Nearly 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, which is the perception of sound (usually ringing, buzzing or humming), when no other sound is present.

While a specific cause between diabetes and hearing loss is still unclear, there is enough evidence to encourage all diabetic patients to have their hearing tested and monitored regularly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 70 million adults in the United States have high blood pressure, or hypertension.

Conquering Vertigo: Regaining Balance and Reclaiming Your Life

Vertigo, a common yet often misunderstood condition, can significantly impact one's quality of life. Characterized by a false sense of spinning or dizziness, vertigo can cause discomfort, anxiety, and even disrupt daily activities. However, with a better understanding of its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, you can take control of this condition and experience life to the fullest once again.

Understanding Vertigo:
Vertigo can stem from various underlying factors, the most common being an issue with the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. The inner ear houses tiny structures called semicircular canals, responsible for detecting rotational movements. When these delicate structures malfunction or get disrupted, they send conflicting signals to the brain, leading to the sensation of spinning or dizziness.

Recognizing the Symptoms:
Vertigo manifests differently in each individual, but common symptoms include:

1. A spinning sensation, as if the world around you is whirling.
2. Feeling unsteady or off-balance, making it difficult to walk or stand.
3. Nausea or vomiting, often triggered by the dizziness.
4. Sweating, headaches, or a general feeling of unease.
5. Anxiety or fear of falling, leading to avoidance of certain activities.

Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment:
If you suspect you may have vertigo, it is crucial to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis. Your healthcare provider may perform a physical examination and order additional tests, such as hearing tests or imaging scans, to determine the cause and severity of your vertigo.

Treatment options for vertigo vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common approaches include:

1. Canalith repositioning procedures: These involve specific head and body movements aimed at relocating displaced calcium crystals within the inner ear, providing relief from vertigo symptoms.
2. Medications: Certain medications, such as vestibular suppressants or anti-nausea drugs, may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms during acute episodes of vertigo.
3. Physical therapy: Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can help improve balance and reduce dizziness by retraining the brain to compensate for inner ear imbalances.
4. Lifestyle adjustments: Making simple changes, such as avoiding triggers like caffeine or alcohol, getting enough rest, and practicing stress-reducing techniques, can help manage vertigo symptoms and prevent future episodes.

Embracing a Vertigo-Friendly Lifestyle:
In addition to medical treatment, adopting certain lifestyle modifications can significantly improve your overall well-being while living with vertigo. Here are a few tips:

1. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate vertigo symptoms, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
2. Create a safe environment: Remove potential hazards within your living space to minimize the risk of falls during dizzy spells.
3. Prioritize rest and relaxation: Regular sleep patterns and stress reduction techniques, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help manage vertigo triggers.
4. Gradually reintroduce activities: With guidance from your healthcare provider, slowly incorporate physical activities back into your routine to regain confidence and strengthen your balance.

Conclusion:
While vertigo can disrupt your life, understanding its causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate treatment can help you regain control. By combining medical interventions, lifestyle adjustments, and a positive mindset, you can conquer vertigo and reclaim a life filled with balance, joy, and limitless possibilities. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right support, a brighter future awaits you. The first step is a diagnostic hearing evaluation to determine inner ear involvement. 

Feel free to use the link below to send us a message or contact our office to schedule a consult!

Contact us to schedule your hearing evaluation today!

Have you ever missed a punchline during a play? Was everyone else laughing while you were asking the person next to you what was just said?

5 Reasons Why You Should Get Your Hearing Checked

May is Better Hearing and Speech month, so that means it is also the perfect time to schedule an appointment to have your hearing checked by an audiologist. If that isn’t enough motivation, read on to learn our five reasons below.

1. Treating Hearing Loss Can Improve Earning Power

A study from 2014 revealed that individuals with severe hearing loss received annual household incomes of $14,000 less than those with normal hearing. By delaying treatment, many who have not yet reached retirement age, struggle with managing their hearing loss on the job. The good news is that successful treatment of hearing loss with hearing aids is associated with greater earning power and increased household income.

2. Start with a Baseline

A diagnostic hearing exam will show how well you hear but also reveals the overall health of your ears. Things like ear wax buildup, abnormal growths and infections can increase your risk for hearing loss. If these issues are found early and treated, you will be less likely to develop any permanent hearing loss as a result. A baseline hearing exam is very helpful in monitoring any changes in hearing or ear health over time.

3. Avoid Isolation

Studies have shown that those with hearing difficulty tend to avoid situations where they know it can be difficult to hear. Restaurants, parties and places with background noise are the most difficult environments for those with hearing loss. By avoiding these situations, you can increase your risk of depression. When hearing loss is properly diagnosed and treated, your ability to hear and understand in these environments increases significantly, which will also improve quality of life.

4. Improve Relationships

We say that when one person in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a “hearing problem”. Hearing loss can be frustrating for family members and loved ones who need to repeat themselves often, deal with the TV and radio volume at an uncomfortable level and see the impact hearing loss has on you. Once your audiologist diagnoses the problem, they can discuss good communication strategies that can minimize the hindrances that hearing loss can cause.

5. Hearing Aids are Cool

Hearing aids have received an un-fair stigma over the years but it is time to change that. When most people think of hearing aids, they think of bulky, clunky devices that squeal and get left at home in a drawer. The truth is hearing aids have come a long way in the past five years, both in design and overall performance. Hearing aids have gotten smaller, fit more hearing loss levels and have advanced features that are significantly improving how well patients hear. Hearing aids now have Bluetooth built in and can be synced with smart phones to hear phone calls, music or podcasts. Smart phone apps also allow users to control volume, programs and even locate hearing aids if they are ever lost.

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing difficulty, the first step is to work with a doctoral level audiologist who can diagnose and recommend the best treatment options.

Feel free to use the link below to send us a message or contact our office to schedule a consult!

Contact us to schedule your hearing evaluation today!

When investigating options to improve hearing, individuals can be overwhelmed by newspaper advertisements, mail promotions and internet programs that make promises that seem to good to be true. As the old adage says, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Finding the right provider and the right hearing aid solution can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. To make things easier, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions about hearing loss and hearing aids to help guide patients.

Question: What is the difference between Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dispensers (Hearing Instrument Specialists)?

The major difference between audiologists and hearing aid dispensers is level of training and education. Audiologists are currently required to obtain a doctoral level degree consisting of 8 years of coursework to learn how to treat hearing and balance disorders, while hearing aid dispensers in Nebraska must have a high school diploma and pass a licensing exam.  

Scope of practice is another distinction. Audiologists can test and treat hearing loss, balance disorders, tinnitus and remove ear wax build up. Hearing aid dispensers are only allowed to do testing for the purpose of fitting a hearing aid.

Question: If I am diagnosed with hearing loss, will my hearing get worse over time?

The progression of hearing loss depends on many factors, including the specific cause. The most common type of hearing loss is called sensorineural or inner ear hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by the natural aging process, noise exposure or certain medications (like chemotherapy agents).

Our hearing will progress gradually over time, however, there are ways to protect hearing from changing faster than expected.  If hearing aids are recommended, consistent use will not only improve hearing ability but will also stimulate the auditory nerve, which has been shown to preserve word understanding ability.

After being diagnosed with hearing loss, the inner ear is more susceptible to damage due to excessive noise. Consistent use of hearing protection around noise exposure (hunting, lawn care equipment, concerts, etc.) can help prevent further damage.

Question: How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aids come in a wide range of prices, from approximately $600 to $3,000 per ear. The price of a hearing aid depends on the level of technology, sound quality, noise reduction capability, size and the service plan and warranty associated with it.

Hearing aids have become very advanced in the last five years, as we now have re-chargeable options, Bluetooth phone connection and advanced processing capabilities. While these are great advancements, not everyone needs premium technology. It is important to work with a professional that offers more than one hearing aid brand, as well as different levels of technology, because there is not one option that is right for everyone.

Question: What happens if my hearing aid is damaged or lost?

Major hearing aid manufacturers offer repair and loss/damage warranties that are included with the initial purchase. These warranties generally range from one to three years, depending on the level of technology. If something happens to your hearing aid, your audiologist can often repair it in the office or send it in at no cost while under repair warranty. If a device is lost or damaged beyond repair, the patient can receive a one-time replacement, (for each ear) after paying a deductible.

Question: How can I make my hearing aid(s) last longer?

Patients can perform routine maintenance of their hearing aids at home including: cleaning nightly, monitoring wax and debris buildup, using a dehumidifier and storing the devices in a dry place to reduce moisture buildup. A general recommendation for hearing aid patients is to see their audiologist every six months for more extensive cleaning and maintenance, replacement of parts and removing earwax buildup from the ear canals to make sure the hearing aid is performing optimally. These appointments are normally included in the service warranty.

Do you have other questions that we didn’t answer? Feel free to use the link below to send us a message or contact our office to schedule a consult!

Contact us to schedule your hearing evaluation today!

What Hearing Aid is Right for Me? 

If you have ever done a search for hearing aids on the internet, you know how overwhelming all of the information can be. The best recommendation is to work with a doctor of audiology to find the right solution for you.To better help understand the hearing aid selection process, we have put together a list of four considerations when choosing the right hearing aid. 

1. What are your hearing goals? 

When choosing the right hearing aid, you first need to understand what environments and situations you notice difficulty hearing. Do you have difficulty hearing in background noise? Hearing the television? The telephone? At home or at work? Different hearing aid technologies perform better in noisy environments vs. quiet. Others have advanced capabilities to sync with your television or your telephone. Every professional that works with hearing aids should have multiple options for hearing aid technologies (i.e. Entry, Mid-Level and Advanced or Good, Better and Best). The main difference between hearing aid technology levels is how well they perform in noise situations and how clear they can make speech. An advanced level of technology will filter out the noise you don't want to hear better than an entry level technology. An advanced level technology also has more frequencies to be programmed to a prescription for hearing loss, as well as a more advanced processor for improving speech clarity. 

2. Understand your hearing loss.

A full diagnostic hearing exam will show how much hearing loss you have, what structures of the hearing anatomy are affected and how well your auditory system can process speech. Different types of hearing aids may be recommended depending on your degree of hearing loss, (i.e. mild, moderate or severe) and how well you process words (i.e. excellent, good or poor). Behind-the-ear hearing aids have more power available and may be recommended if your hearing loss is more severe. Hearing aids may be recommended to fit your degree of hearing loss but also to keep sound quality as natural as possible. If you have better low frequency hearing, an open-fit concept may be recommended to keep your ear canal from being plugged up, so your own voice and other sounds are less affected. 

3. How is your vision and dexterity?

To successfully where and use your hearing aids, you need to be able to handle and manipulate them. As hearing aids have improved over time in sound quality and technology, they have also become much smaller. While smaller hearing aids can be more cosmetic, they can also be more challenging to use if you suffer from arthritis or have significant difficulty seeing up close. Most hearing aids also require batteries. Smaller hearing aids have smaller batteries which can be more difficult to see/handle and need to be changed more often. Rechargeable hearing aids are now available that can be a great option for patients who are concerned about replacing batteries. Your audiologist may recommend an "in-the-ear" hearing aid, which can be easier to handle, as there is only one piece to manipulate vs. a "behind-the-ear" hearing aid which has a piece that goes into your ear, as well as a piece that goes behind. 

4. Budget

Heairng aids can range in price from approximately $500.00 to $3,150.00 per ear. The audiologist has a responsibility to let the patient know every opportunity they have to hear their best. That being said, there is no one size fits all option that is right for everyone. It is important to work with a professional that not only has your hearing goals in mind but also considers your budget and finances. Hearing aids are very sophisticated medical devices that are designed and fit to a pattern and prescription for your hearing loss. More advanced technology will perform better in background noise and give the patient a more effortless "ease of listening". However, not everyone may need or can afford the highlest level of technology. It is important to work with a professional that offers multiple hearing aid manufacturers with options for level of technology and different price points. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing difficulty, the first step is to work with a doctoral level audiologist who can diagnose and recommend the best treatment options.

If you are interested in learning more about hearing loss and hearing aids, you can use the link below to download our "Free Consumer Hearing Guide".

Free Consumer Hearing Guide

Use the link below to send us a message or contact our office to schedule a consult!

Contact us to schedule your hearing evaluation today!

We have been paying attention to the latest updates on the coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and local, state and federal governments and have instituted a number of new procedures to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. These measures include:

• Advanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols, including all surfaces in our office between each patient.

• Continued staff hand washing after all patient interaction.

• Using personal protective equipment (PPE) including N95 Masks, gloves, sanitizers and advanced virus disinfectants.

• Limiting patient contact during appointments. • Offering drop off/curbside pick up for repairs and or cleaning procedures.

• Offering telehealth/tele-audiology appointments for patients that cannot come in to our clinic.

Our goal is to be here for you and your hearing care needs, as communication and connection are critical to holistic health at all times—especially now. However, we respect your concerns and decisions, so please reach out to us if you would like to cancel, reschedule or conduct appointments remotely using Telehealth virtual care appointments.

Please stay safe and follow government health professional advice, including:

• Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.

• Using hand sanitizer when hand washing is not an option.

• Practicing social distancing and avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.

We will continue to monitor the ongoing situation, make any necessary changes and update our patients as any policy changes occur.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at (402) 758-5327 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As we age, it's common to experience a decline in our hearing abilities. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to loud noises, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Unfortunately, hearing loss can have far-reaching consequences beyond simply having difficulty hearing.

Recent research has shown that there is a strong connection between hearing loss and dementia. In fact, studies have found that individuals with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia, while those with severe hearing loss are five times as likely. This is a concerning finding, as dementia is a debilitating condition that can severely impact an individual's quality of life.

So, why is there a link between hearing loss and dementia? One theory is that when an individual experiences hearing loss, their brain has to work harder to interpret sounds. This extra effort can lead to cognitive fatigue, which can impair memory and other cognitive abilities. Additionally, social isolation is more common in individuals with hearing loss, which can also increase the risk of developing dementia.

The good news is that there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing dementia associated with hearing loss. For example, it's important to get regular hearing tests, as early detection and treatment can help prevent further hearing loss. Additionally, hearing aids and other assistive devices can improve hearing abilities and reduce cognitive fatigue.

It's also important to stay socially active, even if hearing loss makes it more difficult to interact with others. Joining a hearing loss support group or participating in activities that cater to individuals with hearing loss can help combat social isolation and reduce the risk of developing dementia.

In conclusion, hearing loss and dementia are closely linked, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing dementia associated with hearing loss. By staying proactive and seeking treatment when necessary, individuals can maintain their cognitive abilities and enjoy a high quality of life as they age.

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, the first step is a diagnostic hearing evaluation from a trusted provider. Advanced Audiology of Greater Omaha specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing loss with hearing aids and other assistive listening technologies.

Call to schedule a hearing evaluation and consult or to find out if your current hearing aids are adjusted to match your target prescription. 

Call 402-758-5327 to schedule an appointment today!

Advanced Audiology of Greater Omaha at (402) 758-5327 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sam Gillespie.