
Home About Hearing Help for poor hearing History Hearing Aids Testimonials
Daryle Conlin Conviently located on the upper level of the Amsterdam River Front Center. 2440 Riverfront Center Amsterdam ,NY 12010. Open by appointment. 1 (518) 210-5440 e-mail me Hearing Loss in Adults Hearing loss in adults has many causes such as disease or infection, ototoxic drugs, exposure to noise, tumors, trauma, and the aging process. This loss may or may not be accompanied by tinnitus, ringing in the ears. Tinnitus can occur by itself without any hearing loss. Here are some of the causes of hearing loss in adults. Otosclerosis is a disease involving the middle ear capsule, specifically affecting the movement of the stapes (one of the three tiny bones in the middle ear). Meniere's disease affects the membranous inner ear and is characterized by deafness, dizziness (vertigo), and ringing in the ear (tinnitus). Medications used to manage some diseases are damaging to the auditory system (ototoxic) and cause hearing loss. Some of the specific drugs known to be ototoxic are aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as streptomycin, neomycin, kanamycin); salicylates in large quantities (aspirin), loop diuretics (lasix, ethacrynic acid); and drugs used in chemotherapy regimens (cisplatin, carboplatin, nitrogen mustard). Exposure to harmful levels of noise results in noise-induced hearing loss . The prolonged exposure causes damage to the hair cells in the cochlea and results in permanent hearing loss. The noise-induced hearing loss usually develops gradually and painlessly. Hearing loss can also occur as a result of an acoustic trauma, or a single exposure or very few exposures to very high levels of sound. An acoustic neuroma is an example of a tumor that causes hearing loss. Acoustic neuromas arise in the eighth cranial nerve (acoustic nerve). The first symptom is reduction of hearing in one ear accompanied by a feeling of fullness. Trauma can also result in hearing loss. Examples include fractures of the temporal bone, puncture of the eardrum by foreign objects, and sudden changes in air pressure. Loss of hearing as a result of the aging process is called presbycusis. The process involves degeneration of the inner ear (cochlea). Presbycusis can also involve other parts of the auditory system. The hearing loss is progressive in nature with the high frequencies affected first. While the process begins after age 20, it is typically at ages 55 to 65 that the high frequencies in the speech range begin to be affected.	Help for those who are hearing impaired-- from the hearing instrument specialist. Hearing Aids The Latest Technology offers comfort, and performance in noisy situations. Receiver In The Ear (RITE) Epoq, with true high speed binaural processing and Bluetooth connectivity, Epoq takes hearing instrument performance to a new level. This hearing aid offers the greatest connectivity to other electronic devices; cell phones, televisions, stereos, and Blue Tooth enabled. For more information, check the manufacturers web site. Receiver In The Ear (RITE) Vigo, a new digital hearing instrument, Vigo will give you more to help your hearing perform at its best--in the situations you care about the most. Receiver In The Ear (RITE) Delta; which is one of our most successful models, wear and go models. It's a very simple hearing aid to wear, it offers tremendous performance and flexibility for the busy person. How to choose the right one That's easy! Talk to me, your professional hearing technologist. Don't be afraid to ask questions, any question is a good one and deserving of an answer. If your your salesperson is not willing to help you, find one who will. Hearing aids do require care and maintenance by a trained professional. Buy from someone you trust. We have hearing aids that start at $750. Hearing aid electronics The technology inside hearing aids also differs. Hearing aid electronics control how sound is transferred from the environment to your inner ear. All hearing aids amplify sounds, making them louder so that you can hear them better. But various technologies do this differently, including: Basic analog. This conventional technology amplifies all sounds equally. Your hearing aid specialist sets the amplification level, though it can be adjusted later. Loud sounds might require you to manually turn down the volume on your hearing aid. Analog hearing aids are slowly being phased out. Some companies make only digital hearing aids. Programmable . The programmability of this technology means your hearing aid specialist can adjust these aids to amplify sounds differently. Softer sounds can be amplified more, and loud sounds can be amplified less or not at all. If you have this type of technology in your hearing aid, you might not need to adjust the volume in loud situations, as you would with basic analog electronics. These aids are being replaced by more flexible digital instruments. Digital. With this type of technology, a computer chip converts the incoming sound into digital code, then analyzes and adjusts the sound based on your hearing loss and listening needs. The signals are then converted back into sound waves and delivered to your ears. The result is sound that's more finely tuned to your hearing loss. Digital hearing aids are available in all styles, and the price you pay will depend on the features you choose. More advanced digital signal processing capabilities tend to translate into higher cost. Hearing aid enhancements Directional microphones. These microphones pick up sounds coming from in front of you better than coming from behind or beside you. This technology improves your ability to hear when you're in an environment with a lot of background noise. Typically you'll have both a regular microphone and a directional microphone, so you can switch between the two types. This might require a larger hearing aid to accommodate the two microphones. Telephone adapters. This technology, also referred to as telecoils, makes it easier to hear when talking on the telephone. Flipping a switch directs your hearing aid to eliminate sounds from your environment and pick up sounds from the telephone only. Keep in mind that this technology works only with telephones designated as hearing aid compatible — most cordless phones and cell phones aren't. Before you make a purchase Seek a referral to a reputable registered hearing aid dispenser. If you don't know one, ask your doctor for a referral. A registered hearing aid dispenser will work with you to find a hearing aid that best fits your needs and desires. This person takes an impression of your ear canal, chooses the most appropriate aid and adjusts the device to fit well. Be cautious of free consultations and people who sell only one brand of hearing aid. Ask about a trial period. A hearing aid should come with an adaptation period. It may take you a while to get used to the device and decide if it's useful. Have the seller put in writing the cost of a trial and whether this amount is credited toward the final cost of the hearing aid. Check for a warranty. Make sure the hearing aid includes a warranty that covers both parts and labor for a specified amount of time. Beware of misleading claims. Hearing aids can't restore normal hearing or eliminate all background noise. Beware of advertisements or salespeople who claim otherwise. Breaking in your hearing aid One common misconception is that the aid restores normal hearing just as corrective lenses restore normal vision. Hearing aids do not restore hearing to normal. As a general rule, a hearing aid usually improves hearing by one-half of the loss. The Future Hearing aid research is going on all the time. Better instruments and better circuits are being developed right now. If you have hearing loss, don't wait to get help. Just like computers, there will always be something better in the future; the future is exciting, but so is what is available today. Don't wait to hear well. What to consider Many people with hearing loss aren't interested in hearing aids. Be honest with yourself. Wearing a hearing aid is much less noticeable than is constantly asking people to repeat themselves or responding to a question with an unrelated answer. The truth is that a well-fitted hearing aid can greatly enhance your ability to interact with others. Hearing aids can minimize many problems that go along with hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding conversations or hearing timers and beepers. And they can help combat feelings of social isolation. If your hearing loss affects your ability to communicate with others or makes you feel self-conscious, it may be time to consider a hearing aid. Though it may be awkward at first, over time you'll adjust to the device and enjoy your enhanced ability to hear and communicate in a variety of situations. By wearing your hearing aid regularly and taking good care of it, you'll likely notice significant improvements in your quality of life. It's no fun to sit in a room filled with friends and family and be isolated. Rejoin the world right now!
Home About Hearing Help for poor hearing Location History Hearing Aids Testimonials

Home About Hearing Help for poor hearing History Hearing Aids Testimonials

Daryle Conlin

Conviently located on the upper level of the Amsterdam River Front Center. 2440 Riverfront Center Amsterdam ,NY 12010. Open by appointment.

1 (518) 210-5440
e-mail me

Hearing Loss in Adults

Hearing loss in adults has many causes such as disease or infection, ototoxic drugs, exposure to noise, tumors, trauma, and the aging process. This loss may or may not be accompanied by tinnitus, ringing in the ears. Tinnitus can occur by itself without any hearing loss.

Here are some of the causes of hearing loss in adults.

Otosclerosis is a disease involving the middle ear capsule, specifically affecting the movement of the stapes (one of the three tiny bones in the middle ear).

Meniere's disease affects the membranous inner ear and is characterized by deafness, dizziness (vertigo), and ringing in the ear (tinnitus).

Medications used to manage some diseases are damaging to the auditory system (ototoxic) and cause hearing loss. Some of the specific drugs known to be ototoxic are aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as streptomycin, neomycin, kanamycin); salicylates in large quantities (aspirin), loop diuretics (lasix, ethacrynic acid); and drugs used in chemotherapy regimens (cisplatin, carboplatin, nitrogen mustard).

Exposure to harmful levels of noise results in noise-induced hearing loss . The prolonged exposure causes damage to the hair cells in the cochlea and results in permanent hearing loss. The noise-induced hearing loss usually develops gradually and painlessly. Hearing loss can also occur as a result of an acoustic trauma, or a single exposure or very few exposures to very high levels of sound.

An acoustic neuroma is an example of a tumor that causes hearing loss. Acoustic neuromas arise in the eighth cranial nerve (acoustic nerve). The first symptom is reduction of hearing in one ear accompanied by a feeling of fullness.

Trauma can also result in hearing loss. Examples include fractures of the temporal bone, puncture of the eardrum by foreign objects, and sudden changes in air pressure.

Loss of hearing as a result of the aging process is called presbycusis. The process involves degeneration of the inner ear (cochlea). Presbycusis can also involve other parts of the auditory system. The hearing loss is progressive in nature with the high frequencies affected first. While the process begins after age 20, it is typically at ages 55 to 65 that the high frequencies in the speech range begin to be affected.

Help for those who are hearing impaired--
from the hearing instrument specialist.

Hearing Aids

The Latest Technology offers comfort, and performance in noisy situations.

Receiver In The Ear (RITE) Epoq, with true high speed binaural processing and Bluetooth connectivity, Epoq takes hearing instrument performance to a new level. This hearing aid offers the greatest connectivity to other electronic devices; cell phones, televisions, stereos, and Blue Tooth enabled. For more information, check the manufacturers web site.

Receiver In The Ear (RITE) Vigo, a new digital hearing instrument, Vigo will give you more to help your hearing perform at its best--in the situations you care about the most.

Receiver In The Ear (RITE) Delta; which is one of our most successful models, wear and go models. It's a very simple hearing aid to wear, it offers tremendous performance and flexibility for the busy person.

How to choose the right one

That's easy! Talk to me, your professional hearing technologist.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, any question is a good one and deserving of an answer. If your your salesperson is not willing to help you, find one who will. Hearing aids do require care and maintenance by a trained professional. Buy from someone you trust.

We have hearing aids that start at $750.

Hearing aid electronics

The technology inside hearing aids also differs. Hearing aid electronics control how sound is transferred from the environment to your inner ear. All hearing aids amplify sounds, making them louder so that you can hear them better. But various technologies do this differently, including:

Basic analog. This conventional technology amplifies all sounds equally. Your hearing aid specialist sets the amplification level, though it can be adjusted later. Loud sounds might require you to manually turn down the volume on your hearing aid. Analog hearing aids are slowly being phased out. Some companies make only digital hearing aids.
Programmable . The programmability of this technology means your hearing aid specialist can adjust these aids to amplify sounds differently. Softer sounds can be amplified more, and loud sounds can be amplified less or not at all. If you have this type of technology in your hearing aid, you might not need to adjust the volume in loud situations, as you would with basic analog electronics. These aids are being replaced by more flexible digital instruments.
Digital. With this type of technology, a computer chip converts the incoming sound into digital code, then analyzes and adjusts the sound based on your hearing loss and listening needs. The signals are then converted back into sound waves and delivered to your ears. The result is sound that's more finely tuned to your hearing loss. Digital hearing aids are available in all styles, and the price you pay will depend on the features you choose. More advanced digital signal processing capabilities tend to translate into higher cost.

Hearing aid enhancements

Directional microphones. These microphones pick up sounds coming from in front of you better than coming from behind or beside you. This technology improves your ability to hear when you're in an environment with a lot of background noise. Typically you'll have both a regular microphone and a directional microphone, so you can switch between the two types. This might require a larger hearing aid to accommodate the two microphones.
Telephone adapters. This technology, also referred to as telecoils, makes it easier to hear when talking on the telephone. Flipping a switch directs your hearing aid to eliminate sounds from your environment and pick up sounds from the telephone only. Keep in mind that this technology works only with telephones designated as hearing aid compatible — most cordless phones and cell phones aren't.

Before you make a purchase

Seek a referral to a reputable registered hearing aid dispenser. If you don't know one, ask your doctor for a referral. A registered hearing aid dispenser will work with you to find a hearing aid that best fits your needs and desires. This person takes an impression of your ear canal, chooses the most appropriate aid and adjusts the device to fit well. Be cautious of free consultations and people who sell only one brand of hearing aid.
Ask about a trial period. A hearing aid should come with an adaptation period. It may take you a while to get used to the device and decide if it's useful. Have the seller put in writing the cost of a trial and whether this amount is credited toward the final cost of the hearing aid.
Check for a warranty. Make sure the hearing aid includes a warranty that covers both parts and labor for a specified amount of time.
Beware of misleading claims. Hearing aids can't restore normal hearing or eliminate all background noise. Beware of advertisements or salespeople who claim otherwise.

Breaking in your hearing aid

One common misconception is that the aid restores normal hearing just as corrective lenses restore normal vision. Hearing aids do not restore hearing to normal. As a general rule, a hearing aid usually improves hearing by one-half of the loss.

The Future

Hearing aid research is going on all the time. Better instruments and better circuits are being developed right now. If you have hearing loss, don't wait to get help. Just like computers, there will always be something better in the future; the future is exciting, but so is what is available today. Don't wait to hear well.

What to consider

Many people with hearing loss aren't interested in hearing aids. Be honest with yourself. Wearing a hearing aid is much less noticeable than is constantly asking people to repeat themselves or responding to a question with an unrelated answer.

The truth is that a well-fitted hearing aid can greatly enhance your ability to interact with others. Hearing aids can minimize many problems that go along with hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding conversations or hearing timers and beepers. And they can help combat feelings of social isolation.

If your hearing loss affects your ability to communicate with others or makes you feel self-conscious, it may be time to consider a hearing aid. Though it may be awkward at first, over time you'll adjust to the device and enjoy your enhanced ability to hear and communicate in a variety of situations. By wearing your hearing aid regularly and taking good care of it, you'll likely notice significant improvements in your quality of life.

It's no fun to sit in a room filled with friends and family and be isolated. Rejoin the world right now!

Home About Hearing Help for poor hearing Location History Hearing Aids Testimonials