May is Better Speech and Hearing Month
Posted in Otolaryngology | Hearing on May 5, 2010
Come by either the new Seattle or Kirkland locations this month to pick up a complimentary set of earplugs. We offer two sizes-the "classic" which is a standard size for most adult ears, as well as the "amigo" which is a smaller softer plug for those who have smaller ears.
We've already diagnosed abuse via a wood chipper here in office a couple times this year! Please keep in mind if you have to raise your voice to be heard over any sound it is at a dangerous level--and time around the sound needs to be very limited. Many sounds cause almost instant damage to the ears--wood chippers being one of these, leaf blowers can also be in this category. They tear the membrane in the cochlea (organ of hearing) causing scarring which we see as "hearing loss." Check out www.dangerous.decibles.org virtual exhibit, it is a wonderful way to learn more about noise and protection; it also features a hearing loss simulator for all of you who don't understand the magnitude of change noise damage makes in our hearing.
Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment:
We now are adding Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment to care for patients who suffer from distressing tinnitus. Those whose quality of life is affected by loss of concentration and sleep due to distressing levels of tinnitus now have a new option for therapy at Northwest Face. Those with hearing loss should first try amplification alone to see if increased auditory stimulus will help habituate them to their internal sound--often made worse by lack of competing signal in similar bands of hearing. It is felt that approximately 70% of individuals will habituate alone. The remaining 30% often suffer, never in silence. Neuromonics uses musical therapy for 2-4 hours a day with imbedded treatment signals customized to the users specific loss and tinnitus to address the neurological aspects of the tinnitus. This, combined with the counseling on the disease, has been proven in clinical trials to significantly reduce users reaction to tinnitus, measured with the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ) scores. Clinically we record improved minimum masking levels (how much sound to cover it up) as well as raised loudness discomfort levels. In the third clinical trial at the 6 month mark 80% of those with distressing tinnitus no longer reported clinically significant disturbance. Many insurances do not cover this treatment, such as with hearing aids. We will bill insurance for the evaluation of tinnitus, however, to help you learn if this treatment is right for you.