Untreated hearing loss is associated with poorer health. Thus, hearing aids are no longer considered optional for treating hearing loss.
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.
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:
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 is led by audiologist Dr. Melanie Hecker. Dr. Hecker is a leader in the field and is the current President of the Washington State Academy of Audiology. While her comprehensive clinic treats all audiological issues, she is particularly passionate about tinnitus management.
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.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is a pandemic coronavirus that is similar to virus that caused the SARS outbreak in 2002. It is a respiratory virus not related to the viruses that cause flu. COVID-19 did not come from a bioterror lab.
There are signs that COVID-19 causes heart damage. The CDC has great COVID-19 resources.
How quickly can COVID-19 spread?
How social distancing can slow COVID-19
COVID-19 and hearing loss with links to ASL resources
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Dr. Ruffin was the first person in over 10 years to actually take the time to really listen to me. He took the time to figure out what’s actually going on without chalking it up to something simple and sending me on my way.
I really appreciated Chad's honesty with options, having surgery being a last result and most of all explaining everything in layman's terms. I couldn't be happier with my experience and really appreciate him getting to the bottom of my ear issue and making it feel better than it ever has!
Dr. Ruffin was incredibly knowledgeable, thorough and compassionate. He took the time to fully understand the issues and was able to provide immediate relief. Nothing short of a miracle here. Furthermore, the entire team was very kind and professional. One of the best medical experiences I have had!
