Thursday, July 28, 2011

Hearing Health Affected by Second-hand Smoke

The ability to hear allows us to socialize with others. This is why it is important to protect hearing health. Constant exposure to loud noise may lead to hearing damage. A recent study has now identified second-hand smoke, as another cause of hearing loss.

Professor Anil Lalwani, from the New York University School of Medicine, took part in a recent study. More than 1,500 teenagers were tested and the results showed the negative effect smoke could have on hearing. The professor states, “We need to evaluate how we deal with smoking in public places and at home, as well as how often and when we screen children for hearing loss."

If you have been exposed to second-hand smoke, you may be at risk of hearing damage. Visit your local Miami Hearing Center. An audiologist will be able to diagnose and treat your condition effectively.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Hearing Health Problems May Skew Alzheimer's Test Results

Suffering from hearing loss can cause a lot of stress due to the inability to hear properly during social interactions and everyday activities. A new study has now also found that hearing loss may skew Alzheimer’s test results. Patients who are tested might be mistakenly diagnosed as having Alzheimer’s when that is not the case.

Researcher Michael Lerch, MD, of Diakonia Mark-Ruhr Hospital in Hagen, Germany states how "A hearing test should be imperative prior to cognitive testing." A patient being tested for Alzheimer’s may have a hard time understanding the questions being asked due to their loss of hearing. This will affect test results, as patients might answer incorrectly, later being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Always be aware of signs that might indicate hearing health problems. Visiting an audiologist such as Dr. Joseph Duran, will help in correctly diagnosing and treating the condition. It will also avoid situations in which patients are wrongly diagnosed.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

The Benefits of Using Phonak's Solana Hearing Aid


Hearing loss can cause discomfort and frustration to individuals during day to day activities. It is important to treat the condition accordingly and visit an expert audiologist, such as Dr. Joseph Duran. The audiologist will perform the hearing tests necessary to find out the right hearing aid for you.

Phonak carries the hearing aid "Solana" . This unit can be used to treat mild to profound hearing losses. It comes in a variety of sizes and models, allowing patients to wear a more discrete device while still receiving all the benefits of a quality hearing aid. It can also be personalized by choosing from 17 colors.

As the Phonak website explains, the hearing aid comes in three different styles such as behind-the-ear, micro behind-the-ear, and custom-in-the-ear. IF you would like to learn more about this product and the different types of hearing aids available, do not hesitate to visit your local Miami Hearing Center.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

How Technology Has Affected Hearing Health

Hearing health problems used to occur as part of the aging process. The increased number of technological devices has resulted in people under 65 years of age suffering from hearing loss. This is because the world has become increasingly noisy.

Devices such as the iPod, MP3 player, cell phone hands-free units, among others, put your hearing health at risk. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention explains how the number of people suffering from hearing damage has increased dramatically. What used to be 31.5 million hearing loss sufferers had increased to 36 million by the year 2006.

Some of the signals that might indicate loss of hearing include having difficulty understanding during a conversation. It is important to contact your local audiologist such as Dr. Joseph Duran for an evaluation. He will be able to diagnose as well as treat your condition.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Treating Occupational Hearing Loss

Occupational Hearing Loss occurs from constant exposure to loud noise in the work place. In this article we will talk about the steps that you can take to prevent and treat this condition.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), protecting your ear should be your priority. Working with loud equipment, or in a loud setting, using earplugs or earmuffs will help lower the noise your hearing is exposed to. It is also recommended not to indulge in activities which may add to the risk of suffering from hearing damage, such as listening to loud music with or without headphones.

After being diagnosed with Occupational Hearing Loss, there is treatment you can undergo to help you better deal with the condition. As NIH states “The hearing loss is usually permanent. The goal of treatment is to prevent further hearing loss, improve communication with any remaining hearing, and develop coping skills (such as lip reading).” NIH adds, “Using a hearing aid may improve communication.”

For more information contact your local New Generation Miami Hearing Center.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Hearing Health and Exposure To Loud Music

During the summer many people attend music festivals all over the country. This means constant exposure to loud noise which can damage a person's hearing health. What can you do to prevent this damage from happening? In this article we will go over some steps that will help in the prevention of hearing loss.

Hearing damage can occur from prolonged exposure to loud noise. Music festivals, such as Lollapalooza, can last for hours, leaving your unprotected hearing at the risk of damage. Using protective devices such as earplugs, will help in reducing the level of noise your hearing is exposed to.

It is also important to take breaks from the loud noise exposure during a festival as well as making sure you are an appropriate distance from the speakers.

To find out more ways in which you can safeguard your hearing health, visit your local Miami hearing center. An audiologist, such as Dr. Joseph Duran, will help give you more information that will help in keeping your hearing health safe.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Hearing Loss Due To Work Environment

Millions of Americans suffer from hearing loss. In this article we will discuss Occupational hearing loss. This condition occurs when there is damage to the inner ear from constant exposure to noise or vibrations, due to a particular job.

As the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) states, “Sounds above 90 decibels (dB, a measurement of the loudness or strength of sound vibration) may cause vibration intense enough to damage the inner ear, especially if the sound continues for a long time.”

How to know when a noise is too loud? If you need to yell to be heard in a conversation, then you are at risk of hearing damage. Some of the jobs that put your hearing health at risk, as listed by NCBI include:

· Airline ground maintenance

· Construction

· Farming

· Jobs involving loud music or machinery

If you believe you may suffer from loss of hearing, visit your local hearing center and contact your local audiologist such as Dr. Joseph Duran. This expert will help in the treatment and diagnosis of your condition.