Dr. Dan | Independent Acoustics Just a few thoughts on hearing and audiology……. Otitis Media Middle ear fluid that may or may not be infected with bacteria or a virus that is common in young children, people with Down syndrome, and some adults. This is usually due to a malfunctioning eustachian tube (ET) caused by inflammation during respiratory illnesses, or with enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids in the back of your throat that prevent the ET from opening. Ear fullness/pressure with tinnitus is also common during periods.
Tinnitus “Ring, roar, hum, cicada song, radio static” etc. it is VERY common with associated hearing loss. The most common is due to hearing loss caused by noise without proper hearing protection. Meniere’s disease causes very low-frequency “buzzing-type” tinnitus, and exposure to noise and certain chemotherapy, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, and many other medications produce very high-pitched sounds. Tinnitus does NOT come from the ear! We perceive it that way, but it actually comes from deep centers along our brainstem that transmit signals back through the auditory nerve pathway incorrectly. Currently, it is at a molecular level that has been very difficult to solve. We currently have NO proven method to stop it. (Don’t believe the false advertising on TV!)
Hearing Loss, Alzheimer’s & Dementia If you have hearing loss, a solution as simple as using hearing aids can significantly reduce your risk of cognitive decline. With better hearing, you’re more likely to stay socially engaged, one of the main ways to stimulate your brain. Like any exercise, the mental give-and-take of social interaction helps keep your brain in shape and slows accelerating cognitive decline. (I’ve seen this personally with both of my parents – Mom – Alzheimer’s and Dad – Dementia, when they stopped wearing their hearing aids.) GOOD hearing aids ARE kind of expensive, but do any of us really want to play with memories of; Just my 2 cents worth! Independent Audiology313 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO 805267950 Sixth St., Wellington, CO 80549Business Office: 1921 Mainsail Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524-6708T-970-817-978-2300 817-1965

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