Better Hearing Blog
A Balanced Approach
The inner ear contains the “cochlea,” which produces nerve impulses that are transmitted via the auditory nerve to the brain, as well as the “vestibular system,” a collection of structures that provides the body with a sense of balance and spatial awareness. These structures include three semicircular canals that are lined with sensory hair cells that continually detect the head’s position by virtue of tiny calcium carbonate crystals (“otoliths”), which help sense the body’s orientation. The trouble is that these crystals can become dislodged to the point where their momentum in the canals may give a false sense of movement even after the head stops moving. The resultant “benign paroxysmal positional vertigo” (BPPV) produces dizziness and a loss of equilibrium.
Although BPPV can be bothersome, it’s rarely serious except when it increases the chance of falls. You can receive effective treatment for BPPV during a doctor’s office visit. To schedule a hearing assessment, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. We perform hearing tests, fit patients for hearing aids, and provide one-on-one consultations. We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. Once diagnosed, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may be effectively treated using the Epley maneuver, which involves maneuvering the head so that the otoliths move out of the semicircular canals to an open space.
When Size Matters
As its name suggests, a “completely-in-the-canal” (CIC) hearing instrument fits entirely into the ear canal of the user, where it is all but invisible to onlookers. For this reason, CIC instruments are preferred by those who want to remain completely discreet about their hearing losses. The positioning of CIC instruments in the ear canal also provides users with overall natural sound quality that stems from use of the outer portions of their ears (auricles) to gather sound and direct it inside the ear. This least visible of all hearing instruments is also well-suited to treating hearing loss that ranges from mild to moderately severe. However, CIC instruments may require a bit more maintenance.
Choosing the right hearing aids involves working with a trustworthy provider to find a product that fits your type of hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your budget. Contact BETTER HEARING CENTER today to schedule your hearing evaluation. We’re excited to assist you in making decisions about your hearing health at New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing instruments are less prone to feedback.
Gene Behind Otosclerosis Identified
“Otosclerosis” is a hereditary condition that affects one in 200 people. It results in conductive hearing loss that causes individuals to begin to lose their hearing in their 20s and 30s as a consequence of abnormal bone growth in their middle ears. As a consequence of the stapes bone’s inability to move freely, sound waves entering the ear can no longer be transmitted to the inner ear. While current treatments include use of hearing instruments or surgery to remove the affected middle ear bone and replace it with a prosthetic device, recent research has found that faults in the body’s SERPINF1 gene can cause otosclerosis, which holds out the promise for other treatments in the future.
At BETTER HEARING CENTER, we pledge to employ a trustworthy, professional staff, provide high-quality service, feature innovative testing and evaluation equipment, offer a large product selection, and maintain the best prices in the area. For more information, please call us today. Our expertise is measured by our commitment to patient satisfaction, continuing education, and the application of current technologies. New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. The surgical procedure that involves removal of an immobilized stapes bone and replacing it with a prosthetic device is known as “stapedectomy.”
Selective Listening
Many parents claim they can hear their children’s voices over the din in noisy environments. As it turns out, this ability may be an adaptation that the ears develop in response to repeated exposure to a socially meaningful sound. Understanding this important hearing modification begins with a familiarity with the phenomenon known as “forward masking,” which occurs when a sound immediately precedes another sound someone is trying to hear and interferes with the ability to understand it. Due to the proximity of the two sounds, the ear doesn’t finish processing the first sound before the second one occurs. However, after repeated instances, the ear changes in ways that make it more sensitive to picking out signals in acoustically cluttered environments.
Hearing aids help put people back in touch with their family and friends by letting them enjoy participating in social activities again. Hearing aids must be custom-programmed for each use to meet his or her needs. To schedule an appointment, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. We are the only hearing center that has served the Concord, New Hampshire, area for more than 55 years. New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. In order for hearing to develop and be adequately maintained, it is necessary for the ears to be stimulated with sounds, which can be helped by hearing instruments.
Tone Deafness’ Social Implications
You may be familiar with the terms “tone deaf” or “congenital amusia,” which refer to the inability to accurately perceive differences of musical pitch. Tone deafness is estimated to affect about 4% of the population and is the reason why some people find it difficult (if not impossible) to carry a tune. As it turns out, tone-deaf individuals may also find it difficult to accurately read facial expressions or detect a false laugh. If so, these limitations can adversely impact their social skills. According to a recent small study involving 24 people, the 13 “amusics” in the group found it more difficult to accurately identify the emotions (sadness, anger, etc.) in human vocalizations, as well as the facial expressions.
Gradual hearing loss can affect people of all ages — varying from mild to profound. Hearing loss is a sudden or gradual decrease in how well you can hear. Depending on the cause, it can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. To schedule a hearing assessment, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. We perform hearing tests, fit patients for hearing aids, and provide one-on-one consultations. We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. Many consider amusia to be a neurological problem, not an auditory one. However, if high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss is a contributing factor, a hearing instrument may help.
The Importance of a Hearing Test
One important reason for having your a hearing test is that any detected hearing loss will prompt you to have its cause diagnosed. Generally speaking, there are two types of hearing loss: “sensorineural” and “conductive.” Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. While this type of hearing loss cannot be medically or surgically corrected, it generally lends itself to improvement with a hearing instrument. Conductive hearing loss, which occurs when sound is not conducted efficiently through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones (ossicles) of the middle ear, can often be corrected medically or surgically.
A hearing test includes several tests that measure how well you hear a variety of sounds, such as tones and speech. A baseline hearing screening is recommended at age 50, unless you’re experiencing symptoms of hearing loss sooner. For more information, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. Our expertise is measured by our commitment to patient satisfaction, continuing education, and the application of current technologies. New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. One possible cause of conductive hearing loss is an “acoustic neuroma,” a benign tumor that grows on the balance and hearing nerves inside the ear.
