Staff Writer

No one is talking. The TV is off.  Your music is on pause. What do you hear? 

If you are like 50 million other Americans, you hear noise. Ringing, roaring, pulsing, buzzing, screeching, static, whooshing, or something else that you know the person sitting next to you get prednisone 5 mg online is not hearing. This is called tinnitus (pronounced ti-NIGHT-us or TINN-a-tus). Some sounds are loud and piercing similar to a piece of metal being sawed by heavy machinery or a hot tea kettle releasing steam. Other sounds are compared to static on a television or a crashing wave that continues to gain strength. Or possibly the sound is most like ambien online a persistent insect calling out in the night.

When your world is never totally quiet

The Mayo Clinic defines tinnitus as the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It isn’t a condition itself. It is a symptom of an underlying condition, such as provigil hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder. Therefore, identifying and understanding the underlying condition is critical. If you are lucky, the solution might be as simple as professional earwax removal or a medication switch. For others, tinnitus becomes a permanent, unwelcome clomid generic guest — and the road is a trickier one to navigate.

An Akoio member’s story about tinnitus

Akoio encourages members to share their hearing story, so that others with similar experiences can find comfort in knowing they aren’t alone. A recently shared hearing story illustrates the challenges of living with tinnitus. 

“Around 25, I began experiencing ear pain and hearing loss. The doctors diagnosed me with a condition called Otosclerosis. One of the first symptoms of hearing loss for people like me is tinnitus,” said Ivanna, who is in her mid-thirties and lives in Texas. “When it first occurred, it caused me anxiety and restless sleep. I decided to pursue left ear surgery to improve my hearing and tinnitus, but unfortunately, it left me with nerve damage, which worsened my tinnitus.”

Otosclerosis, hearing loss, and tinnitus

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), Otosclerosis affects more than three million Americans. It is a form of conductive hearing loss caused by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear. The main symptoms are hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness. According to HealthyHearing.com, some known risk factors of otosclerosis include genetics, pregnancy, race, gender, and age. An audiogram and CT scan can diagnose this condition. 

Ivanna explains how tinnitus affects her daily life. “With my tinnitus, I experience constant and extreme buzzing and ringing in my ears. Sometimes it is stabbing sounds. It almost feels like a part of my brain is wide open. Nighttime tinnitus symptoms (and other stress factors) cause me to clench my teeth. From this, I’ve been diagnosed with TMJ and neck tension,” she adds. “Over time you accept your ‘new normal’ and realize the noises in your ears won’t go away.”

Managing expectations

The impact that tinnitus has on the human spirit is significant. For many, tinnitus causes stress, depression, anxiety, and mood swings. It can disturb sleep, derail concentration, and even trigger headaches and other types of pain. Ivanna is honest about how she feels. “I wish I didn’t have tinnitus. People who don’t are blessed. Mine never stops. The only time I am relieved is when I sleep.”   

But she quickly points out that accepting the reality of tinnitus doesn’t mean accepting the status quo. “Recently, I underwent a second surgery to improve my otosclerosis. Thankfully, the operation was a success! I’m not as reliant on my hearing aids and my tinnitus has improved. Also, I’ve learned that exercise lessens my tinnitus symptoms. I like to ride my bike and walk. For prevention, I make sure to protect myself from harmful noise levels. If I attend a concert or place with very loud noises, I wear earplugs. Additionally, I’ve noticed that high levels of stress make my tinnitus symptoms worse, so I know to keep an eye on that!”

Treatment options for tinnitus

Ivanna’s experience with tinnitus is her own. Each person experiencing these unwanted sounds will take their own journey, alongside their physician or audiologist, to determine the best course of action.

The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) is an authority on the condition. So, they built a helpful “road map” for tinnitus sufferers. It’s important to seek professional help from your primary care provider or audiologist first. The “Managing Your Tinnitus” section on the ATA website is a valuable educational resource to help you formulate questions ahead of your appointment. An in-person or virtual support network like those facilitated through ATA or at Akoio.com may help reduce stress because you’ll know you are not alone and you can learn from the experience of others. 

The ATA notes that tinnitus sufferers may find relief by using hearing aids to help amplify external sounds, prescription medications to treat anxiety and/or depression, or even by enhancing overall wellness through diet, exercise and stress reduction. Furthermore, sound therapies and behavioral therapies can help. In addition, vitamins, herbal supplements, acupuncture, and hypnosis are well-known alternative treatments. 

Akoio’s recent blog, “There’s a hearing app for that — more apps focused on hearing wellness”, featured a few hearing apps designed to help with tinnitus by managing sound and promoting better sleep.

Mind over matter – living your best life with tinnitus

The ATA’s roadmap suggests that no one needs to accept a “learn to live with it” diagnosis. And Ivanna couldn’t agree more. It requires mental strength and determination, but Ivanna’s daily struggles don’t stop her from living. “I hope that there will be a cure one day. But for now,” she concludes, “my motivation is my family and my desire to make the most out of every moment.”

Well done, Ivanna. That’s how you conquer life!

Find support with others who care about hearing wellness

Just remember, whether you live with a hearing loss or help someone with hearing loss, you are not alone in your quest to conquer life. We encourage you to join Akoio today (it’s free)  and share your hearing story. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, too! 

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More and more of us are interested in living healthier, fuller lives — and hearing heath is no exception. A recent Akoio survey found that 63% of people without hearing loss are concerned about their hearing clomid online health. 1 in 4 said their own awareness about hearing wellness increased during the past year. 

Hearing app growth

The proliferation of hearing apps, apps designed specifically to improve and safeguard hearing, reflect this growing awareness. According to Statista.com, Apple offers nearly 2 million apps for its devices, and Google Play about 2.5 million. About 5% of all apps — some 235,000 of them — focus on health.

This is good news for the hearing wellness community. Now, apps are ambien zolpidem helping those with hearing loss, or anyone who wants to hear safely, “conquer life.”

The best hearing app may already be on your phone

Akoio founder, Bill Schiffmiller, spent many years working at Apple as an accessibility advocate. And, while he appreciates the growing hearing app portfolio available in the App Store, he reminds us that some of the best hearing app features are already available in our phone settings. “Perhaps Apple’s been too quiet about it,” says Schiffmiller, “but the iPhone and other Apple devices are regularly improved with native features for ambien health and accessibility. Yes, ‘there’s an app for that,’ and they’re often already available on your device.”

iPhone users can click the Settings app and navigate to Accessibility to find several mini-apps organized by category. So, it’s easy to manage settings for vision, physical and motor skills, and hearing. With these controls, you can connect hearing devices and control balance and noise cancellation. You can even engage RTT (real-time text) or TTY (text telephony) services.

Apple’s Health app (available on every iPhone since 2014) includes its own hearing app. “Hearing” provides education about hearing loss and why hearing health matters. It also guides you through connecting hearing health data, like audiogram information, environmental sound levels, and headphone audio levels, directly to your phone.

Android phones don’t always offer such features natively. However, a growing number of hearing apps available on Google Play provide similar functionality.

A hearing app short list

Hearing apps span a wide range of categories. Some apps test your hearing, some amplify sounds, a few claim to help with tinnitus, and still others detect harmful noise levels. And, of course, there are special apps designed by hearing aid manufacturers for their specific devices. So, to help you navigate the hearing app world, our staff completed some quick research. Below, find some of the most widely used apps with the highest customer satisfaction from the Apple and Google Play app stores. 

Hearing apps for hearing aids

Of course, hearing aid manufacturers now create customized apps tailored to their devices. FDA-cleared technology even allows apps to pair new cochlear implants via Bluetooth to your smartphone.

When selecting an app for your hearing aid, it’s usually best to use the app created by the manufacturer, rather than an independent app designer. And don’t select hearing aids based on the app. Get the hearing aids best suited for your individual hearing needs and trust that the manufacturer will improve the app as you go.

Hearing tests, audiologists, and hearing apps

Plenty of apps test your hearing, but without an audiologist to interpret and follow up, it’s almost impossible to determine next steps. If you’re concerned about your hearing, we strongly recommend making an appointment with an audiologist. 

An audiologist can not only test your hearing, but also talk with you about lifestyle choices to make appropriate recommendations for your unique hearing health.

However, if you need some motivation to make that appointment, or if you’re just curious about your hearing levels, check out MiMi Test (available on both Apple and Google Play). This app is free, easy to use, and gives results. All you’ll need is a set of headphones and a quiet space. It will “test” each of your ears by playing sounds in different frequencies. The results are immediate and indicate how well you can hear high and low frequency sounds. The app also compares your hearing ability to others your same age. 

Turn it down! Hearing apps for noise levels

If you’re concerned about protecting your hearing (and we hope you are!), monitor the noise level around you. iPhone and Apple Watch users can rely on their “Health” app to track “Environmental Noise.” If you have an older Apple device or use an Android phone, consider downloading a decibel meter app. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) created an app for iOS devices transfers data to the “Health” app. The CDC produced a video that explains how the app works. Or, check out Sound Meter – Decibel and Noise for an Android-friendly alternative.

Turn it up! Hearing apps for better volume control

With sophisticated controls built-in, your phone already acts as a sort of sound amplifier. As mentioned earlier, basic sound controls, like volume, balance, and noise cancellation, can be handled with your phone’s settings (or accessibility settings). For more options, we found Super Volume Booster -Sound Booster for Android. This app has an easy to adjust dial perfect for those who are nostalgic about the analog days. iPhone users can find similar features with Volume Booster: Bass Volume+ for iOS.

A hearing app for tinnitus?

Are you one of the many people that suffer from Tinnitus? You may be relieved to know there’s a hearing app for you, too. The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) produced an infographic with recommended apps, many of which focus on sound and sleep to help alleviate symptoms. And a few of the major hearing aid manufacturers, including ReSound, Beltone and Starkey, offer apps to help with tinnitus relief.

A sign of the times

Okay, so this one isn’t about hearing as much as it is about communicating. But we felt signing apps deserved an honorable mention. Are you interested in learning sign language? Try the ASL app. It’s been teaching conversational ASL since 2015 and houses over 2,000 instructional videos. Or, if you prefer learning by playing games, check out Hands On ASL.

App-solutely beneficial

In 2009, Apple encouraged us to think differently about our smartphones with its trademarked phrase, “there’s an app for that.” And, while the ads (and parodies) quickly became exhausted, the message changed the world. Thankfully, that change increasingly includes hearing wellness and greater accessibility for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Tell us your thoughts

If you liked what you read today, please consider becoming a member of the Akoio family (it’s free). We’d love to learn more about you and what apps you use regularly to address your hearing health. Share your hearing story and rate your audiologist. Your participation may help someone beginning their journey to conquer life! Find us on Facebook, too!

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Cochlear implants make headlines

Cochlear implants (CIs) made the news in recent weeks as the FDA approved new advances in cochlear technology. Science and medical professionals applaud the technical achievement, but the announcement means much more for those who rely on CI technology for greater accessibility.

The brief history of cochlear implants

Believe it or not, cochlear implant technology is relatively new, being developed in stages from the 1950s through the early space age. Multi-channel cochlear implants were first approved by the FDA in 1984. Today, it is estimated that more than 100,000 people in the US — some 60,000 adults and 40,000 children — have a cochlear implant.

Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, the modern CI delivers sound signals directly to the hearing (auditory) nerve. A small device attached outside the ear captures sound signals and sends them to tiny electrodes implanted in the inner ear (cochlea). The brain interprets these signals as sound. And, though these sounds aren’t quite the same as normal hearing, cochlear implants have brought a world of sound to people who otherwise would remain virtually deaf. A friend with a CI calls the device “a miracle.”

Until recently, CIs presented other accessibility challenges, too, some of which can now be addressed. Accessibility improvements with new CIs range from everyday tasks, like daily exercise and better streaming connectivity, to significant health concerns, including socially-distanced telehealth and MRI scanning.

The great (and more accessible) outdoors

Cochlear Limited announced FDA approval of several technology advances that make life with CIs more accessible. New software enhancements connect the device to a smartphone app. This means the device can be turned on and off without using an external button.

Eliminating external buttons on the device itself results in a smaller, more manageable device, increasing both comfort and aesthetics. But there’s another benefit: the smaller, tighter design also makes the devices more water-resistant. This means it’s now easier than ever for people with cochlear implants to exercise and enjoy outdoor activities.

Better connectivity for cochlear implants

Of course the connected app can do more than power a cochlear implant on or off. It also enables fine tuning of sound quality and direct streaming of content from Bluetooth enabled devices. But, in the age of COVID-19, perhaps the best (and most timely) improvement is that the app contains an at-home hearing test. Audiologists can then access the results remotely, so they can monitor a patient’s progress without an in-person office visit.

Safer, more comfortable MRIs

People who wear cochlear implants and who also need an MRI, will see even greater health benefits. Doctors increasingly use MRIs to detect and diagnose medical conditions. However, access to this potentially life-saving resource has been limited for people with a cochlear implant. That’s because an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a powerful magnet that conflicts with the CI’s own magnet. Workarounds include surgical removal of the implant, patient sedation, or wrapping the head in heavy material before undergoing an MRI. (You may be interested in how Johns Hopkins Hospital explains these considerations to patients before they schedule an MRI.)

The expense and health risks of surgery and sedation can be a heavy burden. And wrapping the head is not sufficient to counteract the strong magnetic force of an MRI. Patients who try it often complain of pain, discomfort and increased stress. Following FDA approval of a design improvement, new implants from Med-El Synchrony allow the magnet in the implant to rotate, counteracting harmful side effects. With a safe and comfortable process available, the MRI becomes a more accessible tool. Now, MRIs can deliver more effective medical care to children and adults, whether or not they have a cochlear implant.

Yes, I Can

Most of us take for granted our access to medical imaging or Bluetooth technology. Going forward, people with a cochlear implant can just as easily access these life-improving, and lifesaving, technologies too. And, whether you see it as a small advance, or a giant leap, one thing is certain: greater accessibility for those who need it is definitely a step in the right direction.

The journey toward greater accessibility is one of slow, steady progress. But patience is a virtue. So, we wait for progress and we celebrate the wins. Today, more people can say, “Yes, I can.” “Yes, I can” hear as well as others. “Yes, I can” pursue my dream because I am not limited by my hearing loss. “Yes, I can” conquer life.

Engage. Belong. Conquer together.

Do you, or does someone you know, have a cochlear implant? If so, how has it affected you? What do you think about these new improvements in CI technology? Tell us! Thanks for being a part of our community.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook. Let’s #conquerlife together!

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 HSDC Seattle — The Hearing, Speech, and Deaf Center of Seattle names Akoio founder to its Board of Directors

Born in Seattle: Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center

When people think of Seattle, they might think of the iconic Space Needle, watching fish fly at Pike Place Market, or sipping a hot cup of coffee at the first Starbucks. Over the recent months, Seattle made headlines as an early hotspot prednisone online for COVID-19 and for their controversial “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone.”

It’s fair to say that no matter where you live, life isn’t quite “normal.” These challenging times have disrupted our routines. And ambien health care providers are no exception.

Across the nation, audiology and speech centers are in different phases of reopening. Seattle’s Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center (HSDC), has proudly served the hearing, speech and Deaf community for over 83 years. But for the last several months, they shifted services online. So, they rely on staff members to work remotely and provide their services over the telephone or through video calls. And now, like stromectol online no prescription so many others, they await clearance to reopen their doors.

HSDC Seattle and the challenges of COVID-19

The impact to individuals in the hearing health community is unprecedented. Not only have their appointments with hearing antabuse online no prescription professionals been compromised, the mandates supporting face coverings creates another gigantic hurdle. Further, as discussed in an earlier blog post, lip reading becomes impossible without the use of a clear-windowed mask. Face coverings also pose difficulties for those using ASL (American Sign Language). ASL is the primary language for many Deaf or hard of hearing in North America. And, language production in ASL relies on hand movement and facial expressions for effective communication. To aid in ASL communication, HSDC Seattle posts COVID-19 resources and video interpretations on its website for the Deaf community.

Akoio’s Bill Schiffmiller named to HSDC Board of Directors

HSDC recently named Akoio’s founder, Bill Schiffmiller, to its Board of Directors. During a virtual meeting, HSDC Executive Director Lindsay Klarman, explained how Bill’s desire to “Conquer Life” — even though he “hears differently” — made him a great asset to the Board.

“When I met Bill, I knew he was someone that we needed on the Board. His work with accessibility in the tech industry and his philanthropic endeavors in the Philippines were definitely in line with HSDC’s mission,” said Klarman.

The HSDC Seattle mission

HSDC fosters inclusive and accessible communities through communication, advocacy, and education. Therefore, many of their services are free or provided at a reduced cost. They support a comprehensive array of programs teaching effective communication for individuals and families affected by hearing or speech differences. Services include:

• Audiology and Hearing Aids
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Assistance and Information for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Early Childhood Education
• Interpreting for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Future is Bright

The values and goals set by HSDC energize Bill. He stated, “I am honored to serve on HSDC’s Board of Directors and can’t wait to start collaborating with the other members. It is always exciting to be around enthusiastic people who thrive on progress.”

You Can Help — Donations Accepted

If COVID-19 has you cleaning out drawers and closets, HSDC gladly accepts donations. So, please consider donations of hearing aids, assistive listening devices, FM systems, hearing aid batteries, and amplifiers. Additionally, they welcome gently used office furniture and supplies, as well as, toys, games and children’s books. Of course, financial giving can have the greatest impact on helping HSDC reach and support communities they serve.

If you would like to give, please send your items or financial gift along with a note detailing your donation to:

Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center
1625 19th Ave
Seattle, WA 98122

Join, Like, Share, Comment

At Akoio, we want to bring those passionate about hearing wellness together. Don’t forget to join our community, it’s free! Also, if you are “social,” please like and share our Facebook page.

We love suggestions! If you have a topic that you feel deserves attention or if you want to share your hearing journey, let us know by leaving a comment.

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Most of us understand that we each see the world differently. But, have you thought about how we hear the world differently? 2020 marks the 250th birthday of Beethoven, a composer famous for both his originality and his hearing loss. Beethoven’s “hearing difference” — both his hearing loss and his ability to hear and create music — changed the world. And, it’s a good reminder that our “hearing differences” help make our diverse world a better place.

Beethoven’s “hearing difference”

The great composer’s struggle with hearing loss is well documented, even if the extent of his hearing loss (not quite total deafness) is still debated. But his other “hearing difference,” his ability to hear the world musically and compose great symphonies, remains unquestioned. Perhaps you have heard the call of the common brown wren. Using his “hearing difference,” Beethoven transformed this simple birdsong into his unforgettable 5th symphony. The composer’s wide range — a testament to his “hearing difference” — also includes the gentle (but passionate) “Moonlight Sonata” and the full-voiced “Ode to Joy” of his 9th and final symphony.

Edoardo Saccenti found that Beethoven’s hearing loss affected his music in unexpected and positive ways. Increasing hearing loss meant that Beethoven could no longer hear higher/softer notes as clearly. So, his later music tends to feature lower-frequency sounds. These sounds make his music darker, richer, and more commanding — not to mention a bit louder. Other composers of his day avoided these lower, darker sounds. So, Beethoven had to innovate. As one performer put it, his hearing loss “gave him more freedom. Because he was not as attached to the physical sound, he used his imagination.” (See the full article published in the British Medical Journal.) Thus, his works became unusual, original and exciting. And, it changed Western music forever.

The hearing difference in others

Unique ways of hearing the world affect other artists, too. For example, ArchDaily.com emphasizes that sound design is crucial to good architecture. TheSpaces.com provides a virtual tour of “10 buildings with extraordinary acoustics.” From the Whispering Gallery at St. Paul’s Cathedral (UK) to the forest megaphones of Estonia, it’s worth checking out.

In the world of broadcast media and film, Jack Foley used his “hearing difference” to pioneer the art of sound effects. Today’s sound effects professionals are still called “Foley Artists.” John Roesch from Lucasfilm created the famous sounds found in epic adventure movies from E.T. and Raiders of the Lost Ark to Interstellar and Frozen. The magical, otherworldly sounds now familiar to moviegoers everywhere, came directly from Roesch’s ability to hear things differently. (Incidentally, John Williams seems clearly influenced by Beethoven when composing the film scores for E.T. and Star Wars.)

Hearing differently, together

All of these hearing differences certainly make the world a diverse, interesting, and entertaining place. And now, these differences are bringing us closer together. Consider the modern earbud. These tiny marvels use the same principles of science (and art) developed by musicians, architects, and filmmakers over centuries. They also use the same technologies as a modern hearing aid. In fact, the latest earbuds can work as hearing aids for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. That means the very same devices can be used by those with “perfect” hearing and those with hearing loss to enjoy Beethoven’s 5th (or Rhiannon Giddens’ “Wayfarin’ Stranger”). And it means all of us are sharing in the experience of hearing, regardless of our “hearing difference.”

Hearing the future

At Akoio, we’re very conscientious about using terms like “hearing impairment” and even “hearing loss.” While we must acknowledge our hearing differences, no one should feel “less than” someone else just because they hear differently. As Beethoven showed us, hearing differently can be a gift.

With technology and understanding, we can change the conversation. Instead of “impairment” or “loss,” perhaps we can embrace the “hearing difference” in each of us. We can recognize that we need every voice and every ear — even if those voices and ears communicate with the assistance of an earbud/hearing aid, or speak and hear silently through signing. We can see and celebrate the “hearing differences” created by culture, race, gender, and other diversity. As we welcome and share those differences, we’re bound to make the world’s most beautiful music yet.

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