What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease in and of itself.  It’s a symptom of something else.  The American Tinnitus Association reports that there are over 200 different health disorders that can generate tinnitus as a symptom. 

For most people tinnitus is related to the collapse of the hearing nerves and hearing loss.  It is commonly seen with age related hearing loss called presbycusis and with noise induced hearing loss.  Obstructions of the outer and middle ears can cause pressure to build up in the inner ear. This affects the function of the eardrum and at time the hearing nerves causing noises in the ears. This can include ear wax build up, head congestion and dirt or foreign objects in the ear canal.  An injury to the head or neck can reduce the blood flow to ears or put stress in the cervical disks causing the perception of tinnitus.  Tinnitus can be caused by dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is where the lower jaw connects to the skull in front of the ears.  The TMJ shares some of its muscles and ligaments with the ears, stress on these muscle and ligaments can impact the ears. Sinus pressure or barometric pressure changes such as seen with scuba diving, flying and concussive explosive blast can cause ringing.  Other causes include traumatic brain injury, ototoxtic drugs often used in chemotherapy, diseases of the ears, even a brain tumor.  Tinnitus has also been related to hypothyroidism, anemia, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety and stress.

The best first step in the diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus is to have a hearing and tinnitus evaluation.  At advanced Audiology Concepts we use a Progressive Tinnitus Management strategy to see that you receive the appropriate care and intervention. 

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD & Ashley Spisak, AuD

8897 Mentor Ave

Mentor, Ohio 44060

440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://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

Unfortunately, hearing loss remains one of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in the United States today.  The Better Hearing Institute reported more than 38 million American’s have hearing loss. Women tend to address hearing loss and use hearing aids more readily then men. The majority of those experiencing the negative effects of nont using hearing aids are men.

Rarely do people consider the affects of untreated hearing loss.  The obvious affects 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.  Research has shown that those with untreated hearing loss on the average, earn $24,000 less a year then those who use hearing aids.  Studies show that those with hearing loss appear to be not as "sharp" or "Johnny on the Spot" at work due to the extra time it takes for communication.

As the work force in the US continues to work later into life, the number of workers over the age of 70 is increasing.  Along with this, the number of workers with hearing loss is also increasing.  Read more here.  The need to use hearing aids becomes even more important.

The Better Hearing Institute reported that hearing health is an important part life. Not only does it affect quality of life but also well being.  Fortunately, wearing hearing aids mitigates the impact on income by about 50 percent, improves quality of life and over all wellbeing.

We live in a busy world today.  Encourage your loved ones to take time to take care of themselves.  Call today for a hearing evaluation and get started.  Hearing aids work great and are discreet!

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

An audiologist

I recommend you see an audiologist.  Audiologists are the most trained in hearing and hearing loss.  An audiologist will perform an audiologic evaluation including measures of hearing and assess the function the eardrums, ear muscle reflexes and hearing nerve (haircell) health. The audiologic assessment is a thorough evaluation of the function of the ear going well beyond simple hearing measures. As a result an audiologist will know whether to refer you to a physician, or recommend listening training or hearing aids.

If hearing aids are indicated, I again, recommend you work with an audiologist. A hearing aid dealer can also fit and dispense hearing aids but their education and training is different.  Audiologists have either a Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree which includes college course work on the development of the ear, how it works, the anatomy and physiology of the ear, causes of hearing loss, ear diseases and fitting hearing aids. Hearing aid dealers are licensed in most states. The requirements may vary slightly state by state.  In Ohio they need a high school education or equivalent, and must pass a state examination.  Typically they are trained by other licensed hearing aid dealers.

Get started by scheduling an appointment with an audiologist.  Call one now.

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/

My husband resists hearing aids. What can I do?

Resistance to wearing hearing aids is common.  Many people have excuses for neglecting their hearing.  Some worry about looking old and others feel the financial investment isn’t worth it.  Few people realize the cost of not using hearing aids.  Talk to him about the negative effects of ignoring his hearing problem.   

                        

When someone cannot hear what is said or miss hears information, it’s easy to see the impact on communication.  Isolation and withdrawal from social situations is also easily seen.  Not so apparent are the affects the brain.  Not using hearing aids reduces stimulation of the hearing pathways in the brain.  This can cause a reduction in the brain’s ability to recall words and the ability to learn new tasks. Words become mumbled and with long periods of reduced stimulation, the mumbling can become permanent. People with hearing loss have to work harder to hear and remember what was heard. 

Untreated hearing loss can also have serious social and emotional affects.  A study by the National Council on Aging reported that adults 50 and older with hearing loss experience more stress, sadness, and depression.  They worry and are more anxious than those who use hearing aids. 

Other studies show that those who are working earn from $12,000-$24,000 less annual due to hearing loss.  They are less likely to be promoted and often seen as loaners.

Don't wait to get started.  Encourage him to have a trial with hearing aids.  Hopefully he will find they are inconspicuous, comfortable and work well.  Call now for 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/

Reference and for more information go to: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718164026.htm