Author: Hearing Doctors of NJ

Tinnitus is a condition well-known for its primary symptom: hearing a phantom noise. It can have a variety of causes, and while there isn’t exactly a cure, there are several treatment options. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we provide our patients with a proprietary tinnitus hearing assessment to ensure they receive the treatment plan that works best for them.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is an auditory disorder where you perceive a sound outside your ears where one does not exist. It’s commonly associated with ringing in the ears but can be described as a roaring sound, whistling, or humming. Migraines can also be an issue with tinnitus as well.

Tinnitus can be experienced after exposure to loud environments or sudden very loud noises, but it can also be a symptom of another condition.

There are also two types of tinnitus: subjective and objective tinnitus. Objective tinnitus is caused by something other people can hear, while subjective tinnitus is when noise is generated in the inner ear and is something other people can’t hear.

Subjective tinnitus is likely what you think of when you think of the disorder. It can be caused by hearing loss, aging, or conditions like Meniere’s disease.

Is There A Cure For Tinnitus?

Whether tinnitus can be cured or not really depends on the case. If the tinnitus is caused by an underlying condition and you address the underlying condition, it can be cured. But tinnitus on its own does not currently have a known cure. Luckily, there are some treatment options you can turn to in order to manage your symptoms and make them less severe.

Tinnitus Hearing Assessment

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, to diagnose tinnitus, we use our comprehensive H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program tinnitus assessment.

During your tinnitus hearing assessment, our Doctors of Audiology will start off by discussing your symptoms and any factors that might contribute to them. You’ll want to let them know when you experience your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, if they’ve ever changed in any way, and when you hear the sound the loudest.

Your Doctor of Audiology will also enquire about your medical history, family history, and your lifestyle to rule out any underlying factors. They will also examine your ears to look for blockages and physical abnormalities.

Finally, they will perform a number of hearing tests to match the pitch and loudness of your tinnitus. This can help them figure out the exact cause and help them customize a treatment plan for you.

Treating Tinnitus

Treating tinnitus can be done in a variety of ways. Hearing aid technology and hearing therapies are often used, but the type of treatment that works for you can vary greatly depending on your symptoms.

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we provide several hearing therapy options to help you address your tinnitus symptoms. The therapies we offer include:

Static Noise Therapy

This is a common and fairly simple solution to tinnitus. It works by basically drowning out the tinnitus with a hearing aid tuned with a static noise generator that distracts you from the ringing sensation you hear. Your Doctor of Audiology will help you find the right frequency level that allows you to keep your focus off your tinnitus.

Notch Therapy

For people with tonal tinnitus, notch therapy can be very helpful. It teaches the brain to ignore the sound by using weeks or months of audio training. How does this work? We use hearing aid technology to match the pitch of the ringing noise and direct your brain’s focus away from that noise. Over time, your brain will ignore the sound without the need for the white noise.

Ocean Wave Therapy

Rather than use static noise, this therapy uses pulsing, calming noises to distract you from the ringing of your tinnitus. And instead of a constant stimulant, the sound is repeated in rolling swells that often sound like waves on the beach (hence the name). This helps people associate their tinnitus symptoms with relaxation and serenity instead of worry or anxiety.

Schedule A Consultation

If you’re experiencing symptoms of tinnitus or worried about your hearing in any way, now is the perfect time to schedule a consultation at Hearing Doctors of New Jersey. Our Doctors of Audiology will answer any questions you have, examine your ears, perform an assessment, and build a treatment plan suited to your needs.

If you are concerned with the quality of your hearing, it is important to find a qualified doctor who can offer a reliable diagnosis and effective, safe treatment. Here are some ways to find a reliable hearing test in your area.

What is a Hearing Test?

Hearing tests can be performed on adults or children with suspected hearing loss. Comprehensive hearing assessments can measure how well your ears are working and determine the cause of your hearing loss. Scheduling a hearing test at the earliest signs of hearing loss is important since symptoms can rapidly progress and worsen if left untreated.

Where Can You Get Reliable Hearing Tests?

There are many ways that you can find a reliable doctor for your hearing test. Different types of providers who can offer hearing tests include:

Doctor of Audiology

A doctor of audiology is an audiologist with a doctoral degree and specialized training in hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists and doctors of audiology can perform comprehensive hearing tests using pure-tone testing, speech testing, and ear pressure testing.

ENT Doctor

ENT stands for ear, nose, and throat. An ENT (sometimes called an otolaryngologist) specializes in all types of disorders and diseases concerning facial structures. Like an audiologist, an ENT doctor can perform a comprehensive hearing test and check the overall health of your ears. They will look for signs of an ear infection, earwax buildup, and other conditions that may be contributing to your hearing loss.

Hearing Clinic

Many cities have hearing clinics run that offer low-cost hearing tests and hearing aid fittings. Hearing clinics are often run by hearing aid dispensers who can perform basic hearing tests.

Ask Your Primary Care Doctor

Your primary care doctor might be able to perform a basic hearing test to check for signs of an ear infection or blocked ear canal. If they cannot determine the cause of your hearing loss, they will have reliable recommendations for doctors specializing in hearing loss (ENTs and doctors of audiology).

Schedule a Hearing Assessment

If you need a hearing test, schedule an appointment today with one of our Doctors of Audiology.  At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we are committed to patient care and offer comprehensive examinations based on the H.E.A.R Method^TM Treatment Program. We look forward to helping you achieve better hearing without a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Hearing aid batteries are small but powerful. They power your ability to hear which has a profound impact on your quality of life and overall health! Here is everything you need to know about how hearing aid batteries work and what your hearing aid options are at Hearing Doctors of New Jersey.

What Are Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are small devices that amplify sounds to help people hear more clearly. Amplification of sound creates larger vibrations in the inner ear so that damaged sensory cells can more easily pick up on them and convert them into sounds. Hearing aids are available in a variety of styles and can sit completely in the ear, behind the ear, or a combination of both. Dr. Nesson and our staff will help you determine the right hearing aid based on your individual needs, lifestyle, and comfort level.

What Are Hearing Aid Batteries?

Hearing aid batteries are an important component of working hearing aids. It essentially powers the entire hearing aid, including the microphone, amplifier, and speaker that project sound into the ears. The first hearing aids, created in 1900, had clunky batteries that were carried externally in a rubber case and attached to the earpiece with wires. Each hearing aid weighed about 3 pounds! Thankfully, advances in technology, starting with Rayovac in 1937, have led to lightweight, easily portable hearing aids.

How Long Do Hearing Aid Batteries Last?

The longevity of hearing aid batteries depends on a variety of factors. Some batters are disposable while others can be recharged. Disposable batteries come in various sizes and the larger ones often last longer. Factors that impact how long your hearing aid batteries will last include:

• Your level of hearing loss and the necessary hearing aid amplification
• How long you wear your hearing aids each day
• How much you rely on your hearing aids to make phone calls and connect to audio accessories
• How noisy your normal sound environment is
• The environment that you live in

Is a Disposable Battery or a Rechargeable Battery Better?

When it comes to disposable vs. rechargeable batteries, there is no “right” option. Rather, it comes down to which option works better for you. One of our Doctors of Audiology can discuss all your options for hearing aid batteries and hearing aids in general at your appointment and will be happy to answer any questions you might have. When it comes to disposable vs. rechargeable batteries, there is no “right” option. Rather, it comes down to which option works better for you. Dr. Nesson can discuss all your options for hearing aid batteries and hearing aids in general at your appointment and will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Hearing Aids in Livingston, NJ

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we offer a variety of hearing aid brands and styles for top-of-the-line hearing care. We also offer hearing aid repairs and additional accessories so that you can maximize the benefits of your hearing aids! Schedule an appointment today for a comprehensive hearing test or to discuss your options for hearing aids with one of our Doctors of Audiology today.

Hearing aid styles have come a long way since the analog linear technologies of the 1980s and the automatic signal processing (ASP), digitally programmable technologies of the 1990s. Today, hearing ads are more advanced than ever, and it shows in the popularity of different hearing aid styles over the last 30 years. Here’s what to know about the history and popularity of hearing aid styles and what you can expect going forward.

The different styles of hearing aids have changed drastically since the introduction of the device in 1920. From the original analog aids of the 1980’s to the introduction of digitally programmable devices in the 1990’s, hearing aid styles have evolved in many ways. Today, hearing aids are more advanced than ever. Here’s what you need to know about the history and popularity of hearing aid styles before you decide to treat your hearing loss.

The 30 Year History of Hearing Aid Style Popularity

From 1991 to the mid-2000s, the in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) styles were most popular. In fact, custom ITE and ITC hearing aids made up about 80% of the US hearing aid market in 1991. CIC hearing aids have always been a favorite of patients who want the most “invisible” option, and the miniaturization of circuitry and zinc batteries made them more widely accessible. However, in 1996 the first digital signal processing hearing aids came onto the market. During this time, more than every 6 in 7 hearing aids sold in the United States were a variation of the ITE model.

Another technology that transformed the turn of the century hearing aid market was directional microphone technology. When this was implemented into behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, it changed the way hearing aids could improve people’s ability to understand speech in noise. Thus, the BTE became virtually the only option for people with severe hearing loss (who required more volume). However, in the early 2000s, reciever-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid technology emerged and transformed the market. RICs quickly grew in popularity due to their smaller size and more advanced features, and, as of 2020, they make up 79% of all US hearing aids sold. 

Looking Forward

It’s likely that RICs will continue to dominate the hearing aid market. However, there is still much demand for all of the other styles mentioned. One factor that could drastically change the hearing aid market is the implementation of over-the-counter devices, increasing the demand for RICs. There has been much discussion about whether or not the recent implementation of over-the-counter hearing devices will drastically change the market. Many audiologists believe this will not be the case, as hearing loss is not something that can be treated so simply. Individuals with hearing loss need to work closely with a Doctor of Audiology, to customize both their technology and treatment program to fit their needs. This is something that is not included with the purchase of an OTC device. It’s also likely there will continue to be a demand for custom ITE devices.

Schedule an Appointment

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we offer a wide variety of hearing aid styles and technologies that can match your lifestyle, technology demands, and comfort level. Combined with our proprietary H.E.A.R. Method™, Dr. Rhee Nesson & her team can help you obtain a comprehensive look at your hearing system and establish a customized treatment program.  To learn more about our hearing aid selection and meet with our team for an appointment, contact our Livingston, NJ office by calling or filling out our online form.

To learn more about hearing loss and hearing aids, download our FREE Insider’s Guide on how to finally hear better.

New hearing aids make a huge change in your hearing and lifestyle but at first they can sometimes be overwhelming. Here are a few things to help you adjust to your new hearing aids and make the most of them.

Be Patient

It is not uncommon for new hearing aid wearers to feel overwhelmed or distracted by the hearing aids themselves and the newly heightened hearing levels. Give yourself some time to get used to your new hearing aids and all the new sounds you are hearing. However, if after a few days you find you still aren’t getting used to them, reach out to your doctor of audiology to get them checked out.

Leave Them Be

You might be tempted to mess with the volume adjustment and amplification on your hearing aids but avoid changing these settings too much. Most hearing aids will automatically adjust to the volume levels of different environments. Other times, you may increase the amplification beyond the scope of the natural hearing range which is not good for everyday use. As you get used to your hearing aids, you will be more accurately able to determine whether the settings need to be changed and if so, ask your audiologist for help.

Avoid Loud Environments

When you first start to wear hearing aids, for the first day or two it is best to only wear them in quiet environments. Avoid large and noisy social spaces and slowly introduce your hearing aids to those social settings. The sudden volume change can be overwhelming, so it is best to ease into things.

Start Slowly

Similarly, you should start by wearing your hearing aids only a few hours a day so that you are not overwhelmed by the noise levels around you. There are many things you might not have heard for a while, such as the humming of your fridge, birds chirping, your phone ringing, etc. Your audiologist will help you develop a plan for how much time you should start with and how much you should increase that by each day.

Read Aloud

It’s not uncommon for people with hearing loss to speak at loud volumes and when you first start wearing hearing aids, you may find that your voice is distractingly loud. Reading aloud is a great way to regain your voice control and adjust to the effects of your hearing aids.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Properly caring for your hearing aids is important because it will give them a long lifespan. Regularly clean your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth and use a pick to clear away earwax and other debris. You should also remove your hearing aids when you shower or swim since water can build up in them and impact their effectiveness. If your hearing aids need minor repairs, our team can help.

Sign Up for the H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program

Everyone should have access to hearing aids and treatment for their hearing loss and that is the basis of our H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program. At the Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we are dedicated to comprehensive and affordable care with real results. Our Doctors of Audiology will conduct a comprehensive hearing evaluation and then use those results to determine the best hearing aids that fit your needs and comfort level. Schedule an appointment today by calling our office or book your appointment here.

To learn more about hearing loss and hearing aids, download our FREE Insider’s Guide on how to finally hear better.

If you’re considering your options with hearing aids, it can seem a little overwhelming. There are many different brands, types, and models of hearing aids available so selecting the right one for your brain hearing needs can require some help. Although a Doctor of Audiology is the best person to help you select a the best hearing aid for you, it can be helpful to know a little about some of the hearing aid names you’ll come across. Each hearing aid manufacturer will have different benefits and technologies to select from, so here’s a guide to the five best hearing aid manufacturers on the market.

Oticon

Oticon hearing aids are designed to help reduce the cognitive strain and decline that comes with hearing loss. By freeing up more “brain space” to devote to daily activities, Oticon hearing aids can help improve mental fatigue, speech problems, social isolation, and low energy levels. Oticon is best known for their More™ line, which includes small-but-powerful, rechargeable hearing aids and Oticon’s Xceed technology for those who need more power to treat their hearing loss. Oticon even offers remote control through its smartphone app which help you connect to assistive listening and smart technologies in your home.

Starkey®

Starkey® is an American hearing aid manufacturer with a wide variety of hearing aid types. While they offer traditional types like behind-the-ear models, they also offer modern invisible in-the-canal devices for the best cosmetic features. Additionally, they offer technology for tinnitus patients as well as hearing aid technologies designed to pair with iPhone devices. Starkey is one of the most well-known brands in the United States and offers reliable, American-made hearing aids.

Phonak

Phonak remains an innovator in the hearing aid industry, offering the world’s first waterproof rechargeable hearing aid, for example. Phonak also offers smart adaptive technology, so your hearing aids automatically tailor their output based on your environment. It also offers unique technologies specifically developed for children or people with single-sided deafness. All Phonak devices are compatible with the myPhonak app which offers benefits like remote support from your Doctor of Audiology, real-time adjustments, battery status, and feedback tracking which is shareable with your hearing team.

ReSound

ReSound offers some of the best technological compatibility in the industry. It also offers real-time adaptability and streaming specifically compatible with Android users. This means that, with ReSound devices, you can use your hearing aids just like headphones. ReSound has developed a tinnitus relief app to help relieve symptoms through sound therapy, relaxation exercises, and meditation guidance – even streamed through your hearing aids. Additionally, ReSound’s Smart 3D app can pair with your hearing aid devices to improve speech understanding through your smartphone or smart watch.

Widex®

Widex® is known as the most quality option for hearing loss patients. The Widex Moment model is their most prestigious and offers iPhone compatibility with an unparalleled listening experience. Widex’s goal is to provide the most true-to-life sound experience possible even in noisy environments like crowded restaurants, sports events, or concert venues. Widex hearing aids even come with technology developed to preserve the unique sounds of the human voice, so you don’t lose anything by using hearing aids. For new hearing aid patients and experienced ones alike, Widex is the best option for those whom quality sound is integral to daily life.

Schedule an Appointment

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we work with all the best in hearing aid brands. Our proprietary H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program begins by testing your brain hearing ability and through evidence-based testing determine what the best hearing aid is for you.  Schedule your appointment today.

To learn more about hearing loss and hearing aids, download our FREE Insider’s Guide on how to finally hear better.