Hearing With Your Skin We don’t just use our ears when we hear, but also our skin. The two senses work together to help us hear. from: hear-it.org Through research, scientists at the University of British Columbia and at Haskins Laboratories, a speech research think tank in New Haven, Conn. have found that they can influence what people hear by delivering puffs of air to the back of the hand or neck. THE EXPERIMENT In the experiment, subjects heard the sounds "pa" or "ba" and "ta" or "da". Sometimes, when the words had an aspirated sound - "pa" or "ta" - that requires the speaker to expel a puff of air, they received a puff of air on the back of their hand or neck. At other times, they got the reverse: a puff of air when they heard "ba" or "da" - non-aspirated sounds. The researchers found that when the puff of air was paired with an aspirated sound, people were better at identifying the sound they heard. When the puff of air was paired with "ba" or "da", accuracy declined. In a previous study, Finnish researchers have used brain imaging to study 13 test subjects. They found that touch activated the auditory cortex, the part of the brain that is involved in hearing. NEW WAYS OF HEARING By demonstrating that the perception of speech is affected by touch, the experiment raises the possibility that one sense could be used as a substitute for another, creating new ways for the hearing impaired to hear. Study leader Dr Bryan Gick said his team would now work to develop a hearing aid which incorporates these findings. "All we need is a pneumatic device that can produce air puffs aimed at the neck at the right times, based on acoustic input into the hearing aid, and then a set of experiments to test its efficacy." Hearing Aids - High Tech Computers Hearing aid technology is constantly evolving and becoming increasingly advanced. Modern hearing aids are small high-tech computers, constantly being refined and developed to provide better reproduction of natual human hearing. from: hear-it.org The progress allows for increasing numbers of sophisticated features to be built into the hearing aids and providing improved sound reproduction. The ability to adapt the devices to individual demands with respect to your daily environment and type of hearing loss is constantly improving. MORE PROGRAMMING The most advanced modern digital hearing aids are constantly analysing the sounds of your environment and changing between built-in programmes, automatically selecting the appropriate programming mode for the specific situation. The entire sound reproduction is constantly adapted by the hearing aid to provide you with the best possible hearing. INTRUSIVE BACKGROUND NOISE CUT OUT Many hearing aids have two microphones, making it possible to focus on specific sound sources while reducing irritating background noise. At a reception the voice of the person you are looking at can be accentuated while the voices of others around you are softened. Behind-the-ear hearing aids used to make it difficult for the user to determine the direction of the sounds. This is no longer the case. Complicated calculations in the hearing aids now make it possible for the brain to determine where the sound is coming from. This type of hearing aid has also become sleeker and less obtrusive than earlier models. ADVANCEMENTS The technical advancements open up new possibilities, such as: Irritating echoes and hollow sounds can be reduced. Dedicated telephone software is activated when you put the receiver to your ear. Automated adaptation to loop or FM systems makes the hearing aid receive signals from the appropriate transmitters. Remote control, allowing you to change selections made by the hearing aid. Adaptation of extremely small ear moulds in order to eliminate annoying feedback (occlusion). The wireless bluetooth technology is slowly being incorporated into hearing aids. It allows for wireless connection of your mobile phone to your hearing aid. MORE EFFECTIVE ADJUSTMENTS Hearing aids must be continuously adjusted to get the best possible results. A built-in digital hearing aid log makes it easier for the audiologist to fine-tune the hearing aids to suit your daily environment. The adjustments can be based on your comments as well as technical data recorded in the hearing aids. PERSONAL STYLE While the technology is advancing, styling and design is deemed to be of great importance, as well. The hearing aids must look attractive and be as small and unobtrusive or stylish as possible. Colour choices and different shapes are now available to suit your personal style. Some hearing aids are designed to be worn in combination with jewelry for your ears. Zebrafish offering insights into hearing loss Zebrafish and hearing loss may appear to be worlds apart. Yet, on its side stripes the zebrafish has hair cells functionally similar to those in the human inner ear, and studying the zebrafish is now adding to our knowledge about our vulnerability to hearing damage. from: hear-it.org People react differently to medications, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy. In some patients, these medications damage the inner ear hair cells, causing hearing loss. Scientists at the University of Washington have been experimenting with zebrafish to determine which genes and chemical components cause reactions in the hair cells. Screening of stripes The experiments are focusing on the stripes that give the fish their name and which the fish use to sense its surroundings. The sensing cells on the stripes have much in common with our inner ear cells, but unlike human inner ear hair cells, the cells on the zebrafish stripes are easily accessible and easier to study. ”This means that scientists can very efficiently analyze the sensory structures under different conditions to find out what is likely to cause damage to these structures and, conversely, what can protect them from damage,” explained James F. Battey, director of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Airbags save lives, damage hearing An airbag can save your life in a car accident, but it may also cost you your hearing. Among people in accidents with airbags deploying, 17 percent suffer permanent hearing loss, according to an American study. from: hear-it.org Seventeen percent of people close to a deploying airbag suffer hearing loss, according to the study prepared by Richard Price, a hearing specialist and consultant. The study examined only airbag deployments in American makes of cars, which are generally equipped with larger and more powerful airbags than European and Japanese cars. “The noise of airbags deploying can be intense enough to damage hearing,” said Price, who examined the effect of airbag deployment on hearing. Airbags inflate extremely fast and at noise levels comparable to an airplane at take-off. This kind of impulse noise is considered the most hazardous for hearing, Price pointed out. Computer modeling predicting effect on hearing Richard Price partly based his study of the effects of airbag deployment on hearing by employing a computer simulation of the ear’s reaction to intense noise. The model is able to correctly predict the hearing loss outcome with 95 percent certainty in a given situation. Price found it encouraging that the auto industry is now using the same computer model in the development of airbags able to prevent bodily injury in car accidents without damaging hearing. Listen Up: How Noise Can Harm Your Hearing The good news is that you don't have to lose your hearing as you age. The bad news is, you will - unless you limit your exposure to high noise levels. The most preventable cause of hearing loss is the cumulative effect of noise. The following suggestions and decibel (dB) chart will help you gauge your exposure to noise and reduce your risk of hearing loss: Wear ear plugs when operating noisy equipment (i.e. lawn mower, motorboat or power tools). Set car, home and portable stereos to below half volume. Beware of music levels in exercise classes, concerts and bars. Look for a product recommended for quiet operation when shopping for a fan, air conditioner or other household appliance. Don't buy noisy toys. Some toy musical instruments emit dangerous sound levels, while cap guns and firecrackers, exploding near the ear, can damage hearing even if you only hear them once. Any noise which makes your ears ring, a condition called tinnitus, is too loud. Protect your ears if you hunt or shoot guns. Acoustic trauma - immediate, severe and persistent hearing loss - is directly linked to gunfire. If your workplace is noisy, ensure that ear protectors are provided, and wear them. Make sure printers, copiers and other noisy office machines aren't grouped together. Wear ear plugs at rock concerts. Avoid places where you cannot talk comfortably with another person who is three feet away. Wear ear protectors for loud hobbies like snowmobiling or woodworking. How Loud is Too Loud? Use this Decibel Chart to Gauge Noise Level Effects Normal breathing, 10 dB - Just audible Quiet office, refrigerator, 50 dB - Comfortable Vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, inside a car, 70 dB - Intrusive, interferes with telephone conversation Average city traffic, alarm clock, 80 dB - Annoying, intrusive, interferes with conversation Electric razor, many industrial work places, 85 dB - Level at which hearing damage (8 hours) begins Subway, motorcycle, lawn mower, 90 dB - Very annoying Average portable cd player set above half volume, 95 dB - Repeated exposure risks permanent hearing loss Chain saw, subway train, garbage truck, 100 dB - Damage after 15 minutes exposure Inboard motorboat, power saw, highly amplified rock music, pneumatic drill, 110 dB - Regular exposure of 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss Thunderclap (nearby), jet engine (at take off), very loud nightclub, 120 dB - Threshold of pain Shotgun firing, air-raid siren, 130 dB - May cause acoustic trauma Diabetics Twice As Likely To Suffer Hearing Loss American study confirmed that hearing loss is more prevalent among adult diabetics than in the general population from: hear-it.org A major national American study has confirmed the correlation between diabetes and hearing loss that several earlier minor isolated studies have pointed towards. The new study found that hearing loss is about twice as prevalent among diabetics as in the general population. Based on this finding, the researchers behind the study believe that diabetes is a clear risk factor for hearing loss and that hearing loss until now has been an under-recognized complication of diabetes. Diabetes often damages inner ear nerves and blood vessels. This is seen as the likely cause of the increased prevalence of hearing loss. Findings apply to all adult diabetics The study, carried out by the National Institutes of Health, included 5,140 individuals aged between 20 and 69 years. Almost one in 10 was a diabetic. Among those suffering from diabetes 21 percent were found to have hearing loss in low and mid-range frequencies, as compared to just 9 percent of the non-diabetics. 54 percent of the diabetics had trouble hearing high frequency sounds, as compared to 32 percent of the non-diabetics. The data was adjusted for age-related hearing loss and apply to adult diabetics regardless of gender, ethnic background, education or income. As a consequence of the close correlation between hearing loss and diabetes the researchers recommended routine hearing screening of all diabetics. Hearing Loss Affecting Relations with Family and Friends from: hear-it.org When your hearing declines your relationships with your relatives and friends are likely to be adversely affected, as well, according to a new study carried out by hear-it. Six in 10 relatives or friends of hearing impaired individuals reported that hearing loss in relatives or friends somewhat or significantly affects their relationships. About three in four, 74 percent, stated that they change their behaviour when they are together with their hearing impaired friend or relative. The findings of the online survey, conducted by the non-commercial hear-it organisation are in line with the findings of other studies. Couples are hardest hit, but relations with friends, family and co-workers suffer, as well. The hear-it survey also indicated that hearing loss is a delicate subject among those affected. Almost half of those who had discussed the hearing loss of their friend or relative directly with the hearing impaired individual said that they found broaching the subject difficult. Assistive devices helpful Kim Ruberg, Secretary General of Hear-it, urges people with hearing loss to seek treatment. - All studies show that treatment of hearing loss, typically with hearing aids, results in significant improvements in the quality of life of the treated individual, stated Ruberg. - Improvements are found in close social relationships otherwise adversely affected by hearing loss. Hearing aids help the hearing impaired individual function better within the family, with his or her spouse or partner, on the job and in every other situation involving hearing. In Europe, one in six suffers from some degree of hearing loss, as confirmed in an earlier hear-it survey. In the United States, hearing loss is the third most widespread chronic affliction, according to the Better Hearing Institute. About the survey 129 hear-it users took part in the survey which was part of a series of surveys about living with hearing loss. Hearing Loss is the Number One Disability in the World by: Jay Stockman Hearing loss is prevalent in modern societies as a result of the combined effects of noise, aging, disease, and heredity. Hearing loss is the number one disability in the world; approximately 28 million Americans suffer some type of hearing loss. In addition, 15 of every 1000 people under the age of 18 have a hearing loss, and nearly 90% of people over age 80 have a hearing impairment. The incidence of hearing loss is greater in men, than women. The sad part is, that hearing loss is the most preventable disability in the world. Hearing is a complicated process involving both the sensitivity of the ear, as well as the ability to understand, and interpret the speech. When we hear sounds, we really are interpreting patterns of air molecules in the form of waves. . The ear is able to pick up these waves, and convert them into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. In the brain, these signals are deciphered into meaningful information, such as language or music with qualities like volume and pitch. We can characterize sounds in terms of their frequency (or pitch) and intensity (or loudness). An individual with hearing in the normal range can hear sounds that have frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hertz. Speech includes a combination of low and high frequency sounds; vowels have lower frequencies and are easier to hear. Consonants, on the other hand have higher frequencies, and are harder to hear. Since consonants express most of the meaning of what we say, someone who cannot hear high frequency sounds will have a hard time understanding speech. Intensity, or loudness, is measured in decibels. A normal hearing range usually ranges from 0 to 140 dB. A whisper is around 30 dB, and normal conversations are usually 45 to 50 dB. Sounds that are louder than 90 dB can be uncomfortable to hear. A loud concert might be as loud as 110 dB. Extreme sounds that are 120 dB or louder can be quite painful and can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can happen in either frequency or intensity or both. The severity of hearing loss is assessed on how well a person can hear the frequencies or intensities most often associated with speech. Severity of loss can best be described as mild, moderate, severe, or profound. Deafness is used to describe an individual who has approximately 90 dB or greater hearing loss. The term "hard of hearing" describes a condition that is less severe than deafness. There are many potential causes of hearing loss. These can be divided into two basic types, called conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is the result of the interference of sound transmission from the outer ear to the inner ear. Common causes include, inner ear infections, accumulation of fluid in the middle ear, excessive wax, damage to the eardrum by infection or an injury, or otosclerosis. This type of hearing loss is temporary, and results in a less severe form. Sensorineural hearing loss is due to damage to the pathway from the hair cells of the inner ear to the auditory nerve and the brain. Common causes include, age-related hearing loss, injury to the inner ear hair cells as a result of trauma or noise, abnormal pressure in the inner ear, stroke, benign lesions, and brain tumors. This type of hearing loss is more devastating, and is usually more permanent. The successful treatment of hearing loss depends on the cause. A bacterial infection of the middle ear can be treated with antibiotics; blockages of the outer and middle ears can be cleared; damaged eardrums can be repaired surgically; and ossicles affected by otosclerosis can be replaced with artificial bones. Some causes of sensorineural hearing loss can also be improved. For example, an acoustic neuroma can be removed surgically. If no cure is successful, a hearing aid for one, or both ears usually helps, whether the loss is a result of conductive or sensorineural problems. Many different types of hearing aid are available and an audiologist will advise as to which type best suits the needs of the individual. When a hearing aid does not give adequate amplification, as with profound deafness, a cochlear implant can help. This device transmits sound directly into the auditory nerve via electrodes surgically implanted into the cochlea. Although the sounds heard tend to be of a buzzing or electronic nature, it can be very useful when used in combination with lip reading. Hearing Aid Accessories - Accessories That Help You to Keep up Performance as Well as Extend Life of Your Hearing Aids by: Mark Twinton Hearing aid accessories has improved with improvement of hearing aids. Vast technology has intimated you with the latest hearing aids accessories that assist hearing aids. So, it’s a good news if you are a hearing loss sufferer. Because today’s hearing aids are fit-worn and assisted by hearing aid accessories. It is wonderful that no one will know\recognize that you have hearing impairment. Kinds of Hearing aid accessories Hearing aids come with their own amplifiers and mics that work like speakers which serve wearers clearer sound since it sounds louder. And even though\although you are speaking with your friend by a phone, you are still able to hear as normal. Keep in mind that you have to take good care of your hearing aids and so that it will be very helpful if you think to purchase some hearing accessories that are available now. Here are some of them: 1. The hearing aid's battery. It’s the most critical part of all hearing aid accessories. There are numerous types of such batteries that you can use to power up your hearing aid. However, these small hearing aid accessories also have a certain time period for which they are guaranteed to work, since they are the most important accessory that helps to ensure that your hearing aid works to its optimum level of performance. 2. The battery testers. This accessory shows you how much power is left in your hearing aid’s battery. It can check and determine whether your hearing aid’s batteries are working at good levels or not. This accessory also helps you to replace them whenever they are approaching the last power. 3. The customized ear molds. It helps to reduce feedback. It is also well suited for use with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids since they considerably lower barrel sound. 4. The comply strips. It helps you to fit your hearing aid into the ear properly. It fits the hearing aid more comfortable into your ears. 5. The sweat bands. These accessories are also helpful to keep your hearing aid safe from moisture. It will give a good effect in the usage of hearing aids. 6. The Special Solution. It helps to remove the dirt and wetness from your hearing aid. As you know that Hearing aids are also need to be cleaned. This will ensure that your hearing aid last longer. 7. The wax spring. It helps you to remove wax from your hearing aid’s speaker. It will be very useful in order to further protect your hearing aid. So, it is essential to keep your hearing aid work well. It will be much nicer if you also assist them by purchasing brand new hearing aid accessories, since these accessories are truly helpful. To get a better performance and better experience in life, it is okay to spend more money, isn’t it?