Advanced Audiology of Greater Omaha

Conquering Vertigo: Regaining Balance and Reclaiming Your Life

2023-10-04T10:23:00.000-05:00

Conquering Vertigo: Regaining Balance and Reclaiming Your Life

Vertigo, a common yet often misunderstood condition, can significantly impact one's quality of life. Characterized by a false sense of spinning or dizziness, vertigo can cause discomfort, anxiety, and even disrupt daily activities. However, with a better understanding of its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, you can take control of this condition and experience life to the fullest once again.

Understanding Vertigo:
Vertigo can stem from various underlying factors, the most common being an issue with the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. The inner ear houses tiny structures called semicircular canals, responsible for detecting rotational movements. When these delicate structures malfunction or get disrupted, they send conflicting signals to the brain, leading to the sensation of spinning or dizziness.

Recognizing the Symptoms:
Vertigo manifests differently in each individual, but common symptoms include:

1. A spinning sensation, as if the world around you is whirling.
2. Feeling unsteady or off-balance, making it difficult to walk or stand.
3. Nausea or vomiting, often triggered by the dizziness.
4. Sweating, headaches, or a general feeling of unease.
5. Anxiety or fear of falling, leading to avoidance of certain activities.

Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment:
If you suspect you may have vertigo, it is crucial to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis. Your healthcare provider may perform a physical examination and order additional tests, such as hearing tests or imaging scans, to determine the cause and severity of your vertigo.

Treatment options for vertigo vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common approaches include:

1. Canalith repositioning procedures: These involve specific head and body movements aimed at relocating displaced calcium crystals within the inner ear, providing relief from vertigo symptoms.
2. Medications: Certain medications, such as vestibular suppressants or anti-nausea drugs, may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms during acute episodes of vertigo.
3. Physical therapy: Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can help improve balance and reduce dizziness by retraining the brain to compensate for inner ear imbalances.
4. Lifestyle adjustments: Making simple changes, such as avoiding triggers like caffeine or alcohol, getting enough rest, and practicing stress-reducing techniques, can help manage vertigo symptoms and prevent future episodes.

Embracing a Vertigo-Friendly Lifestyle:
In addition to medical treatment, adopting certain lifestyle modifications can significantly improve your overall well-being while living with vertigo. Here are a few tips:

1. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate vertigo symptoms, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
2. Create a safe environment: Remove potential hazards within your living space to minimize the risk of falls during dizzy spells.
3. Prioritize rest and relaxation: Regular sleep patterns and stress reduction techniques, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help manage vertigo triggers.
4. Gradually reintroduce activities: With guidance from your healthcare provider, slowly incorporate physical activities back into your routine to regain confidence and strengthen your balance.

Conclusion:
While vertigo can disrupt your life, understanding its causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate treatment can help you regain control. By combining medical interventions, lifestyle adjustments, and a positive mindset, you can conquer vertigo and reclaim a life filled with balance, joy, and limitless possibilities. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right support, a brighter future awaits you. The first step is a diagnostic hearing evaluation to determine inner ear involvement.

Feel free to use the link below to send us a message or contact our office to schedule a consult!

Contact us to schedule your hearing evaluation today!

Dementia & Hearing Loss: What Can We Do?

2023-05-10T17:04:00.000-05:00

As we age, it's common to experience a decline in our hearing abilities. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to loud noises, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Unfortunately, hearing loss can have far-reaching consequences beyond simply having difficulty hearing.

Recent research has shown that there is a strong connection between hearing loss and dementia. In fact, studies have found that individuals with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia, while those with severe hearing loss are five times as likely. This is a concerning finding, as dementia is a debilitating condition that can severely impact an individual's quality of life.

So, why is there a link between hearing loss and dementia? One theory is that when an individual experiences hearing loss, their brain has to work harder to interpret sounds. This extra effort can lead to cognitive fatigue, which can impair memory and other cognitive abilities. Additionally, social isolation is more common in individuals with hearing loss, which can also increase the risk of developing dementia.

The good news is that there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing dementia associated with hearing loss. For example, it's important to get regular hearing tests, as early detection and treatment can help prevent further hearing loss. Additionally, hearing aids and other assistive devices can improve hearing abilities and reduce cognitive fatigue.

It's also important to stay socially active, even if hearing loss makes it more difficult to interact with others. Joining a hearing loss support group or participating in activities that cater to individuals with hearing loss can help combat social isolation and reduce the risk of developing dementia.

In conclusion, hearing loss and dementia are closely linked, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing dementia associated with hearing loss. By staying proactive and seeking treatment when necessary, individuals can maintain their cognitive abilities and enjoy a high quality of life as they age.

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, the first step is a diagnostic hearing evaluation from a trusted provider. Advanced Audiology of Greater Omaha specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing loss with hearing aids and other assistive listening technologies.

Call to schedule a hearing evaluation and consult or to find out if your current hearing aids are adjusted to match your target prescription.

Call 402-758-5327 to schedule an appointment today!

Loop Technology Helps Omaha Hear

2019-01-31T13:19:00.001-06:00

Have you ever missed a punchline during a play? Was everyone else laughing while you were asking the person next to you what was just said?

If you’ve ever missed part of a performance due to difficulty hearing, you are not alone. Nearly 15% of the US population suffers from hearing loss. While hearing aids fit by a skilled audiologist can help, many individuals still have difficulty hearing in playhouses, concert halls and auditoriums due to background noise, sound reverberation and the nature of a damaged auditory system.

Luckily, the Orpheum Theater in Omaha, NE has gone above and beyond to ensure those with hearing loss will have a much better chance of hearing and enjoying their performances with hearing loop system technology.

A hearing loop system is an assistive listening technology that enables speech and music from performances to be delivered directly to a listener’s ear. A hearing loop consists of a physical loop cable or an array of loops of cable placed around a selected area, usually a room or a building. A magnetic field is generated in the cable throughout the looped area which is then detected by a hearing aid or cochlear implant processors that have telecoil (t-coil) compatibility.

T-coil technology picks up the induction signal produced by the loop system and delivers the signal to the listener. This technology significantly improves the signal to noise ratio, which is a key component in a listener’s ability to understand speech. For those without t-coil compatible hearing aids or cochlear implants, there are specialized hand-held hearing loop receivers that can be paired with headphones.

Omaha Performing Arts worked to update and refresh parts of the Orpheum Theater prior to its 90^th anniversary season in 2017. The hearing loop installation in Slosburg Hall was included as part of the project that was funded from several donations by community members.

Joni Fuchs, the Front of House Manager for Omaha Performing Arts, is thrilled with the results of the loop installation. “It is truly remarkable! Parts of the Orpheum seating where patrons previously could have had difficulty hearing are now crystal clear.” Ms. Fuchs is pleased with how many people can benefit from the hearing assistance loop technology provides. “Even if they don’t have hearing aids or a cochlear implant with a t-coil, headsets with a small handheld receiver are available for use during performances.”

While many places in Omaha offer hearing assistive technology, loop systems that can sync with an individual’s prescription fit hearing aids offer an enhanced listening experience and reduce the fear of missing out on what is being said.

Hopefully more places will follow the great example of the Orpheum Theater in the future!

Call to schedule a hearing evaluation and consult or to find out if your current hearing aids can be programmed to benefit from loop system technology.

Call 402-758-5327 to schedule an appointment today!

4 Myths About Hearing Loss

2019-01-04T12:43:00.000-06:00

Hearing loss is one of the top three chronic health conditions in the United States. With all of the conflicting information available online it can be difficult to sort out the facts about hearing loss and hearing aids. Here are four common myths that Starkey, a leading hearing aid manufacturer, has pointed out that can prevent someone from seeking hearing help.

MYTH: Hearing loss only affects the elderly

REALITY: There are 48 million people, nearly 1 in 5, over the age of 12 with hearing loss severe enough to hinder communication. According to data from the Better Hearing Institute, the majority of people with hearing loss (65%) are under the age of 65. Hearing loss is a challenge for individuals of all ages because it can adversely affect educational and occupational performance, social interactions, as well as personal safety.

MYTH: Hearing aids are noticeable and uncomfortable

REALITY: Hearing aids are small and weigh only a few ounces. Frequently asking someone to repeat themselves or responding inappropriately is much more noticeable than the hearing aids themselves.

MYTH: Buying a set of hearing aids online will save time and money

REALITY: Better hearing is an art guided by science and delivered through technology by hearing healthcare professionals. Unlike consumer electronics, hearing aids are medical devices. They should not be purchased off a shelf or online and worn right out of the box. Hearing aids should be selected and fit following a comprehensive hearing evaluation by a licensed audiologist. The audiologist will provide fitting expertise and comprehensive follow up care as well as warranty and repair coverage.

MYTH: Hearing aids are too expensive

REALITY: Hearing aids are a long-term investment that improve your health. These medical devices are essential for improving quality of life, communicating with loved ones and fulfilling occupational requirements. The cost associate with hearing aids reflects research, manufacturing costs and professional service fees.

In order to gain a better understanding of the cost involved in purchasing a set of hearing aids, let’s assume you purchase your devices for the industry average, or $4,500. To keep the example simple, we’ll use this average cost; you may spend a little more or less depending on the type of hearing aids you and audiologist select. You will likely use those hearing aids for five years. If the cost of those hearing aids is broken down over five years, the hearing aids end up costing $900 annually or $75 per month. The $75 per month cost will also include:

· A comprehensive hearing aid evaluation
· Orientation and instruction on how to use your hearing aids
· Ongoing follow-up care and office visits
· Hearing aid warranty and repair coverage
· Aural rehabilitative services to ensure you are maximizing your hearing potential

If you are experiencing hearing loss, please contact Advanced Audiology of Greater Omaha at (402) 758-5327 to start hearing your best!

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Do You Hear Ringing, Buzzing or Humming? You Are Not Alone!

2019-01-04T11:39:00.003-06:00

Nearly 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, which is the perception of sound (usually ringing, buzzing or humming), when no other sound is present. The majority of researchers agree that tinnitus develops due to a miscommunication between the inner ear organ of hearing, (the cochlea) and the area of the brain and auditory system where sound is processed and assigned meaning. While there is currently no cure for tinnitus, there are several options for management with the help of a professional.
Audiologists with experience in diagnosing and treating tinnitus are the best professionals to work with for tinnitus management. A thorough case history, tinnitus questionnaires and a diagnostic hearing evaluation will help the audiologist determine the specific cause of an individual's tinnitus and develop a treatment & management program. Tinnitus management programs include a combination of counseling and sound therapy with a goal of achieving immediate relief, as well as promoting long-term habituation. Many devices are available today that offer sound therapy, amplification or a combination of the two for tinnitus management. Studies show that up to 90% of patients with tinnitus may benefit from amplification (Johnson, 1998; Schechter et al., 2002) so combination hearing aid / sound therapy devices are a valuable tool for tinnitus treatment and hearing loss rehabilitation.

Because individuals are more aware of tinnitus in quiet environments, a person's ability to fall asleep or stay asleep can also be affected. The audiologist may recommend specific sound machines, apps for smart phones or other devices, (such as pillow speakers) that help in masking a patient's tinnitus to promote better sleep.
Tinnitus that goes untreated can also lead to anxiety, depression and hopelessness. More than two million people are diagnosed as having debilitating tinnitus, affecting overall quality of life. Audiologists can train and counsel patients how to use techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and meditation to assist in reducing anxiety and stress. If a person's tinnitus is considered "severe" the audiologist may recommend seeking treatment from a trained counselor or therapist, including cognitive behavioral therapy.
If you or a loved one is experiencing tinnitus, contact Advanced Audiology of Greater Omaha at (402) 758-5327 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sam Gillespie.

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4 Things to Know About Hearing Loss & Dementia

2018-06-22T13:10:00.001-05:00

Did you know that of the 9 lifestyle factors that could help prevent dementia, managing hearing loss during midlife is one of them? That's right! According to The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, dementia cases worldwide are expected to triple from 50 million to 150 million by the year 2050. The commission provided recommendations for prevention and management of dementia and concluded that 1 in 3 cases of dementia could be prevented if individuals managed 9 lifestyle factors. Managing hearing (including the use of properly fit hearing aids) at any age is important, but they specifically noted that managing hearing during midlife, between age 40-65, is of great importance.

Our knowledge of a connection between hearing loss and dementia has continued to increase seven years after an original study was published in 2011 by John Hopkins University, which indicated the probability of developing dementia increases as hearing declines.

Here are some things we know now:

Mild hearing loss in those over 65 years old doubled the risk of dementia, while those diagnosed with severe hearing loss were five times as likely to develop the disease.
The correlation between hearing loss and dementia could be due to changes in brain function caused by decreased stimulation of the auditory system or could also be due to the fact that hearing loss leads to social isolation, which has been linked to dementia.
Further research is being conducted to determine if treating hearing loss earlier will decrease the chance of developing dementia or other cognitive decline. We do know that treating hearing loss can help with social isolation and depression, two other risk factors for developing dementia.
A survey by the Better Hearing Institute found that 90% of people receiving hearing aids reported a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Dr. Frank Lin, a neurotologist at John Hopkins University and lead researcher on the study of hearing loss and dementia connection said, “…the brain may have to reallocate resources to help with hearing at the expense of cognition.” Dr. Lin’s study followed 600 individuals who did not have any previous dementia diagnosis over the course of 12 years. During the course of the study, 9% of the study participants developed dementia. Those individuals who had hearing loss had a significantly increased chance of developing dementia compared to those who had normal hearing. As the degree of hearing loss increased, so did the overall risk of dementia.

Hearing loss can be managed with the help of a trained audiologist. If you or a loved one are experiencing difficulty hearing or have been previously diagnosed with hearing loss, this research is a great reason to visit our clinic for a hearing evaluation. Advanced Audiology of Greater Omaha specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, hearing aid fitting, as well as tinnitus and sound sensitivity management.

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Diabetes and Hearing Loss

2018-03-16T16:25:00.000-05:00

While a specific cause between diabetes and hearing loss is still unclear, there is enough evidence to encourage all diabetic patients to have their hearing tested and monitored regularly.

Statistics show that more than 30 million people in the US have diabetes, making it one of the top ten most prevalent health conditions today. Hearing loss, another common health condition, is estimated to affect 35-45 million people in the US. These two disorders represent a large percentage of our population and research has shown that there is considerable connection between them.

Studies show that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes. Those who have prediabetes, estimated to be as many as 84 million people, are 30 percent more likely to develop hearing loss, compared to people who have normal blood glucose readings.

Some studies suggest that damage to blood vessels due to high blood glucose levels is one possibility for the higher incidence. High blood glucose levels are known to cause diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness, due to damage of small blood vessels in the eye. The cochlea, which is the organ of hearing in the inner ear, also has several tiny blood vessels that are critical to normal function. Other studies show that the problem could be damage to the auditory nerve, which is responsible for delivering sound signals to the brain for processing.

Age does not seem to play a role in increased chance of hearing loss in diabetics. An analysis of 13 past studies of diabetes in relation to hearing found diabetics under the age of 60 were even more likely to develop hearing loss, at 2.61 times their normal hearing peers.

Hearing loss is also connected to social isolation, depression and a higher incidence of dementia. Studies on individuals who were tested and properly fit with hearing aid technology were less likely to have depression and showed significant improvements in cognition.

With the increased chance of diabetes creating a permanent hearing problem it is important for those with the disease to be tested regularly and earlier than most to catch and address any hearing loss as quickly as possible.

Contact us to schedule your hearing evaluation today!