Audio Help Hearing Centers (Posts)

What to Expect During a Diagnostic Test for Hearing Loss

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:02:07 GMT

Whatever your age, hearing loss is an inconvenience that interferes with your daily life. If you think you have experienced some type of hearing loss, then here are some of the tests that you can expect when you go to the doctor for an evaluation of your hearing:

Basic Audiological Assessment: As the most basic and comprehensive part of the diagnostic test for hearing loss, the basic audiological assessment is designed to evaluate your hearing ability and whether or not you may have suffered hearing loss. During this test, an audiologist will review your medical history, your family’s medical history, noise-exposure, and medications you may be currently taking. After this, the doctor will administer a series of painless tests to evaluate your hearing and detect any possible problems.

Balance Function Assessment: If you have been suffering from vertigo or problems with your balance, then you may have a problem with your inner ear. Since your inner ear structures are vital to your balance, any disturbance in this area can leave you feeling disoriented and dizzy. During a balance function assessment, an audiologist can use technological equipment to determine what factors are affecting your balance. Common devices that are used in this test include Videonystagmography and Electrocochleography.

Specialized Neuro-Audiology Assessment: Even though we receive noise through our ears, we have no way of processing these noises without the chain of nerves that runs from our ears to our brain. If these nerves are damaged or not functioning well, then you may be experiencing some hearing loss. During a specialized neuro-audiology assessment, your auditory nervous system is analyzed in order to determine if this may be a cause of your hearing loss. This test is pain-free and is administered in a comfortable, relaxed environment.

If you are looking for an experienced audiologist to assess your hearing loss, then come in to Audio Help Hearing Centers. Located in Scarsdale, NYC, and Brooklyn we are dedicated to caring for your healthcare needs. Visit our website or call (877) 629-0439 today for more information about our esteemed doctors and healthcare services.

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Video: What Type of Hearing Aid Type is Best for You

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:20:46 GMT

If you have experienced significant hearing loss that affects your day-to-day life, then you should consider investing in a hearing aid, which can help you regain your hearing and lifestyle. By watching this video clip from Healthy Hearing, you can find out which types of hearing aids are the best for you and why it is important to consider the cosmetics and quality of possible hearing aids.

If you think that you need a hearing aid to help you resume your daily lifestyle, then come in to Audio Help Hearing Centers. Besides offering diagnostic hearing loss exams, we also can help with tinnitus management and help you with all of your hearing healthcare needs. Visit our website or call (877) 629-0439 today for more information about our locations in Scarsdale, NYC, and Brooklyn.

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Common Precautions You Can Take to Avoid Hearing Damage

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:57:24 GMT

Hearing damage is quite common with age, especially if you expose yourself to environments and routines that can lead to hearing damage. But you don’t have to resign yourself to a loss of hearing. Read on to learn of precautions you can take that will help you avoid hearing loss:

Avoid high levels of noise. Naturally, constant exposure to loud noises can eventually lead to hearing loss. It is imperative to be mindful of your habits and what level of noise you experience on a daily basis. Also, try to avoid subjecting yourself to certain environments, such as loud concerts or noisy construction sites.

Use ear plugs if necessary. If you do work in a noisy environment or are around loud machines or equipment on a consistent basis, then you should wear earplugs to protect your hearing. By simply wearing earplugs, you could make an enormous effort to save your precious hearing.

Be cautious with headphones. Since iPods and mp3s are so popular nowadays, more people are experiencing noise-induced hearing loss because they are too careless with their headphones. When you listen to your music at a high volume, you may suffer from premature hearing loss, so make sure to keep your music volume at a reasonable level.

Get your hearing checked regularly. It is important that you go to a doctor regularly to check your hearing. With comprehensive diagnostic tests that can assess your hearing, you may be able to catch any signs of hearing loss and take precautions to stop your hearing from getting worse.

If you are looking for an audiologist that can help you with your hearing healthcare needs, then come in to Audio Help Hearing Centers in Brooklyn or Scarsdale, NY. We can perform diagnostic tests to assess possible hearing loss and can also provide hearing aids to help you regain your hearing. For more information, visit our website or call (877) 629-0439 today!

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A Basic Guide to Taking Care of Your Hearing Aid

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:22:17 GMT

Hearing aids are very beneficial to your lifestyle. They allow you to continue with your daily activities and maintain your independence and relationships. But since these are expensive and sensitive devices, you should make sure to care for them properly by following these simple steps:

Remove your hearing aid at night.

Since it is unnecessary to sleep with your hearing aid, remove it before bed and open the casing door. Hearing aids are susceptible to moisture and debris that can accumulate during the day, so by opening the case and allowing the air to ventilate the interior components, you can be sure your hearing aid is kept clean.

Gently clean the outside of your hearing aid.

While earwax is natural and expected, it can lead to damage to your hearing aid, so it is important that you occasionally wipe the exterior of your hearing aid with a soft cloth to remove any residue.

Keep it away from extreme heat and cold.

Any electronic device can be damaged by exposure to excessive heat or cold, so make sure to keep your hearing aid in comfortable temperatures. Basically, don’t leave your hearing device in a scorching car or subject it to below-zero temperatures.

Avoid water.

While this seems like a very straightforward guideline to keeping your hearing aid in good condition, some people believe that the occasional dip in the pool won’t hurt their waterproof hearing aid. Even if your hearing aid is labeled waterproof, it can still be damaged by excessive moisture, so do your best to keep yours dry.

Have your ears checked regularly.

Your hearing aid will need the occasional evaluation or minor repair, so make sure to visit your audiologist for regular check-ups.

If you are looking to get a hearing aid that can help you regain your independence, then visit Audio Help Hearing Centers in Scarsdale, New York, or Brooklyn. Our experienced and skilled audiologists can help you with all of your hearing needs, so visit our website or call (877) 629-0439 for more information about how we can help you with the health and care of your hearing.

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Examining the Two Main Types of Hearing Loss

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:19:26 GMT

You may know that your risk for developing hearing damage increases with age, but did you know that there are two main types of hearing loss? Here is some basic information about the two different types of hearing loss:

Sensorineural: This type of hearing loss is due to damage in the inner ear, the auditory nerve, or the brain. Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by genetics, acquired with age, the result of a vascular disease or infection, or caused by loud noises or sounds. The symptoms of this type of hearing loss include difficulty hearing in loud environments, difficulty hearing high-pitched noises, feeling off balanced or dizzy, and problems hearing when there is background noise. Unfortunately, sensorineural hearing loss is difficult to treat and is often times permanent.

Conductive: As opposed to sensorineural hearing loss, which mainly occurs in the inner ear or the auditory neural system, conductive hearing loss is due to damage that occurs either in the outer ear or middle ear. This could be caused by damage to the eardrum, the external ear canal, the tiny bones inside your ear, the middle ear cavity, or the openings into the inner ear. Most conductive hearing loss can be treated or managed due to medical and surgical treatments.

Mixed: When a person develops permanent sensorineural hearing loss, and then also develops conductive hearing loss because of their living environment or lifestyle, they develop what is called mixed hearing loss. Generally, the conductive part of the hearing damage can be treated, but the sensorineural part is usually permanent.

If you are experiencing hearing loss that you wish to have assessed by a professional audiologist, then visit one of the Audio Help Hearing Centers locations in Brooklyn, New York, or Scarsdale. With some of the best audiologists in the state of New York, we can help you with all of your hearing healthcare needs. For more information about hearing loss, hearing devices, tinnitus relief, and other services, visit our website or call (877) 629-0439 today.

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An Overview of Tinnitus and Other Common Hearing-Related Conditions

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:55:03 GMT

A study by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders showed that nearly one in every three individuals over the age of 60 suffer from a hearing condition. Hearing problems not only make it difficult to complete routine daily tasks, but they can also make it difficult to maintain social relationships. If you are suffering from a hearing problem, then consider this overview of common hearing-related conditions to determine if your symptoms match up.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common symptom of hearing loss that affects approximately one in five individuals. One of the most common causes of tinnitus is inner ear cell damage. Your ear canal is lined with tiny, delicate hairs that move in relation to the pressure of sound waves. These ear cells release an electrical signal through your auditory nerves to your brain, which then interprets these signals as sound. When these hairs become damaged or broken, they tend to “leak” random electrical impulses to your brain, causing excessive ear ringing, also known as tinnitus. This condition may also be caused by exposure to loud noises, excess earwax, age-related hearing loss, and ear bone changes.

Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear often caused by a change in the fluid volume after an injury or infection. The symptoms of Meniere’s disease include dizziness, an odd sensation of movement, or vertigo, loss of hearing in one or both ears, and a lack of balance.

Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a hereditary condition in which spongy bone tissue grows in the middle ear, preventing the structures from working properly and ultimately causing hearing loss. Your audiologist can typically treat otosclerosis with a minimally invasive outpatient surgical procedure.

The sooner you seek treatment from an audiology clinic, the better chance you have of treating your hearing loss and preventing further damage. Therefore, if you are suffering from hearing problems, then call the Audio Help Hearing Centers at (877) 629-0439 for more information on our innovative tinnitus management services and top-of-the-line hearing aid products.

More from Audio Help Hearing Centers: Services, Hearing Aids & Aural Rehabilitation, Diagnostic Hearing Tests, Tinnitus New York, Tinnitus Treatment

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When and Why Should You Consider a Hearing Aid?

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:46:50 GMT

Hearing aids are designed to amplify inaudible sounds in order to improve a person’s hearing abilities. Some hearing aids can amplify high-pitched consonants more than low-pitched vowel sounds to help you hear better in crowded, noisy areas. There are even more advanced hearing aid systems that use multiple microphone technology to enhance communication even further in noisy environments. However, the extent of how much a hearing aid can improve your hearing will depend on the degree of hearing loss and how much background noise is present. How do you know when to talk to your audiologist about a possible hearing aid? Consider these tips on when and why you should consider a digital hearing aid.

There are several signs that you may require a hearing aid. Some of the most common signs include:

Often complaining that others are mumbling.
Frequently asking someone to repeat themselves.
Increasing difficulty understanding people against background noise.
Listening to the radio or television at a higher volume.
Inability to understand what is being said in movies or public gatherings.
Difficulty understanding people without seeing their face.
Age-related hearing loss.

Certain situations may also increase your chances for needing a hearing aid as you age, such as:

Prolonged exposure to loud noises, typically more common for individuals who work in noisy environments such as construction sites.
Preexisting medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, poor circulation, or thyroid problems.
Heredity.
Injury or childhood infection.

You’ll want to discuss your hearing aid options with your audiologist in order to determine whether or not you need one or two hearing aids. In general, individuals with hearing loss benefit most from wearing a hearing aid in each ear, as this helps the central auditory system process sounds more efficiently.

Here at the Audio Help Hearing Centers Brooklyn, our audiologists dispense only the most technologically advanced hearing aids, including those manufactured by Oticon, Starkey, Phonak, Widex, and Lyric. For a full listing of hearing aids or clinic locations, call (877)629-0439 today!

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Causes and Types of Hearing Loss

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:56:01 GMT

When sound waves enter your ear canal, they cause your eardrum to vibrate, pushing your stapes bone against the fluid-filled chamber in your ear, also known as the cochlea. The fluid vibration causes the hair cells to bend and generate an electrical signal to your brain. Unfortunately, age, disease, injury, or overexposure to loud noise can all damage these delicate structures.

This video provides an overview of the two most common types of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is caused by a mechanical problem in the ear canal or middle ear that blocks the conduction of sound, while sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to inner ear or auditory nerve pathways. View the full animation to learn more!

Audiologists with the Audio Help Hearing Centers are committed to upholding the highest clinical standards of audiology. With several New York offices, we’re your best choice for hearing aids and tinnitus management.

http://www.youtube.com/v/lioNIbtFxSY?hl=en&fs=1

More from Audio Help Hearing Centers: Services, Hearing Aids & Aural Rehabilitation, Diagnostic Hearing Tests, Tinnitus New York, Tinnitus Treatment

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4 Common Signs You Should Visit an Audiologist for a Hearing Test

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:49:15 GMT

According to the National Institute of Health, nearly 2 million Americans over age 70 suffer from some degree of hearing loss. If you’re hearing abilities aren’t what they used to be, then it may be time for a checkup. Consider these common signs you should visit an audiologist for a hearing test:

1. Your Family Complains of Loud Noises

Hearing loss is a gradual progression, which means that individuals suffering from a hearing condition may not be aware of the problem; in many cases, a family member or friend is the first one to voice a concern. If your family keeps asking you to turn down the television or radio, then you may be showing signs of early hearing loss.

2. You Ask People to Repeat Themselves

Many individuals suffering from hearing loss have difficulty understanding speech against background noise. While they may know someone is speaking, they cannot understand or decipher the actual conversation. It is also common for people to have trouble hearing individuals with low or extremely high-pitched voices. Stop asking others to continually repeat themselves and schedule a hearing test instead.

3. Ringing In Your Ears

Your inner ear is lined with tiny hairs that send an electrical signal from your ear to your brain, which then interprets these signals as sounds. When the hairs inside of your ear canal are bent or broken, they can emit random electrical impulses to your brain, causing constant ear ringing, or tinnitus. If you notice this condition in your ears, then be sure to see your audiologist or tinnitus management clinic as soon as possible.

4. Sudden Hearing Loss

Another common sign that you need to visit your audiologist is sudden hearing loss. Causes of sudden hearing loss include trauma, infection, certain medications, Meniere’s disease, neurological disorders, and tumors.

Whether you’re suffering from constant ear ringing or you can’t seem to follow conversations, our audiology specialists with Audio Help Hearing Centers are here to help. Contact us today for more information on our hearing aids and services.

More from Audio Help Hearing Centers: Services, Hearing Aids & Aural Rehabilitation, Diagnostic Hearing Tests, Tinnitus New York, Tinnitus Treatment

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NBC Reports on Hearing Aid Trends

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:34:11 GMT

Experts at Johns Hopkins University estimate that 55 million American adults suffer some kind of hearing loss. An epidemic that can be blamed on the popular use of portable media players. Thankfully, current technology is helping Americans improve their hearing with discreet hearing devices that are even Bluetooth compatible. Check out this video below to learn more about this epidemic and its solutions. If you think that you may be suffering from hearing loss contact the Audio Help Hearing Centers to set up a consultation and discover your options.

http://www.youtube.com/v/aop-WkohOpU?hl=en&fs=1

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