Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

It’s a common myth that people with sensorineural hearing loss cannot be helped.  The truth is that 95% of people with hearing loss can be helped, including those with sensorineural loss. It use to be that people with hearing loss in one ear, high frequency loss or nerve damage were told there was no treatment.   Today we live in age booming with technology.  Many who could not be helped in the past can now be helped. 


When one has sensorineural loss, the nerves in the inner ear are damaged.  While there are no treatments to restore the damaged nerves there is hearing help.  Mostly the help comes in the form of hearing aids and in the case of severe hearing loss, cochlear implants.  Lifestyle, the demands on hearing and the amount of hearing loss one has, helps us to determine the best hearing aids for you.


If been told nothing can help, I recommend that you seek a second opinion.  See an audiologist.  Audiologists are uniquely trained to diagnose and treat hearing loss.  After the hearing evaluation you learn of all your options.  There are likely several devices that will improve many of the difficult listening situations you experience.  

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
http://www.aachear.org/

Hearing Loss and Diabetes

Recent studies show there is higher incidence of hearing loss among people with diabetes then in the general population.  This suggests there is a tie between the two diseases. 

One study revealed people with diabetes are two times more likely to have hearing loss.  It is believed that diabetes may cause hearing loss by damaging the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear. Adults with elevated blood sugar but not high enough to be diabetes, have a 30 percent greater chance of developing hearing loss.  .

Despite these findings, hearing screenings typically are not part of the recommended regimen of care for people with diabetes. Most people, including physicians do not understand the threat the disease also poses to hearing health. Hearing loss impacts over all health and leads to many other problems including sadness, depression, withdrawal from social situations, fatigue, anger, frustration and even paranoia. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, have a baseline hearing evaluation.  It is good to have one before you notice symptoms of hearing loss.  Monitor your hearing through periodic follow up evaluations.   Most insurance plans including Medicare cover the evaluation.  Take good care of your hearing call an audiologist today!

Life Sounds Great! Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
http://www.aachear.org/

Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids and Men

Did you know that 6 out of 10 people with hearing loss are men and men are less likely then women to seek treatment? The Better Hearing Institute reported more than 36 million American’s have hearing loss. Unfortunately, hearing loss remains one of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in the United States today.  The majority of those experiencing the negative effects of unaddressed hearing loss are men.

Rarely do people consider the side effects of untreated hearing loss.  The obvious ones are the loss of communication and the enjoyment of sounds such as bird song and music.  The not so obvious ones include a negative impact on relationships, communication and social life.  It can impact your mood, creating sadness even causing depression.  It increases fatigue and ,and has a negative impact on self esteem.

The Better Hearing Institute also reported that hearing health is an important part of a man's life. Not only does it affect his quality of life and well being.  Fortunately, wearing hearing aids mitigates the impact on income by about 50 percent. And there are simple things that men can do to protect their hearing before it becomes a problem. Listening to music at no more than 50 percent maximum volume, and wearing earplugs while at rock concerts, using power tools, shooting and during any exposure to loud sounds.

We live in a busy world today.  Get Started Now! Call today for a hearing evaluation with an audiologist.

Sounds Great! Enjoy Every Moment!

Jane Kukula, Au.D.

Paula Webster, MA

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave

Mentor, Ohio 44060

440-205-8848

http://www.aachear.org/

Hearing loss is associated with several diseases among them are dementia, cognitive dysfunction, diabetes and heart disease.   We now know there are more older adults with dementia who have hearing loss then there are older adults in general with hearing loss. 

Recent research shows there is a link between hearing loss and Alzheimer’s disease.  The study demonstrates people with untreated hearing loss are at greater risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease and dementia.  This happens partially from a loss of stimulation to the brain through the hearing pathways.  It is commonly known that using the brain by doing word puzzles and other games such as Suduko, stimulates the brain reducing the risk.  Hearing also stimulates the brain.  When one has hearing loss and does not use hearing aids, the brain lacks stimulation, adding to one’s risk for dementia.

Another study demonstrated adults with a mild to moderate hearing loss needed to use more energy to hear then those with normal hearing.  They used so much energy to hear, they were unable to recall a short list of words.  This further adds to memory loss.

Also, hearing loss can make it appear as if someone is having memory issues when really it is a hearing problem.  If someone does not hear information correctly and acts on the incorrect information, it appears as if they did not remember correctly or as if they are confused.

 

On a positive note, when treated with hearing aids and listening training, symptoms such as depression, anxiety, cognitive decline and disorientation can be reduced.  Basically it is a case of use it or lose it. And unfortunately, while there are many people with Alzheimer’s who have hearing loss, they are less likely to receive hearing help. 

The Better Hearing Institute recommends regular comprehensive audiologic examination and hearing aids when recommended.  Hearing aids can and do improve the quality of life of those with Alzheimer’s.  Call today to schedule an appointment.  

Life Sounds Great! Enjoy Every Moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
http://www.aachear.org/