Posted by HearingAids on August 6, 2011 under Prevention | 
Christopher Spankovich, Au.D., PhD, MPH;Audiology Today, July/August 2011
Submitted by: Joanne Dwyer, Au.D., Sr. Quality Manager
The article looks at how what we consume, through foods and supplements, influences our hearing. It is difficult issue to address since our diet affects so many different systems in the body and is influenced by our own biochemistry, genetics, general health, and lifestyle.
The article primarily focuses on traditional dietary nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients that are essential in our diet. Here is a quick synopsis of how these components may affect hearing and hearing loss susceptibility.
Caloric Intake:
Animal studies have found that the number of calories consumed can influence vulnerability to age-related hearing loss.
Macronutrients:
Protein: The amino acids of proteins have also been linked to the propensity of hearing loss. Methionine, for example, may work as a protective agent against noise and drug induced hearing loss. However, there are negative repercussions of too little or too much protein. An increase in amino acid oxidation from too much protein can adversely affect the kidneys.
Fat: Several studies have linked a low fat diet with better hearing. On the other hand, “good fats” like omega -3 have been connected with lower risk of presbycusis in humans.
Carbohydrates: While there are few studies on how carbohydrates affect hearing, those who have studied it found that higher sugar and carbohydrate intake were associated with increased hearing loss while dietary fiber was associated with reduced risk of hearing loss.
Cholesterol: Dietary cholesterols influence on auditory function has had mixed reviews. Whether or not dietary cholesterol has any positive or negative influence on auditory function is not clear according to the research.
Micronutrients:
Vitamin A: The retinol acid in vitamin A may protect against hearing loss. Beta-carotene may also help ward off acquired hearing loss when combined with vitamin C, E, and magnesium. Lycopene however has shown the strongest relationship with better auditory function.
Vitamin B: There are mixed results in the studies involving B vitamins. Some studies have shown no relationship between hearing loss and B vitamins while others have shown a positive impact i.e. protection against temporary threshold shift and delaying the onset of presbycusis.
Vitamin C: There is evidence that Vitamin C when combined with other antioxidants protects human hearing.
Vitamin D: Studies in the late 1970s demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency negatively influenced auditory function.
Vitamin E: On its own and in combination with other micronutrients,
vitamin E has been shown to protect against acquired forms of hearing loss.
Calcium, Iron, Potassium, and Sodium: Calcium, iron, potassium, and sodium all have had an impact on the function of the auditory system.
Magnesium: Magnesium may protect hearing since it affects neural condition, helps transport ions across cell membranes, and is a vasodilator.
Selenium: Selenium when combined with vitamin C and E has shown protection against ototoxic hearing loss in cancer patients.
Zinc: Zinc deficiency has been associated with hearing loss and zinc supplementation has been suggested for tinnitus mitigation.
Flavonoids:
Flavonoids antioxidant activity has potential health benefits in humans.
Posted by HearingAids on August 4, 2011 under Prevention |
We have all heard the stories; we have all read the articles… Hearing loss is simply an unavoidable thing that happens with the beautiful aging process. However, we’ve done some research to help you keep those ears healthy.
- Remember to lower the volume on your ipod, phone or other media. The louder you make it, the more you add to the vibrations in your inner ear drum. This also applies to the distance between you and speakers at high volumes. While it may be fun to “rock out” in front of a loudspeaker blasting your favorite musical group, it is also severely damaging to your ears. Fun concert that lasts for 2 hours, or great hearing that lasts a lifetime?
- Earplugs. Yes, they really are not the most exciting thing mankind has ever created. But, they do help keep your ears from being smashed by the intensity of power tools, race cars and construction sites. You don’t have to buy the cheap orange “fill in your ear” plugs; you can always go for a headset or other type of earplugs.
- Eat Healthy. Wait, what? Yes sir, that’s right. Eating healthy helps keep your ears healthy as well. Your body would love some folic acid and magnesium. Ironically, these simple easy to find ingredients of a multivitamin can help keep those ears perky. Dr. Michael Roizen wrote an article for the Huston Chronicle about how these supplements will keep your ears healthy. One of the more recent studies about these supplements proved that hearing loss was halted dramatically when just 800 micrograms of folic acid was taken daily for three years.
You can find out more information about folic acid and magnesium on this site
If you want more information on how prevent hearing loss in children and adults, visit here
Remember, if you ever have or think you are having problems hearing; contact your local hearing professional.
Posted by HearUSA on June 28, 2011 under Prevention |
PRESS RELEASE:
Washington, DC, June 24, 2011 — The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is urging people to pack earplugs when heading out to this year’s 4th of July celebrations and is urging them to exercise safety whenever around fireworks. The single bang of a firecracker at close range can permanently damage hearing in an instant. But by following some simple precautions, people can enjoy the 4th of July festivities and still protect their hearing.
“The best advice I can offer is to leave the fireworks to the professionals and sit at a comfortable distance from the display, where you can enjoy the colors and lights, but not expose yourself and your family to loud noises,” says Sergei Kochkin, PhD, BHI’s executive director. “To protect your hearing, make sure you’re wearing ear plugs and that they’re securely in place before the show begins. And be sure to keep them in for the entire show.”
Disposable ear plugs, made of foam or silicone, are typically available at local pharmacies. They’re practical because you still can hear music and the conversation of those around you when you have them in your ears. But when they fit snuggly, they’re effective in adequately blocking out dangerously loud sounds.
Noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Ten million Americans have already suffered irreversible hearing damage from noise; and 30 million are exposed to dangerous noise levels each day.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, consumption of fireworks in the United States has risen dramatically over the past decade, from 152.2 million pounds in 2000 to 213.9 million pounds in 2009. As more and more Americans come into contact with fireworks, it becomes increasingly important that people follow sound safety measures, including the use of ear protection.
The Dangers and Signs of Loud Noise
Loudness is measured in decibels, with silence measuring at 0 dB. Any noise above 85 dB is considered unsafe. Most firecrackers produce sounds starting at 125 dB–presenting the risk of irreversible ear damage. Repeated exposure to loud noise, over an extended period of time, presents serious risks to hearing health as well. If you have to shout over the noise to be heard by someone within arm’s length, the noise is probably in the dangerous range. Here are other warning signs:
- You have pain in your ears after leaving a noisy area.
- You hear ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) in your ears immediately after exposure to noise.
- You suddenly have difficulty understanding speech after exposure to noise; you can hear people talking but can’t understand them.
Anyone can take the first step to addressing hearing loss by taking a simple, interactive screening test in the privacy of their own home by going towww.hearingcheck.org.
“Prevention is so critical to preserving our hearing, especially for children who are at highest risk for noise-induced hearing loss,” adds Kochkin. “So make sure your family and friends fully enjoy the holiday festivities and celebrate smart. Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Stay a safe distance away. And pack the earplugs. Remember: close to 40 percent of hearing loss is preventable with proper protection.”
Protecting Our Hearing
We hear sound when delicate hair cells in our inner ear vibrate, creating nerve signals that the brain understands as sound. But just as we can overload an electrical circuit, we also can overload these vibrating hair cells. Loud noise damages these delicate hair cells, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss and often tinnitus (ringing of the ears). The cells that are the first to be damaged or die are those that vibrate most quickly–those that allow us to hear higher-frequency sounds clearly, like the sounds of birds singing and children speaking.
The best way to protect hearing is to avoid excessively loud noise. When you know you’ll be exposed to loud noises, like fireworks, wear ear protection. Every day you can protect your hearing by keeping down the volume on earbuds, stereos, and televisions. And you can teach children to quickly plug their ears with their fingers when they’re suddenly and unexpectedly bombarded by loud sirens, jack hammers, and other loud sounds.
Kochkin warns that people should not personally use firecrackers to celebrate the 4th of July, since one explosion in close proximity could cause permanent hearing loss, not to mention bodily harm. There is a reason why fireworks are illegal in many states, and that is because of their inherent danger.
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Founded in 1973, the BHI conducts research and engages in hearing health education with the goal of helping people with hearing loss benefit from proper treatment. For more information on hearing loss, visit www.betterhearing.org. To take the BHI Quick Hearing Check, visit at www.hearingcheck.org.
Posted by HearingAids on June 17, 2011 under Hearing Loss, Prevention |
Hair, eyes, nose, height and hearing. Each of these characteristics is affected by the genetic makeup of an individual. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, genetics are responsible for one half of all congenital hearing loss cases. As a result, parents must take early initiatives to detect hearing loss in their children. Early detection practices can prevent future emotional, social and cognitive developmental issues.
Just remember, “The apple does not fall far from the tree”!
Here are some signs to make sure your infant’s hearing is developing appropriately:
- Jumping motion to sudden loud noises among infants
- Recognition of a parent’s voice by 3 months
- Head and/or eye movement toward sounds by 6 months
- Production of common sounds or words such as “Dad” or “hi” by 12 months
Signs of hearing loss in your toddler:
- Minimal speech production
- Constantly distracted
- Problems learning
- Inability to respond to direct speech initiation
- Increase of television volume
Based on your infant or toddlers compatibility with these indicators, make sure to contact your local pediatrician and schedule a hearing screening. While you cannot change their hair, eyes, nose or height, you can help change their hearing effectiveness.
You can check out the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association at:
http://www.asha.org/ !
For more information on Hearing Loss in children visit:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/eyes/hear.html#
Posted by HearingAids on April 27, 2011 under Prevention |
Good News: Healthy eating can prevent hearing loss! Below are some vitamins and foods that can help improve hearing.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is responsible for the calcium absorption required for strong bones. When Vitamin D deficiency causes Osteopenia in the tiny bones of the ears, this can lead to hearing loss and even deafness.
- Foods rich in Vitamin D: Fish (Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel, Milk)
Magnesium: Many studies have shown that people subjected to noise were protected from noise-related haring loss when they were pretreated with magnesium.
- Foods rich in Magnesium: Fruits and Vegetables (Bananas, Potatoes, Artichoke, Spinach, Broccoli)
Vitamin C, Lipoic Acid, Vitamin E and glutathione: All of these have been used to reverse hearing loss.
- Foods rich in these: Vegetables and Fruits (Papaya, bell peppers, oranges)
Vitamin B-12: Homocysteine levels in the blood are a good indicator of B vitamin status, which is inversely correlated with hearing loss. The higher the Homocysteine levels results in a worsening B vitamin deficiency.
- Foods rich in B-12: Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Spinach
Folic Acid: Folic acid may reduce the risk of hearing loss in men by 20%.
- Foods rich in Folic Acid: Liver, Egg yolk, nuts, fortified cereals and breads
Zinc: Research shows that zinc deficiencies increase the susceptibility of damage to the cochlea associated with normal aging.
- Foods rich in Zinc: Oysters, Dark Chocolate
Posted by jonathan on March 17, 2011 under Prevention |
Experts agree that over time continued exposure to noise above 85 dBA will cause hearing loss.
To know if a sound is loud enough to damage your ears, it is important to know both the loudness
level (measured in decibels, dBA) and the length of exposure to the sound. In general, the louder the noise, the less time required before
hearing loss will occur. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Association,
the maximum exposure time at 85 dBA is 8 hours. At 110 dBA, the maximum exposure time
is one minute and 29 seconds. If someone must be around noise, it is recommended that they
limit the exposure and/or wear hearing protection.
Measure Up and Turn it Down: Decibel levels Around Us The following are decibel levels of common noise sources around us. These are typical levels, however, noise levels may vary depending on the particular item.
Keep in mind that 85 dBA will harm hearing over time. Noise levels above 140 dBA can cause damage to hearing after just one exposure.
Points of Reference
0 dBA the softest sound a person can hear with normal hearing
10 normal breathing
20 whispering at 5 feet
30 soft whisper
50 rainfall
60 normal conversation
110 shouting in ear
Posted by HearingAids on December 17, 2010 under Hearing Loss, Prevention |
Researchers report in a recent article in the American Journal of Medicine that analgesic use, which is the most commonly used drug in the United States, may be ototoxic and can substantially increase the risk of hearing loss, especially in men younger than 50.
Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder in the United States, afflicting more than 36 million people. It is prevalent in the elderly, but about a third of those ages 40 to 49 already suffer some hearing loss. Common risk factors include loud noise, alcohol, hypertension, diabetes and the use of diuretic furosemide. Studies in animals and anecdotal reports in humans indicate high does of analgesics can interfere with hearing, but there have been few studies looking at regular use and none studying acetaminophen. This is according to the authors of the study.
The study looked at 51,529 men aged 40-74 who reported regular use of aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. Regular use for the purposed of this study was considered 2 + times a week. Detailed questionnaires were filled out by each participant at the time the study was launched in 1986 and re-administered every two years to the 20 year mark. The researchers controlled for a variety of other risk factors. At the 20 year mark they had 26,917 men who fit the study criteria. Of those 3,488 cases of new hearing loss were reported.
Controlling for other risk factors, the researchers found that among all men who used aspirin at least twice a week, there was a 12% increased risk of hearing loss. Among those who used ibuprofen and related analgesics, there was a 21%increase; for those who used acetaminophen, a 22% risk. But the risk was much higher when they considered only men younger than 50. In that group, there was a 33% increased risk for aspirin use, a 61% increase for ibuprofen and related NSAIDs and a 99% increase for acetaminophen.
In other words use of acetaminophen more than twice a week by men younger than 50 was found to double the risk of hearing loss, use of ibuprofen and related NSAIDs increased the risk by nearly two-thirds and regular use of aspirin increased it by about a third.
It was explained that the reason is pathophysiologic changes in the cochlea. Depending on the drug it can effect the outer hair cells motor proteins and/ or can reduce cochlear blood flow, increasing the effect of noise induced hearing loss.
The study did caution that the study group involved only men and that most of them were Caucasian. It is not clear how the results might extrapolate to women and other racial groups.
References:
The American Journal of Medicine, Vol 123, No3, March 2010
Los Angeles Times, HEALTH Section, March 2, 2010
Posted by HearingAids on November 30, 2010 under Hearing Loss, Prevention |
Vitamin B12, Cobalamin, is essential for the body to properly use iron and form red blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin which carries oxygen to all parts of the body. The nervous system also relies on Vitamin B12 for the creation and maintenance of the myelin sheath that lines the nerve cells. Deficiency can cause degeneration of the spinal cord, changes in the brain and peripheral neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to atrophy of the optic nerve.
Cobalamin is only found in animal sources; therefore strict vegetarians are at risk for deficiency. Vitamin B12 is bound to animal protein and released by gastric acids. It is stored in the liver and therefore it may take up to two years following the cessation of intake for signs of deficiency to manifest. The deficiency is found in approximately 10% of all individuals over the age of 80 years due to decreased production of intrinsic factor by the stomach, which binds to B12 for absorption. Absorption of Vitamin B12 can be enhanced by Vitamin C and can be inhibited by Antacids and Aspirin. Tea and coffee, which contain tannins, also inhibit absorption. Excessive use of nicotine and alcohol can deplete the body of Vitamin B12.
Most teens and adults need 2 micrograms of B12 per day.
There are many symptoms to Vitamin B12 deficiency. The most telling sign is glossitis (inflammation of the tongue). Other symptoms include unsteady gait, loss of position sense, weakness of the legs, numbness of the feet, pale skin, shortness of breath, irregular rapid heartbeat and loss of appetite. Occasionally there are complaints of memory loss, hearing difficulties, tinnitus and delusion.
A blood test (B12 level) to check the red blood cell count is the main diagnostic tool for identification of a B12 deficiency. Since unsteadiness is frequently reported; audiometry, ENG, and MRI are often performed. Most patients are relieved of their symptoms with B12 supplements either orally on a daily basis, monthly in the form of injections, or via nasal gel.
Audiologists may see B12 deficient patients due to their complaint of balance difficulties. Audiometry and ENG may reveal normal results; however downbeat nystagmus and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo have been recorded in patients with Cobalamin deficiency.
Submitted by: Susan Cuttler, Au.D., WFL QM
Posted by HearingAids on November 15, 2010 under Hearing Loss, Prevention |
“ Soldiers exposed to the deafening din of battle have little defense against hearing loss and are often reluctant to wear protective gear like ear plugs that could make them less able to react to danger. But what if a nutritious daily “candy bar” could prevent much of that potential damage to their hearing?” (Joseph M. Miller, Ph.D., U of M Health System’s Kresge Hearing Research Institute, 28 March 2007).
About 10 million people in the U.S. alone are suffering from noise-induced hearing loss, including veterans and youth exposed to blaring music under headphones. Researchers at UM and UF are hoping to reverse the rise in NIHL by implementing a “cocktail” of vitamins and the mineral magnesium.
Recent studies at the University of Michigan, University of Florida, and NIDCD have revealed that noise exposure triggers the formation of molecules (free radicals) known to cause hair cell death. Free radicals are highly corrosive molecules that exist naturally within the human body and destroy the inner/outer hair cells during and after noise exposure. Free radical formation begins and then peaks several days after exposure.
Prior to these studies, scientists believed that exposure to loud noise damaged the hair cells by the pure force of the loud sound vibrations. In this case, the only prevention was to reduce exposure and/or to use hearing protection.
U-M researchers have discovered that the combination of vitamins, when mixed with magnesium, can prevent noise-induced damage by blocking some of the cellular reactions. Vitamins A, C, E and magnesium, antioxidants which protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, are already widely used supplements and therefore do not require FDA approval.
A clinical study investigating the combination of vitamins A, C, E and Magnesium (Auraquell-TM, UM Kresge Hearing Research Institute) taken one hour before noise exposure, as a once-daily treatment in pill form for five days, was very effective with an 80% success rate at preventing permanent NIHL in animals.
Testing has been implemented in a set of four multinational human clinical trials, all funded by the NIH – military trials in Sweden & Spain, industrial trial in Spain, and a trial involving students at UF who listen to music at high volumes on iPods and other PDAs.
Animal studies thus far have shown a reduction in threshold shifts, ranging from 45 dB to 10 dB, representing a greater than 1000 fold improvement in hearing sensitivity. Guinea pigs were treated one hour prior to noise exposure and again immediately post-noise exposure. Daily treatments continued for five days post noise exposure. Post-noise nutrient doses may scavenge the free radicals that continue to form post exposure. Ten days post treatment, auditory sensitivity was evaluated, revealing the improved thresholds.
Reduction in NIHL was achieved by prevention of sensory cell death in the Organ of Corti. The animal studies were done by using a control group (saline), Mg group, ACE group, and ACEMg group. When the antioxidants were administered alone, NIHL still occurred; only with the addition of Mg was the improvement in the post-noise thresholds noticed.
Magnesium is a vasodilator and may have the added benefit of reducing swelling of the auditory nerve by preventing the noise induced calcium influx. The calcium influx contributes to the free radical damage.
Auraquell-TM will be regulated in the U.S. by the FDA’s Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), and label claims for the product will be made following 21 CFR 101.70 regulation and not through the IND/NDA process. This will allow the manufacturer, Otomedicine, Inc., to launch Auraquell-TM with defined and FDA-approved health claims in a shorter amount of time (4-5 years). Auraquell-TM will be a preventative treatment used in conjunction with conventional hearing protection.
In addition to prevention of NIHL, studies are underway to research the role of free radicals in drug-induced hearing loss and age-related hearing loss. Miller’s research has also shown that local application of “Thiourea” (antioxidant) can prevent hearing loss without compromising the efficacy of the anti-cancer medication, Cisplatin, to destroy cancer cells.
“Other people would likely benefit by consuming a pill or nutritional bar before going to work in noisy environments, or attending noisy events like NASCAR races or rock concerts, or even using an iPod or other music players,” (LePrell, Ph.D)
Posted by HearingAids on November 9, 2010 under Hearing Loss, Prevention |
Have you ever heard the phrase “If you don’t use it, you lose it?” I’m sure you have and guess what…this same philosophy about the rest of our body also applies to our ears. Our ears require auditory stimulation in order to help us process and understand speech.
What does this mean? This means that if you have a diagnosed hearing loss, even a mild loss, your ears are not receiving stimulation in the areas where your loss occurs. This, in turn, can cause a decrease in your ability to understand speech that worsens if it is ignored (Emmer, 1999). So, you are probably wondering how one goes about getting auditory stimulation?
Proper stimulation comes from hearing aids. Hearing aids provide amplification in the area of the hearing loss, which in turn provides auditory stimulation to the damaged inner ear hair cells. The faster we can diagnosis and treat hearing loss with hearing aids, the better the chances of maximizing your hearing potential.
As an Audiologist, the most important advice I can give you regarding hearing loss and hearing aids is “Don’t wait” and if you have hearing aids “Wear them full time.”
Rachele M. Orsini, Au.D., CCC-A
The article looks at how what we consume, through foods and supplements, influences our hearing. It is difficult issue to address since our diet affects so many different systems in the body and is influenced by our own biochemistry, genetics, general health, and lifestyle.
