by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. In December of 2006 I wrote about smoking and hearing loss and pointed out that smoking in the presence of loud noise makes your ears even more susceptible to hearing loss than either smoking or loud noise alone. Now, researchers have published the results of a study on workers in one […]
Adjusting T-Coil Volume and Real Ear Testing on New Hearing Aids
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man had trouble hearing using his hearing aid’s t-coils. I suggested that he go to his audiologist and have the volume set to a level equal to that of his hearing aids’ microphones. When that is done, switching from microphone mode to t-coil mode would produce sounds at the same […]
When Your Piano Sounds Bad
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man explained: I have felt very fortunate during my 81 years in having the ability to play the piano “by ear.” Recently, I found that the notes starting with the “F” in the octave above the middle “C” octave sounded bad enough to me to cause me to stop […]
Sympathetic Hearing Loss
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man wrote: Your site (http://www.hearinglosshelp.com) is extremely informative. I do have a question. I am a member of ANA (Acoustic Neuroma Association) and there was one member a long time ago that experienced sympathetic hearing loss following AN surgery. Recently, there are others reporting AIED (Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease) following […]
Gabapentin Does Not Work for Tinnitus
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. I recently received a phone call from a man who wanted to know about the ototoxicity of Gabapentin, because his doctor had prescribed it for his tinnitus. I explained to him that researchers have now concluded that Gabapentin (Neurontin) is no more effective than a placebo for tinnitus relief (1). Why […]
Hearing Loss and Air Bags
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. Air bags save lives—and for that we are definitely thankful. They also destroy hearing—and that is not so nice. Here is Lisa’s story. Last week I was involved in what should have been a minor car accident. I wasn’t paying attention and “gently” hit the car in front of me stopped […]