Treating Dizziness Without Medication

Some causes of dizziness, vertigo and imbalance can be treated by physical therapy (PT) alone. This type of PT is called Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), and it has been proven effective through decades of scientific research and positive patient outcomes. However, only a minority of patients with dizziness benefit from VRT, so it is quite important to first determine the underlying cause of dizzinessto assess whether VRT is the most appropriate intervention.

VRT can treat vestibular (balance) system disorders caused by:

• A weak or damaged inner ear nerve
• Cervicogenic (neck-related) dizziness
• Imbalance with risk of falls due to visual motion sensitivity
• Neuropathy (reduced sensation in the feet)
• Age-related imbalance (often with a fear of falling)
• Multiple unrelated factors together causing imbalance

The focus of VRT is not particularly related to your physical strength or endurance, but on the sensory brain and inner ear systems which control your balance. The brain uses vision, vestibular (inner ear) and proprioception (your sense of where your limbs are in space) to allow you to move safely and without falling. 

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy helps the brain adapt to any weaknesses in these three systems and improves the use of these systems to decrease dizziness and improve balance and stability.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a highly specialized area of physical therapy, requiring specific and extensive training in the field beyond physical therapy school. Most non-VRT therapists treat dizziness sporadically or not at all. Vestibular therapists need additional specialized training to understand balance disorders and to stay current in this fast-developing area of PT.

A typical patient is seen once a week for one to two months. After an examination and diagnosis of the cause of dizziness, a home exercise program is designed to help with the specific symptoms. Once VRT is concluded, it is important to continue the program to maintain its benefits.

Stephanie Ford is BalanceMD’s PT specialist in Vestibular Rehabilitation and treats patients in our Indianapolis and Lafayette offices. She has focused her practice exclusively on VRT since 2008, has completed advanced VRT courses at both Emory University and Duke University, and has lectured on VRT techniques to other medical providers.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, click here to go to our website, www.BalanceMD.net, or call toll free 888-888-DIZZY (3499).

Meclizine - a Medication to Avoid

Antivert (meclizine) is one of the most popular and commonly prescribed medications for dizziness. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting it’s benefit and in fact, we now have evidence against it’s use, especially long-term use. 

Meclizine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic, central nervous system and labyrinth (inner ear) depressant effects, so meclizine may cause drowsiness, confusion, memory impairment, and slow reaction time.

While migraine is the most common (and most under recognized) cause of dizziness, making up approximately 60% of all dizzy patients, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV - aka the “crystal” problem) is second, making up about 15%. In neither condition is meclizine indicated. Meclizine would have minimal, if any benefit for migraine and may help blunt the vertigo associated with BPPV, but we are now able to instantly cure those suffering from BPPV, so why use meclizine at all?

Meclizine may be helpful short term in acute vestibular disfunction (sudden onset of vertigo), such as in vestibular neuritis (without hearing loss) or labyrinthitis (with hearing loss), an attack of Meniere’s, or to reduce motion sickness during travel. When used for these conditions or situations, only a short course, perhaps 3-7 days, should be prescribed.

Chronic use of meclizine is never indicated. Use of meclizine in the elderly, especially in the setting of peripheral neuropathy and/or vision loss from cataract, glaucoma or macular degeneration, may cause more imbalance and lead to painful falls. Chronic use of meclizine following vestibular nerve damage (such as with vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, trauma, or Meniere’s) will actually prevent the brain from adjusting and will reduce the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation therapy (a specialized form of physical therapy).

If you know of anyone who takes meclizine on a regular basis, please let them know there likely is a better treatment option available. As we are now better able determine the underlying cause of dizziness and vertigo, we have also developed more effective, targeted treatments.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, click here to go to our website, www.BalanceMD.net, or call toll free 888-888-DIZZY (3499).

Hearing Aid Care

Protect Your Investment in Hearing Aids: Five Essential Tips

If you’ve shopped for hearing aids recently or already own a pair, you know that these devices are not cheap, although well worth their cost for the enhanced quality of life that comes with an improved ability to hear.   Our Indianapolis hearing aid and our Lafayette hearing aid locations can help you understand how to best care for your hearing aid purchase.  With the average cost of a hearing aid approaching $2,500, it pays to protect your investment by following these “Must Do” tips:

Tip #1:  Be aware of the temperature.

•          Avoid excessive heat and cold. Do not leave your hearing aids in a hot car in the summer or a cold car in the winter. 
•         Do not dry your hair with a hair dryer while wearing hearing aids. 
•        Humidity and hearing aids do not mix. If you live in a humid environment, purchase a hearing aid dehumidifier.

Tip #2:  Avoid moisture and water.

• While a humid environment can damage hearing aids, moisture from perspiration as well as submersion in water can interfere with the functionality of a hearing aid.
• Do not wear hearing aids while swimming, showering, taking a bath, during strenuous exercise that causes you to perspire or while in the sauna (unless you wear an extended-wear, deep canal device).
• Remove your hearing aids at the hairdresser or barber.
• Use an umbrella or hooded raincoat when it is raining.
• Make sure your hair and ears are completely dry before inserting your hearing aids.
• Remove your hearing aids at night and open the casing door to allow air to ventilate the interior. 

Tip #3:  Avoid shock and vibration.

•         Hold the hearing aid over a cushioned surface when changing the battery.
•         Store your hearing aid in the cushioned case it came in. 
•         To avoid accidents, sit down to insert or remove your hearing aid.

Tip #4: Regularly clean the outer shell of your hearing aid.

•        To clean an in-the-ear hearing aid externally, wipe it off with a dry cloth.  Then brush across the receiver opening with the wax brush that came with your hearing aid.* Do not push anything sharp into the microphone port.  * If you did not receive a wax brush, consult your Audiologist. To clean wax guards, follow the instructions given to you by your Audiologist.
•        To clean behind-the-ear hearing aids externally, wipe off the hearing aid with a dry cloth.   To clean the ear mold, remove it from the ear hook of the hearing aid and wash it in warm, soapy water.  Rinse thoroughly and shake out the excess moisture.  Allow the ear mold to dry overnight.
•        At least every 6 months, take your hearing aids to your Audiologist for a thorough “clean and check” and to change out microphone protectors and BTE tubing that is becoming brittle.

 Tip #5: Use Hair, Shaving and Cosmetic Products carefully

Perfume, hair spray, bath powder, shaving cream, cosmetics and hair gel can all clog the microphone of your hearing aid.

Should you have any questions about hearing aid care, please contact our Indianapolis hearing aid or our Lafayette hearing aid location at 888-888-3499.

Migraine - The #1 Cause of Dizziness or Vertigo

What seems to be the most under-recognized, yet most common cause of dizziness or vertigo is not an inner ear condition at all - it is migraine. This condition is known as "vestibular migraine" or "migraine-associated dizziness" or "migrainous vertigo". The main reason it seems to evade diagnosis is that many suffering from this condition are not having headaches at the time they are dizzy. In fact, many patients haven't had a headache in years or even decades. Patients usually (but not always) have a history of what sounds like migraine headaches, but they will often refer to headaches as "sinus" headaches.

Symptoms of "vestibular migraine" are quite variable, being different from one patient to another and different within the same patient over time. Dizziness and/or vertigo may be reported with a duration of seconds to decades. Patients often have difficulty in describing their symptoms. Morning predominance of dizzy symptoms and visual motion sensitivity are typical. Visual motion sensitivity might include activities such as driving and shopping for items on shelves (especially in big box stores), or being bothered by patterns on clothing or carpeting. Light and/or noise sensitivity are only sometimes present.

Diagnosis of vestibular migraine includes ruling out other causes by vestibular function evaluation (Videonystagmography or VNG, Rotary Chair, Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential or VEMP, and an Audiogram). MRI and CT scans or blood tests are rarely necessary.

In the past, many patients suffering from spells of vertigo without hearing loss had been diagnosed with "Vestibular" Meniere's. However, "Vestibular" Meniere's is no longer considered a valid diagnosis. The vast majority of these patients were (and likely still are because low salt diet, diuretic, and/or inner ear surgery aren't helpful treatments for migraine) suffering from "Vestibular" Migraine.

Treatment of vestibular migraine includes recognizing and avoiding trigger factors, and depending on frequency and/or duration of symptoms, preventative migraine medications. In some cases, in particular when motion sensitivity is prominent, a specialized form of physical therapy (PT) known a Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) can be helpful.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, click here to go to our website, www.BalanceMD.net, or call toll free 888-888-DIZZY (3499).

Hearing Loss and Diabetes

Afflicting nearly 21 million people in the United States, diabetes is a major cause of heart disease and stroke, and the most common cause of blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations in adults.

Recently, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found hearing loss to be about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those without the disease.  Diabetes may lead to hearing loss by damaging the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear.  "Hearing loss may be an under-recognized complication of diabetes,” according to author Catherine Cowie, Ph.D.  “Our study found a strong and consistent link between hearing impairment and diabetes using a number of different outcomes." You may find out if you have hearing loss by contacting our Lafayette Indiana hearing loss Audiologist, Sandy Bratton, AuD

 

Currently, there is no recommendation for hearing loss screenings in a diabetes care regimen.  Awareness is key in discovering diabetic patients who suffer from hearing loss and many doctors do not recommend a hearing test at the annual checkup of diabetic patients.  It’s important for those with diabetes to take an active role in their health care and seek treatment for any associated conditions for which they may be at risk.  Please contact our Hearing Aid Lafayette Indiana Audiologist at 888-888-3499.

Source: http://www.betterhearing.org/press/news/Diabetes_and_hearing_loss_risk_pr030811.cfm

BalanceMD Cures Vertigo | BPPV

There are many causes of dizziness and vertigo and we are now able to recognize and treat. One common type of vertigo, known as BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), can be cured with a procedure known as a CRM (Canalith Repositioning Maneuver). Symptoms of BPPV include brief vertigo, lasting 10-15 seconds, brought on by laying back or getting up from bed, rolling over in bed, looking up or down. It is important to identify which type of BPPV is present, as we now know multiple types of BPPV exist. Success in treating BPPV is nearly 100%. We should no longer be using medications, such as meclizine, or habituation exercises (Brandt-Daroff or Cawthorne-Cooksey) to treatBPPV. Click here to view a video of the most common type of BPPV, posterior semicircular canal BPPV.

If you or someone you know suffers from dizziness or vertigo, whether it be due to BPPV or another cause, it is likely that BalanceMD can significantly improve or cure their symptoms.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, click here to go to our website, www.BalanceMD.net, or call toll free 888-888-DIZZY (3499).

Heart and Hearing Health Connection

Poor heart health takes toll on hearing health

If this article is of interest to you, for further information, please contact out Hearing Aid Indianapolis Indiana location to speak with Audiologist Michelle Koley at (888) 888-3499.

Eating junk food and leading a sedentary lifestyle may not immediately get you thinking about hearing loss; however, new evidence is showing it should. The inner ear is extremely sensitive to blood flow and some research proves the good health of a person’s heart, arteries and veins has a positive effect on hearing.

A review of research spanning the past six decades consistently showed impaired cardiovascular health negatively impacted both the peripheral and central auditory systems. The same review, recently published in the American Journal of Audiology, also showed with heart health improvement came hearing health improvement as well.

The close connection between cardiovascular disease and hearing relates to the cochlea, a fluid-filled tube located in the inner ears which translate sounds into nerve impulses. If the cochlea becomes damaged or is negatively affected by blood flow, the ability for the hearing organ to function properly becomes greatly diminished. One large scale study showed of the 1,600 participants with a history of cardiovascular disease 54 percent were more likely to have impaired cochlear function.

Blood flow is essential to the health of most of the body’s organs including those essential to good hearing. Therefore, many doctors are recommending preventative heart health lifestyle changes not only to increase the number of healthy years, but also to reduce the likelihood of hearing loss from cardiovascular issues. Eating healthier, losing weight, quitting smoking and lowering blood pressure are all steps you can take right now.

Those with a hearing loss should consider a heart screening to determine if there is a greater potential health threat. The opposite is also true for patients already diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, it’s important to have their hearing evaluated by an audiologist. Hearing loss can disconnect you from family and friends so make sure if you or a loved one has a history of heart-related illness you take the best steps to finding a solution that fits.

Should you have any questions, please contact out Hearing Aid Indianapolis Indiana location to speak with Audiologist Michelle Koley at (888) 888-3499.

Source: http://www.betterhearing.org/press/news/Heart_and_hearing_health_WHD_pr09272011.cfm

Hearing Aid Satisfaction

Fit and Follow Up:  Key Components in Hearing Aid User Satisfaction

Buying hearing aids is not like buying a flat screen TV.  Hearing aids are not just electronic devices, but rather a rehabilitative treatment that requires long-term commitment to their use. Understanding this fact, and that fit and follow up are equally as important as the hearing aid itself, will go a long way toward your satisfaction with your purchase. That is why the hearing professional you choose is so important (see our Hearing Aid Lafayette Indiana location).  His or her skills at programming, fitting and follow up counseling are keys to your successful adjustment to hearing aids.

 Fitting:  The programming of your new hearing aids should not only reflect the results of your audiogram, but should take into consideration your personal preferences to ensure your hearing is natural sounding and optimal.  Tests should be completed during the fitting phase to verify that speech understanding has improved. In other words, improvement in overall communication effectiveness should be the ultimate goal of the fitting process.

Follow up:  Follow up care also plays a crucial role in your level of satisfaction.   In the July 2009 Consumer Reports article, ‘Hear Well in a Noisy World,’ the author points out how critical it is that the Audiologist explains what you should expect during the adjustment period.  He or she should also:

·       Demonstrate how to insert and remove the battery

·       Review how to clean and store the aid

·       Help you practice putting the aid into your ear

·       Help you practice using all switches and controls

·       Help you practice using the telephone while wearing it.

Additionally, your Audiologist should set a follow up appointment within a few weeks of receiving your hearing aids and outline a routine care and maintenance schedule. This maintenance schedule should include clearly-defined daily cleaning processes, suggestions for extending battery life, 6-month “clean and check” appointments and an annual hearing test to gauge your hearing health and whether or not your hearing aids need to be reprogrammed.

Should you have any questions, please contact our Hearing Aid Lafayette Indiana location to speak to Audiologist Sandy Bratton at 888-888-DIZZY (3499).

Hearing Aid Tips

Protect Your Investment in Hearing Aids: Five Essential Tips

If you’ve shopped for hearing aids recently or already own a pair, you know that these devices are not cheap, although well worth their cost for the enhanced quality of life that comes with an improved ability to hear.   With the cost of hearing aids, it pays to protect your investment by following these “Must Do” tips (from our Hearing Aid Indianapolis location):

Tip #1:  Be aware of the temperature.

• Avoid excessive heat and cold. Do not leave your hearing aids in a hot car in the summer or a cold car in the winter.  
• Do not dry your hair with a hair dryer while wearing hearing aids.  
• Humidity and hearing aids do not mix. If you live in a humid environment, purchase a hearing aid dehumidifier. 

Tip #2:  Avoid moisture and water.

While a humid environment can damage hearing aids, moisture from perspiration as well as submersion in water can interfere with the functionality of a hearing aid. 

• Do not wear hearing aids while swimming, showering, taking a bath, during strenuous exercise that causes you to perspire or while in the sauna (unless you wear an extended-wear, deep canal device).
• Remove your hearing aids at the hairdresser or barber.
• Use an umbrella or hooded raincoat when it is raining.
• Make sure your hair and ears are completely dry before inserting your hearing aids.
• Remove your hearing aids at night and open the casing door to allow air to ventilate the interior.  

Tip #3:  Avoid shock and vibration.

• Hold the hearing aid over a cushioned surface when changing the battery.
• Store your hearing aid in the cushioned case it came in.  
• To avoid accidents, sit down to insert or remove your hearing aid. 

Tip #4: Regularly clean the outer shell of your hearing aid.

• To clean an in-the-ear hearing aid externally, wipe it off with a dry cloth.  Then brush across the receiver opening with the wax brush that came with your hearing aid.* Do not push anything sharp into the microphone port.  * If you did not receive a wax brush, consult your Audiologist. To clean wax guards, follow the instructions given to you by your Audiologist.
• To clean behind-the-ear hearing aids externally, wipe off the hearing aid with a dry cloth.   To clean the ear mold, remove it from the ear hook of the hearing aid and wash it in warm, soapy water.  Rinse thoroughly and shake out the excess moisture.  Allow the ear mold to dry overnight. 
• At least every 6 months, take your hearing aids to your Audiologist for a thorough “clean and check” and to change out microphone protectors and BTE tubing that is becoming brittle.

 Tip #5: Use Hair, Shaving and Cosmetic Products carefully

Perfume, hair spray, bath powder, shaving cream, cosmetics and hair gel can all clog the microphone of your hearing aid

Should you have any questions, please contact our Hearing Aid Indianapolis location to speak with Audiologist Michelle Koley at (888) 888-DIZZY (3499)

Hearing Aid Technology Tips

How to Combat Background Noise, the Screeching of Feedback and that “Talking in a Barrel” Feeling

Background interference got you down?

To improve your ability to hear and understand in background noise, try using some basic communication strategies.  For example, ask to be seated away from the kitchen if you are going to a noisy restaurant, or choose an eatery that has good acoustics. (Carpeting on the floor goes a long way in absorbing some of the sounds.)

Technology Tip: Advances in hearing aid technology have recognized that two microphones work better than one.  Adaptive Dual Microphone technology recognizes the origin of background noise and automatically reduces it while focusing on sounds you want to hear.  Learn about the BalanceMD Hearing Aid Indianapolis location. 

Does your own voice sound odd?

If you are new to wearing hearing aids, your own voice may sound strange…like you are talking in a hollow barrel.  Even your own chewing can sound loud! 

This effect is called occlusion and is caused by the ear mold completely filling the ear canal. Vibrations made by the sound waves of your voice are trapped, making it sound louder.  In most cases, creating a vent through the hearing aid to unblock the ear solves the problem by allowing the vibrations of your voice to escape.  Some hearing aids come with a pressure relief vent to equalize the air pressure in the ear, but these vents are often too small to reduce the occlusion effect. Thus, it may be necessary to have your Audiologist create a larger passage in the hearing aid.

Technology Tip:  Open Fit technology can effectively eliminate occlusion.  This type of hearing aid keeps the ear canal open by using a small tube with a speaker instead of a traditional ear mold.  Learn about the BalanceMD Hearing Aid Lafayette location.

Does your hearing aid squeal?

Everyone has heard it.  That “fingernails-on-a-blackboard screech” coming from your hearing aid when you place it near a phone or take it out of your ear.  It’s called feedback and is the result of amplified sound leaking from the ear canal into the hearing aid microphone. It happens when there is a crack in the hearing aid venting, a loose fit or an accumulation of earwax in your ear canal.

Don’t try to fix your hearing aid yourself by tapping it on a hard surface. You are likely to cause damage with that method!   Instead, schedule an appointment with your Audiologist to see if your hearing aid needs to be repaired, refitted or if earwax needs to be removed.  

Technology Tip: Many of today’s digital hearing aids feature “feedback management” systems that automatically identify feedback before it occurs and cancel it automatically. 

Canes and Walkers Require Fitting

One device does not fit all!!

by Stephanie Ford, PT

According to TodayinPT.com:  “The United States Census Bureau report issued in 2008 indicates that more than 10 million adults used a cane, crutches or a walker to assist with ambulation.”  Assistive devices for walking can help people stay active in their homes and community, with a better quality of life, and keep them from falling.  However, that depends on if these devices are being used appropriately and efficiently.

As a Physical Therapist for over 20 years, I have come across many instances of people using the wrong assistive device for them, or using the appropriate assistive device for them but incorrectly.   I’ve witnessed it both in my practice as well as out in public (because I can’t help but analyze people’s walking pattern when out in public).   Many people don’t realize that not all assistive devices are appropriate for everyone.  I often have a client come in with a “hand me down” cane from a relative or friend that is too short or too tall for them, it’s the wrong device for them, or they are not using it safely because they weren’t trained how to use it correctly.  When someone is thinking about using an assistive device to help with their mobility, it’s important that the correct device is chosen specifically for them, it is adjusted for their height accordingly, and they are taught to use it appropriately.   That’s what Physical Therapists do.

Canes:  A single point cane is meant for light support and is appropriate for someone with increased speed of walking.  The small based and large based quad canes are more appropriate for people who need a little more support and don’t walk as quickly.  If someone with a quick pace tries to walk with a quad cane, it often gets tangled up in their feet and could trip them, or it ends up behind them as they walk, which doesn’t serve its intended purpose. 

Walkers:  A rolling walker versus a standard walker without wheels can come in handy so that people can walk with a more continuous stride and not have to lift the walker between steps.  However, if people have poor balance, that rolling walker may be harder for them to control, and they end up walking with it way too far in front of them.  Again, that defeats its purpose.  Rollator walkers are 4 wheeled walkers with seats.  These come in handy for long distance walking if someone needs to rest.  However, again, the walker can get away from people easily if their balance is too poor. 

It’s very important for any assistive device to be fitted for each person’s height.  If it’s too tall, it interferes with a person’s stride.  If it’s too short, it will cause the person to bend over too far when walking. 

Many times people begin using a walker or cane on the advice of their doctor, family or friends.  However, if they have not been trained in the appropriate technique of walking with the device, it can be more dangerous than helpful.  There is a specific sequence when walking with a cane and appropriate  ways to use either canes or walkers to step up on a curb or negotiate regular steps.

So, if you are considering using a cane or walker to help with your mobility, ask your doctor if you can see a therapist to determine the appropriate device for you.  It should only take a few visits and could make a big difference for you to keep moving safely.

Untreated Hearing Loss and Depression

Untreated hearing loss can increased risk of depression

New evidence shows a strong link between the debilitating and dangerous symptoms of depression and hearing loss. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) conducted a study showing those older than 50 who suffer from hearing loss are more likely to report feelings of anxiety, anger, frustration, emotional instability and paranoia. Studies done in Italy and Australia both showed similar results.

“When left unaddressed hearing loss can lead to isolation and other emotional conditions that can affect both quality of life and mental health,” said Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Better Hearing Institute.

Even more alarming, the NCOA study showed those who suffered from hearing loss were also less likely to join social activities.  Because depression affects nearly one in every 12 people in America and can lead to much more grave situations, it’s important to realize and respond to the link between depression and effective treatment of hearing loss.

The impacts of hearing loss treatment on mental health shouldn’t be underestimated as shown by researchers in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. They found in just three months of hearing aid use every single patient in the study showed significant improvement in psychosocial and cognitive condition.

“By raising awareness of the connection between untreated hearing loss and depression we hope to make a difference in people’s lives and mobilize individuals to address their hearing loss,” said Kochkin.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends seeking help for a complete hearing evaluation if a loved one consistently has:

• ·       Difficulty understanding speech, especially when background noise is present
• ·       Isolates themselves from social gatherings and public situations
• ·       Watches television or listening to the radio at a much louder volume than normal
• ·       Often asks for people to repeat themselves

While it can be difficult to seek treatment when depressed and to encourage those who may be suffering to find help, mental health is important to keep a close watch on because it affects so many other areas of a healthy lifestyle. The evidence is clear that those who suffer from even mild hearing loss are at greater risk from a wide range of negative emotional experiences. The first step is to seek corrective treatment from a hearing careprofessional.

Source: http://www.betterhearing.org/press/news/Depression_mental_health_and_hearing_loss_pr0913.cfm

Hearing Aid "Side Effects"

How to Combat Background Noise, the Screeching of 

Feedback and that “Talking in a Barrel” Feeling

Background interference got you down?

To improve your ability to hear and understand in background noise, try using some basic communication strategies.  For example, ask to be seated away from the kitchen if you are going to a noisy restaurant, or choose an eatery that has good acoustics. (Carpeting on the floor goes a long way in absorbing some of the sounds.)

Technology Tip: Advances in hearing aidtechnology have recognized that two microphones work better than one.  Adaptive Dual Microphone technology recognizes the origin of background noise and automatically reduces it while focusing on sounds you want to hear.

Does your own voice sound odd?

If you are new to wearing hearing aids, your own voice may sound strange…like you are talking in a hollow barrel.  Even your own chewing can sound loud!

This effect is called occlusion and is caused by the ear mold completely filling the ear canal. Vibrations made by the sound waves of your voice are trapped, making it sound louder.  In most cases, creating a vent through the hearing aid to unblock the ear solves the problem by allowing the vibrations of your voice to escape.  Some hearing aids come with a pressure relief vent to equalize the air pressure in the ear, but these vents are often too small to reduce the occlusion effect. Thus, it may be necessary to have your Audiologist create a larger passage in the hearing aid.

Technology Tip:  Open Fit technology can effectively eliminate occlusion.  This type of hearing aid keeps the ear canal open by using a small tube with a speaker instead of a traditional ear mold.

Does your hearing aid squeal?

Everyone has heard it.  That “fingernails-on-a-blackboard screech” coming from your hearing aid when you place it near a phone or take it out of your ear.  It’s called feedback and is the result of amplified sound leaking from the ear canal into the hearing aid microphone. It happens when there is a crack in the hearing aid venting, a loose fit or an accumulation of earwax in your ear canal.

Don’t try to fix your hearing aid yourself by tapping it on a hard surface. You are likely to cause damage with that method!   Instead, schedule an appointment with your Audiologist to see if your hearing aid needs to be repaired, refitted or if earwax needs to be removed. 

Technology Tip: Many of today’s digital hearing aids feature “feedback management” systems that automatically identify feedback before it occurs and cancel it automatically.

Selecting the Right Hearing Aid for You

Finding the Perfect Fit: The Art of Hearing Aid Selection

With the cost of hearing aids ranging from $2000-$7000 a pair, patients often ask us “What’s wrong with the less expensive ones?”

The answer is nothing.  In fact, budget hearing aids could be the perfect choice for you. The only way to find out which is best for your hearing lifestyle is to partner with an Audiologist who understands both the art and science of selecting and fitting hearing aids.

The advanced technology of today’s hearing aids means you have more features from which to choose. These added features, while providing added benefits, also make a hearing aid more expensive. However, depending upon your unique requirements, more is not necessarily better. 

Think of it this way.  If you were a serious athlete planning on running a marathon and you decided to purchase a treadmill to do some off-season training, you might choose a $4500 model on which you could run full speed at varying degrees of inclines, all while the machine kept track of your heart rate and tracked your progress. You would probably also want to have a personal trainer, experienced in achieving the highest possible performance to assist you in getting the most out of your investment and workouts. However, if you just wanted to take an occasional walk and perhaps lose a few pounds, a $500 treadmill might just do the trick.

The same considerations are true when it comes to selecting appropriate hearing aids.  If you are very active, live in a variety of noisy environments and don’t want to be bothered adjusting volume, then you will probably be happier with hearing aids which include advanced features such as directional microphones, feedback cancellation or automatic adjustments. In conjunction with this, you will be most satisfied with your results with the involvement of an experienced Audiologist to tailor the features of the hearing aid to your personal needs and achieve maximum benefit. If you live a quiet life and don’t mind making manual adjustments, then a more economical hearing device might be perfect for you. In short, it is the art of selection and fitting combined with the science of technology that will have the most direct impact on your level of satisfaction.

Our Audiologists are skilled at matching your needs to the most appropriate technology and fitting the devices to provide maximum benefit.  We have been trained to make their recommendations for the type and style of hearing devices based upon five important criteria:

• ·      Your personal lifestyle
• ·      Your level of hearing loss
• ·      The physical characteristics of your ear canal
• ·      Your cosmetic preferences
• ·      Your budget constraints

Our Audiologists ask many questions, because we want to get to know you.  We believe by investing time into understanding what your life is like and what is important to you, we will be able to ensure your optimal hearing while providing you the best value.  You may contact us for a trial of hearing aids in Indianapolis with Audiologist Michelle Koley, or hearing aids in Lafayette with Audiologist Sandy Bratton.  Go to www.BalanceMD.net or call us toll-free 888-888-DIZZY (3499).