People say that listening to music through headphones is bad for your hearing. How bad, though? A little bit bad or very bad? And are earbuds safer for your ears than regular headphones? -RG
Several studies in big journals over the past decade have found increasing rates of hearing loss among teens and young adults, even as rates of severe ear infections and other ear problems have dropped. Researchers concluded that noise exposure was the likely cause. Critics of these studies say the tests used were overly sensitive, and that the hearing losses were insignificantly minor.
We may not have a definite answer for years. Perhaps by then, Apple will have its own brand of hearing aids, and hearing loss will be cool.
In the meantime, we definitely know that very loud music for a short time, or moderately loud music for a long time, exhausts and eventually kills the irreplaceable hair cells in our inner ears. The first sign is usually trouble understanding conversation in the presence of background noise.
We also know that some people's ears are very sensitive to damage, while other's are extremely resilient. The problem is we can tell which person has sensitive ears only after they lose some of their hearing.
As for in-the-ear-canal earbuds, they passively block out background noise, which is great because that lets you lower the volume levels way down. Which is, hopefully, what we're all doing, right?
One of the worst things we can do is use over-the-ear headphones (or any earbuds that don't form an airtight seal - like the ones that come with most MP3 players) and crank up the volume to drown out background noise.
So at this point it appears the wisest course of action is to use in-ear or noise-cancelling headphones, at lower volumes, for shorter periods of time. Happy listening.
Gary Payinda MD is an emergency medicine consultant in Whangarei.
If you have a science, health topic or question you'd like addressed, email: drpayinda@gmail.com
(This column provides general information and is not a substitute for the medical advice of your personal doctor.)
Resource -http://www.stratfordpress.co.nz/news/in-ear-buds-ask-g/1236343/
Monday, January 16, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
‘Invisible’ hearing aid that fits inside the ear
Consider this: Three in 10 people over the age of 60, one in six in the age group of 41-59 and one in 14 in the age group of 29-40 are already suffering from hearing loss. Also, it is estimated that three in 1,000 infants are born with severe to profound hearing loss.
Today, every sixth person worldwide has hearing loss. By 2015, an estimated 1.1 billion will be affected with hearing loss of varying degrees. And the problem is definitely on rise.
“Hearing related problems are definitely on the rise and can be directly contributed to the new age lifestyle gadgets coupled with the ageing factor,” said G Krishnakumar, audiologist and clinic director, Rajan Speech and Hearing Centre.
The most common hearing related problem is age related followed by the noise induced hearing loss. “We also see a lot of children with varying degrees of hearing loss. But, with properly fitted hearing instruments, at least 90 per cent of those with hearing loss can improve their communication skills,” said Krishnakumar. However, sadly, the social stigma associated with hearing loss is quite high and puts off the patients in most of the cases.
However, Rajan Speech and Hearing Centre claims it has a solution. “If someone has been putting off getting help for the hearing problem because of being self-conscious then we have the invisible canal hearing aid that addresses this barrier. It is custom fit to the ear’s unique anatomy and fits inside the second bend of the ear canal. It is a small computer that our experts custom match to the specific hearing needs identified during the hearing assessment. Invisible-in-the-canal technology is suitable for 70 per cent of hearing loss sufferers,” Krishnakumar said.
The other hearing aids (BTE, ITC or CIC) sit behind the ear or in the visible part of your ear canal, he added.
The latest technology for hearing solution known as Oticon Intiga is the world’s smallest hearing solution available so far. Now the technology is available in Bangalore, in vibrant colours at Rajan’s Speech and Hearing Centre.
resource : http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_invisible-hearing-aid-that-fits-inside-the-ear_1637742
Today, every sixth person worldwide has hearing loss. By 2015, an estimated 1.1 billion will be affected with hearing loss of varying degrees. And the problem is definitely on rise.
“Hearing related problems are definitely on the rise and can be directly contributed to the new age lifestyle gadgets coupled with the ageing factor,” said G Krishnakumar, audiologist and clinic director, Rajan Speech and Hearing Centre.
The most common hearing related problem is age related followed by the noise induced hearing loss. “We also see a lot of children with varying degrees of hearing loss. But, with properly fitted hearing instruments, at least 90 per cent of those with hearing loss can improve their communication skills,” said Krishnakumar. However, sadly, the social stigma associated with hearing loss is quite high and puts off the patients in most of the cases.
However, Rajan Speech and Hearing Centre claims it has a solution. “If someone has been putting off getting help for the hearing problem because of being self-conscious then we have the invisible canal hearing aid that addresses this barrier. It is custom fit to the ear’s unique anatomy and fits inside the second bend of the ear canal. It is a small computer that our experts custom match to the specific hearing needs identified during the hearing assessment. Invisible-in-the-canal technology is suitable for 70 per cent of hearing loss sufferers,” Krishnakumar said.
The other hearing aids (BTE, ITC or CIC) sit behind the ear or in the visible part of your ear canal, he added.
The latest technology for hearing solution known as Oticon Intiga is the world’s smallest hearing solution available so far. Now the technology is available in Bangalore, in vibrant colours at Rajan’s Speech and Hearing Centre.
resource : http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_invisible-hearing-aid-that-fits-inside-the-ear_1637742
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Hearing Aids Review: The 4 Leading Brands
Are you looking for a hearing aid but don't know where to start? Here is the definitive guide to the leading brands of hearing aids. I will review some of the top names in hearing aids including Siemens hearing aids, Beltone hearing aids, Starkey hearing aids and Phonak hearing aids.
Hearing aids are available in analog or digital models. Analog hearing aids have been on the market for years. These are less expensive than digital hearing aids but do not provide the sound quality and features that digital hearing aids do. Digital hearing aids offer a cleaner sound quality than analog models and can be programmed by computer to achieve a high level of adjustment. Digital hearing prices have fallen, hence, more people can afford them.
There are several types of hearing aids on the market. A hearing aid specialist can help you choose the type that suits you best. The closer the hearing aid sits to the eardrum the better the sound will be.
Here are 4 types of hearing aids:
BTE: Behind the Ear
This type fits over the ear and rests behind it. It is typically the least expensive.
ITE: In the Ear
This is the most common type that sits in the ear
ITC: In the Ear Canal
This type fits slightly lower into the ear and is not very noticeable.
CIC: Completely In the Ear Canal
This fits down into the ear canal, requires the most fitting and is the least visible to others.
There are 4 leading manufacturers of hearing aids that have proven to provide superior products. They provide the ultimate in customer service to ensure improved hearing and customer satisfaction.
Siemens hearing aids
Siemens is a name you can trust for hearing aids. Siemens has been in business for over 125 years and is the largest manufacturer of hearing aids in the United States. Siemens has hearing aids to meet every budget yet all are made with the same expertise and precision. There are basic styles, value and ultimate. All Siemens hearing aids come with a two-year warranty. The higher priced Siemens hearing aids have more channels and offer more features than the lower priced versions. If cost is a concern try the Phoenix or Cielo models. The top of the line Artis e2e has wireless ear-to-ear technology.
Beltone hearing aids
Beltone is a leading brand of hearing aids. It has an outstanding reputation and boasts over 1300 locations in the United States. They offer an aftercare program called Belcare to help with your ongoing needs. The professionals at Beltone will help you complete a lifestyle assessment called the Personalized Hearing Health Assessment (PHHA) to determine which type of Beltone hearing aid is best for you. Beltone offers a wide variety of hearing aids including basic, quality, advantage and premier styles. Each group has products to suit your needs. The Edge model is affordable and has 3 channels. The Mira model is a mid-range model with 6 channels. The top of the line Oria has 12 channels and offers many additional features.
Starkey hearing aids
Starkey Laboratories is the world's largest manufacturer of hearing instruments. They offer many hearing aids to provide you with the best solution for your hearing loss and lifestyle. They were the first to provide a warranty as well as a free trial period. They have many hearing aid models available starting with the 3-channel Aspect. The mid-level Destiny comes in several models to accommodate your needs. The top of the line Eli provides a wireless solution that is compatible with Bluetooth enabled phones.
Phonak hearing aids
Phonak is a worldwide company with headquarters in Switzerland. They offer specialized hearing instruments, which are available in a wide array of products to suit your hearing loss and budget. The 6 channel eXtra model provides a basic entry-level hearing aid. The mid-range Valeo and Elva models have 16 channels. The top of the line Savia has 20 channels and numerous features to provide the best hearing assistance available. Phonak also has wireless hearing aid solutions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/434690
Hearing aids are available in analog or digital models. Analog hearing aids have been on the market for years. These are less expensive than digital hearing aids but do not provide the sound quality and features that digital hearing aids do. Digital hearing aids offer a cleaner sound quality than analog models and can be programmed by computer to achieve a high level of adjustment. Digital hearing prices have fallen, hence, more people can afford them.
There are several types of hearing aids on the market. A hearing aid specialist can help you choose the type that suits you best. The closer the hearing aid sits to the eardrum the better the sound will be.
Here are 4 types of hearing aids:
BTE: Behind the Ear
This type fits over the ear and rests behind it. It is typically the least expensive.
ITE: In the Ear
This is the most common type that sits in the ear
ITC: In the Ear Canal
This type fits slightly lower into the ear and is not very noticeable.
CIC: Completely In the Ear Canal
This fits down into the ear canal, requires the most fitting and is the least visible to others.
There are 4 leading manufacturers of hearing aids that have proven to provide superior products. They provide the ultimate in customer service to ensure improved hearing and customer satisfaction.
Siemens hearing aids
Siemens is a name you can trust for hearing aids. Siemens has been in business for over 125 years and is the largest manufacturer of hearing aids in the United States. Siemens has hearing aids to meet every budget yet all are made with the same expertise and precision. There are basic styles, value and ultimate. All Siemens hearing aids come with a two-year warranty. The higher priced Siemens hearing aids have more channels and offer more features than the lower priced versions. If cost is a concern try the Phoenix or Cielo models. The top of the line Artis e2e has wireless ear-to-ear technology.
Beltone hearing aids
Beltone is a leading brand of hearing aids. It has an outstanding reputation and boasts over 1300 locations in the United States. They offer an aftercare program called Belcare to help with your ongoing needs. The professionals at Beltone will help you complete a lifestyle assessment called the Personalized Hearing Health Assessment (PHHA) to determine which type of Beltone hearing aid is best for you. Beltone offers a wide variety of hearing aids including basic, quality, advantage and premier styles. Each group has products to suit your needs. The Edge model is affordable and has 3 channels. The Mira model is a mid-range model with 6 channels. The top of the line Oria has 12 channels and offers many additional features.
Starkey hearing aids
Starkey Laboratories is the world's largest manufacturer of hearing instruments. They offer many hearing aids to provide you with the best solution for your hearing loss and lifestyle. They were the first to provide a warranty as well as a free trial period. They have many hearing aid models available starting with the 3-channel Aspect. The mid-level Destiny comes in several models to accommodate your needs. The top of the line Eli provides a wireless solution that is compatible with Bluetooth enabled phones.
Phonak hearing aids
Phonak is a worldwide company with headquarters in Switzerland. They offer specialized hearing instruments, which are available in a wide array of products to suit your hearing loss and budget. The 6 channel eXtra model provides a basic entry-level hearing aid. The mid-range Valeo and Elva models have 16 channels. The top of the line Savia has 20 channels and numerous features to provide the best hearing assistance available. Phonak also has wireless hearing aid solutions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/434690
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Choosing The Best Hearing Aid
Advancements in the recent technology and the continuous research have made it possible to introduce the most sophisticated and reliable features, to manufacture the best hearing aids. The underlying technology has changed from the old analog to the digital aids. Several programs are available to customize these devices as per your requirements. These programs are available with most of the best hearing aids and will enable the hearing aids to adjust to different sound levels and background noises. The customization can be simply done by interconnecting the device to the computer and make the necessary adjustments. Usually this is taken care of by the audiologist. Special softwares are available in the market to make this technology affordable to the end-user. These softwares are very user friendly and with minimum knowledge in the field of audiology can help you to adjust these devices yourself.
Best hearing aids should satisfy certain criterion to qualify themselves to be the best. They should be durable, have good warranty, good aftercare, not easily spoiled by the exposure to moisture and ear wax, should provide good battery life and should have the servicing outlets available in the vicinity. You must consider all these factors before you purchase.
The market is dominated by eight major companies namely Phonak, Otican, Widex, Siemens, ReSound, Unitron, Starkey and Bernafon. The devices manufactured by any of these companies are considered to be the best hearing aids. Competition among the different manufacturers has also made it possible to bring forth great features built into these devices. There are other local brands available in the market. It is better have a good study of their various features and reviews by other users before you go for purchasing them.
Usually the devices are classified as behind the ear, in the canal or mini canal or completely in the canal, in the ear, receiver in the ear or invisible in the canal etc. You must consider the device that best fits based on your requirement, as per the prescription provided by your audiologist. Every manufacturer has their own price range. Ask your consultant to choose the one that meets most of your needs.
If you do not want the devices to be noticed by others invisible models are the best hearing aids that suit you. There are even disposable devices available. Few of them can even be fitted in the temple part of the spectacles. Some models can be operated by using a remote control and some can even be integrated with FM devices. There are even wireless devices available in the market. Some models even come with rechargeable batteries which reduce the overhead associated with changing the batteries again and again making them the best hearing aids, cost wise.
Every manufacturer usually classifies their brands into good, better and best. Getting yourself acquainted with various features will help you to choose the best hearing aids depending on your budget availability and your lifestyle. If you have a person who has good knowledge of these devices, go along with them to purchase these devices.
Passionate about hearing aids and the technology involved.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6351587
Best hearing aids should satisfy certain criterion to qualify themselves to be the best. They should be durable, have good warranty, good aftercare, not easily spoiled by the exposure to moisture and ear wax, should provide good battery life and should have the servicing outlets available in the vicinity. You must consider all these factors before you purchase.
The market is dominated by eight major companies namely Phonak, Otican, Widex, Siemens, ReSound, Unitron, Starkey and Bernafon. The devices manufactured by any of these companies are considered to be the best hearing aids. Competition among the different manufacturers has also made it possible to bring forth great features built into these devices. There are other local brands available in the market. It is better have a good study of their various features and reviews by other users before you go for purchasing them.
Usually the devices are classified as behind the ear, in the canal or mini canal or completely in the canal, in the ear, receiver in the ear or invisible in the canal etc. You must consider the device that best fits based on your requirement, as per the prescription provided by your audiologist. Every manufacturer has their own price range. Ask your consultant to choose the one that meets most of your needs.
If you do not want the devices to be noticed by others invisible models are the best hearing aids that suit you. There are even disposable devices available. Few of them can even be fitted in the temple part of the spectacles. Some models can be operated by using a remote control and some can even be integrated with FM devices. There are even wireless devices available in the market. Some models even come with rechargeable batteries which reduce the overhead associated with changing the batteries again and again making them the best hearing aids, cost wise.
Every manufacturer usually classifies their brands into good, better and best. Getting yourself acquainted with various features will help you to choose the best hearing aids depending on your budget availability and your lifestyle. If you have a person who has good knowledge of these devices, go along with them to purchase these devices.
Passionate about hearing aids and the technology involved.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6351587
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Hearing Aids – Bringing Melodies back into the Life of Hearing Impaired
Man being a social animal always needs to communicate with each other for both the personal and professional reasons. Whatever is the reason but it is a fact that no one can live alone and needs to express his feelings through the use of words. From a very early stage we are taught to express our views through our mother tongue. But there are many people who are suffering from hearing impairment problem either due to the old age or because of having some major problem in ear. Hearing impairment is a disability that generally arises with aging and requires immediate medical assistance. Thus to help people out with this hearing impairment problem medical science has come out with numerous hearing aid gadgets that will help elderly patients to lead a normal life.
Now-a-days there are different models of hearing aids available in the market and a person buy a hearing aid depending on the amount of hearing loss. Some of the hearing aids models are so compact that they completely fit inside the ear and can be hardly noticed by anyone. Many people prefer this model of hearing aid as their problems are not exposed in front of everyone. This hearing aid device is suitable for people having minor hearing loss problem as it is available with limited features. Another common model of hearing aid available in the market is that partly fit into the ear canal and it comes with several features like volume control etc. Hearing aids equipped with more features are found beneficial for person suffering from mild to moderate hearing problems.
Read more -http://www.articlesbase.com/hearing-articles/hearing-aids-bringing-melodies-back-into-the-life-of-hearing-impaired-1638729.html
Now-a-days there are different models of hearing aids available in the market and a person buy a hearing aid depending on the amount of hearing loss. Some of the hearing aids models are so compact that they completely fit inside the ear and can be hardly noticed by anyone. Many people prefer this model of hearing aid as their problems are not exposed in front of everyone. This hearing aid device is suitable for people having minor hearing loss problem as it is available with limited features. Another common model of hearing aid available in the market is that partly fit into the ear canal and it comes with several features like volume control etc. Hearing aids equipped with more features are found beneficial for person suffering from mild to moderate hearing problems.
Read more -http://www.articlesbase.com/hearing-articles/hearing-aids-bringing-melodies-back-into-the-life-of-hearing-impaired-1638729.html
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