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The inner ear is a remarkable sensory organ responsible for our ability to hear and maintain balance. It is composed of a complex network of cells and structures that work together to detect and interpret sound waves and movement.

Recent research has uncovered the fascinating phenomenon of cell self-organization in the inner ear, whereby cells are able to organize themselves into precise patterns and structures without external guidance or intervention. This self-organization is essential for the development and function of the inner ear, and understanding the mechanisms involved could have significant implications for the treatment of hearing and balance disorders.

The inner hair cells are the primary sensory cells within the Corti organ, responsible for detecting sound vibrations and converting them into electrical signals. The outer hair cells, on the other hand, play a role in amplifying and sharpening the sound signals detected by the inner hair cells. The supporting cells provide structural support and metabolic functions to the hair cells.

The Corti organ is organized into several layers, with the inner hair cells located closest to the center of the cochlea and the outer hair cells located further out. The precise arrangement of these cells is essential for the detection and interpretation of different frequencies of sound.

Overall, the Corti organ is a remarkable structure that plays a critical role in our ability to hear and interpret sound. Its complex organization and specialized functions highlight the sophistication and precision of the mechanisms involved in auditory perception.

The checkerboard arrangement in the inner ear refers to the pattern of organization of the sensory cells responsible for detecting sound waves and translating them into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. Specifically, in the cochlea of the inner ear, the sensory cells responsible for detecting different frequencies of sound are arranged in a pattern that resembles a checkerboard.

The hair cells are arranged in rows along the length of the cochlea, with different rows responding to different frequencies of sound. Within each row, the hair cells are arranged in a checkerboard pattern, with adjacent hair cells responding to slightly different frequencies of sound. This arrangement allows for precise discrimination of different frequencies of sound, which is essential for hearing and speech perception.

The checkerboard pattern in the inner ear is an example of the remarkable precision and organization of biological systems, and it highlights the complexity and sophistication of the mechanisms involved in our ability to hear and interpret sound.

A recent study conducted by a Japanese research group revealed the checkerboard pattern’s crucial role in hearing. In studying mice, the researchers found that abnormalities in the inner ear resulted in hearing loss. This indicates that further studying the patterns of the inner ear and cell self-organization could lead to a greater understanding of hearing loss and its causes. Furthermore, this checkerboard pattern is found in other sensory organs, including the olfactory epithelium that is responsible for the sense of smell and the retina which is responsible for vision. Additional research could help us better understand sensory organs, how they function, and the diseases and abnormalities that affect them.

For more information about this intriguing new research, we invite you to contact our hearing practice today.

If your hearing loss is worse in one ear than the other, you may have asymmetrical hearing loss. Here is what you need to know about asymmetrical hearing loss.

What is asymmetrical hearing loss?

Asymmetrical hearing loss refers to a condition in which there is a difference in hearing ability between the two ears. This can occur due to a variety of factors such as exposure to loud noise, ear infections, injury, or certain medical conditions. While a slight hearing difference between the two ears is normal, significant variation (more than 10 dB) is not typical. This is classified as asymmetrical hearing loss when the difference is 15 dB or greater.

What causes asymmetrical hearing loss?

Asymmetrical hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Exposure to loud noise — Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. This can be more severe in one ear than the other if the individual is exposed to more noise on one side (e.g., working with loud machinery or attending loud events).
• Ear infections — Ear infections can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss and can be more severe in one ear than the other.
• Trauma — Head injuries or injuries to the ear can cause hearing loss, and this can be more significant in one ear than the other.
• Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, such as Meniere’s disease, otosclerosis, and acoustic neuromas, can lead to asymmetrical hearing loss.
• Tumors — Tumors of the ear or brain can also cause asymmetrical hearing loss.
• Genetic factors — Some genetic disorders can cause asymmetrical hearing loss, such as Usher Syndrome.

It is important to note that in some cases, the cause of asymmetrical hearing loss may not be able to be determined. A hearing specialist can help to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

How is asymmetrical hearing loss treated?

Treatment for asymmetrical hearing loss will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Some common treatment options include:

• Hearing aids — Hearing aids can help to amplify sounds for individuals with hearing loss, even if the hearing loss is asymmetrical. The hearing aids can be programmed to amplify sounds differently in each ear to compensate for the asymmetry.
• Cochlear implants — Cochlear implants can help individuals with severe hearing loss to hear by converting sound into electrical signals that are sent directly to the auditory nerve.
• Bone-anchored hearing devices — A bone-anchored hearing device is surgically implanted. This may be suggested if the hearing loss is too great in one ear to be effectively treated with programmable hearing aids.
• Surgery — In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of the asymmetrical hearing loss. For example, if a tumor is causing the hearing loss, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent further hearing loss and to improve the quality of life.

If you believe that you may have asymmetrical hearing loss, please contact our hearing practice today. We are eager to assist you.

When you listen, you focus on one source of sound, such as the voice of the person you are talking to or the TV show you are watching. Your brain automatically filters out background noise, such as traffic noise, background music, or other conversations happening around you. This can be difficult in some circumstances, and it can be especially challenging if you have hearing loss. However, with practice, you can train your brain to better hear in noise.

Background Noise and Hearing Aids

When you first start using hearing aids, you may find that it is more difficult than it used to be to filter out background noise. This may be because your hearing aids amplify all sounds, not just the ones you want to hear. Do not give in to the temptation to take out your hearing aids. Instead, learn to use your hearing aids’ features to better hear in noise.

With today’s hearing aid technology, you can choose from settings and filters that you may control from your phone, such as background noise reduction. This technology is known as digital signal processing (DSP), which is designed to identify background noise and lower its volume.

Many hearing aids also come with directional microphones, which allow you to choose the direction of sound you want to focus on. For example, if you are attending a concert or play, you can set your aids to focus on the sounds coming from in front of you rather than behind you.

If you are often in situations with lots of background noise, it is best to talk to your hearing aid specialist about the types of hearing aids that will work best for your needs. Your hearing specialist will also be able to help you learn how to use the settings for your hearing aids to best filter out background noise.

Train Your Brain to Hear Better in Noise

In addition to using hearing aids that can filter out background noise, you may also want to try auditory training. The goal of auditory training is to help you learn to more easily distinguish speech from other noise. There are many hearing training apps and programs available on your computer or mobile phone. If you would like more help than an app can offer, you can ask your hearing specialist about auditory rehabilitation.

Auditory training usually targets three key skills needed for effective communication:

1. Working memory — Working memory is necessary during conversation to remember words and their context. Research suggests that declines in working memory can decrease speech understanding in older people.
2. Auditory processing speed — This usually drops as you age, which explains why older people often have trouble keeping up with normal speech speeds.
3. Auditory attention — This skill enables you to filter out distractions and focus on one sound, such as a voice.

With auditory training and hearing aids, you can hear better in noise. To learn more, please contact our hearing specialist today.

If you have untreated hearing loss, you might be missing a lot of sounds in your everyday life. You might have difficulty understanding speech, making conversations with your family and friends challenging. You might not be able to hear your favorite music, movies, or TV shows without turning the volume up much higher than you used to. You might not be able to hear the sounds of nature, like the water rushing past in a river or birds singing in the trees. If you are unable to hear the birds, you might be missing out on more than the sweet sound of bird chirps and whistles. New research shows that seeing and hearing birds is good for your mental health—and if you cannot hear birds, you are missing out on those benefits.

The research, which was published in 2022, found that seeing or hearing birds is associated with an improvement in mental wellbeing. The study was conducted by researchers at King’s College London between April 2018 and October 2021 with 1,292 participants. These participants completed a total of 26,856 assessments with the Urban Mind app, which was developed by King’s College London, landscape architects J&L Gibbons, and arts foundation Nomad Projects. While participants were recruited worldwide, the majority were based in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

In the study, participants used the app to answer questions three times a day about whether they could see or hear birds. They were then asked questions about their mental wellbeing, which allowed researchers to establish an association between the two. Researchers were also able to estimate how long this association lasted.

The results show that seeing or hearing birds is associated with improvements in mental wellbeing in both healthy people and those with depression. Researchers estimate that the positive effects of seeing or hearing birds can last for up to eight hours.

Listening to the sounds of nature has long been hypothesized to benefit mental wellbeing. Many people enjoy listening to nature sounds, including the sounds of birds, to help them relax and relieve stress. However, this is the first study to provide scientific evidence of the connection between seeing or hearing birds and mental wellbeing.

This study shows that going outside and seeing or hearing birds is a simple way to improve your mental wellbeing—with the benefits lasting for up to eight hours! Going outside to watch or listen to birds just once a day could potentially bring noticeable mental health benefits. If you are unable to hear the birds when you are outside, you could be missing out on significant mental wellbeing benefits (not to mention beautiful birdsongs!). With treatment, such as wearing hearing aids, you can once again enjoy the sound of birds, along with many other sounds you may be missing out on if you have untreated hearing loss.

To learn more about the association between hearing birds and mental wellbeing, and to set up an appointment with our hearing aid specialist to ensure that you can hear birds when you are outside, we welcome you to contact our office today.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may have told you that sleep apnea puts you at increased risk for a number of other health conditions, including heart problems, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, liver problems, and more. However, did you know that sleep apnea also increases your risk for hearing loss?

What is sleep apnea?

There is more than one type of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway is obstructed during sleep, typically when the muscles in the throat relax or when the tongue falls back in the mouth. This results in pauses in breathing and causes the person to wake up, often feeling out of breath.

Obstructive sleep apnea is often associated with snoring. Other common symptoms of OSA include excessive daytime drowsiness, irritability, difficulty staying asleep, awakening with a dry mouth, gasping for air during sleep, and difficulty paying attention while awake. Factors that increase a person’s risk for OSA include excess weight, being older, being male, greater neck circumference, smoking, and use of alcohol or sedatives.

What is the link between sleep apnea and hearing loss?

According to a 2022 study published in the journal Clinical Otolaryngology, people with sleep apnea are 21 percent more likely to have hearing loss. The study observed nearly 7,000 older adults in Europe. Based on the results, the study authors urge people with obstructive sleep apnea to undergo screening for hearing loss.

While this study is the most recent one to explore the connection between sleep apnea and hearing loss, it is not the only one. Another study assessed almost 14,000 using in-home sleep apnea studies and on-site audiometric testing. The researchers found that hearing impairment was more common among those who snored, had a higher body mass index (BMI), and had severe sleep apnea.

An additional, smaller study analyzed the oxygen levels of people with severe obstructive sleep apnea. Those with the lowest oxygen levels were much more likely to have hearing impairment.

These studies show that a link exists between hearing loss and sleep apnea. However, researchers are not exactly certain what causes the connection. One theory is that because sleep apnea reduces blood flow to the ears, the ears do not receive enough blood supply to work properly.

Another hypothesis is that years of snoring (strongly associated with sleep apnea) can cause damage to the ears’ sensitive hair cells. This would result in sensorineural hearing loss, with is the most common type of permanent hearing loss.

How can you reduce the risk of hearing loss if you have sleep apnea?

If you have sleep apnea, the best thing you can do for your hearing health and your overall health is to treat your sleep apnea. For most people with OSA, the recommended treatment option is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine that is worn while you sleep. Oral breathing devices may also be available to treat sleep apnea. Other sleep apnea treatments include surgery to correct a blockage and medicine to help you stay awake during the day. In addition, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes like weight loss or smoking cessation.

If you have sleep apnea or you snore, it is important that you receive a hearing screening. Treatment is also available for hearing loss. To learn more about the connection between sleep apnea and hearing loss, and to schedule your appointment with our hearing specialist, we invite you to contact our office today.

Do you have a bad habit you want to break in the New Year?
A habit is a way of behaving that is repeated and occurs subconsciously. These everyday actions become part of us and our identity. Some practices are harmless, while others may appear harmless but are detrimental to our health. Habits can be changed, and it is our responsibility to identify those habits that are harmful and rid ourselves of them. Some habits can harm hearing health. Here are a few of those habits and some steps you can take to rid yourself of them. Protecting your hearing is vital, so it is essential to take steps to protect this precious gift.
Smoking
Smoking is harmful to your health. It is no secret that cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems are directly related to nicotine addiction. Your hearing health is also affected by smoking. Nicotine and carbon dioxide from cigarette smoke tighten the blood vessels in your ears, resulting in restricted blood flow. This depletion of oxygen damages the hair cells in the inner ear resulting in hearing loss.
However, there is some good news, and the benefits of smoking cessation begin just 20 minutes after you quit. Blood pressure drops and circulation improves, which benefits the flow of blood to your ears. If you smoke and would like to stop, check out the American Lung Association or smokefree.gov for help in quitting the habit.
Vaping
Vaping is much like cigarettes in the way it harms your hearing health. E-cigarettes that contain nicotine affect your hearing in the same way as traditional tobacco. Furthermore, these e-juices, filled with chemicals, affect our health in ways that remain unknown. The hidden dangers of vaping are particularly dangerous for young people due to the variety of enticing e-juice flavors.
Drinking
Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages causes numerous problems. It can affect your brain, which can also impact your hearing. Consuming alcohol over long periods damages the central auditory cortex, which is the part of your brain that processes auditory signals. The auditory cortex can shrink as a result of excessive drinking impacting the nerve responsible for processing sound. If you are trying to kick this habit and need some help, contact alcoholics anonymous or use the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator.
Poor Dental Care
Brushing and flossing your teeth not only brightens your smile, but it also helps you hear better. By practicing good dental care habits, you free your mouth from bacteria that can cause infections in your mouth. This oral bacterium can make its way into the bloodstream. Once there, it may cause inflammation and narrowing of the arteries. Hearing health then suffers due to poor circulation. So be sure to brush, floss, and rinse regularly for good dental and hearing care.
Simply Ignoring A Hearing Loss
This last entry may be the most detrimental of all. Ignoring a hearing loss will not make it go away. The long-term health risks associated with disregarding a hearing loss are many and can seriously affect your health. If you have difficulty hearing, now is an excellent time for a hearing evaluation with a hearing healthcare professional.

Over the past several years, studies have indicated a connection between hearing loss and cognitive impairment. While this connection may not be intuitive, mounting evidence from studies across different age groups shows that such a connection does exist.
The majority of past studies focused on older adults, and the findings indicated connections between increased prevalence of dementia and hearing loss, as well as increased difficulty in verbal comprehension and working memory. Determining the causal relationship of such findings is difficult; for example, hearing loss can increase the risk of dementia through reduced social interaction and increased stress and depression. However, it has also been theorized that hearing loss contributes to dementia and other cognitive impairment by draining neural resources through increased listening effort; these neural resources are then unable to be allocated to other cognitive processes.
Although several studies, including those referenced above, focused on hearing loss and cognitive impairment in older adults, one recent study instead examined this connection in younger adults. In this study, researchers monitored the brain activity of 35 young healthy adults between the ages of 18-41 in response to sentences of varying syntactic complexity. As expected, the classic language network of the brain, located in the left frontotemporal cortices, displayed greater activity when the test subjects were given sentences of greater complexity.
However, not all of the findings were as expected; when the test subjects were given complex sentences, increased brain activity also emerged in the right anterior prefrontal cortex, showing a negative correlation with hearing acuity. This type of right frontal activity, indicating brain plasticity, has been previously documented in older adults during language tasks, but it had not been documented in such young, healthy adults. After controlling for age, the right frontal cortex activity still showed a strong association with hearing acuity.
While further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the connection between hearing loss and cognitive ability in younger adults, these findings are still a strong indicator that hearing loss can contribute to cognitive impairment in younger adults. It is hypothesized that the increased brain activity, signaling brain elasticity, may imply depletion of neural resources in the future, ultimately leading to a greater risk of dementia.
So what can be done, especially for young adults, to avoid hearing loss-related cognitive impairment? Young adults are increasingly exposed to noise at dangerous levels on a regular basis; in fact, according to surveys, more than 90 percent of college students use personal music devices, and almost half of these students listen to their music at high volumes that exceed safety standards for occupational noise exposure. This increases the risk of early hearing loss in adolescents and young adults.
To reduce the risk of hearing loss and associated cognitive impairment, it is essential for young adults to avoid exposure to such high volumes of music and other noise. By protecting their hearing, young adults can reduce the risk of dementia, other forms of cognitive impairment, and various negative effects on their wellbeing connected to hearing loss.
For more information on how you can protect your hearing and how to treat hearing loss, please contact us today.

If you have hearing loss, your hearing professional may have recommended that you wear hearing aids. Your journey with hearing aids starts with you choosing your devices. But with so many hearing aids out there, especially with over-the-counter devices now available, how do you know which type of hearing aids to pick? Here are a few things to consider as you select your hearing aids.
Hearing Loss
Many people have hearing loss, but no two people have the exact same hearing loss. Your hearing is unique and your hearing aids should be chosen with your specific hearing loss in mind. Talk to your hearing aid professional about your hearing loss and the types of hearing aids they recommend for your individual hearing needs.
One tip to keep in mind: get hearing aids for both ears. Even if you only have hearing loss in one ear or hearing loss is more severe in one ear, you should wear hearing aids in both ears.
Size
The size of your hearing aid will play a role in how easy it is for other people to see your hearing aid. If it’s important to you that your hearing aid is nearly invisible, talk to your hearing professional about getting a smaller device.
The size of your hearing aid might depend on more than personal preference. Size can be determined by factors like the shape of your ear, your type of hearing loss, and how advanced you want your hearing aids to be.
Style
Years ago, most hearing aids came in just one style. However, today’s hearing aids come in a wide variety of styles. This includes different sizes, colors, finishes, features, and more. You can decide whether you’re comfortable with a “traditional” looking hearing aid or if you prefer a more modern style.
Technology
Again, modern hearing aids come with a wide range of available features. These include technology features like Bluetooth, phone connectivity (if you have a smartphone like an iPhone, Android, or Google phone), connectivity for your TV or computer, control features from a phone app, and more. Talk to your hearing aid professional about how tech-savvy you are and how technologically advanced you want your hearing aids to be. With such a wide range of options, you’re sure to find one that fits your technology needs.
Lifestyle
Do you work? Do you enjoy being active? Do you often participate in outdoor activities? Do you use a cell phone? Do you use a landline? Do you use a radio? All of these factors (and more) should be considered when choosing your hearing aids. Your hearing aid professional will be able to recommend hearing aids that best fit your lifestyle and your specific needs.
Cost
This might be the elephant in the room: cost. More advanced hearing aids are more expensive, while more basic ones are less expensive. Thankfully, there are effective solutions for any price range. Be open when talking to your hearing professional about the cost you are comfortable with. Many hearing practices can offer payment plans, so ask about that as well.
The bottom line is that choosing hearing aids should take into account several factors—and in the end, the selection is very personalized. The best way to get the best hearing aids for you is to work with a hearing aid professional who can consider all of your needs and desires to help you make the best choice. For more information and to set up your appointment with our hearing professional, we welcome you to contact our office today.

The human body is amazing. One of the intriguing aspects of how the body works is that everything is connected—and one part affects all of the other parts. Researchers are still learning new ways that various body systems are connected. One connection you may not know about is that hearing loss and diabetes are linked. Here’s how.
How diabetes can contribute to hearing loss
Researchers believe that high blood glucose levels from untreated or poorly managed diabetes can weaken the ear’s blood vessels, as well as the nerve cells (or “hair cells”) in the inner ear. The hair cells rely on good blood circulation, just like other parts of your body. Once the hair cells are damaged or die, your hearing is permanently affected.
Although most people are not aware of the connection between diabetes and hearing loss, studies make it clear that both conditions are common and often go hand-in-hand. One study by the National Institutes of Health revealed that people with diabetes are more than twice as likely to have mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss than those without diabetes.
This finding was confirmed by researchers who conducted a meta-analysis of 13 studies involving more than 20,000 participants. They found that diabetics are more likely to have hearing loss than those without the disease, regardless of age.
How diabetes and balance are connected
Diabetes can affect your balance as well. This is because diabetes can damage small blood vessels in your inner ear and your vestibular system, which is the part of your ear that helps with balance. As a result, you may be at a greater risk for dizziness and falls.
How to protect your hearing
While you cannot stop the connection between diabetes and hearing loss, you can do your part to manage your diabetes and protect your hearing. Here are a few ways you can do so:

• Control the ABCs of diabetes. These are three key steps to managing your diabetes that can help to lower your risk for heart attack and stroke. Well-controlled diabetes can also lower your risk for hearing loss.
• Become educated about diabetes. Learning how to control your blood sugar, how to get healthy exercise, and how to eat right can all be helpful in managing your diabetes and preventing associated conditions like hearing loss.
• Get your hearing tested annually. This is a good idea even if you do not have diabetes.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight makes it more difficult for your heart to effectively pump blood throughout your body and provide good circulation, including to your ears.
• Get active. Even a moderate amount of daily exercise can help to improve circulation and blood flow. Speak with your doctor about what type of exercise is right for you.
• Protect your ears from excessive noise. If you are in a loud environment like a concert, working with machinery, doing yardwork, or other places where noise may be excessive, wear protective headphones or earplugs. Turn down the volume of the television, car radio, and personal listening devices.

Taking these steps can help you control your diabetes and lower the risk of hearing loss. For more information about the connection between diabetes and hearing loss, we welcome you to contact our practice today.

Hearing aids have been approved for over-the-counter (OTC) use. Congress passed the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 to make hearing aids more accessible for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Several manufacturers already sell them online, and the devices are slated to hit the shelves once the law takes full effect in October 2022. These devices will be sold directly to consumers without an exam or a fitting by an audiologist. With this new option, you may be wondering whether OTC hearing aids are right for you. Here are a few things you need to know about OTC hearing aids.
Where can I get OTC hearing aids?
OTC hearing aids are already being sold online. They will soon be available in pharmacies, stores, and doctors’ offices. If you choose to purchase OTC hearing aids, be sure they come with a comprehensive return policy.
How are OTC hearing aids different?
Over-the-counter hearing aids are not exactly like hearing aids you receive from a hearing aid specialist. Here are a few differences:

• Who fits them: Prescription hearing aids are fit by an audiologist or hearing specialist. OTC hearing aids are self-fit.
• Diagnosis and testing: A hearing specialist conducts hearing tests and diagnoses using advanced equipment. For OTC hearing aids, you will conduct your own approximated self-test and diagnosis depending on the product purchased.
• Degree of hearing loss: Prescription hearing aids can be used to treat any level of hearing loss, from mild to severe. OTC hearing aids are only for self-perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
• Design: Prescription hearing aids are available in a full range of designs, including discreet custom options. In contrast, OTC hearing aids are available in limited designs with a one-size-fits-most approach.
• Intended user: People of any age and any medical status can use prescription hearing aids. OTC hearing aids are designed for adults (age 18+) with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Am I a candidate for OTC hearing aids?
You may be a candidate for OTC hearing aids if you have mild to moderate hearing loss. You may have mild hearing loss if you feel that you occasionally miss sounds or have difficulty hearing in loud, noisy environments. OTC hearing aids may be a good solution if the cost of prescription hearing aids is holding you back from treating your hearing loss.
Who is not a candidate for OTC hearing aids?
OTC hearing aids are not a good option for children or for those who have severe hearing loss. In addition, you should see a doctor (rather than purchase OTC hearing aids) if you experience sudden hearing loss, a sudden plunge in your hearing (even if it improves), a big difference in the hearing between one ear and the other, or tinnitus in only one ear. These may be signs of medical problems.
Will I be satisfied with OTC hearing aids?
A recent study found that users of “premium” prescription hearing aids showed the greatest satisfaction with their devices. One of the greatest factors study participants cited was comfort, specifically how the hearing aids processed background noise and how well they could hear speech in a group setting.
That being said, you don’t know whether you’ll be satisfied with OTC hearing aids until you try them. If you decide to try out OTC hearing aids, you may also want to see a hearing aid specialist and consider prescription hearing aids as well.
For more information about the pros and cons of OTC hearing aids, please contact our office today.