Hearing Aids have been around for a long time and have always been designed to improve the hearing of people with some form of hearing loss.
Currently there are just two types of Aid, Analogue and Digital. The main difference is how the sounds that are received by the Aid are amplified and sent to the ear drum via the ear channel.
Analogue Hearing Aids work very simply in that the sounds received by a very small microphone in the Aid converting them into electrical pulses which are simply amplified before sending them to a speaker which converts the electrical impulses back into sound waves in a minute loudspeaker. This amplified sound is then transmitted down the ear channel to impact on the ear drum.
Digital Hearing Aids differ in one major part of this process. The sounds are still picked up by the microphone and converted into electrical impulses. These electrical impulses are now converted into `bits` of Data by a very minute computer chip inside the Hearing Aid. Each frequency is amplified separately and manipulated by a process called Digital Signal Processing.
The software has the ability to carry out precise changes to these `bits` of information before sending it to the minute loudspeaker to again be converted back into sound waves.
At first there doesn’t appear to be much difference in these Hearing Aids, they both collect sounds, amplifying them and send the amplified sound through the ear channel to the ear drum.
The major advantage of the Digital Hearing Aids is that it has the ability to be adjusted to vary the amplification at different frequencies. That is if the sufferer from hearing loss cannot hear high notes but can hear low notes then the Digital Aid can be adjusted to increase the high frequency sounds but not the lower frequency sounds, unlike an Analogue Aid which will amplify all the sounds equally.
As hearing loss is very different in the hearing impaired it is therefore extremely important to be able to adjust a Hearing Aid to the exact requirements of the sufferer. To find out the type of hearing loss a person may suffer from a hearing test is very important. This is usually carried out by an Audiologist who will ask you to respond to various sounds and frequencies over the full audio range.. As a result of this test it will easily be seen which areas the hearing is not as it should be. The Digital Aid can then be set up using a computer to compensate where there is some hearing loss and by how much.
Another ability of the Digital Aid is to adjust the Aid to reduce the sounds of very loud noises whilst still keeping other sounds at the required level. One of the biggest advantages is that background noise can be greatly reduced; this has a big advantage when talking to someone in a crowded room.
Although Digital Aids can give greatly improved hearing specifically adjusted to an individuals needs, it can never give a person back their normal hearing.
To find out more about hearing loss visit www.aids2hearing.co.uk
Monday 22 February 2010
Thursday 18 February 2010
What Has VERTIGO got to do with my Ears
The human ear has another function other than to allow people to hear what is going on around them. To be able to hold conversations, to hear birds singing to appreciate music and to listen to the television on radio etc.
The other major function of the ear is to help people keep their balance. This balance mechanism is found in the inner ear and consists of three fluid filled canals containing minute hair cells. When the head moves the fluid in the canals move and therefore cause the hair cells to vibrate sending electrical impulses to the brain. The brain then interprets these electrical impulses as a signal that the body is moving into a different position.
If something interferes with this process and the messages to the brain become distorted then this could cause Vertigo. Vertigo is a medical term for the feeling of loosing your balance or that the world is spinning around. It could often cause a person to fall down if they could not hold onto something to steady themselves. An example of this can be seen at a simple party trick when a person is told to hold onto something like a walking stick and then spin around the stick a number of times. When they stop it will be noticed that he or she finds it very difficult to stand or walk in a straight line. This is because they have caused the fluid in the inner ear canals and also the hair cells to become very unstable sending different messages to the brain.
There are three types of Vertigo of which the most common is called Benign Positional Vertigo. This condition is generally very mild and manifests itself in many common situations. You may experience it if you suddenly stand up after bending down for some time. If fact any sudden change in position can cause Vertigo but these cases usually only last a few moments until the brain readjusts its messages. If this feeling lasts more than a few minutes and in a very recurring condition it is most likely due to the formation of crystals in the fluid in the canals. These crystals can give false information to the brain causing it to misinterpret what is in fact taking place. There are exercises that are recommended to help overcome this problem.
The second tyhpe of Vertigo is called Viral Neuronitis which as the name suggests is mainly caused by a virus infection to the inner ear. This infection can upset the function of the hair cells causing incorrect information being sent to the brain. This could cause very bad and prolonged Vertigo even incapacitating the sufferer for a number of days. The Vertigo will gradually decrease as the virus infection is controlled.
The third type of Vertigo is Acute Labyrinthitis, again caused by a virus infection. This does not only cause the normal symptoms such as balance problems but if not treated correctly can also cause hearing loss and Tinnitus. It is therefore, very important that this is diagnosed quickly before permanent damage is done.
There is another disease called Meniere`s disease which causes Vertigo, also hearing loss and Tinnitus, which if not treated will become permanent.
It is always advisable to contact your GP as soon as any Vertigo appears as he will be able to advise you if any treatment is necessary or what you can do yourself to help the situation.
The other major function of the ear is to help people keep their balance. This balance mechanism is found in the inner ear and consists of three fluid filled canals containing minute hair cells. When the head moves the fluid in the canals move and therefore cause the hair cells to vibrate sending electrical impulses to the brain. The brain then interprets these electrical impulses as a signal that the body is moving into a different position.
If something interferes with this process and the messages to the brain become distorted then this could cause Vertigo. Vertigo is a medical term for the feeling of loosing your balance or that the world is spinning around. It could often cause a person to fall down if they could not hold onto something to steady themselves. An example of this can be seen at a simple party trick when a person is told to hold onto something like a walking stick and then spin around the stick a number of times. When they stop it will be noticed that he or she finds it very difficult to stand or walk in a straight line. This is because they have caused the fluid in the inner ear canals and also the hair cells to become very unstable sending different messages to the brain.
There are three types of Vertigo of which the most common is called Benign Positional Vertigo. This condition is generally very mild and manifests itself in many common situations. You may experience it if you suddenly stand up after bending down for some time. If fact any sudden change in position can cause Vertigo but these cases usually only last a few moments until the brain readjusts its messages. If this feeling lasts more than a few minutes and in a very recurring condition it is most likely due to the formation of crystals in the fluid in the canals. These crystals can give false information to the brain causing it to misinterpret what is in fact taking place. There are exercises that are recommended to help overcome this problem.
The second tyhpe of Vertigo is called Viral Neuronitis which as the name suggests is mainly caused by a virus infection to the inner ear. This infection can upset the function of the hair cells causing incorrect information being sent to the brain. This could cause very bad and prolonged Vertigo even incapacitating the sufferer for a number of days. The Vertigo will gradually decrease as the virus infection is controlled.
The third type of Vertigo is Acute Labyrinthitis, again caused by a virus infection. This does not only cause the normal symptoms such as balance problems but if not treated correctly can also cause hearing loss and Tinnitus. It is therefore, very important that this is diagnosed quickly before permanent damage is done.
There is another disease called Meniere`s disease which causes Vertigo, also hearing loss and Tinnitus, which if not treated will become permanent.
It is always advisable to contact your GP as soon as any Vertigo appears as he will be able to advise you if any treatment is necessary or what you can do yourself to help the situation.
MYTHS ABOUT HEARING AND HEARING AIDS
Myth - Only elderly people need a Hearing Aid.
Fact - Although hearing loss is most common in the elderly due to the receptors in the inner ear becoming less responsive, there are many younger children and middle aged people who suffer some hearing loss which can be due to damage to the ear through trauma to the ear or listening to loud sounds. Hearing loss can also be due to a person being born with a slight deformity in the ear.
Myth - I have been told that my hearing loss cannot be helped as it is permanent.
Fact - All forms of hearing loss can be helped unless the sufferer is completely deaf.
Myth - If I suffered from hearing loss wouldn’t I know about it.
Fact - Most hearing loss in the elderly develops over a number of years and therefore as it is a very slow change it is not immediately recognised by the sufferer. It is more likely to be noticed by family and friends in such things as asking for the TV or radio to be turned up.
Myth - I will be able to hear perfectly when I wear a Hearing Aid.
Fact - Hearing Aids can never return your hearing to normal. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, the environment and your own particular needs, such as taking part in conversations etc, will determine how the Hearing Aid is programmed to overcome your particular hearing loss.
Myth - I wont be able to hear all the natural sounds such as birds singing if I fit a Hearing Aid.
Fact - Digital Hearing Aids can now be programmed according to sufferer’s personal requirements. Some may want to cut out background noises so they can hear a conversation in a crowded restaurant. Whereas others still want to hear what is going on around them and just want to have improved hearing.
Myth - If I wear a Hearing Aid everyone will know about it.
Fact - There are now Hearing Aids that are almost undetectable. These are called `Completely in the Channel` and as the name suggests they fit completely in the ear channel and are almost invisible. Other Hearing Aids such as the ` Behind the Ear` types are now being made must smaller especially the BTE Open Fit type.
Myth - I don’t know anybody with a Hearing Aid so it can`t be much of a problem.
Fact - It is estimated that there are over 2 million people who wear a Hearing Aid and it is believed that another 6 million would benefit from one, especially people over the age of 65 years. It has been long accepted that people with defective eyesight will quite readily wear spectacles but those with defective hearing fight shy of doing the same with Hearing Aids.
Myth - If I wear a Hearing Aid my ears will be blocked up.
Fact - Most Hearing Aids do have an ear mould that completely seals the ear channel, there are now new Digital Hearing Aids which do not use an ear mould, these are called ` Open Fit hearing Aids` These allows the ear channel to be left open but still receive the amplified sounds from the Hearing Aid.
Myth - I have head that you get a lot of problems when you wear a Hearing Aid.
Fact - When you first wear a Hearing Aid it will take a lot of getting used to. The initial setup may not have been suitable or the type of Aid was not right for you. It is always worth persevering with the new Aid as your hearing will very quickly attune to it.
Myth - I have been told that I will have to keep returning to my Hearing Specialist to have my Aid programmed.
Fact - If you buy your Hearing Aid from an Audiologist it is generally the case that you will have to return to him to have the Aid reprogrammed. There are programmers on the market that allow you to programme your own Hearing Aid
Fact - Although hearing loss is most common in the elderly due to the receptors in the inner ear becoming less responsive, there are many younger children and middle aged people who suffer some hearing loss which can be due to damage to the ear through trauma to the ear or listening to loud sounds. Hearing loss can also be due to a person being born with a slight deformity in the ear.
Myth - I have been told that my hearing loss cannot be helped as it is permanent.
Fact - All forms of hearing loss can be helped unless the sufferer is completely deaf.
Myth - If I suffered from hearing loss wouldn’t I know about it.
Fact - Most hearing loss in the elderly develops over a number of years and therefore as it is a very slow change it is not immediately recognised by the sufferer. It is more likely to be noticed by family and friends in such things as asking for the TV or radio to be turned up.
Myth - I will be able to hear perfectly when I wear a Hearing Aid.
Fact - Hearing Aids can never return your hearing to normal. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, the environment and your own particular needs, such as taking part in conversations etc, will determine how the Hearing Aid is programmed to overcome your particular hearing loss.
Myth - I wont be able to hear all the natural sounds such as birds singing if I fit a Hearing Aid.
Fact - Digital Hearing Aids can now be programmed according to sufferer’s personal requirements. Some may want to cut out background noises so they can hear a conversation in a crowded restaurant. Whereas others still want to hear what is going on around them and just want to have improved hearing.
Myth - If I wear a Hearing Aid everyone will know about it.
Fact - There are now Hearing Aids that are almost undetectable. These are called `Completely in the Channel` and as the name suggests they fit completely in the ear channel and are almost invisible. Other Hearing Aids such as the ` Behind the Ear` types are now being made must smaller especially the BTE Open Fit type.
Myth - I don’t know anybody with a Hearing Aid so it can`t be much of a problem.
Fact - It is estimated that there are over 2 million people who wear a Hearing Aid and it is believed that another 6 million would benefit from one, especially people over the age of 65 years. It has been long accepted that people with defective eyesight will quite readily wear spectacles but those with defective hearing fight shy of doing the same with Hearing Aids.
Myth - If I wear a Hearing Aid my ears will be blocked up.
Fact - Most Hearing Aids do have an ear mould that completely seals the ear channel, there are now new Digital Hearing Aids which do not use an ear mould, these are called ` Open Fit hearing Aids` These allows the ear channel to be left open but still receive the amplified sounds from the Hearing Aid.
Myth - I have head that you get a lot of problems when you wear a Hearing Aid.
Fact - When you first wear a Hearing Aid it will take a lot of getting used to. The initial setup may not have been suitable or the type of Aid was not right for you. It is always worth persevering with the new Aid as your hearing will very quickly attune to it.
Myth - I have been told that I will have to keep returning to my Hearing Specialist to have my Aid programmed.
Fact - If you buy your Hearing Aid from an Audiologist it is generally the case that you will have to return to him to have the Aid reprogrammed. There are programmers on the market that allow you to programme your own Hearing Aid
PREVENT HEARING LOSS --TOP TEN TIPS
Hearing loss is most common in people over the age of 65 years. This is because the very small hair cells within the inner ear become less receptive to the vibrations of the sound waves reaching them. There is now, more recently, a greater number of much younger people suffering from hearing loss which in many cases could have been avoided.
1. Avoid loud noises. In this modern age many young people have personal stereo systems plugged into their ears. The volume is usually turned up to high. By reducing the volume it will protect the delicate parts of the ear.
2. Wear some form of ear protection when attending discos or pop concerts where music is usually played at a very high sound level. Very small ear plugs are available that fit into the ear channel and are hardly noticeable avoiding the embarrassment of wearing highly visible ear protectors.
3. Avoid working next to machinery that is very noisy without ear protection. These have to be provided by the Company who must check that they are being used.
4. Wear ear protectors when using power tools, lawn mowers or other DIY equipment especially if they are being used very often over long periods of time.
5 Wear a head protector if playing physical sports where head contact may occur. This includes sports such as Rugby, cycling, boxing etc. Damage to the head may result in damage to the ears which can result in hearing loss.
6 Do not remove ear wax by putting any instrument into the ear. Wax should only be removed by a GP or by a product that will dissolve the wax.
7 Avoid getting an infection in the ears by keeping them clean. If infection in the ears occurs, early treatment is very important in order that permanent damage is avoided. Consult your GP at the earliest possible time to prevent the infection spreading and doing permanent damage.
8 Do not put objects in the ear including cotton tipped swabs. These can very easily damage the ear drum or introduce infection causing some hearing loss.
9 Make sure that any medication that has been prescribed does not affect the ears. Consult your doctor if these symptoms occur so he can offer an alternative medicine.
10 Treat any sudden deafness immediately by consulting your GP. It could be caused by infection, stroke, and trauma to the head. If it is not treated quickly it could result in permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can affect a person life in a number of ways and therefore the quicker the reasons for the loss are established the sooner appropriate action can be taken.
1. Avoid loud noises. In this modern age many young people have personal stereo systems plugged into their ears. The volume is usually turned up to high. By reducing the volume it will protect the delicate parts of the ear.
2. Wear some form of ear protection when attending discos or pop concerts where music is usually played at a very high sound level. Very small ear plugs are available that fit into the ear channel and are hardly noticeable avoiding the embarrassment of wearing highly visible ear protectors.
3. Avoid working next to machinery that is very noisy without ear protection. These have to be provided by the Company who must check that they are being used.
4. Wear ear protectors when using power tools, lawn mowers or other DIY equipment especially if they are being used very often over long periods of time.
5 Wear a head protector if playing physical sports where head contact may occur. This includes sports such as Rugby, cycling, boxing etc. Damage to the head may result in damage to the ears which can result in hearing loss.
6 Do not remove ear wax by putting any instrument into the ear. Wax should only be removed by a GP or by a product that will dissolve the wax.
7 Avoid getting an infection in the ears by keeping them clean. If infection in the ears occurs, early treatment is very important in order that permanent damage is avoided. Consult your GP at the earliest possible time to prevent the infection spreading and doing permanent damage.
8 Do not put objects in the ear including cotton tipped swabs. These can very easily damage the ear drum or introduce infection causing some hearing loss.
9 Make sure that any medication that has been prescribed does not affect the ears. Consult your doctor if these symptoms occur so he can offer an alternative medicine.
10 Treat any sudden deafness immediately by consulting your GP. It could be caused by infection, stroke, and trauma to the head. If it is not treated quickly it could result in permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can affect a person life in a number of ways and therefore the quicker the reasons for the loss are established the sooner appropriate action can be taken.
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