Hearing Aids: Reasonable
Expectations for the Consumer
Since you are considering the purchase of
hearing aids, it’s important for you to establish reasonable
expectations from these highly sophisticated, miniature devices. ... [more]
Three Levels of Hearing Aid
Technology
There are essentially three levels of hearing
aid technology. We refer to these as analog, digitally programmable,
and digital.... [more]
Digital Hearing Aid Technology
The term DIGITAL is used so often today, it can
be confusing. When the term "digital" is used while referring to
hearing aids, it generally means the hearing aid is 100% digital. In
other words, the hearing aid is indeed a "complete computer". ... [more]
Hearing Aid Battery Information
All batteries are toxic and dangerous if
swallowed. Keep all batteries (and hearing aids) away from children
and pets. If anyone swallows a battery it is a medical emergency and
the individual needs to see a physician immediately. ... [more]
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
You may have certain communication needs that
cannot be solved by the use of hearing aids alone. These situations
may involve the use of the telephone, radio, television, and the
inability to hear the door chime, telephone bell, and alarm clock.... [more]
Types of ALDs
There are many assistive listening devices
available today, from sophisticated systems used in theaters and
auditoriums to small personal systems.... [more]
Cochlear Implants
Generally speaking, cochlear implants are for
patients with severe-to-profound, sensorineural hearing loss. There
are approximately 500,000 patients in the USA with severe-to-profound
hearing loss. ... [more]
Taking an Impression of the Ear
All custom made hearing aids and earmolds are
made from a "cast" of the ear. The cast is referred to as an ear
impression. The audiologist or hearing aid dispenser makes the ear
impression in the office. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes. ... [more]
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is an abnormal perception of a sound
which is reported by patients that is unrelated to an external source
of stimulation. Tinnitus is a very common disorder.... [more]
The Prevalence of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the term for the perception of sound
when no external sound is present. It is often referred to as "ringing
in the ears," although some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling,
chirping, or clicking. ... [more]
Tinnitus: It Has a Certain
Ring to It
Fifty million Americans experience some form of
tinnitus. Twelve million have sought professional intervention.
Tinnitus is a significant and common problem across the USA. ... [more]
Tinnitus Treatment and
Management
Generally, most patients will not need any
medical treatment for their tinnitus. For patients who are greatly
bothered by tinnitus, they may use some masking techniques such as
listening to a fan or radio which would mask some of their
tinnitus.... [more]
What is an Otolaryngologist?
Otolaryngologists (also called
ear-nose-and-throat, or ENT, doctors) are physicians who have advanced
training in disorders of the ear, nose, throat and head and neck.... [more]
The American Tinnitus Association: A Resource for
Enhancing Tinnitus Patient Services
The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) assists
healthcare providers in serving patients who have, or are learning to
cope with, tinnitus. ... [more]
Managing Chronic Tinnitus As
Phantom Auditory Pain
Patients experiencing severe chronic tinnitus
have many characteristics in common with chronic pain patients.... [more]
A Discussion of Dizziness
Dizziness is a symptom not a disease. It may be
defined as a sensation of unsteadiness, imbalance, or disorientation
in relation to an individual's surroundings. ... [more]
A Discussion of Facial Nerve
Problems
Spasm, weakness or paralysis of the face is a
symptom of some disorder involving the facial nerve. It is not a
disease in itself. ... [more]
Middle Ear Implants
Middle ear implants are surgically implanted
devices. The FDA has approved specific middle ear implants and the FDA
is still reviewing others. The middle ear implant is a useful hearing
instrument and is quite different from traditional hearing aids.... [more]
What is a Neurotologist?
Otologists or neurotologists are physicians who
in addition to their ENT requirements continue their specialized
training for an additional year or more in the diagnosis and treatment
of disorders of the ear.... [more]
Preparation for Balance
Testing
This guide gives you an idea of what to expect
on your test... [more]
A Discussion of Otosclerosis
The diagnosis of otoclerosis has been
established as the cause of your hearing impairment. Otosclerosis
means hardening of one of the bones of the ear. Approximately
one-third of all persons with impaired hearing have this
condition.... [more]
A Discussion of Meniere's
Disease
The inner ear is a delicate membraneous sense
organ, which is encased in a bony shell. It is suspended within a
latice-like bony framework, called the mastoid bone, which is located
behind the outer ear. ... [more]
A Discussion of Eustachian
Tube Problems
The ear is comprised of three portions: an outer
ear (external), a middle ear and inner ear. Each part performs an
important function in the process of hearing.... [more]
Why Aren’t Hearing
Conservation Practices Taught in Schools?
Hearing conservation should receive attention
and resources similar to those allocated for anti-smoking, anti-drug,
teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted disease education programs
that are now presented routinely in public schools. ... [more]
Aural Rehabilitation: Some
Personal and Professional Reflections
When Geoff Plant asked me to give this keynote
presentation, he said to be sure that I included some of my personal
experiences as a hard of hearing person. ... [more]
What is a Central Auditory
Processing Disorder (CAPD)?
Auditory Processing (also called Central
Auditory Processing) refers to the means by which we make sense of
what we hear. "Auditory Processing Disorders" refers to the abnormal
interaction of hearing, neural transmission and the brain's ability to
make sense of sound. ... [more]
