Hearing Loss Tips

Understand that you are not alone

Approximately 15% of adults over the age of 18 report some trouble hearing. Hearing loss is a growing public health concern, yet modern technology is continually searching for effective solutions.

Explore your options

Though hearing aids cannot completely restore normal hearing, they are able to amplify sounds that may be difficult to hear. There are multiple variations of hearing aids available, including ones that are custom-moulded to fit inside your ear canal, ones that are moulded to fill the outer part of your ear, ones that hook over the top of your ear and connect to the ear canal with a tube, and many others.

Not only are hearing aids a prevalent solution for millions who suffer from hearing loss but so are cochlear implants. A cochlear implant is a complex electronic medical device that can help people with severe hearing loss or those who are profoundly deaf to understand speech. Rather than amplify sounds, cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and stimulate the auditory nerve directly through applying an electrical current.

Optimize your communication environment

When speaking with someone, make sure to face the other person, and choose spots with bright lighting so that it is easier to read lips. Ensure to provide helpful feedback to your conversation partner, by giving nonverbal cues or words of encouragement to convey that you can clearly understand them. Make sure to also turn off any background noises, such as a TV or the radio. 

Aural rehabilitation

Often referred to as aural rehab, this method encompasses a wide range of practices that are aimed to optimize a person’s ability to participate in activities that have been limited as a result of hearing loss. Aural rehab has been found to reduce one’s perception of hearing difficulties, improve one’s quality of life, and allow the person to become a more efficient use of hearing technologies and communication strategies.

Contact US 

If you or a loved one is struggling to adapt to life with hearing loss or would like to explore what options are right for you, make an appointment with Sahasra Speech and Hearing Centre by calling us at 98857 45454

How to Recognize the Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can happen to anyone at any age and affect one’s quality of life, health, relationships, and career. Many people who experience hearing loss do not pick up on the signs until their lives are negatively affected. Just like any medical condition, the sooner you address your hearing loss, the better your chance for improved treatment outcomes. 

Types of hearing loss

People of all ages experience a gradual loss in their ability to hear, often due to the natural ageing process or exposure to loud noise. Sensorineural and conductive hearing loss are the two most common types of hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the inner ear or the nerve from the ear to the brain is damaged. This type of hearing damage is permanent and is typically a result of old age, genes, birth defects, disease processes, and noise exposure. In this type of hearing loss, higher-pitched tones may sound muffled, and it may become difficult to discern words against background noise. 

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when the passage of sound becomes blocked in the ear canal or in the middle ear. This blockage could be fluid, ear wax, tissue, or bony growth. This hearing loss is often referred to as temporary or transient hearing loss because it can often be treated by removing the blockage.

Recognizing hearing loss in your daily life

The symptoms of hearing loss can easily be overlooked and dismissed. Just because you may have trouble hearing a few words here and there doesn’t necessarily mean you are losing your hearing permanently. Here are some specific hearing loss signs that you can identify in your daily life:

Trouble hearing in noisy environments

You are trying to enjoy dinner with your family, but all the background noises are making it difficult for you to hear everyone at the table. Those with hearing loss tend to have problems masking background noise and focusing solely on speech. 

Feeling lost and confused in conversation

Getting a little lost in the conversation is totally normal because our ability to process multiple incoming and competing signals deteriorates over time. However, if you are having trouble keeping up with a simple dinner or work conversation, you may have hearing loss.

Turning up the TV or music louder than others seem necessary

Some television programs can be hard to follow, especially when the actors have a soft voice or music is drowning out the dialogue. Turning up the TV to understand a particular scene is okay, but when you constantly need the TV turned up so loud that it’s uncomfortable for others in the room, it is probably time for a hearing test.

You often ask people to repeat themselves during conversation

Do you find yourself asking friends and family “what” a lot? This could mean that you aren’t getting the sound signals you need to process speech correctly. 

Feeling tired after a long day of conversing with others

When you are constantly straining to hear and follow conversations, you can feel physically and mentally beat by the end of the day. If a typical day of conversing with friends and family leaves you with a headache or feeling fatigued, you may benefit from a hearing check.

If you are experiencing a majority of these signs, you may be experiencing hearing loss. It is important to understand what is causing your loss of hearing and how you can manage it. Act today and make an appointment with Dr. Sriharsha Tikka at the Sahasra Speech and Hearing Centre to get your hearing back on track.

Signs You May Need to Visit an ENT Doctor

If your nose is regularly stuffy and you get earaches often, this may be a sign it is time to visit an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. ENT specialists can help you with all problems that are related to your ears, nose and throat. But when do you know that it’s time to go and see one? Here are some clear indicators that it may be time to visit an ENT doctor:

Sinus pain

Sinus pressure and sinus pain occur when the nasal passage membranes become inflamed or swollen. Several factors can cause sinus pressure and pain, including having chronic sinusitis. Sinusitis affects about 1 in 8 adults annually and generally occurs when viruses or bacteria infect the sinuses and multiply. Sinus pain and pressure can also be caused by:

  • Increased fluid production and swelling
  • Sinuses can’t drain effectively
  • Reduced drainage causes sinus headache pain

Ongoing nasal congestion

If you constantly wake up with a blocked nose and find it hard to breathe, you may have chronic nasal congestion. Nasal congestion can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues. Infections, such as colds, the flu, sinusitis, and allergies, are frequent causes of nasal congestion and runny nose. Other common causes of ongoing nasal congestion include:

  • Deviated septum
  • Acquired nasal deformity
  • Nasal polyps
  • Rhinitis  

Ringing in the ears

Constant noise in the head, such as ringing in the ears, can be annoying and may indicate a serious health problem. Tinnitus is a sporadic or continuous ringing sound in one or both ears that cannot be linked to an exterior element. Tinnitus symptoms may include these types of phantom noises in your ears:

  • Ringing
  • Buzzing
  • Clicking
  • Hissing
  • Roaring
  • Humming

Persistent hearing loss

Hearing loss can happen to anyone of any age. People of all ages experience a gradual loss in their ability to hear, often due to the natural ageing process or exposure to loud noise. However, other causes can include infections due to viruses or bacteria, heart conditions, head injuries, and tumours. 

Sore throat

A raspy, strained, or hoarse voice and sore throat are not ordinary symptoms one should experience on the regular. While some people lose their voice when they have a bad cold or after a concert, a sore throat that lasts longer than six weeks could require medical attention. There are many causes of a constant sore throat, including:

  • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
  • Voice strain
  • Smoking
  • Injury
  • Swelling, lumps or growths on the vocal cords

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and signs, it may be time to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist. It is important to understand what is causing your symptoms and how you can manage them. Act today and make an appointment with Dr Sriharsha at the Sahasra ENT Clinic!

What is Eustachian Tube Congestion?

The eustachian tubes are located on each side of the face and connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and nose. These tubes usually remain closed, but they open up whenever you swallow, chew, or yawn. If swelling or fluid builds up within these passageways, it may block your eardrums from draining properly. As a result, pressure or excess fluid can accumulate in the middle ear, which leads to eustachian tube congestion. 

Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Congestion 

With eustachian tube congestion, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including: 

  • Pain and tenderness
  • A “plugged” or “full” sensation
  • Tinnitus: ringing in the ear
  • Hearing loss
  • Tickling or tingling feeling 
  • Clicking or popping sounds
  • Difficulty with balance

Pain associated with this condition can be exacerbated by changes in altitude, such as flying on an aeroplane or diving underwater.

Causes of Eustachian Tube Congestion 

The primary cause of eustachian tube congestion is an upper respiratory infection, which is often due to the common cold virus. Seasonal allergies and other illnesses that create inflammation in the area are also frequent causes of this condition. Certain risk factors that may increase your chances of developing eustachian tube congestion include: 

  • Age: children’s tubes are shorter and straighter, making it easier for fluid to become trapped
  • Tobacco Use: smoking damages the microscopic hairs in the nose, allowing mucus to accrue in the tubes
  • Obesity: fatty deposits around the eustachian tubes can form, making it more likely for them to become closed off 

Treatment for Eustachian Tube Congestion 

A majority of the time, eustachian tube congestion resolves itself on its own without any interventional treatment. Minor symptoms caused by the condition can be helped with: 

  • Yawning  
  • Saline nasal spray
  • Over-the-counter antihistamines: Zyrtec, Benadryl, or Claritin
  • Pain relievers: Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin 
  • Chewing gum

However, if your symptoms become severe or last longer than two weeks, you should seek treatment at the Sahasra ENT Clinic. There, your ear and nose specialist can accurately diagnose your condition using a physical exam. If your pain is due to an infection, then you will likely be prescribed an antibiotic to relieve your symptoms. 

For severe cases, your specialist may try pressure equalization tubes to balance out ear pressure or make a small cut in the eardrum so any excess fluid can drain out. Depending on the extent of your condition, you may also be eligible for a Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation procedure, which has been proven to drastically reduce the need for ear tubes and other ear procedures. Without adequate treatment, there is a possibility that you may develop a middle ear infection, also known as chronic otitis media. 

Ear candles have been used in the past to soothe symptoms of eustachian tube congestion. However, this method of treatment has been proven to be ineffective and potentially unsafe, so we recommend avoiding these products.  

Contact Us

Contact us today at 98857 45454 to learn more about our treatment options for eustachian tube congestion and other conditions affecting the sinuses. 

Living With Indoor Allergies

With cooler weather, you may notice your spring allergies have gone away and you’re able to breathe better. However, if you think that allergens aren’t present during the winter, think again. If you spend more time indoors during the cold months, you may notice an increase in allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, wheezing, and itchy, watery eyes. That’s because winter often introduces new and exacerbated indoor allergy symptoms.  

What causes allergies during the winter?

While freezing temperatures bring an end to seasonal pollen allergies, millions of people are living with winter allergies due to the increased time spent indoors during cool weather. Common indoor allergens, including molds, dust mites and animal dander, are often worse in the winter months. 

Dander

Nothing is worse than finding out you or your child are allergic to your pet. Often, individuals believe that their animal’s fur causes their allergy symptoms, but it is actually their dander. Pet dander is composed of tiny, microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats and dogs. This dead skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.

Avoidance is the best way to manage a pet allergy. This doesn’t mean you need to part with your furry family member. Follow these tips to avoid triggering your pet allergy:

  • Keep your pet out of your bedroom and off of furniture 
  • Wash your hands after playing with or petting your pet
  • Vacuum floors regularly
  • Bathe and brush your pet weekly

Dust Mites 

Dust mites are the most common cause of year-round indoor allergies. Dust mites are microscopic bugs that flourish in mattresses, bedding, carpeting, and furniture. Often, you’ll notice your symptoms immediately after sweeping, dusting or vacuuming, when you’ve stirred up dust. 

You can lessen or avoid your allergy symptoms by removing items that cause dust allergies. You can keep your mattress and pillows in dustproof or allergen-blocking covers. These covers are made of tightly-woven fabric to prevent dust mites from colonizing or escaping from the mattress or pillows. You may also want to wash your bedding, such as sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bed covers, once a week in hot water to kill dust mites and remove allergens.

Mold

Molds live inside and outside of your home. There are many types of mold, but only certain kinds of mold cause allergies. Mold can grow virtually anywhere if the conditions are right. They often thrive in moist places like bathrooms and kitchens.

You can reduce your allergy symptoms by avoiding contact with the mold spores. Try limiting your outdoor activities when mold counts are high and wear a dust mask when doing yard work. To reduce your exposure to mold spores inside your home, use central air conditioning, lower your indoor humidity, quickly repair any plumbing leaks, and always remove carpet from places where it can get wet and allow for mold to build up. 

Contact Us

It is important to understand what is causing your allergy symptoms and how you can manage them this winter. Act today and make an appointment by calling us at 98857 45454

Understanding Allergy Treatment Options

Today there are many options when it comes to treating allergies. If over the counter medications aren’t working to treat your allergies, see our otolaryngologist, Dr Sriharsha Tikka, to find out about the latest allergy treatments.

Allergy Immunotherapy Treatments

We specialize in several different types of treatments for dust, mold, pollen, grass, weed, tree, and animal allergies. This month let’s take a look at a few including:

Allergy Shots

First, Dr Sriharsha Tikka will determine which allergens are causing your symptoms. Allergy symptoms are your body’s immune system attacking the allergy. A small amount of the allergen is injected into your body and the dose is increased over time. Slowly, the immune system makes an antibody that stops allergens from causing symptoms.

Allergy shots are given at our ENT clinic over a period of several years to change your immune response to allergens. For the first three to six months, you’ll receive allergy shots at our cllinic a few times a week. Then for up to five years you’ll receive them about once every four to six weeks.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual immunotherapy works the same way to introduce your body to a small amount of the allergen in order to relieve allergy symptoms. This is a form of immunotherapy where liquid drops are dissolved under your tongue several times a week or daily. The drops can be taken at home, but it is important to take it every day, or the treatment may not help reduce your symptoms. You’ll typically continue taking the allergy drops for three to five years.

Both allergy shots and allergy drops can improve allergy and asthma symptoms and less then need to take medicines.

Contact us today if you are experiencing severe allergy symptoms to learn about the best treatment for you by calling 98857 45454

Most Common Ear Conditions

Ear problems can be extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant, especially when they last for days or weeks at a time. They can cause mild pain or discomfort inside the ear, hearing loss and even pain when swallowing. There are many different types of ear problems that occur for a variety of reasons. These are the most common: 

Ear Infections

Ear infections are the most common ear problems that occur when a bacterial or viral infection affects the middle ear. They most often occur in children, but adults are still susceptible to these infections. Ear infections can be either chronic or acute. Acute ear infections are painful but only last for a short period of time. Whereas chronic ear infections recur many times and can cause permanent damage to the middle and inner ear.

Ear infections often clear up on their own. However, if the infection has lasted longer than three days or if fluid is being discharged from the ear, antibiotics may be prescribed. 

Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is a common infection of the outer ear that runs from the eardrum to the outside of the head. Swimmer’s ear is caused by contaminated water remaining in the ear for an extended period of time, which can lead to bacteria or fungi growth, irritation and tissue damage. Treatment may involve cleaning your outer ear canal to help eardrops flow to infected areas and prescription medications to help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria.

Ear Pressure

Ear congestion occurs when the Eustachian tube becomes partially or completely blocked as a consequence of common colds, allergies or sinusitis. It often leads to a feeling of pressure in the ear and can cause pain and muffled hearing. Ear pressure can be caused by several factors, including:

  • Sinusitis
  • Ear infections
  • Allergies
  • Earwax buildup

Treatment will depend on the cause of your ear pressure. Common at-home remedies include steam treatment, saline flush, and over-the-counter decongestants.

Ear Wax

Earwax is a self-cleaning force by the body. It protects the ear from infections and damage. However, earwax can build up in some adults and cause hearing impairment. Common risk factors that influence wax buildup include:

  • Ethnicity
  • Hearing aids
  • Over-cleaning the ear with Q-tips

One should not remove earwax blockage, especially not with a Q-tip. However, when the removal of earwax is necessary, one should seek medical treatment.

It’s important to understand what is causing your ear pain and how you can manage it. If you’re experiencing chronic ear pain, make an appointment with Dr Sriharsha Tikka at the Sahasra ENT Clinic today! Call us at 98857 45454 to schedule your appointment

What Can I Do for Post-Nasal Drip?

Post-nasal drip is a condition where the mucous membranes in your nose are irritated and produce excess mucus. It can cause several symptoms, including sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, congestion, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.

The most common causes of post-nasal drip are allergies or viral infection. However, you can also develop it from other conditions, such as sinusitis or acid reflux. 

What Causes Post-Nasal Drip?

This condition occurs when fluid leaks down the back of the sinuses and into your throat.

Other causes include:

  • Viral or bacterial infection, such as sinusitis, common cold, and flu
  • Allergies to dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander
  • Sinus pressure from conditions like allergies
  • Upper respiratory tract infections that irritate the mucous membranes in your nose
  • Exposure to chemicals, perfumes, and cigarette smoke
  • A side effect of medication, such as antidepressants or antihistamines
  • Reflux disease where stomach acid leaks into the esophagus
  • Deviated septum that obstructs the nasal passages

Other causes include smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, caffeine intake, and nasal polyps. This condition can also occur in babies born prematurely due to the underdevelopment of the nose and sinuses.

Post-Nasal Drip Symptoms

The most common symptom is a runny nose. Other symptoms include:

  • A sore throat with hoarseness of the voice due to irritation in your larynx
  • Coughing, which can be persistent or chronic, especially at night when you lie down
  • Nasal congestion and obstruction due to the excess mucus
  • Sneezing, which is an attempt by your body to expel the extra mucus from your nose
  • Difficulty breathing, especially when exercising or at night, as a result of nasal secretions pooling in your throat
  • Excessive drooling if you also have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Bad breath, especially when the excess mucus pools around your tonsils.

Treating Post-Nasal Drip

The best way to treat post-nasal drip is by identifying and avoiding the irritants that cause the condition. Some of those who experience chronic or recurring post-nasal drip may also have allergies to things like dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander.

If you notice that using perfume triggers your symptoms it is a good idea to stop. If you are prone to post-nasal drip, be sure to avoid smoking as this is an irritant that can trigger symptoms.

Drinking plenty of water can also help thin out mucus and relieve symptoms. Like water, drinking hot liquids can also help thin out mucus with the added benefit of steam, which works to decongest the nasal passages.

Other ways to treat post-nasal drip are:

  • Using a humidifier
  • Taking over the counter antihistamines
  • decongestants
  • Using nasal sprays and rinses

Post-nasal drip can last for several weeks or months. If you experience it for longer than six to eight weeks, it is best that you see your doctor as this can be a sign of other medical conditions. Most cases are not severe and can be easily treated. However, if your post-nasal drip problem continues to persist after home remedies, it might be time to visit an expert.

Sahasra ENT Clinic specializes in ear, nose, and sinus conditions. At our Institute, we are focused on providing patients with the most current technology so that our patients receive the best treatment options available.

Contact us

If the post-nasal drip is a persistent problem you are dealing with, contact our highly qualified team. For more treatment options, call 98857 45454

How to Treat Rhinitis

How to Treat Rhinitis

Rhinitis is the swelling and irritation of the mucous membranes in the nose. It is typically triggered by breathing in allergens such as dust mites, pollen, spores, and animal dander. However, rhinitis can also be triggered by changes in your environment, hormonal changes, as well as certain foods and spices. When left untreated, rhinitis can cause both recurring sinus and ear infections.  

Rhinitis Symptoms

Symptoms of rhinitis can often include:

  • Runny and stuffy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy throat, nose, eyes, and ears
  • Nosebleeds
  • Clear drainage from the nose
  • Ear infections

Rhinitis Types

When treating rhinitis, it can be helpful to know what type you are experiencing. The most common form of rhinitis is acute rhinitis, which can be caused by a viral illness. Other types of rhinitis include seasonal rhinitis and non-allergenic, also known as year-round rhinitis.

Who is at Risk?

Allergic rhinitis can occur more often in patients who have asthma, eczema, atopy, or other allergic diseases. In addition, those who have a parental history of allergic rhinitis are usually more at risk. Non-allergic rhinitis can affect both children and adults alike. However, rhinitis commonly affects those aged 20 or older.

How to Prevent Rhinitis

The very best way to prevent rhinitis is to avoid direct contact with allergens. Rhinitis can also be controlled by regularly washing your hands with soap and water and by avoiding touching your face and nose when possible. It is also a good idea to keep your bed linens and pillowcases fresh by washing them often with hot water and detergent. If you have a pet in the home, you should to try and keep them outside the bedroom in order to avoid having pet dander on your bed.

During high pollen and mold seasons, it is optimal to make sure you keep windows closed and use air conditioning as much as possible. Wearing sunglasses and hats when you are outside can also help when trying to avoid allergens. 

Treating your Rhinitis

Treatment for rhinitis can vary depending on the severity of the case. Avoiding irritants and home remedies such as taking a hot shower, regularly changing your air filters, and using cold packs might be enough for more mild cases. However, for more severe cases, treatments can often include:

  • Saline nasal sprays 
  • Decongestants
  • Antihistamines
  • Medicine for asthma symptoms

Saline nasal sprays will help flush any allergens inside the nose and thin out any mucus that might be blocking your nasal passages. This can help reduce the swelling of the mucous membrane, effectively treating rhinitis.

Over-the-counter antihistamines can also help reduce swelling in the nose allowing for airflow to pass through easier. Likewise, decongestants will help thin your blood vessels to reduce congestion in the nose.

Using medicines for asthma, such as an inhaler, might also help clear up your rhinitis by opening up the airways in your lungs and nose. If your rhinitis problems persist, you might want to consider a prescription nasal spray or, in some cases, allergy shots. 

Rhinitis due to a deviated septum may be corrected by using a septoplasty to fix the deviation. For non-allergic or neurogenic rhinitis, our Institute offers a variety of solutions:

  • Traditional Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Contact Sahasra ENT Clinic

If you or someone you know has issues with rhinitis, Sahasra ENT Clinic can help! Our otolaryngologist Dr Sriharsha Tikka can diagnose and treat any problems you have regarding rhinitis. Please feel free to call us at 98857 45454 at any time

Losing Hearing as You Get Older?

Should I Be Concerned About Age-Related Hearing Loss?

One in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 and more than half of people over the age of 75 suffer from age-related hearing loss, which is also known as presbycusis. So what is this common condition and what should you know about it?

What is Presbycusis?

Sudden Hearing Loss Reported After COVID Vaccines | MedPage Today

Age-related hearing loss is caused by a variety of things, including tiny hair cells getting damaged and bones in the inner ear becoming stiffer, making the nerves less sensitive to sound.

Hair cells don’t regrow, which means that hearing loss caused by hair cell damage is permanent. There’s no single cause of presbycusis, but the factors that contribute to it are:

  • Family History
  • Repeated Exposure to Loud Noises
  • Smoking
  • Medical conditions, such as diabetes
  • Medications, such as chemotherapy drugs

Are There Any Symptoms?

Presbycusis occurs slowly over time, so it can be difficult to diagnose. However, there are some early symptoms to be aware of:

  • Feeling like others are speaking too quickly for you to understand
  • Feeling like others are mumbling
  • Difficulty focusing due to environment noises
  • Having to listen to the television or radio at a higher volume
  • Asking people to repeat themselves more often than normal
  • Ringing in ears

To properly diagnose age-related hearing loss, your physician will do a complete physical exam and they will also look into your ears using an otoscope. This can help determine whether the problem is due to wax buildup. Seeing an audiologist is also a good option to get more extensive hearing tests.

If diagnosed with hearing loss, a physician might suggest hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, sign language if the hearing loss is severe, or a cochlear implant.

Contact Dr Sriharsha Tikka at 98857 45454 to schedule an ENT & Audiological examination in Madhapur, Hyderabad to find out if you’re suffering from age-related hearing loss.