others.  As an example, research indicates that those with blue eyes are more prone to noise exposure than those with darker eye color!

Aging and noise exposure are two rather obvious risk factors for hearing loss, but there are many other factors that are more insidious. Studies suggest that there is a strong genetic component inherent to hearing loss, both for childhood deafness as well as presbycusic loss. If your parent or grandparent had hearing loss, your risk factor for developing a similar impairment may increase. If you had a relative who was hearing impaired from birth, family members of child bearing age need to be mindful of this risk factor, and be particularly vigilant with regard to insuring that the newest members of the family are effectively screened at birth for hearing sensitivity.

Various diseases of the ear certainly pose risk to hearing sensitivity. Ear infection, otosclerosis (a bony growth in the middle ear cavity), Meniere’s Disease, acoustic neuroma (a tumor on the auditory nerve), and a host of other maladies are obvious risk factors for hearing loss. But did you know that hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those who do not have the disease, according to a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)? Visual deficits have long been associated with diabetes, but hearing loss is an under-recognized complication. Because of the strong correlation between diabetes and hearing loss, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), recently suggested that people with diabetes should consider having their hearing tested.

Use of common drugs such as antibiotics, aspirin, diuretics and chemotherapy can cause hearing loss. Typically, hearing loss from ototoxic drugs is high frequency, which often results in the hearing impairment less obvious to those it affects. All radiation and chemotherapy patients should insist on baseline hearing assessments before, during, and following their course of treatment to insure that auditory effects of ototoxic interventional strategies are carefully monitored and treated.

Race and gender also play a role in hearing loss risk factor determination. Researchers now know that compared to women, men are five and one half times more likely to have hearing loss. White and Mexican American men have a higher incidence of both high-frequency hearing loss and hearing loss in both ears than blacks, who were 70 percent less likely than white participants to present with hearing loss.

With the dramatic increase in airbag use, motor vehicle accidents (MVA’s) are common culprits for increased risk of hearing loss. In fact, 17% of those involved in MVA’s with airbag deployment will have permanent loss of hearing as a result. Other insidious risk factors for hearing loss include smoking and cardiovascular disease. The incidence of hearing loss is significantly more pronounced among smokers, as well as those with any type of cardiovascular disease.

Many healthcare professionals simply don’t make these associations, and as a result, do not refer patients for hearing evaluation as often as risk factors might dictate. So, the message is be aware, and be proactive in assessing your risk, or that of your loved one, for hearing loss. For a comprehensive audiometric evaluation, see a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology. If you’ve never had a baseline audiogram, it’s certainly in your best interest to do so. Only 38 percent of adults ages 70 years and older and only 29 percent of adults ages 20 to 69 have had their hearing tested within the last 5 years.   If you’re over 65, hearing evaluation each year by a Board Certified Audiologist should become part of your annual medical maintenance program.
(Sources: BHI, NIDCD, ABA)

Dr. Bettie Borton is a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology, and a nationally recognized expert in hearing healthcare. She has more than 30 years’ experience diagnosing and treating hearing impairment in children and adults. Dr. Borton has served as the President of the Alabama Academy of Audiology, National Chair of the American Board of Audiology, and currently serves on the National Board of Directors for the American Academy of Audiology.

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Posted in Acoustic Neuroma, Assisitve Listening Technology, AudigyCertified, Audiogram, Audiologist, Audiometric Evaluation, Auditory, Bettie Borton, Binaural, Binaural Hearing, Clinical Audiologist, Diabetes, Doctor of Audiology, Doctors Hearing Clinic, Ear Disease, Ear infection, Ear wax, Hearing Aids, Hearing Assessment, Hearing Damage, Hearing Difficulty, Hearing Evaluation, Hearing Impaired, Hearing Loss, Hearing protection, Hearing Test, Hearing Tested, Impaired Hearing, Meniere's Disease, Noise Exposure, Noise Hazards, Noise levels, Otosclerosis, Ototoxic Drugs, Presbycusis, Signs of Hearing Loss, Treatable Hearing Loss, Uncategorized

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New Smoke Alarm Requirements Will Save Lives

June 4th, 2010

By Kevin M. Liebe, Au.D., CCC-A
Doctor of Audiology
Columbia Basin Hearing Center
1149 N. Edison Street, Suite D
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 736-4005
www.columbiabasinhearing.com  

As many of you are probably unaware, a new National Fire Alarm Code went into effect in January 2010.  The change is the result of mounting research evidence indicating that millions of Americans could potentially sleep through their smoke alarms during a fire.

Most standard smoke alarms in the US produce high-frequency tones between 3000 to 4000 Hz.  Unfortunately, this high-frequency range is also one of the first to be effected by hearing loss.  About 30 million Americans, or 1 in 10, have some degree of hearing impairment.  According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 18 percent of adults ages 45-64 have hearing impairment, compared with 30 percent of adults 65-74 and almost 50 percent of adults over 75.

The new National Fire Alarm Code would require the use of a low-frequency signal (520 Hz) for fire alarms installed in residential bedrooms of those with mild to severe hearing loss by January 2010 and in all commercial bedrooms by 2014.  This low-frequency tone has been found to be significantly more effective in waking up individuals with hearing loss and those in a deep sleep, even more effectively than strobe lights or bed shaking devices alone.

Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death in the US.  Most fire fatalities occur at night, between the hours of about 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., when the vast majority of people are asleep.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that adults above the age of 65 have about twice the risk of fire fatality than the average and those over 85 have four and half times the risk.  These figures are especially troubling, given the fact that these groups are also at a much greater risk of not hearing their smoke alarms. 

If you or a loved one suffers from even a mild hearing loss, a traditional smoke alarm may not be enough to awaken you from a deep sleep.  Often times you only have a few minutes to escape a house fire once the alarms have detected smoke.  Serious consideration should be given to whether a low-frequency smoke alarm or some other form of alerting device would be the best choice for your needs in case of a fire.  Speaking with an audiologist will help you determine the most appropriate options based on your individual hearing needs.

Fire Facts from the NFPA:

  • In 2008, U.S. fire departments responded to 386,500 home fires. These fires killed 2,755 civilians. Eighty-three percent of all fire deaths resulted from home fires.
  • Someone was injured in a home fire every 40 minutes and roughly eight people died in home fires every day during 2008.
  • A fire department responded to a home fire every 81 seconds.
  • Almost two-thirds of reported home fire deaths in 2003-2006 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
  • About 1/3 of home fires and deaths happened in the months of December, January and February.
  • The kitchen is the leading area of origin for home fires. However, bedrooms and living/family rooms are the leading areas of origin for home fire deaths.
  • One-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. The time available is often less.
  • Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half.

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Posted in Audiologist, Columbia Basin Hearing & Balance Center, Doctor of Audiology, Fire fatalities, Fire Safety, Hearing Impaired, Hearing Loss, hearing needs, High-Frequency, Low-Frequency, Smoke Alarms

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Hearing Loss, Dizziness and Balance Disorders in the Elderly

May 28th, 2010

By Neil W. Aiello, Au.D., FAAA, CCC-A
Doctor of Audiology
Cheif Operations Officer
Columbia Basin Hearing Center
1149 N. Edison Street, Suite D
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 736-4005
www.columbiabasinhearing.com  

Adults are now living longer.  But with increased longevity comes a corresponding increase in the incidence of hearing loss, dizziness and balance problems.  Each of these conditions are common problems among the senior population.  Some revealing statistics from the National Institute on Aging include: 

  • Approximately one-third of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing problems. 
  • Nearly half the people who are 75 or older have hearing loss. 
  • As many as 40% of all adults will experience dizziness severe enough to warrant reporting it to their doctor. 

In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, over 90 million Americans will experience dizziness or vertigo in their lifetime.  Dizziness or vertigo is the #1 complaint of patients over the age of 70, and is the third most frequent complaint among all patients after headache and back pain.  Approximately 85% of all vertigo and balance problems are due to an inner-ear incident.

Neil Aiello, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology | Columbia Basin Hearing & Balance CenterHearing loss can have many causes including aging of the auditory system, overexposure to loud noises over a period of time, infections, ear wax buildup in the ear canal, heart conditions or stroke, head injuries, tumors, certain medicines and heredity.  Common symptoms of hearing loss include; if you often can hear people talking, but simply have difficulty understanding them; struggling to hear conversations clearly in background noise or in group situations; having difficulty hearing over the telephone or needing to turn the TV volume higher so that others complain.  These Sound Voids ™ are the result of some form of hearing loss, either temporary or permanent, and may result in situations where an individual’s hearing loss does not permit them to detect or understand important sound and speech cues.  Individuals often find that Sound Voids result in tiring, frustrating, and embarrassing situations.

Dizziness is a symptom with a multitude of possible causes.  Determining the underlying cause is one of the biggest challenges for physicians.  The most common causes are related to the inner ear; therefore, referral to an audiologist is highly recommended.  Other causes include central nervous system problem in the brain or brainstem, related heart conditions, medications, as well as infections of the inner-ear or vestibular nerve.  Specificity is the key to finding the source of the problem.  The more specific you can be about when the symptoms began, when they are most likely to occur and exactly what they feel like will help the audiologist or physician develop a more accurate diagnosis.  Be aware that determining the source of dizziness is very complex and difficult to localize.  In fact, many times the exact source of the dizziness is never found.  However, more serious sources of the problem are ruled out.

According to a distinguished expert in the field of dizziness and balance disorders; Doctors of Audiology have an educational and clinical advantage in the identification and diagnosis of many forms of dizziness and vertigo problems.  The high incidence of inner ear symptoms with balance and vertigo disorders, in conjunction with the increasing number of elderly patients that need our expertise is on the rise.  In fact, many insurance companies are seeing the proven benefits and under-utilization of Doctors of Audiology who specialize in dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders.

If you or your loved ones have hearing loss, Sound Voids™, dizziness, vertigo and/or balance problems, seek out your local Doctor of Audiology for the latest in modern professional hearing, dizziness and balance services.  General information on these topics can be found online at www.ColumbiaBasinHearing.com , www.audigygroup.com or www.dizzy.com

Definitions:

Audiologists (noun): are autonomous professionals who identify, assess, and manage disorders of the auditory, balance, and other neural systems. Audiologists provide audiological (hearing) rehabilitation to children and adults across the entire age span. Audiologists select, fit, and dispense amplification systems such as hearing aids and related devices. Audiologists currently hold a Master’s or Doctoral degrees in audiology from an accredited university or professional school.

Sound Void™ (noun):

  1. A moment lacking in clarity in hearing or understanding.
  2. An empty space in one’s life caused by the absence of sound clarity.

Hearing Loss (noun):

  1. Impairment of the sense of hearing.

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Posted in Audigy Group, AudigyCertified, Audiologist, Balance, Clinical Audiologist, Columbia Basin Hearing & Balance Center, Dizziness, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aids, Hearing Impaired, Hearing Loss, inner ear, Signs of Hearing Loss, Sound voids, Treatable Hearing Loss, Uncategorized, vertigo, vestibular nerve

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Tinnitus: What’s that ringing in my ears?!

May 21st, 2010

By Shannon M. Aiello, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Doctor of Audiology
Directory of Audiology
Columbia Basin Hearing Center
1149 N. Edison Street, Suite D
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 736-4005
www.columbiabasinhearing.com  

What do David Letterman, Pete Townshend, Charles Darwin, Ludwig Van Beethoven, and Steve Martin have in common? Other than being notable individuals in history or entertainment, all of these people have lived with chronic tinnitus. And they are not alone. The American Tinnitus Association estimates that over 50 million Americans experience tinnitus. Of these, 12 million have tinnitus that is severe enough that they seek medical attention. Furthermore, approximately 2 million persons have tinnitus that is so debilitating they cannot function in their daily lives.

Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound when no external sound is present. Tinnitus is often referred to as “ringing in the ears,” although some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking. It can be intermittent or constant, with single or changing frequencies.Because there are so many causes of tinnitus, it is important to be thoroughly evaluated to determine what exactly is causing the ringing. Many times people are told that tinnitus is normal with aging or that they just have to live with it. This is an untrue statement. If there is a medical issue causing the tinnitus often times, when it is treated the tinnitus may subside. Although there are very few treatments for tinnitus available, it is important that people with tinnitus understand where it is coming from, what to do if it gets worse, and what they can do to successfully manage their tinnitus.

Hearing loss and noise exposure is the most typical cause of tinnitus. For these patients, the tinnitus is typically permanent. Because of the vast number of people that suffer tinnitus, there are many companies that are trying to capitalize on this condition by advertising various herbal supplements or devices to help stop the ringing. Sadly, many of these supplements and “treatments” are extremely overpriced and have not been shown clinically to reduce the perception of tinnitus.

There are however, different options available for tinnitus suffers to help reduced their awareness of the tinnitus. For those who have hearing loss in addition to tinnitus, if the hearing loss is corrected through the use of hearing aids the majority of people also notice a reduction, or complete cessation, of their tinnitus.

At Columbia Basin Hearing and Balance Center, we understand that tinnitus is a complex problem which is different with each patient. Because of this we take the time to understand what our patients are experiencing, do comprehensive testing to determine where the tinnitus is coming from, and speak extensively about individualized management, therapies, and options that may help relieve the tinnitus. We are actively pursuing and using new therapies and management strategies to help out patients experience relief from their tinnitus.

If you or your loved one has been told to learn to live with tinnitus, please contact one of our local Doctor of Audiology for the latest in testing and management of tinnitus. General information on tinnitus can be found at Columbia Basin Hearing and the American Tinnitus Association.

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Posted in Audiologist, Clinical Audiologist, Columbia Basin Hearing & Balance Center, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss, Noise-induced, Ringing in the Ears, tinnitus, Uncategorized

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