Otology

The advancement in technology has led to a solution for individuals with damage to the inner ear. Cochlear implants are devices used for individuals who suffer from a severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit from the use of hearing aids. Individuals who are candidates for the use of cochlear implants commonly suffer from a severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, which is a hearing loss that is attributed to damage to the cochlea. The cochlea is the anatomical structure that…

Although statistical data and research shows there are healthcare disparities as it relates to minorities, much isn’t done to change negative patterns. However, researchers’ have chosen to examine the healthcare racial inequalities of African Americans. Cultural differences, and racial conscious and unconscious are factors that contribute to the gap in African American health. Therefore, collecting only medical data and physician behaviors towards certain diagnosis, is not enough to determine…

Cochlear implants (CI) are electronic medical devices that are surgically placed, designed to stimulate hearing in individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. It replaces the function of the damaged parts of the inner ear (cochlea), sending sound signals to the brain. To many, this seems like an amazing advance in technology. A miracle even, to be able to restore a missing sense. To others, this device holds a threat to the demise of a culture that strictly celebrates and is centered on…

Life Lesson The author of the American Idol, Leah LaBelle, once said, “Work hard for what you want because it won 't come to you without a fight. You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do anything you put your mind to. If somebody puts you down or criticizes you, just keep on believing in yourself and turn it into something positive.” I like this quote because it encourages me as a deaf woman who still struggles and fights with many issues. I was born deaf and grew up having…

Cochlear implants, also known as the “bionic ear”, are devices that help provide aid for those hard-of-hearing. These devices are extremely complex and contain parts that are forced to work as a functioning unit. I will be going into more in depth with cochlear implants as well as defining what a cochlear implant actually is. I will also explain the costs that are involved, who the “best candidate” would be for implantation, and the risks and benefits involved with the implant. According to the…

The Pitfalls of “Locked Hearing Aids:” Doug’s Story With hearing aid dealers popping up on nearly every corner, many patients (and their families) aren’t aware of the common pitfalls they can encounter when making their selection of hearing aid dealer or audiologist. Doug, a Raleigh resident and patient of Now Hear This®, shares his story: “I bought my first pair of hearing aids in 2007 from a Starkey dealer in Nashville, TN. A few years later, my wife and I relocated to Raleigh to retire.…

In the movie, “Love is Never Silent”, Margaret Ryder (Maggie), a hearing daughter to two deaf parents, grew up during the Great Depression, where the lives between the hearing and the deaf were very segregated. Her parents did not interact with hearing people and relied on Maggie to interpret all situations necessary, including very difficult situations involving money, health and death. Maggie was very unselfish growing up, making her parents her number one priority, which forced her to set…

Essay (1) Hearing aids Done by: Shaker Class: 7(C) Teacher: Nemah Figure 1 (hearing aid) If people wear hearing aids then they must have a problem with their ears, and the one major dis-advantage that led people using hearing aids is deafness, now people may ask what deafness is. Well it is a disease that might hit you when new babies are born, or sometimes when you here a loud sound like an explosion that’s in front of you, furthermore, if deafness hits you it might be either mild,…

The main question that is discussed in the article, “Effectiveness of Counseling-Based Adult Group Aural Rehabilitation Programs: A Systematic Review of the Evidence,” is whether group aural rehabilitation (AR) programs that are counseling based are effective or not. The article reviewed the evidence from these group AR programs from relevant articles that had to match a specific list of criteria. I believe that counseling based group AR programs are effective for not only those who are hearing…

Do you have or require a cochlear implant? If so, you may be eligible for social security benefits, if you meet certain requirements. A cochlear implant is a device used to aid in the function of the inner ear by sending signals to the brain. In situations where the inner ear is damaged this electronic device actually replaces the function of the inner ear, giving patients a better chance to hear and communicate with others. The cochlear implant is intended for those who are considered…