Introducing our Doctors: Gary M. Johnson II, Au.D.

Posted on June 16, 2016 by admin

Dr. Gary JohnsonThis month we are featuring Dr. Gary Johnson in our plan to introduce all the fine folks at Advanced Hearing Group. We pride ourselves on choosing only the most talented, caring professionals to be a part of our staff and we think you’ll agree that Dr. Johnson is a true standard of everything an audiologist should be!

Dr. Johnson’s educational background includes a Bachelor Degree in Communication Disorders and Psychology and a Clinical Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Connecticut. He completed his externship right here at Advanced Hearing Group in 2007.

During his residency, he came to love Arizona and the people who welcomed him into the community. By 2008, Dr. Johnson was the primary provider for the two Advanced Hearing Group locations in Scottsdale and helped in the Mesa location as needed.  His commitment to his patients and his love for helping them successfully manage their hearing health grew until he took the big step and purchased both the North Scottsdale and South Scottsdale locations in 2011. We love that story – from resident to owner – that’s exactly the way it should be!

Dr. Johnson and his wife, Vikki (who also is very involved in the Advanced Hearing Group practice) are the proud parents of two children, Axel (10) and Dylan (8). The boys are heavily involved in sports and loving the freedom of summer vacation. As a family, the Johnsons enjoy traveling – especially to the beach, volunteering, and sports (GO UCONN!).

Dr. Johnson says his greatest accomplishment this far is successfully running a business in which he can support his family, help his patients, give back to the community, and provide employment opportunities. We agree – that’s a huge accomplishment from which so many benefit!  His future goals include continuing to grow the Advanced Hearing Group organization and remaining a pillar in the community.

We asked Dr. Johnson if there was anything he’d like to share with our readers and here is his response:

I am passionate about raising awareness about hearing loss and the correlation between multiple co-morbidities (disease states). I believe it is important for the health community to understand the success rate of early intervention and the assistance it can have in successful treatment to our patients.

So, if you are looking for a truly caring audiologist who is committed to your lifelong health, Dr. Johnson is the best. He can be found at either Scottsdale location and is always accepting new patients.

 

 

 

 

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It’s Music to Your Ears – Until it Does Damage

Posted on June 15, 2016 by admin

musiciansMusicians are known for having good ears; they hear notes and sounds, melodies and harmonies and can distinguish one instrument for another. They recognize songs, artists and know how to stay in tune. But what happens if the hearing of a musician starts to diminish? What happens to their joy and their livelihood? If you or someone you love is a musician, you’ll want to keep reading. Hearing loss in musicians is incredibly prevalent yet often it can be prevented through proper hearing protection devices which can protect the ears from the loud sounds and music they make.

Professional musicians are almost four times more likely to suffer noise-induced hearing loss than other people. That’s a pretty serious statistic and the type of music doesn’t seem to be a major factor. Classical musicians and rock musicians all are in danger of hearing loss. One of the largest studies to date on the topic of hearing disorders claimed these findings as they linked to people who pursue music as an occupation. The German researchers who combed through health insurance records of 7 million people from 2004 to 2008 found that working musicians topped the charts for hearing loss.

The findings are new but the problem of hearing loss in musicians certainly isn’t. Experts and doctors have been warning musicians to protect their hearing for decades and some of the most well-known musicians are paying the price these days. Over time, the damage adds up. They are also at a higher risk of suffering from tinnitus or a constant ringing in their ears – about 57 percent more likely to suffer tinnitus, that is. Noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL, can be caused by sudden loud noises like gunshots or explosions, or it can happen over time. Repeated exposure to loud noise, like that in which musicians may be exposed to if they don’t wear hearing protection, can damage microscopic hair cells, known as stereocilia, that line the ear. Those hair cells don’t grow back, so the loss is permanent. In many people, it leads to muffled or distorted sounds or the need to use hearing aids to amplify sound.

To protect hearing, our audiologists can help fit you or your loved one with an ear mold or other hearing protection devices to minimize the volume and reduce damage. If you suspect that damage has already occurred and hearing loss is evolving, a hearing aid may be right for you. Our trained experts can work to find the perfect hearing aid for your hearing loss and your lifestyle. Hearing loss is a gradual process that may not be noticed for years. When it does happen, people generally notice that speech is mumbled and unclear. Musicians whose hearing is suffering are losing a bit of their quality of life. Enjoy your hearing for years to come and see one of our staff members at any of our locations for more information and enjoy the music!

 

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What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Posted on May 31, 2016 by admin

The human ear is quite a remarkable organ – yet one of the most delicate organs in the body. We rely on our ears for hearing well as our equilibrium, and if the ear is injured or infected in any way, it can cause hearing loss and balance  issues. One of the more common problems that can occur in our ears is a condition known as swimmer’s ear. This condition got its name because it is prevalent among swimmers, however swimming is not the only cause of swimmer’s ear.

Swimmer’s ear is technically acute external otitis, or in other words, an infection of the outer ear canal. This type of infection is often caused as a result of water remaining in the ear, usually from swimming or bathing. The damp environment in the ear canal promotes bacterial growth, which left untreated can cause some serious complications, including hearing loss. Excess moisture isn’t the only cause of swimmers ear however, injury to the delicate lining of the ear canal can also lead to infection.

Individuals who use cotton swabs, their fingernails or other objects to clean their ears, often scratch the delicate lining of the ear canal, leaving it vulnerable to infection. Ear buds and even hearing aids have also been known to scratch or damage the ear canal, which can lead to swimmers ear as well. Fortunately, swimmers ear is treatable, but left unchecked, can not only cause hearing loss, but chronic ear infections, deep tissue infections and even cartilage and bone loss.

The beginning symptoms of swimmer’s ear are itching in the ear canal, redness, discomfort and drainage of fluid. If the infection progress, it can cause more intense itching and pain as well as a discharge of pus, along with a fever and a muffled sound or loss of hearing. It is highly recommended to call your doctor if you are experiencing even mild signs or symptoms of swimmers ear. The earlier you get it treated, the less chance of lasting damage to the ear.

Your physician will usually prescribe ear drops to clear up the infection. In most cases, the drops will contain a combination of antibiotics, anti-fungal medication and steroids in an acidic solution that will help restore the ear’s normal antibacterial properties. If the ear canal is swollen shut, it is possible that your doctor will insert a thin roll of medicated cotton gauze until the swelling subsides. Taking over the counter pain medication during this time should also help with any pain associated with the infection.

As audiologists who prescribe hearing aids to many of our patients, we like to remind them to be very careful when inserting or removing their hearing aids. Rough handling of their aids cans cause the ear canal to get scratched, which is a perfect opportunity for infection to take hold. Other ways to prevent swimmer’s ear is to always make sure to thoroughly dry your ears after being in the water, never put a foreign object into your ears to clean them and avoid swimming in any unclean water.

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Dangers of Smoking Extend to Your Hearing Health

Posted on May 23, 2016 by admin

smoking causes hearing lossThis day and age, most people are wise enough to know that smoking causes damage to your health. What many people may not realize, though, is that smoking damages more than your lungs or cardiac health – smoking also affects your hearing. Smoking isn’t as popular as it was just a few decades ago, but the risks associated with smoking haven’t improved. Adults who smoke are 70% more likely to experience hearing loss! That’s a HUGE number for such an unknown risk. If you knew this before you started smoking, would you have even started? Maybe. Would you have smoked if you pictured yourself wearing hearing aids in your middle age? Probably not. It’s never too late. Your hearing health matters and if you’re suffering from signs of hearing loss these days, our audiologists are ready to assist you.

It is estimated that one in five Americans, or roughly 20% of the US population are smokers. For many people, it soothes their mood and their nerves. For others, it is just a physical habit that’s very hard to let go of. But before you light that next cigarette, know the risks. For example, nicotine as well as some of the other toxic substances found in cigarettes damages both the middle ear mechanisms as well as the inner ear. Nicotine has also been shown to impair the brain’s ability to hear and interpret sounds. Nicotine can affect the chemical messengers (a.k.a neurotransmitters) in the auditory nerve and aren’t able to accurately tell the brain what kind of sound is really being processed.

Research also concludes that nicotine and carbon monoxide that result from smoking tighten your blood vessels, including the ones in your ears. This restricts the blood flow and the life-giving oxygen in the inner ear. The tiny hair cells in the cochlea that are responsible for translating sound vibrations into electrical impulses for the brain, suffer damage due to this type of asphyxiation.

It all sounds pretty confusing in these scientific terms, but our audiologists can help explain the dangers of smoking on your hearing in ways that you can understand. It’s quite simple in a way – quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of hearing loss. If you already notice some damage, we can evaluate your hearing and help provide treatment. Set them down, throw them out, give it up. Your hearing and your overall health is well worth it, wouldn’t you agree? If not for you, consider the dangers to those around you and their hearing health, too.

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Introducing our Doctors: Kelly Lewis, Au.D., F-AAA

Posted on May 2, 2016 by admin

Dr. Kelly LewisHere at Advanced Hearing Group in Scottsdale, we believe we have some of the best audiologists around; they are exceptionally talented at what they do, but they also practice with a true commitment to our patients, and firmly believe in the philosophy of “hear well, live well.”  We would like you to get to know them as well as we do, which is why we decided to take some time and introduce some of them to you. This month we are featuring Dr. Kelly Lewis, who has been practicing at both our North Scottsdale and South Scottsdale locations since May, 2015.

Dr. Kelly chose to become an audiologist because of her passion for communication, and her love of helping others. From middle school and throughout graduate school she has been involved in organizations that focus on communication; she organized the hearing screening for the Special Olympics of Missouri, she has worked as a writing tutor, has studied Spanish and American Sign Language and even helped organize a “Senior Prom” for residents at a senior living facility.

After graduating high school, Dr. Kelly attended Missouri State University where she received her Bachelors of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders as well as her Doctorate of Audiology. Her clinical rotations allowed her to gain experience in both hospital settings as well as private practice. While working at an Ear Nose and Throat Clinic in Tucson, Arizona she honed her skills in diagnostic testing, hearing aids and vestibular evaluations for dizziness.

Dr. Kelly just recently married her husband Nate, and when she isn’t thinking about new and creative ways to organize and decorate their home together (thanks to HGTV), you will probably find her doing some yoga or out biking or hiking with her husband. We are thrilled to have Dr. Kelly practicing in our audiology offices here in Scottsdale, she is a true asset to Advanced Hearing Group as well as to her patients.

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What I wish everyone knew about hearing loss

Posted on April 25, 2016 by admin

If you don’t live with hearing loss, then it’s hard to understand what someone with hearing loss is going through. It’s  a lot more than not hearing what people say, there are layers of emotional, social and physical effects of hearing loss. So next time you’re around someone you love who is suffering from hearing loss, listen to what they have to say while you still have the chance and the ability. Plus, people who live without the benefits of hearing aids to support their hearing needs could also use someone to trust. Being supportive and aware of what options a loved one with hearing loss has can also help them choose the right path of treatment.

There is a recent blog entry that was written so eloquently on behalf of millions of Americans currently suffering from hearing loss from Living with Hearing Loss by Shari Eberts. There are some things that everyone should know about hearing loss. It will make you a better family member and friend. Or, if you happen to be someone living with a hearing disorder, it’s always nice to know you’re not alone.

Eberts acknowledges that hearing loss can be very tiring and demanding. Hearing when you can’t actually does take work. It’s not an automatic function and the person must turn sounds into a word or phrase that makes sense in the context of the conversation. This is exhausting mentally since a conversation doesn’t usually take a pause for the person to process extra.

Then, there are people who think that a person with hearing loss is rude or maybe even just plain stupid. A person with hearing loss may answer questions incorrectly because they didn’t hear well, or they may have simply misunderstood what you said. Not responding typically means the person just didn’t hear, they probably aren’t actually ignoring you. Be patient and be kind.

Hearing aids work differently than say, glasses. As Eberts explains, hearing aids amplify sounds, but this only makes them louder, not necessarily crisper or clearer. Some hearing aids also have a tough time differentiating among sounds so that background noises like the hum of the refrigerator or the air conditioner may be amplified in addition to the more important sounds of conversation. This can actually make it harder to hear in certain situations! They do not fix hearing loss for every patient either.

Another important thing to remember is that you don’t have to speak for someone with hearing loss. This is a competent adult who doesn’t need an interpreter. If they miss the question or ask for someone to repeat it, you don’t need to do it for them. This can be very humiliating and demeaning for someone who is already going through so much.

Lastly, there are a few simple things that you can do when you’re talking to someone with hearing loss. Face the person and make sure they can read your lips. Don’t try to talk to the person from a different room or location. Be present and be visible. Get the person’s attention before you start the conversation or story, too.

Consider the other person’s feelings first, their pain and their suffering just for a moment. Encourage them to talk to one of our audiologists. We may be able to help them with their hearing loss, but your support will always be the greatest thing for them. To read the full blog, click here http://livingwithhearingloss.com/2016/01/19/five-things-i-wish-everyone-knew-about-hearing-loss/

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Hearing Loss Costs More Than You Think

Posted on March 15, 2016 by admin

cost of hearing lossWhen we talk about costs, most of us think of monetary costs, however there are some things that cost us more than money; hearing loss is one of those conditions that will cost us more than the money in our pocket. While there are some hearing impairments that don’t respond well to treatment, the majority of individuals who suffer from hearing loss can be successfully treated with hearing aids or other assistive listening devices.   Sure, these devices will cost us some of our hard earned dollars, but the real cost comes when hearing impaired individuals either delay treatment or opt for no treatment altogether.

Currently about 20 percent of the American population suffers from some degree of hearing loss – that translates into about 48 million Americans. The Hearing Health Foundation recently reported that from 2000 to 2015, the number of Americans with hearing loss has doubled. Shockingly, teens now have the same statistics as adults for hearing loss – for both adults and teens, hearing loss affects one in five individuals. While the lifetime economic impact of profound hearing loss can reach as high as $1 million per person in the United States, today we are going to look at some of the other costs.

Considering the fact that most older adults delay treatment of their hearing loss for five to fifteen years, the impact on their quality of life, is significant. Postponing treatment can leave an impact all aspects of their life; from social interactions to professional, academic and medical concerns, untreated hearing loss is serious. One doctor stated in a New York Times article that the capacity to hear is essential to overall health and it truly is.

The longer an individual experiences hearing loss, the more the brain becomes unable to process sound, even when an assistive hearing device is used. The sooner hearing treatment is started however, the easier it is for the brain to reengage its auditory pathways developed for processing sound. If individuals wait too long however, some of those pathways will be lost permanently. Other physical manifestations of untreated hearing loss are lack of sleep, stress, headaches, excessive fatigue, eating disorders, sex disorders and an increased risk of death.

Untreated hearing loss can have some serious emotional impacts as well. Patients who have delayed treatment often report the following conditions:

  • Frustration
  • Depression
  • Confusion
  • Cognitive impairments
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Distracting thoughts
  • Isolation
  • Anxiety
  • Embarrassment
  • Low self-esteem

There have also been several studies conducted that link hearing loss to an increased risk of dementia in elderly patients. In fact, there is a direct correlation between the severity of an individual’s baseline hearing loss and their cognitive impairment. In addition to social, emotional and cognitive costs, there is the safety of a hearing impaired individual to consider as well. They are at risk of not hearing traffic, fire alarms, car horns, warning shouts or even the sounds of emergency vehicle sirens which can all have disastrous consequences.

There are many excuses that hearing impaired individual may give for putting off treatment, but to be honest, most of them are completely invalid. Statements like “my hearing isn’t really that bad” or “hearing aids make me feel old” or even the “I can make do just fine without a hearing aid” are all unacceptable excuses for not seeking treatment. The cost of untreated hearing loss, even mild hearing loss, is just too great to ignore. If you or a loved one even suspect that there is a possibility of hearing loss, make an appointment with and audiologist to have a hearing test. Starting treatment now will save you unforeseen costs down the road.

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Hearing Aids Help Improve Brain Function

Posted on February 29, 2016 by admin

Hearing aids can do wonders for a person’s quality of life. Communicating, hearing others, becoming more social, being more successful, staying safer, and according to a new article, improved brain function are all improved when your hearing improves. Pretty amazing, right? Well a recent article from Psych Central talks about a new study has found that hearing aids improve brain function in people with hearing loss. Imagine if people found out that their BRAIN FUNCTION could improve with hearing aids or other hearing devices! Maybe more people who could benefit from hearing aids would wear them.

Untreated hearing loss  common in this country. It can lead to serious emotional and social consequences. According to Jamie Desjardins, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the speech-language pathology program at the University of Texas at El Paso, also admits that hearing loss can lead to reduced job performance and diminished quality of life. Even knowing this, many people still avoid wearing hearing aids for various reasons and concerns. What is interesting is that this article focuses on the interference with cognitive abilities because so much effort is put toward understanding speech.

So does this mean you could have a stronger brain if you have stronger hearing abilities? Well, sort of, yes. Brain power is used less for understanding what people are saying and allows more power to comprehend things. As Desjardins explains, “If you have some hearing impairment and you’re not using hearing aids, maybe you can figure out what the person has said, but that comes with a cost,” she explained. “You may actually be using the majority of your cognitive resources — your brain power — in order to figure out that message.”

Hearing loss occurs for many reasons and affects so many aspects of a person’s life. Life can be really difficult when you can’t hear well. As we age, we can assume that our hearing may suffer which means basic cognitive skills, including working memory, the ability to pay attention to a speaker in a noisy environment, or the ability to process information quickly, begin to decline. In the study noted in the article, after just two weeks of using hearing aids, the tests showed an increase in percent scores for recalling words in working memory and selective attention tests, the researcher reported.

This is great news for anyone looking at improving their hearing. We encourage you to give us a call and see what hearing aids or other assistive listening device options are available to you. Life is hard enough, don’t let hearing loss make it even harder for you.

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Not Your Grandpa’s Hearing Aid!

Posted on February 26, 2016 by admin

hearing aid typesHearing aids have been around for quite some time now; unfortunately, so many individuals still associate them with the unsightly, buzzing, whistling aids worn by grandpa back in the day. That is part of the reason why 4 out of 5 sufferers of hearing loss still don’t wear a hearing aid – we need to change this mindset! The hearing aids of today have evolved into technological wonders that are typically small, discreet and comfortable with amazing clarity and minimal interference.

Considering the constant assault our ears go through on a daily basis, more and more Americans are needing hearing aids sooner than ever before. Fortunately, there are some great options out on the market to choose from that have the ability to meet nearly every preference and hearing loss need. From the conventional analog hearing aid to the new-generation digital hearing aid, there is definitely one available to fit every need and budget.

Today’s hearing aids have the option of being worn in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE) or in the canal (ITC) depending on the type and severity of hearing loss experienced as well as personal preference. The BTE hearing aids have the added benefit of being able to link up to Bluetooth cell phone technology. The Bluetooth can hook up to hearing aid so phone calls are transmitted directly into the ear canal, cutting out any background noise.

There are also three different types of circuitry available in today’s modern hearing aids:

  • Conventional – These are the most budget friendly hearing aids and are a traditional analog hearing aid. They are still programmable and can allow the wearer to adjust between programs such as “noisy environment” and “all-the-time”
  • Digital / Programmable – These hearing aids offer computer programmable technology allowing audiologists to more precisely adjust the aids to fit the patient’s hearing loss and response time. These sophisticated hearing aids house a battery, microphone, receiver and a computer chip.
  • New Generation Digital – These are the cream of the crop hearing aids and offer the most precise sound quality and clarity. They have 16 adjustable bands for treble, mid-level and bass sounds which allows them to accurately match a patient’s hearing loss at each pitch level. Their directional microphones are the most effective at allowing wearers to hear and understand conversations in noisy environments.

We can certainly sympathize with the older population and their frustration in dealing with first generation hearing aids. We are just thankful that today’s technology allows for hearing loss suffers to enjoy a comfortable, discreet and totally customizable hearing aid experience. We encourage everyone who even thinks they might have a slight hearing problem to visit an audiologist and have their hearing tested. Beginning treatment as soon as hearing loss occurs can save patients a lifetime of complications and will ensure that they never go another day without being able to hear the world around them.

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Is it time to call an audiologist?

Posted on February 5, 2016 by admin

Too many people are living with hearing loss and living below their potential quality of life. Hearing problems do not have to define who you are, where you go and what you do. There are many signs of hearing loss, but not enough people seeking help from an audiologist for treatment, hearing aids or other hearing devices. But how exactly do you know when it is time to visit an audiologist? What makes a person ready to pick up the phone and call? Well, two recent articles from People Hearing Better and Beaumont Health describe the patterns and reasons a person can benefit from partnering with an audiologist.

Before you call, you may be wondering just what exactly an audiologist does. Well, an audiologist is the professional who specializes in evaluating and treating people with hearing loss. Audiologists have extensive training and skills to evaluate the hearing of adults, infants and children of all ages. Audiologists so conduct a wide variety of hearing tests to determine the exact nature of an individual’s hearing problem. Audiologists can help find a variety of treatment options and solutions to patients with hearing impairment based on individual lifestyles and needs.  Our audiologists will also dispense and fit hearing aids, test your balance to evaluate dizziness, and provide hearing rehabilitation training.  Still thinking it may be something you could benefit from? Good, keep reading.

Hearing loss can occur for a number of reasons, everything from ear infections and exposure to loud music to birth defects and head injuries. When you begin to experience symptoms like having difficulty hearing over the telephone, having trouble following conversations when two or more people speak at once or in a setting with a noisy background, find where sounds are coming from confusing, often ask others to repeat themselves, have problems hearing or understanding the speech of women and children, think that people are mumbling, misunderstand others, miss sounds like the phone ringing or a doorbell, or avoid activities  because of problems with hearing and understanding speech, then it’s time. It’s time to contact an audiologist to help you find your way back to enjoying life like you once did or have been missing all along.

For others, knowing if you should seek help isn’t as obvious or easy. There are a few other important signs that you may need to make an appointment at your earliest convenience. For example, you have excessive earwax, sudden sensorineural hearing loss due to a physical injury, tinnitus or ringing of the ears, and any other signs when you have your ears checked at your annual physical.

It may not be an easy decision for you, but it is worthwhile. Your audiologist can help you hear the sounds of life once again – something you know you have missed. Whether you want to maintain the hearing health you currently have or want to improve the hearing you’ve lost along the way, we are here for you all the way. Contact our audiologists today.

 

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