Ringing in the Ears? Understanding Tinnitus
Posted on February 21, 2012
For many, there are no sounds of silence. Instead, even the quietest of moments, such as sleep, can be filled with buzzing, humming or ringing sounds. This unfortunate condition is called tinnitus and, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, it has affected nearly 25 million Americans to date. Presently, no treatments are available to cure this condition; however, these are options to help.
Tinnitus is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises but also can stem from aging, head injuries or side effects from medications. For many of those afflicted, the impacts can be grave as the perpetual ringing can cause difficulties in concentration and sleeping. While there are no curable options, different treatments can be used to help ease the suffering from the condition or help reduce the degree to which it is prevalent. These treatments include counseling to help in coping with the effects of tinnitus, sound therapy using subtle background noises to lessen the effects and, in some cases, hearing aids have been able to help provide relief though amplification of other sounds.
If you or someone you know suffers from ringing in the ears, we want to help them evaluate their treatment options to possibly lessen the effects of tinnitus. Simply fill out the Contact Us form and we will readily supply more information or contact you to schedule a free hearing evaluation and consultation.
Dr. Ana Anzola, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Doctor of Audiology
Hearing Loss on the Rise in Teens: Signs of hearing loss are often mistaken for other medical, social problems at all ages
Posted on January 13, 2012
Hearing loss in teenagers is on the rise, and recent reports about the increase in hearing problems among teenagers serve as a reminder that one can experience difficulty hearing at any age. Early hearing loss treatment is key to minimizing long-term impact for children, teens and seniors alike. However, hearing loss symptoms may vary greatly between different age groups, and it is helpful to know what to look for if you suspect a loved one has hearing loss.
Teenagers often seem to be in their own world, not paying attention to what’s happening at home or in school. But when teens are truly having trouble hearing you, it’s time to take action. Teens who have been exposed to loud music over a period of time may complain of ringing in the ears (also known as tinnitus) or of a sensation of fullness, as if their ears are plugged. Hearing loss can also be caused by ear infections or trauma, and it’s important to get to the bottom of the problem quickly if you suspect your teen has a hearing problem. For infants, children and teens, even minor hearing loss can make communication difficult, and can have long-lasting consequences. A child’s self-image may be negatively affected by hearing loss, their ability to learn may be compromised, and children with hearing loss may experience difficulty developing social skills.
Signs of hearing loss in older adults are often wrongly attributed to other age-related issues such as dementia. Forgetfulness may be a sign that your loved one has simply missed part of a conversation due to a hearing problem. If an older adult communicates well in one-to-one conversations, but has difficulty hearing in a group situation, hearing loss may be to blame. Finally, if a older person who was once engaged and socially active becomes withdrawn, irritable or inattentive, chances are strong that they are suffering from hearing loss and should be seen by a hearing specialist.
To learn more about signs of hearing loss and treatment, or to arrange for a free hearing screening, simply submit your information in the Contact Us form and we will be in touch to answer all of your questions or schedule a free appointment.
Dr. Ana Anzola, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Doctor of Audiology
Tags: Hearing Loss, Hearing Problem, Dementia, Hearing Screening, Tinnitus, Ear Infection, Hearing Specialist
Hearing Loss Makes For a Frustrating Holiday Season - Communication Strategies Can Help
Posted on December 20, 2011
The sounds of the holidays; joyous music, lively conversation and family gatherings are a cherished part of every holiday season. But if a loved one has trouble hearing in crowded, noisy situations, or suffers any degree of hearing loss, the holidays may lose some of their luster.
A person with hearing loss symptoms may have difficulty hearing the higher pitched tones of children’s (and women‘s) speech. Missing out on a grandchild’s recitation of a wish list, or not being able to contribute to a family conversation about holiday memories, can be frustrating for both the person suffering from hearing loss, as well as family members who may not be aware of the hearing problem.
There are ways to help a loved one with hearing problems enjoy the holiday season. It takes observation, awareness and a healthy dose of patience – communication skills that are useful year round- but may be even more important when families and friends gather to celebrate.
- Be sure the person is paying attention before you speak.
- Speak face-to-face, never from a different room or from behind.
- Dimly lit situations make it difficult to see facial expressions. Try to have conversations in areas with good lighting like a kitchen or near a window.
- While speaking, avoid activities like smoking or chewing that make lip reading difficult.
- Speak at a natural pace and volume level.
- Try to reduce background noise. Even people who wear hearing aids may have difficulty hearing in noisy situations.
The holidays often provide the perfect opportunity for a heartfelt family discussion about health concerns. Recognizing the causes and types of hearing loss can help pinpoint the problem, and rule out other medical issues.
With the support of family, a person with hearing problems may be more able to accept the need to get hearing loss treatment, and may be ready to take the first steps to better hearing – a hearing test, and, if necessary, hearing aids. What a great gift to give a loved one (or yourself) this holiday season!
Avoid unnecessary frustrations this Holiday season by simply submitting your information in the Contact Us form and we will be in touch to answer all of your questions or schedule a free appointment. We look forward to helping make your season free from struggles with hearing loss and full of joy.
Dr. Ana Anzola, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Doctor of Audiology
Tags: Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, Hearing Problem, Holiday, Hearing Test, Gifts
Listen Up All Ears - Friday, December 8th
Posted on December 7, 2011
Listen Up All Ears: Dec. 8 is something called Take It In The Ear Day.
On Friday, December 8th, the McLean & Rockville Ascent Audiology & Hearing locations are celebrating those who have taken the first step to obtaining better hearing, enhanced communication and have increased their total quality of life by wearing hearing aids or solutions.
Come by the Ascent Audiology & Hearing McLean office from 11:00am-7:30pm for some cheers, food, company and HEAR the difference at 1320 Old Chain Bridge Road, #185 McLean, VA 22102, phone # (703) 436-8122 for an Annual Patient Appreciation holiday party in your Honor!!"
Dr. Ana Anzola, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Doctor of Audiology
Tags: Hearing Aids
Many Older Americans Suffering Hearing Loss in Silence
Posted on November 29, 2011
Many Older Americans Suffering Hearing Loss in Silence (Article in Spanish)
This Holiday Season, Family Members Urged To Encourage Seniors To Get Treatment
AARP Vice President Nicole Duritz and Pam Mason, ASHA Director, Audiology Professional Practices are available for interviews on Thursday, December 1st from 6:00am to 12pm ET.
In a new survey, nearly half of the respondents say their hearing is getting worse. In addition, the same percentage reported having untreated hearing health issues. This is based upon the findings from a poll of AARP members conducted by AARP and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Hearing problems can happen gradually with age, making them easy to ignore. Yet, they can have a negative impact on quality of life, contributing to depression and social isolation, and keeping people from working or enjoying retirement. Poll respondents also reported difficulty following conversations in noisy situations and feeling cut off from loved ones. Forty-four percent strongly agree that hearing difficulties can negatively affect their relationships with family and friends.
As common as the problem is, hearing loss isn’t discussed nearly enough. Significant percentages of poll respondents don’t believe their hearing difficulties warrant treatment and don’t discuss them with family or friends.
However, the poll found that nearly 70 percent of respondents would seek treatment if they were asked to by someone they love. AARP and ASHA are urging families to use the holiday season to break through the silence surrounding hearing problems and discuss them with their loved ones.
AARP Vice President Nicole Duritz and Pam Mason, ASHA Director, Audiology Professional Practices are available to discuss:
“State of Hearing Poll”: The importance of this poll and key findings
Recognizing hearing loss: Signs that indicate hearing loss and how you can help loved ones
Quality of life: The negative effect of hearing problems
Roadblocks: The perception that hearing issues don’t merit medical attention
When to start hearing tests: The importance of beginning early in life
The “State of Hearing” poll was conducted by AARP and the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). For more information, please visit will provide links dedicated to the project.
To Schedule an interview please contact Sandra Torres at 202.216.8950
Interview made possible by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and AARP
Tags: Hearing Loss, Hearing Issues, Hearing Difficulty
Did You Know? Statistics on Hearing Loss.
Posted on November 11, 2011
Having a hearing loss today is not as uncommon as one may believe. However, it seems as if seeking treatment is less likely to occur with those who do have a hearing loss. The following statistics from the Better Hearing Institute below illustrate this gap between those with hearing losses and those who seek care. While we at Ascent Audiology & Hearing have been able to care for numerous individuals in the community, it is surprising to be reminded that there are so many that are not receiving the care that they should have.
- 1 in 4 workers exposed to high levels of noise will develop a hearing loss
- Only 13% of general practitioners screen for hearing loss
- 3 in every 10 people over age 60 have a hearing loss
- 1 in every 6 baby boomers (ages 41-59) has a hearing loss
- 1 in every 14 Generation X’ers (29-40) already has a hearing loss
- An estimated 1.5 million youth, under the age of 21, have hearing loss that may be improved with amplification
- Only 1 out of 5 people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wear one
- 9 out of 10 hearing aid users report improvements in their quality of life
Clearly, these statistics are startling. This truly indicates that a lot of people are choosing to go without the benefits of solutions for their hearing loss. Most often, this can be due to confusion over what benefit hearing aids can provide and which type of hearing aid is best for a specific person’s loss. Also, cost can be a factor. At Ascent Audiology & Hearing we provide complimentary consultations to identify which of our many affordable hearing aid products may be recommended for each patient’s unique hearing loss. If you or a loved one are interested in getting the care you deserve, simply submit your information in the Contact Us form.
Dr. Ana Anzola, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Doctor of Audiology
Tags: Audiology, Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids
Welcome to Our Hearing Health Blog
Posted on October 31, 2011
Since this post will be the first of many to come, I wanted to start by laying out the goal of this new section of my website. There seems to be a lot of confusion and conflicting messages about the impacts of hearing loss, what hearing aids can and cannot do, and about what is the appropriate way to purchase hearing aids. I feel I need to provide information and insights to help clear up these questions. By doing so, I hope that I can help more individuals suffering from hearing related problems feel comfortable in getting the care that they need.
Not only will my upcoming blog posts be educational, they will be fun and light-hearted. I realize that addressing a hearing loss can be unnerving and I want to help ease any anxieties that you may have by making the process as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. The information in these posts will help bring insights to the struggles with hearing loss that you or a loved one may be having. With increased awareness I can better insure the best outcome from fittings and maximize the benefits received from hearing instruments. Individual satisfaction can be the example that encourages others to take that first step, get their hearing tested and see if they too can improve their quality of life through better hearing.
To those readers of upcoming posts I encourage all commentary, feedback and questions. These can either be shared in the comments section for each blog or by submitting your information to the Contact Us form. If you do choose to share your comment or question for all to see, please make sure it is constructive so others who view may be able to receive the same helpful information as you. I look forward to replying to any inquiries. I promise to do so in a timely manner and look forward to any dialogue that can help those in need seek the treatment they deserve at Ascent Audiology and Hearing, McLean.
Dr. Ana Anzola, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Doctor of Audiology
Tags: Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, Audiology
