Blog Atlanta | Advanced ENT

Samantha Kanuck, PA-C

Samantha chose Advanced ENT to start her second career as a Physician Assistant after a life in clinical pathology and veterinary medicine. Samantha has always been interested in ear nose and throat disorders, and has taken that interest to master her ENT specialty training. Since she completed the Physician Assistant Program at South University she has focused her medical attention solely on Otolaryngology. She has rapidly mastered many office procedures (such as nasal endoscopy, laryngoscopy, microscopic ear examination) and now serves as a staff educator for new medical assistants in our practice.

Samantha has special medical interests in hearing disorders, sleep apnea, and ear problems. Outside interests include spending time with family and fitness.

‘Freeze’ that Drippy Runny Nose

Vasomotor rhinitis (a form of non-Allergic rhinitis) is a common ailment that has been notoriously difficult to treat. This is a kind of runny nose and “congestion” that is due to overactive nerve endings in the nose (specifically a type of nerve ending called the parasympathetics). The typical vasomotor rhinitis patient will notice clear watery drip that increases with physical activity, with speaking, eating, cool air, or spicy foods (in fact most of us will get a little watery nose with spices!). Many patients will eat with a fork in one hand and tissue in the other – some patients even avoid eating in public! Patients may or may not have allergies and nasal blockage on top of all this, but the essence of the vasomotor complaint is runny nose. Pregnancy is also a cause. The nose just doesn’t stop running until the patient falls asleep.

Most patients are told they have this problem after their allergy testing and CT scans are negative – a “diagnosis of exclusion”. We doctors have a bad habit of only diagnosing things that we do a good job at treating. And this form of drippy nose has been tough to cure. (Now this paradigm may change)

Nasal steroids like Flonase (fluticasone) or Nasacort (triamcinolone) usually do not work at all. Antihistamines like Astelin (azelastine) and Patanase (olopatadine) will often help SOME for a short time. My favorite is old-fashioned Atrovent (ipratropium bromide) which I think has the strongest effect but only lasts about four hours before it needs re-dosing.

Surgery to cut the vidian nerve where it exits the brain at the sphenoid bone has been performed but carries procedural risks of damage to nearby structures and risks of drying the eye. More recently botulinum toxin treatment has been used within the nose (repeated needle injections at a couple sites on each side) to paralyze the nerve endings shows some promise but is limited by cost and the need to repeat treatment frequently. But now we have something new (or new-again anyway)…

Dr. G. Aaron Rogers

I have recently revisited an old procedure to use sub-freezing temperatures (nitrous oxide or liquid nitrogen) to cause a disconnect of certain nerve endings in the nose. This CRYOTHERAPY is a procedure pioneered in the 1970s then abandoned essentially because it was ahead of its time and the nasal scopes we use for seeing now did not exist yet. With this procedure the nerves responsible for stimulating the nasal mucous are stunned and they disconnect from the mucous glands. Most patients see a 60-70% reduction in the use of nasal medications and symptoms after 6 weeks. The effects are thought to last years or longer. The procedure is usually done in the office under local anesthesia and takes about 20 minutes. 80% of patients do not need any pain medication. We expect patients to drive themselves home afterward (unless a mild sedative like Xanax is used to calm the nerves).

Interestingly these same nerve centers in the nose can responsible for headaches, or vague facial pain, or even vague ear pressure that many have chalked up to migraines or “TMJ disease”. Many patients have also reported less complaints of facial pain, headache and nasal blockage.

Certainly it is exciting to have a safe quick treatment that offers a long term “cure” to patients with such a frustrating problem! I would imagine soon the indications will be expanding offer an adjunct treatment for typical allergies (while allergies may the trigger for many people, part of the end result depends upon these nerve connections that we can now address).

I you are tired of rotating through a grocery bag of all the nasal sprays to stop your runny nose, then it is likely that vasomotor rhinitis is the culprit. And now we finally might be on to a good long term cure.

Nasal Surgery & Headaches I

Contact Point Headache / “Sinus Headache”

More times than not we get asked whether to cure the problem of various headaches or “sinus headache” problems with nasal surgery. Many times the answer is no – unfortunately a lot of “sinus headaches” do not involve the sinuses and all – they are caused by some other disturbance of the Trigeminal nerve which has its nerve endings distributed just about everywhere in the head (the eyes, teeth, skin, jaw muscles, and even the brain’s lining).

However, many headache pain or sinus pain problems can be cured with sinus surgeries or office procedures.

Sluder headache, or contact point headache, is one such problem. This is a common headache or “facial ache” or “sinus ache” that usually affects just one of the face, usually just beneath the eye or sometimes just between the eyes, and notably seems to get worse whenever the nose or sinuses are swollen (such as from allergies). Patients with Sluder headache often have worsened pain from sinus infections than expected. Many of these patients also will have stinging pain from nasal steroids or saline rinses (which had been recommend to help with the problem somewhere along the way).

Sluder headache is one of many issues that is though to arise in the sphenopalatine nerve ganglion on the posterior nasal sidewall. Problems in this area can lead to headaches, watery nasal drip or even excessive dryness, and sometimes a certain kind of headache known as Cluster Headache.

The image above is that of a patient with a badly deviated septum whose main complaint was recurring pain and pressure below the eye. Antibiotics were often given for presumed sinus infections, but full ENT evaluation only showed a deviated septum. He was told multiple times that sinus surgery was not needed because “the infection was cured” after a CT scan was reviewed.

However in this case the headaches were typical for Sluder Syndrome. The severely deviated leftward septum was contacting the sidewall of the nose and irritating the sphenopalatine nerve endings. After evaluation I recommended the patient for a simple septoplasty procedure.

At 4 days following surgery the headache pain was mostly resolved. By 6 weeks it was clear the headaches were gone.

–G. Aaron Rogers, MD FACS

Thyroid Nodule Biopsy and Minimally Invasive Surgery

Thyroid nodule workup, biopsy and treatment with minimally invasive thyroidectomy

The thyroid is one of the vital glands in the body. When there are issues with it, there can be major health problems with other organs and systems. A few functions of a normal thyroid include:

Produces thyroid hormones – T3 and T4. These are needed in the regulation of the broad metabolism that goes on in every body cell.
Produces calcitonin. This hormone helps in the metabolism and regulation of calcium in the body.
It regulates metabolism in the body so that energy production is commensurate with the amount that the body needs.
For example, falling temperature, pregnancy, illness, and other good or bad life stresses lead to the release of more thyroid hormones for more energy production.

When the thyroid has a problem

When this gland has a problem, health issues can arise in the heart, the bones, the brain, and many other parts of the body. It is for this reason that any swelling (nodule) noted on the thyroid should be treated as potentially serious until proved otherwise. Usually, a thyroid nodule doesn’t present with any other problem apart from the physical appearance that may be disturbing to the patient. But even then, it is important to rule out possible problems that may include cancer.

Imaging and laboratory investigations for thyroid nodule

Following a detailed history about the thyroid swelling, an experienced thyroid specialist will carry out a thorough clinical examination of the nodule and other body systems. This is usually followed by a non-invasive imaging investigation.

Ultrasound imaging

This is a safe imaging technology that doesn’t use any radiation. It can be done on all types of patients including small children. The result of this test helps to determine the next line of action

Thyroid nodule biopsy

The initially preferred technique for removing a small tissue of the nodule is a minimally-invasive procedure called fine needle aspiration (FNA). Ultra-sound technology is used so that the inserted needle gets tissue from the right place. Only a local anesthetic is infiltrated to take care of any pain. The aspirated cells are taken for examination and reporting by a pathologist. Depending on the results, the thyroid specialist may request for further investigations.

Molecular markers

An FNA biopsy may yield results that are indeterminate. In this state of uncertainty, molecular markers help to rule out or confirm the 15% cancer risk that is usually present with such results. The test involves processing cells from the thyroid nodule and testing them for any gene mutations that occurs in cancerous nodules. The two commonly used molecular markers are

Thyroseq v.2 and
Afirma

The two tests use the same principles in the search for any gene changes in the node’s cells.

When thyroid surgery is necessary

After a definitive diagnosis has been made, a thyroid nodule may be left-alone or may be removed surgically. Unlike in the old days (or as it still happens in some centers) thyroid surgery in the hands of an experienced surgeon can be performed as a minimally invasive procedure. The incision can be less than 2cm depending on the size of the nodule.

With this approach, the risk of damaging the surrounding tissues and nerves is reduced and the hospital stay after the surgery is greatly shortened. Minimally invasive thyroidectomy enables you to go back to your occupation faster.

How we can help you

At our Advanced Thyroid and Parathyroid Center you are under the care of experienced thyroid surgeons who keep up-to date with the latest technology available in that field. The ultrasound and fine needle aspiration (FNA) are procedures routinely done in our office.

If indicated, we will also do molecular markers of FNA results so that if any surgery is done, it is only done on deserving patients. We therefore do not unnecessarily expose you to anesthesia and surgery related risks.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact us at 404-943-0900. Our surgeons have helped hundreds of patients every year and they will be happy to assist you.

Hearing Aid Tech for Background Noise

Hearing aid technology that helps with limiting undesired background noise

When a person with hearing issues opts to use a hearing aid, the last thing they want to experience is unwanted noise. More often than not however, background noise is a major nuisance that keep irritating these clients. Many confess that this undesired noise is amplified as much as that of the desired conversation. While some have resigned themselves to this state, others have sought help.
Modern technology can, to a significant level, reduce such noise. This means that even with the best and modern technology, this problem cannot be completely eliminated. This fact was stressed by Patricia B. Kricos, PhD in an article titled ‘Tips for Hearing in Noise’.
Before getting into that, having problems with hearing when there is background noise can be a pointer to early hearing loss setting in. a client’s early complaint is usually inability to hear well in a noisy places such as in restaurants, bars and other places where people are many and talking all at the same time. On a one on one conversation, however, these people do not, at least initially, have any problem with hearing.

Effects of background hearing problems

Failure to understand what others are saying in a crowded place.
You feel left-out when others exhibit emotions because you do not understand why they are showing them
You are lonely in a crowded place even amongst friends
You may feel embarrassed because you may need to ask people to repeat what they have just said. Impatient people can make it very difficult for you.
It can affect your overall quality of life. It can lead to psychological stress.

How to tackle background noise in hearing loss disorder

There are two main ways of tackling background noise in persons with hearing problems.
Personal-social strategies
Technological strategies

Personal-social strategies

This involves taking proactive steps to improve communication in view of your challenged hearing. The aim is to minimize hearing problems when you are out in a noisy place. Plan ahead and consider where you want to go. A few suggestions include:
Choose a less noisy establishment
If you need any special services such as a specific table or accommodation, make arrangement in advance. This will minimize need to have verbal communication later.
Go out with small groups of people
Reveal to the necessary persons that you have a hearing problem
Don’t be overly concerned by your problem so that you fail to enjoy the company you are in and in the food or activities you are involved in. remember, even people with normal hearing don’t catch every word of a conversation held in a noisy place.

Technological strategies

Technology has greatly helped to manage background noise for people using hearing aids. Some of these strategies include:
Auditory training. This involves listening skills training that use interactive software that creates varying background noise situations. The training can help you to cope better in real-life situations.
Frequency Modulation (FM) technology. This works by having a transmitter and a receiver that picks and transmits sound to the patient’s ear.
Double hearing aids. This helps you to improve on sound location, loudness, and clarity.
Hearing aids with adjustable microphones. With this, you can adjust the hearing aid so that it faces where you want to focus your attention. This is in contrast to a microphone that picks sounds from all directions.
With all these, and others, technologically advanced hearing aids to choose from, how do you know which is the best for you? It can be a daunting task. At this center, you will meet hearing loss experts that will examine your hearing status and give you the most appropriate advice or treatment. For a no-obligation appointment, book here.

Treatment of the Collapsed Nasal Valve

What is nasal valve collapse?

The nasal valve is a complex structure on the anterior part of the nose. It offers some resistance to airflow intake. This measured resistance is needed for the normal functioning of the pulmonary system. However, when there is too much resistance, nasal obstruction occurs and this compromises breathing. It is important to point out that, the physiological air resistance at this point of the respiratory system accounts for up to 80% of all the normal resistance in the system. This means that a slight obstruction in this area results in significant symptoms of breathing difficulties.

A common cause of this obstruction is when the nasal septum and the lower lateral cartilage draw close together in the process narrowing the nasal opening. This forms the primary problem in nasal valve collapse.

Treatment of nasal valve collapse

The aim of any treatment for nasal valve collapse is to reduce nasal breathing effort due to narrowed air entrance. There are different techniques that ENT surgeons use to do this. There are about a dozen described surgical procedures to help with this type of nasal blockage – unfortunately when so many options exist it is clear there is no good single treatment! One of the latest in this effort is the use of an absorbable nasal implant that helps to keep the nostrils patent. Spirox Latera is the newly (2016) FDA approved device that helps to achieve this. Latera has the huge advantage of being a minimally-invasive direct approach that does not change the outer appearance of the nose.

Why consider Spirox Latera absorbable nasal implant

According to a study published in the ClinicalTrials.com, this procedure was found to be safe. Another study has also established this fact. In a study of 30 subjects, only a few reported non-serious device-related hematoma and inflammation. Only 3 out of 56 implants needed to be removed after insertion (some patients need more than one implant depending on their nasal valve status). Other transient effects included:

Mild bruising
Mild pain
Mild irritation
Feeling the presence of the implant

A nasal implant addresses an often forgotten area relevant to nasal vale collapse – the lateral nasal wall and the internal nasal valve. While these areas contribute to about 60% of the incidence of nasal valve collapse, only about 5% of surgeries aim to correct the problems at this site. This means that a major cause of nasal valve collapse is usually not well taken care of by conventional nasal valve collapse surgeries. Latera nasal implant helps to rectify these regions.

Spirox Latera improves the overall quality of life for patients with nasal valve collapse. This is pegged on the factors considered under the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) survey and supported by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. These include:

Less nasal congestion
Less nasal stuffiness
Improved nasal breathing
Better nasal breathing during active physical exertion
Better sleep

Spirox Latera absorbable Nasal Implant doesn’t cause unsightly nasal anatomical changes such as widening and thickening of the nose. This is usually a risk where more invasive surgical intervention for nasal valve collapse is used.

Who can benefit from Spirox Latera absorbable nasal implant?

Any person with nasal valve collapse may benefit from this procedure. However, at Advanced ENT, we fully assess the patient and consider all points of nasal obstruction. Currently Dr. Rogers and Dr. Bomeli are performing this procedure at our practice. It is only after this that we come up with an individualized treatment plan depending on the findings. This is in contrast to other centers that only perform septoplasty which doesn’t always address all sources of nasal obstruction.

We perform the procedure as a stand-alone treatment or as part of other nasal surgical interventions.

Our center is already using Spirox Latera procedure to change patients’ life for the better. In line with our goals of avoiding unnecessary hospital stays (and as a patient’s cost-cutting efforts), we will soon start offering this procedure in our offices.

To find out more about this procedure or more information about nasal valve collapse, please contact us and our ENT experts will be ready to answer all your questions. Here is our contact page

Snore? Injection Snoreplasty or Oral Appliance Therapy?

OFFICE BASED TREATMENTS FOR SNORING AND MILD SLEEP APNEA

Snoring is one of the most disturbing symptoms. This is true for people who have to sleep together or in close proximity with the snorer. This disorder can have both short and long-term effect on the patient. These can range from sleepiness during the day with low productivity to serious health conditions such as an increased risk of heart disease.
Did you know that some causes of snoring and sleep apnea can be managed with simple procedures at your doctor’s office? The two main procedures for this are:

Oral appliance therapy
Injection snoreplasty

Oral appliance therapy for snoring

These are custom made appliances. This means each patient is fitted with an appliance that is unique to their oral anatomy so that no appliance can be used by two patients. It works by adjusting the position of the lower jaw in relation to the upper one in a way that prevents airway obstruction. This simple appliance is a more economical and effective alternative to CPAP therapy without the bulkiness that goes with the latter. A good oral appliance device for snoring and sleep apnea should be:

User friendly
Easy to fit and use
Not impair tongue movement
Adjustable
Allow mouth to close.

Are oral appliances safe?

Some people hesitate to use oral appliance therapy equipment due to perceived misconceptions about their safety. The facts are:

While oral appliances may cause bite changes in some patients, specific oral exercises can prevent it.
Teeth loosening is not as common as many think. A thorough prior examination and preemptive measures greatly lowers the risk of this happening. The style of appliances we use holds the entire dental arch as one unit making it very unlikely for any dental shifting to occur.
Oral appliances are not meant for only mild obstructive sleep apnea cases. They greatly reduce the symptoms even in moderately severe cases.
Oral appliances and temporal mandibular joint disorders may occur in poorly assessed patients. To avoid this we do thorough examination of the state of the TMJ and only use specially designed appliances. We also work closely with physical therapist on this.

Injection snoreplasty

Injection snoreplasty is one of the measures employed to counter the snoring disorder. According to newswise, this technique is as effective as other types of treatment used for the disorder. This includes surgical procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and certain laser procedures. The difference is that, injection snoreplasty is cost-effective and essentially painless. According to the authors in the newswise study, the conclusion was that:

At 16% relapse rate, injection snoreplasty compares well to other techniques for snoring management. There is a high probability that it will offer permanent solution to many patients.
It is more convenient
It is cheaper
It is simple
Patients satisfaction is high at 9 out of 10

This procedure involves injection of a chemical called sodium tetradecyl into the submucosa of the soft palate. This sclerosis some tissues of the palate which reduces its flutter during sleep.
The use of oral appliance therapy is covered by many insurance companies but injection snoreplasty is currently not covered as it is considered experimental. Its future however, looks bright.

Considerations before use of oral appliance and injection snoreplasty therapy

A thorough patient assessment is a must. We do this to ascertain that the patient is an ideal candidate for the specific technique. Assessment includes a detailed ENT examination which includes the state of the TMJ.
Depending on the findings we proceed to use the appropriate treatment measures or manage any underlying disorder or refer the patient appropriately.

When Do I Get Checked for Hoarseness (or Cough)

Hoarseness is a state in voice changes that include breathiness, raspy or strained voice. It may also be associated with a soft low pitch voice and a scratchy throat. In most cases, this disorder arises from problems with the larynx. Occasional voice hoarseness can occur due to various causes, but when it persists for more than 3 weeks in the absence of an upper respiratory infection, it should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.

Common causes of hoarseness include

These include:

Inflammation of the larynx
Overuse and misuse of your voice. This can occur due to repeated shouting events (compare cheering favorite teams and some preachers)
This is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
Growths on the vocal cords
Smoking
Bleeding on the vocal cords
Neurological disorders. For example the injury of the common laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy and other neck or throat surgical procedures.
Some types of throat cancer

When does hoarseness require evaluation?

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, hoarseness evaluation should be considered when one or a combination of the following factors is present.

The hoarseness is more than 3 weeks
There is no associated cold or flu
There is difficulty in swallowing
There is throat pain when you speak
There is a palpable mass on the neck
If you have been using your voice to earn a living but you are now unable to
If there is sudden loss of voice that persists for even a few days
There is accompanying difficulty in breathing
If you cough up blood
If there are other symptoms such as loss of weight, fever, night sweats, and other constitutional signs and symptoms.

How a hoarseness evaluation is carried out

At Advanced Ear Nose and Throat Associates we carry out a detailed assessment of the patient who presents with hoarseness. This includes the following.

History

We dig deep into the history of how the hoarseness started. This will include an attempt to unveil any risk factors or specific cause(s) leading to the condition. Aspects of a useful history of the illness include:

Patients past medical and surgical history
Occupation
Social history
Lifestyle and habits such as smoking

Examination

A thorough general examination is done to rule out or confirm any associated (or independent) health issues. Specific examination is carried out on the ENT system. These include:

Throat visualization using a mirror
Visual examination of the vocal cords with the help of a special equipment called a laryngoscope.
Use of a fiberoptic scope. This employs the use of a flexible tube inserted through the nose. It has a lighted end and a special camera that will pick most visible disorders in the throat. It is useful in identifying throat muscles problems, growths, and any swelling.
More advanced visualization can be done with a video-stroboscope to get a slow-motion view of the vocal cords vibrating to look for subtle vibratory problems.

Fiberoptic throat evaluation is a painless procedure that is well-tolerated by many patients. It is a quick and safe office procedure that offers immediate results. This is good for your peace of mind because it helps you to get the right treatment for the identified problem.

How to reduce risk of voice hoarseness

Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Keep your body well-hydrated
Use your voice responsibly
Minimize the use of spiced foods
Use a room humidifier
Do not over use your voice when you are sick – speaking or whispering excessively while you already have hoarseness will make it worse!

Sources

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

National Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation for Ear Pressure

There is now a new treatment option available for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD). The ear’s eustachian tube connects the sealed-off middle ear space to the back the nose/ sinuses to help keep ear pressure regulated. Blockage of the eustachian tube happens by conditions like allergies, sinus infections, adenoiditis, or just poor development to begin with. When the eustachian tube is blocked it can produce symptoms ranging from mild popping and clicking in the ear to pressure, to frank ear infection and hearing loss. Flying on airplanes or scuba diving will dramatically shift pressures and will exacerbate any existing ETD.

We have had the myringotomy and ear tube procedure for decades now to help clear pressure and fluid from the middle ear. However directly addressing the actual problem – a blocked eustachian tube has been elusive.

One reason – a very important reason – it is elusive is due to its location running parallel to the largest blood vessel supplying the brain and around a number of critically important nerves. There is also the real concern about the longevity of the procedure given that it is dilating a relatively “stretchy” extend of the tube and intentionally not dilating the more rigid bony portions of the eustachian tube.

An “ear tube” simply bypasses the obstruction to most help with most of the symptoms.

However we now have a potential treatment for a number of patients that actually targets the blocked eustachian tube directly – Eustachian Tuboplasty. This procedure uses a very specifically designed balloon and guide system to deliver a very specific dilation to to the cartilaginous and membranous portions of the eustachian tube.

Nasal endoscopes, modern light sources and fiberoptic technology have facilitated this procedure as much as the balloon itself has.

There is great evidence that at least in the intermediate term this can be very helpful for adults suffering from moderate eustachian tube problems or ear infections. The procedure is shown safe when carried out by a trained ENT and when proper pre-procedure assessment has been done (right now requiring a CT scan to show the blood vessels are safe in this area).

The Eustachian Tube Dilation procedure also has a special role in patients who enjoy swimming or SCUBA diving because it may be possible to keep the ears clear without the use of an ear tube.

Currently Dr. Rogers is evaluating patients for this procedure. Along with an office visit a short ear test is also performed to ensure a proper diagnosis is made first (as other conditions that can mimic ETD include nasal allergies, TMJ syndrome, sinus infections and even primary headache).

Untreated hearing loss and risks of cognitive decline and dementia

Untreated hearing loss usually take its toll on the patient gradually. According to the American Hearing Loss Association of America, almost 50 million Americans suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss. Many of these are those over 65 years. At 75 years, about a half of the population have the problem. Early intervention can help to prevent some hearing loss complications but sadly only about a quarter of all sufferers who could have benefited from such action seek help.
Interestingly, those who get diagnosed with early hearing loss take as long as 10 years before seeing the need to be fitted with a hearing aid. One of the factors that contribute to this delay is patient denial. But there are many more factors as noted in a study published in the Aging Mental Health, August 2014. What are the consequences of untreated hearing loss?

Results of ignoring hearing loss

Physical exhaustion. This follows intense brain overwork as it tries to comprehend what others are saying.
Mental issues. Depression is common due to failure to communicate effectively, focus and participate in meaningful conversation with others.
Emotional problems. The inability to have clear dialogue with loved ones creates more stress and relative loneliness. Relationship difficulties can result as an early complication of this disorder.
Financial implications. People with hearing loss gradually lose their ability to earn compared to those without the problem.
Loss of balance. Loss of hearing increases the risk of falls and other accidents.
Increased risk of falling sick and hospitalization.
Failing cognitive ability and higher risk of dementia. This is one of the worst late complications.

How does hearing loss contribute to poor cognition and dementia?

Our ears are only channels or accessories for hearing. It is our brain that helps us to interpret sounds. This happens by stimulating specific parts of the brain. If this doesn’t happen, then these parts start to shrink. This can be likened to a muscle that is no longer used. With time, such muscle atrophies. This is called disuse atrophy.
If no intervention is initiated, speech recognition gradually fails because the brain can no longer accurately differentiate different speech sounds. With time, as noted above, the brain loses some of its cognitive powers. Eventually dementia sets in. scientist have not yet fully understood how this comes about and studies in that area are ongoing.

What can be done to prevent cognitive and accelerated dementia due to hearing loss?

If hearing loss is diagnosed early and effective steps are taken, then the loss of brain functions associated with hearing loss can be prevented. This can be done by correcting the problem causing the hearing loss. More often than not a hearing aid is prescribed. Once brain atrophy has occurred, it is impossible to recover all functions even with treatment. So the best this is to prevent this atrophy in the first place.

Available help for hearing loss

At Advanced Hearing Centers and Advanced Ear Nose & Throat Associates, our team of professional audiologists is ready to help you prevent brain loss due to hearing loss. Doctor Stacy Pickelman and Doctor Lyn Rushton are part of this team. They are ready in our office and are equipped with the most advanced hearing testing kits and hearing aids to fit your taste and lifestyle.
Book an appointment today for hearing test – before it’s too late. Here, contact us now.
References
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Lin FR, Albert M. Hearing Loss and Dementia – Who’s Listening? Aging & mental health. 2014;18(6):671-673. doi:10.1080/13607863.2014.915924.