CARMEL, IND., Jan. 10, 2012 – Total Hearing Solutions, a division of Northside ENT, will hold informational seminars on tinnitus Tuesday, Jan. 24, in Carmel.

The morning seminar will take place 10:30 a.m.-12 noon at the Monon Community Center’s east building at 1235 Central Park Drive East. The evening seminar, 6-7:30 p.m., will take place at the Total Hearing Solutions clinic at 12065 Old Meridian, Suite 200. Both sessions will address new treatments for tinnitus, the widespread condition defined as the perception of sound when no external sound is present. Tinnitus affects more than 50 million people in the United States. The condition, usually brought on by exposure to loud noise, is especially significant in the military, with more than 34 percent of returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from tinnitus.

Seminar speakers will include Kira VonBlon, director of audiology at Total Hearing Solutions, and Jamie Gabbard, Au.D., of Professional Hearing Healthcare in Muncie. They will include discussion of the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment (NTT), a particularly effective treatment protocol delivered through its easy-to-use Oasis device. The device is the FDA-cleared, patented and clinically proven medical device with documented long-term relief of severe or chronic tinnitus. Total Hearing Solutions is the only provider in Carmel, and one of only four in the Indianapolis, to offer the NTT, which CNN has featured in a segment on tinnitus treatment.

The Oasis device looks like a small consumer music player and works by desensitizing the patient’s tinnitus perception. The patient wears the device for a prescribed number of hours on a daily basis, listening to soothing music that audiologists customize to each person’s unique hearing profile. A recent independent study shows that more than 90 percent of patients who use the NTT experience a significant reduction in tinnitus.

“The Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment has proven to be one of the most effective ways to treat tinnitus on a long-term basis,” says VonBlon. “The Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment reduces hypersensitivity and annoying environmental sounds – all by allowing the user to enjoy music, without constant distraction of their tinnitus. The treatment enables the brain to create alternative pathways so tinnitus is no longer perceived.”

RSVP, More information

The seminars are open to the public as well as medical providers and clinicians who find tinnitus a debilitating condition among their patients. While there is no fee, RSVP is required. Attendees can contact Tammy Johnson at Total Hearing Solutions by Jan. 19: 317-705-2700 or tjohnson@northsideent.com. Light refreshments will be served at the event.

Total Hearing Solutions (www.totalhearingsolutions.com)

Total Hearing Solutions, a division of Northside ENT, has been helping hearing-impaired patients in Central Indiana since 1977. Audiologists, licensed by the State of Indiana and certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, provide hearing aid services, hearing evaluations, a healthy hearing program and help for all types of hearing loss.

RSVP Form

Loud parties, noisy restaurants, mumbling teenagers – Oh My!

These (and more) scared and intimidated me as my tinnitus worsened over several years. The ringing in my ears got so bad that I could only understand my wife if she spoke directly at me with no ambient noise. My work suffered, watching TV was possible only with closed captioning, and I stopped going out in public alone – without a translator, as it were. Tinnitus was at its worst at quiet times, like at night – the ringing filled my whole head. Getting to sleep was extremely difficult and I woke frequently. I eventually had to use anti-anxiety medication to get any sleep at all.

One day a letter arrived from Total Hearing Solutions about a new tinnitus treatment. By this time I had researched several tinnitus “cures” only to be disappointed each time. Kira at Total Hearing Solutions had previously fitted me with a hearing aid that improved my life tremendously; so I read the information with a great deal of interest and yet a little skepticism. I had always been told there was no modern medical cure for tinnitus. Neuromonics seemed different though. They didn’t claim a cure, just the ability to live with and learn to ignore the tinnitus. I discussed it with my wife and completed the questionnaire included with the letter.

We decided to pursue the treatment and both I and my wife are very happy with the results. The treatment is incredibly easy, relaxing, and impressive. The most difficult part is at the beginning of treatment as you learn the best schedule for two hour treatments. Treatment is simply listening to music. I’ve used my Neuromonics device virtually every day since I got it – over a year now. It is still relaxing and still fun. Sometimes I use it not for tinnitus relief but just to relax.

The most powerful effect of the Neuromonics treatment is that I now have substantial control over my tinnitus. When I notice my ears ringing I can listen to treatment tracks virtually (i.e. in my head) and the tinnitus recedes.

I’ve learned to live with tinnitus and now I enjoy parties and restaurants, football games and concerts, and all the things I used to avoid. Except for mumbling teenagers – they still scare me! But maybe this is a problem unrelated to tinnitus.

Thanks,
Ric H.
Carmel, Indiana

Our certified audiologists invite you to join them on Wednesday, April 27, 6-7 p.m. to learn more about managing chronic tinnitus. Total Hearing Solutions, a division of Northside ENT, is located at 12065 Old Meridian St., Suite 205, in Carmel.

Only the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment Device is clinically proven to offer long-term significant relief from tinnitus. This patented treatment method is FDA-cleared, noninvasive and customized for each patient to address the root causes of tinnitus.

Please call Total Hearing Solutions at (317) 705-2700 to reserve your seat.

To help prevent getting dementia, spend more time with friends and hobbies; take steps to avoid getting diabetes and high blood pressure; and get hearing aids when needed.

This five-minute test can guide you in knowing if it might be time to get help.

Results

If you are having one more more of these problems, it’s time to improve the quality of your life.

A certified audiologist can tell you the exact nature of your hearing loss and give you a proper diagnosis. For more information, call Total Hearing Solutions at (317) 705-2700.

SlimTube

Modern hearing aids are durable, reliable and easy to use. But dirt and sweat can severely damage your valuable high-tech hearing aid.

Clean your hearing aids every day with a soft dry cloth for years of trouble free service.

For detailed information about cleaning your hearing aids, call your certified audiologist.

You can contact Total Hearing Solutions, a division of Northside ENT, at (317) 705-2700.

Scott A. Hackett, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Scott A. Hackett, M.D., F.A.C.S., president of Northside ENT, was voted a top doc by physician peers in Indianapolis Monthly’s survey, reported in this month’s magazine.

This marks the fourth consecutive time fellow doctors have named the board certified otolaryngologist.

Indianapolis Monthly magazine partners with Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. to take the guesswork out of choosing a doctor. The independent researchers survey thousands of doctors to identify the top five percent of board certified physicians in the Indianapolis metropolitan area.

Dr. Hackett joined Northside ENT in 1991. He also serves on the board of Naab Road Surgery Center. The ear, nose and throat specialist is a past president of the department of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at St. Vincent Hospital.

Active in patient care and medical education, Dr. Hackett has been named “Specialty Teacher of the Year” twice by St. Vincent Hospital family medicine residents. He has trained residents in this program since 1991.

He graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine with highest distinction. The doctor also completed specialty training in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery in Indianapolis.
Dr. Hackett is a fellow in the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons and American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

He is a member of the Indiana State Medical Association and Central Indiana Otolaryngology Society. Dr. Hackett is also an associate member of the Radiological Society of North America.

The ENT specialist sees patients of all ages with diseases and disorders of the head and neck. Special interests include minimally invasive treatment of parathyroid and sinus disorders; thyroid surgery; voice problems and pediatric diseases.

Dr. Hackett and his wife Tricia have two children, Stephanie and Emerson. Mrs. Hackett is a member of the school board for Carmel Clay Schools.

Northside ENT has served Central Indiana patients since 1977. Specialties include pediatric and adult ear, nose and throat disorders affecting the voice, allergy, sinuses, tonsil and adenoid, ears, thyroid, parathyroid, head and neck cancer, and sleep apnea.

Total Hearing Solutions and Performance Voice Solutions are divisions of Northside ENT.

For more information, call (317) 705-2700.

One in five Americans suffer from “ringing in their ears” or tinnitus. Tinnitus isn’t usually a sign of a serious ongoing medical condition. The sounds patients perceive may just be their body at work.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in one or both ears that only the patient can hear since no external sound is present. It is the most commonly referred otological problem.

The sound can be intermittent or constant and patients often describe it as a ringing in their ears. The perceived volume can range from low to painfully loud. Some people also hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping and clicking.

The exact cause of tinnitus isn’t known but likely sources can trigger or worsen the condition. These include loud noises, excessive ear wax in the ear canal, certain medications, ear or sinus infections, jaw misalignment, cardiovascular disease, certain types of tumors, head and neck trauma, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, lyme disease, fibromyalgia and thoracic outlet syndrome.

Tinnitus is the most common service-connected disability of veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Preventing Tinnitus

Wear ear plugs and/or ear muffs when mowing grass or attending concerts and sporting events where you know the noise will be loud over an extended period of time.

Everyone’s tolerance is different and you may not notice hearing loss for years so precautionary steps are easy and smart. If you’re standing three feet away from someone and you can’t hear what that person is saying, the noise may be damaging to your hearing.

Diagnosing Tinnitus

An ear, nose and throat specialist can determine if tinnitus is caused by a medical condition or if a medical treatment option might be recommended. A certified audiologist can conduct hearing tests and prescribe nonmedical treatments like masking, sound therapy and amplification.

Patients can feel better by managing tinnitus.

Managing Tinnitus

Most of the time there won’t be a threatening underlying problem. But no quick fix or cure either.

Sufferers should plan to spend 10-15 minutes a day managing and controlling their symptoms so they gradually have fewer bad ear days and more not-so-bad ear days.
Treatments that work for one patient won’t necessarily work for another. While we utilize a variety of treatment options, audiologists partner with patients so individuals get the most effective treatment strategy for them.

If you have tinnitus, review your medications with your doctor. Keep a log of what triggers your tinnitus and how that makes you feel.

White noise machines help a lot of people. Sounds of a waterfall, for example, will drown out the tinnitus. It also helps to reduce stress, get plenty of rest and eat a good diet.

Eliminate or reduce salt, artificial sweeteners, sugar, alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter medications, tobacco and caffeine.

Educate yourself by visiting and/or joining the American Tinnitus Association.

Keep a log of what triggers your tinnitus and how that makes you feel. Then note any illogical thinking or reactions. For example, before I got tinnitus, I had a good life. Now, I don’t. More logical thinking to help you feel better would be my tinnitus got worse after the concert. I enjoyed the music but my tinnitus ruined a perfect evening.

You might also want to find a support group near you.

Neuromonics Treatment Device

That ringing or buzzing sound isn’t in your ears, and it’s not all in your head. Each person’s experience of tinnitus is unique – and very real. If chronic tinnitus is interrupting your life, now there’s new hope for you to reclaim your life.

Only the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment Device is clinically proven to offer long-term significant relief from tinnitus. This patented treatment method is FDA-cleared, noninvasive and customized for each patient to address the root causes of tinnitus.

Call Total Hearing Solutions at (317) 705-2732 to learn about the Neuromonics Treatment Device.

Can you imagine having ringing, buzzing, hissing or roaring in one or both ears? Continually or occasionally, pulsing or steady, ranging in severity from a soft buzz to a loud ring?!

Actor William Shatner talks about his tinnitus in this video. He’s one of 50 million Americans who suffer from chronic tinnitus, lasting longer than six months. Of those, 12 million have it bad enough to seek medical attention Two million can’t function on a day-to-day basis.

It’s often caused by exposure to loud noise, such as music or combat. More common in men than women, and more so as we get older.

Annoying, but usually not a sign of a serious problem.

There’s still no cure. But we can manage it, however.

Visit the American Tinnitus Association to learn how loud is too loud.

Total Hearing Solutions is a division of Northside ENT.

Hearing evaluations begin with patients wearing headphones or insert phones. This allows your audiologist to test how softly you can hear sound.

Then she’ll place a small box behind your ear to examine the inner ear. This will also help her test speech comprehension to know how well you can understand words with your current hearing ability.

After that, your audiologist will put this information together to know how much and what kind of hearing loss you have. If you’re a hearing aid candidate, she’ll ask about your lifestyle and where it’s most important for you to hear well.

This information helps in making the best hearing aid recommendation for your personal needs.

Hearing Aids

Hearing devices are available in a wide variety of styles, technology and prices. Years ago, people complained about how big hearing aids were. But they’ve become much smaller.

The majority of all hearing devices today have digital technology. Most reduce background noise and let you hear more naturally.

Digital technology offers many features such as noise reduction, directional microphones and the ability to connect to telephones or the television wirelessly. These features help to enhance voices in difficult listening situations.

The most popular hearing device is the small receiver-in-the ear or open style of hearing aid. This type of hearing device lets you hear more naturally because your ear canal is left open.

This hearing aid is so small, it’s hard to see. So people look at you and not at your hearing aid.

You can also choose in-the-ear hearing aids. Some completely fill your ear while others may be mostly in your ear canal. Some are completely in your ear canal, requiring a small removal line to remove it.

Now you know what a hearing test is like and what types of hearing aids are available.

Total Hearing Solutions is a division of Northside ENT.

Hearing Aids Increase:

• Earning power
• Communication in relationships
• Intimacy and warmth in family relationships
• Ease in communication
• Emotional stability
• Feelings of control over life events
• Perception of mental functioning
• Physical health
• Group social participation

Hearing Aids Reduce:

• Discrimination toward the person with hearing loss
• Hearing loss compensation or pretending you hear
• Anger and frustration in relationships
• Depression
• Feelings of paranoia
• Anxiety

Hearing means quality of life.

You may be interested in learning more about expectations for hearing aids or seeing a certified audiologist.