Blog

01/Mar/2020

Single sided deafness can be caused by a number of things, from viral infections or thrombi to brain tumours and is currently incurable and difficult to treat. Symptoms include difficulty localising sound (direction of sound source) have significant difficulty hearing in noisy situations, especially when the noise is comingfrom their hearing side. The noise becomes part of the speech and very difficult to separate. Technology has evolved as we now have sophisticated Contralateral Routing of Signals (CROS) and Bilateral Contralateral Routing of Signals (BICROS) .

Researchers have been studying brain plasticity in response to Single sided deafness. Brain plasticity is the ability of the brain to modify its own structure and function in response to changes, such as disease, within the body or external factors. It is at the base of normal brain function: it helps us to learn and change our behaviour as children, and as adults can help us to overcome brain injuries, use prosthetic limbs and of course, as well as many other things – including hearing devices.

Researchers found that the spread of cortical activation was symmetrical across the hemispheres of the brain in normal-hearing subjects, while in those with the single sided deafness the spread of neuron activation was extended in one hemisphere and reduced in the other. This discovery demonstrates plasticity in both hemispheres of the brain in SSD sufferers, and is an important step toward the possible development of biomarkers that will assist in the guidance of treatment choices. Ultimately, it may even be possible to use this plasticity to develop therapies to cure the condition: by using brain stimulation as a process to restore a normal interhemispheric relationship. Additionally, it may be that scientists may be able to restore normal auditory processing, returning SSD sufferers to a life less affected by their hearing and communication handicap.

Would you like to read the complete journal…. Please view ‘My Audiologist’ twitter page….. Alternatively you could call us on 07 3446 5845

Raji Parangad

01/Mar/2020

Here are my tips for a successful experience when dining out.

Provide information early. Note your desire for a quiet table in your reservation and remind the restaurant if they call to confirm. This gives them a better chance of meeting your needs than if you walk in cold. If they seat you at a less than ideal table at first, ask for a quieter spot. Persistence often pays off.
Request a table in the corner. A corner table or other location beside a wall works best since there is a barrier between you and the rest of the restaurant noise. This also eliminates distractions from noise behind you and lets you better focus on the speakers at the table. A booth is also often a good choice if it has high back seats.
Choose restaurants with sound absorbing decor. Carpet, curtains, cushioned chairs, cloth tablecloths and acoustic tiles are my decor of choice. Many restaurants today prefer hard surfaces like glass and wood. Preview the decor online or look for “old school” restaurants which may have a more classic design.
Read online reviews. Many restaurant rating systems now include noise level as one of the criteria.
Ask around. I like to trade restaurant tips with my hearing loss friends and also with my hearing friends.

Raji Parangad

01/Mar/2020

A new cohort study has shown that noise exposure during pregnancy can damage the unborn child’s hearing, with an 80% increased risk in noisy occupational environments. Until recently, it was assumed that unborn children where shielded from noise in the womb but it has been demonstrated that loud noise does in fact reach the fetus. The study carried out by the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM) at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden provides new evidence that women should avoid exposure to high levels of noise while they are pregnant.

Even if pregnant women themselves use ear protectors in noisy environments, the babies they’re carrying remain unprotected with an 80% increased risk in noisy occupational environments.

Raji Parangad

01/Mar/2020

Meniere’s disease is a condition that affects the inner ear. There are 4 typical symptoms associated with Meniere’s disease:

spontaneous, recurrent episodes of vertigo (coming and going attacks of dizziness or giddiness);
hearing loss;
tinnitus (a constant noise in one ear, often described as a buzzing or humming sound); and
a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear.

Meniere’s disease usually affects one ear, but can affect both. People aged 40 to 60 years are most likely to develop Meniere’s disease, but it can affect people of all ages.

The disease is thought to be due to an increase in the pressure of the fluid (called endolymph) contained in the membranous labyrinth, a part of the inner ear.

Medications that reduce fluid (diuretics) may help reduce the pressure of fluid in the inner ear and help control the frequency and severity of symptoms. Medicines that improve circulation to the ear, such as betahistine (brand names Seniere, Serc), may help control symptoms in some people. A hearing aid may help with hearing loss.

Eating a salt-reduced diet can help reduce fluid retention and help decrease the volume and pressure of fluid in your inner ear, and is generally recommended. This may help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms.

Avoiding caffeine may help reduce tinnitus, and avoiding nicotine can also help improve symptoms.

Learning techniques to manage stress and anxiety and joining a support group may also help people with Meniere’s disease. Minears organisation, Whirled Foundation are few such support groups….Need more information or a friendly chat free feel to call ‘ My Audiologist” on 07 3446 5845

Raji Parangad

01/Mar/2020

Eardrum or Tympanim membrane is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. This membrane prevents water, bacteria and other contaminants from getting into the middle ear. The eardrum also plays an important part in enabling us to hear sounds, so damage to the eardrum can lead to problems with hearing. Sometimes this membrane may rupture or tear due to an ear infection, injury, exposure to loud sound etc…Symptoms may include ear pain, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), discharge from the ear and sometimes dizziness. If you think you may have perforated ear drum ; keep your ears dry and avoid blowing through yous nose (this puts pressure on the ear drum). Visit your doctor and an audiologist. If the ear drum does not heal properly with medications your health professional may then refer you to an ENT ( Ear nose throat) Surgeon. If necessary, the eardrum membrane can be repaired using a surgical procedure. Eardrum repairs are usually successful.

Do you suspect your hearing is not as good as it had been and have a history of perforated ear drum or suspect you have a ruptured ear drum. Please call ‘ My Audiologist” on 07 3446 5845 for a comprehensive hearing assessment and advise…..

Raji Parangad

01/Mar/2020

Researchers have found that older patients with hearing loss appeared better able to be balance when their poor hearing was enhanced with hearing aids. The study found that participants for the study used sound information coming through their hearing aids as auditory reference points or landmark to help maintain balance…..

Do you suspect your hearing is not as good as it had been and also have trouble with your balance. Please call ‘ My Audiologist” on 07 3446 5845 for a comprehensive hearing assessment and advise…..

Raji Parangad

01/Mar/2020

NIHL can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as noise generated in a woodworking shop.Recreational activities that can put you at risk for NIHL include target shooting and hunting, snowmobile riding, listening to MP3 players at high volume through earbuds or headphones, playing in a band, and attending loud concerts. Harmful noises at home may come from sources including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and woodworking tools.

Sound is measured in units called decibels. Sounds of less than 75 decibels, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss. However, long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for NIHL to happen.

Here are the average decibel ratings of some familiar sounds:

The humming of a refrigerator
45 decibels
Normal conversation
60 decibels
Noise from heavy city traffic
85 decibels
Motorcyles
95 decibels
An MP3 player at maximum volume
105 decibels
Sirens
120 decibels
Firecrackers and firearms
150 decibels

Your distance from the source of the sound and the length of time you are exposed to the sound are also important factors in protecting your hearing. A good rule of thumb is to avoid noises that are too loud, too close, or last too long.

If you are exposed to noise recreational or work related get your hearing measured…… But make sure you have at lease 24 hours of no exposure to noise before getting your hearing assessed. Please call ‘ My Audiologist” on 07 3446 5845 for a comprehensive hearing assessment…. And yes we do Workcover claims and assessment…. We are GEPI trained and certified…. Yes we do Aviation Medical Hearing test

Raji Parangad

01/Mar/2020

Exposure to some chemicals can result in hearing loss. These chemicals are known as Ototoxic substances. Hearing loss is more likely to occur if a worker is exposed to both noise and ototoxic substances than if exposure is just to noise or ototoxic substances alone. There are three major classes of ototoxic substances: solvents, heavy metals and asphyxiants. Work activities that commonly combine noise and ototoxic substances include:

• painting

• printing

• boat building

• construction

• furniture making

• fuelling vehicles and aircraft

• manufacturing, particularly of metal, leather and petroleum products

• degreasing

• fire-fighting

• weapons firing

Some medications have also been identified as ototoxic substances. These include some anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-malarial, anti-rheumatic and antibiotic drugs. Quinine and salicylic acids (such as aspirin) are also considered to be ototoxic substances. Some of these can be absorbed through the skin and are considered particularly hazardous. Control measures such as substitution, isolation and local ventilation should be implemented to eliminate or reduce chemical exposures. Personal protective equipment should be used to prevent skin and respiratory absorption when other controls are insufficient.

If you work with Ototoxic substances with or without exposure to noise please do get your hearing checked… Call ‘My Audiologist’ on 07 3446 5845 for a comprehensive audiological assessment.

Raji Parangad

01/Mar/2020

Studies have shown that a healthy cardiovascular system—a person’s heart, arteries, and veins—has a positive effect on hearing. Conversely, inadequate blood flow and trauma to the blood vessels of the inner ear can contribute to hearing loss. The inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow that it is possible that abnormalities in the cardiovascular system could be noted here earlier than in other less sensitive parts of the body.” researchers found that audiogram pattern correlates strongly with cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial disease and may represent a screening test for those at risk. Researchers even concluded that patients with low-frequency hearing loss should be regarded as at risk for cardiovascular events, and appropriate referrals should be considered.Research shows that hearing loss is frequently associated with other physical, mental, and emotional health conditions, and that people who address their hearing loss often experience better quality of life. Eight out of 10 hearing aid users, in fact, say they’re satisfied with the changes that have occurred in their lives specifically due to their hearing aids—from how they feel about themselves to the positive changes they see in their relationships, social interactions, and work lives.
When people with even mild hearing loss use hearing aids, they often improve their job performance; enhance their communication skills; increase their earnings potential; improve their professional and interpersonal relationships; stave off depression; gain an enhanced sense of control over their lives; and better their quality of life.

Do you have a family history or predisposition towards heart diseases. Please get your hearing checked… Call ‘My Audiologist’ on 07 3446 5845

Raji Parangad

01/Mar/2020

Diabetes being the fastest growing chronic disease in the world with more than 1.5 million diabetics in Australia and more than 2 million Australian adults with pre-diabetes – a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.

A recent study found that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as it is in those who don’t have the disease. Right now we don’t know how diabetes is related to hearing loss. It’s possible that the high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes cause damage to the small blood vessels in the inner ear, similar to the way in which diabetes can damage the eyes and the kidneys. But more research needs to be done to discover why people with diabetes have a higher rate of hearing loss.Since it can happen slowly, the symptoms of hearing loss can often be hard to notice. In fact, family members and friends sometimes notice the hearing loss before the person experiencing it.

Signs of Hearing Loss

Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
Trouble following conversations that involve more than two people.
Thinking that others are mumbling.
Problems hearing in noisy places such as busy restaurants.
Trouble hearing the voices of women and small children.
Turning up the TV or radio volume too loud for others who are nearby.

If you are a diabetic or pre diabetic , or you’re concerned about your hearing call for a hearing evaluation on 07 34465845

Newer Posts

Older Posts

New research in single sided hearing loss/Unilateral hearing loss

DINING OUT WITH HEARING LOSS- Useful tips

Noise exposure during pregnancy and hearing loss in children…

Menier’s Disease…

Perforated eardrum

Hearing aid and balance

Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Workrelated Ototoxin and Hearing Loss- Attention painter, printer,boat builder……

Cardiovascular Diseases and Hearing Loss

Diabetes and Hearing Loss

Love eating at restaurant …but find it hard to keep up with conversation….

What to do if you get sand in your ears after a day at the beach?

Made for iPhone and Bluetooth Hearing aids. What does that mean

Latest news

Love eating at restaurant …but find it hard to keep up with conversation….

What to do if you get sand in your ears after a day at the beach?