Often when discussing hearing aids with a new patient, they’ll ask, “They just make things louder, right?” Yes, hearing aids do amplify auditory signals, but they also offer so much more. In fact, they are like mini-computers for your ears. New models can stream music and count your steps! But perhaps one of the most useful features is the masker. A masker is essentially a customizable static-like noise emitted by the hearing aids. While it can address a variety of conditions, today I want to … [Read more...] about Treating Emotional Disorders with Maskers
Tinnitus
Tackling Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external stimulus. The perceived sound can vary among individuals, with ringing, hissing crickets and cicadas being the most common. It can also vary in intensity, duration and rate of occurrence. Tinnitus affects approximately 15% of adults. It is a complicated condition that requires proper understanding to be appropriately addressed. What Causes Tinnitus? I frequently have patients ask how to get rid of their tinnitus during an … [Read more...] about Tackling Tinnitus
Developing Drugs to Treat Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
There is huge opportunity for companies looking for a money maker! According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 360 million people with disabling hearing loss who need help. Currently, we work to fit these individuals with hearing aids and teach others about reducing noise exposure. But what if we could develop a way to regrow the damaged area in the hearing organ after noise exposure? What if we can use eardrops that will prevent hearing loss before it happens? Both of these … [Read more...] about Developing Drugs to Treat Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
Tinnitus, or Ringing in the Ears
Over 50 million people are bothered by tinnitus, and approximately 20 percent of those people are severely affected by it. Tinnitus is a sound that is heard without any external stimulation. It can be high or low-pitched; it may sound like humming, clicking, buzzing, whistling, chirping or roaring. The sound may come and go and sometimes people say that the loudness of their tinnitus changes. Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease, and is not threatening to one’s … [Read more...] about Tinnitus, or Ringing in the Ears