Hearing loss isn’t confined to older adults: children of all ages can experience a loss of hearing. Roughly 3 out of 1000 babies are born with hearing loss, and its prevalence is increasing in adolescents. Noise-induced hearing loss is largely responsible for this increase. If you suspect your child is having difficulty hearing, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying can have a strong effect on a child’s learning and development.

There are a number of signs that should prompt you to have your child’s hearing tested. These include:

• A delay in speech and language.
• Failure to respond to loud noises or your voice.
• Poor academic performance.
• Frequent ear infections.
• Disorders associated with hearing loss (i.e. Down syndrome or autism).
• Family history of hearing loss.

There are three main causes of hearing loss in children. Congenital factors contribute to children who are born with hearing problems as a result of genetic issues, prenatal problems or premature birth. Otitis media (ear infection) is a very common childhood ailment that occurs when fluid accumulates in the middle ear. This can cause difficulty hearing and, in severe cases, may lead to permanent hearing damage. Acquired hearing loss is triggered by illnesses, physical trauma, exposure to loud noises, and medications.

There are numerous options for treating hearing loss in children, depending upon the type and severity of their condition. Your child’s doctor may take a wait-and-see approach when it comes to otitis media; chronic cases may be treated with medications or ear tubes that are inserted surgically and allow fluid to drain from the ears. Permanent hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other hearing devices that enable a child to communicate.

The earlier you act, the less chance of your child experiencing speech or learning difficulties as the result of a hearing impairment. Contact us at 337-266-9820 to schedule an appointment.

Everybody’s ears are unique, which means the promise of “one size fits all” doesn’t really apply when it comes to hearing devices.

Whether you are investing in earplugs, ear buds or hearing aids, you’ll want a comfortable yet secure fit to ensure the best protection or maximum hearing performance. Earmolds are soft materials, typically plastic or acrylic, that are worn inside the ear canal or the concha of the ear. They are an essential part of most hearing aids. Because ears vary in shape and size from person to person, earmolds designed to match your ear anatomy provide the best fit.

Custom earmolds are made from impressions taken of your ear canals and outer ears with a silicone substance. These are sent to an outside lab, where molds are created. They are then used to make custom devices for a number of activities and professions: stethoscopes for doctors and nurses, headphones for pilots, earpieces for newscasters and earplugs for swimmers, musicians, race car drivers, hunters and pilots. They can benefit anybody who is exposed to loud sounds, or those who enjoy listening to music over portable MP3 players.

Custom earmolds are designed in a number of styles. These include:

• Dome earmolds.
  These soft earmolds are designed for use with BTE hearing aids.
• Canal earmolds.
  These are worn deep in the ear canals, and usually paired with ITC hearing aids.
• Full-shell earmolds.
  This style fills up most of the ear canal, and helps prevent feedback. Especially useful for patients with moderate to severe hearing loss.
• Skeleton earmolds.
  These also fill up most of the ear, but are “hollowed out” in the center for improved comfort and cosmetic appeal. A strip of material secures them in place inside the concha for a tight but comfortable seal. Ideal for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss.
• Semi-skeleton earmolds.
  Similar to skeleton earmolds but lacking the back ring, making them easier to handle for people with manual dexterity issues.
• Half-shell earmolds.
  Similar to full-shell earmolds but made with a bottom half only to fit in the concha of the ear. This style is designed for patients with mild forms of hearing loss.

If you would like more information about the process of obtaining custom earmolds or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our office at 337-266-9820.

Audiology evaluations consist of a series of tests used to determine whether a hearing loss exists and, if so, measure its type, degree and configuration. An audiologist will assess the results of your individual test in order to develop a treatment plan geared toward your unique hearing loss.

An audiological evaluation can benefit patients of all ages, even those who do not exhibit signs of hearing loss. Hearing loss is a progressive condition that often develops slowly. Many people are not aware of a change in their hearing because they gradually adapt to the subtle changes in their hearing ability over time. Tests indicate that on average it takes seven years for a hearing impaired individual to seek treatment. An evaluation should be the first course of action for anybody who even suspects a hearing loss.

The sooner a diagnosis of hearing loss is made, the more successful treatment will be. Early detection means more options for the patient. Many physicians urge making audiology evaluations a routine part of your overall healthcare, much like regular vision exams and dental checkups. They are quick, painless and provide immediate results.

A comprehensive evaluation consists of a series of individual diagnostic tests that measure different aspects of your hearing. Following a physical examination and a review of your medical history, you will be given any or all of the following tests.

• Pure Tone Testing. Pure-tone testing uses air conduction to measure your ability to hear sounds of various pitches and volumes. Wearing headphones, you will be asked to identify a series of tones by raising a hand, pressing a button, or responding verbally. The results are charted on an audiogram, a graph that shows the type, degree and configuration of your hearing loss by comparing frequency with intensity. The pattern recorded will help your audiologist determine your hearing threshold.
• Bone Conduction Testing. Bone conduction testing is another type of pure-tone test that measures the inner ear’s response to sound. In this case, a two-pronged metal tuning fork is placed behind the ear or on the forehead. When vibrated, it produces a tone that travels to the cochlea via the skull. Your response determines how well sound travels through different parts of your ear, helping the audiologist diagnose your type of hearing loss. Bone conduction testing is often used in place of air conduction testing when an obstruction in the outer or middle ears is present.
• Speech Testing. Speech or word recognition testing is used to measure your speech reception threshold (SRT), or the faintest speech you can understand 50% of the time. This is compared with your pure-tone test results to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, your ability to separate speech from background noise will be recorded. Speech testing may be administered in either a quiet or noisy environment; results are recorded on the audiogram for easy visual reference.
• Tympanometry. Tympanometry is a test of the middle ear used to detect fluid, wax buildup, eardrum perforations and tumors. It measures movement of the eardrum in response to air pressure; the results are recorded on a chart called a tympanogram.
• Acoustic Reflex Testing. The acoustic reflex test measures involuntary muscle contractions of the middle ear, and is used to determine the location of your hearing problem as well as the type of hearing loss.
• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR). Auditory brainstem response testing is used to determine whether sensorineural hearing loss exists. It is also frequently used to screen newborns for hearing problems. In an ABR test, electrodes are attached to your head, scalp or earlobes, and you are given headphones to wear. Your brainwave activity is measured in response to sounds of varying intensities.
• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs). Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are sounds generated by vibrations of the hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear. OAE testing utilizes a tiny probe fitted with a microphone and speaker that is used to stimulate the cochlea and measure its response. Individuals with normal hearing will produce emissions; when a hearing loss exceeds 25-30 decibels, no sound will be produced. This helps determine whether there is a blockage in the ear canal, excess fluid in the middle ear or damage to the hair cells of the cochlea. OAE testing is often included in newborn hearing screening programs.

If you would like more information on the hearing tests we perform or would like to schedule an evaluation, contact our office at 337-266-9820.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound within the ear. It is usually described as a ringing noise, but can also sound like hissing, roaring, whooshing, clicking, chirping, whistling or buzzing. It varies in pitch and volume, may occur in one or both ears and can be an occasional nuisance or a constant irritation. Tinnitus affects about 1 in 5 Americans.

Most cases of tinnitus are subjective in nature, meaning only you can hear the sounds. On rare occasions, a doctor may also hear them during an examination. This type is known as objective tinnitus. Tinnitus isn’t a disease itself, but a symptom of another condition. There are many possible causes, including:

• Hearing loss
• Noise exposure
• Meniere’s disease
• Head or neck injury
• TMJ disorder
• Hypertension
• Stress
• Migraines
• Excessive earwax
• Ototoxic medications
• Acoustic neuroma

Many times, the exact cause of tinnitus is unknown. Tinnitus can severely impact your quality of life. Those suffering may experience fatigue, lack of sleep, memory and concentration problems, depression, anxiety and irritability.

In order to treat tinnitus, the underlying condition responsible for your symptoms should be identified. The solution may be as simple as removing built up earwax or switching to a different medication. When the condition causing your tinnitus is unknown or untreatable, noise suppression techniques are often recommended. This involves the use of an electronic device to generate white noise, which masks the ringing in your ears, making it less annoying. You can try using a fan, humidifier or air conditioner to achieve the same effect. Other options include hearing aids and tinnitus retraining devices that rely on patterned tones to divert your brain’s attention. Certain antidepressants and other medications are also believed to lessen symptoms, but these often produce side effects and may be habit forming.

If you would like more information on how to finally find relief from your tinnitus, contact our office at 337-266-9820 to schedule an appointment.