Dynamic Hearing Care Systems by Northern Michigan Review Inc.

YOUR

HEARING HEALTH

Sponsored By:

440 West Main St., Suite E • Gaylord, MI 49735 303 North Cedar St. • Kalkaska, MI 49646 423 East 8th St. • Traverse City, MI 49686 106 Depot St. • Bellaire, MI 49615 Like us on Facebook As Seen on

(231) 518-4040 Veteran owned and Veteran operated.

Todd Birgy Owner, Hearing

Dr. Kathryn Bazzett, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Instrument Specialist PN-SPAD1218124212

Dynamic Hearing Care Systems Providing personalized hearing care.

Dynamic Hearing Care Systems was founded on two simple truths—that hearing is a vital sense that plays a significant role in your quality of life and that hearing loss affects everyone uniquely. That’s why we work to solve hearing problems one individual at a time. We provide personalized attention along with the diagnostics, education, customized products and rehabilitation necessary to make sure your hearing health care needs are met both short and long term.

Our Practice

Our practice prides itself on taking care of each patient as if they were our own family member to receive the best possible hearing outcome. We focus on continually serving the hearing needs of Gaylord and other Northern Michigan communities with dedicated hearing care. In this process, our practice demonstrates disciplines and values to ensure fair and personalized hearing care for each patient.

Todd Birgy Hearing Instrument Specialist Todd Birgy has been providing hearing healthcare since 2009. He also serves our country through the Army Reserve. He was active duty for six years at Fort Bragg, NC and was deployed to Operation Iraq Freedom 20042006. The military is something near and dear to his heart and helping our veterans hear is a driving force for his business.

Our Commitment Our commitment to patient care was built around the mutual agreement of honor, integrity and trust with each patient. As a part of the nationwide NuEar

(231) 518-4040 Veteran owned and Veteran operated.

network, we aim to provide the greatest hearing care experience possible by abiding to the following standards that define Hearing Independence:

Comprehensive Evaluation

We evaluate your hearing, communication needs and goals for your life.

Recommend Only What Needs Recommending

Because we evaluate all your hearing and communication needs, we will recommend a treatment plan that is unique to you and designed to meet your needs.

Clear Understanding of the Hearing Journey and Results We make sure that you understand what steps will be taken on your journey to better hearing and what the realistic outcomes are for those steps.

Seeing and Hearing the Benefit We will verify that the hearing instruments and accessories that go with them are working and provide the benefit that you need. This verification may be done through several clinically adopted tools such as Real Ear Measurement, Speech Mapping or Sound Field Verification.

Treatment is More Than Just an Office Visit

We work with you to create a long-term treatment plan, define follow-up appointments, perform regular ongoing evaluations, and any additional care that you may need to make sure you stay satisfied with your hearing in the years to come.

Warranty for One, Warranty for All When you work with NuEar, you are working not only with your local hearing healthcare professionals, but also the national network that will honor the warranty and support and service guarantees on all NuEar products.

Commitment for a Lifetime

All NuEar products receive free cleanings and testing for their lifetime. We look forward to helping you with your hearing needs. Please call us today to schedule your appointment at our Gaylord or three other Northern Michigan locations.

440 West Main St., Suite E • Gaylord, MI 49735 303 North Cedar St. • Kalkaska, MI 49646 423 East 8th St. • Traverse City, MI 49686 106 Depot St. • Bellaire, MI 49615

PN-SPAD1220143644

“Your Hearing Health” is made possible with the support of Dynamic Hearing Care Systems. We hope you find the information in this special section helpful in understanding hearing loss and the technology available to help you or a loved one hear better.

How Hearing Works

What you need to know about this amazing sense.

It begins with

sound

Sound begins with a vibration in the atmosphere. When something vibrates (whether it’s wind, a bell or a voice), it moves the air particles around it. Those air particles in turn move the air particles around them, carrying the energy of the vibration through the air as a sound wave. That’s where your ear comes in.

From waves to

words

(and everything in between)

Sound waves are collected by the outer ear and directed along the ear canal to the eardrum. When the sound waves hit the eardrum, the impact creates vibrations, which, in turn, cause the three bones of the middle ear to move. The smallest of these bones, the stirrup, fits into the oval window between the middle and inner ear. When the oval window moves, fluid in the inner ear moves, carrying the energy through a delicate, snail-shaped structure called the cochlea.

How

hearing works

Hearing is one of the human body’s most extraordinary processes. A complex system of delicate and synchronous parts, it’s easy to take this critical sense for granted. To better understand why hearing loss happens, it’s important to first know how hearing works.

In the inner ear, thousands of microscopic hair cells are bent by the wave-like action of the fluid inside the cochlea. The bending of these hairs sets off nerve impulses, which are then passed through the auditory nerve to the hearing center of the brain. This center translates the impulses into sounds the brain can recognize, like words, music or laughter, for instance. If any part of this delicate system breaks down, hearing loss can be the result. For more details on how we hear, talk to your hearing healthcare professional.

Did you know?

The shape of your outer ear is as unique as you are – but plays an important role in how you hear. Called the pinna, its funnel-like shape and curvy design enable you to determine the direction of sounds, so you immediately know whether they’re coming from in front, behind, above or below you.

PN-SPAD1213115243

Common Ear Diseases

What they are, and what you should know.

The human ear is an amazing organ. Responsible for one of our most important senses — hearing — it consists of not just what you see on the outside of your head, but also extends inward, connecting to your brain. But like all parts of the human body, ears are susceptible to injury and disease. We’ll identify a few of the most common ones — so you can proactively stay on top of your hearing health and take steps to prevent hearing loss.

External Otitis (Swimmer’s Ear) External otitis is an infection of the ear canal, typically by bacteria. Symptoms include itching, pain and discharge. Diagnosis is based on inspection. Treatment is with topical drugs, including antibiotics, corticosteroids and acetic acid or a combination.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Dermatitis of the ear canal involves itching and skin changes that are caused by exposure to allergens (like earrings or beauty products) or are spontaneous occurrences. It can lead to infections.

the middle ear

Otitis Media

Otitis media is a bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear, usually accompanying an upper respiratory infection. Symptoms include an earache, often with fever, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, especially in the very young. Diagnosis is based on otoscopy. Treatment is with analgesics and sometimes antibiotics. It can be diagnosed as Acute or Chronic.

Cholesteatoma Cholesteatoma is a type of skin cyst located in the middle ear. It can be a birth defect, but more commonly occurs as a complication of chronic ear infection. The cyst may get bigger and break down some of the middle ear bones or other structures of the ear, affecting hearing, balance, and possibly function of the facial muscles. Usually, surgery is required to remove cyst.

Otosclerosis Otosclerosis is an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear and is the most frequent cause of middle-ear hearing loss in young adults. Its cause is unknown, however, there is evidence that it may be passed down through families. Symptoms include hearing loss, dizziness and/or tinnitus. Treatment may require surgery.

the inner ear Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is a bacterial infection known to cause deafness and loss of balance. It can occur after an ear infection (otitis media) or an upper respiratory infection, and may also occur after an allergy, cholesteatoma, or taking certain drugs that are dangerous to the inner ear. A complete physical and nervous system exam should be done, as an ear examination may not reveal any problems.

For additional information on ear diseases, talk to your hearing healthcare professional.

PN-SPAD1214150102

Know what to look for

the outer ear

Your Balance System How your ears play a role.

Balance 101 Vestibular organs – the paired set of tiny sensory organs located near the cochlea of the inner ear – are key to maintaining balance. They are filled with fluid (called endolymph) that moves when your head moves, placing pressure against tiny hairs in the inner ear.

Take balance issues

seriously

Often taken for granted, good balance is necessary to perform daily activities. But our balance system is complex and delicate, and many things can contribute to loss of equilibrium or dizziness – including problems in the inner ear. While balance problems can occur at any age, balance-related falls account for more than half of accidental deaths for people 65 and older, and over 300,000 hip fractures a year. That’s why it’s important to see a healthcare professional if you have balance issues – to diagnose the cause of your problems and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Common Equilibrium Disorders Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) The most common disorder of the inner ear’s vestibular system, BPPV causes brief intense episodes of vertigo as a result of changing position of your head (such as sitting up in bed). Causes of BPPV vary, from migraines and viruses to reactions to drugs (ototoxicity), but treatment is available.

Ménière’s disease

Combined with information from the eyes, nerves and muscles, these tiny hairs send signals to the brain when the body’s position is changing. The brain takes in all this information and coordinates the body to respond so a fall does not occur.

A chronic, treatable vestibular disorder caused by abnormally large amounts of endolymph fluid collecting in the ear. Typically occurs in adults between 40 and 60 years of age and may eventually lead to hearing loss.

Why your balance might be off

With proper diagnosis and therapeutic exercises, most balance issues can be managed.

Balance issues arise when something interrupts this coordinated process – and it’s not uncommon for vestibular organs to be the culprit. Aging alone results in natural endolymph fluid loss as well as the sensitivity loss in your inner ear hairs. But illness, infections and head trauma can also cause equilibrium disorders and dizziness.

For more information about hearing and balance, talk to your hearing healthcare professional.

While most people simply say, “I feel dizzy” when describing their symptoms, it’s important for your doctor to know which type of dizziness you feel. Lightheadedness – A feeling that you are about to faint or “pass out.” Although you may feel dizzy, you do not feel as though you or your surroundings are moving – usually not caused by a serious problem. Vertigo – A feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement – typically a symptom of a more serious, underlying condition.

PN-SPAD1214150646

Diagnose your dizziness

Confusion & Hearing Loss

There may be a link. Hearing loss impacts

more than you think

Growing evidence indicates that older adults with hearing loss are more likely to experience the symptoms of cognitive decline. Hearing aids can improve the negative effects of hearing loss on the brain.

A Johns Hopkins Study found that? ? cognitive diminishment was 41 percent 1 greater in seniors with hearing loss.

Your hearing and your brain Think of hearing as a partnership between your ears and your brain. When someone speaks, your brain processes the sounds so that you can understand them. That’s called cognitive load. When you have untreated hearing loss, the speech signals coming in to your brain are degraded, so your brain has to work much harder to process them. When more brain resources are used for understanding sounds, other brain tasks such as memory and comprehension can suffer. Use it or lose it Audiologists recognize a significant benefit of early intervention with hearing aids. When you lose hearing ability over time, your brain can actually “forget” how to hear certain sounds. For example, the longer your brain is deprived of high-frequency sounds, the harder it will be to process those sounds even after being fitted with hearing aids.

Hearing aids can help Hearing aids process sound signals so it’s easier for your brain to understand them. They also reduce the cognitive load, making it easier for your brain to perform other tasks. Benefits of wearing hearing aids may include3: • Reduced mental fatigue • Decreased feelings of isolation and depression • Improved ability to do several things at once • Improved memory, attention and focus • Improved communication skills

What can you do? If you suspect cognitive or emotional problems, schedule both a hearing evaluation with a trained professional and a physical exam with your doctor. 1

Effects of

untreated

hearing loss

PN-SPAD1214150901

For more information about how hearing impacts cognition, talk to your hearing healthcare professional.

Journal of the Medical Association Internal Medicine, Jan. 2013; 2 Hearing Review, Sept. 2012; 3 betterhearing.org

Hearing loss isn’t just an ear issue; it’s a quality of life and health issue. Untreated hearing loss can have serious and wide-ranging consequences2:

 Increased mental fatigue/stress

 Poorer mental health

 Poorer memory  Difficulty focusing

 Social withdrawal  Depression

Hearing aids can lessen the cognitive load on your brain as well as help improve feelings of isolation and depression. Note: Consult your healthcare professional if you notice signs listed above in yourself or someone you love.

Tinnitus

What it is and what you can do to treat it.

tinnitus?

Tinnitus (“TIN-a-tus” or “Tin-EYE-tus”) is the medical term for the sensation of hearing sound in your ears when no external sound is present. In most cases, tinnitus is a subjective noise, meaning only the sufferer can hear it. Typically, sufferers describe the sound as “ringing in ears,” though others describe it as hissing, buzzing, whistling, roaring and even chirping.

The effects of tinnitus are real Because tinnitus is subjective, it affects people in different ways. For some, it’s a minor annoyance, one they can deal with easily. For others, it can result in more serious issues, such as:

• Long-term sleep disruption • Changes in cognitive ability • An inability to concentrate (e.g., completing tasks or reading) • Stress in relationships • Anxiety and depression • Employment challenges

Hearing aids can be an effective part of any sound therapy.

Currently, there is no known tinnitus cure. No surgery or pill has been shown to get rid of tinnitus in any clinically accepted study.

Sound therapy can be effective in treating tinnitus because it may make the tinnitus less noticeable or mask the tinnitus. Hearing aids may be included as a critical component of a sound therapy program.

...but there is relief

Different products work in different ways

According to the American Tinnitus Association, there are ways to get tinnitus relief, including counseling and sound therapy. They recommend that anyone with tinnitus should see a hearing healthcare professional or ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) experienced in tinnitus treatment.

Although most hearing aids can alleviate tinnitus, certain hearing aids have built-in technology specifically for tinnitus relief. Work with your hearing healthcare professional to see which one is right for you.

Sadly, there is no known cure...

For help with tinnitus relief, talk to your hearing healthcare professional.

Did you know?

Some 50 million adults suffer from tinnitus1 Tinnitus is the number one disability for military veterans2 Tinnitus can occur at any age, and may begin suddenly or progress gradually

The most common causes of tinnitus are: - Noise exposure (e.g., hunting or machines at work) - Aging - Head injury - Side effects from medication SOURCES: 1 American Tinnitus Association. (n.d.). Understanding the Facts Retrieved from: https://www.ata.org/understanding-facts 2 American Tinnitus Association. (n.d.). Demographics. Retrieved from https://www.ata.org/understanding-facts/demographics

PN-SPAD1214145351

What is

MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION FOR GOOD HEARING! ALL OLD INVENTORY MUST GO! SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED PRICES UNTIL OUR EXCESS STOCK IS DEPLETED. CALL (231) 518-4094 TODAY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE SPECIAL OFFERS!

NuEar Hearing Aids

All stock instruments available at UNBELIEVABLE PRICES!

THE LATEST IN DIGITAL HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY

NuEar wireless hearing aids are designed to: ■ Help you hear and understand conversations better in noisy environments like restaurants ■ Make loud sounds more comfortable while boosting soft sounds ■ Utilize active feedback suppressor to reduce buzzing and whistling With your appointment you will receive:

FREE FREE

Hearing evaluation! • Otoscopic examination

• Familiar voice test • Baseline audiogram • Speech understanding

LIMITED TIME ONLY

Ear canal examination! It may just be wax! We will look in your ear canal with stateof-the-art equipment to determine if your hearing problems are related to wax issues.

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

CALL NOW! (231) 518-4094

101 E. Michigan • Farwell 3225 W. Houghton Lake Dr. • Houghton Lake 440 West Main St., Suite E • Gaylord, MI 49735 303 North Cedar St. • Kalkaska, MI 49646 423 East 8th St. • Traverse City, MI 49686 106 Depot St. • Bellaire, MI 49615

Todd Birgy

Owner, Hearing Instrument Specialist

Dr. Kathryn Bazzett, Au.D.

New Year’s

Resolutions

Hearing Instrument Specialist

Bring this ad in and receive an extra 10% off.

PN-SPAD1222110223