Newsletter Understanding Balance Disorders What are balance problems?
Other reasons for balance issues include:
Having good balance means being able to control and maintain your body’s position, whether you are moving or remaining still. Good balance helps you walk without staggering, get up from a chair without falling, climb stairs without tripping, and bend over without falling. Good balance is important to help you get around, stay independent, and carry out daily activities.
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People are more likely to have problems with balance as they age, but that isn’t the only reason these problems occur. According to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, individuals with untreated mild hearing loss were nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling.
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What are the symptoms of a balance disorder? If you have a balance disorder, your symptoms might include: • • • • • •
Dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation) Falling or feeling as if you are going to fall Staggering when you try to walk Lightheadedness, faintness, or a floating sensation Blurred vision Confusion or disorientation
What causes balance problems? Balance problems are more common as people get older because they have more health problems in general and our balance system changes as we age. There are a variety of causes for vertigo. Two of the most common causes are inner ear infections called “Vestibular Neuritis,” and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.
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Circulation problems such as high or low blood pressure Head or neck injuries Infections Low blood sugar or dehydration Medicines Nervous system diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease Stroke
Those with symptoms impacting their balance should see an audiologist who specializes in vestibular diagnostics. Audiologists at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) are experts in diagnosing and treating balance and vestibular disorders. Using some of the latest, technical equipment available, audiologists will perform various tests to properly identify balance disorders.Treatment options are available and vary depending on what causes the vertigo.
If you or a loved one is experiencing vertigo, contact PEI for a balance evaluation. Call 215.780.3180 or visit SalusUhealth.com/PEI
Choosing the Right Hearing Aid •
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Behind-the-ear. It’s worn behind the ear and has a little tube that goes into the ear canal to deliver sound. Behind-theear (BTE) are the largest style of hearing aid and big enough to contain circuitry for special features, including directional microphones that allow you to focus on sounds in front of you.
Audiology facilities such as the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) can assist in picking the right device based on your needs.
Because your new hearing aids may take some time to get used to, hearing healthcare professionals will perform an initial fitting where they fine-tune features and adjust levels to ensure you are receiving the most benefit from the devices. In-the-ear. This one-piece It is important to note there is an hearing aid fits in the open part adjustment period when wearing or outer shell of your ear and resembles a flat earbud. It can do new devices, and it takes time to get used to new hearing aids, even the same job as a BTE, but with if you’ve worn some type of hearing limited directional capabilities aid for many years. and fewer special features.
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• For the millions of Americans who have hearing loss, hearing aids are usually the best option to help correct untreated hearing loss and resume a high quality of life. Many types and styles are available to suit every preference and lifestyle. Once a hearing healthcare professional recommends hearing aids for you, several factors will be considered when selecting and fitting a device. The best fit for you will depend not only on the severity and type of hearing loss you have but also your budget, cosmetic preferences, career demands and other concerns. Because hearing aids are personalized, not every brand, style or technology level of hearing aid is suited for everyone. This can make comparing hearing aids difficult. It’s best to talk to your hearing healthcare provider about what options and features are ideal for you. U.S. News and World Report lists several things to look for when choosing hearing aids.
Types of Hearing Aids Hearing aids come in several styles.
In-the-canal. This one-piece hearing aid is the smallest available and is popular for cosmetic purposes. Some of these devices fit partially in the ear canal, and some fit completely in the ear canal so they are hidden from view. Inthe-canal hearing aids have the fewest capabilities and features.
If you have a question about your hearing aids or think you may need one, contact the Pennsylvania Ear Institute for an appointment at 215.780.3180.
Special Features Many hearing aids now have the following high-tech features that make a big difference for the wearer. • • • •
Wireless connectivity Rechargeable batteries Customizable programs Remote microphones
Other Considerations Many adults pay out-of-pocket for hearing aids, because they’re not routinely covered by medical insurance. For children, insurance is more likely to cover hearing aids. Check with your provider to find out what’s available to you. Hearing aids are medical devices not meant to be purchased in a convenience store or online.
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The Eye Institute (Oak Lane) 1200 West Godfrey Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19141 Appointments: 215.276.6111 The Eye Institute (Chestnut Hill) Chestnut Hill Plaza 7630 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118 Appointments: 215.276.6111 The Eye Institute (Norristown) 1401 DeKalb Street Norristown, PA 19401 Appointments: 610.278.7787 SalusUhealth.com/TEI
Pennsylvania Ear Institute 8380 Old York Road, Suite 120 Elkins Park, PA 19027 Appointments: 215.780.3180 1200 W. Godfrey Avenue (Oak Street Health Entrance) Philadelphia, PA 19141 SalusUhealth.com/PEI
At Salus University’s health facilities The Eye Institute, Pennsylvania Ear Institute, Speech-Language Institute and Occupational Therapy Institute compassionate doctors, clinicians and support staff have dedicated their lives to improving the health and well-being of our community. They provide highly specialized vision, hearing and balance, speech-language pathology and occupational therapy services all in an effort to improve the quality of life for patients and clients. If you have a caregiver who has made a meaningful impact on your life, please consider sending them a note of gratitude and making a charitable gift to the clinic in his or her honor. Although the amount of your contribution remains confidential, your Healthcare Hero will be notified of your honorary gift and he or she will be given special recognition.
Your gift not only demonstrates deep gratitude for the care you received, but it will play a critical role in enhancing access to care, advancing innovation and improving the patient and client experience in our community.
To donate, visit salusuhealth.com/give.