Resources for Hearing Loss, Tinnitus & Vertigo

Hearing Aids

Untreated hearing loss is associated with poorer health. Thus, hearing aids are no longer considered optional for treating hearing loss.

Cohlear Implants

Cochlear implants (CIs) are surgically implanted devices that bypass the damaged structures of the inner ear to create a sense of sound. They provide a sense of hearing for those with severe and profound hearing losses.

While results are very variable, CIs typically provide good speech perception in quiet. However, the poor clarity makes it difficult to hear in background noise and appreciate music. This simulation and a more in-depth simulation demonstrate the poor pitch perception provided by cochlear implants. Remember, these are simulations, CI patients do not hear the hiss, noise, and static.

Cochlear implant companies advertise many different features. Currently there is no evidence that suggests that one manufacturer has better outcomes than another.

Cohlear Implants resources

Tinnitus

Tinnitus resources

Single Sided Deafness

  • Single sided deafness (SSD) occurs when severe hearing loss occurs in only one ear. This may be the result of many conditions: sudden sensorineural hearing loss, Meniere’s disease and cochlear hydrops, head trauma, tumors, and less commonly, cholesteatoma and otosclerosis.
  • In SSD, only one ear is “operational,” but to hear effectively in noise and locate sound sources, two ears (binaural hearing) are needed. Binaural hearing takes advantage of time of arrival and  loudness cues to localize sound and hear through noise. For example, a sound coming from a car approaching your left will arrive sooner at and be louder in your left ear than the right ear. This forms the basis for sound localization. Your brainstem performs very complex signal analysis to allow you to hear better in background noise than nearly any computer algorithm currently available.
  • So SSD has significant effects on hearing and for safety. Some people are able to adapt well, but most have some disability with SSD.
  • Treating SSD involves several steps:
  • Ensure that there is no underlying disease such as tumors that could threaten health.
  • Treat the underlying cause of hearing loss.
  • Address hearing, either through hearing aids or cochlear implants.
single sided deafness resources

Vertigo

  • NIDCD Balance Disorders Center provides an overview of balance disorders.
  • The most common type of dizziness, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a type of dizziness that lasts seconds. It is most often provoked by turning over in bed. It is diagnosed with the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. This maneuver determines the affected ear and which Epley maneuver to perform.
  • Vestibular.org is a great resource for vestibular disorders for both patients and providers.
  • Falls can be deadly in older patients with dizziness or imbalance issues. This article from the New York Times has great fall prevention strategies.
Vertigo resources

Trusted Partners

Cascade Dizziness & Balance Physical Therapy

Cascade Dizziness & Balance Physical Therapy in Leshi specializes exclusively in the rehabilitation of balance disorders. They are delightful group. They particularly enjoy helping older patients recover from the fear of falling. Their indoor “obstacle course” is a testament to their innovation. Cascade also hosts the patient support group, Seattle Dizzy Group.

Northgate Hearing Services

Cascade Dizziness & Balance Physical Therapy in Leshi specializes exclusively in the rehabilitation of balance disorders. They are delightful group. They particularly enjoy helping older patients recover from the fear of falling. Their indoor “obstacle course” is a testament to their innovation. Cascade also hosts the patient support group, Seattle Dizzy Group.

Mama Hu Hears

Dr. Michelle Hu is a pediatric audiologist who also has bilateral cochlear implants. She has created a video curriculum for parents of children with hearing loss. The goal of this series is to help parents navigate their feelings as well as the bigger issues with pediatric hearing loss.

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Dr. Ruffin is committed to providing every patient with outstanding care.