An audiogram is a graph that records the way a person responds to specific sounds called pure tones. The audiologist measures hearing threshold at the pure tone of each frequency. Hearing threshold is the intensity at which a pure tone is barely detected 50 percent of the time. Understanding Frequency Various frequencies or pitches are measured to determine how you hear at each area of the hearing organ. During a hearing test, the frequencies used in speech and in common everyday sounds … [Read more...] about Understanding the Audiogram
Au.D.
COVID-19 and the Ear
For the past two years, the world has been battling the COVID-19 pandemic. While great progress has been made, there is no denying that it is still a global health crisis. Because of its novelty, questions remain about the long-term effects on those who have contracted the virus. This includes the virus’s impact on the auditory and balance systems. Fortunately, research is beginning to appear. To be clear, it is still in the early stages, but it does provide an idea of what to expect. Hearing … [Read more...] about COVID-19 and the Ear
Phonak Offers Hearing Aids that Respond to Motion
Phonak has a new hearing aid that is able to adjust sound input based on your motion! When you are walking, your hearing needs are not the same as when you are sitting in a chair talking to a friend. Speech sound while walking the dog with someone or hiking on a trail present unique challenges, which are now finally addressed. It is all based on your motion read by a chip in the hearing aid that is able to change the noise cancellation and the microphone settings in the hearing aids without any … [Read more...] about Phonak Offers Hearing Aids that Respond to Motion
Hearing Versus Understanding
The most common concern of those with hearing loss is not being able to understand others. “I can hear them,” a patient will say. “I just don’t know what they said.” Considering the fact that verbal communication is how most people interact with others, being able to do so is essential. However, people can often conflate hearing and understanding. While undoubtedly interconnected, they are two distinct functions. Understanding the difference can help to improve outcomes and satisfaction with … [Read more...] about Hearing Versus Understanding
Exploring the Lyric Hearing Aid and Tinnitus Masker
The Lyric is a hearing aid that is housed inside the ear canal for extended periods of time. No need to change a battery or put the hearing aid in a recharging device at night. All you need to do is go to your audiologist and ask to try a pair of them for free! Discreet Amplification The most amazing consequence of wearing the Lyric is that you are a “normal” person. You do not have to be careful with your hearing aids around the house so the dog or cat does not eat them when you take them … [Read more...] about Exploring the Lyric Hearing Aid and Tinnitus Masker
Changes in Hearing After Head Injury
Approximately 1.4 million individuals suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year in the United States. Common causes of injury are automobile accidents, airbag deployment, falls, assaults/blows, sports-related injuries and explosive blasts. Other causes of brain injury are strokes, edema, meningitis, tumors and even certain medications. The resulting symptoms a person suffers are varied. INJURY FROM AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS The brain may be shaken within the skull, causing bruises (also … [Read more...] about Changes in Hearing After Head Injury
Understanding the Value of Baseline Hearing Tests
People getting a hearing test are often asked if there has been a change in their hearing. Some want to know how much their hearing has diminished through the years. Others ask to have a comparison made from the test and ask if their hearing is likely to change significantly. These are important concerns; however, let’s look at a missing component. Why Baseline Tests are Important Hearing, as with any function of our body, will change or fluctuate through time. The bloodwork you had to … [Read more...] about Understanding the Value of Baseline Hearing Tests
How to Reduce Background Noise
Have you ever noticed the background noise in a restaurant or other gathering area? Some spaces seem to promote noise, while others don’t. Some areas seem to boost background noise by using hard reflective surfaces, seating that is close together, high ceilings and music piped into the seating area. What is the reasoning when creating places that are not comfortable to sit and have a conversation? For restaurants, the management wants to have the tables turned over to the next patron as quickly … [Read more...] about How to Reduce Background Noise
Becoming Hearing Aid Savvy
Hearing is something we often take for granted, until we have concerns. The following are some of the commonly asked questions that come up when individuals are considering hearing aids. I think I need hearing aids, but how do I know what I should buy? Your lifestyle determines the technology that would be the best for you. Those who are in group settings for church, meetings or family gatherings will need to purchase aids with more advanced technology than someone who is usually in quiet … [Read more...] about Becoming Hearing Aid Savvy
Understanding Musical Ear Syndrome
Musical ear syndrome, also known as musical hallucinations or auditory hallucination, is more common than you might believe. It can cause enormous stress on the individual experiencing it. It is more likely to be a song or music without words but a few people have reported to me that they hear songs with words. I find in my practice that people are embarrassed to tell anyone about what they hear and are secretly afraid that they are going crazy. One source estimates that auditory … [Read more...] about Understanding Musical Ear Syndrome
