Ears Overview
Our ears are the gateway to speech, music and the sounds of nature but they also bring damaging noise into our lives and can cause us pain and problems. Hearing loss increases with age and is caused from everyday things like lawn mowers, road construction, and even loud TV or radio broadcasts — all as the various parts of the ear become less responsive. Further, ear infections that inflame the middle ear because of bacteria from fluid build-up behind the eardrum can not only be painful but also present other complications. One of the other areas ear specialists treat every day is dizziness, which can be caused by a number of different reasons. Our clinic is dedicated to helping you find the exact problem you have and then crafting a solution.
The research at the government-funded National Institutes of Health and other public-private and university programs is constantly yielding new insight into these age-old problems. New technology and tools are also always in development. Our commitment to you is to keep you in-the-know about the latest developments in all of the ear-related health areas.
Once you feel you've learned what you can here, our specialists would love to meet with you and listen to your unique symptoms. We've made it as easy as clicking on one of the options to the right and you'll be starting on the road to better health and happiness.
Hearing Loss
Suffering from a hearing loss? You are not alone.
When an individuals hearing is not optimal, it can lead to feelings of detachment. Day-to-day conversations can prove difficult, causing them to withdraw from people and activities. The sense of isolation can be frightening, depressing and lonely. It can make them feel helpless, frustrated, resentful and angry.
The Facts
Approximately 35 million American adults suffer from hearing loss. Of those, only 1 out of 4 who could benefit from use of hearing devices actually use them. The first step to reconnecting to the world is visiting a hearing care provider. Our professionals have the technical expertise and years of experience required to correctly assess the cause of any hearing problems and recommend the appropriate course of action. We also have staff physicians whom we partner with to diagnose and treat any medical issues that may be present. This booklet serves as a guide to help you better understand the mechanics of hearing as well as the process we utilize when reconnecting individuals to their listening world.
The Art & Science of Hearing Solutions
The hearing care industry is full of options, promising better technology, lower costs or greater capabilities. However, what is the point of having the most advanced technology if that technology doesn’t improve hearing lifestyle?
We believe it’s not only about having the latest technology solutions, it’s about how the correct technology is applied by the best hearing care professionals to deliver the precise solution for your hearing needs. We understand how critical it is that your hearing solution is custom tailored to fit your lifestyle. This philosophy is what we call “The Art & Science” of hearing care.
The “Art” is our physicians’ and providers’ ability to understand your lifestyle and counsel you in the process of reconnecting to your world. The more demanding your daily listening situations are, the more comprehensive your counseling and technology solution will be.
The “Science” references the specific technology and rehabilitation techniques provided by your hearing care professional. It is the combination of our provider’s “Art” and today’s latest technology that will give you the best value for your investment.
Today’s Hearing Devices Offer Revolutionary Advancements Designed to Satisfy
Advancements in digital hearing technology have resulted in numerous features designed to enhance the user’s experience. Some of the more important advances that you will want to consider prior to investing in treatment for your hearing loss include:
- Directional Microphones: The use of directional microphones means that the hearing device can focus in on the sounds the user wants to hear while filtering out unwanted noise. This feature can dramatically increase the ability to understand and communicate.
- Feedback/Whistling Cancellation: Hearing devices with feedback cancellation can detect the feedback that can cause annoying whistling sounds before it is heard.
- Open Technology: Traditional ear molds that fit tightly within the ear canal can cause occlusion…that “plugged up” or “talking in a barrel” sensation. Open ear molds allow for more venting by keeping the ear canal less obstructed.
- Automatic Adjustments: As environmental conditions change, the user can easily adapt to wind, crowd noise and talking on the phone with hands-free convenience.
- Customized Programming: Digital technology means your hearing provider can program your hearing devices to meet your unique needs.
- Connectivity: The newest technology allows you to connect wirelessly to your cell phone, TV and landline phone through your hearing devices.
Making an Informed Buying Decision
You should expect to partner with your hearing care provider to choose the hearing system that is ideally suited for your listening lifestyle. Considerations to be weighed in your decision-making process include your personal lifestyle, your level of hearing loss, the physical characteristics of your ear canal, your cosmetic preferences, your manual dexterity and your budget.
Using Hearing Technology to Improve Your Life
How do you know you’re getting the solution that’s perfect for you? Our 4-step process ensures you will receive the solution that will best meet your needs. Our unique approach sets us apart from others because to us, it’s not about dispensing products – it’s about reconnecting you to your world.
- DISCOVERY AND LIFESTYLE ASSESSMENT We will first learn about your lifestyle and how you connect with your world. We want to understand how you communicate today and how you wish to communicate tomorrow.
- DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION AND EXPLANATION Once we have discovered your needs based on your lifestyle assessment, we will diagnose your current hearing health and explain the results of our comprehensive tests. Together we will identify the gap between where you’re at and where you want to be with your listening lifestyle.
- HEARING SOLUTION RECOMMENDATION AND FITTING Your hearing care professional will then recommend a solution that will bridge the gap and thus reconnect you to your world. We will then schedule a fitting appointment where your solution will be customized using the latest verification protocols.
- ONGOING PATIENT SUPPORT AND SATISFACTION We are committed to the service satisfaction of every patient by providing you with excellent care for the life of your hearing solution. Our ongoing support will ensure your needs are consistently met.
Hearing Aids
Choosing the ideal technology for Your Hearing Lifestyle
Private
MINIMAL BACKGROUND
NOISE
Activities of a Private Lifestyle Include:
- Quiet Conversation
- Door Bell
- Phone Ringing
- Alarms (Clock, Security, Timers, etc.)
Designed for very calm lifestyles, economy technology provides appropriate performance for communication in mostly quiet, less demanding listening situations where background noise is minimal. Ideal for those with a private, tranquilhearing lifestyle.
Quiet
OCCASIONAL BACKGROUND NOISE
Activities of a Quiet Lifestyle Include:
- Home Telephone
- Driving
- Religious Services
- Adult Conversations
- Small Family Gatherings
- Quiet Restaurants
BASIC
TECHNOLOGY
Designed for someone who is social and around environments with minimal to moderate background noise. Ideal for those who prefer to mostly relax at home with occasional social outings where less annoying background noise is present. Basic technology can adequately handle a quieter hearing lifestyle.
Active
MODERATE BACKGROUND NOISE
Activities of an Active Lifestyle Include:
- Bluetooth® Cell Phones
- Shopping
- Movie Theaters
- Health Clubs
- Small Group Meetings
- Conversations with Children
- Television
- Open/Reverberant Home
- iPod®/Personal
Designed for active lifestyles to provide excellent flexibility and performance in a variety of listening environments. Advanced technology is perfectly suited for those who enjoy many activities in less crowded environments with only moderate levels of background noise.
Dynamic
FREQUENT BACKGROUND NOISE
Activities of a Dynamic Lifestyle Include:
- Outdoor Activities
- Entertainment Venues (Casinos, Exhibit Halls, etc.)
- Busy Restaurants
- Frequent Social Gatherings
- Smart Phones
- Conference Calls
- Multimedia Connectivity(Home Theater, Computer, Phone, etc.)
- Travel & Airports
- Concerts & Arts
- Group Presentations
Designed for dynamic lifestyles, providing optimum flexibility and performance in a broad range of demanding listening environments. From attending meetings and social events to relaxing and reading a book, premium technology is designed for use in a much wider variety of listening environments, including those with higher levels of background noise.
Hearing Device Styles to Fit Your Needs
Hearing technology has experienced rapid and considerable
change in recent years. That change has made hearing devices:
STYLES OF HEARING DEVICES
Many of today’s hearing instruments are smaller than a dime. Some are virtually invisible! Even the more powerful hearing devices that traditionally sit behind one’s ear are available in “miniature” styles. Your hearing professional will help you choose the size that is correct for you based on your level of hearing loss, your lifestyle and your manual dexterity. Hearing device styles get their names from where they sit on your ear. Once you know that, their names are easy to remember.
RECEIVER-IN-THE-EAR (RITE)/OPEN-FIT OR OVER-THE-EAR(OTE) HEARING INSTRUMENTS
This style of hearing device is the most popular today due to their inconspicuous nature and excellent sound quality. The receiver is built into a soft open dome and placed inside the ear canal with thin electrical wires replacing the acoustic tube of conventional BTEs.
COMPLETELY-IN-THE-CANAL INSTRUMENTS (CIC)
CIC hearing instruments are custom-made to fit deep within the ear canal and are nearly invisible. However, they are not suitable for those who have severe hearing loss or who would have difficulty handling a tiny battery.
IN-THE-CANAL INSTRUMENTS (ITC)
Slightly larger than the CIC, ITC instruments are also custom-made and fill the bottom half of the external ear. Only barely noticeable to those in face-to-face conversation, the ITC uses a slightly larger battery than the CIC style.
IN-THE-EAR INSTRUMENTS (ITE)
ITE hearing instruments fit in the bowl of the outer ear (concha) and are custom-fit for the individual. Usually visible when facing another person, ITEs can accommodate larger sound amplifiers and offer more features. Their size makes them easier to handle and allows the use of a longer lasting battery.
BEHIND-THE-EAR INSTRUMENTS (BTE)
In general, BTEs are more powerful than smaller hearing devices due to the stronger amplifier and larger battery. In BTE instruments the electronics sit behind the ear and the sound is directed through a tube into the ear canal. BTEs are also offered in a miniature size.
Ear Infection
An ear infection is never something we want to deal with. However, it's important to realize the symptoms of this common condition and available treatment options.
Symptoms & Causes
You might have an infection if you're suffering an earache, difficulty or muffled hearing, high temperature or a liquid/puss draining from the ear. It's important to consult your primary care doctor and an Ear, Nose & Throat doctor immediately if you are suffering severely from these symptoms. This condition is usually caused by a build-up of liquid in the ear because of an inflamed drainage tube.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your doctor might recommend one of several different options depending on the severity of your pain and progression of the infection. Mild cases can heal on their own without the need for a treatment solution such as antibiotics. The use of a warm compress and gargling with salt water are other low-cost remedies your doctor might consider. Conversely your physician might prescribe an over-the-counter ear-drop pain reliever or consider the use of antibiotics.
Prevention
The best treatment is prevention. The cause can be bacterial or viral infections so try to avoid germs as much as possible. Wash your hands frequently, keep your immune system healthy by getting sleep and drinking less alcohol, avoid secondhand smoke, stay current on immunizations and be careful not to overuse antibiotics as they can increase bacterial resistance.
Further Reading
National Institutes of Health
Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's Ear is a common condition that can affect those who swim often or anyone with open exposure to high levels of water, sand, dust or dirt. The condition, which is called otitis externa, is a fungal or bacterial infection of the outer ear canal that many refer to as an earache.
Symptoms & Causes
You might be suffering from this condition if you're experiencing fever, difficulty hearing or itchiness near the ear, sharp pain in your neck, face or head, a full ear, or redness and swelling near the ear. You should contact your doctor as soon as possible at the sign of these symptoms.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your doctor may look inside your ear canal to determine how badly your infection has progressed. The physician may then examine any discharged pus or fluid to determine whether the infection is fungal or bacterial. Your doctor could recommend antibiotic ear drops for up to two weeks. Vinegar ear drops might also be an option. A thorough in-office cleaning might also be required to make sure the drops can reach the infected area. Other treatments might include antibiotic prescription pills or pain killers like Tylenol or Advil. During your treatment your doctor might advise avoiding swimming or scuba diving, flying, wearing earplugs, hearing aids or headphones.
Prevention
Prevention is always the first and best line of defense. Use shower caps while swimming or bathing or dry your outer ears thoroughly afterwards using a soft towel. Using a blow-dryer from at least a foot away is another option. After swimming also try a homemade ear drop mixture of half white vinegar and half rubbing alcohol to keep the canal dry and at the right acidity level.
Further Reading
Mayo Clinic
Dizziness (Vertigo)
Feeling dizzy and lightheaded can be an unsettling feeling but it’s common and treatable. It's important to remember that dizziness and vertigo are two separate conditions often confused. Dizziness is more of a general faintness while vertigo is the sensation of the environment around you spinning.
At our Hearing & Balance Center we offer the very latest and proven diagnostic techniques evaluate your balance function and pinpoint the source of your problem. These highly accurate diagnostic tools lay the groundwork for your custom-tailored medical treatment by our skilled specialists.
The inner ear serves two purposes: hearing and balance. There are mechanisms in the ear that inform the brain about your position, orientation in space and movement and all times – to keep you in balance. A false sensation of spinning or whirling, known as vertigo, can occur when the signal to the brain is blocked or misfires. In addition to the sensation of dizziness, symptoms may include headache, nausea, and sensitivity to bright light, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, ear pain, facial numbness, eye pain, motion sickness, confused thinking, fainting and clumsiness.
Dizziness can also be a symptom of a more serious medical problem, such as high or low blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, tumor, medication side effect or metabolic disorders. Therefore you should always seek medical attention if you experience ongoing or repetitive dizziness.
Symptoms & Causes
There are many symptoms that can be related to dizziness such as weakness, confusion, dry mouth, pain in your chest, eyes, or head, tiredness, and lack of balance. The symptoms of vertigo are similar but the sensation is more akin to stepping off a merry-go-round after spinning for a while.
See a doctor as soon as possible at the first signs of dizziness or vertigo as they might be a sign of a serious heart condition or other health problem.
Common causes of dizziness:
- Acoustic Neuroma
An acoustic neuroma is a benign growth on the Auditory or hearing nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. - Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the ears loosen and begin moving about the wrong part of the ear. It is characterized by sudden, short bursts of dizziness that happen most often as a result of head movement. There is no known cause for BPPV. It usually resolves itself in a matter of days or can be successfully treated using the Canalith Repositioning Maneuver or Gans Procedure. - Inflammation of the Inner Ear
Dizziness may be one symptom of an inner ear infection. - Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s Disease is characterized by long periods of dizziness, lasting from 30 to 60 minutes or more. It is accompanied by symptoms such as ringing in the ears, hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the ear. There is no known cause or cure for Meniere’s Disease, although medication and behavior changes can help reduce the severity of the symptoms. - Migraines
Some migraines (vestibular migraines) can cause a feeling of imbalance and vertigo. This may be accompanied by ringing in the ears or hearing loss. Migraine-related vertigo may occur in conjunction with or separate from the migraine headache.
We offer the Canalith Repositioning or Gans Procedure to treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), the most common cause of dizziness. Our treatment success rate for patients with true BPPV dizziness is over 80%.
If you’re experiencing any form of repetitive or chronic dizziness, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with one of our Otolaryngologists.
Dizziness can also be a symptom of a more serious medical problem, such as high or low blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, tumor, medication side effect or metabolic disorders. Therefore you should always seek medical attention if you experience ongoing or repetitive dizziness.
Further Reading
WebMD
Ringing in Ear (Tinnitus)
Nothing can be more frustrating and sometimes painful than ringing in your ear. You might see it referred to at tinnitus, but no matter what it's called you just want it to stop.
Symptoms & Causes
Tinnitus is often characterized as a ringing, buzzing or swooshing sound that only the patient can hear. You might have these symptoms because a wide variety of problems. Muscle movements and blood flow are two big culprits along with your eardrum. A buildup of ear wax, stress, loud noises, a recent injury, dental problems, ear infections and a rapid change in elevation can be potential causes. See your specialty doctor for this condition if your symptoms persist.
Diagnosis & Treatment
When you see your doctor she or he will want to interview you about your symptoms and examine the ear to find the cause. You might be given a hearing loss test, CT scan, MRI scan or auditory brain stem response analysis. Depending on your specific diagnosis and condition your doctor could give you a prescription to help with the symptoms and solve the root problem, or prescribe home treatment. These options are behavioral and lifestyle changes such as less alcohol, smoking and loud environments. Regular exercise might also help increase blood flow to your ears, and help you recover more quickly.
Prevention
Preventing tinnitus is the best step. If you are worried about the symptoms associated with ringing in the ear then follow some simple steps. Protect your hearing: while at work make sure environmental noises are shield. At home don't listen to the television of stereo too loudly. Another helpful suggestion is to avoid using Q-Tips as they can put unnecessary pressure on the sensitive organs of your hearing.
Further Reading
WebMD
