Bad news 1.3 WBC week 5

Question:

Thanks Gordo, now that I am calm, this is good advice. I would never insult him, but would ask educated questions. He called this morning to say that I should have a blood test Monday and than review other options.  This makes a lot of sense, why do a lot of expensive shots with new side effects if the problem can be remedied in an easier manor. Sue

Response:

Two rounds, Zithromax (three pack) and amoxicillin. Am having trouble hearing with ringing and occasional (open car door with your keys left in the ignition) chimes. Neupogen! Neupogen! Sue

Response:

Hi Shawn, Can she breath through her ears now? I did a simular thing last night but used 3 in 1 antibiotic cream. Didn’t work. So I will try your honey’s dx.

Response:

I’m up to almost 150 lbs by choice I’m 5′7" and can carry it. I ate like crazy before starting tx, I didn’t want to look sickly if I lost weight from poor appetite etc. So I’m still in the 5 pill range for body weight. I also figure that I only have 5 or 6 weeks vested in tx, it’s not like I am many months into this thing and have to waste it all. Time will tell, and if I can’t continue, I still have a fairly healthy liver or so they say, so I might be able to wait for a more body friendly tx. Sue

Response:

Thanks Elmo.  I will take That info very seriously. Oh I hate to take them because of the cost.  We’re drowning in hospital bills.  Our little girl fell off the bunk bed… oops $3500…got lyme disease…oops…$9000……making the payments now.  But if something seemed serious I’d take her in a heart beat… Anyhow thanks Elmo! Doug….   Wow just as I was writing this we called her doc and got an antibiotic over the phone….Well you just effected a real positive thing here.     Thank you, Doug…. <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:18464-424EB4F9-206@storefull-3255.bay.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Doug…if your kids are running fevers, have congestion and ear > pain….you ought to take them to a doctor because they might well need > antibiotics as well as a decongestant.  Untreated bacterial infections > can result in scarring of the ear drum and a loss of hearing acuity. > And, like strep throat (most bacterial infections of the ear are strep > also), left untreated can result in a case of rheumatic fever and > possible damage to the heart. > Elmo > //////// > Boy Shawn Thanks! Both of my kids have had ear infections this week. One > of them tonight. If it persists we will definitely try this. Doug…. > "Shawn" <m…@privacy.net> wrote in message > news:xar3e.289$3O2.225@trnddc01… > Here’s my wife’s tx for an ear infection. I can’t vouchsafe for it since > it > smells so bad I can’t stand it on her let alone me! Take a bottle of > Vics Vapo-rub and a Q-tip. Dip the Q-tip in the Vapo-Rub and lube up the > inside of your ear. Toss the Q-tip in the trash. Then take a cotton ball > and > dip that in Vapo-Rub and stuff in your ear. cover with anything > available to > keep the cotton ball in place during the night. By next mornings light > you’re HEALED!!!!! or so she claims!! > Good Luck!! > — > Shawn > (use the "reply feature on your browser to send a private reply via > E-Mail.) > — > Shawn > (use the "reply feature on your browser to send a private reply via > E-Mail.) > "burningdaylight" <burningdayli…@private.com> wrote in message > news:2de9b78000327fef958342fb66e1622d@localhost.talkaboutsupport.com… > I called his office this morning and left a message, even doc’s get a > day off. I am going to lower my riba as he advised and I am getting > another blood test monday AM. and am seeing him on Tuesday. Two or three > days of lowered dose shouldn’t hurt that much. But I will be up his butt > about the > lovely 14 shots of neupogen when I see him. I should get his email > address > so you can send him some advice Doc Elmo! My ear infection is still with > me and not getting any better or worse, just finished two doses of > antibiotics > Thanks to ((all)) who replied with advice and support. I want to go out > and play! > The bubble baby, > Sue > http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile > http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

Re: Bad news 1.3 WBC week 5   Group: alt.support.hepatitis-c Date: Sat, Apr 2, 2005, 12:45pm From: burningdayli…@private.com (burningdaylight) Two rounds, Zithromax (three pack) and amoxicillin. Am having trouble hearing with ringing and occasional (open car door with your keys left in the ignition) chimes. Neupogen! Neupogen! Sue //////// You need to see an ENT specialist.   Elmo http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

That’s great news, Doug.  Treating an ear infection is relatively inexpensive…..hearing well is priceless.   I had many ear infections when I was a kid and then later again after I had hepc for awhile.  Both my eardrums have ruptured at one time or another and I’ve got lots of scarring on the TM’s to show for it.  My hearing has been pretty crappy for alot of years. Elmo //////////   Thanks Elmo. I will take That info very seriously. Oh I hate to take them because of the cost. We’re drowning in hospital bills. Our little girl fell off the bunk bed… oops $3500…got lyme disease…oops…$9000……making the payments now. But if something seemed serious I’d take her in a heart beat… Anyhow thanks Elmo! Doug….

AUDIBEL – need some input and advice… anyone???

Question:

From your description, it sounds like you are describing single-sided deafness, commonly referred to as a "dead ear." The solution proposed by Audibel is called a (acoustic) transcranial CROS hearing aid, or T-CROS for short. By placing a high-powered canal aid or CIC in the external ear canal of the dead ear, sounds picked up on that side are cranked up enough to vibrate the skull, which then passes the signals over to the good ear. What Audibel is suggesting is a legitimate acoustic device used by many hearing health care professionals to treat the same problem. The sample setup you described sounds like a mechanical bone vibrator connected to a hearing aid. It only simulates an acoustic T-CROS, but the acoustic to mechanical conversion of the latter creates some inefficiencies (meaning it’s likely not as good). On the other hand, you will probably qualify for a free trial period with the Audibel that will allow your wife to compare the sample direct bone conduction setup with the acoustic version she’d be wearing. Surgically, the BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid) by Entific (http://www.entific.com) is another alternative using direct bone conduction via a titanium screw placed in the skull, then connected to a direct bone vibrating transducer. This is probably the most efficient bone conduction, but it is surgical. There are some very good descriptions on their web site. Other possible treatments are CROS hearing aids, made in wired and wireless versions by a number of manufacturers. These do not use bone vibration, but instead pass the acoustic signal picked up by a microphone on the dead ear to a hearing aid worn in the good ear. Many users do not like to have their good ear plugged up, and thus the statistical user satisfaction rate with CROS and BICROS aids is not very high. On the other hand, they work for many people. In the next 6-12 months, a new T-CROS hearing device is scheduled to be introduced that uses electro-mechanical bone conduction (instead of a high-powered acoustic signal) with a single hearing aid. Since the device has not yet moved through the FDA’s 510-K process, I can’t comment further, except to say that it works similarly to the BAHA, but without surgery. Disclaimer #1: my firm is involved in the transducer development process. Disclaimer #2: I am not an audiologist, and the descriptions I’ve provided would not be stated quite that way in a classroom setting. If your wife DOESN’T have a "dead ear," none of the above applies. Hope this helps. Rick =================== Rick Gilbert, V.P. and General Manager Ear Technology Corporation P.O. Box 1017, Johnson City, TN 37605-1017 800-327-8547     FAX: 423-929-2147 r…@eartech.com   http://www.eartech.com n article 6budnVGETZWR1b7fRVn…@comcast.com, FTLOSM at FTL…@atatatfalconpointehomes.com wrote on 2/28/05 12:31 PM: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My wife has had what the ENT and Audiologist says > is Profound Deafness in one of her ears for as > long as she can remember, no trauma, maybe a > childhood non treated ear infection, not sure why > but as long as she can remember (she is 33 now) > she can’t remember a time when she could hear out > of that ear normally. > The other ear is fine thou so most of her life she > has found herself turning her head and making do > with it being that way. > She recently saw another audiologist who said a > hearing aid might help but costs were well over > $2000+ and our insurance would not cover any of it > and at this time price wise they are out of our > cost range. > I saw an ad in the local paper for an Audibel > distributor near us, so we went in and they did > some tests and we told them nothing of our > previous experiences at ENT or Audiologists. > Results seemed to be the same on paper, again > hearing loss in that same ear measured right in > line with recent tests done at the hospital, and > we knew that would be the case but wanted to just > see what the visit would bring us. > The model he said we needed to go with was one > that would produce in the 110 range (110 decibels > I guess?) and we had 2 main choices a Canal > (larger) and a CIC (complete in canal – smaller) > model. > He hooked up sort of an example setup for her to > give an idea what it would sound like with a > digital aid (a behind the ear unit with this weird > headset almost looking device) that she put into > her bad ear, he said the digital chip inside this > unit would produce a very similar sounding result > and did some stuff on the computer to adjust it > and give her the experience of hearing in that ear > as normal as possible. > When we left my wife was VERY interested in buying > one of these as she said she has NEVER heard that > well out of that ear and that the mini test he > showed her was VERY good and basically she really > wants one. > But my question to you all is, we are somewhat > novices at this, can anyone tell me good or bad > anything about audibel the company or whatnot?  Do > they work well over time or will they need > constant repairs or adjustments? > Pricing wise it was alot cheaper than the > audiologist, $1500-$1750 range for these two units > we looked at. > So I was hoping for some input on the company or > products in general, wife seems sold on the idea > after hearing one time thru that mini test type > thing, I just wanted to do a bit more research > into the company and product before purchasing. > Thanks > FTLOSM

Response:

From the little bit I have been able to find about them they are generally rebranded starkey products if that helps. Also found some previous mention of them with celeb endorsements like Former MISS America, Astronaut Scott Carpenter and Lou Ferrigno etc etc Not that a celeb isn’t paid to use their name or picture, just wondered if some of these top people use this product someone out there might be able to give me some more feedback about them as we are totally new to this whole search.. http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:wHMojAp0tusJ:www.nwaonline.net/pdf… btw my wife said her appt with audiologist 10 years ago said profound deafness altho this most recent one did not say profound i think the word was serious loss of hearing… I know the things she hears are muffled sounding in that ear and that to get her understanding the higher end stuff they had to turn whatever it is they use upto 108-110 range (all kooky terms to me im not a doctor) i just remember those things… I do know she has a full report copy of her visit , i can get that and enter anything it said in here if there were still some questions about her hearing etc. All I know is they hooked something up it sparked her all up and she said for once in her life she could hear out of that ear, so it sure made her feel good… just didnt wanna get dupped into spending $1500 on something that might be junk…

Response:

Looking at their site they don’t supply any detailed specifications (bands, channels etc.). That alone would make me reluctant to proceed further. jim "FTLOSM" <FTL…@atatatfalconpointehomes.com> wrote in message

news:6budnVGETZWR1b7fRVn-rg@comcast.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My wife has had what the ENT and Audiologist says > is Profound Deafness in one of her ears for as > long as she can remember, no trauma, maybe a > childhood non treated ear infection, not sure why > but as long as she can remember (she is 33 now) > she can’t remember a time when she could hear out > of that ear normally. > The other ear is fine thou so most of her life she > has found herself turning her head and making do > with it being that way. > She recently saw another audiologist who said a > hearing aid might help but costs were well over > $2000+ and our insurance would not cover any of it > and at this time price wise they are out of our > cost range. > I saw an ad in the local paper for an Audibel > distributor near us, so we went in and they did > some tests and we told them nothing of our > previous experiences at ENT or Audiologists. > Results seemed to be the same on paper, again > hearing loss in that same ear measured right in > line with recent tests done at the hospital, and > we knew that would be the case but wanted to just > see what the visit would bring us. > The model he said we needed to go with was one > that would produce in the 110 range (110 decibels > I guess?) and we had 2 main choices a Canal > (larger) and a CIC (complete in canal – smaller) > model. > He hooked up sort of an example setup for her to > give an idea what it would sound like with a > digital aid (a behind the ear unit with this weird > headset almost looking device) that she put into > her bad ear, he said the digital chip inside this > unit would produce a very similar sounding result > and did some stuff on the computer to adjust it > and give her the experience of hearing in that ear > as normal as possible. > When we left my wife was VERY interested in buying > one of these as she said she has NEVER heard that > well out of that ear and that the mini test he > showed her was VERY good and basically she really > wants one. > But my question to you all is, we are somewhat > novices at this, can anyone tell me good or bad > anything about audibel the company or whatnot?  Do > they work well over time or will they need > constant repairs or adjustments? > Pricing wise it was alot cheaper than the > audiologist, $1500-$1750 range for these two units > we looked at. > So I was hoping for some input on the company or > products in general, wife seems sold on the idea > after hearing one time thru that mini test type > thing, I just wanted to do a bit more research > into the company and product before purchasing. > Thanks > FTLOSM

Response:

Hi, I don’t know anything about the company, as it’s based in the states but this seems highly dubious. Profound hearing losses, assuming we are talking about an 80db loss or more, cannot be satisfied by either a canal or CIC aid. I’m not an audiologist and I’d recommend you talk to one, but I would also be suspicious of someone selling you a device on the basis of a pre-trial through a wire hook up. Regards Graham – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -FTLOSM wrote: > My wife has had what the ENT and Audiologist says > is Profound Deafness in one of her ears for as > long as she can remember, no trauma, maybe a > childhood non treated ear infection, not sure why > but as long as she can remember (she is 33 now) > she can’t remember a time when she could hear out > of that ear normally. > The other ear is fine thou so most of her life she > has found herself turning her head and making do > with it being that way. > She recently saw another audiologist who said a > hearing aid might help but costs were well over > $2000+ and our insurance would not cover any of it > and at this time price wise they are out of our > cost range. > I saw an ad in the local paper for an Audibel > distributor near us, so we went in and they did > some tests and we told them nothing of our > previous experiences at ENT or Audiologists. > Results seemed to be the same on paper, again > hearing loss in that same ear measured right in > line with recent tests done at the hospital, and > we knew that would be the case but wanted to just > see what the visit would bring us. > The model he said we needed to go with was one > that would produce in the 110 range (110 decibels > I guess?) and we had 2 main choices a Canal > (larger) and a CIC (complete in canal – smaller) > model. > He hooked up sort of an example setup for her to > give an idea what it would sound like with a > digital aid (a behind the ear unit with this weird > headset almost looking device) that she put into > her bad ear, he said the digital chip inside this > unit would produce a very similar sounding result > and did some stuff on the computer to adjust it > and give her the experience of hearing in that ear > as normal as possible. > When we left my wife was VERY interested in buying > one of these as she said she has NEVER heard that > well out of that ear and that the mini test he > showed her was VERY good and basically she really > wants one. > But my question to you all is, we are somewhat > novices at this, can anyone tell me good or bad > anything about audibel the company or whatnot?  Do > they work well over time or will they need > constant repairs or adjustments? > Pricing wise it was alot cheaper than the > audiologist, $1500-$1750 range for these two units > we looked at. > So I was hoping for some input on the company or > products in general, wife seems sold on the idea > after hearing one time thru that mini test type > thing, I just wanted to do a bit more research > into the company and product before purchasing. > Thanks > FTLOSM

Response:

My wife has had what the ENT and Audiologist says is Profound Deafness in one of her ears for as long as she can remember, no trauma, maybe a childhood non treated ear infection, not sure why but as long as she can remember (she is 33 now) she can’t remember a time when she could hear out of that ear normally. The other ear is fine thou so most of her life she has found herself turning her head and making do with it being that way. She recently saw another audiologist who said a hearing aid might help but costs were well over $2000+ and our insurance would not cover any of it and at this time price wise they are out of our cost range. I saw an ad in the local paper for an Audibel distributor near us, so we went in and they did some tests and we told them nothing of our previous experiences at ENT or Audiologists. Results seemed to be the same on paper, again hearing loss in that same ear measured right in line with recent tests done at the hospital, and we knew that would be the case but wanted to just see what the visit would bring us. The model he said we needed to go with was one that would produce in the 110 range (110 decibels I guess?) and we had 2 main choices a Canal (larger) and a CIC (complete in canal – smaller) model. He hooked up sort of an example setup for her to give an idea what it would sound like with a digital aid (a behind the ear unit with this weird headset almost looking device) that she put into her bad ear, he said the digital chip inside this unit would produce a very similar sounding result and did some stuff on the computer to adjust it and give her the experience of hearing in that ear as normal as possible. When we left my wife was VERY interested in buying one of these as she said she has NEVER heard that well out of that ear and that the mini test he showed her was VERY good and basically she really wants one. But my question to you all is, we are somewhat novices at this, can anyone tell me good or bad anything about audibel the company or whatnot?  Do they work well over time or will they need constant repairs or adjustments? Pricing wise it was alot cheaper than the audiologist, $1500-$1750 range for these two units we looked at. So I was hoping for some input on the company or products in general, wife seems sold on the idea after hearing one time thru that mini test type thing, I just wanted to do a bit more research into the company and product before purchasing. Thanks FTLOSM

Response:

OT:Question of the day….11/24/04

Question:

I saw Ravi Shankar perform live at the SF Civic Auditorium in 1967 or 68. Many, many hippies were present. My brother and I were the only non-hippies present. Chip I listened to Ravi Shankar before there were any hippies and I still listen to him now that there aren’t any hippies anymore. Ravi and me, we go back a long way

I think I bought my first LP record by Ravi in 1966 way before I knew anything about hippies. I played it over and over becasue the sitar playing the raga sounded so strange and beautiful. I still have that LP. Chip — The charter is available at:

I have a serious challenge

Question:

On Thu, 23 Sep 2004 19:57:47 -0500, "Kuta" <kuta0…@comcast.net> took a very strange rock and inscribed these words: >How do you cancel a noise created by your brain? >Cancel your brain.

Actually, I think the tinnitus maskers are based on scientific principles and worth trying for those who are truly bothered by it. — Therese Shellabarger / The Roving Reporter – Civis Mundi tlsh…@concentric.net        /    http://tlshell.cnc.net/

Response:

On Fri, 24 Sep 2004 02:50:18 GMT, dsi1 <d…@nospamverizon.net> took a very strange rock and inscribed these words: >Most of the treatments I’ve heard about >involves getting yourself into a better lifestyle and physical >condition. This will involve eating healthy and regular exercise.

I’ve heard that cutting out caffeine and other stimulants is supposed to help. I don’t know if this is true though. I notice that having a problem tooth seems to make tinnitus worse, the nerves are all probably screaming in tune with each other or something. (-; — Therese Shellabarger / The Roving Reporter – Civis Mundi tlsh…@concentric.net        /    http://tlshell.cnc.net/

Response:

I think that being in a fatigued or weakened condition makes the problem worse, and yet Scott is a healthy guy. Either way, it’s probably not good to focus on the ringing if you can help it. I don’t notice my tinnitus very often yet my audiogram has a sharp dip in it. I assume it’s the ringing interfering my hearing the pure tone signal. david – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -tlsh…@concentric.net wrote: > On Fri, 24 Sep 2004 02:50:18 GMT, dsi1 <d…@nospamverizon.net> took a > very strange rock and inscribed these words: >>Most of the treatments I’ve heard about >>involves getting yourself into a better lifestyle and physical >>condition. This will involve eating healthy and regular exercise. > I’ve heard that cutting out caffeine and other stimulants is supposed > to help. I don’t know if this is true though. I notice that having a > problem tooth seems to make tinnitus worse, the nerves are all > probably screaming in tune with each other or something. > (-;

Response:

You cannot cancel out tinnitus. Partly because it is very hard to describe and/or meassure, but also because it changes both in loudness and character. Finally I guess (this is my case) that the tonal range of tinnitus is also the tones you are no longer able to hear at full volume hence a cancelling apparatus will not be registered by your ear. Of course I hope I am wrong I also hope someone soon will find out how to regenerate damages in the hearing organ by any chance )) Best regards Rack – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -dsi1 wrote: > I think that being in a fatigued or weakened condition makes the problem > worse, and yet Scott is a healthy guy. Either way, it’s probably not > good to focus on the ringing if you can help it. I don’t notice my > tinnitus very often yet my audiogram has a sharp dip in it. I assume > it’s the ringing interfering my hearing the pure tone signal. > david > tlsh…@concentric.net wrote: >> On Fri, 24 Sep 2004 02:50:18 GMT, dsi1 <d…@nospamverizon.net> took a >> very strange rock and inscribed these words: >>> Most of the treatments I’ve heard about involves getting yourself >>> into a better lifestyle and physical condition. This will involve >>> eating healthy and regular exercise. >> I’ve heard that cutting out caffeine and other stimulants is supposed >> to help. I don’t know if this is true though. I notice that having a >> problem tooth seems to make tinnitus worse, the nerves are all >> probably screaming in tune with each other or something. >> (-;

Response:

About 15 years ago I read that tinnitus maskers work by emitting pink noise whose center frequency was slightly offset to that of the perceived ringing. My guess is that they still work in that fashion, but I don’t know any more than that. The tinnitus in my case will give me about a 15dB loss at a little below 2000 Hz. My perceptions is the ringing masks the pure tone. I suppose that it could be an actual loss of hearing, but I can’t tell. If you could cure tinnitus, you would be richer that B. Gates. I bet I would not be far off in predicting that stem cell research would be the best hope for regenerating hearing organs. But what do I know! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -rack wrote: > You cannot cancel out tinnitus. Partly because it is very hard to > describe and/or meassure, but also because it changes both in loudness > and character. > Finally I guess (this is my case) that the tonal range of tinnitus is > also the tones you are no longer able to hear at full volume hence a > cancelling apparatus will not be registered by your ear. > Of course I hope I am wrong I also hope someone soon will find out > how to regenerate damages in the hearing organ by any chance )) > Best regards > Rack > dsi1 wrote: >> I think that being in a fatigued or weakened condition makes the >> problem worse, and yet Scott is a healthy guy. Either way, it’s >> probably not good to focus on the ringing if you can help it. I don’t >> notice my tinnitus very often yet my audiogram has a sharp dip in it. >> I assume it’s the ringing interfering my hearing the pure tone signal. >> david >> tlsh…@concentric.net wrote: >>> On Fri, 24 Sep 2004 02:50:18 GMT, dsi1 <d…@nospamverizon.net> took a >>> very strange rock and inscribed these words: >>>> Most of the treatments I’ve heard about involves getting yourself >>>> into a better lifestyle and physical condition. This will involve >>>> eating healthy and regular exercise. >>> I’ve heard that cutting out caffeine and other stimulants is supposed >>> to help. I don’t know if this is true though. I notice that having a >>> problem tooth seems to make tinnitus worse, the nerves are all >>> probably screaming in tune with each other or something. >>> (-;

Response:

Have you ever been tested for Meniere’s Disease?  Often it goes undiagnosed and untreated.  Many healthy people of all ages have this.  Tinnitis is one of the side effects.  Just a thought?!

Response:

Thanks for the advise.  However I am in excellent physical condition.  My blood pressure is great.  I just loaded a 250 lb. slab of marble into the truck, so I’m no couch potato.  I work from my home (low stress).  I have tried removing and or adding every possible combination to my diet.  I was even eating ginko balboa(sp?) leaves straight form the tree (it is supposed to increase vascular blood flow).  Nothing. Now I am back to drinking my two cups a coffee a day.  At least I’m regular again.  :) Scott "dsi1" <d…@nospamverizon.net> wrote in message

news:KXL4d.349$iD6.317@trnddc05… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Scott wrote: >> Hello, >> I am new to this group, so if my request sounds sudden and demanding, >> please forgive me, for I am at my wits-end. >> I have tinnitus.  Ringing of the ears.  I have had the MRI’s, the x-rays, >> the TMJ exams, and as of this last week I finally broke down and was >> fitted with hearing aids. >> As for the hearing aid experience, I must say it was a very good one. >> They did not help me, but the people at BellTone were very professional >> and knowledgeable.  I will give them that as a free commercial.  :) >> However, nothing will counteract tinnitus.  I have even tried a few >> homeopathic (more like homeopathetic!) solutions. >> HERE IS MY CHALLENGE to any and all audio engineers.  I know you are out >> there.  Here is your chance to get rich.  Just be sure to contact me and >> cure my tinnitus based on the following idea. >> Bose Corp. has been the pioneer in accustics for ages.  They have the >> noise cancellingheadphones which eliminate all external sound so you can >> hear music or even just silence.  They are superb.  Is it possible to >> come up with a hearing prosthetic that could be programmed to the same >> range of tones that the individual is suffering tinnitus from, and send >> the "out of phase" tone into the ear to cancel the sound? >> There I said it.  Someone will make millions on my behalf.  I don’t care, >> just fit me with a pair before I lose my mind. > Sorry to hear of your condition. Most of the treatments I’ve heard about > involves getting yourself into a better lifestyle and physical condition. > This will involve eating healthy and regular exercise. Additionaly, you’ll > have to reduce stress in your life. This seems to me to be a big challenge > but I guess it depends on how motivated you are. Good luck!

Response:

Damn! I was afraid that you would be in great physical health! Anyway that’s the general recomendations of the medicos. It ain’t great but that’s all they got. On the plus side you’re doing a lot better than most people, healthwise. Good luck. David – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Scott wrote: > Thanks for the advise.  However I am in excellent physical condition.  My > blood pressure is great.  I just loaded a 250 lb. slab of marble into the > truck, so I’m no couch potato.  I work from my home (low stress).  I have > tried removing and or adding every possible combination to my diet.  I was > even eating ginko balboa(sp?) leaves straight form the tree (it is supposed > to increase vascular blood flow).  Nothing. > Now I am back to drinking my two cups a coffee a day.  At least I’m regular > again.  :) > Scott > "dsi1" <d…@nospamverizon.net> wrote in message > news:KXL4d.349$iD6.317@trnddc05… >>Scott wrote: >>>Hello, >>>I am new to this group, so if my request sounds sudden and demanding, >>>please forgive me, for I am at my wits-end. >>>I have tinnitus.  Ringing of the ears.  I have had the MRI’s, the x-rays, >>>the TMJ exams, and as of this last week I finally broke down and was >>>fitted with hearing aids. >>>As for the hearing aid experience, I must say it was a very good one. >>>They did not help me, but the people at BellTone were very professional >>>and knowledgeable.  I will give them that as a free commercial.  :) >>>However, nothing will counteract tinnitus.  I have even tried a few >>>homeopathic (more like homeopathetic!) solutions. >>>HERE IS MY CHALLENGE to any and all audio engineers.  I know you are out >>>there.  Here is your chance to get rich.  Just be sure to contact me and >>>cure my tinnitus based on the following idea. >>>Bose Corp. has been the pioneer in accustics for ages.  They have the >>>noise cancellingheadphones which eliminate all external sound so you can >>>hear music or even just silence.  They are superb.  Is it possible to >>>come up with a hearing prosthetic that could be programmed to the same >>>range of tones that the individual is suffering tinnitus from, and send >>>the "out of phase" tone into the ear to cancel the sound? >>>There I said it.  Someone will make millions on my behalf.  I don’t care, >>>just fit me with a pair before I lose my mind. >>Sorry to hear of your condition. Most of the treatments I’ve heard about >>involves getting yourself into a better lifestyle and physical condition. >>This will involve eating healthy and regular exercise. Additionaly, you’ll >>have to reduce stress in your life. This seems to me to be a big challenge >>but I guess it depends on how motivated you are. Good luck!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Scott wrote: > Hello, > I am new to this group, so if my request sounds sudden and demanding, please > forgive me, for I am at my wits-end. > I have tinnitus.  Ringing of the ears.  I have had the MRI’s, the x-rays, > the TMJ exams, and as of this last week I finally broke down and was fitted > with hearing aids. > As for the hearing aid experience, I must say it was a very good one.  They > did not help me, but the people at BellTone were very professional and > knowledgeable.  I will give them that as a free commercial.  :)  However, > nothing will counteract tinnitus.  I have even tried a few homeopathic (more > like homeopathetic!) solutions. > HERE IS MY CHALLENGE to any and all audio engineers.  I know you are out > there.  Here is your chance to get rich.  Just be sure to contact me and > cure my tinnitus based on the following idea. > Bose Corp. has been the pioneer in accustics for ages.  They have the noise > cancellingheadphones which eliminate all external sound so you can hear > music or even just silence.  They are superb.  Is it possible to come up > with a hearing prosthetic that could be programmed to the same range of > tones that the individual is suffering tinnitus from, and send the "out of > phase" tone into the ear to cancel the sound? > There I said it.  Someone will make millions on my behalf.  I don’t care, > just fit me with a pair before I lose my mind.

Sorry to hear of your condition. Most of the treatments I’ve heard about involves getting yourself into a better lifestyle and physical condition. This will involve eating healthy and regular exercise. Additionaly, you’ll have to reduce stress in your life. This seems to me to be a big challenge but I guess it depends on how motivated you are. Good luck!

Response:

"Scott" <scolem…@houston.rr.com> wrote in message

news:u2L4d.26559$Gn3.10233@fe2.texas.rr.com… > Well, if it is neuro damage, I would not think you could.  But, what if the > damage is only in the cholea, do you think it could be possible? > Hey, I’m down to grasping at straws here.  While I may not have had the time > to memorize the db’s I’ve lost, I am not giving up on trying to find > something.

If you haven’t already, you might check this url.  I’ve heard that Dr.Bauman’s method has had some success in this area.  It’s a long term treatment.  If you’re interested, perhaps they can refer you to a comparable clinic near where you are:   http://www.hearingbalance.com/tinnitus.htm

Response:

Well, if it is neuro damage, I would not think you could.  But, what if the damage is only in the cholea, do you think it could be possible? Hey, I’m down to grasping at straws here.  While I may not have had the time to memorize the db’s I’ve lost, I am not giving up on trying to find something. Scott "Kuta" <kuta0…@comcast.net> wrote in message

news:M5CdnXD8bIiM7M7cRVn-pg@comcast.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> How do you cancel a noise created by your brain? > Cancel your brain. > Michael > A-Typical Cogan’s Syndrome > Profound Hearing Loss left ear > 40-60db loss in right ear > Bilateral Vestibulopathy > Severely Intrusive Tinnitius > "Scott" <scolem…@houston.rr.com> wrote in message > news:xmH4d.23775$Gn3.5253@fe2.texas.rr.com… >>a masker will not improve my hearing.  it would merely disguise my present >>ringing with a louder yet broader spectrum sound.  hence, my hearing would >>be worse. >> Scott >> "Susan" <susanbl…@snet.net> wrote in message >> news:MPG.1bbd05c6dbd690309896e1@news.snet.sbcglobal.net… >>> Not noise cancelling, but you can look into tinnitus maskers if you are >>> that desperate. >>> In article <M6G4d.16566$Qb.5…@fe2.texas.rr.com>, scoleman1 >>> @houston.rr.com says… >>>> Hello, >>>> I am new to this group, so if my request sounds sudden and demanding, >>>> please >>>> forgive me, for I am at my wits-end. >>>> I have tinnitus.  Ringing of the ears.  I have had the MRI’s, the >>>> x-rays, >>>> the TMJ exams, and as of this last week I finally broke down and was >>>> fitted >>>> with hearing aids. >>>> As for the hearing aid experience, I must say it was a very good one. >>>> They >>>> did not help me, but the people at BellTone were very professional and >>>> knowledgeable.  I will give them that as a free commercial.  :) >>>> However, >>>> nothing will counteract tinnitus.  I have even tried a few homeopathic >>>> (more >>>> like homeopathetic!) solutions. >>>> HERE IS MY CHALLENGE to any and all audio engineers.  I know you are >>>> out >>>> there.  Here is your chance to get rich.  Just be sure to contact me >>>> and >>>> cure my tinnitus based on the following idea. >>>> Bose Corp. has been the pioneer in accustics for ages.  They have the >>>> noise >>>> cancellingheadphones which eliminate all external sound so you can hear >>>> music or even just silence.  They are superb.  Is it possible to come >>>> up >>>> with a hearing prosthetic that could be programmed to the same range of >>>> tones that the individual is suffering tinnitus from, and send the "out >>>> of >>>> phase" tone into the ear to cancel the sound? >>>> There I said it.  Someone will make millions on my behalf.  I don’t >>>> care, >>>> just fit me with a pair before I lose my mind.

Response:

Hello, I am new to this group, so if my request sounds sudden and demanding, please forgive me, for I am at my wits-end. I have tinnitus.  Ringing of the ears.  I have had the MRI’s, the x-rays, the TMJ exams, and as of this last week I finally broke down and was fitted with hearing aids. As for the hearing aid experience, I must say it was a very good one.  They did not help me, but the people at BellTone were very professional and knowledgeable.  I will give them that as a free commercial.  :)  However, nothing will counteract tinnitus.  I have even tried a few homeopathic (more like homeopathetic!) solutions. HERE IS MY CHALLENGE to any and all audio engineers.  I know you are out there.  Here is your chance to get rich.  Just be sure to contact me and cure my tinnitus based on the following idea. Bose Corp. has been the pioneer in accustics for ages.  They have the noise cancellingheadphones which eliminate all external sound so you can hear music or even just silence.  They are superb.  Is it possible to come up with a hearing prosthetic that could be programmed to the same range of tones that the individual is suffering tinnitus from, and send the "out of phase" tone into the ear to cancel the sound? There I said it.  Someone will make millions on my behalf.  I don’t care, just fit me with a pair before I lose my mind.

Response:

Not noise cancelling, but you can look into tinnitus maskers if you are that desperate. In article <M6G4d.16566$Qb.5…@fe2.texas.rr.com>, scoleman1 @houston.rr.com says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, > I am new to this group, so if my request sounds sudden and demanding, please > forgive me, for I am at my wits-end. > I have tinnitus.  Ringing of the ears.  I have had the MRI’s, the x-rays, > the TMJ exams, and as of this last week I finally broke down and was fitted > with hearing aids. > As for the hearing aid experience, I must say it was a very good one.  They > did not help me, but the people at BellTone were very professional and > knowledgeable.  I will give them that as a free commercial.  :)  However, > nothing will counteract tinnitus.  I have even tried a few homeopathic (more > like homeopathetic!) solutions. > HERE IS MY CHALLENGE to any and all audio engineers.  I know you are out > there.  Here is your chance to get rich.  Just be sure to contact me and > cure my tinnitus based on the following idea. > Bose Corp. has been the pioneer in accustics for ages.  They have the noise > cancellingheadphones which eliminate all external sound so you can hear > music or even just silence.  They are superb.  Is it possible to come up > with a hearing prosthetic that could be programmed to the same range of > tones that the individual is suffering tinnitus from, and send the "out of > phase" tone into the ear to cancel the sound? > There I said it.  Someone will make millions on my behalf.  I don’t care, > just fit me with a pair before I lose my mind.

Response:

a masker will not improve my hearing.  it would merely disguise my present ringing with a louder yet broader spectrum sound.  hence, my hearing would be worse. Scott "Susan" <susanbl…@snet.net> wrote in message

news:MPG.1bbd05c6dbd690309896e1@news.snet.sbcglobal.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Not noise cancelling, but you can look into tinnitus maskers if you are > that desperate. > In article <M6G4d.16566$Qb.5…@fe2.texas.rr.com>, scoleman1 > @houston.rr.com says… >> Hello, >> I am new to this group, so if my request sounds sudden and demanding, >> please >> forgive me, for I am at my wits-end. >> I have tinnitus.  Ringing of the ears.  I have had the MRI’s, the x-rays, >> the TMJ exams, and as of this last week I finally broke down and was >> fitted >> with hearing aids. >> As for the hearing aid experience, I must say it was a very good one. >> They >> did not help me, but the people at BellTone were very professional and >> knowledgeable.  I will give them that as a free commercial.  :)  However, >> nothing will counteract tinnitus.  I have even tried a few homeopathic >> (more >> like homeopathetic!) solutions. >> HERE IS MY CHALLENGE to any and all audio engineers.  I know you are out >> there.  Here is your chance to get rich.  Just be sure to contact me and >> cure my tinnitus based on the following idea. >> Bose Corp. has been the pioneer in accustics for ages.  They have the >> noise >> cancellingheadphones which eliminate all external sound so you can hear >> music or even just silence.  They are superb.  Is it possible to come up >> with a hearing prosthetic that could be programmed to the same range of >> tones that the individual is suffering tinnitus from, and send the "out >> of >> phase" tone into the ear to cancel the sound? >> There I said it.  Someone will make millions on my behalf.  I don’t care, >> just fit me with a pair before I lose my mind.

Response:

How do you cancel a noise created by your brain? Cancel your brain. Michael A-Typical Cogan’s Syndrome Profound Hearing Loss left ear 40-60db loss in right ear Bilateral Vestibulopathy Severely Intrusive Tinnitius "Scott" <scolem…@houston.rr.com> wrote in message

news:xmH4d.23775$Gn3.5253@fe2.texas.rr.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->a masker will not improve my hearing.  it would merely disguise my present >ringing with a louder yet broader spectrum sound.  hence, my hearing would >be worse. > Scott > "Susan" <susanbl…@snet.net> wrote in message > news:MPG.1bbd05c6dbd690309896e1@news.snet.sbcglobal.net… >> Not noise cancelling, but you can look into tinnitus maskers if you are >> that desperate. >> In article <M6G4d.16566$Qb.5…@fe2.texas.rr.com>, scoleman1 >> @houston.rr.com says… >>> Hello, >>> I am new to this group, so if my request sounds sudden and demanding, >>> please >>> forgive me, for I am at my wits-end. >>> I have tinnitus.  Ringing of the ears.  I have had the MRI’s, the >>> x-rays, >>> the TMJ exams, and as of this last week I finally broke down and was >>> fitted >>> with hearing aids. >>> As for the hearing aid experience, I must say it was a very good one. >>> They >>> did not help me, but the people at BellTone were very professional and >>> knowledgeable.  I will give them that as a free commercial.  :) >>> However, >>> nothing will counteract tinnitus.  I have even tried a few homeopathic >>> (more >>> like homeopathetic!) solutions. >>> HERE IS MY CHALLENGE to any and all audio engineers.  I know you are out >>> there.  Here is your chance to get rich.  Just be sure to contact me and >>> cure my tinnitus based on the following idea. >>> Bose Corp. has been the pioneer in accustics for ages.  They have the >>> noise >>> cancellingheadphones which eliminate all external sound so you can hear >>> music or even just silence.  They are superb.  Is it possible to come up >>> with a hearing prosthetic that could be programmed to the same range of >>> tones that the individual is suffering tinnitus from, and send the "out >>> of >>> phase" tone into the ear to cancel the sound? >>> There I said it.  Someone will make millions on my behalf.  I don’t >>> care, >>> just fit me with a pair before I lose my mind.

Response:

Should I get Digital hearing aids?

Question:

Do yourself a favour Nelly – find a good audiologist (maybe through your GP) and have him diagnose your problem and suggest a solution. You will find masses of info in this group and on the sites of the people who make hearing aids. But you will soon realise that it is pretty complex. As someone has pointed out, digital versus analogue is not really an issue – today everything is digital. Also, unless you have an unusual problem, the brand is not a major issue – they will all do the job. But what they, or this group, or anything else can’t do is diagnose your problem. Also there is the business of fitting, configuring and follow-up. All this depends on a competent audiologist. I always tell people to devote their efforts to finding a good audiologist – something you have some hope of doing (every day all of us have to choose people to provide personal services and we all develop some degree of skill). Then leave the technical stuff to the expert. And if you then find you have any reservations, get a second opinion. But the issue is usually not digital/v analogue or one brand versus another. It is whether the person you have selected is competent. If he/she is, and if you work witih him her (and it is a long, difficult job) then you will find your quality of life much improved – economically and socially.

Response:

On Sun, 27 Jun 2004 21:04:39 -0700, "Bill M" <bmag…@nethere.com> took a very strange rock and inscribed these words: >Maybe you can learn to read lips like deaf >people in television stories.  This is better than a technical solution, >but more difficult.

Make that unrealistic. If all Deaf people could lipread like Sue Thomas, there’d be a lot more Deaf people working for the FBI. She is one in a million with both the gift and the training. — Therese Shellabarger / The Roving Reporter – Civis Mundi tlsh…@concentric.net        /    http://tlshell.cnc.net/

Response:

What would it mean if I said that I was 2/3 smarter then you? Nothing.   Hearing can not be quantified like that either. In article <C8CdnZGs19eRNULdRVn…@comcast.com>, kuta0…@comcast.net says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> 1)    What does 2/3 of your hearing gone mean? > 2)    Where did you get the definition "Deaf in one ear means at least 2/3 > of your hearing is gone"? > "Bill M" <bmag…@nethere.com> wrote in message > news:1088395539.681833@news-1.nethere.net… > > Deaf in one ear means at least 2/3 of your hearing is gone.  Since you > have > > learned English, and have a third of normal hearing, lip reading can do > the > > rest.  ( some of the time. )  Maybe you can learn to read lips like deaf > > people in television stories.  This is better than a technical solution, > > but more difficult. > > Bill M

Response:

Yeah, it’s unrealistic.  But when Nelly starts seeing phrases she’ll think she heard them.  Missing bits will be filled in just like you hear your tty ring when maybe you didn’t. People who are fully deaf in one ear and OK in the other get all the language ability of hearing people, but they have terrible hearing.  You might say "perfect hearing, but not enough of it."  I’ll stick with my statement that deaf in one ear means 2/3 of hearing is absent.  The can’t focus. The television has  mislead people about lip reading.  The variables are great in daily life and from person to person.   The person who can read lips through a window best is most likely a woman 20-30 years old, born hh, aided early, and very social.  Also, she signs. TAKE THAT, OGREBOOGER FOUNDATION! (apology for the shout) Bill M

Response:

Zaf asks: "Lip reading with one normal ear??  Excuse me sir, would you happen to be a troll?" I may be stupid at times, but I’m not a troll.  Lip reading is more likely for a person with one normal ear than it is for a person with two or none. Nelly is a good candidate.  Lip reading won’t fix everything, but it will help lots.  With only one normal ear, a person can’t get by without lipreading except in quiet places. I’ll re-phrase and say that two thirds of hearing functioniality is lost when one ear is lost.  In quiet places these people will be fine.  In a factory they’ll be as deaf, but maybe with better lip reading ability. You are right, Zaf, in that a hearing aid may not help.  A button that says, "Face me, I read lips." might be just as effective as a hearing aid.  This can be interpreted with a bit of militancy, or not, and this makes such a button more fun.  The button would cost less than the hearing aid. Bill M

Response:

Thanks for your kind words Serpent!  Nelly I forgot to mention something really critical in hearing aids.  Regardless of the kind you get, make sure you get a hearing aid with a strong telecoil.  It useful for hearing on the phone and to use with assitive listening devices.  Its so important make sure to test it out while you are still at the audiologist. Also, for anyone with a significant loss it pays to look into assitive listening devices like FM systems.  Some aids are compatible with FM boots (look it up on the Phonak web site) and that can be very helpful in hearing someone in a noisy room. Shera

Response:

Deaf in one ear means at least 2/3 of your hearing is gone.  Since you have learned English, and have a third of normal hearing, lip reading can do the rest.  ( some of the time. )  Maybe you can learn to read lips like deaf people in television stories.  This is better than a technical solution, but more difficult. Bill M

Response:

1)    What does 2/3 of your hearing gone mean? 2)    Where did you get the definition "Deaf in one ear means at least 2/3 of your hearing is gone"? "Bill M" <bmag…@nethere.com> wrote in message

news:1088395539.681833@news-1.nethere.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Deaf in one ear means at least 2/3 of your hearing is gone.  Since you have > learned English, and have a third of normal hearing, lip reading can do the > rest.  ( some of the time. )  Maybe you can learn to read lips like deaf > people in television stories.  This is better than a technical solution, > but more difficult. > Bill M

Response:

I talked to someone dispensing hearing aids a few days ago.  From what I understand they are not even making the analog type circuits anymore.  You might find some that are still selling what they have in inventory.  It makes sense as it is cheaper to make programmable digital aids that can be dispensed for anyone rather than tuning each analog circuit for individuals. I tried many analog types.  All suffered from the background noise interference.  Finally I got digitals a couple years ago and am very satisified.  Some now have two or more microphones.  You can switch the extra one in and out to cut down on noise from the rear.  And of course the low frequency noise can be surpressed. Good luck, Dick "Nelly" <Nelly_9…@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:2000d674.0406211918.578e37a3@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, I’m Nelly and I live in Canada, British Columbia on Vancouver > Island. I was born deaf in my left ear but can hear normally in my > right ear. Hearing loss never really runed in my family but I got it, > which is strange.Oh well…..:P > So anyway, I was recently fired from Wendy’s primarilly because of my > bad hearing. I always thought it was hard to work in a noisy > enviroment and I was going to quit anyway. I was wearing analogue > hearing aids at the time, which are probably the most common type of > hearing aids around, and everytime it gets too noisy in Wendy’s and I > want to hear what my manager is saying, I raise the volume on my > hearing aid but that just increases the background noise, which makes > it more difficult to hear what my manager was saying. Then I was > eventually fired. > But I’m glad that I got fired because it was hell working there and > really isn’t the ideal place for someone with hearing loss to work in. > I heard about these digital aids from my local newspaper, which says > that it reduces background noise and focuses on the voice on the > person you’re talking to. Which was fascinating because I heard that > it is superior to analogue hearing aids. Is this true? > I have done some research on the net and found that the only > disadvantage is the high cost. But I shouldn’t worry about that, I’m > only 16, my parents can probably afford them. I heard they were around > $2,500 to 3,000 dollars. Which is much more pricey than analogue > hearing aids which I got them for $950. > But are there any other disadvantage to these digital aids? > Thanks for taking the time to read this.:)

Response:

"Zaf" <zaf…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:1d3d875b.0406281018.1adf2cb5@posting.google.com… > "Bill M" <bmag…@nethere.com> wrote in message

<news:1088395539.681833@news-1.nethere.net>… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Deaf in one ear means at least 2/3 of your hearing is gone.  Since you have > > learned English, and have a third of normal hearing, lip reading can do the > > rest.  ( some of the time. )  Maybe you can learn to read lips like deaf > > people in television stories.  This is better than a technical solution, > > but more difficult. > > Bill M > I’m sure one of the resident audiologists will chime in with the > precise answer, but normal hearing in one ear and none in the other is > most certainly not ‘2/3 of your hearing is gone’.  Your ‘percent > hearing loss’ (a relativly useless metric) is determined primarily byt > he better ear. In fact, if indeed hearing is completely normal in one > ear and deaf in the other, the only benefit from a hearing aid might > be to use a cross (not sure of the term) to get some sound on the deaf > side over to the hearing side. > Lip reading with one normal ear??  Excuse me sir, would you happen to > be a troll?

I agree… I wouldn’t say 2/3 gone. Localization ability and understanding conversation in background noise would be a pain at times. Visual cues (lip-reading) and contextual cues can help in these situations. A CROS system (stands for Contralateral Routing Of Sound) with one normal-hearing ear or a Bi-CROS with the better ear needing some amplification is an option although from what I have observed, people either love them or hate them. It seems it somewhat depends on how long you have had the hearing loss. — JennL

Response:

"Bill M" <bmag…@nethere.com> wrote in message <news:1088395539.681833@news-1.nethere.net>… > Deaf in one ear means at least 2/3 of your hearing is gone.  Since you have > learned English, and have a third of normal hearing, lip reading can do the > rest.  ( some of the time. )  Maybe you can learn to read lips like deaf > people in television stories.  This is better than a technical solution, > but more difficult. > Bill M

I’m sure one of the resident audiologists will chime in with the precise answer, but normal hearing in one ear and none in the other is most certainly not ‘2/3 of your hearing is gone’.  Your ‘percent hearing loss’ (a relativly useless metric) is determined primarily byt he better ear. In fact, if indeed hearing is completely normal in one ear and deaf in the other, the only benefit from a hearing aid might be to use a cross (not sure of the term) to get some sound on the deaf side over to the hearing side. Lip reading with one normal ear??  Excuse me sir, would you happen to be a troll?

Response:

"HRL" <nos…@xxx.net> wrote in message

news:zXLDc.150599$Gx4.76079@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I talked to someone dispensing hearing aids a few days ago.  From what I > understand they are not even making the analog type circuits anymore.  You > might find some that are still selling what they have in inventory.  It > makes sense as it is cheaper to make programmable digital aids that can be > dispensed for anyone rather than tuning each analog circuit for individuals. > I tried many analog types.  All suffered from the background noise > interference.  Finally I got digitals a couple years ago and am very > satisified.  Some now have two or more microphones.  You can switch the > extra one in and out to cut down on noise from the rear.  And of course the > low frequency noise can be surpressed. > Good luck, > Dick

As far as I know, that is wrong (re: discontinuing analog manufacturing). I have two different hearing aid companies that I deal with (one on a regular basis) that both still sell analog instruments. There probably are others. They would probably like to stop but I think there is still too large of a market. Some dispensing practices have stopped dispensing them though. JennL

Response:

Hi, I’m Nelly and I live in Canada, British Columbia on Vancouver Island. I was born deaf in my left ear but can hear normally in my right ear. Hearing loss never really runed in my family but I got it, which is strange.Oh well…..:P So anyway, I was recently fired from Wendy’s primarilly because of my bad hearing. I always thought it was hard to work in a noisy enviroment and I was going to quit anyway. I was wearing analogue hearing aids at the time, which are probably the most common type of hearing aids around, and everytime it gets too noisy in Wendy’s and I want to hear what my manager is saying, I raise the volume on my hearing aid but that just increases the background noise, which makes it more difficult to hear what my manager was saying. Then I was eventually fired. But I’m glad that I got fired because it was hell working there and really isn’t the ideal place for someone with hearing loss to work in. I heard about these digital aids from my local newspaper, which says that it reduces background noise and focuses on the voice on the person you’re talking to. Which was fascinating because I heard that it is superior to analogue hearing aids. Is this true? I have done some research on the net and found that the only disadvantage is the high cost. But I shouldn’t worry about that, I’m only 16, my parents can probably afford them. I heard they were around $2,500 to 3,000 dollars. Which is much more pricey than analogue hearing aids which I got them for $950. But are there any other disadvantage to these digital aids? Thanks for taking the time to read this.:)

Response:

On 27 Jun 2004 13:37:15 -0700, allears…@hotmail.com (Shera) wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi Nelly, >I’m not an audiologist but I’ve been hard of hearing all my life and I >try to read as many newsgroups and Yahoo groups on the subject as I >can. >My guess is that if your loss is flat across all frequencies or >pitches you would be as equally helped by a high quality analogue >hearing aid as by a high quality digital hearing aid. >If your loss has a slight curve than you might be better off investing >in a digital aid that has about 4 or so bands. >If your loss slopes more sharply than it might be worth it for you to >invest in a hearing aid that has 15 plus bands (more expensive than >the 4 band aids) as it can be more accurately programmed to fit your >hearing loss. >Digital hearing aids also give you a choice of switching from >omnidirectional to directional hearing with multi-programs.  I don’t >think there are any analogue hearing aids on the market anymore that >will switch now from omni to directional — but I don’t know that for >a fact.  Its been proven that directional mics are better for hearing >in noise. >From what I’ve read it seems that most people with a mild loss are >satisfied with not having control over which program they are in and >sometimes even don’t mind not having volume control. >The larger the hearing loss the more people seem to need to have >manual control over their program choice and need to have volume >control. >This seems to be explained by the fact that there is a two-lane >highway (so to speak) between the ears and the part in the brain that >does the actual processing and listening.  I’ve read that there is >more traffic moving between the brain and the inner ear directing >which cilias ("hair cells" in the cochlear) should do what compared to >the amount of traffic moving between the ear and the brain. >So it seems that the more significant the hearing loss the more a hard >of hearing person needs to be able to override the digital hearing >aids programming.  People with mild hearing losses (where more things >are working right than not) can sometimes get by with the hearing aid >circuits making all the decisions. >You mention that you are deaf in one ear.  You might be eligible for a >Cochlear Implant in the deaf ear, even though you can hear in your >other ear.  More and more people are eligible for CIs every year, the >rules keep changing. Stereo hearing is a lot better than one-sided >hearing, so check it out! <s> >If you aren’t eligible for a CI, ask an audiologist about bi-cross >hearing aids.  This is a hearing aid that picks up sound on your deaf >side and pipes it over to your working ear.  You can’t tell where the >sound is coming from, but at least you are hearing sounds from your >deaf side also. >I realize this is a lot of information.  If you are serious about >wanting to know more I suggest finding as many Yahoo Groups (and other >forums) on the subject as possible and spending a lot of time reading >about the topic on the net.  Its a complicated subject made more >complicated by the fact that everyones hearing losss is as individual >as a snowflake. >Personally I think hearing aid fitting is more of an art than a >science, and that when someone gets a pair of hearing aids that fits >them well, it qualifies as a minor miracle. >Good luck! >Shera

Bless you, and most very well said, Shera! I felt badly that nobody posted a response to this person, but I simply did not feel adequate to do so. Digital hearing aids are very expensive. I paid 5K for my Siemens Trianos, but they have four programs that I can chose from (Including Glorious Music!), plus volume controls, all at the touch of a finger. Nelly, you should go to a qualified Audiologist, and work with them on your hearing. If for ANY reason that you are not satisfied with them, FIRE them and go to another! In the US, you may purchase a pair of hearing aids, evaluate them for up to 30 days, and if you are not completely satisfied, you may simply return them for a complete refund, minus a fitting cost of 2 to 3 hundred dollars. Nelly, there is only TWO people that can help you hear the VERY BEST that you may. YOU, and your Audiologist. Unfortunately this is not as easy as going to a Doctor, and going to a Pharmacist to have a prescription filled. The Audiologist should have the experience to fit you such that you can hear the very best. And, it *IS* as much "art" as science, and depends totally on a partnership with you, and your Audiologist. Best of luck to you!  :-)

Response:

Hi Nelly, I’m not an audiologist but I’ve been hard of hearing all my life and I try to read as many newsgroups and Yahoo groups on the subject as I can. My guess is that if your loss is flat across all frequencies or pitches you would be as equally helped by a high quality analogue hearing aid as by a high quality digital hearing aid. If your loss has a slight curve than you might be better off investing in a digital aid that has about 4 or so bands. If your loss slopes more sharply than it might be worth it for you to invest in a hearing aid that has 15 plus bands (more expensive than the 4 band aids) as it can be more accurately programmed to fit your hearing loss. Digital hearing aids also give you a choice of switching from omnidirectional to directional hearing with multi-programs.  I don’t think there are any analogue hearing aids on the market anymore that will switch now from omni to directional — but I don’t know that for a fact.  Its been proven that directional mics are better for hearing in noise. From what I’ve read it seems that most people with a mild loss are satisfied with not having control over which program they are in and sometimes even don’t mind not having volume control. The larger the hearing loss the more people seem to need to have manual control over their program choice and need to have volume control. This seems to be explained by the fact that there is a two-lane highway (so to speak) between the ears and the part in the brain that does the actual processing and listening.  I’ve read that there is more traffic moving between the brain and the inner ear directing which cilias ("hair cells" in the cochlear) should do what compared to the amount of traffic moving between the ear and the brain. So it seems that the more significant the hearing loss the more a hard of hearing person needs to be able to override the digital hearing aids programming.  People with mild hearing losses (where more things are working right than not) can sometimes get by with the hearing aid circuits making all the decisions. You mention that you are deaf in one ear.  You might be eligible for a Cochlear Implant in the deaf ear, even though you can hear in your other ear.  More and more people are eligible for CIs every year, the rules keep changing. Stereo hearing is a lot better than one-sided hearing, so check it out! <s> If you aren’t eligible for a CI, ask an audiologist about bi-cross hearing aids.  This is a hearing aid that picks up sound on your deaf side and pipes it over to your working ear.  You can’t tell where the sound is coming from, but at least you are hearing sounds from your deaf side also. I realize this is a lot of information.  If you are serious about wanting to know more I suggest finding as many Yahoo Groups (and other forums) on the subject as possible and spending a lot of time reading about the topic on the net.  Its a complicated subject made more complicated by the fact that everyones hearing losss is as individual as a snowflake. Personally I think hearing aid fitting is more of an art than a science, and that when someone gets a pair of hearing aids that fits them well, it qualifies as a minor miracle. Good luck! Shera

Response:

Coping With This Damn Tinnitus!

Question:

I would suggest Freeman to go to another licensed doctor right away before spending time on any link…IMO. FP ============================================== – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Stephen Nagler <nag…@tinn.com> wrote in message <news:vpb4vvgt2k032t8i0pd0apuqggioh9r7dd@4ax.com>… > On 30 Dec 2003 13:56:16 -0800, cosmiclaugh…@hotmail.com (The > Fredman) wrote: > >Anyway, any links that any of you could provide would be helpful. > ………….. > Fred, here are a couple of links. > The first is somewhat philosophical. > The second is something my wife wrote in terms coping for a spouse. > I hope you find them helpful. > smn > www.tinn.com/thresholds.html > www.tinn.com/spouse.html

Response:

I would suggest Freeman to go to *another* licensed ENT doctor or one with the experience of treating tinnitus right away before spending time on any link or ngs…IMO. FP ======================================= – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -debs…@aol.com (Debsec1) wrote in message <news:20040106102922.13822.00002253@mb-m10.aol.com>… > To the Fredman: > Doctors are not supportive and helpful because they don’t know anything about > tinnitus and they cannot cure it.  The first thing that happens when you go to > the ENT is you get a hearing test, then maybe some medication for a month, then > another hearing test – blah, blah, blah and then they say well, there’s nothing > I can do and then they give you a prescription for xanex and that’s it. > D.D.

Response:

I have found over the past four years with tinnitus that your evaluation of the subject is correct.  I have been too the ENT several times and given the same meds and the same test also.   It still amazes how little they know about this very anoying and debilitating whatever.  Living with it is very difficult and stressful not only for me but for anyone around me.  Most of the time I can manage it but there are days I can lose control.  My husband thinks those are the days it gets worse.  Who knows but for now I guess it will be my friend for life.

Response:

Doctors are not supportive and helpful because they don’t know anything about > tinnitus and they cannot cure it.

There are T causes that are treatabe in cluding hypertension, cochlear hydrops, drug interactions , cervical problems and even impacted cerumen. There are others too. Some patients do respond to B12, N -acetyl -cysteine and various anti-oxidants. Currently it is very difficult to predict accurately who will respond to what and scientifically the problem of placebo effect is there. But to say that all T can’t be helped is incorrect.   Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com

Response:

entcons…@aol.comnospam (ENTconsult) wrote in message <news:20040116120612.11601.00000060@mb-m12.aol.com>… > Doctors are not supportive and helpful because they don’t know anything about > > tinnitus and they cannot cure it. > There are T causes that are treatabe in cluding hypertension,

I have hypotension but it is under control.  So should I rule out this as being the cause of my T?  Also, after i took away ATIVAN a couple of days ago the ringing usually dies down around morning time before I get up but resumes again after I take BP medication.  Do you think i should change bp medication in order to find that out?  I am taking Zestril and Dyazide(triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide). THX FP =====================================  cochlear hydrops, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> drug interactions , cervical problems and even impacted cerumen. There are > others too. > Some patients do respond to B12, N -acetyl -cysteine and various anti-oxidants. > Currently it is very difficult to predict accurately who will respond to what > and scientifically the problem of placebo effect is there. > But to say that all T can’t be helped is incorrect.   > Murray Grossan, M.D. > http://www.ent-consult.com

Response:

More Qs: If it could be established that my T had come from the poor blood circulation on the left side of my brain, would Jingko Biloba help? Or is there anything that would help. THX FP =================================================== – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -entcons…@aol.comnospam (ENTconsult) wrote in message <news:20040116120612.11601.00000060@mb-m12.aol.com>… > Doctors are not supportive and helpful because they don’t know anything about > > tinnitus and they cannot cure it. > There are T causes that are treatabe in cluding hypertension, cochlear hydrops, > drug interactions , cervical problems and even impacted cerumen. There are > others too. > Some patients do respond to B12, N -acetyl -cysteine and various anti-oxidants. > Currently it is very difficult to predict accurately who will respond to what > and scientifically the problem of placebo effect is there. > But to say that all T can’t be helped is incorrect.   > Murray Grossan, M.D. > http://www.ent-consult.com

Response:

you can have T with or without hypertension. If your car won’t start and the battery is disconnected, you don’t buy an new starter, you connect the battery. Look for things that are treatable i.e. hypertension first. I see patients all the time with obvious causal factors – he has been taking huge doses of aspirin products . T stopped when the aspirin stopped. Thus it is wrong to say that no cases of T can be helped. Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com

Response:

I don’t know how you can establish good or bad circulation to the inner ear. Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com

Response:

entcons…@aol.comnospam (ENTconsult) wrote in message <news:20040117133714.28505.00000204@mb-m01.aol.com>… > I don’t know how you can establish good or bad circulation to the inner ear.

When i got a ‘brain blood flow chart’ done, it clearly shows on that chart that there is a patch of red spot on my left brain.  I would imagine that is where the ringing has come from, because when that side of the ear rings, i could feel the vibration…and the pressure. Is that migraine headache?  Also, once i take in my high blood pressure medication(zestril + dyazide), the ringing seems to have shifted to the right side of the brain.  Why is it like that? THX FP —————————— – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Murray Grossan, M.D. > http://www.ent-consult.com

Response:

entcons…@aol.comnospam (ENTconsult) wrote in message <news:20040117133714.28505.00000204@mb-m01.aol.com>… > I don’t know how you can establish good or bad circulation to the inner ear.

How about to the brain in general? FP ====================== – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Murray Grossan, M.D. > http://www.ent-consult.com

Response:

No money to be made not treating something. "Debsec1" <debs…@aol.com> wrote in message

news:20040106102922.13822.00002253@mb-m10.aol.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> To the Fredman: > Doctors are not supportive and helpful because they don’t know anything about > tinnitus and they cannot cure it.  The first thing that happens when you go to > the ENT is you get a hearing test, then maybe some medication for a month, then > another hearing test – blah, blah, blah and then they say well, there’s nothing > I can do and then they give you a prescription for xanex and that’s it. > D.D.

Response:

If i were you, i would go to another ENT right away or one with experience in treating tinnitus.  The medical advice/information in this ng here is for you to discuss with your licensed doctor and should not be adopted by you on your own.  That is to say, don’t doctor yourself with what you learn here!  Also, please do it quickly.  My GP once had tinnitus herself and fortunately she went to an experienced ENT before it was too late.  She had needle injection to help her with blood circulation but this is for you to talk with your doctor and not try it on your own. So go to another ENT and stop wasting too much time elsewhere. FP ===================================================== – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -cosmiclaugh…@hotmail.com (The Fredman) wrote in message <news:1ae5d37.0312301356.72036b45@posting.google.com>… > There are just so many messages on this board that I just don’t have > the time to weed through it all. > My tinnitus is, like yours, difficult to deal with.  Sometimes > painful, other times it’s just annoying.  It comes and goes and two > things seem to set it off: 1.long silences (like at night when > sleeping) and 2.cold air.  Has anyone else experienced this?  Also, > hot food seems to aggrevate it (soup, pizza, coffee, etc).  Is this > common as well? > Part of the scare this has caused is that I don’t know if this is > going to worsen.  It has become more frequent in recent months but I’m > told that it may not develop into more permanent hearing loss.  The > info I’ve found online hasn’t helped in providing me with any > information on this.  Being a musician, this has been especially > horrific a thought. > Anyway, any links that any of you could provide would be helpful.  My > doctor has been less than informative and supportive in this. > Peace. > Fred

Response:

I’ve always had unexplainable pain with my tinnitus. Hyperacusis ? Maybe, but what I’ve learnt about all this is that nobody really knows anything about it !! Comes from a band rehearsal 13 years ago that was so loud I experienced pain. It is uncommon amongst T sufferers but seems to be more common with us musos. Dave "Susan " <suf…@aol.comnospam> wrote in message

news:20031230171024.06226.00002210@mb-m19.aol.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> x-no-archive: yes > In article <1ae5d37.0312301356.72036…@posting.google.com>, > cosmiclaugh…@hotmail.com (The Fredman) writes: > >My tinnitus is, like yours, difficult to deal with. > Hi, sounds like you’re having a really rough time with your T.  A lot of folks > here no longer find it difficult to deal with.  For some, treatment has helped > (hypnosis, TRT, medication, masking, etc…), for others, the passage of time > has allowed them to habituate it and not notice it unless they listen for it, > hard as this may be to believe now, that’s what usually happens. > >  Sometimes > >painful, other times it’s just annoying. > Are you talking about a concurrent physical sensation of pain?  If so, it > certainly warrants more medical evaluation than you seem to have gotten. >   It comes and goes and two > >things seem to set it off: 1.long silences (like at night when > >sleeping) > Sleep with a white noise generator, or radio tuned to static between stations. > Avoid complete silence. > and 2.cold air. > Use ear muffs or a hat if this triggers it. > > Has anyone else experienced this? > When I had very intrusive T, the only time it wasn’t awful was in my Volvo; > just the right road noise to mask it. >   Also, > >hot food seems to aggrevate it (soup, pizza, coffee, etc).  Is this > >common as well? > I haven’t heard this before, but foods high in salicylates trigger mine. > >Part of the scare this has caused is that I don’t know if this is > >going to worsen.  It has become more frequent in recent months but I’m > >told that it may not develop into more permanent hearing loss. > Hearing loss isn’t inevitable at all.  I have hyperacusis with my T, and often > have to turn my TV down to a volume I normally can’t hear. >   The > >info I’ve found online hasn’t helped in providing me with any > >information on this.  Being a musician, this has been especially > >horrific a thought. > Many musicians pass through here.   You probably already know about the > protection of musician’s custom ear plugs? > Susan

Response:

On 30 Dec 2003 13:56:16 -0800, cosmiclaugh…@hotmail.com (The Fredman) wrote: >Anyway, any links that any of you could provide would be helpful.

………….. Fred, here are a couple of links. The first is somewhat philosophical. The second is something my wife wrote in terms coping for a spouse. I hope you find them helpful. smn www.tinn.com/thresholds.html www.tinn.com/spouse.html

Response:

For earpain have a look at http://eebee.net/earpain.shtml For a place to discuss things that is not so rowdy go to http://pub126.ezboard.com/ftinnitussupport92262frm1 Just register with a nickname and password – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -cosmiclaugh…@hotmail.com (The Fredman) wrote: >There are just so many messages on this board that I just don’t have >the time to weed through it all. >My tinnitus is, like yours, difficult to deal with.  Sometimes >painful, other times it’s just annoying.  It comes and goes and two >things seem to set it off: 1.long silences (like at night when >sleeping) and 2.cold air.  Has anyone else experienced this?  Also, >hot food seems to aggrevate it (soup, pizza, coffee, etc).  Is this >common as well? >Part of the scare this has caused is that I don’t know if this is >going to worsen.  It has become more frequent in recent months but I’m >told that it may not develop into more permanent hearing loss.  The >info I’ve found online hasn’t helped in providing me with any >information on this.  Being a musician, this has been especially >horrific a thought. >Anyway, any links that any of you could provide would be helpful.  My >doctor has been less than informative and supportive in this. >Peace. >Fred

            Tinnitus is a pain in the neck Elly’s Tinnitus Resources http://www.eebee.net/ http://www.tinnitusrelief.net/ For email: elly at eebee.cjb.net

Response:

To the Fredman: Doctors are not supportive and helpful because they don’t know anything about tinnitus and they cannot cure it.  The first thing that happens when you go to the ENT is you get a hearing test, then maybe some medication for a month, then another hearing test – blah, blah, blah and then they say well, there’s nothing I can do and then they give you a prescription for xanex and that’s it. D.D.

Response:

Susan – and group, I’d be interested and very grateful if you could expand on the comment you made below about your tinnitus becoming worse with foods high in salicylates. As I posted here earlier tonight, I was just diagnosed today and am really fighting through some serious panic over it.  This comment of yours offers me some hope though.  I’ve been working on losing weight (down 30 pounds since August 03) and have been eating one full meal per day at dinner, with 1-2 apples for lunch. I hope it could really be something this easy (please God, make it so!). I’ll happily give up my apples and put those 30 pounds back on, if that’s what it takes to get rid of this miserable noise! Charlie "Susan " <suf…@aol.comnospam> wrote in message

news:20031230171024.06226.00002210@mb-m19.aol.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> x-no-archive: yes > In article <1ae5d37.0312301356.72036…@posting.google.com>, > cosmiclaugh…@hotmail.com (The Fredman) writes: > >My tinnitus is, like yours, difficult to deal with. > Hi, sounds like you’re having a really rough time with your T.  A lot of folks > here no longer find it difficult to deal with.  For some, treatment has helped > (hypnosis, TRT, medication, masking, etc…), for others, the passage of time > has allowed them to habituate it and not notice it unless they listen for it, > hard as this may be to believe now, that’s what usually happens. > >  Sometimes > >painful, other times it’s just annoying. > Are you talking about a concurrent physical sensation of pain?  If so, it > certainly warrants more medical evaluation than you seem to have gotten. >   It comes and goes and two > >things seem to set it off: 1.long silences (like at night when > >sleeping) > Sleep with a white noise generator, or radio tuned to static between stations. > Avoid complete silence. > and 2.cold air. > Use ear muffs or a hat if this triggers it. > > Has anyone else experienced this? > When I had very intrusive T, the only time it wasn’t awful was in my Volvo; > just the right road noise to mask it. >   Also, > >hot food seems to aggrevate it (soup, pizza, coffee, etc).  Is this > >common as well? > I haven’t heard this before, but foods high in salicylates trigger mine. > >Part of the scare this has caused is that I don’t know if this is > >going to worsen.  It has become more frequent in recent months but I’m > >told that it may not develop into more permanent hearing loss. > Hearing loss isn’t inevitable at all.  I have hyperacusis with my T, and often > have to turn my TV down to a volume I normally can’t hear. >   The > >info I’ve found online hasn’t helped in providing me with any > >information on this.  Being a musician, this has been especially > >horrific a thought. > Many musicians pass through here.   You probably already know about the > protection of musician’s custom ear plugs? > Susan

Response:

"The Fredman" <cosmiclaugh…@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:1ae5d37.0312301356.72036b45@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> There are just so many messages on this board that I just don’t have > the time to weed through it all. > My tinnitus is, like yours, difficult to deal with.  Sometimes > painful, other times it’s just annoying.  It comes and goes and two > things seem to set it off: 1.long silences (like at night when > sleeping) and 2.cold air.  Has anyone else experienced this?  Also, > hot food seems to aggrevate it (soup, pizza, coffee, etc).  Is this > common as well? > Part of the scare this has caused is that I don’t know if this is > going to worsen.  It has become more frequent in recent months but I’m > told that it may not develop into more permanent hearing loss.  The > info I’ve found online hasn’t helped in providing me with any > information on this.  Being a musician, this has been especially > horrific a thought. > Anyway, any links that any of you could provide would be helpful.  My > doctor has been less than informative and supportive in this. > Peace. > Fred

I wonder if you have tinnitus as a side effect of something else, Fred. I’ve never heard of pain associated with tinnitus.  Hyperaccousis and tinnitus?

Response:

There are just so many messages on this board that I just don’t have the time to weed through it all. My tinnitus is, like yours, difficult to deal with.  Sometimes painful, other times it’s just annoying.  It comes and goes and two things seem to set it off: 1.long silences (like at night when sleeping) and 2.cold air.  Has anyone else experienced this?  Also, hot food seems to aggrevate it (soup, pizza, coffee, etc).  Is this common as well? Part of the scare this has caused is that I don’t know if this is going to worsen.  It has become more frequent in recent months but I’m told that it may not develop into more permanent hearing loss.  The info I’ve found online hasn’t helped in providing me with any information on this.  Being a musician, this has been especially horrific a thought. Anyway, any links that any of you could provide would be helpful.  My doctor has been less than informative and supportive in this. Peace. Fred

Response:

OT Need a few Good Vibes

Question:

many prayers for your hubs – are they treating him with steroids? I ask cuz a friend lost her hearing and the diagnosis sounds like what yer hubs has. They were able to get much but not all of her hearing back with the steriods. Many prayers and hugs, Jane *Courage is the power to let go of the familiar*

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know how the support and how prayer works in this group so I need a few for my hubby.  He lost the hearing in his right ear with a freak virus about 14 years ago.  Now the left one is gone and he has no hearing at all and is very sick.  I spent all day yesterday at the ER where they did a CT scan to make sure he had not had a stroke.  That was negative so that is good.  Now they say he has something called Mastoiditis?sp?  He can barely walk, he is on the verge of vertigo and any motion makes him so sick.  I am getting him back and forth from the bed to the recliner but if he is not better Monday morning I will insist his doctor put him in the hospital and run more tests.  I am so worried that his hearing will not come back.  So if you have a few spare minutes during the holiday weekend, I would appreciate a prayer or two. Lea —  Lea Jackson

Response:

Positive vibes and a prayer coming your way Lea Mia – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I know how the support and how prayer works in this group so I need a few for my hubby.  He lost the hearing in his right ear with a freak virus about 14 years ago.  Now the left one is gone and he has no hearing at all and is very sick.  I spent all day yesterday at the ER where they did a CT scan to make sure he had not had a stroke.  That was negative so that is good.  Now they say he has something called Mastoiditis?sp?  He can barely walk, he is on the verge of vertigo and any motion makes him so sick.  I am getting him back and forth from the bed to the recliner but if he is not better Monday morning I will insist his doctor put him in the hospital and run more tests.  I am so worried that his hearing will not come back.  So if you have a few spare minutes during the holiday weekend, I would appreciate a prayer or two. Lea

Response:

Lea… Sounds awful!  I’m so sorry to hear that you and your hubby are having a tough time of it.  Lots of prayers and good thoughts are coming right at cha as I type this. Liz

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know how the support and how prayer works in this group so I need a few for my hubby.  He lost the hearing in his right ear with a freak virus about 14 years ago.  Now the left one is gone and he has no hearing at all and is very sick.  I spent all day yesterday at the ER where they did a CT scan to make sure he had not had a stroke.  That was negative so that is good.  Now they say he has something called Mastoiditis?sp?  He can barely walk, he is on the verge of vertigo and any motion makes him so sick.  I am getting him back and forth from the bed to the recliner but if he is not better Monday morning I will insist his doctor put him in the hospital and run more tests.  I am so worried that his hearing will not come back.  So if you have a few spare minutes during the holiday weekend, I would appreciate a prayer or two. Lea —  Lea Jackson

Response:

Hi Lea, Prayers are coming your way, and hope he is getting better, Sal

Response:

Sweet Lea, You got all the good vibes I can muster up going your way.  I’ll light candles for him too. Big Hugs Karen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know how the support and how prayer works in this group so I need a few for my hubby.  He lost the hearing in his right ear with a freak virus about 14 years ago.  Now the left one is gone and he has no hearing at all and is very sick.  I spent all day yesterday at the ER where they did a CT scan to make sure he had not had a stroke.  That was negative so that is good.  Now they say he has something called Mastoiditis?sp?  He can barely walk, he is on the verge of vertigo and any motion makes him so sick.  I am getting him back and forth from the bed to the recliner but if he is not better Monday morning I will insist his doctor put him in the hospital and run more tests.  I am so worried that his hearing will not come back.  So if you have a few spare minutes during the holiday weekend, I would appreciate a prayer or two. Lea —  Lea Jackson

Response:

(((((Hubby & Lea))))), prayers and mega vibes coming your way, hope he’ll be ok Lea! Big Hugs, ~Sage – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know how the support and how prayer works in this group so I need a few for my hubby.  He lost the hearing in his right ear with a freak virus about 14 years ago.  Now the left one is gone and he has no hearing at all and is very sick.  I spent all day yesterday at the ER where they did a CT scan to make sure he had not had a stroke.  That was negative so that is good.  Now they say he has something called Mastoiditis?sp?  He can barely walk, he is on the verge of vertigo and any motion makes him so sick.  I am getting him back and forth from the bed to the recliner but if he is not better Monday morning I will insist his doctor put him in the hospital and run more tests.  I am so worried that his hearing will not come back.  So if you have a few spare minutes during the holiday weekend, I would appreciate a prayer or two. Lea

Response:

{{{{{Mr & Mrs Jackson}}}}}  Prayers are on the way.  I’m so sorry this is happening. Jasmine

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know how the support and how prayer works in this group so I need a few for my hubby.  He lost the hearing in his right ear with a freak virus about 14 years ago.  Now the left one is gone and he has no hearing at all and is very sick.  I spent all day yesterday at the ER where they did a CT scan to make sure he had not had a stroke.  That was negative so that is good.  Now they say he has something called Mastoiditis?sp?  He can barely walk, he is on the verge of vertigo and any motion makes him so sick.  I am getting him back and forth from the bed to the recliner but if he is not better Monday morning I will insist his doctor put him in the hospital and run more tests.  I am so worried that his hearing will not come back.  So if you have a few spare minutes during the holiday weekend, I would appreciate a prayer or two. Lea —  Lea Jackson

Response:

I know how the support and how prayer works in this group so I need a few for my hubby.  He lost the hearing in his right ear with a freak virus about 14 years ago.  Now the left one is gone and he has no hearing at all and is very sick.  I spent all day yesterday at the ER where they did a CT scan to make sure he had not had a stroke.  That was negative so that is good.  Now they say he has something called Mastoiditis?sp?  He can barely walk, he is on the verge of vertigo and any motion makes him so sick.  I am getting him back and forth from the bed to the recliner but if he is not better Monday morning I will insist his doctor put him in the hospital and run more tests.  I am so worried that his hearing will not come back.  So if you have a few spare minutes during the holiday weekend, I would appreciate a prayer or two. Lea —  Lea Jackson

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know how the support and how prayer works in this group so I need a few for my hubby.  He lost the hearing in his right ear with a freak virus about 14 years ago.  Now the left one is gone and he has no hearing at all and is very sick.  I spent all day yesterday at the ER where they did a CT scan to make sure he had not had a stroke.  That was negative so that is good.  Now they say he has something called Mastoiditis?sp?  He can barely walk, he is on the verge of vertigo and any motion makes him so sick.  I am getting him back and forth from the bed to the recliner but if he is not better Monday morning I will insist his doctor put him in the hospital and run more tests.  I am so worried that his hearing will not come back.  So if you have a few spare minutes during the holiday weekend, I would appreciate a prayer or two. Lea —  Lea Jackson

Mastoiditis is the correct spellig.  There are mastoid air cells just behind the ear.  They are connected to the nose by narrow passageways. If those get plugged, mucous can accumulate there and eventually become infected.  It is a variant of sinusitis, except the spaces are called air cells not sinuses.

Response:

I hope he will be ok too, Sage.  But so far nothing is helping.  He is getting a little better about the motion sickness part of it, but the hearing is no better at all.  We go back to the Dr. tomorrow and they will do another test.  Then probably send us to UAB in Birmingham.   Maybe we can get a specialist there to find a way to make it better.  He is really getting iritated and I don’t blame him, but he needs to stop fussing at me.  It’s not my fault and I am the only care giver he has.   Thanks for the good vibes, maybe they will help. Lea ; (((((Hubby & Lea))))), prayers and mega vibes coming your way, hope he’ll be ; ok Lea! ; ; Big Hugs, ; ; ~Sage —  Lea Jackson

Response:

Thanks Jasmine, we can use all of the prayers we can get. Lea

; {{{{{Mr & Mrs Jackson}}}}}  Prayers are on the way.  I’m so sorry this is ; happening. ; Jasmine —  Lea Jackson

Response:

Thanks so much for the good vibes Dennis.  I hope you are doing well. Lea ;           You’ve got good vibes from me too, Lea!   ; ; Dennis —  Lea Jackson

Response:

Sweet Lea, You got all the good vibes I can muster up going your way.  I’ll light candles for him too.

        You’ve got good vibes from me too, Lea!   Dennis

Response:

Thanks, we may have to cancel our trip out there.  I am so dissapointed!   Unless he gets better a whole lot faster we will probably be tied up with docs and such.  Figures doesn’t it!  I just want him to get his hearing back and now! Lea ; Sweet Lea, ; ; You got all the good vibes I can muster up going your way.  I’ll light ; candles for him too. ; ; Big Hugs ; Karen —  Lea Jackson

Response:

she could switch it off right in your face if she thought she was going to be scolded.

I like her already. Erik

Response:

Thanks Bob, I appreciate you not getting me struck by lightning.  I really don’t need that right now.  (or do I?)  but I do need a tin foil hat for all these migraines I am having again lately.  Anyway, it’s a wonderful story and one I needed to hear.  I hope the same will happen here.  We went to B’ham to see a specialist and he did another in depth cat scan to check for some defects and blood work to look for genetic causes.  He also said that steriods are our best friend right now.  They injected liquid steriods behind the eardrum and will do another treatment next week and then another the week after that.  He said that could help but if not he gave us information on a cochlear implant.  We may end up doing that after the 1st of the year.  I’m just losing my it’s just not right.  I told him he better try to be nicer to me cause I’m the only caregiver he’s got!  Anyway going now to be loose….oops, I mean get loose, oh your know what I mean!  Thanks again old friend! Lea

; I know how the support and how prayer works in this group so I need a ; few for my hubby. ; ; Lea, ; Since we are old virtual friends, I won’t put you and your husband in danger ; of ; being struck by lightning by praying for you, but please know that I’m ; thinking ; about you. Once a few years ago I had a small stroke and lost my speech — ; totally. After a few months, my speech therapist told me her treatments were ; useless and might as well be stopped because they were doing no good … I ; was ; not going to be speaking any more. I didn’t mind all that much; certainly ; not ; enough to fight the inevitable; and besides, my children gave me a cane with ; a ; horn on it like the one Harpo Marks had, and told me that they had already ; heard ; everything I had to say … twice.  Six months later my voice started coming ; back and today it is as good as it ever was. I don’t for a minute think the ; cure ; was miraculous; just the way the human body works … and perhaps because I ; didn’t sweat it. ; ; I’ll tell you one thing I learned: Stroke victims are unreasonable ; sons-of-bitches and they give everyone who tries to help them hell. I knew I ; was ; being that way, but I couldn’t seem to rise above it. Perhaps loss of ; hearing, ; or any sudden unforeseen trauma, has a similar effect. ; ; Just stay loose, ; BobB ; ; p.s. I had a maiden aunt who was as deaf as a post. She wore a thing the ; size of ; a walkie-talkie on a chain around her neck that would roar if she didn’t ; keep it ; properly adjusted, which she never did. She had always been one to do and ; say ; everything she shouldn’t so she very much liked her electronic contraption ; because she could switch it off right in your face if she thought she was ; going ; to be scolded. ; B. ; ; p.s. I liked that horn; sometimes I miss it. ; B. ; ; ; ; ; —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– ; http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! ; —–==  Over 100,000 Newsgroups – 19 Different Servers! =—– —  Lea Jackson

Response:

I know how the support and how prayer works in this group so I need a few for my hubby.

Lea, Since we are old virtual friends, I won’t put you and your husband in danger of being struck by lightning by praying for you, but please know that I’m thinking about you. Once a few years ago I had a small stroke and lost my speech — totally. After a few months, my speech therapist told me her treatments were useless and might as well be stopped because they were doing no good … I was not going to be speaking any more. I didn’t mind all that much; certainly not enough to fight the inevitable; and besides, my children gave me a cane with a horn on it like the one Harpo Marks had, and told me that they had already heard everything I had to say … twice.  Six months later my voice started coming back and today it is as good as it ever was. I don’t for a minute think the cure was miraculous; just the way the human body works … and perhaps because I didn’t sweat it. I’ll tell you one thing I learned: Stroke victims are unreasonable sons-of-bitches and they give everyone who tries to help them hell. I knew I was being that way, but I couldn’t seem to rise above it. Perhaps loss of hearing, or any sudden unforeseen trauma, has a similar effect. Just stay loose, BobB p.s. I had a maiden aunt who was as deaf as a post. She wore a thing the size of a walkie-talkie on a chain around her neck that would roar if she didn’t keep it properly adjusted, which she never did. She had always been one to do and say everything she shouldn’t so she very much liked her electronic contraption because she could switch it off right in your face if she thought she was going to be scolded. B. p.s. I liked that horn; sometimes I miss it. B. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 100,000 Newsgroups – 19 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Lea, please let us know how that test went and if you’re going to Birmingham.  I will keep you and hubby in my prayers and the good vibes are still coming at y’all! Big Hugs (with an extra one for hubby so he won’t be fussy) ~Sage – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope he will be ok too, Sage.  But so far nothing is helping.  He is getting a little better about the motion sickness part of it, but the hearing is no better at all.  We go back to the Dr. tomorrow and they will do another test.  Then probably send us to UAB in Birmingham.   Maybe we can get a specialist there to find a way to make it better.  He is really getting iritated and I don’t blame him, but he needs to stop fussing at me.  It’s not my fault and I am the only care giver he has.   Thanks for the good vibes, maybe they will help. Lea ; (((((Hubby & Lea))))), prayers and mega vibes coming your way, hope he’ll be ; ok Lea! ; ; Big Hugs, ; ; ~Sage

Response:

You’re welcome, Lea Hugs, Jasmine

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Jasmine, we can use all of the prayers we can get. Lea ; {{{{{Mr & Mrs Jackson}}}}}  Prayers are on the way.  I’m so sorry this is ; happening. ; Jasmine —  Lea Jackson

Response:

Lea: I hope your husband gets better soon. Hearing loss is a tough one to hande for you and your husband. I hope you find a doctor who really knows what is wrong with your husband and can treat him right and to get him fealling better with the right treatment and the right medicine to get him better. Barbara Booth

Response:

Yikes! Just came across these, Lea. I’m so sorry. Isn’t it just always something? I sure hope somebody figures out something, and fast. How frustrating this must be for the both of you. I can imagine how difficult it has to be….he’s frustrated, you’re frustrated, you get the brunt of his frustration, you get more frustrated. And round and round we go. Of course, more importantly, there’s the worry and concern, and the just wanting help for him. Oh Lea….if we could just take some of this for you. Know that all good musterable (is that a word? I seem to be inventing words lately lol) vibes are being sent your way. Cyndi

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know how the support and how prayer works in this group so I need a few for my hubby.  He lost the hearing in his right ear with a freak virus about 14 years ago.  Now the left one is gone and he has no hearing at all and is very sick.  I spent all day yesterday at the ER where they did a CT scan to make sure he had not had a stroke.  That was negative so that is good.  Now they say he has something called Mastoiditis?sp?  He can barely walk, he is on the verge of vertigo and any motion makes him so sick.  I am getting him back and forth from the bed to the recliner but if he is not better Monday morning I will insist his doctor put him in the hospital and run more tests.  I am so worried that his hearing will not come back.  So if you have a few spare minutes during the holiday weekend, I would appreciate a prayer or two. Lea —  Lea Jackson

Response:

The ENT said he did not think the ER doc was right with this diagnosis, but who knows.  When I asked him what he had he rolled off some long medical term and when I asked what that was he said "He lost his hearing"  Well duh……I already know that!  I guess we will see what happens tomorrow when we go back and I will let you all know.  Thanks everyone for caring, it means a lot to me!!! Lea ; Mastoiditis is the correct spellig.  There are mastoid air cells just ; behind the ear.  They are connected to the nose by narrow passageways. ; If those get plugged, mucous can accumulate there and eventually become ; infected.  It is a variant of sinusitis, except the spaces are called ; air cells not sinuses. ; ; —  Lea Jackson

Response:

Thanks Sal, no better, but the prayers are greatly appreciated! Lea ; Hi Lea, ; ; Prayers are coming your way, and hope he is getting better, ; ; Sal ; ; —  Lea Jackson

Response:

Thanks Jane, the ENT finally put him on steroids last week and said maybe they would help.  No luck so far.  We go back tomorrow for another test and probably then on to specialists in Birmingham at UAB. Lea ; many prayers for your hubs – are they treating him with steroids? I ask cuz ; a friend lost her hearing and the diagnosis sounds like what yer hubs has. ; They were able to get much but not all of her hearing back with the ; steriods. ; Many prayers and hugs, ; Jane ; ; *Courage is the power to let go of the familiar* ; —  Lea Jackson

Response:

Thanks Liz, we need all the prayers and good thoughts we can get.  His hearing is no better.  I keep hoping that he will wake up and suddenly be able to hear normally again! Lea ; Lea… ; ; Sounds awful!  I’m so sorry to hear that you and your hubby are having a ; tough time of it.  Lots of prayers and good thoughts are coming right at cha ; as I type this. ; ; Liz —  Lea Jackson

Response:

Employment and hearing loss

Question:

I have a profound hearing loss.  I use h.a’s, but still have trouble understanding speech.  I’ve been in retail management most of my life, but lost my job due to the hearing loss. I get private disability payments that equals 60% of my former salary.  I want to work at something close to my former pay level.  Any advise for finding work? I’ve been working with state vocational rehab, but they are about useless.

Response:

Sure. Start your own company – Pick a company mission that communicates almost exclusively via email/fax, etc. As a "Retail Management Consultant", you can write marketing plans, promotion programs, training packages, etc. That’s but one example of many. Begin with a flexible business plan – an operating model that is adaptable to changing circumstances and new information. That plan is the cornerstone of your project, and must include market research, financial models, an operational script, and specific milestones. There are many references as to how to construct such a plan. To produce a professional business plan for investors is complex and difficult. If, however, it’s to become a guide only for you then content is much more important than form. Your success will depend upon the quality of the plan, your discipline in following it, and your competence. Good luck!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -richar…@webtv.net wrote: > I have a profound hearing loss.  I use h.a’s, but still have trouble > understanding speech.  I’ve been in retail management most of my life, > but lost my job due to the hearing loss. I get private disability > payments that equals 60% of my former salary.  I want to work at > something close to my former pay level.  Any advise for finding work? > I’ve been working with state vocational rehab, but they are about > useless.

Response:

<richar…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:3921-3F8D2FD9-13@storefull-2195.public.lawson.webtv.net… > I have a profound hearing loss.  I use h.a’s, but still have trouble > understanding speech.  I’ve been in retail management most of my life, > but lost my job due to the hearing loss. I get private disability > payments that equals 60% of my former salary.  I want to work at > something close to my former pay level.  Any advise for finding work? > I’ve been working with state vocational rehab, but they are about > useless.

Are you possibly a candidate for a cochlear implant?  If so, it may improve your employability.

Response:

I’m not sure where you are from and therefore what would be available to you, but I deal with groups that are helping me find work because of my hearing loss.  I deal with the March of Dimes and The Hearing Aid Society and they offer me employment support.  Check what’s available in your area. You never know. Lyne <richar…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:3921-3F8D2FD9-13@storefull-2195.public.lawson.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a profound hearing loss.  I use h.a’s, but still have trouble > understanding speech.  I’ve been in retail management most of my life, > but lost my job due to the hearing loss. I get private disability > payments that equals 60% of my former salary.  I want to work at > something close to my former pay level.  Any advise for finding work? > I’ve been working with state vocational rehab, but they are about > useless.

Response:

"L Mohan" <buyerhea…@sympatico.ca> wrote in message

news:6B3lb.3129$XO.518025@news20.bellglobal.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m not sure where you are from and therefore what would be available to > you, but I deal with groups that are helping me find work because of my > hearing loss.  I deal with the March of Dimes and The Hearing Aid Society > and they offer me employment support.  Check what’s available in your area. > You never know. > Lyne > <richar…@webtv.net> wrote in message > news:3921-3F8D2FD9-13@storefull-2195.public.lawson.webtv.net… > > I have a profound hearing loss.  I use h.a’s, but still have trouble > > understanding speech.  I’ve been in retail management most of my life, > > but lost my job due to the hearing loss. I get private disability > > payments that equals 60% of my former salary.  I want to work at > > something close to my former pay level.  Any advise for finding work? > > I’ve been working with state vocational rehab, but they are about > > useless.

  I’m also can’t return to my former profession (Systems Programmer/Mainframes) do to lack of hearing (40% in one ear, 0% in other) and I developed depression/general anxiety disorder. I’ve been out of work for about 2 1/2 years (no disability – working on it though). Of course a part of my lack of being able to get a job in my former profession (besides my loss of hearing to, complete loss of hearing in one ear after a stapedectomy)  do to the complete change in the IT industry.  I would suggest you try your local workforce commission (or whatever your area calls it). I’m in Texas and there is a Texas Workforce Commission to help people try to find employment as well as helping out financially in other areas (I’m not familiar in this area, but I know they provide it). You might start by checking out your state’s web site and see where help is available. Q

Response:

Thanks to everyone for your input.  It seems that any place I contact for help, they refer me back to vocational rehab here in Florida.  I’m just not impressed with vocational rehab.  the only place that relly impressed me was the League For The Hard of Hearing; but they refered me to v. r. also for employment help. There is a possibility of a C.I. in my future, but thats a whole different thing to deal with. BTW……….I don’t think the Marlins are going to do it.

Response:

I think part of the problem with VR for the hearing impaired is that they get used to working with people who have been deaf most or all of their lives, and who are therefore not quite on a par with the hearing.  Then when they meet someone like you, they don’t adjust well to your functional level.  I’ve often felt I’d rather work with someone who has no experience at all in dealing with the disabled. Nevertheless, they can be a source of $$$, among other resources.  I think of it as giving up a few skirmishes in order to win the war. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On Wed, 22 Oct 2003 01:03:24 -0400 (EDT), richar…@webtv.net wrote: >Thanks to everyone for your input.  It seems that any place I contact >for help, they refer me back to vocational rehab here in Florida.  I’m >just not impressed with vocational rehab.  the only place that relly >impressed me was the League For The Hard of Hearing; but they refered me >to v. r. also for employment help.

Response:

The people at VR are terrible.  If I want to meet with them, it take six weeks. My counselor(s) never answer when I call, and don’t return my calls, e-mails, or faxes. They finally referred me to a job that pays $6 an hour.  I can’t believe the state of Florida uses my tax dollars to pay these people anything.

Response:

    MD’s VR do not require counselor to have MA in rehabilitative counseling. A HS diploma will suffice. God bless you. Try networking; making a resume without the word deaf or TTY number (use a hearing rleative phone number); and good luck. Mike richar…@webtv.net wrote in message

<18654-3F99487F…@storefull-2194.public.lawson.webtv.net>… The people at VR are terrible.  If I want to meet with them, it take six weeks. My counselor(s) never answer when I call, and don’t return my calls, e-mails, or faxes. They finally referred me to a job that pays $6 an hour.  I can’t believe the state of Florida uses my tax dollars to pay these people anything.

Response:

Rush Limbaugh, deafness and painkiller link?

Question:

A year or two ago Rush Limbaugh went deaf virtually overnight, and eventually had to have a cochlear implant. Shortly before, the House Hearing Institute  announced that prolonged overuse of prescription painkillers such as Vicodin (Hydrocodone) and oxycodone* could lead to sudden, total hearing loss. This was pretty widely reported for a period, and I remember coming across a usenet article by someone titled "Rush on vikes"?  The connection seemed tempting at the time, given the mystery surrounding Limbaugh’s sudden hearing loss, but I wondered… A couple of years later, and I hear on the news that Limbaugh is being investigated for illegally obtaining drugs. Aha, I thought… Sure enough: hydrocodone and oxycodone, in massive quantities, over many years. None of which proves anything, of course: officially Limbaugh’s deafness is being attributed to autoimmune inner ear disease – but you would hardly expect his publicists to attribute it to chugging handfuls of illegally obtained vikes for years. AIED is a conveniently nebulous culprit. I’m not posting this to attack Limbaugh; I wouldn’t wish sudden deafness, with or without T, on anyone, even him. In fact at this stage the painkiller abuse allegations are not even proven. I’m just making some connections which the media doesn’t seem to have made yet. To me it adds suggestiveness to the Vicodin/deafness story. Draw your own conclusions. I  already have personal experience which I can’t prove means anything, but my suggestion is stay of those suckers if possible. * it was vicodin, not oxy, that was specifically mentioned in the House report, but if you look at the stats, vicodin is massively prescribed compared with oxy. J.

Response:

The House Institute stated that it was the Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen combination that caused the hearing damage, and that the narcotic alone has not been shown to have the same effect. Other ototoxic drugs are listed as being more damaging to those with impaired liver function. Connecting the two leads me to think that perhaps the large doses of Acetaminophen are damaging the liver, leaving the person prone to the hearing loss. So, hearing loss or death from liver failure are the fates that await those who abuse the combination pills. However, the Hydrocodone alone, being more dangerous(?), is more strictly regulated. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Jenna wrote: > A year or two ago Rush Limbaugh went deaf virtually overnight, and > eventually had to have a cochlear implant. Shortly before, the House > Hearing Institute  announced that prolonged overuse of prescription > painkillers such as Vicodin (Hydrocodone) and oxycodone* could lead to > sudden, total hearing loss. > This was pretty widely reported for a period, and I remember coming > across a usenet article by someone titled "Rush on vikes"?  The > connection seemed tempting at the time, given the mystery surrounding > Limbaugh’s sudden hearing loss, but I wondered… > A couple of years later, and I hear on the news that Limbaugh is being > investigated for illegally obtaining drugs. Aha, I thought… > Sure enough: hydrocodone and oxycodone, in massive quantities, over > many years. > None of which proves anything, of course: officially Limbaugh’s > deafness is being attributed to autoimmune inner ear disease – but you > would hardly expect his publicists to attribute it to chugging > handfuls of illegally obtained vikes for years. AIED is a conveniently > nebulous culprit. > I’m not posting this to attack Limbaugh; I wouldn’t wish sudden > deafness, with or without T, on anyone, even him. In fact at this > stage the painkiller abuse allegations are not even proven. I’m just > making some connections which the media doesn’t seem to have made yet. > To me it adds suggestiveness to the Vicodin/deafness story. Draw your > own conclusions. I  already have personal experience which I can’t > prove means anything, but my suggestion is stay of those suckers if > possible. > * it was vicodin, not oxy, that was specifically mentioned in the > House report, but if you look at the stats, vicodin is massively > prescribed compared with oxy. > J.

Response:

Jeff Radom <jradomdeathtospamm…@nycap.rr.com> wrote in message <news:3F7DEC31.672D7DB4@nycap.rr.com>… > The House Institute stated that it was the Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen > combination that caused the hearing damage, and that the narcotic alone > has not been shown to have the same effect.

They subsequently found the same effect in oxycodone. It doesn’t surprise me that this didn’t show up immediately, as Vicodin is massively prescribed compared with oxycontin. > Other ototoxic drugs are > listed as being more damaging to those with impaired liver function.

I hadn’t heard anything about that. > Connecting the two leads me to think that perhaps the large doses of > Acetaminophen are damaging the liver, leaving the person prone to the > hearing loss.

Acetaminophen can certainly damage the liver, but… and if, as you say there is  evidence that impaired liver function leaves people more vulnerable to ototoxicity, then I suppose that’s possible – but the information I’ve read is still speculating that the mechanism is something to do with opioid receptors in the inner ear. I hadn’t read any mention of the liver being involved. So, hearing loss or death from liver failure are the fates > that await those who abuse the combination pills. However, the Hydrocodone > alone, being more dangerous(?), is more strictly regulated.

It depends on what you mean by ‘more dangerous’. Leaving aside the question of whether hydrocodone/oxycodone are potentially ototoxic for the moment, I assume the reason that the two drugs are usually combined is more because oxy/hydro is highly addictive and has a high abuse potential, rather than because it’s outright dangerous per se (though it is). Oxy/hydro can certainly cause respiratory depression, and if someone who hadn’t developed a tolerance to them took them in very large amounts (particularly if they mixed them with alcohol) they could certainly end up dead. However Acetaminophen is _absolutely_ damaging to the liver, even in amounts not all that much larger than the recommended dose. If someone with a _high tolerance_ to hydrocodone was taking 30 hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets a day (and I doubt there are many people taking that many a day who _haven’t_ developed a high tolerance, because – why would you?), and not mixing them with alchohol, my completely unprofessional guess is that they would be more likely to die from the acetaminophen toxicity than the hydrocodone. Put it this way: my GP has strongly warned me against taking more than two codeine/acetaminophen tablets inside of four hours, saying I could cause permanent liver damage within one day. He has never warned me against taking more than two  codeine phosphate tablets at once. His only observation was that there probably woulnd’t be much point. Sorry, that doesn’t address your idea about ototoxicity via liver damage, however I have suffered very significant, permanent tinnitus increase after fairly moderate oxycodone use (albeit coming after years of lowish codeine use for a back injury),  and can’t take them at all anymore – and the tablets had no acetaminophen in them whatsoever, so I’m guessing the researchers would be seeing the same problems with or without the acetaminophen. In the absence of any clinical research, it’s pretty hard to assess how hydrocodone is going to affect the ears by itself, when almost none of the hydrocodone prescribed is prescribed without something else in the mix. However, acetaminophen is certainly widely consumed without hydrocodone, so I would like to see some evidence that acetaminophen by itself can lead to deafness. If it can’t, you’re left with it either being the opiates, or it being some weird effect from combining the two.  If you do a bit of research, you’ll find that there are apparently unusual levels of deafness in heroin abusers too. My guess the acetaminophen by itself isn’t the culprit. J.

Response:

I never thought it was. The "dangerous" remark was really the beginning of an OT rant on the politics of pain medication that I’ve decided not to subject the group to. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->   If you do a bit of research, you’ll find that > there are apparently unusual levels of deafness in heroin abusers too. > My guess the acetaminophen by itself isn’t the culprit. > J.

Response:

A "safe level" for amalgam/ Hg: a flawed concept

Question:

I think the idea that there is a "safe level" of amalgam Hg is a flawed concept: 1.Mercury changes its form. Amalgam Hg is placed in the mouth as a metal. As such it appears to be contained, apart from microleakage.

"Microleakage of amalgam cavity treatment systems: an in vitro evaluation" http://tinyurl.com/cfcg  However, as the fillings begin to wear, to chip or to otherwise leak, mercury vapour is  released. The amount from each filling has been estimated as being between 2-5 mcg per day.

"Dental Amalgam and Mercury in Dentistry" http://tinyurl.com/co03 However this amount varies according to factors such as chewing, bruxism (teeth grinding), hot drinks and acidic foods. As well, one study has found that different people have different rates of uptake from their own amalgams. Some may have a considerably higher Hg uptake than do most others.

Correction: Those who were found to have higher uptake are thought to either chew gum or to have bruxism. They are most likely in the same category. "People with high mercury uptake from their own dental amalgam fillings" http://tinyurl.com/dbqf Further changes happen within the body. One study found amalgam Hg to be the primary source of both inorganic and organic mercury in the saliva.

"Dental amalgam fillings and the amount of organic mercury in human saliva" http://tinyurl.com/cgs1 Another found that while the amount of Hg in the placenta increases according to the mothers’ number of amalgams, the placental Hg has a higher level of organic mercury. The mercury concentration in the placenta was twice that found in the mothers’ blood.

Correction: I hadn’t realised that fish in the diet were a factor.  However this does not alter the main considerations. Excerpt: "I-Hg levels in placenta increased with an increasing number of maternal dental amalgam fillings (p < 0.001)…  Although MeHg transferred easily to the fetus, it also accumulated in the placenta. On average, 60% of placental Hg was in the form of MeHg. The median concentration was 1.8 microg/kg (range, 0-6.2 microg/kg wet weight), more than twice the maternal blood concentration….  The associations were particularly obvious in freshwater fish consumers, probably reflecting that fish is a source of both MeHg and selenium." "Inorganic mercury and methylmercury in placentas of Swedish women" http://tinyurl.com/cgrz Yet another example of mercury changing form within the body has been found in the brain. Methylmercury has been found to change to inorganic mercury in the brain over time.

"Mercury accumulation in brains from populations exposed to high and low dietary levels of methyl mercury…" http://tinyurl.com/dbs6 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 2.  Mercury, including small amounts of Hg,  has effects at many levels including molecular, genetic, cellular, neuronal, and on the immune and endocrine systems.  It has a range of types of effects, including cytotoxic, neurotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic. Then there is the question of its effects on other metals and of interactions between them.  And also, mercury has effects on senses, including sight (both general vision changes and color vision loss) and hearing. All of the above means that in order to determine its "safety",  each of those potential effects would need to be taken into consideration. To test its safety for any group of children or adults, all of the above would need to be evaluated. 3. Time is a factor. An amount of Hg which is deemed "safe" for some individual at a one time will have different effects over a longer time as the mercury exposure, however low level, becomes chronic. Age of the person is also relevant, and effects vary with gender. Males and females respond differently to mercury exposure at different ages. And for younger females, the changes which will occur during pregnancy and the susceptibility of the children need to be considered. 4. Individual personal differences such as genetic factors, age, gender, occupation, diet, geographical location, and prior bodyload of Hg also need to be taken into account when determining whether an amount of Hg is "safe" for someone at any particular time. — Again, if you’d like refs for any of this in particular, please ask.

Response:

If anyone would like citations for anything in particular that’s referred to, just ask and I’ll post the references and URLs later in reply. For the moment this is all I have time for. Here are some of the reasons that I think the idea that there is a "safe level" of amalgam Hg is a flawed concept: 1.Mercury changes its form. Amalgam Hg is placed in the mouth as a metal. As such it appears to be contained, apart from microleakage.  However, as the fillings begin to wear, to chip or to otherwise leak, mercury vapour is released. The amount from each filling has been estimated as being between 2-5 mcg per day.  However this amount varies according to factors such as chewing, bruxism (teeth grinding), hot drinks and acidic foods. As well, one study has found that different people have different rates of uptake from their own amalgams. Some may have a considerably higher Hg uptake than do most others. Further changes happen within the body. One study found amalgam Hg to be the primary source of both inorganic and organic mercury in the saliva. Another found that while the amount of Hg in the placenta increases according to the mothers’ number of amalgams, the placental Hg has a higher level of organic mercury. The mercury concentration in the placenta was twice that found in the mothers’ blood. Yet another example of mercury changing form within the body has been found in the brain. Methylmercury has been found to change to inorganic mercury in the brain over time. 2.  Mercury, including small amounts of Hg,  has effects at many levels including molecular, genetic, cellular, neuronal, and on the immune and endocrine systems.  It has a range of types of effects, including cytotoxic, neurotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic. Then there is the question of its effects on other metals and of interactions between them.  And also, mercury has effects on senses, including sight (both general vision changes and color vision loss) and hearing. All of the above means that in order to determine its "safety",  each of those potential effects would need to be taken into consideration. To test its safety for any group of children or adults, all of the above would need to be evaluated. 3. Time is a factor. An amount of Hg which is deemed "safe" for some individual at a one time will have different effects over a longer time as the mercury exposure, however low level, becomes chronic. Age of the person is also relevant, and effects vary with gender. Males and females respond differently to mercury exposure at different ages. And for younger females, the changes which will occur during pregnancy and the susceptibility of the children need to be considered. 4. Individual personal differences such as genetic factors, age, gender, occupation, diet, geographical location, and prior bodyload of Hg also need to be taken into account when determining whether an amount of Hg is "safe" for someone at any particular time. — Again, if you’d like refs for any of this in particular, please ask.

Response: