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Tag: Audiology

  • Insight into Tinnitus – The Noise in Your Ear

    Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from tinnitus or head noises. It may be an intermittent sound or an annoying continuous sound in one or both ears. Its pitch can go from a low roar to a high squeal or whine. Before any treatment, it is important to undergo a thorough examination and evaluation by your otolaryngologist. An essential part of the treatment will be your understanding of tinnitus and its causes.

    What cause Tinnitus?
    Most tinnitus comes from damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear. The health of these nerve endings is important for acute hearing, and injury to them brings on hearing loss and often tinnitus. If you are older, advancing age is generally accompanied by a certain amount of hearing nerve impairment and tinnitus. If you are younger, exposure to loud noise is probably the leading cause of tinnitus, and often damages hearing as well.

    There are many causes for “subjective tinnitus,” the noise only you can hear. Some causes are not serious (a small plug of wax in the ear canal might cause temporary tinnitus). Tinnitus can also be a symptom of stiffening of the middle ear bones (otosclerosis).

    Tinnitus may also be caused by allergy, high or low blood pressure (blood circulation problems), a tumor, diabetes, thyroid problems, injury to the head or neck, and a variety of other causes including medications such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, sedatives, antidepressants, and aspirin. If you take aspirin and your ears ring, talk to your doctor about dosage in relation to your size.

    While there is no universal cure, many people find relief through strategies like sound therapy, mindfulness, and stress management. Avoiding loud noises, reducing caffeine and alchohol intake, and managing underlying health issues can also help. For persistent or bothersome tinnitus, consulting with a White-Wilson audiologist or an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist can provide personalized treatment options and coping strategies.

  • Hearing Loss : Signs and Symptoms

    Do you struggle to hear when you are talking on the phone? Do you find it challenging to pick up conversations when you’re in a group setting?

    Hearing loss is a medical condition. Surgery can only correct hearing loss in a small percentage of people, whereas medical devices and rehabilitation can significantly decrease hearing loss in many patients who cannot benefit from surgery.

    The most common cause of hearing loss in children is otitis media. For the elderly, which is the largest and most vulnerable group affected, excessive noise, medications, toxins, and genetics are the greatest contributing factors. 

    Dr. Tim Skinner, an audiologist at White Wilson Medical Center, explains the warning symptoms of hearing loss. The following are various indicators that you may be experiencing hearing loss.

    • Even with a minor hearing loss, the most common difficulty is understanding speech, especially in noisy situations or when multiple people are talking. Observe how you interact at the next family dinner and note any complaints you have about people mumbling.
    • The next sign is having difficulties hearing on the phone. You may frequently respond by requesting the person on the other end to speak louder or repeat themselves. Another clue could be the need to raise the TV’s volume above its normal level.
    • When you have hearing loss, you will find it more difficult to enjoy social interactions. When a person withdraws from activities they normally like and lacks confidence in social contacts, it indicates a more serious loss.

    If you or your elderly loved ones are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your primary provider or visit the White-Wilson Audiology service for a hearing health evaluation. For more information, click here.

    The content of this article has been adapted and updated from our video library. If you wish to watch the video, click here.