Causes and Remedy for Itchy Ears Due To Hearing Aids

Hearing aids, especially those are used into the ear and also in the ear are known to cause problems of itchy ears. Some of the hearing aids that are mounted on top of the ear can also cause the same problem, but its chances are minimal. So, why does the ear itch and how to take care of it. The answer to both these have been elaborated below.

To start with, we will examine the types of hearing aids that are known to cause itchy ear. Post-auricular canal (PAC), in the canal (ITC), behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), completely in the canal (CIC) is known to cause some degree of itching in the ear. Now, since almost all types of hearing aids are known to cause itching, it is imperative to understand what actually cause it and what the remedial measures are. Some of the known reasons for detailed below.

Irritation of Fine Ear Hairs: The canal of the ear has a coating of fine ear hairs. These hairs remain undisturbed for the most part of life. There are no major roles of these hairs but when disturbed continually due to presence of the hearing aid, these hairs get irritated and cause itching. In some of the cases, these hairs get uprooted due to continuous use of hearing aid and at then the aid also cause certain level of irritation to the skin of the inner part of the ear canal. Under these conditions ear start itching and if unattended it can grow and also cause small wound in the canal, which however is generally observed in people who use hearing aids.

Allergy or Dry Ear: The substance, from which the hearing aid is made of, might be allergic to certain person. in general, the outer part of the aids are made of plastic and people with allergy from plastic can expect to suffer from itching caused due to reaction to plastic. Some people, who do not suffer from any such allergy, can also get the problem; however in such cases, the reason is dry ear.

Psychological or Skin problem: In some people normal skin problems can also arise due to use of hearing aids. So, when they suffer from Psoriasis or Eczema of the canal skin, itching tends to be quite normal. There remedy in such cases is to get the skin treated by a dermatologist. Moreover, some people when psychologically charged focus a lot on their sensations, which can get amplified and feel like a sensation of urge to itch. And this is true even for their ear canal. However, such cases are rare and gets over with time.

In all other cases, as a remedial measure, it is advisable to consult either a skin specialist or just talk to your audiologist. Sometimes if the hearing aids are poorly fit, the problem of itching can arise. And therefore, before, you try self medication, it is better to consult the experts as itching of ear can be easily taken care of, even without much treatment, except in case of Psoriasis and Eczema of the skin of the ear.

Regular Facts about Mysterious Ringing In the Ear or Tinnitus

Tinnitus is seemingly mysterious and moreover it is actually false perception of sound that brain makes the person believe in. And in no way, can the person suffering from this condition is able to distinguish between real worldly sound and the sound that he/she hears due to the problem of Tinnitus. Till very recent time, people thought of it as mystical and caused due to influence of supernatural powers. However, the advancement in the medical science and a deeper understanding of how human ear works and how brain processes sound signals, now, Tinnitus is no more a mystery. Some of the regular facts about the condition are as follows.

What is Tinnitus?

It is a condition when brain starts perceiving sound even when there is no actual source present. This is possible due to damaged hair cells present in the inner ear and also due to improper functioning of auditory nerves. When there is damage in either of the part, brain falsely anticipate incoming sound signals and when it does not receive any signal, then it enhances its perception, which result in ability to hear even without any source of sound. In some people, brain start perceiving somatic sounds which otherwise go ignored.

Who suffers from this problem?

Away from common perception that people suffering from problems related to brain suffers from this disease, it can impact anyone that has developed problems related to nerves of their inner ear. However, in normal circumstances, it is related to aging or abuse of drugs that cause hindrance in conversion of sound wave into signals that brain can perceive and understand. People, especially men above age of 40 are more prone to this disease.

What causes Tinnitus?

General wear and tear of the nerve ending caused due to aging is believed to be one of the primary causes of Tinnitus. It is also caused if the middle ear and outer ear get blocked due to impacted wax deposit or due to tumors. Certain types of drugs, popularly known as ototoxic drugs are also believed to have serious impact on hearing process causing Tinnitus.

Are there any treatments for Tinnitus?

In most of the cases there are no treatments for this condition. Tinnitus is caused due to impacted hair cells and auditory nerves which are too complex to be treated. Further, Tinnitus is considered a precursor to hearing loss and therefore, doctors do prescribe hearing aid for such condition.

And as a matter of fact, the hearing aids work well as treatment. The aids magnify the outside sound and constantly provide brain with real sound signals and thereby allowing it to lower the gain. Though some of the placebo treatments have been known to work for the condition, there are no proof of any particular treatment working in most of the cases.

How to manage this condition?

The best way to live with Tinnitus is to manage the condition and keep it under control. Use of hearing aids and managing stress help people manage the condition effectively. Tinnitus retraining therapy and Cognitive Behavioral therapy are also known to be highly effective in managing Tinnitus.

Conclusion
Though the problem of Tinnitus seems difficult to manage, but proper consultation, guidance and help from expert speech and hearing therapist can make things a lot easier. As a matter of fact, not everyone continue to suffer from this problem and a consultation with an expert audiologist can reveal the cause in your case and may be your case can be treated easily and effectively.

How to Purchase the Most Effective Hearing Aid

Hearing loss is the inability to either articulate sound waves properly or to convert them into signals that brain could perceive. In the former type of hearing loss a well chosen hearing aid can help you hear again. However in the latter case, deeper investigation by hearing loss treatment expert is imperative. In the former case, though a hearing aid might help, but is also warranted that the hearing aid is carefully chosen ensuring best results. Some of the top considerations for purchase of most effective hearing aid are as follows.

Hearing Test: It is quite possible that you have taken such a test quite recently, but you should consult your audiologist and ask for a hearing test for the assessment of type of hearing aid that will suit you perfectly. You might wonder why such a test is required. All you want is a device that processes the sound waves and focuses it suitably, ensuring it is further processed by your inner ear. But then, the test is important to assess the type of loss you suffer from. For example, if you may be able to hear clearly with an instrument but you are not able to use the same while talking over phone, when your job/day to day life require talking over phone; for such cases, the audiologist will let you know the type of aid you require, only after a brief hearing test.

Type of aid: There are several types of hearing machines that you can choose from. But not all can be a suitable match for you, forget about being most effective. For example, if your mid ear does not have much room and you choose and IIC or Invisible in the Canal Aid then it is almost a complete waste. Similarly, if you are too forgetful and you buy a traditional over the ear instrument, chances are that you will lose it more often than not. Yes, you can be conscious about your aid, but till the time you make it a habit of not losing your aid, it is certainly not the best choice. And similarly, for the kids, it is not a great option, as they might lose it before you could know.

Your Specific Need: Undoubtedly, the invisible hearing aids and those that are too tiny to be noticed make you feel confident and you are likely to get attracted to such aids; but they may not be the best choice as per your specific requirements. For example, if you have to go out to work for long hours and meanwhile there are not many options of getting the battery of aid recharged, then in such cases it is better not to get tempted by smaller aids rather choose the bigger and more durable aids with stronger battery. Further, it is also a fact that smaller aids have low resolution power and so you might be left wanting and therefore it is best that you try some aids before you actually decide to buy one.

Avoiding Unhealthy Auditory Practices

An often ignored concept related to our body is that every organ is directly linked to the others and any change in the body can affect it. There are a number of factors that can lead to loss in hearing but cannot be controlled. However there are also many bad habits we indulge in that can be easily eliminated. Here are five unhealthy habits that can harm your hearing-

Not Kicking the Butt and One Too Many Drinks

You may not realise this but smoking often lead to hear loss. Apart from cancer and heart related diseases cigarettes have the potential to affect your hearing. The harmful chemicals that seep into your blood stream to give you that high also have a dulling effect on the receptors that deal with low pitch sounds. More often than not, the damage is irreversible as well. Enjoying a glass of wine or a couple of drinks once in a while is very different from high alcohol intake that along with brain damage also causes damage to the inside ear or ototoxicity.

Your Daily Lifestyle

Leading a lifestyle where you consume food low on nutrients as well as avoid any exercising can often cause health problems or obesity. This can lead to diabetes as well as circulatory problems that lead to oxygen deprivation and in turn loss of hearing power.

Listening To Loud Music

The latest rock music may sound great when blasting on your music player. Pumped up songs with beats may also help you get through an unimaginably long ride or exercise plan but imagine not being able to hear anything at all. Earphones and headphones paired with loud music direct the sound into your inner ear and cause immense damage and chronic hearing problems.

Listening to Deafening Sounds

Another habit that we all indulge in is listening to extremely loud noises. From construction work going on nearby to revving up engines being exposed to numerous loud noises can cause irreversible damage to the ear. A number of these factors may not be controlled but try to keep yourself away from any such loud noises you can. You can use a cover up or muffler as well if you are expecting to be in a loud work area.

Missing your Doctor’s Appointment
From your general physician to a dental specialist, we all know the importance of a doctor but tend to avoid regular checkups and remember them only in times of need. It is important to keep in mind that a doctor will be much more perceptive to changes in your body and will immediately know when something is not right. Do not ignore your dental health either. Your mouth is the easiest way for bacteria to enter your bloodstream and body. Unhealthy oral hygiene will often lead to major medical complications that lead to hearing loss.

When you make these simple changes in your daily life you can maintain a healthier lifestyle as well as take pleasure in all the sounds the world has to offer.