Category — Educational Series

Another conclusion of this study was the fact both age and estradiol levels in the post-menopausal subjects had significant influence on the level of hearing loss diagnosed. This could be a valid argument for the continued study of estradiol replacement therapy for the treatment of hearing loss.

Along with age, estradiol levels in women have been found to have a significant effect on bone density in the cervical, neck, and lumbar, or lower spine. This loss of bone mass in the neck area of the spine can also have an effect on the density of the skull and inner ear bones. If the bones of the inner ear are not formed correctly, or lose their mass, they can no longer effectively conduct sound through the auditory system.  Read more... (207 words, estimated 50 secs reading time)

The authors of the Swedish study may hold new hope for future treatments of hearing loss in humans, both male and female. As with any medication, estradiol treatment can have side effects in humans; however, the side effects may be minimal in relation to the benefits found in treating hearing loss.

An additional study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, May 2002, made a significant discovery in post-menopausal women and their level of hearing sensitivity. Using scientific measurements of estradiol levels and audiograms to test hearing sensitivity, this study concluded a lower level of estradiol in menopausal women may negatively affect their hearing sensitivity.  Read more... (298 words, estimated 1:12 mins reading time)

A Female Sex Hormone has been linked to Hearing Loss. The Hearing Loss Prevention hormone Estradiol is the predominant gender related hormone present in females. It can also be found, at significantly lower levels, in males. Estradiol is a hormone that has effects on many parts of the body, including bones, liver, brain and blood vessels.

One of the newest studies of hormone reactions in humans has also indicated Estradiol can have an effect on the human auditory system. This study was conducted at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

Researchers in Sweden, including Barbara Canlon, investigated the effects estrogen receptors, estradiol binding proteins, may have on the auditory system in mammals. The study specifically examined hearing loss recovery in mice with estradiol deficiencies.  Read more... (221 words, estimated 53 secs reading time)

The human ear is a complicated and delicate instrument that makes hearing possible.  The human ear is made up of three main parts, the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear.  Within each of these main portions of the ear are smaller parts that are essential to normal hearing and balance.

The outer ear is made up of the part of the ear that can be seen, anatomically named the pinna.  The external ear canal is also part of the outer ear and focuses sound into the middle and inner ear.  The ear drum, or tympanic membrane, is the final part of the outer ear and receives sound external ear canal.  The tympanic membrane vibrates when sound waves pass through this structure to the middle ear.  Read more... (406 words, estimated 1:37 mins reading time)

I have found in helping people with hearing aids that the size of a hearing aid does make a difference.  The reason it makes a difference for most patients is because of cosmetics and how comfortable they will feel wearing their hearing aids.  I tell people to get the hearing aid they will feel like wearing all the time.  The bottom line always is — in my opinion — “don’t get a hearing aid you don’t feel comfortable wearing because you probably won’t wear it most of the time”.

Exceptions to this, of course, would be if the patient’s hearing loss would require a larger sized instrument.  What is so wonderful about the technology we have available is that we now can put an extremely high amount of gain or power even in a tiny canal hearing aid or a very small behind-the-ear instrument.  Read more... (286 words, estimated 1:09 mins reading time)