How loud is too loud?

Noise Induced hearing loss is on the rise, especially in teenagers!   Yes, teenagers are exposed to more loud sounds than ever before.  Some sources of loud sound include; music players, car races, even toys such as a fire truck with a siren are loud enough to harm hearing.

It’s not easy to know when sound is too loud.  That is because it’s not just about how loud a sound is.  “Too loud” is a combination of the volume of the sound and how long one is exposed to it.  The louder a sound is, the shorter the permissible length of exposure. 

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). Generally, exposure to a sound at 85 dB over 8 hours is acceptable.  For every three dB increase in the sound, the acceptable time is cut in half.  For example if the volume is 88 dB, it is safe for 4 hours, 91 dB is safe for 2 hours, 94 dB for 1 hour, etc.

Here is a guide to help you determine the volume of some common sounds. 

60 dB—Normal conversations or dishwashers
80 dB—Alarm clocks
90 dB—Hair dryers, blenders, and lawnmowers
100 dB—MP3 players at full volume
110 dB—Concerts, car racing, and sporting events
120 dB—Jet planes at take off
130 dB—Ambulances and fire engine sirens
140 dB—Gun shots, fireworks, and custom car stereos at full volume

Here are few rules to go by.  You know a the sound is too loud if; you have to shout over the background noise to be heard, if the volume actually causes pain, if the noise makes your ears ring or if you have decreased or muffled hearing after being exposed to the sound. 

There are three ways to protect your hearing; use earplugs or muffs, move away from the source of the sound or turn the volume down when using a music player. Never use a music player to cover up the sound of another unwanted sound such as the lawn mower.  Use ear plugs or noise canceling plugs to decrease the volume of the unwanted noise.

When someone is exposed to loud sounds it is important to have regular hearing evaluations by an audiologist.  If you or a loved one is exposed to loud sound, have a baseline hearing evaluation.  Why wait?  

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

How the ear works

Understanding how we hear starts with understanding how the ear works.  There are three parts to the ear, outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. 

The outer ear consists of the pinna (the part of the ear we can see on the side of the head) and the ear canal.  The eardrum is located at the end of the ear canal.  The main job of the outer ear is to collect sound waves and send them down the ear canal to the eardrum. 

The middle ear includes the eardrum and three small bones.  They are located in an air filled space surrounded by the bones of the skull.  Their job is to amplify the sound waves and send them to the inner ear. 

The inner ear is located in a snail shaped bone deep inside the head.  This boney section is filled with a fluid. The hearing nerves called haircells are in this part of the ear.  Sound travels through the inner ear by setting up waves in the fluid.  These waves “wash” over the haircells, stimulating them.  The stimulated nerve fibers change sound into electrical impulses that travel to the brain.  It is the brain that assigns meaning to the sounds and words.  We hear in the brain.  It recognizes familiar voices and birds, understands words and enjoys music.

If you are a loved one are noticing changes in hearing or muffling of voices call to schedule and hearing evaluation.  The hearing evaluation checks the entire system of the ear including: a look in the ear canals for ear wax, assessing the flexibility of the eardrums and checking your hearing.  

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

Untreated hearing loss

Sadly, only 20 percent of people who have hearing loss seek treatment through the use of hearing aids.  This statistic alone, speaks volumes about what a spouse and families endure.  It not only means louder TV, repeating throughout the day, filling in important parts of conversations, it raises the anxiety levels of everyone in the family.  Struggling to communicate under these circumstances is frustrating and exhausting. 

There are many reasons why people resist seeking help for their hearing difficulties.  Often, hearing loss is perceived as a sign of aging or weakness.  Often people feel  hearing aids will be viewed as less attractive or less competent.  Putting off using hearing aids may be based on what appears to be valid logic, i.e., “I’m too young!”, It’s not bad enough yet!”,” No one I know likes their hearing aids.”, “We just can’t afford it now!”, or “My brother has a hearing loss and won’t wear hearing aids and he gets along just fine!”.  In reality, none of these excuses amount to anything but procrastination, minimizing the problem in order to justify not pursuing treatment. 

The real tragedy of untreated hearing loss is the isolation that results from avoiding all the situations that make hearing a challenge.   The natural progression of this is giving up more and more activities in order to operate within a “comfort zone”.   Coming to terms with hearing loss is not an easy task.  Encourage loved ones to seek help.  A complete Hearing Evaluation is the first step. 

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

Who is the best professional to see for hearing aids?

It certainly seems to be puzzling.  With all of the ads about “invisible” hearing aids and differing cost of instruments, it is difficult to know where to turn.  Audiologists, ENT physicians and hearing aid dealers all dispense hearing aids. 

Audiologists are uniquely trained to evaluate and treat the non-medical aspects of hearing loss and to dispense hearing aids.  Audiologists have a Master of Arts or Doctoral degree with emphasis on hearing, hearing loss, balance, hearing aids and listening therapy.  They are the best trained professionals to assist you with hearing aids.

Ear, nose and throat physicians (ENT) deal with medical disorders of the head and neck, which include the ears, hearing and balance.  It is important that you see an ENT specialist if you have a history of ear problems or ear disease. 

Hearing aid dealers at least in Ohio, must have a high school education or equivalent and pass a test on hearing aids prior to becoming licensed. 

As you can see, there is a vast difference in the training and scope of practice of an audiologist, physician and hearing aid dealer.  It is highly recommended that you see an Audiologist.  When choosing the audiologist, consider a professional who is readily available.  In the event your hearing aids need service, or you have questions, quick and easy access is extremely important. 

A complete Hearing Evaluation is the first step in the process of purchasing hearing aids.  Why wait?

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 Cochlear Implants

A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device.  Those with severe to profound hearing loss who do not do well with hearing aids may be a candidate.  Since it is a surgical procedure, one must also be a good candidate for surgery.

A cochlear implant consists of three parts; an electrode array, magnets and a sound processor.  The electrode array is a thin wire with electrodes on it.  The array is inserted into the spiral portion of the inner ear called the cochlea.  The electrode array stimulates the hearing nerves. The other end of the array is attached to a magnet that is placed under the skin on the side/back of the head.  The sound processor looks similar to a hearing aid.  It is placed over the ear and has a magnet connected by a wire that connects to magnet under the scalp.  Typically one ear is implanted.

Sound is picked up by a microphone in the sound processor.  It is sent to the external magnet where it is transferred to the magnet under the skin.  The signal is travels to the electrode array, electrically stimulating the hearing nerves in the inner ear.  The ear perceives this electrical stimulation as sound and sends the information along the auditory nerve up to the brain.

If you think you are a candidate for a cochlear implant, have a hearing evaluation.    

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

Heart Disease and Hearing Loss

In 2005 Harvard University established a staggering relation between heart disease and hearing loss.  They found that hearing loss occurred 54% more often in people with heart disease then in the general population. 

Cardiovascular disease reduces blood flow through veins, arteries and to the organs of the body. The reduction in blood flow decreases oxygen to the body’s systems. The lack of oxygen can damage the heart and other organs including the hearing nerves deep in the inner ear.  

Researchers at Harvard University believe the hearing nerves are so fragile that the ear is likely the first organ damaged from cardiovascular disease.  There are those who believe one day hearing loss may predict heart disease.

Eat right and exercise.  One study found that exercising once a week reduced the risk of heart disease by 32%.  A healthy cardiovascular system has a positive effect on hearing. 

Have regular hearing checks and use hearing aids when recommended.  Those who use hearing aids report greater overall health, more active lifestyle and a more active social life.  Taking care of your hearing is part of taking care of your overall health. In Lake County Ohio call 440-205-8848 to schedule a hearing evaluation.

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

Auditory Processing Disorders

The American Academy of Audiology reports Auditory processing disorders (APDs) are referred to by many names: central auditory processing disorders, auditory perceptual disorders, and central auditory disorders. APDs affect the auditory areas of the brain. Further they report children and adults with APD often report difficulty hearing in background noise, in rooms that reverberate (echo) and/or other less-than-ideal listening situations.

APD is an audiological disorder.  An audiologist is the professional who makes the diagnosis. Individuals with APD usually pass standard hearing tests because standard hearing tests are designed to test the quietest sounds one can hear. Special testing is needed.  APD may be present with or without hearing loss.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can take many different forms.  Here are few of them:

1. Difficulty hearing the difference in sounds, especially different letters
2. Difficulty hearing in noisy places
3. Difficulty hearing rhythms
4. Difficulty academically
5. Disorganized
6. Trouble following multiple step instructions
7. Does better with written material than auditory
8. Performs better one-on-one than in groups
9. Forgetful

Learn more click here.

If you think you and/or your child may have an auditory processing disorder, "Find an Audiologist" set up an appointment for a hearing evaluation.

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