Hearing problems are much more common than you might think – whilst older people are more likely to have hearing issues, they can affect people of any age, so it is important to get your hearing tested regularly to prevent any health effects this may cause.
A hearing test is usually the best way to get your hearing checked. If you have any queries about your hearing, it would be worth booking a hearing test by a trained professional. It is important to find out what does a hearing test show before having one so that you have all the information needed at your disposal.
A hearing test is a measurement of the sensitivity of a person’s hearing. The official term for a hearing test is an audiogram and will be performed by an audiologist, who will measure the quietest sound that can be heard across several points covering the speech range. It is also important to mention any hearing issues you have at a hearing test as this will help the audiologist to advise on your health accordingly.
During a hearing test, the audiologist will explain everything that is going to happen and introduce themselves. They will then check if there are any reasons the hearing test cannot go ahead and will look for blockages within the ears. Before the audiogram is started, the audiologist will provide a consultation with the patient and ask them questions about their hearing history, with questions usually being asked about when their hearing difficulties started and the health issues they have faced as a result.
They may also ask about how the hearing issues have affected their life and the problems these hearing difficulties have caused. After this, the audiogram will commence and usually lasts between 20 – 30 minutes. A number of sounds will be played through headphones for the patient (each ear will be tested separately) and the patient will be asked to respond to these sounds.
You can find more detailed information on hearing tests in our article ‘Hearing Tests: What to Expect and How to Prepare‘
The results of a hearing test will show whether the patient has any hearing loss, usually from sensorineural hearing loss (damage to the nerve or cochlea) or conductive hearing loss (damage to the eardrum or the tiny ossicle bones). This will enable the patient to receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment, which will help to keep them healthy in the long run and may also prevent further damage to the ears.
Booking a hearing test is easy and simple. You can go through the NHS or privately. Online tests can be conducted, however, these may not be as reliable and it is recommended that you get your test completed by a professional.
Almond Hearing can answer what does a hearing test show in more detail and offer exceptional customer service and if hearing aids are needed, will be able to provide the most suitable brand for you. We have a small practice consisting of 2 audiologists who can provide a personal service in Lothian, with a convenient location and ample parking also provided for the ease of patients.
As the name suggests, this type of hearing loss refers specifically to a person losing the ability to hear high frequencies, and in many cases, can eventually lead to the use of a hearing aid. This type of hearing loss can also be an early sign of more significant hearing loss to come. By identifying any hearing problems via a hearing test, there may be steps you’re able to take to treat, mitigate and prevent further hearing loss from occurring. Let’s take a look at the causes of high-frequency hearing loss and answer the question, can high-frequency hearing loss be reversed?
There are many causes of high-frequency hearing loss, but the most common are aging, repeated exposure to loud noise, and underlying medical conditions which can also affect hearing. Your ear contains sensory cells which detect vibrations in the air and are interpreted by your brain as sound. If these cells become damaged, you can lose the ability to hear certain frequencies.
As the cells which distinguish higher frequencies are near the base of the cochlear and therefore closer to the outside of the ear, they tend to get damaged first, which is why these frequencies are usually the first to go as we get older, or whenever hearing loss occurs.
In most cases, high-frequency hearing loss can not be reversed. However, that doesn’t mean that treatments don’t exist that can help to alleviate the symptoms of the problem.
The main treatment for most hearing loss is hearing aids. A hearing aid is a device that can amplify sounds of certain frequencies, making it easier to hear them. Most hearing loss is gradual and partial, more like turning down the volume as opposed to pressing the mute button, so hearing aids can essentially reverse the effects of some hearing loss. As hearing aids become smaller, less intrusive and more sensitive, they become better and better at offering as clear a sound as possible for the user.
Even though high-frequency hearing loss can not be reversed, that doesn’t mean you should see it as an inevitability. There are many steps in your day-to-day life that you can take in order to protect yourself from hearing loss.
The main thing you can do to prevent all hearing loss, not just that of high frequencies, is to reduce your exposure to loud noise – especially noises of over 85 decibels, which is internationally recognised as the safe limit for your ears. Avoiding loud noises as much as possible will help extend the lifespan of the cells in your ears responsible for hearing, so in this case, prevention is much better than a cure.
You may be exposed to noises of 85 decibels and over more often than you might expect. For example, hairdryers, lawnmowers and power tools may put out that volume or higher, and in some cases, ear defenders or earplugs may feel excessive, but if you are going to be around sustained loud noises regularly, it’s definitely worth looking into what equipment may help to protect your ears.
If the answer to ‘can high-frequency hearing loss be reversed?’ has concerned you, or you just have questions about hearing loss and hearing aids, please contact us at Almond Hearing on 01506 888 478. Book a hearing test in Livingston and one of our experts will be happy to assess your hearing.
Ear infections can be painful and uncomfortable but usually pass within a few days. If you are having them repeatedly or you have an ear infection that won’t go away, it could potentially cause hearing loss or permanent damage to the ear. Most hearing loss due to an ear infection is temporary, but it is important to check your hearing levels regularly. We take a look at what a chronic ear infection is, can chronic ear infections cause hearing loss and what to do if you are suffering from hearing loss
A chronic ear infection is when an ear infection doesn’t go away or keeps coming back. Symptoms include pain in the ear, high temperature, difficulty hearing, discharge from the ear and sickness. Most ear infections should clear up within three days so if it lasts longer than this, seek medical advice. If you have been having ear infections often and are repeatedly struck down by painful earache and dizziness, there is a risk of permanent hearing loss.
Some ear infections can temporarily cause hearing loss as the ears get congested and this can also affect balance. Once the ear infection has healed, your hearing should return. If you continue to notice that sounds seem muffled or distorted, it’s a good idea to get a hearing test booked with a professional audiologist. Some signs of hearing loss include listening to the TV louder than you normally would, asking people to repeat themselves and having difficulties hearing on the phone. It is more likely to be hearing loss caused by a chronic ear infection if you have a feeling like your ear is blocked or you have difficulty hearing in just one ear or itchiness.
Treating an ear infection quickly with antibiotics is important and can reduce the risk of a recurring hearing problem. Try to stop water or shampoo from getting into your ear and don’t ever put anything inside your ear to remove wax. It’s also important to have a follow-up exam and hearing test with an audiology expert to assess your hearing after your ear infection has cleared up. If you have been suffering from hearing loss and there is permanent damage to your hearing, there are a variety of solutions available, including hearing aids and ear wax removal by an expert audiologist. Regular hearing tests are especially important as they can monitor your hearing for any degeneration and suggest ways to improve it.
If you’re worried about hearing loss and would like to know more about can chronic ear infections cause hearing loss, our friendly team of expert audiologists are here to help. Book a hearing test in Livingstone and call Almond Hearing on 01506 888 478 today.
Hearing loss is one of the most common problems people face in old age. While hearing loss isn’t always avoidable, there are some specific steps you can take to prevent its onset.
It’s also important to note that hearing loss can start at any age, so prevention measures should be implemented as early as possible and be a regular habit for the rest of your life. Below we explain how to prevent hearing loss in old age.
1. Avoid deafening noise
Unfortunately, most people, not just the elderly, are now experiencing hearing loss due to environmental factors. It’s essential to reduce the volume in your life by turning down your TV, car stereo, and especially when using devices such as earphones or earbuds. Always make sure the volume doesn’t exceed 50% on your music devices. It’s essential to always wear ear protection when prolonged exposure to loud sounds is expected, such as working around machinery. You should also wear ear protection around power tools, generators and lawn mowers.
2. Embrace proper hygiene
Poor hygiene habits can lead to a build-up of wax in your ears, it’s crucial to never stick any object in your ear or scratch your ear to remove it. This is one of the leading causes of most ear infections or damage.
Please consult a doctor if you believe ear wax has something to do with your hearing loss. During air travel, yawn frequently, especially when the plane is landing and take a decongestant if you have a cold, flu, sinus infection or any other respiratory problem.
3. Check your medication for hearing loss risks
Some medications such as antibiotics, cancer-related drugs or even high doses of aspirin can cause ear damage. If you take prescribed medication, always confirm with your doctor to ensure you aren’t at risk of hearing loss. If you have to take medication that can harm your ears, it’s important to have regular ear check-ups.
4. Change your lifestyle
If you’re a smoker and have hearing issues, now may be a good time to quit. Studies show that smokers are more likely to suffer from hearing loss than non-smokers.
Regular exercise such as a brisk walk can help increase blood flow in the ears. An increase in blood flow improves the cells in your inner ear, which are responsible for translating sound into electric impulses for your brain to understand. You experience hearing loss when these cells degenerate.
5. Have your hearing tested
Do not hesitate to see an audiologist if you suspect you or your elderly loved one is experiencing hearing loss. If you damage your ears, this can’t be reversed, but further damage is preventable.
It’s essential to make an appointment for a hearing test if you:
• Have family members with hearing loss (hearing loss can be genetic)
• Have trouble hearing in between conversations
• Are around a loud environment regularly
• Hear a ringing sound in your ears regularly
• You haven’t had a hearing test before
At Almond Hearing, we provide hearing aids to patients all over Scotland. If you require a regular hearing test in Livingston or would like to arrange to have new hearing aids fitted, please contact us today.
A member of our team will be happy to arrange an appointment at your convenience. If you would like to know more about how to prevent hearing loss in old age, we’re more than happy to help.
If you have recently been for a hearing test in Livingston, you may have heard the term ‘tympanic membrane’ used during your appointment. In this article, we explain what the tympanic membrane is and how to identify problems with your eardrum.
Commonly known as the eardrum, the tympanic membrane stands between the outer and middle ear. This cone-shaped membrane is made of thin connective tissue with skin on the outside and mucosa on its inner surface. Its purpose is to transmit sound – when sound waves reach the tympanic membrane they make it vibrate and these vibrations then travel through the tiny bones of the middle ear and on to the inner ear.
A perforated, or ruptured, eardrum is a relatively common and painful problem that can result in temporary hearing loss. Put simply, having a perforated eardrum means that a hole or tear has appeared in the tympanic membrane. While a perforated eardrum can heal naturally over the course of a few weeks, those experiencing the below symptoms should seek help from a hearing specialist so that the exact issue can be diagnosed and treated if necessary.
If you are suffering from a perforated eardrum, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
– Earache, or a sudden pain in your ear that may resolve quickly
– Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
– Vertigo
– Hearing loss (this may be complete in the affected ear, or your hearing might just be muffled)
– Fluid leaking from the ear
– Itching in the ear
– A high temperature
There are several common causes of a perforated eardrum. These include:
A middle ear infection (otitis media):
Middle ear infections can cause fluids to accumulate in the middle ear and the pressure of this fluid build-up can cause the tympanic membrane to rupture.
Barotrauma:
Barotrauma happens when a difference in air pressure between the middle ear and external environment puts stress on the eardrum. This most often happens when travelling on an aeroplane. If the pressure difference is severe, the eardrum can rupture. Some steps can be taken while flying to avoid this, including using pressure-equalising earplugs, or chewing gum or yawning while taking off and landing.
Loud sounds (acoustic trauma):
A loud sound, or a blast from an explosion or gunshot, can sometimes cause a tear in the tympanic membrane. For this reason, it is important to use adequate ear protection when working in a noisy environment, or when enjoying hobbies such as game hunting or clay pigeon shooting.
Damage caused by foreign objects:
When small objects are inserted into the ear they can easily damage the tympanic membrane. It isn’t uncommon for people to accidentally rupture an eardrum while attempting to remove ear wax using a cotton bud, or a sharper implement. For this reason, you shouldn’t try to remove ear wax by yourself at home. Your local hearing clinic will be able to offer safer and more effective methods of ear wax removal, such as micro suction.
If you are concerned that you may be suffering from a perforated eardrum and would like more information on what the tympanic membrane is, the first step is to get in contact with a hearing specialist. Based in Livingston and serving West Lothian and the surrounding areas, Almond Hearing boasts a small team of friendly and highly-knowledgeable audiologists. Get in touch today, or view our other services including hearing tests, hearing aids and wax removal.
Tympanometry is a type of hearing test that determines the state of the middle ear of a patient. The middle ear is known for transmitting sound from the outer ear to the inner ear. Fluidor infection can create a build-up of pressure which can lead to hearing problems. Ensuring that these issues are dealt with promptly will allow you to follow the correct method of treatment. Hearing tests and treatments are constantly evolving, particularly the types of tests and equipment used for this. So, let’s take a closer look at what is a tympanometry test below.
Tympanometry is used to obtain important information about a patient’s ear. This indicates, for example, the mobility of the tympanic membrane during the variation of air pressure. It will help diagnose hearing loss or any related aspect that has occurred with the eardrum or within the three ossicles of the ear (hammer, incus and stapes). Tympanometry is a simple test, but it is also complementary to other more exhaustive ones. This includes audiometry, which can be discussed with your hearing professional.
Thanks to this test and the response given by the tympanic membrane, various aspects related to hearing can be defined. The main objective is to determine the nature of the conductive hearing loss. But also, more valuable information can be extracted.
This includes if there is inflammation of the ear or a problem with one of the ossicles of the ear. The results will be able to verify the reaction of the ear to certain stimuli (the pressure variation) and said data will be very important when a specialist takes certain future actions.
To perform this type of hearing test, the tip of a probe needs to be inserted into the external auditory canal until a tight seal is achieved. Once the conditions are met, the results regarding the tympanic membrane can be extracted. During tympanometry, the patient’s ear is exposed to different pressures. It is important that you do not speak, move or swallow during this test , as this could alter pressure levels and therefore give incorrect results. It is a painless test that should cause no discomfort or pain at all. Your audiologist will talk you through the entire test to ensure full comfort and ease.
If you’re searching for hearing aids in Livingston, then a simple tympanometry test can allow an audiologist to diagnose your type of hearing problem and offer you the best hearing aid for the condition. They can also provide accurate test results to form a precise treatment plan. This technology is a useful way to detect any hearing issues instantly.
For more information on what is a tympanometry test, please do not hesitate to call our clinic or complete an online form.
Our sense of hearing is essential in our everyday life. However, when our hearing deteriorates, we face many difficulties. Conversations in noisy surroundings become exhausting and we find having to ask people to repeat themselves embarrassing. This can translate to our workplace and we may feel as if we are struggling to keep up. An audiologist can assess your hearing and give you information on relevant treatments. This may include hearing aids or medication. Loud noise exposure at work and hereditary markers may play a role in the type of hearing loss you could acquire. That’s why regular hearing tests are vital, but how often should you get your hearing tested?
A hearing test is conducted via a specialist who diagnoses if you have hearing loss. The audiologist will use a test known as audiometry to determine the degree of hearing loss. These tests are painless and comfortable and will give you immediate results.
Make sure you tell the hearing specialist everything relating to your current issue or any difficulties you have encountered. A hearing test will usually take place in a soundproof booth or similar room that is isolated from any noise. A common test carried out is a tone audiogram, where different tones are played to you through special headphones. The tone frequency varies from 62 to 12,000 Hertz, so it starts with imperceptible tones and then becomes steadily louder. As soon as you hear a tone for the first time, you press a button or give a hand signal. The data obtained is then evaluated using an audiogram. This will determine what type of treatment you need.
A hearing test should be part of your annual health inspection. If you become aware of a hearing condition early, you can prevent further hearing loss by protecting your hearing accordingly. You may need to use suitable hearing aids to assist with better hearing.
Yearly hearing checks are recommended for those over 60. For people under 60, every five years will often suffice. However, if you notice any changes to your hearing, you must immediately consult an audiologist for a hearing exam. Knowing the signs of hearing loss will ensure that you can get the correct help, so symptoms to look out for are:
Your yearly hearing test doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re searching for a private hearing clinic in Livingston, Scotland, you should take some time to look at Almond Hearing. Hearing tests and hearing aids can offer the recipient a better quality of life. If your hearing loss is detected early, however, it is easier to restore selective hearing. There are a variety of other issues connected to hearing loss, including Meniere’s disease, fluid build-up and middle and inner ear issues. It is best to be proactive and ensure you book your hearing test with us today.
If you’re having problems with your hearing, you may need to consult with various specialists. You should first consult your doctor or an ENT specialist to see if your hearing loss is due to a medical condition. Sometimes the doctor will discover a treatable issue, such as an ear infection or a blockage. However, you may need to consult a different type of specialist for additional testing or assistance with your hearing loss in other circumstances. This might be an audiologist or hearing aid specialist. There are similarities and differences between the two, so let’s take a look at these below.
Audiologists and hearing aid experts are trained to assess and treat hearing issues. They each have extensive training and experience in their respective fields and both of them can evaluate your hearing and provide you with recommendations. However, audiologists tend to carry out a more extensive range of tests and treatments while hearing aid specialists specialise in finding the best hearing aid for you. If you have age-related hearing loss or another relatively straightforward issue that may be treated with a hearing aid, you are more likely to consult a hearing aid expert
Because the distinctions between audiologists and hearing aid experts are nuanced, it is easy to become confused about who you are visiting. However, there are some critical distinctions in what these two pros can offer you.
If you have trouble hearing or balancing, an audiologist can figure out what is wrong. If you need specialised tests that your doctor or a hearing aid expert can not provide, you will go to them instead.
They can also recommend and fit hearing aids and provide other services such as cochlear implants and balance issue rehabilitation. In addition, they are qualified to treat more unusual types of hearing loss and can assist in more complex cases, such as individuals with special requirements.
A hearing aid specialist can assess your hearing and assist you in selecting the best hearing aid for your needs. Visiting a hearing aid expert is similar to visiting an optician for glasses. They usually work with patients who have hearing loss due to age but can also fit hearing aids for people with other hearing issues.
You may need to consult an audiologist or hearing aid specialist if you have hearing problems, but which one is suitable for you?
You will typically only need to see an audiologist if your ENT consultant refers you to one. As opposed to hearing aid experts, audiologists deal with more specialised cases, so your doctor may send you to one to understand more about your issue. Additional tests performed by the audiologist may aid with your diagnosis or ensure that your treatment is more targeted. If you have special requirements that make a hearing test difficult, you should consult an audiologist.
You can see a hearing aid specialist on your own or with a doctor’s referral. If you’re concerned about your hearing, you can schedule a test without visiting a doctor. If the hearing aid specialist notices any other issues, such as an underlying medical condition, they may refer you to an ENT specialist or an audiologist. You can also consult a doctor to determine the cause of your hearing loss. If your doctor feels a hearing aid would help, you will be referred to a hearing aid expert who will fit you with one. A hearing aid specialist will conduct a hearing test and then assist you in choosing and using the appropriate hearing device. Regular check-ups will be required to ensure that you get the most out of your hearing aids.
It is possible to consult with an audiologist and a hearing aid specialist. For example, you may initially visit an audiologist to better understand your hearing loss before being directed to a hearing aid expert for fitting. If your hearing aid expert identifies a more complex problem when testing your hearing, you may be referred to an audiologist. Audiologists, hearing aid specialists, ENT consultants, and other specialists frequently collaborate to provide you with the best possible care.
To learn more about whether you need to see an audiologist or hearing aid specialist, contact the team at Almond Hearing today. We’re more than happy to answer any questions you have about hearing tests in Livingstone too.
You can find out more about Almond Hearing in this blog post about our beginnings: Almond Hearing, one year on.
Tinnitus is an issue within the ear, wherein a patient hears abnormal noises, often described as a ringing in the ears. Tinnitus sufferers may also experience other noises, such as buzzing, whistling and hissing. Like most health issues, patients may experience tinnitus to different degrees – for some, it may be constant, whereas for others, it may be intermittent. But what causes it and how is tinnitus treated?
There are a number of things that can cause tinnitus. It can appear suddenly, or may come on slowly, getting worse as time develops. Whilst the causes of tinnitus aren’t always clear, there are several things that are known to cause tinnitus. These include damage to the ears, age related hearing loss, ear infections, an ear wax build-up and being exposed to loud noises/listening to loud music frequently.
There are also some disorders which can lead to tinnitus, such as the inherited condition otosclerosis, and Meniere’s disease. However, tinnitus can occur without any of these issues, and many people will experience it temporarily at some point in their lives – for example, if the patient attends a loud music concert.
At the time of writing, there is no set cure for tinnitus, although research into the disease is currently active, so this may change in the future. When there is an underlying cause to the patient’s tinnitus, attempts can be made to treat it, depending on the thing that is causing the issue. A build-up of ear wax can easily be treated at most surgeries – prescription medication may be given, as well as ear drops.
If this doesn’t work, the ears can be cleaned out professionally – this is something that shouldn’t be attempted by the patient themselves, in case they cause more damage to the ears. Tinnitus caused by hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids. Ear infections causing tinnitus can be treated medically, and tinnitus caused by over-exposure to loud noises/music may be lessened by the patient wearing ear plugs or attempting to avoid loud noises in the future (although the tinnitus may not go away completely in these situations).
For other causes of tinnitus (or if a specific cause can’t be found), other treatments are available, usually focusing on managing the condition, rather than eliminating it completely. Patients may be offered counseling in order to be able to manage the condition and cope with it more effectively – cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to help patients to think about their tinnitus differently, in order to make it less noticeable.
Something called sound therapy may also be used. This is a treatment where the patient is asked to listen to a selection of neutral sounds to distract them from the noise their tinnitus creates. Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is another option that may be offered, aiming to retrain the way the brain responds to the noises caused by tinnitus, so the patient is able to tune it out and ignore their tinnitus.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, contact Almond Hearing for a professional tinnitus assessment in Scotland today. Almond Hearing provides expert advice and exceptional customer service for all your hearing needs.
Tinnitus can be a bothersome problem that impacts on well-being and quality of life. As it isn’t a condition itself, but the result of an underlying problem, when to see an audiologist about tinnitus includes when you notice its symptoms and when it causes you difficulty. As tinnitus is a common problem for many, National Tinnitus Week takes place in February every year.
Tinnitus is a common condition that often presents as a ringing sound. It affects around 10% of the adult population. People with tinnitus might also describe it as a buzzing, roaring, rushing or beating noise. Tinnitus can occur in one or both ears and be persistent or intermittent.
In the UK, the NHS recommends you see a GP if you suspect you might have tinnitus. Your doctor will perform a thorough examination and will often refer you to an audiologist for a checkup, tests and a hearing assessment. It’s usually prudent to see both a medical practitioner and an audiologist.
If a GP does not refer you to an audiologist themselves, you can make an appointment with a hearing clinic yourself, as tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss.
Tinnitus is not a disease but it may be caused by infection or a condition. Tinnitus is an annoying problem for many people who experience it. It’s not a sign of mental problems. Often the cause of tinnitus can be easily treated.
An audiologist will perform a comprehensive, diagnostic tinnitus assessment. This will include a hearing test and a physical examination of the ear to identify any potential disorders.
The audiologist will aim to identify the cause of tinnitus. They will consider whether it is caused by a range of problems including damage to the auditory nerves or blockages from ear wax. A doctor might also seek to rule out head and neck tumours, uncontrolled high blood pressure and thickening or hardening of the arteries – all of which can cause tinnitus.
You might also be asked to have a tympanometry. This is a test to measure pressure inside the ears. Some patients might also undergo an MRI scan, a CT scan and/or ultrasound scans.
You should seek urgent attention if you experience tinnitus and have suffered a head injury, it is accompanied by sudden hearing loss, or if you have symptoms of vertigo such as a loss of balance or a spinning sensation.
Also, seek urgent help if your tinnitus is causing you high levels of distress that is affecting your daily life. If the tinnitus appears to beat in time with your pulse, this could be a sign of pulsatile tinnitus and you should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
There are a range of treatment options for tinnitus. Often the reason for experiencing tinnitus symptoms is not a serious one. Hearing aids are one of the most effective options for many people with tinnitus. Other treatments include cognitive and behavioral therapies.
Now you know when to see an audiologist about tinnitus, don’t hesitate to book an appointment. Serving people in Edinburgh and West Lothian and providing hearing tests in Livingston and hearing aids in Livingston, Almond Hearing can help ease or eliminate the problem of tinnitus. Get in touch for further advice or to book an appointment.
