http://www.healthzine.org/feed/ http://www.healthzine.org/ Every day new articles and updated info on all your health, beauty and fitness concerns. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:48:54 +0200 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:48:54 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/Steps-to-Cure-Ringing-Ears http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/Steps-to-Cure-Ringing-Ears Is there really a cure for ringing ears? Though the answer to this problem is a simple Yes! Some people still complicates this question with highly academic solutions that sometimes give the readers doubts. This article on the other hand aims to simplify the solutions, in which the recommended solution will sound doable. But before going to the meat of this article let us first define this subject matter Ringing Ears; what is ringing ears? In medical terms ringing ears is Tinnitus; in Latin this word means noise. Such auditory disorder does not only limit to hearing loss but may also be heard as a buzzing, whistling, chirping or any other noise. Approximately at least 20 million people in the United States have been reported to have this auditory disorder. The next question is what are the causes of Tinnitus? Well first and foremost, let me say that Man itself is the number one cause for the destruction of nature. This literally means that sometimes the person’s lifestyle itself is the primary cause of this ailment. Lifestyles like listening to loud music through headsets, attending concerts with gigantic amplifiers that produce sounds that can blow the clothes of people near its area, and working in factories with machines and equipments that produces very loud noises. Theses and more are some of the many causes of this auditory problem called Ringing Ears. Therefore if you want a cure for such auditory disorder, you should stop any habits or activities that may damage or destroy your ears. This way you prevent the occurrence of Ringing Ears. With regards to vitamins that can help relieve the said situation; Vitamin B has been found to ease or relieve the effects of Tinnitus. As a relevant suggestion, a daily supplement of Vitamin B complex is a good way to ward off Tinnitus. Another way to cure Tinnitus is the masking of the noise; I suggest that you listen to natures sweet and relaxing sounds like rain drops, running stream water, birds relaxing sounds or the water running in shores. These masks the noises that Tinnitus brings. This way the patient can relax, and feel relieved. Homeopathic medicines are found to be effective in treating Ringing Ears. Because if these sounds can distract your constant complain with Tinnitus then there will be a bigger chance that you will be depressed about your situation. Talking about Depression, this auditory problem has been found to be one of the causes of such emotional troubles. A very good example of this is Depression; because with this condition, Tinnitus can alter the productivity of your performance in work, thus as a result of poor performance, termination may or can occur. This is where depression comes in. Another area of which Ringing ears can affect is Insomnia, simply because a person suffering from Tinnitus may not be able to sleep well because of such disturbing sounds. The results of this can be fabricated, because a person who lacks sleep may not perform well at work, and if this ailment goes untreated, it will cause the persons health to deteriorate, which will soon cause his termination, thus the patient becomes depressed; and as a result of being depressed, plus a minimal sleep, fatal accidents may happen to the person. These recommendations are all doable steps to cure Ringing Ears; these are easy to do tips and are considered safe. But with regards to the best way to treat Ringing ears; visiting a doctor is still the best option. Ringing Ears is a tormenting state to be in, it can affect your work, your personality, the totality of your self and worse your life. Be that as it may, the sun still shines behind the dark clouds. With the advent of technology, discoveries like hearing aids and useful information’s like this can be available to a person suffering from Ringing Ears. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 15 May 2009 08:23:14 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/Combat-Ringing-Ears-with-Zinc http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/Combat-Ringing-Ears-with-Zinc With the advent of modern technology where at almost every blink of an eye, new inventions are made, and far and greater horizons are discovered. It’s not a wonder anymore why there are more cases of ringing ears. But what is this Ringing ear disorder? What are its symptoms? What causes this disorder? Well Ringing Ears is simply a ringing noise, but in some patients it takes the form of a high pitched whining, buzzing, and screaming sound. This disorder is commonly known as Tinnitus. In itself it is not a disease but a symptom which results from a range of underlying causes. These infections include ear infections, injury from loud noises and foreign objects or wax in the ear. This is also a side effect of taking medications like aspirins. Tinnitus can be intermittent and continuous. This can be very stressful and very suffering to the patient. With regards to its causes, Tinnitus is usually caused by loud and extreme noise. And with today’s advancement in audio technology such as iPod’s and MP3’s, the growth of these cases rises – some at younger age. Although this condition needs to be healed as soon as possible, the consumption of foods rich in Zinc can help ease the condition. Zinc plays an important role in health. To name its common function, this mineral plays an important role in the growth of sexual growth. To the case of ringing ears, Zinc deficiency has been known to exacerbate and cause ringing of the ears. So Combat Ringing Ears, with Zinc rich foods. Try having these--Spinach - This one very good source of Zinc. If you are suffering from ringing ears this is one good source of such mineral. What’s good about spinach is, it’s cheap and it holds more benefits than just the needed mineral. Fish – Again this food is an every day commodity we see in our local food stores. Apart from a good source of the said mineral, they are also a good source of proteins, which we need in our day to day activities. Chickpeas – These are healthy alternatives for those who have Tinnitus. Meat products and cheese – Although they are not the healthiest food options, these foods are rich in zinc, of course “all in moderation” should be in mind. Liver - Liver is particularly good in zinc. So if you have Tinnitus this you may want to add these to your food menus. Veggies and Fruits – indulge in fruits and vegetables which has very high zinc content. Among them are avocados, squash, cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and radish. In fruits, these include the Kiwi’s, bananas and peach. Serve yourself with a salad of these dressing. Although ringing ears is not a disease, one should take proper action if someone in your family has this. Doctor’s advice will always come in handy but reinforce it with Zinc rich foods will help ease the condition. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 07:42:09 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/sign-of-hearing-problems http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/sign-of-hearing-problems It is more often essential to be well-informed, especially on matters concerning your health and well-being. The state of your health and wellness actually plays a major role in your living a worthwhile and more fulfilling life. One particular aspect of health which you ought to be mindful of is hearing. You may have neglected this faculty of yours, but have you ever imagined how it’s like to lose it. At the earliest sign of problems or irregularities, it’s best that you begin to take measures. If you happen to have hearing problems or difficulties, an initial step is to talk about it. A visit to your doctor for more information and advice is significant. Some hearing problems are treatable. If it so happens that your issue falls within this scope, earlier detection brings more favorable results. For hearing problems which happen to be permanent on the other hand, discussing on its effects to your daily life and activities can prove to be enlightening. Coping measures can then be elaborated on and employed appropriately. As we age, our hearing faculty begins to deteriorate. Hearing problems often begin to occur as we grow older. Usually, though, these problems take place gradually. We could consequently learn to accommodate its effects such as by learning to be keen on lip reading or facial expressions and body language. It can take several years for a person to notice hearing problems. For instance, they may have begun to avoid certain situations where there had been much background noise. Hearing problems can sometimes then go unnoticed that some people haven’t really brought their attention to it. Levels of hearing loss are measured in units known as dBHL, dB for decibels and HL for hearing loss. Assessment of this condition tries to find the softest sounds a person can hear across a range of frequencies. If problems or discrepancies are determined to some extent, it is then that treatment or certain measures are employed. A basic among them is a hearing aid or instrument. Some people are reluctant to use these devices for several reasons. It can be that they feel it would be unbecoming to them by making them look older. Or perhaps they live active, busy lifestyles and wearing the instrument would cause inconvenience. To date, however, hearing aids and devices are amazingly small and compact. They also come in styles which are light, trendy and clever. In ways similar to the human brain, these novel devices work by identifying sounds you want to hear while filtering unwanted sounds and background noise. Retailers of these aids and devices offer a wide range of styles. Some aids are in fact programmable and digital with sophisticated features. The prices are often commensurate with the benefits delivered. It would help if other than being given information, you also ask questions. Talk to your doctor about the most viable options for treating your particular condition. Functionality, efficiency and convenience are major considerations, and your budget in the same manner. And one of the most worthwhile investments you can make is towards taking care of your health and well being. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:39:23 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/Hearing-Loss5 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/Hearing-Loss5 Hearing loss may not be as common as weight and acne problems, but they are as serious as blindness and heart ailments. Being able to hear clearly is very vital to us if we are to live life normally and enjoy it because it is one of the blessings of being human. Remember that it is one of the five senses that we have. Without it, we will not be able to communicate effectively with others. It is also difficult to balance our body when we have this problem. Aside from these, we are also more prone to accidents for we might not be able to hear warnings, not to mention the embarrassment it can cause. To younger people, this may not be a common problem as compared with older ones, especially those aging 60 and above. But don’t you know that quite a number of children even babies already have hearing problems? Yes! This problem is not only confined to a particular age group. This being so, what then are the causes of hearing loss and how are we going to prevent it. According to medical researchers, there are two major types of causes of hearing loss, sensorineural and conductive. The first type happens when the nerves within our ear are damaged. This damage is often called nerve deafness. Inside that part of our inner ear called cochlea are hair cells. These hair cells pass information on sound impulses to our brain through the nerves called auditory nerves. If these nerves are damaged, the transfer of information from the hair cells to the brain are also impaired thereby causing this kind of hearing loss. This type is most common in the United Kingdom. An example of this is aging. It is commonly known that as we grow old, our body cells degenerates and results to many problems. Our sense of hearing then deteriorates because of the loss of hair cells in our ear. Another example is the damage of our hair cells called acoustic trauma caused by very loud noises. This might become a common problem in this age especially to younger generations. As technology advances and gadgets like MP3’s become a fad, people get used to listen to music through earphones. This damages our hair cells because unconsciously we are listening to very loud music. We should also be careful when we are cleaning our ears for infections can cause this kind of problem too. It is not also uncommon for us to have hearing difficulties caused by obstructions inside our ears like infections, glue ear, insects, and ear wax build up. This is the second type of hearing loss. It is called conductive hearing loss. While this problem is so serious, it can be prevented and cured. There are many ways to prevent it, and there are also remedies available to restore the function of our ears if the problem has already set in. If it can no longer be treated, there are many gadgets like hearing aid to help us. But no matter what, prevention is always better than cure. So take good care of your ear while you can still hear and avoid the problems caused by hearing loss. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:28:25 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/listening-skills http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/listening-skills Relationships. We have them, we need them and sometimes we just have to live with them. And more often, our varied affiliations with other people are far from being easy. You’ve heard it time and again what they say- relationships are complex. But human as we are, we need to relate with other people. Relationships give essence to what we are as persons. It is within the context of a relationship where we grow and get to know more of ourselves. Where we not only get, but we also give. Behind the complexity of a relationship, we experience different kinds of feelings and emotions. We laugh, we cry, we become happy, we get hurt. These feelings and emotions are byproducts of our involvement with others. They are both positive and negative, and perhaps that’s the beauty of it. Because we feel, and it brings color to our lives. It makes us live. It is to be anticipated that pain and being hurt is part of being in a relationship. Some people may have had too much of a devastation that they have chosen to evade sharing themselves with others. And so they have shunned relationships from their lives. They chose to live in their own comfortable seclusion. Pain and hurt may elude them but for the price of loneliness. So a person is left with the choice- live the life of an hermit, or deal with relationships. The second option seems more viable. Life is far more essential to be spent alone thinking only of containing and overprotecting oneself. That in itself is a form of selfishness, not only to others but of the person to himself as well. It is because one has ceased to share part of himself to others while he has deprived himself of growth. So there is the fact, if we want to live with people, we have to live with relationships. As we do, we also have to strive to make relationships work. How is that. Within the context of a relationship, we relate to other people. We give and we take- effort, time, sentiments, concern. For all these factors to be rendered and acquired effectively, we have to learn to communicate. And as they say, communication is the lifeblood of any relationship. To make a relationship successful, communication within it must thrive. How we convey our message as well as our listening skills will determine whether communication is effectual. How can we make most of our listening skills to keep the lifeblood of our relationship flowing? Listening skills is lending our ears where we think we hear what the other party is saying. Our ears hear the words they say, but do we take time hearing what they don’t say. It is often more than words that a person conveys when they communicate. Along with it is emotions and intentions, and these are where we should focus our so called listening skills. Behind words when our partner says “I’m ok, I’m fine” yet they are unable to look at us straight in the eyes, the message conveyed is actually the contrary. Or perhaps we expect somebody to jump for joy or laugh when they say “I’m happy”. But when those words are said with a calm, poignant and silent smile, you might realize that the happiness it contains is more profound. Listening skills is more than lending your ears. It’s lending your heart and part of yourself. Where you have done away with your blocks and prejudices. Where you expose your vulnerability and you open yourself up. You risk getting hurt but you gain a better connection with your partner. And when you have a connection, giving and taking becomes more fluid. Thus you have kept the lifeblood of your bond flowing and your relationship lives. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:14:20 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/removing-ear-wax http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/removing-ear-wax Ear wax exists for many reasons- it does have its functions which are for good. For one thing, it protects the ear drums from bacteria, dusts and insects. There is normally no need of removing ear wax. It is produced by the glands in the ear canal and so long as the canal is moist, the wax will remain to have the consistency of a warm candle. For most people, wax in the ears sheds itself naturally during sleep. Moving the jaw is also one way of removing ear wax. People who frequently eat or are perennial talkers have an advantage in this sense. One thing that has to be addressed is when the canal begins to build up too much wax. You will know that you have to resort to ways of removing ear wax due to certain signs. For instance, you would experience discomforts such as pain and ringing in the ears. Other than ringing, there could be other phantom sounds that might bother you as well. Balance problems could also beset you, and there is of course difficulty in hearing. After you’ve submerged your head in water, temporary deafness may also be a problem. When these signs manifest, then removing ear wax is necessary. Excessive waxy build up is after all, irritating and inconvenient. The real danger however is that the substance could shelter and incubate ear infection. Yellow waxy build up tends to be a problem to some people. Other than overactive glands, one factor leading to this is also aging. The problem of excessive wax is more likely to happen to those with narrow or hairy canals or those having inflammatory skin conditions. People who work in very dusty environments are also prone to this problem. But certain health measures can help prevent too much waxy build up. For instance, one can keep to a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids can be obtained from sources such as walnuts, flax seeds, avocadoes, and certain fish like albacore tuna and salmon. There are foods to be limited on the other hand, such as dairy products- they would cause more wax production. It is best that wax is removed from the ears to forestall possible infections. One way of doing this is while taking a shower. The head is to be slightly tilted while showering so that a small amount of hot water would run in one ear. Then the head should be tilted to the other side to allow the water to escape. The same is to be done with the other ear. Doing this could heat the wax to the point that it melts. It may allow the substance to run out of the ears naturally and on its own. There are also other natural remedies for this purpose. One involves the use of heated olive oil and put in few droplets into the ears. To be able to best make use of this technique to the fullest, one ought to seek the assistance or advice of a qualified practitioner. Then there is ear candling, an alternative method which can be traced back to as far as 4500 years ago. Those in the field of conventional medicine often consider candling to be dangerous. Again, expert advice and assistance should be sought regarding this matter. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:19:43 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/ear-ache1 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/ear-ache1 You may have been beset by an ear ache at some points. What causes an ear ache? There are many factors which can lead to this condition. Infections are a common cause and another is unequal pressure from inside and outside the ears. Most aches are caused by an inflammation of the middle or inner ear. A common infection in the middle part leads to the condition called otitis media. Infection in this area can lead to inflammation, and thus can cause ear ache. Otitis media can happen to both ears, and statistics have shown that it commonly affects children. Otitis media is in fact the most common cause of hearing loss among children and adults can suffer from it as well. Serious infections can lead to severe ear aches. When a severe infection is left untreated, it can possibly lead to hearing loss. Another thing to watch out for is that severe infections could affect other systems in the head. Pressure inside and outside the ears need to be equalized, otherwise an ear ache could happen. Air inside a health middle ear has the same atmospheric pressure as that outside. Due to this equalization, free vibration happens. If there is an imbalance in the pressure, the simple mechanism that we call “yawning” would help equalize it. When we yawn, the Eustachian tube sends a tiny bubble to precisely equalize air pressure. The Eustachian tube is the component which connects the back of the nose to the ears. Pressure in and out of the ears have to be equalized, or else, pain can result, although slight. Conditions such as colds, allergic reactions or infections of the respiratory tract can also contribute to this problem. When any of these conditions happen, accumulation of mucus and pus at the back of the ear drum could form. What may develop is then the presence of virus and bacteria which will in turn lead to an infection. Again, this is otitis media which can result to ear ache. Other than the ache, redness and swelling can also happen. Otitis media will worsen and become serious if fluid in the middle ear remains. Serious otitis media becomes chronic if left untreated and it may last for months and years. Several subsequent infections can result from this condition leading to more pain and hearing difficulties. There is a natural way to prevent these infections in children, and this is through natural supplements. For instance, vitamin and mineral supplements containing cod liver oil. Clinical trials showed that children suffering from this condition have low levels of Vitamin A, selenium and eicosapenteonoic acid (EPA), a kind of fatty acid. Experts then have a reason to believe that these elements can help prevent ear infections. These infections lead to pain and other complications if not given proper treatment. Parents should take time giving their children these nutrients along with other essential ones. Proper nutrition still serves to be the best nourishment in boosting the body to protect against ailments and diseases. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 2 Jun 2008 10:48:41 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/hearing-impaired1 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/hearing-impaired1 So what is the difference between the three? What does it mean when a person says somebody is hearing impaired? Is a hearing impaired person the same as somebody who is deaf? And what about when somebody is hard of hearing? All three are quite similar, and there are distinctions. But these three terms all speak of being handicapped when it comes to the hearing faculty. In today’s society, people generally use labels, and most of them love it. Through these labels, we’re able to distinguish who and what we are. Say for instance when we know that a person is “deaf”. When we’re aware that they are, then it gives us a clearer concept. And surely we would not ask such a person to attend a local symphony. It’s because we are aware of their incapacity to hear. We could even begin to be considerate of them. So what of these three labels, then. When we say hearing impaired, it means somebody with some degree of hearing loss. This is a medical description for a person who has a less than normal capacity to hear. There are generally five degrees of this condition. There’s mild loss which is 25 to 40 db, moderate which is 41-55 db, moderate-severe loss which ranges from 56-70 db and severe loss- 71-90 db. The most severe form is profound hearing loss, 91db or higher. When we say somebody is “deaf”, it falls under the hearing impaired category. The same can be said with people who have had a cochlear implant. This is quite an umbrella term which covers all aspects of the condition. People who are hard of hearing are those who make use of amplification to make them hear better. Like for instance, hearing aids, or they might also utilize assisted listening devices such as amplified telephones. For these people, their primary means of communication would be through speech or the oral faculty. Sign language may be resorted to by a small percentage. These individuals can function in everyday things like normal people do. However, they would need the aid of devices which would assist them to hear better. Speech reading and other methods could also guide them. Then there are people who are categorized as deaf. They have no capacity to hear or suffer from profound loss. Sign language is their primary means to communicate to others. Handicapped the deaf may be, but they can function in the same manner as those who have the normal capacity to hear. Again, if they learn coping skills such as speech reading and make use of assistive listening devices. “Deaf” is used to categorize those who may hear a little or may not at all. Yet they communicate orally to others. The terms do have their similarities, yet they have distinctions in their definition. But with these terms, we are able to categorize the different aspects and degrees of the condition. And to seek to be aware and render consideration to people who are handicapped in this respect. But such people can be able people as there are means and technology nowadays which can help them function to the best of their capacity. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 13 May 2008 13:25:39 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/ear-candling1 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/ear-candling1 Many people regard ear candling as “hocus pocus”. Such people who are skeptical of this alternative practice claim that it is ineffective. “Useless” at the least, and “harmful” at worst. But still, why are there people who resort to this practice? Are there really accounts that candling serves its purpose? Proponents of ear candling say that this method opens up the chakras. As such, it can relieve ailments such as migraines, sinusitis and even tinnitus or ringing in the ears. These and in fact many more other conditions. Candles are supposed to create a gentle vacuum which draws out impurities to the surface. But it “draws out impurities to the surface”. Does this mean that it is really “gentle”? To be able to “draw out”, something has to be strong enough. Candles may be so, and skeptics say that they might harm the ear drum. In fact, they claim that it might even cause damage. Those who disagree with the technique assert that it simply doesn’t work, and that it might cause harm to the ears. What is this natural practice called “ear candling”? Ear candles are sometimes referred to as ear cones. Such cones are long strips of beeswax-soaked fabric. They are wound tight into cone shapes. There are manufacturers who add essential oils or ground herbs. This practice has however been controversial among aficionados. The small end of the cone fabric is placed into the ear canal. The large end of the cone is then lighted and allowed to burn down within a few inches of the ear. The flame is extinguished after the flame burns down to the appropriate length. The practitioner then examines the remaining end of the cone for toxins. And that’s what candling is supposed to do- relieve the symptoms of conditions which may not be so easy to treat. The technique does so by “opening the chakras”. This may have seemed appealing to many as the method has gained its own following. It cannot however be determined as to what the real number of practitioners is. As of date, it is impossible to tell the exact number of people practicing candling. But the question is – is it safe? In 1996, there was a study pertaining to this which involved 144 physicians. Among these physicians, there were 13 instances of external burns of which they have treated. Seven cases involved obstruction of the ear canal due to the melted wax. Worse, there was at least one case of perforated ear drum. It seems apparent that candling is dangerous when not practiced carefully. Still, many people believe in this natural practice. It takes careful examination to determine whether it really works. Its principles seem interesting to many, but certain factors have to be considered. Candling is potentially harmful, so care and caution are essential in its practice. Otherwise, one can also seek the aid of a skilled practitioner. In treating ailments and conditions one has to be wary. They have to ensure the safety and the credibility of the procedures involved. Or else, damage can be instigated and the problem can only worsen. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:59:45 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/ringing-in-the-ears http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/ringing-in-the-ears Noise is generally annoying. What more if it’s in your ears and constantly bothering you? Such can be the case with ringing in the ears. Ringing in the ears is otherwise known as tinnitus, and it affects millions of people all over. The condition of ringing in the ears varies in severity. For others, it can just be a mild buzzing, humming or ringing. It can happen intermittently for a few seconds and then disappear. But for some people, tinnitus can be significantly irritating. That buzzing, humming or ringing sound can be so loud. In fact, it may even get in the way of their normal functioning. Whether ringing in the ears is mild, moderate or severe, treatment is best sought. One ought to know that this condition is not normal. One should seek medical attention from a doctor or from an expert. That way, tinnitus can properly be diagnosed and the appropriate treatment can be applied. But the fact is, only a handful of people seek treatment for tinnitus. Tinnitus can become a serious condition. It may be difficult to live and cope with, and it could be discomforting. Tinnitus might be a real annoyance for those suffering from it. It can get it the way of one’s daily routine and activities. Ringing in the ears can interfere with lives as much as others may think it minor. Imagine that irksome noise following one everywhere. Nagging and exasperating it can be. There are known treatments for tinnitus, and their effectivity depend from person to person. Like for instance, through surgery. Surgery is an option for treatment, but it can be risky and expensive. It may work for some, but it entails a lot of cost. Undergoing surgery for tinnitus requires several check-ups and visits to the doctor. Costs can add up, and in the long run, one would end up spending more money. Surgery is an appealing treatment it seems, but not too many can afford it. It is among the least popular means for treatment of tinnitus. Then there is hypnotherapy or hypnosis. This option for treatment remains controversial. After all, whether hypnosis really is effective is debatable. Hypnotherapy worked for some, though, and for others did not. For this treatment measure, the service of a skilled hypnotherapist is required. It may end up to be costly as well. And not many hypnotherapist specialize in treating ringing in the ears. Then there are herbal and natural remedies which seem more workable for many. One can search online for such means and there are quite many. It could initially take some trial and error to see which ones work, but the most suitable one can be found. But one has to be wary of course. While in the process of finding the most suitable treatment for tinnitus, they have to ensure their safety. For some people, ringing in the ears has been a condition they lived with for so many years. For all those years, the condition may have been so wearing to live with. It may take patience and a lot of conscientiousness, but it is possible to remedy the condition. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 4 Apr 2008 09:26:25 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/hearing-loss4 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/hearing-loss4 There are different forms and degrees of hearing loss, and quite a large percentage of people suffer from them. Take for instance the statistics pertaining to it in the United States. Some form of hearing loss is said to affect one quarter of Americans from the ages 65 to 75. And one the other hand, 75% of those over 75 years old suffer from either mild, moderate or severe cases. This condition manifests according to where or what part of the auditory system has damage. To categorize hearing loss, there are three attributes to consider. One is the degree, and then the type and the configuration of the condition. It would be conductive in nature when there is no efficient conduction of sound from the outer ear canal to the eardrum and down to the tiny bones. These tiny bones are composed of the hammer, the anvil and the stirrup, and they are found in the middle ear. When one suffers from conductive hearing loss, they often experience a reduction in sound levels. In another sense, one would only be able to hear faint sounds. When there is damage in the cochlea or the inner ear, then it is said to be sensorineural in nature. This is instigated as well when the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain have been affected. Treatments for these conditions often vary on their nature. Hearing aids can considerably benefit these conditions while in some cases a cochlear implant may be required. Then there is progressive hearing loss. As the term implies, the condition worsens over time. At times, the symptoms of this condition may be subtle that one would not notice. This is where regular hearing tests and exams come in as a measure for early detection. They would ascertain whether one would be a good candidate for a hearing aid. If one suffers from a severe case, then a cochlear implant may be necessitated. With such disorders, it may not be impossible to hear, but rather it takes effort. There are several measures patients can resort to to improve their condition and the quality of their lives. There are medical treatments, coping skills and varied amplification systems. If one is suited for hearing aids, then an audiologist may recommend one, and have them fitted. Such devices may not be able to help in all cases, but they can improve hearing for many patients. These devices come in different styles, shapes and sizes. If the condition is severe, an electronic device may be recommended. It’s called a cochlear implant and it is employed for damage in the inner ear. A cochlear implant compensates for non-working or damaged components in the inner ear. The doctor or specialist would be able to determine and recommend the most suited measure for one’s condition. Through certain devices, many patients can enjoy better hearing despite some irregularities. It is then that they can have a better quality of life with the aid of medicine and technology. When one takes time and steps to seek help and take measures, better living can still be enjoyed despite some conditions to cope with. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:58:34 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/ear-pain1 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/ear-pain1 Many people, young and old can suffer from ear pain. After all, it is rather a common condition. There are many known causes of ear pain- diseases, conditions, trauma and infections among others. There are direct and indirect causes for the condition. When the cause is direct, it primarily has something to do with the ears. As for indirect causes, the source could be another illness or ailment in which pain in the ears are merely radiated. To determine the best means for treatment, the cause ought to be initially identified. That’s often how it is in most cases. So a thorough look on the possible causes of ear pain may be helpful. For one thing there is trauma such as slapping or the impact of a blunt force on the exterior. The same can be said with excessive picking or loud blast of sounds. As they can possibly cause detriments to the ears, they are best avoided. In this sense, ear care is essential. One must be mindful to stay away from loud and noisy environments, especially when they have no protection. Objects, including cotton swabs should be kept away from the ear canal as well. Certain conditions such as infections, wax build-up and swimmer’s ear can cause pain, too. A swimmer’s ear is actually when water becomes trapped in the ear thereby causing pain. As for infections, they may be caused by bacteria. And a foreign object being stuck, cold sores or ulcers, a boil in the canal, a tympanic membrane perforation, they can all lead to ear pain. There is actually a long list of such conditions, and all these mentioned merely scratch the surface. As for underlying conditions or illnesses which lead to ear pain, there is also a long list. They may be periodontal abscess, or perhaps having undergone some dental work. And so it is with other dental disorders. Included in the long list are infections of the throat or the sinus passage way. And tonsillitis, cancer of the tongue, pharyngitis tumors, and cancer of the larynx or spine. Add among them two skeletal disorders – jaw arthritis and TMJ disorder. Ear popping, also called barotrauma can also instigate referred pain. This can happen when a person goes scuba diving or is involved in air travel. Certain sorts of nerve disorders, they can also cause the condition. And various skin disorders as well, such as dermatitis and eczema. And fluid accumulation, this can lead to the problem. It is often that treatment is dependent on the underlying cause. That’s how it often goes with many conditions. There are cases however when the source cannot be determined, and treatment has to be applied anyway. But as said, all these mentioned about ear pain barely scratch the surface. So when one suffers from it, or when there is ringing in the ears, medical attention should be sought. That way, early treatment can be implemented. And it is best to consult a health professional for such matters. Through this, the most suitable treatment measure can be applied, too. It’s all about precaution and care and consulting those who are most knowledgeable when it comes to ailments and diseases. One can then be spared from a whole lot of discomfort, health havoc and trouble. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:38:48 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/hearing-loss3 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/hearing-loss3 It certainly is not pleasant when one suffers from hearing loss. The sense of hearing is among the most vital senses and as such it is needed for optimum functioning. But hearing loss is a common condition, especially among the aging. The body’s senses diminish as it ages, among them the sense of hearing. The thought is rather distressing- the idea of hearing loss as one gets older. But hearing loss among the elderly is a fact. It is one of the realities of aging which older people have to deal with. How is hearing loss instigated as one gets older? Well for one thing, the ears would age, too. Nerve cells in the cochlea begin to deteriorate. But what is the cochlea? The cochlea is that organ which is responsible for one being able to hear. When nerve cells in the cochlea begin to deteriorate, they can never be repaired. This is the assertion of conventional medicine. But is this for a fact? So it must be dead end for the aging then. The lot and the reality of hearing loss. Or is it? Conventional medicine states that only hearing aids can remedy hearing loss in the later stages of life. And so hearing aids seem to be the final redemption for older people who lose their hearing. But there is of course another route other than conventional medicine. There is alternative medicine and it has a different set of principles. Alternative medicine is in essence all about natural healing. And this natural healing principle can be applied to hearing loss among the aging, too. Alternative medicine goes beyond the use of hearing aids to promote hearing health. One of them is the use of nutrition and natural supplements. These means can pave the way for better hearing health. Hearing health can be restored through supplements containing antioxidants. Antioxidants, supplements and the like can be solutions to the aging dilemma of hearing loss. How do these means work? Nutrition and natural supplements work by keeping the mitochondria of the cells healthy. They also slow down the aging process of the cells which is responsible for the deterioration of one’s hearing. The mitochondria are those areas within the cells which produce energy. When the mitochondria generate fuel for the body to use, free radicals are also produced. And these free radicals, they bring about aging and body components and processes begin to degenerate. But many well know that free radicals can be combated by antioxidants. Antioxidants contend with the damage instigated by free radicals. Thus, antioxidants promote better health, and yes, hearing health. This is the simple equation between nutrition, natural supplements and better hearing health. Or better yet, antioxidants and total health, even during aging. How to get hold of effective antioxidants? For one thing, one can take a good quality multivitamins. One such product, Ultra Herbal Multivitamins is made available through our store, and thousands have proven its efficacy. Ultra Herbal Multivitamins is guaranteed safe and all natural. It is made up of 100% natural ingredients. What could be a better way to promote optimum health other than going natural. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 1 Feb 2008 12:47:21 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/hearing-loss2 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/hearing-loss2 It can cause much distress when one suffers from hearing loss. After all, the sense of hearing is one of the most basic. Hearing loss is generally a medical condition. When a person suffers from it, it is best that they seek medical help. Hearing loss is certainly not negligible. As much as with any other conditions, it needs medical attention. However minor the hearing loss is, one needs to properly address it. And it is best referred to a medical professional. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, hearing loss can be proactively dealt with. Oftentimes it is with the use of hearing aids. When help is sought in the initial stages, intervention can be more effective. Early intervention can do so much. In the early stages of a condition, there are more chances for it to be reversed or remedied. Such is why caution is always needed, especially on matters of health. A person must be mindful of their health and their health needs. In the event that irregularities may occur, they must take time to seek measures. Otherwise havoc can be instigated, or worse, aggravated. So it is with hearing loss. Hearing loss can cause so much frustration. Especially when it is of the severe or profound kind. As much as with any other condition, hearing loss is of varying degrees. There’s the mild sort, the moderate, the severe and the profound. Hearing loss and deafness actually covers a wide range of hearing difficulties. This can often leave a patient in a state of confusion pertaining to their condition. As a result, many people buy inappropriate hearing aids. They find means on their own to deal with their condition, according to their needs. And inappropriate they are, and they cannot properly address the condition. This is often the case when measures are taken for hearing loss without medical assessment. As earlier mentioned, loss of hearing has four categories: mild, moderate, severe and profound. Suffering from the mild sort means one has difficulty hearing sounds between 20-39 decibels. This leads to hearing difficulties when listening to the radio or television at normal levels. The same can be said with conducting conversations over distances. Ambient noise can also aggravate this condition. As for the moderate category of this hearing impairment, one can find it difficult to hear sounds within the range of 40-69 decibels. This condition shows an increased level of symptoms as shown in mild hearing loss. When hearing loss becomes severe, sounds between 70-89 decibels can be vague. Those suffering from this degree of hearing impairment may be able to communicate only if the speaker is within close proximity. And also, the volume must be increased without the presence of ambient noise. Then loss of hearing which is profound. This is synonymous with deafness. It means patients cannot hear sounds up to 90 decibels. This appears to be the most severe form of the condition. Speech becomes inaudible and patients are left to rely on visual communication. For all these conditions, a specialist is best consulted. It is then that proper treatment measures can be employed. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 15 Jan 2008 09:37:12 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/hearing-aids1 http://www.healthzine.org/Hearing/hearing-aids1 Sights can be lovely with all its hues and colors. But they may never be fully appreciated without sound. That’s why our sense of hearing is essential – for making living more worthwhile, productive and functional. But one out of ten Americans suffer from hearing loss of some sort. That’s quite a big number. And hearing loss is quite prevalent. That’s why hearing devices such as hearing aids have also become popular, and necessary of course. Hearing aids are actually not at all so novel devices. These hearing devices have actually come a long way. Hearing aids have been around for centuries, and way back then, they look nothing like the hearing aids of today. Hearing aids in the 1800’s looked like funnel like cones. They were so designed to amplify sounds. “Ear horns” or “hear trumpets”, as they were called. There was also another “ancient” type of hearing aid. It consisted of an ear phone and a microphone and it was plugged into a desk. Apparently, this sort of hearing aid is not portable. And certainly, it was not convenient. Since those days, hearing aids have come a long way with how they looked, and in terms of convenience. Hearing problems affect a large percentage of people. The technology of hearing aids aims to and has helped remedy various sorts of hearing problems. Hearing aids may eliminate hearing loss at varying degrees. Hearing aid devices of today are generally smaller. They can be well hidden and yet provide the wearer with excellent sound quality. There are several basic types of hearing aids. For one thing, there are disposable hearing aids. Disposable hearing devices are less expensive than technologically advanced models. As much as disposable aids are cheaper, they also have a shorter duration of shelf life- less than 40 days. Then there are conventional hearing aids. There hearing devices are behind the ear original ones released for sale. They are similar to disposable aids in sound quality. Conventional aids have adjustable volume control. But they are inconvenient in that the manufacturer has to adjust the volume when the wearer’s hearing loss level changes. Programmable hearing aids are more technically advanced than the conventional sort. The device is able to adjust the volume by itself. Then there are digital hearing aids. Digital aids are the most convenient of all hearing aids. They are able to help specific hearing problems. Digital hearing devices are more comfortable to wear. Their level of sound also adjusts itself automatically. Digital hearing devices cost more than their conventional and programmable counterparts. However, their amplifier and microphone are able to adjust the digitally enhanced sound. When it comes to hearing aids, apparently quality comes with price. The disposable sort may be the cheapest and most affordable, but inconveniences go with their use. Those with a mean budget can have more comfort with conventional and programmable hearing devices. On the high end, there are digital aids which can mean better hearing and better living yet at a high price. Options are much better weighed as to whether one would prefer to pay a price for ultimate hearing comfort. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy.