Ringing in the ears

Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, can be very annoying.  For many who experience tinnitus, it can be intermittent or constant.   Tinnitus generally accompanies hearing loss, but in rare cases may be a symptom of a more serious health issue. 

There are several things you can do to minimize tinnitus:

·         Avoid exposure to loud sound and noise

·         If you have high blood pressure, seek a physician’s help to control it

·         Decrease your intake of salt

·         Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, cola and tobacco

·         Exercise daily to improve circulation

·         Get adequate rest and avoid fatigue

Hearing aids can help to manage tinnitus.  Amplifying sound and producing ambient noise, hearing aids are believed to reduce the loudness and prominence of tinnitus.  Often, hearing aids are recommended to manage tinnitus.

The first step you should take is to receive a complete Audiological Evaluation by an audiologist.  This will provide information regarding the nature and degree of your hearing loss and determine if you are gaining benefit from your present hearing aids.   These steps may assist you in dealing with this very anxiety provoking problem.

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

Finding the best hearing aids

Investing in hearing aids is a big step.  For many finding the best hearing aids is not an easy job.  Most people know little about what features are available on hearing aids let alone which options would be helpful vs which ones just are not necessary.  To complicate matters the various hearing aid companies use different terms to describe features making it hard to compare products.   

When someone is ready to purchase instruments it’s hard to know where to turn.  First, it’s important that you find an audiologist, a professional who specializes in hearing and hearing aids.  An audiologist will help you to find the best hearing aids for you and guide you through the process.  There are many things an audiologist will take into account when making a recommendation for specific hearing instruments.  We look at:

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• Hearing abilities
• Lifestyle
• Dexterity
• Hearing needs
• Financial resources

Start with an appointment with an audiologist.  An audiologist will provide a thorough evaluation of your ears and hearing.   From there, the audiologist will help you find the most cost effective solution for 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

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

Talking with a person with hearing loss

It is very important to recognize that a person with hearing loss is going to require some special attention in order to adequately communicate.  Hearing aids do not restore hearing to normal.  They are extremely helpful, but it is necessary for everyone to contribute toward a successful conversational situation.

Most importantly, be sure to speak face to face.  Those with hearing loss, even wearing hearing aids, depend a great deal on facial expression and lip movements to fully understand what is being said.  Speaking with a mouth full of food or chewing gum makes lip reading very difficult.  Also being in the same room is paramount.  It is not possible to carry on a satisfactory conversation from a different room, with the dishwasher running, the fan going or the television set on.

Speaking in a clear, distinct voice is most effective, particularly when speaking on the telephone.  It is not necessary to raise your voice or “yell”.  If you raise your voice, your expression changes and it will appear that you are upset or angry.  Clear speech allows the hearing impaired individual to understand enough to realize what you are trying to communicate. 

Noisy environments are particularly challenging for those with hearing loss.  Attempt to find settings away from air conditioners, running water, entryways, speakers and the restaurant kitchen.  If seated in a restaurant, be sure to find a quiet location and sit across the table from the person with hearing loss.

The person with hearing loss must advocate for themselves.  Communication is a two way street.  Family, friends and co-workers must be told what is needed to help improve communication.  Hearing loss is invisible and it is easy to forget that someone has a hearing loss.  With a little effort, we can improve communication. 

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

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