PD Associated Risk Factors in Western PA

Because of the nature of their work, musicians of all genres are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Additionally, being able to hear properly is vital to the musicians livelihood, from being able to hear the right notes and words to playing in the correct pitch and key. Without proper hearing protection, the loud sounds most musicians experience on stage and while playing their instrument can cause permanent damage to their hearing. Additionally, musicians are also at risk for developing tinnitus, or a ringing-in-the-ears sensation. Tinnitus can be present with or without hearing loss, and while not life-threatening, can seriously deteriorate the quality of life for an individual.Hearing protection for musiciansBoth custom and non-custom products are available for musicians to help prevent hearing loss. Wearing the right ear protection not only helps combat hearing loss, but can also help to prevent   tinnitus.Musician earplugs: These earplugs for made for musicians playing a variety of different types of instruments. Theyre available in several types of materials, from foam to a softer plastic, and enable the musician to still hear the music being performed. These earplugs are also beneficial for concert-goers to protect their hearing while still enjoying the music.Electronic earplugs: These earplugs are electronic and can be programmed to adjust to different pitches and sounds depending on the loudness and environment the musician is in. These adaptive earplugs allow musicians to hear the sounds that are important, while filtering out damaging noise levels.In-ear monitors: These high-tech devices are used by musicians or audio-engineer professionals and deliver sound to the ear while creating a barrier to background and damaging noise levels. In-ear monitors are available in custom or universal options.Who Can Benefit from Musician Earplugs?Musician earplugs and protection arent simply designed for individuals in a band, they can actually be beneficial to a number of different people, including:Students in the school band or orchestraMusic teachers or conductorsConcert or festival attendeesNightclub workers or patronsEntertainment industry staffFinding the right ear protectionFinding the right ear protection is vital for musicians to not only perform their jobs, but also prevent hearing loss. If you need additional information or assistance in purchasing musicians earplugs consider visiting a hearing professional near you. A hearing specialist will be able to evaluate your wants and ensure you find the right product for your specific needs.

Many people are aware theyre suffering from hearing loss, but find it difficult to get help. Those who have been diagnosed with hearing loss wait, on average, seven years before seeking treatment. The reasons for waiting on help vary; some are frustrated by hearing loss, believing it to be a sign of aging. Others think their condition isnt that severe or may not even realize they have hearing problems.Unfortunately, allowing hearing loss to remain untreated can lead to some serious consequences. The most recent studies highlight the social, psychological, cognitive and health effects of untreated hearing loss. These effects can vary as well, but all have serious impacts on your quality of life.The emotional effects of untreated hearing lossStudies have linked untreated hearing loss to a number of emotional health conditions, including:Irritability, negativism and angerFatigue, tension, stress and depressionAvoidance or withdrawal from social situationsSocial rejection and lonelinessReduced alertness and increased risk to personal safetyWhen you have hearing loss, you may experience difficulty following conversations in a group setting. Due to this problem, youre more likely to socially withdraw from visits with friends and family, which, over time, leads to depression and anxiety. The prospect of being immersed in a work meeting or large gathering, where numerous conversations will occur, can leave you feeling anxious.Untreated hearing loss and cognitive declineIn addition to the impacts on your emotional wellbeing, untreated hearing loss can also affect your cognitive health. When your ability to hear declines, your brain receives less stimulation than it typically would because its not working to identify different sounds and nuances. Over time, this lack of exercise for your brain can lead to memory loss or even dementia. Think of your brain in the same way you think of your body; if you work out the different muscle groups of your body, you remain healthy overall. However, if you instead only focused on one specific area, the other parts of your body become weaker. This is how untreated hearing loss impacts your brain. The portion of your brain responsible for transmitting sound becomes weaker, making memory loss more likely.Benefits of wearing a hearing aidTreating your hearing loss is the first step toward a healthier, happier life. Wearing a hearing aid can enrich your life and reopen many doors that may have closed for you over the years. Other benefits of treating your hearing loss with hearing aids include:Hearing your grandchilds first wordsHearing nature againFeeling safer in citiesAttending dinners in noisy environmentsEnjoying parties and understanding conversationHow to get helpHearing loss isnt age-specific; it can affect everyone, from babies to adults and seniors. The best way to know how to get help is to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist. He or she will be able to help determine the type and degree of hearing loss you have. From there, the hearing care professional will be able to suggest a type and style of hearing aid that can help you begin to live a happier, more fulfilled life.If you think you or a loved one suffers from hearing loss, dont delay another day. Visit a hearing healthcare professional and take the first step toward a world of better hearing.

Hearing loss looks different on everyone. It can come on suddenly and cause permanent damage and it can gradually occur and make it difficult to identify. It even ranges from mild to profound and may vary across different pitches and frequencies. This is why Beltone Sound conducts a series of hearing tests before prescribing a solution. Our hearing aid specialists need to understand the unique nature of your hearing loss in order to match you with the best products possible.One of the most significant answers hearing tests can provide is whether your hearing loss can be categorized as conductive, sensorineural or mixed. This helps establish a foundation for the symptoms you are experiencing and helps determine the ideal solution. Conductive Hearing LossConductive hearing loss may be characterized by sounds that are muffled or far too quiet. It occurs when theres an issue with the way that sound is taken to the inner ear and a structure called the cochlea. This type of problem can be indicative of an issue with your ear canal, middle ear or eardrum.There are several potential causes of conductive hearing loss, including:Ear infections in the outer or middle earSevere earwax blockageDeterioration of the middle ear bonesOther problems with inner ear componentsIf you have conductive hearing loss, it may be temporary or permanent. Conducting a full hearing test with a professional is the only way to make that determination.Sensorineural Hearing LossPeople with sensorineural hearing loss may struggle to discern speech from background noises and suffer from tinnitus. This type of hearing loss is caused by a problem with the sensory receptors in the hearing system. Its often the result of an abnormality or damage to the hair cells in the cochlea, which can prevent sounds from being transmitted to the brain properly. This type of hearing loss is typically permanent.Sensorineural hearing loss can be a congenital condition in that its existed since birth. But it can also be caused by age or damage to the hair cells in the cochlea through infection, drugs, trauma or over-exposure to noise.Mixed Hearing LossFinally, its also possible for you to be experiencing mixed hearing loss. This means that you have an issue with both your inner and outer ear components. Its a diagnosis of co-occurring sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.The best way to find out what type of hearing loss you have is to schedule an appointment. Our hearing aid specialists will evaluate your hearing system through tests and let you know what your best path forward is based on the results.