Advanced Audiology of Greater Omaha

  As we age, it's common to experience a decline in our hearing abilities. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to loud noises, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Unfortunately, hearing loss can have far-reaching consequences beyond simply having difficulty hearing. Recent research has shown that there is a strong connection between hearing loss and dementia. In fact, studies have found that individuals with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia, while those with severe hearing loss are five times as likely. This is a concerning finding, as dementia is a debilitating condition that can severely impact an individual's quality of life. So, why is there a link between hearing loss and dementia? One theory is that when an individual experiences hearing loss, their brain has to work harder to interpret sounds. This extra effort can lead to cognitive fatigue, which can impair memory and other cognitive abilities. Additionally, soci

Have you ever missed a punchline during a play? Was everyone else laughing while you were asking the person next to you what was just said? If you’ve ever missed part of a performance due to difficulty hearing, you are not alone. Nearly 15% of the US population suffers from hearing loss. While hearing aids fit by a skilled audiologist can help, many individuals still have difficulty hearing in playhouses, concert halls and auditoriums due to background noise, sound reverberation and the nature of a damaged auditory system. Luckily, the Orpheum Theater in Omaha, NE has gone above and beyond to ensure those with hearing loss will have a much better chance of hearing and enjoying their performances with hearing loop system technology. A hearing loop system is an assistive listening technology that enables speech and music from performances to be delivered directly to a listener’s ear.   A hearing loop consists of a physical loop cable or an array of loops of ca

Hearing loss is one of the top three chronic health conditions in the United States. With all of the conflicting information available online it can be difficult to sort out the facts about hearing loss and hearing aids. Here are four common myths that Starkey, a leading hearing aid manufacturer, has pointed out that can prevent someone from seeking hearing help. MYTH:  Hearing loss only affects the elderly REALITY:   There are 48 million people, nearly 1 in 5, over the age of 12 with hearing loss severe enough to hinder communication. According to  data  from the Better Hearing Institute, the majority of people with hearing loss (65%) are under the age of 65.  Hearing loss is a challenge for individuals of all ages because it can adversely affect educational and occupational performance, social interactions, as well as personal safety. MYTH:  Hearing aids are noticeable and uncomfortable REALITY:   Hearing aids are small and weigh only a few ounces. Frequently asking

Nearly 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, which is the perception of sound (usually ringing, buzzing or humming), when no other sound is present. The majority of researchers agree that tinnitus develops due to a miscommunication between the inner ear organ of hearing, (the cochlea) and the area of the brain and auditory system where sound is processed and assigned meaning. While there is currently no cure for tinnitus, there are several options for management with the help of a professional. Audiologists with experience in diagnosing and treating tinnitus are the best professionals to work with for tinnitus management. A thorough case history, tinnitus questionnaires and a diagnostic hearing evaluation will help the audiologist determine the specific cause of an individual's tinnitus and develop a treatment & management program. Tinnitus management programs include a combination of counseling and sound therapy with a goal of achieving immediate relief, as well as prom

Did you know that of the 9 lifestyle factors that could help prevent dementia, managing hearing loss during midlife is one of them? That's right! According to The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, dementia cases worldwide are expected to triple from 50 million to 150 million by the year 2050. The commission provided recommendations for prevention and management of dementia and concluded that 1 in 3 cases of dementia could be prevented if individuals managed 9 lifestyle factors. Managing hearing  (including the use of properly fit hearing aids)  at any age is important, but they specifically noted that managing hearing during midlife, between age 40-65, is of great importance.  Our knowledge of a connection between hearing loss and dementia has continued to increase seven years after an original study was published in 2011 by John Hopkins University, which indicated the probability of developing dementia increases as hearing declines.   Here are some things we kn

While a specific cause between diabetes and hearing loss is still unclear, there is enough evidence to encourage all diabetic patients to have their hearing tested and monitored regularly. Statistics show that more than 30 million people in the US have diabetes, making it one of the top ten most prevalent health conditions today.  Hearing loss, another common health condition, is estimated to affect 35-45 million people in the US. These two disorders represent a large percentage of our population and research has shown that there is considerable connection between them.  Studies show that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes. Those who have prediabetes, estimated to be as many as 84 million people, are 30 percent more likely to develop hearing loss, compared to people who have normal blood glucose readings. Some studies suggest that d amage to blood vessels due to high blood glucose levels is one possibility for the higher incidence. High blood glucos