Corvallis Hearing Center

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Hearing Difficulty?

February 10, 2021 by Ron Leavitt

Hearing Difficulty?
It’s Important to Know the Business You Are In
Dr. Ron Leavitt, Audiologist

A noted entrepreneur once said “It is important to know what business you are actually in.” In recent years this quote has taken on new meaning for hearing health care providers.

In the past some audiologists may have thought we were in the hearing aid sales business. Then cochlear implants came along and that view was broadened to include a more encompassing term such as the “hearing improvement business” since hearing aids were no longer the only tool in the toolbox.

Today hearing health care providers are faced with a mountain of data suggesting we are in the cognitive optimization business.

Specifically, it is now known that when hearing loss is untreated or improperly treated, a host of anatomical and physiological changes occur in the brain that result in a phenomenon known as “synaptic pruning and resource reallocation.”

While synaptic pruning is used by the healthy brain to minimize those pathways that are nonessential to existence, when hearing loss is improperly treated synaptic pruning and reorganization takes place in critical areas of the brain associated with higher order reasoning. Such unfavorable reorganization/pruning may be a gateway to dementia whose strong relationship to hearing loss has been well documented.

The obvious question then becomes what should we be doing to prevent such an outcome? First, when friends, family or colleagues start saying you are having hearing problems act immediately to get a comprehensive hearing test. There is likely a point of no return where the brain is too improperly pruned/reallocated to recover (see https://corvallishearing.com/1feb2021 for more in-depth discussion).

Next, every hearing aid and cochlear implant must be programmed so as to provide audibility of the greatest number of speech sounds possible within the limitations of the individual’s hearing loss. Unfortunately, such programming rarely occurs (see https://corvallishearing.com/2feb2021 or https://corvallishearing.com/3feb2021 or https://corvallishearing.com/4feb2021 for more in depth explanation).

Next, you must work to maintain optimized hearing of speech sounds. Such maintenance entails annual hearing and hearing aid/cochlear implant checkups. Hearing rarely gets better over time and some causes of hearing loss result in a fairly rapid degradation of hearing in a relatively short time frame. As such, hearing aid reprogramming may be necessary on an annual basis or sooner.

Additionally, hearing aid and cochlear implant performance may degrade over time, particularly when used in high humidity or dusty/polluted environments or worn with excessive amounts of hair spray.

Finally, we must all take some initiative to stay physically active and eat well as contemporary research has shown both are critical areas of intervention in cognitive optimization for both children and adults (see https://corvallishearing.com/5feb2021 and https://corvallishearing.com/6feb2021 and https://corvallishearing.com/7feb2021 and https://corvallishearing.com/8feb2021 for more info).

For anyone interested in more information on this topic we will be presenting this information at our next “virtual” Better Listening Seminar and on our website in the near future. For more info call (541) 754-1377.

 

Filed Under: Community, Hearing Health Changes, Hearing Loss, Research, resources Tagged With: articles, Audiology, Better Hearing, Brain, Community, Consumer, Corvallis Oregon, Ears, Hearing aid, Hearing Aids, Patients, Research

Hearing Loss and the Brain

November 10, 2020 by Ron Leavitt

Frequent readers of this section are well aware that hearing loss changes the brain in ways that foster dementia. Those who have missed this news are referred to the following article (https://corvallishearing.com/hldementia)

Unfortunately, recent information suggests that well before dementia sets in there are a large series of changes that take place that make the brain function in abnormal ways (https://corvallishearing.com/congenital-deafness).

These new findings use radiographic techniques to show the numerous essential inter connections that exist between the primary and secondary auditory areas of the brain and all other parts.

These brain interconnections must be functional for people to completely comprehend spoken or written language or even maintain appropriate social behavior. To quote Dr. Kral and his colleagues, “The experienced adult brain relies on higher-order representations for generating expectations about the environment based on the context and behavioral goals. These expectations are possible since the brain has developed a meaningful representation of the world (sensory information) that is constantly updated and compared with external events. With the mature micro circuitry the auditory (area of the brain) can integrate bottom-up and top-down (sensory and intellectual) information flow. In cases of conflict between the input (from the senses) and these (memory) expectations, error signals drive plastic changes and learning. These processes require experience and a functional interareal (whole brain) and intrinsic (brain) circuitry.”

Stated differently, looking only at the auditory area of the brain is missing the point.

Knowledge of the critical importance of these inter connections brings us to an obvious question: What should we be doing to foster interconnected brain health?

Fortunately, we have research that addresses this intervention question.

First, there must be a foundation that allows for hearing the maximum number of speech sounds in individuals with hearing loss (https://corvallishearing.com/audibility).

Hearing Aid Programming Practices in Oregon: Fitting Errors and Real Ear Measurements

Depending on the level of hearing loss, this first rule mandates use of hearing aids or cochlear implants long before hearing loss becomes chronic.  Again quoting Dr. Kral and colleagues, “changes (due to hearing loss) in columnar microcircuits (deep and superficial brain connections) and interareal couplings (connections within the larger parts of the brain) limit the outcome of sensory restoration (hearing aids and/or cochlear implants) if performed late in life.

Stated differently, there is a point of no return.  The body is a habitual machine and if you let it develop bad physiological habits (untreated hearing loss) for a long period of time, these bad habits cannot be undone.

However simply obtaining timely hearing aids or cochlear implants is not enough.  These devices must be properly programmed and most are not (https://corvallishearing.com/oregon-fitting-errors)

Secondly as noted by Kral and colleagues, the individual must maintain brain stimulating, language-rich social contacts. (Use it or lose it).

To summarize, a healthy brain requires maximum audibility of speech sounds and intellectually stimulating use of those audible words.

For more in-depth discussion of this issue the reader is referred to the following summary (https://corvallishearing.com/entrain-brain).

Filed Under: Community, Hearing Aids, Hearing Health Changes, Hearing Loss, Research, resources Tagged With: Audiology, Better Hearing, Brain, Consumer, Corvallis Oregon, Ears, Health, Hearing, Hearing Aids, hearing health, Hearing Loss, Research

Hearing Loss and the Brain: A Story of Evolution

October 15, 2019 by Ron Leavitt

At times, medical knowledge moves forward in leaps and bounds. At other times such knowledge moves forward in a more gradual fashion. Such has been the case with our knowledge of the effects of hearing loss on the brain.

Seven years ago, Dr. Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins Medical University reported that hearing loss was highly associated with dementia and accelerated brain shrinkage.  At that time, our medical knowledge on this topic took a giant step forward.

Since that report, our understanding of this relationship has been more evolutionary.  For example, Drs. Glick and Sharma showed that untreated and poorly treated hearing loss results in a scrambling of brain resources.

These researchers showed improperly treated hearing loss results in inappropriate use of the frontal and prefrontal areas of the brain. Typically, these two areas of the brain are associated with memory and reasoning. However, in the case of poorly treated hearing loss, these two brain areas are used for understanding speech, lending credence to Dr. Lin’s hypothesis that hearing loss may overwork the memory and reasoning areas of the brain.

On a positive note, Glick and Sharma showed that properly fit hearing aids may reset the brain so that the auditory area is once again used for listening. Now the frontal and prefrontal brain areas can resume their normal functions.

More recently, it was discovered that hearing loss upsets the normal rhythmic pulses and interconnections the brain uses to communicate among its different functional areas.

Within the last few months, two separate reports out of Boston and Northwestern Universities showed reestablishing appropriate pulse rates among these different areas of the brain results in significant memory improvements in older people.

These studies, when considered together, suggest the possibility that properly treated hearing loss with hearing aids, perhaps combined with brain pulse resetting, may combat the devastating effects hearing loss may have on memory.

Currently, several large-scale studies are under way, examining the potential therapeutic benefit of properly fit hearing aids and brain pulse resetting on memory. In the interim, it appears medically prudent to treat hearing loss sooner rather than later, as the average delay between diagnosis of hearing loss and treatment has recently been reported to be nine years. It is no longer appropriate to view hearing loss as an inconvenience that can be ignored.

At our clinic, we are currently reviewing the records of 51 patients who have normal aided scores on the same speech in noise test shown by Glick and Sharma to signal brain resource preservation in hopes of identifying those therapeutic steps that can properly reset the brain.

Those interested in obtaining further information on this topic are invited to the monthly meeting of the Oregon Association for Better Hearing at Corvallis Good Samaritan Hospital, Conference Room B on the second Thursday of every month from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Click Here for the Upcoming Seminar Information

Filed Under: Community, Hearing Aids, Hearing Health Changes, Hearing Loss, Research, resources Tagged With: articles, Audiology, Better Hearing, Brain, Community, Consumer, Corvallis Oregon, Ears, Health, Hearing, hearing health, Hearing Loss, Patients, Research, resources

School Days are on their way!

August 22, 2019 by Naomi

Fall sports team have started their practices, teachers have gotten back into their classrooms and stores have lined their shelves with school supplies! Yes, it is truly that time of year again. We may not be quite ready for apple cinnamon candles or pumpkin spice lattes yet but the tug for school shopping has definitely begun!

We know this time of year can be stressful but we hope to take some of that stress away! Here are the links for Corvallis School District and Greater Albany Public Schools along with some resources to get you going in the right direction for school shopping.

 

Corvallis School District

Greater Albany Public Schools

 

Here are some local and online resources for school supplies! Weather you like to do your school shopping in person or with a click of the mouse, we know you want a good deal. Here are some links to get started!

Office Max-Corvallis Oregon

Walmart.Com-Back to school

 

Grabbing some extra supplies can make a huge difference to local students and families in need. Check out these two fabulous resources to get your donations into the right hands. Support your community and let’s make sure all the kids are back to school ready!

If you or someone you know is in need this school year these links can get them the resources they need. Click below to see how to give or receive this school year! This is what community is all about!

 

Benton County School Supplies

Jackson Street Youth Services

 

We hope to have made Back to School a little easier for you and truly wish you and your kiddos a fabulous Back to School season!

Getting Back to School ready means making sure your kids are hearing to their full potential, giving them the best opportunity for learning this year. Schedule a hearing screening or hearing aid cleaning and adjustment to be ready for school this fall!

Contact Us!

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: back to school, donations, resources, school, school supplies, shopping

Oregon Free Fishing Weekend!

August 14, 2019 by Naomi

This weekend, August 17th and 18th is Free Fishing Weekend in Oregon! This means that you can fish anywhere in Oregon without a license! With so many amazing places available in our area you are going to want to take advantage of this free weekend! Here is a link to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for the details.

Free Fishing Days 2019!

If you get a little taste this weekend and find yourself wanting more, we have you covered! Here is the link to the licensing page full of all the info and pricing. A standard resident fishing license is $41.00 and youth license for those age 12-17 is only $10.00! Check it out and don’t let the season get away from you. Live your best Oregon life this weekend and enjoy so free fishing!

Fishing Licenses

 

Corvallis Hearing Center is here to serve you! We love our community! Let us know how we can serve you better. Click the link to contact us today!

Contact Us!

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: Fishing, fishing license, free fishing, Oregon

What’s up for Seniors?!

August 12, 2019 by Naomi

Corvallis area seniors are active and busy and it shows! You can see what’s shakin by visiting the Chinimini Senior and Community Center or by clicking on the link below! Make sure you sign up for the news letter so you don’t miss a thing!

Activities For Seniors

 

You will be amazed at what is available and going on with the young at heart crowd here in our community! They are not slowing down, they are picking up speed! You can try any number of great activities including…

  • Astronomy

  • Savvy Aging

  • Watercolors

  • POUND! Fitness

  • Ballroom Dance

  • Essentrics

  • Thai Massage & Yoga

  • Alcohol Ink Art

  • Tai Chi:

    • Chen-Style

    • Sun Style

    • Yang

  • Guitar 

  • Book Club

  • Line Dance

  • Meditation

We know you are going to want to check it out and try something new or rediscover something old! What a great community to be a part of! Keep on growing and learning and discovering life is beautiful! The adventure is just getting started!

Corvallis Hearing Center proudly serves the senior community and has an abundance of resources to make this season of life full and rich! Don’t miss out on life by not being able to hear to your full potential! We are passionate about making your hearing and quality of life be the best that it can be! Make an appointment today and let us serve you in any way we can! Here is a link to our contact information!

Contact Us Today!

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: activities, Community, events, senior center, Seniors

How to Maintain Any Hearing Aid

August 8, 2019 by Nikki Clark

This is our presentation we did on August 8th, 2019.

Regardless of hearing aid brand or model there are a number of facts that you should know to maintain the hearing aids’ optimum performance.

Watch the video below to hear us discuss 12 must know items for maintaining optimum hearing aid function.

Filed Under: Community, Hearing Aids, Hearing Health Changes, Hearing Loss, Video Tagged With: Audiology, Better Hearing, Brain, Community, Consumer, Corvallis Oregon, Ears, Health, Hearing, Hearing aid, Hearing Aids, hearing health, Hearing Impaired, Hearing Loss, Patients

Get Outside Corvallis!

August 8, 2019 by Naomi

Living in this gorgeous part of the North West offers us the unique ability to explore the landscape of our home and get a break from the fast pace of life. With our cultural time demands and busy schedules, what better way to unwind than in the quiet backdrop of nature. We have endless possibilities at our disposal! Here are some ideas to get you going and get you outside!

Hiking-

Upper Dan’s Trail, Alsea Falls Trail, and Mulkey Ridge Trail are three great places to start!

These are all dog friendly areas and offer a wide range of activities and scenery. Check them out and get your hike on this summer! Here is a link to more info on all three of these destinations!

Visit Corvallis-Three Great Hikes

 

Biking-

Have you tried Corvallis Bike Loop yet? This is a dog friendly 12 mile loop good for all skill levels. What a great way to see Corvallis and get out outside! Here is a link with the details!

Corvallis Bike Loop

 

Bird Watching-

If you want a little more quiet and stillness, how about taking in view of some of our native birds? Two hundred and six species of bird can be found within a 30 mile radius of the Corvallis Salem area. There are several different refuges to do some birding. Check these out and find some feathered friends!

Bird Watching

 

We hope you have a great week and get some outside in your day! We love our community and serving you in any way we can! Give us a call today to schedule a hearing screening! Here is the link with all our info!

Contact Us!

 

 

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: biking, bird watching, Corvallis Oregon, hiking, Oregon, Outdoors

What’s up in Corvallis this week!

July 22, 2019 by Naomi

Here is what is going on around town this week and weekend in Corvallis! With so much happening locally we wanted to give you a quick easy stop to find the events you want to put on your calendar! [Read more…]

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: Community, Corvallis Oregon, events, local

Hours

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10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

later by appointment

Location

975 NW Spruce Ave., Suite 102
Corvallis, OR 97330  
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