What is The Connection Between Neuroplasticity and Hearing Loss Treatment?
Hearing loss doesn’t just make it difficult to understand sounds. Over time, it can actually change the structure and function of your brain. What is Neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt by forming new neural connections throughout life. These connections can be in response to: Receiving new information Sensory stimulation Damage or…
How Are Animals Helping Scientists Improve Hearing Aids?
Next time you shiver when you see a spider at Heller Nature Center, take comfort in the fact that they may one day make your hearing aids stronger. Spider Silk for Hearing Aids? Studies have shown that spider silk may be an ideal material to create better directional microphones in hearing aids. This could improve…
6 Active Listening Techniques for People with Hearing Loss
When you go on a hike on Heller Nature Center, you probably feel worn out afterward. For people with hearing loss, this feeling is common after a long conversation where you’re straining to hear and understand what is said. This phenomenon is known as listening fatigue. Below we review six active listening techniques to help…
VNG Testing
Videonystagmography (VNG) is a procedure that uses the latest video and infrared technology to provide an accurate diagnosis of your imbalance/dizziness. The VNG is non-invasive and typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes. Specifically, it measures whether a balance disorder can be attributed to a vestibular deficit (inner ear disease). How Does VNG Testing Work? VNG…
Balance Disorders
Medical Conditions of the Ears
Acoustic Neuromas
What Is an Acoustic Neuroma? An acoustic neuroma is a benign growth of the auditory nerve. Although it is slow-growing and non-malignant, it can be problematic because it can potentially impact hearing, balance, tinnitus, and/or facial function. These growths are rare, occurring in only 1 out of 100,000 people per year. An acoustic neuroma (also…
Ear Infection
What Causes Ear Infections? Middle ear infection (otitis media) often occurs after a cold or with an infection of the upper airway. The Eustachian tube aerates the middle ear to prevent fluid from collecting. The Eustachian tube is a channel from the back of the throat to the ear allowing air to fill the middle…
Cholesteatoma
What is a Cholesteatoma? A Cholesteatoma is a growth of skin cells commonly occurring behind the ear drum that can cause damage to the ear drum, erode the middle ear bones and in some cases, impact the inner ear. Untreated cholesteatomas can lead to more serious problems including: chronic ear infections, permanent hearing loss, and…
Eardrum Perforation
What Does an Eardrum Do? The eardrum has two main roles: Hearing. Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses. Protection. Your eardrum acts as a barrier to protect your middle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances. What is…