Fall Events 2015, Valley of the Sun

Fall has arrived in the Southwest, with no shortage of excellent events to close out the year. Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, or a lover of comedy, there are thought-provoking cultural activities exhibiting in the Valley of the Sun. Here are some highlights of things to see and hear this autumn:

Margaret Cho October 17:

Margaret Cho is one of America’s groundbreaking stand-up comedians. Cho’s observational comedy is subversive, irreverent, and feminist, focusing on politics, identity, sexuality, and race. In the mid-1990s, Cho produced and starred in one of the first Asian American sitcoms, All-American Girl, paving the way for the now wildly popular sitcom Fresh Off the Boat. This fall, Cho performs at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts as a stop on her psyCHO Tour.

Octubafest, October 26: Octubafest:

In honor of Halloween, the Arizona State University Herberger Institute School of Music performs a “spooktacular” show featuring the ASU Euphonium Tuba Ensemble. This performance combines the talents of faculty and students for a fun, family event.

Dinner with Silvana Salcido Esparza, October 30:

Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza is a four-time winner of the James Beard Award and owner of Barrio Café, one of Arizona’s top Mexican restaurants, hosts a one-night only dinner at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. As she prepares her signature dishes, patrons are free to check out the exhibits and pieces up at SMOCA.

Arizona Classic Jazz Festival, November 5-8:

Now in its 30^th year, the Arizona Classic Jazz Society is a not-for-profit organization that holds monthly jazz parties and an annual festival every November in Chandler, AZ. The festival focuses on classic jazz, which is defined as New Orleans jazz of the late 19^th century, which transitioned into swing in the 1930s. As a result, the sounds are danceable, and with a few dozen acts over three days, this event is highly celebrated by music lovers.

Four Corner States Bluegrass Festival & Fiddle Championship, November 13-15:

One of the oldest bluegrass festivals in the Southwest, the Four Corner States Bluegrass Festival is sponsored by the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce. This year, the festival features food and drinks, arts and crafts and a family-friendly Kids Zone. Contests include open fiddle, mandolin, flat pick guitar, and banjo. The Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting vendor and competition applications.

Hamlet, November 29:

The Phoenix Art Center presents a live simulcast of the National Theatre of London’s Hamlet, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the lead role. This classic Shakespeare tragedy is transformed in the hands of director Lynsey Turner (Posh, Chimerica), contemporizing this re-telling of a wayward son in the shadow of a powerful father, and a re-examination of ambition, identity, and politics.

Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids

333 W Thomas Rd. Suite 208a

Phoenix, AZ 85013

(602) 265-9000

info@arizonabalance.com

Introduction to Balance Disorders

Our balance system, otherwise known as the vestibular system, helps us to stand, run, walk, and negotiate our relation to gravity. Like our five main senses, balance is processed through signals to the brain, with information transmitting from our eyes and inner ear, as well as other parts of the body such as our muscles, skin, and joints.

The vestibular system is located in a “labyrinth” in the inner ear. Here, there are three semicircular canals that lie at different angles and contain a fluid called endolymph. As we move, the fluid swishes around and activates sensory hair cells that send a message to our brains (via the acoustic nerve, which also processes sound) of our movements and location in space. When these systems to do not function properly, the result is often dizziness or vertigo, or a spinning or sensation of moving even when you are laying down. This condition is known as a balance disorder.

Call us today at (602) 265-9000 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dana Day.

How common are balance disorders?

Researchers estimate that four out of 10 (40%) of Americans, at some point in their lifetime, will experience a degree of dizziness that results in seeking medical attention. Dizziness is experienced differently depending on the person, and as such the symptoms of balance disorders are difficult to categorically define. The main symptoms of balance disorders include dizziness or vertigo, light-headedness, a floating sensation, feeling as though you may fall, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, changes in heart rate, and fatigue.

What causes balance disorders?

While there is no single cause for balance disorders, conditions that affect the ear may be the culprit, whether it is from drug-induced ototoxicity, which damages inner ear hair cells and causes sensorineural hearing damage, or ear infections, tumors, or trauma to the head and neck area. Medical professionals say that dizziness or balance issues are generally symptoms of a greater issue, and recommend that people who experience these symptoms seek medical attention to determine underlying causes.

In most cases, your general practitioner will recommend that you see an otolaryngologist (an ear and throat doctor). You may also be recommended to see an audiologist to check the condition of your auditory system, as it is related to your balance. Certain conditions contribute to balance disorder, including Meniere’s disease, which affects the inner ear; labyrinthitis, an inflammation of the inner ear which causes loss of balance and is related to the flu; perilymph fistula, a leakage of inner ear fluid; and Mal de Debarquement syndrome, which is generally attributed to complications caused from the bobbing movements in long periods of travel via water.

How are balance disorders treated?

Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor will recommend changes to your diet, the use of hearing instruments, or medication to alleviate the dizziness. Balance disorders interfere greatly with a person’s life, impacting almost all areas of daily activities. With balance disorders, descending stairs are just as difficult as taking public transportation or driving to work. Because symptoms also appear when one is standing still, sitting, or lying down, balance disorders complicate everything from working to eating dinner to taking a nap. This causes stress, anxiety, fear, and panic, and in the long term, depression. As physically uncomfortable as it is, balance disorders also impact our emotional well-being. It is important to seek treatment if dizziness has begun to interfere with your life.

Some people with balance disorders find that they'd like to update their home to improve their personal safety. For information on how to do this, please visit this Guide to Home Remodeling for Disability

Call us today at (602) 265-9000 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dana Day.

Do You Have Ringing In Your Hears?

5 Reasons to See an Audiologist

If you’ve noticed a ringing in your ears that seems to linger or spontaneously reappear from time to time, you might have tinnitus. Tinnitus, a “ringing of the ears,” may sound like a whistle, or a rush of air, or a popping noise, or a dull roar. The sounds tend to differ as they are considered “head noise” and vary from person to person. This experience of hearing phantom sounds, without the stimulus of an external acoustic source, affects an estimated 25 million Americans in the past year (NIDCD).If you believe you are experiencing tinnitus, it is important to seek help and treatment from an audiologist. Even the least imposing occurrences of tinnitus might have adverse effects on your health and well-being.

Here are five reasons to visit an audiologist as soon as you experience symptoms of tinnitus:

5. Stress and anxiety.

People who experience tinnitus are more likely to lose sleep, have difficulty with concentration, and have higher levels of stress and anxiety. When you are constantly accompanied by a high-pitched ringing noise inside your head that you cannot shut off, it will interfere with your daily life.

4. Physical health issues.

Often times, tinnitus is a symptom of another health issue. The auditory system located inside your head is close to the neck and jaw area. Trauma to this area may cause tinnitus, as well as growths of tumors or temporomandibular jaw (TMJ) disorders. There are also cases in which prescribed medication has caused tinnitus, particularly aminoglycoside antibiotics (used to treat meningitis), by damaging hair cells. It is important to sort out drug-induced ear problems as soon as possible.

3. Socio-emotional well-being.

With tinnitus, people might find themselves withdrawn and unwilling to participate in social gatherings, activities, parties, and events because of the distracting and annoying sound. There may be a hesitation because the tinnitus sound obstructs their ability to hear and respond in conversations. Social isolation has the potential to lead to bigger emotional issues, such as depression and social anxiety.

2. Underlying medical conditions.

Depending on the kind of tinnitus you experience, your audiologist may be able to determine related medical conditions. If you experience subjective tinnitus (in which someone sitting near you can hear the sound as well), then you may have issues related to your vascular system. With issues like high blood pressure, there is increased blood flow to the ear, which may be a culprit for the tinnitus. Tinnitus may also indicate Meniere’s disease (which affects the inner ear), or most commonly, hearing loss.

1. Hearing loss.

More often than not, tinnitus and hearing loss are concurrent. Noise-induced hearing loss has the potential to lead to tinnitus. Hearing loss should be identified and treated quickly; potential links have been found between hearing loss and higher rates of falls and hospitalizations, as well as cognitive overload and dementia. When the brain struggles to make sense of muffled sounds and to fill in the gaps, it causes a strain on neural pathways. Hearing loss also leads to higher rates of social isolation and depression. If your audiologist prescribes you a hearing aid, it will most likely offer sound therapy to treat your tinnitus as well.

Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids

333 W Thomas Rd. Suite 208a

Phoenix, AZ 85013

(602) 265-9000

info@arizonabalance.com

How to protect your child's hearing

The world has certainly gotten louder than when you were a kid, and these days, there are so many different ways to listen to music and media. As you navigate you child through the world, it is crucial to protect their hearing and also impart on them best practices to protect their own hearing. Here are five ways:

5. 60-60 rule.

The 60-60 rule is: listen to music or other media for only 60 minutes a day, at 60% of the volume. This level is recommended by hearing professionals to protect hearing. Lengthy exposure to loud sounds contributes to longer-term noise-induced hearing loss. Also, choose to listen to music or media through speakers that are further away; when sounds are played closer to the ear, there is more potential for hearing damage.

4. Apps to control volume.

iPads, iPods, smart phones, and other portable devices are ubiquitous nowadays, and with their ability to hold thousands of songs on a long battery life, kids may listen to music or play games on their devices for hours, at a high volume. The good thing is, with new technology comes new innovation: there are a plethora of apps on Apple and Android that allow parents to control settings on their kids’ devices. A search will give you a list of options; some top performers are Sound Sanity and Lock the Volume. Devices also allow you to lock in desired settings for volume restrictions by changing options in the Settings apps.

3. Headphones.

Those little earbud headphones that come with electronic devices can do serious harm to your child’s ears. Their placement in the ear canal poses a great risk when sounds are played even at a moderate volume. Due to the proximity to the eardrum, earbuds actually add a few extra decibels to the volume that is being played. Additionally, they are ineffective at canceling out background noise in an environment and as such, earbud wearers tend to turn the volume up even higher in order to hear through them. If your child will be hearing headphones, consider a pair of high-quality, noise-canceling headphones, and again, follow the 60-60 rule.

2. Protective ear plugs.

Protective ear plugs are commonly used in occupations surrounded by loud sounds, such as an airfield or a construction site or even a rock concert. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow was praised for custom-fitting her two kids with protective earplugs while making the concert circuit with her former rock musician partner. If you find yourself in noisy situations with your kids often, such as live music shows, or even on the subway train, consider a pair of custom-fitted protective ear plugs to save their ears from harmful sounds with high decibels.

1. Conversation about hearing loss.

As you know, there are many teachable moments in your life with your child. Your child might complain about how loud the lawn mower is in the backyard or when you go see that summer blockbuster at the movies. In these moments, gently remind your child that hearing loss is caused by a great number of factors in our daily life, and that hearing loss is permanent. One great activity is to consider the decibels of sounds in your life. For example, the whisper of a human voice, the buzz of a mosquito and the babbling of a brook are sounds that will be lost to your ears if you experience even moderate hearing loss. Share the enjoyable, safe sounds with your child, and make sure they know when to move away from the harmful ones.

Quick Guide to Maintaining Your Hearing Aids.

Compact and powerful, your hearing aids are complex electronic devices that require care for maximum performance and longevity. Incorporating these maintenance routines into your life ensure that your hearing aids will function properly. Your audiologist will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your hearing aids. Here is a quick reference guide with do’s and don’ts.

Hearing Aid "Do's"

Store your hearing aids in a safe spot.

Store your hearing aids in a cool, safe, dry place, inaccessible to children and pets. Hearing aids are small, and their batteries are even smaller. They are choking hazards to small children and pets. Also, if dropped or knocked over, the shock could cause damage to the electrical components.

Check your batteries.

Batteries usually last 1-2 weeks and should be checked daily with a battery tester. Be sure to carry spare batteries with you if you go out, just in case.

Turn off your aids when not in use.

Turn your hearing aid off if you are not using it. Leaving your hearing aids on when not in use will drain them of their batteries.

Keep your aids clean.

Clean hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth. Hearing aids can pick up dirt and dust from daily use. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe them and apply gentle pressure to avoid damaging any sensitive components.

Wait until morning to remove earwax and debris.

Wait until morning to clean the earwax and debris out of your hearing aids. Earwax will harden and dry out overnight, which lends to easier removal.

Consider getting a dehumidifier.

Some hearing aid manufacturers offer drying and dehumidifying devices in which you place your hearing aids overnight to remove moisture. For hearing aids with rechargeable batteries, there are units comprising of both a battery charger and dehumidifier.

Visit your audiologist.

Bring them in to your hearing professional for regular cleaning and maintenance. Hearing professionals will give your hearing aids a thorough cleaning that includes earwax and debris removal, and will make repairs as needed.

Hearing Aid "Don’ts"

Don't store your aids in the bathroom.

Avoid storing your hearing aids in the bathroom. Bathrooms tend to be more humid and moist than other parts of the house. These conditions could damage hearing aids.

Don't carry your batteries in your pockets with coins

Store your batteries near metal coins and do not remove their stickers until use. These scenarios will reduce the life of your hearing aid batteries. Store your batteries in a cool, dry spot, away from small children and pets.

Never wear your hearing aids while sleeping.

Avoid wearing your hearing aid when you are sleeping. Your ears need a rest, and so do the hearing aids. Take your hearing aids out and store them in a safe dry place while you are sleeping.

Avoid getting your hearing aids wet.

Unless you have a waterproof hearing aid, remember to remove your hearing aids before you take a shower or bath, go to the spa or the pool, or the hairdresser.

Wait to put your aids in until after you are done getting ready.

Remove your hearing aids if you are styling your hair, spraying perfume or cologne, or when you are shaving, and store them in a safe place. These chemicals will muck up the mechanics inside the hearing aid.

Do NOT let your aids get too hot.

Avoid exposing your hearing aids to high levels of heat. Avoid leaving hearing aids in areas that could get very warm, such as in your car during an Arizona summer or near windows.

Never attempt to repair your hearing aids on your own.

Avoid trying to repair your hearing aids on your own. You may inadvertently cause greater damage by attempting to repair your hearing aids. If there are problems, bring your hearing aids in to your audiologist for repairs.

Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids

333 W Thomas Rd. Suite 208a

Phoenix, AZ 85013

(602) 265-9000

info@arizonabalance.com

Induction Hearing Loop Systems near Phoenix

According to the Arizona Commission of the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH), there are more than 700,000 people who are hard of hearing living in Arizona. Since 2006, the Adult Loss of Hearing Association (ALOHA) has pushed the agenda for public venues, such as churches, theaters, auditoriums, etc. to install hearing loops to increase accessibility for the large number of Arizonans who are living with hearing loss.Hearing loops are copper wires that surround a room or venue, usually installed in the floor. The wires are connected to the sound system in the room and transmit sound through electromagnetic waves to your hearing aid’s telecoil (T-coil). The hearing loop system delivers crisp, clear sound to your ears, without the need for any other assisted listening devices; it is as simple as switching your hearing aid’s programming to T-coil. The Cronkite News of Tucson reported that a “2007 state law requires audiologists in Arizona to tell patients purchasing hearing aids about the telecoil option that makes looping possible.”Below is a selection of venues in and around Phoenix that are fitted with a hearing loop (for a listing of houses of worship, visit: https://www.loopfinder.com/landing/getPlace/city/phoenix/). Though a lot of movie theaters and performance venues in the Phoenix area offer assisted listening devices (infrared, neck loops, etc.), there are not many arts, culture, and entertainment venues that offer hearing loops. For more information on hearing loops or getting involved with the initiative to install more venues with loops.

Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix - 627 W Rio Solado Pkwy, Mesa:

The Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix is “primarily an educational organization, providing bi-monthly lectures by experts in various fields; opportunities for intellectual discourse…and social events such as game nights, potlucks, and special celebrations throughout the year.” The HSGP meets twice a month on Sundays at 9am for a lecture series featuring diverse guest speakers. Upcoming events include a discussion group about inequities in our economic system, a screening of Pedro E. Guerrero: a Photographer’s Journey, and a sold-out talk with actor and Chicano arts advocate Cheech Marin. Marin’s collection of Chicano art will be on exhibit from September 11 to the end of December 2015. For more information, visit https://www.hsgp.org/

The Loft Cinema - 3233 East Speedway Blvd, Tucson:

For over 40 years, the Loft Cinema has been serving Tucson and the greater south Arizona area’s independent and art-house film lovers. Two screens at the Loft are fitted with hearing loops (one is handicap accessible). Currently playing are: The End of the Tour, based on interviews between journalist David Lipsky and author David Foster Wallace; Irrational Man, Woody Allen’s new existential picture; Mr. Holmes, starring the illustrious Ian McKellan as our favorite detective; and Cartel Land, a searing look at the underworld of the drug business.

Desert View Performing Arts Center - 39900 Clubhouse Dr, Tucson:

This multi-purpose venue is fitted with a hearing loop and hosts movies, comedy shows, concerts, and art shows.

Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids

333 W Thomas Rd. Suite 208a

Phoenix, AZ 85013

(602) 265-9000

info@arizonabalance.com

Pediatric Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

Many children, at some point, experience ear infections. Ear infections have been well-recorded through history, with early mentions in the writing of Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician. In the 1850s, researcher Adam Politzer suggested that the cause of middle ear infections, or otitis media (OM), is due to blockage in the Eustachian tube.Because the Eustachian tube is much smaller in younger children, 75% of otitis media cases occur before the age of 10. In 1938, researcher A.E. Schlanser proposed that genetics was “the greatest single factor in the causation of otitis media.” Now, many decades later, new studies have linked genetics to middle ear infections.

New information on ear infections

In a study from Baylor College, a team of international researchers found that individuals with a variant in the gene A2ML1 were more likely to suffer from ear infections of the middle ear. Dr. Regie Lyn Santos-Cortez, lead researcher on this study, was trained as an otolaryngologist in her native Philippines. During a medical trip to an indigenous area of the Philippines, Dr. Santos-Cortez was astonished to find that a large number of inhabitants of this area suffered from middle ear infections.With this foundation, Dr. Santos-Cortez focused the Baylor study on a group of 175 indigenous Filipino subjects who were native to the same vicinity and experienced high levels of middle ear infections. With environmental factors and lifestyles reduced as a major influence, researchers were able to hone in on the genetics. They found that 80% of people with a variance in the A2ML1 gene had suffered from otitis media at some point in their lives.Ear infections occur when there is mucus of fluid buildup in the Eustachian tube of the ear, due to colds or infections. Known commonly as “glue ear,” ear infections may cause mild to moderate hearing loss in children. In most occurrences of otitis media, middle ear surgery is required to drain the fluids. With this new genetic link identified, researchers are hopeful that that there will be other options to treat OM than surgery.The key to understanding the A2ML1 gene is studying the role it plays. This particular gene controls the production of a protein which blocks proteases, an enzyme which could cause damage to the middle ear. Researchers found that subjects in this study had a variance on the A2ML1 gene, which causes a deviation from this normal protein production process, thus leading to a higher occurrence of middle ear infections.Interestingly, researchers found similar cases of genetic variance in children of Hispanic and European heritage in Galveston, Texas, with no apparent relation to the 175 Filipino test subjects. This discovery creates a fuller picture of genetic inheritance through the lens of colonialism. They surmised a potential link between Spanish colonists in the Philippines to connect subjects of Filipino and Hispanic-European heritages.As Dr. Santos-Cortez and her colleagues continue their research on the role of the A2ML1 gene and susceptibility to middle ear infection, they hope to develop new solutions to treating otitis media to avoid the evasiveness of surgery in young children and simultaneously, to prevent early childhood hearing loss.

TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH HEARING AIDS AND HEARING LOSSIf variety is the spice of life, than travel makes things especially tasty. From summer vacations to winter wonderlands and romantic getaways, your traveling days do not have to be hindered by hearing loss. Modern hearing aids can make travel especially exciting. Never again will you miss a flight delay announcement or the pitter patter of tiny feet again. Here’s how to get the most out of your vacation with hearing aids:

Several Days Before You Depart

While you’re out picking up last minute travel items and having your newspaper delivery paused, be sure to have your hearing aids checked. Your audiologist can give your device a thorough cleaning as well as change the batteries and fine-tune the programming. Now is the time to mention any issues you may have been experiencing with the fit or function of your hearing aids. This quick stop will help to ensure you get the most performance out of your hearing aids while you’re away.

Packing

You’ve read all the latest travel “hacks” in your Facebook news feed and now you’re ready to try them out. With all that extra space you have created in your suitcase by rolling your clothes like burritos instead of stacking them, you’re certain to find a spot for a small travel case. You’ll want to invest in a new, or clean out an old hearing aid travel case. These can be purchased at any drugstore and are inexpensive. Your nightly routine will be different while in a hotel room or while staying with relatives and you’ll need to ensure safe storage. Bonus tip: be sure to throw extra batteries both in your suitcase as well as in your carry on bag.

The Friendly Skies

Traveling by air has gotten a whole lot easier for those with hearing loss. Many airports now have induction loops installed to assist you in hearing details in their busy and loud environment. If your hearing aid is equipped with a telecoil, this magnetic field will automatically be picked up by your hearing aid and the sound will be transmitted directly through your aid for easy listening. You’ll never miss a boarding call or flight delay update again. Look for the sign showing an ear next to the speakers for the PA system.*Tip: When passing through the security check-point, remove your hearing aids before passing through one of the new complete body scanners. You can place your aids with your personal belonging to be scanned separately. This will prevent any changes to the hearing aid programing which can be caused by the body scanners.&nbsp

Staying With Friends Or Relatives

Once you’ve reached your destination, it’s natural to want to spend as much quality time with those you’ve missed so much. If this includes staying in their home be sure to keep your hearing aids safe. Small children and pets are notoriously curious creatures. You wouldn’t want them to grab hold of your hearing aid and pose a choking hazard or potentially damage your aids. This is where that travel case will come in handy. While you shower, swim or sleep be certain to keep your hearing aids closed tightly in a case and stored up high where they are safe and out of reach.If you enjoyed traveling before treating your hearing loss, there is no reason to stop now. By following these tips, your time away from home can be just as fun and adventurous as it always has been. Savor the sweet sounds of an even sweeter life. You’ve earned it.

Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids

333 W Thomas Rd. Suite 208a

Phoenix, AZ 85013

(602) 265-9000

info@arizonabalance.com

An introduction to the world of hearing aids

The sense of hearing in humans is far more complicated than just sound going in a small hole in your head. This is probably not well understood until you notice that you can’t hear as well anymore. Now sure, you can still hear the “big” sounds like a slamming car door, your boss’s boisterous laugh and fireworks, but some are not so obvious. Your audiologist can help you get the precise levels of hearing you need through personalized hearing aid technology. Read on to learn more about the basics of hearing loss and hearing aids.

Background Noise

Hearing well in a busy restaurant or other noisy environment is, perhaps, the ultimate test on your ears. Most people with some degree of high frequency hearing loss report difficulty hearing or understanding speech in these environments. Analog hearing aids of the past were unable to accurately fix this problem and provided a subpar experience for wearer. They simply amplified all incoming sound without being able to discern speech sounds from noise. Today’s digital hearing aids can help you enjoy your dinner with friends by differentiating normal speech levels from other background noises in an accurate and natural manner.

Mistaking One Word For Another

When you can’t hear some frequencies of sound as well as others, it can be frustrating to those around you because it can cause a lot of confusion during conversations. If you find yourself constantly mistaking one word for any other similar sounding word, it is definitely time to schedule a professional hearing evaluation. A hearing test will check your frequency threshold and verbal cues to see where you need the most assistance. A pair of digital hearing aid can then be custom fitted to provide you with the most comfortable listening experience possible given your level of loss.

Not Being Able To Hear Women And Children

Hearing loss does not typically occur at the same rate across all frequencies. Often times, the sound of women and children’s voices is the first to be lost. This is because of the higher frequency “hearing cells” being damaged by years of noise exposure. This specific problem can be alleviated by modern, digital hearing aids as they can be programmed according to your individual needs.

Ringing In Your Ears

For some people, hearing a ringing or buzzing sound in their ear occurs simultaneously with hearing loss. This ringing, also called Tinnitus, can be caused by overexposure to loud noises. Simply seeking treatment for your hearing loss may incur the added benefit of helping the tinnitus as well. Mention the issue to your Audiologist to learn more about options that best suit your lifestyle.

Muffled Sounds

Imagine yourself talking to your family doctor. You ask a question and it sounds like he’s talking back to you from underneath a pillow. When it sounds as though people are muffled or even like they are underwater when they talk to you, you may have some degree of hearing loss. A professional hearing test can confirm this suspicion and offer insight as to how best to treat it.The active lifestyle of today’s adults doesn’t allow time to be bothered with hearing loss. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to get evaluated by an experienced audiologist in your area. A thorough hearing evaluation and a wide variety of treatment options are just a phone call away. If you are located in the Phoenix, AZ area, we invite you to schedule a complete hearing evaluation with Dr. Dana Day. You'll be glad you did!

Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids

333 W Thomas Rd. Suite 208a

Phoenix, AZ 85013

(602) 265-9000

info@arizonabalance.com

You’ve seen Phoenix, but never like this. Once you experience Phoenix, Arizona the way we have, you’ll never forget it! Get your hearing aids in perfect tune, you won’t want to miss a beat. From the hiking trails that are open late at night for you nature lovers to the Arizona Science Center and the Chaos Comedy Club, get ready. With perpetual sunshine and hot weather it’s easy to sit in your resort room or sip mojitos by the pool all day long, don’t give in. Phoenix has so many wonderful things to see and hear. Get out and explore, you’ll be glad you did.
 

Arizona Night Hikes

Outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to learn that hiking never goes out of season. Bring a flashlight and plenty of water because the Phoenix preserve trails are open until 11pm. This is when the desert critters are far more active and it’s at least 20 degrees cooler after dark. For those of you not so keen on the idea of wildlife, the Maricopa county parks offer a guided hike or nighttime bike rides all summer long. Listening carefully will reveal the nocturnal world you’ve been taking for granted. Learn, exercise and bond with your family all at once and all after hours.

Arizona Science Center

If you’re here with the kids (or grandkids), you won’t want to miss the Arizona Science Center. Kids just love to be grossed out by bodily functions. Let them get their fill at The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body. This featured exhibit will have them talking and learning for weeks after this trip. A pinball journey from the mouth through the large intestine anyone? Take notice of every time the kids tell these stories. Things are larger than life when you see them through the eyes of a child. Good thing your hearing trouble is no longer an issue. While you’re there, check out the 5-story Imax theater. Movies come to life in 3D, on a panoramic screen right in front of your eyes. Experience the childlike wonder and amazement of the world around you all over again.For more information:www.azscience.org

Chaos Comedy Club

 
When you can’t hear very well social gatherings become excruciating. Not only is it far more difficult to follow conversations with all the background noise but you miss out on the funniest jokes. Not anymore. You’ll have your co workers in side stitches next time you’re around the water cooler after this date night activity. Chaos Comedy club is the premier place in Phoenix for good, clean fun. The improv entertainers take audience suggestions and participation to a whole new level. When you realize just how much fun this is, you might consider taking a comedy class. You can do that here too. Book a private event for inside jokes nobody will live down.

For more information: https://chaoscomedy.com/

Great Phoenix Restaurants

 
A common complaint from those with a hearing loss are noisy restaurants. With the competing background noise of music, it can be very difficult to understand your friends and family while out to eat. Phoenix offers a growing number of new and delicious restaurant options. New hearing aid technology is particularly great at targeting and minimizing background noise so that you can understand the conversations happening around you. Here is a short list of some great spots near our Central Phoenix practice that you should consider for your next restaurant outing!

Joyride Taco Shop:

 
Joyride offer a great upbeat atmosphere with colorful decor and fun drinks. They have a variety of modern and fresh Mexican cuisines including tacos, healthy salads, burritos and even homemade horchata! The service is great and the servers are all really enthusiastic and friendly. If you are in the east valley, check out their location in Downtown Gilbert!
 

5202 N Central AvePhoenix, AZ 85012Phone number(602) 274-8226

On Yelp:https://www.yelp.com/biz/joyride-taco-house-phoenix-2

Barrio Cafe: 

 
This Phoenix gem offers exquisite Mexican food by Phoenix Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza and her partner Wendy Gruber. Since 2002, Phoenicians have been raving about their house made guacamole with pomegranate seeds, Enchilada Suiza, Mole and their decadent desserts. The spot doesn't look particularly noteworthy on the inside... but the food is absolutely worth the visit.
 

2814 N 16th StPhoenix, AZ 85006Phone number(602) 636-0240‍

www.barriocafe.com

‍Check out their reviews on Yelp:https://www.yelp.com/biz/barrio-café-phoenix-2?

Postino Central: 

 
This restaurant has an elegant yet cozy lounge feel to it where you can enjoy a full meal, or just a glass of wine and some amazing bruschetta. They even have a deal Mondays and Tuesdays after 8pm you can get a house bottle of wine and bruschetta for $20.
 

5144 N Central AvePhoenix, AZ 85012Phone number(602) 274-5144

‍www.postinowinecafe.com

‍On Yelp:https://www.yelp.com/biz/postino-central-phoenix

Let’s face it, life with a hearing loss is not fun and can make you feel a bit anti-social. Now that you've treated your hearing loss with advanced digital hearing aids, it is time to experience all that Phoenix has to offer. Get those hearing aids in proper working order and enjoy all the entertainment and recreation that the beautiful city of Phoenix has to offer. Contact Dr. Dana Day at Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids at (602) 965-9000 to schedule an appointment today!

Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids

333 W Thomas Rd. Suite 208a

Phoenix, AZ 85013

(602) 265-9000

info@arizonabalance.com

Understanding Balance Disorders

The sensation of balance is complicated but most of it has to do with your inner ear and the structures therein. Balance problems can usually be fixed by addressing the source of the problem; the inner ear. Your ears work in conjunction with many other body parts to help you stay balanced and to help you perceive the outside world. There are times when a balance disturbance is what you are looking for, such as riding a rollercoaster. If this disturbance happens during normal activities it would be helpful for you to figure out the root cause and how best to treat it. Finding the cause is possible with several painless, non-invasive tests that Dr. Day can perform for you at her Central Phoenix practice.

Balance Impairment

Feeling dizzy is the most common complaint with a balance impairment but did you know there are actually several symptoms that are all related to dizziness? It’s true. Dizziness can be described as light-headedness or disorientation. You might also feel like the room is spinning, that’s called vertigo. The most common cause for all of these is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). If you’ve even gotten dizzy rolling from your left to your right side or felt sick when searching for something on a high shelf then you’ve probably experienced BPPV. This is caused by calcium.

I Thought Calcium Was Good For The Body?

As a mineral necessary for proper bone growth, calcium is an important part of any diet. The calcium that causes your dizziness is a little different. We’re talking about the calcium crystals located in the inner ear called otoconia. Usually, these crystals stay in the bony tubes of the inner ear like they’re supposed to. Sometimes they can become dislodged and find their way into the semicircular canals and cause a mismatch of information about your actual head movement and the signals your ear sends to your brain. That’s why rolling over in bed can cause you to feel dizzy. If your doctor or Audiologist decide that you do in fact have BPPV, they will likely suggest a few of the following treatment options.

Treat The Inner Ear To Treat the Dizziness

There are a variety of positional maneuvers that can be performed in the office. Most of the maneuvers focus on moving the crystals back to a place in the inner ear where they won’t cause you to feel dizzy. The Epley maneuver uses gravity to help coax the calcium crystals into a better position. This can be taught in the office and then practiced at home for maximum relief. Then there’s the Semont maneuver which is reported to have a cure rate of 90.3%. Semont is performed in the office by having a patient sit on the exam table with their legs hanging off and going through a series of quick head movements. Each move is held for 3 minutes and when they have all been completed the dizziness or vertigo is decreased or gone altogether. The professionals at ABHA are well-trained and highly experienced to ensure your safety.While feeling dizzy at an amusement park may be great, you probably don’t want to risk falling in your daily life. Talking to Dr. Dana Day and completing the painless and non-invasive balance testing can help you deal with your dizziness before it becomes dangerous. Call us to schedule your balance test at 602-265-9000 today!

Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids

333 W Thomas Rd. Suite 208a

Phoenix, AZ 85013

(602) 265-9000

info@arizonabalance.com

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?

Can you please put your phone on vibrate? I love your new windchimes! If you’ve said these things and gotten funny looks, it might be in your head. Literally, the ringing is in your head, or your ear more specifically. Ringing in your ears, whether constant or not, is called Tinnitus. And while tinnitus is most often experienced as a ringing sound, it can also include buzzing, whistling or any other sounds that are not caused by an external source. If you suspect you may have this condition, you need to make your Audiologist aware. She will will guide you in the next step which will likely include figuring out what is causing your tinnitus, some commonly used home remedies, and medical treatments that are available.

What Is Causing Your Ears To Ring?

Tinnitus has many possible causes. Yours might be caused by more than one so it helps to understand them all. If the ringing has occurred gradually it stands to reason that the culprit is exposure to loud noises. Over time, loud noises cause both tinnitus as well as hearing impairment. These can occur in one or both ears and there is no known cure, only coping mechanisms. Other possible causes are certain medications, high blood pressure, heart related conditions and diabetes. If you and your doctor decide together that your tinnitus is caused by one of these, it can be possible through medical care to get the ringing to stop. A change in medication and lifestyle modifications to better control the symptoms of high blood pressure may be all you need to end your tinnitus for good. Ask your doctor or Audiologist how to best improve living conditions to reduce the severity of your tinnitus.

Home Remedies for Tinnitus

Home remedies have come a long way since your grandma first started rubbing butter on your burns. Modern day home remedies can actually be quite effective in managing tinnitus and can help increase your quality of life. Listening to music or using a white noise machine in your home or office may be the key for you to drown out the ringing sound. Using a homemade solution to safely clean your ears (not a cotton tipped swab!) can remove excess wax buildup that can make tinnitus worse. Physical activity will improve blood flow to the ears to help alleviate symptoms and relaxation techniques such as yoga can also help relieve the ringing as well as help you sleep. Tinnitus is often far worse when you’re exhausted so don’t skimp on the shut eye. Be sure to stay away from, or at least severely limit, your exposure to loud noise to keep tinnitus from becoming worse. Investing in a well fitting set of earplugs or headphones is also advised. If home remedies are not enough or your symptoms seem to be getting worse you and your doctor may need to try medically prescribed treatment options.

How Can My Doctor Or Audiologist Help My Tinnitus?

For those experiencing tinnitus without any hearing loss, something called Acoustic Therapy may help mask the irritating buzzing you are perceiving. This is essentially a sound generator housed in a hearing aid case that produces a very soft and pleasant sound which can help mask the sounds of your tinnitus.Given that tinnitus and hearing loss usually go hand in hand, your doctor will likely direct you to an Audiologist. Here you will receive a formal hearing test and discuss how a hearing device in one or both ears may solve both the tinnitus and hearing loss together. Tinnitus and hearing difficulties often occur together and most commonly in the 65 or better age category. Amplifying speech and other environmental sounds can help to stimulate the Auditory nerve and your brain and possibly “trick” you into thinking the ringing has stopped.The combination of home remedies and medically prescribed treatment options can dramatically reduce the frustrating ringing in your ears. If you or a loved one are experiencing tinnitus, we invite you to schedule a hearing test at our Central Phoenix location. Our friendly and experienced audiologist Dr. Dana Day is dedicated to helping Phoenicians with all of their hearing and balance problems, including tinnitus.

Hearing aid manufacturers are outdoing themselves by engineering hearing aids for those who have active lifestyles, without sacrificing advanced features. You can participate in sports without a concern and even go swimming! Helmets can be put on with ease and wind noise almost eliminated. You can choose a hearing aid that will allow you to participate in all of the activities that you did before. The difference may be that you will enjoy them more.The goal is to find a hearing aid that will enhance your life. No matter your age, whether your loss is mild, moderate or severe, or whether you spend your free time hiking, biking, weight-lifting at the gym or swimming, there is a hearing aid that will work for you. Tell your audiologist what activities you regularly participate in and your audiologist will help you choose the hearing aid model that is just right for you and meets your needs.

Water-proof aids: Siemens Aquaris

Siemens Hearing designs hearing aids with the whole person in mind. Just because you have lost some (or a lot) of your hearing does not mean you have to give up on activities that you love and enjoy. You can still be as active as you desire. The Siemens Aquaris is an amazing product that is sturdy, fits securely and is also completely waterproof.You can wear your Aquaris in the swimming pool or at the gym. It is built to be water-proof, shock-proof, dust-proof, sweat and water resistant. Some of its features include:

• The housing and battery door are completely sealed so it is waterproof and resists rusting.
• It can be worn while swimming.
• It is impervious to sweating.
• It is made of a material that repels dust and dirt.
• There is a microphone cover that is used to reduce wind noise.

Siemens makes other different types of hearing aids for you to choose from. They fit all ages and all lifestyles, and work for those with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe.

Invisible-in-canal (IIC): For reduction in wind noise

An IIC hearing aid fits entirely in the ear canal. You can put on a helmet for bike riding or motorcycling without fear of dislodging your aid. Slide on your sunglasses with no worries of your hearing aid interfering. Slip a sweatband over your forehead with ease.Since the device is in the ear canal, it does not pick-up wind noise as much as other types of aids. Noises enter the ear in the same natural way as it does when there is no hearing aid, so the sound is not processed.The device is essentially invisible, so none of your fellow riders and friends will even know you are wearing a hearing aid. You can sit in a hot tub or jump in the shower without needing to remove your hearing device.

“Made for iPhone” hearing aids: Starkey Halo

A fairly new and somewhat remarkable breakthrough is a “Made for iPhone” hearing aid that has multiple features. The Starkey Halo connects directly to your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch allowing you to easily adjust the sound of your hearing aid. When you get a phone call, you can even hear the voice of the caller directly through your aid. According to Starkey, you can select music and videos to be “streamed directly into your ears with pristine sound quality.” Background buzzing or whistling are non-existent.

If you are experiencing a hearing loss and have been recommended a hearing aid, it is natural to have concerns about how it will look. Most digital hearing aids are available in different levels of technology, but also allow you the choice of many different wearing styles. Understanding your options of hearing aid styles can help you decide which will work best for your lifestyle and level of discretion you are seeking. Depending on your hearing loss, the following options are likely available to you:

Behind-the-ear (BTE):

The traditional type of aid that most people think of when they hear the phrase “hearing aid.” A small plastic case fits behind the ear. A custom-made piece called an earmoid fits into the ear canal. The earmold is connected by a tube to the BTE part. The advantages are that sounds can be amplified greater than with some other models, but it may pick up more wind noise. This is a good device for hearing loss from mild to severe.

Receiver in the canal (RIC):

This is very similar to the BTE, but is generally smaller and has a wire connecting the BTE piece with the earmold instead of a tube. It is not as visible as the BTE, but earwax clogging the receiver may interfere with its functioning. Works for all ranges of loss.

In the ear (ITE):

This is a shell that fits into the outer bowl-shaped part of the ear. It may take up the entire space, or only the lower half. Its advantages are that it is easier to adjust and the batteries are larger and easier to handle. On the other hand, wind noise and earwax clogging may present problems. It is more visible that some of the other smaller hearing aids. This works well for most ranges of hearing loss, up to severe.

In the canal (ITC):

It is more visible than the CIC but less visible than some of the other types. It is custom-molded and fits only partially in the ear canal. Due to its small size, it may be difficult for some people to adjust. Works best for those with mild to moderate loss.

Completely in the canal (CIC):

This type is also molded and custom-made to fit completely inside the ear canal. It is quite small and hardly visible. It does not pick up wind noise as easily as some of the others. The batteries are very small, which may make them difficult to handle. There typically is no volume control or ability to change the direction of the microphone. It also gets easily clogged with earwax. It works well for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Invisible in the canal (IIC):

This is a small custom-molded device that fits deep inside the ear canal and, as the name suggests, is almost completely invisible. This may be an excellent choice for someone with mild to moderate hearing loss, but not for those with a severe or profound loss. Since the hearing aid so small, the battery is also very small and may be difficult to handle for some people. The battery life is shorter than batteries for some other devices.