Posts

New Drug Promises Relief from Tinnitus

/in , /by

New Drug Promises Relief from Tinnitus, Epilepsy

   

New Drug Promises Relief from Tinnitus, Epilepsy

Neurophysiologists at the University of Connecticut (UConn) have discovered a new drug that may prevent tinnitus and treat epilepsy by selectively affecting potassium channels in the brain. According to an article in the June 10, 2015 edition of The Journal of Neuroscience, Anastasios V. Tzingounis, PhD, and colleagues say that both tinnitus and epilepsy are caused by overly excitable cells that flood the brain with an overload of signals that can lead to seizures (epilepsy) or phantom ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

The authors report that roughly 65 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy. While exact statistics on tinnitus are not easy to determine, the American Tinnutus Association estimates that two million people in the US suffer from disabling tinnitus.

Anastasios V. Tzingounis, PhD

Anastasios V. Tzingounis, PhD, University of Connecticut

According to Tzingounis and co-authors, the existing drugs available to treat epilepsy don’t always work and can have serious side effects. One of the more effective drugs, retigabine, helps open KCNQ potassium channels, which serve as the “brakes” that shut down the signaling of overly excited nerves. Retigabine, however, has terrible side effects and is usually only given to adults who don’t get relief from other epilepsy drugs. The side effects of retigabine include sleepiness, dizziness, problems with hearing and urination, and a disturbing tendency to turn patients’ skin and eyes blue.

In 2013, Tzingounis began collaborating with Thanos Tzounopoulos, PhD, a tinnitus expert at the University of Pittsburgh, to create a new drug candidate. The new drug, SF0034, was chemically identical to retigabine, but included an extra fluorine atom. Originally developed by SciFluor, the company wanted to know whether the compound had promise for treating epilepsy and tinnitus.

Thanos Tzounopoulos, PhD,

Thanos Tzounopoulos, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

Tzingounis and Tzounopoulos thought the drug had the potential to be much better than retigabine in treating both conditions. They first had to determine if SF0034 worked on KCNQ potassium channels the same way retigabine does, and if so, if it would be better or worse.

The co-authors explain in their article that KCNQ potassium channels are found in the initial segment of axons, long nerve fibers that reach out and almost touch other cells. The gap between the axon and the other cell is called a synapse. When the cell wants to signal to the axon, it floods the synapse with sodium ions to create an electrical potential. When that electrical potential goes on too long, or gets overactive, the KCNQ potassium channel kicks in. The result is that it opens, potassium ions flood out, and the sodium-induced electrical potential shuts down.

In some types of epilepsy, the KCNQ potassium channels have trouble opening and shutting down runaway electrical potentials in the nerve synapse. Retigabine helps them open. According to the authors, there are five different kinds of KCNQ potassium channels in the body, but only two are important in epilepsy and tinnitus: KCNQ2 and KCNQ3. The problem with retigabine is that it acts on other KCNQ potassium channels as well. That’s why it has so many unwanted side effects.

When testing SF0034 in neurons, the researchers found that it was more selective than retigabine. It appeared to open only KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 potassium channels, and to not affect the KCNQ 4 or 5 potassium channels. The research showed that SF0034 was more effective than retigabine at preventing seizures in animals, and it was also less toxic.

The results are promising, and SciFluor plans to start FDA trials with SF0034 to test its safety and efficacy in people. Treating epilepsy is the primary goal, but treating or preventing tinnitus is a secondary goal.

Source: UConn; Medical News Today

Photo credits: University of Connecticut; University of Pittsburgh; © Skypixel | Dreamstime.com

New hearing for 2020

/in , /by

New you, new hearing for 2020

So the new year and new decade is here. As loud as the T.V. maybe you still are 100% sure you don’t need at the very least a hearing test. You are not that bothered that your granddaughters first few words are unheard by you or that the gossip from the next door neighbour just isn’t as good as it used to be.  She talks so quietly these days you really are tired of straining to hear.

Maybe the Postman just didn’t push the doorbell hard enough as you were in when he called and you missed that package that you were waiting in all day for an now you have to go 14 mies to the sorting office with I.D. to make the collection.. At rush hour!

These little annoyances crammed with so many others it would take more than the internet to tell them all, maybe down to one thing? Your hearing maybe not as it once was (understatement possibly).

Hearing tests at the Keynsham hearing centre Bristol

Here at Keynsham Hearing we get to see many reluctant men and women who have for years put off what we all know. We are all getting older and really annoyingly we are hard of hearing! Or DEAF!

There we said it.  Now we have that out there is usually a huge relief as it’s not as bad as you think.  These days there is a huge difference in how hearing can be corrected in the main part. Tech is smaller, fancier and more connected than ever before.

We do understand the stigma attached to admitting that your hearing is not what it used to be. We also understand hearing is vital for people to stay connected with their family and daily lives.

Ear wax removal Keynsham Somerset

If you feel that you or someone you love could do with knowing just what their hearing is really like then we are happy to conduct a simple hearing tests and go from there. It may even by a simple ear wax issue that can be corrected in minutes.

Hearing can be corrected. Keynsham Bath, Bristol

The latest 2020 hearing aids available at the Keynsham hearing centre.

Book you appointment by calling or clicking here 

New report on deafness therapy 

/in , /by

New report on deafness therapy

New report in deafness therapy has been reported by a new scientific paper. Here at the Keynsham hearing centre are keen to keep up with the latest information to keep our patients informed.

Below is what was reported by the hearing review recently. 

High-pressure Oxygen Therapy May Help Treat Sudden Deafness, Says ‘JAMA’ Study

   

Keynsham hearing centre deafness experts

Bottom Line: The addition of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (where patients receive pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber) to standard medical treatment was associated with an improved likelihood that patients who experience sudden deafness might recover all or some of their lost hearing, JAMA Network announced on its website. Sudden deafness, also known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), is hearing loss that happens within a few days and often has no identifiable cause. This study combined the results of 19 studies, including three randomised clinical trials, and suggests a greater benefit of adding the hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be associated with those patients who have severe to profound hearing loss and who failed to recover after standard medical treatment. A limitation of this study is that because a substantial number of patients with SSNHL will spontaneously recover, the benefits of treatment may not have been accurately evaluated.

For earwax removal in Wiltshire please try our colleague in Devizes 

Authors: Tae-Min Rhee, MD, DMO/UMO, National Maritime Medical Center, Changwon, Republic of Korea, and coauthors.

Original Paper: Rhee T-M, Hwang D, Lee J-S, Park J, Lee JM. Addition of hyperbaric oxygen therapy vs medical therapy alone for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018. Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/2704029

Source: JAMA Network, JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg

Bath hearing aid centre

/in , /by

Bath hearing aid centre

It has been estimated that only 1-in-5 people who need a hearing aid wears one.

Audiologist Stephen Neal of The Keynsham hearing centre, thinks that is unfortunate.

He has been fitting people with hearing aids for more than 20 years and says today’s technology has something for just about everyone’s hearing loss.

Hearing centre Bath

He says hearing aids now are smaller and can be regulated more discreetly and that the computer chips inside them recognise different sound types and can be programmed to adjust volume accordingly as well as to meet an individual’s specific hearing needs.

Blue Tooth technology allows for direct streaming of sound into the ears from smartphones and other devices and, he adds, always improving applications from manufacturers enable those phones to act as remote controls in adjusting volume and sound in a variety of settings as well.

“Sometimes people have the idea that there is nothing that can be done for them. They might feel their hearing is not bad enough or they might feel like their hearing is so bad that nothing can be done,”

Ear wax removal Bath Somerset

“Sometimes I find they were told 40 years ago, hearing aids won’t help you. If there is anyone who heard that, that is not true today. The technology can fit a wide range of hearing losses from mild to profound and, if it gets to the point where hearing aids don’t do the trick, we refer people for a cochlear implant and they can have that and that technology continues to get better, too.”

Stephen Neal is available for hearing consultations and ear wax removal. Please call reception and speak with Anita.

Bath Hearing aids

/in /by

Bath Hearing aids

Earwax, earwax removal, microsuction, Bath, Somerset, Wiltshire, Radstock, Yeovil, Frome,

Mr Stephen Neal offers ear wax removal at his Keynsham hearing centre. 

 

Stephen Neal the specialist hearing aid independent offers you expert advice on what hearing aids you need after a comprehensive hearing test. He also offers ear wax removal (ear syringing)  using the very gentle Microsuction technique as used by most ear wax removal centres. This technique is gentle, safe and very quick without the mess or inconvenience of water. He does however use water irrigation if preferred or for medical reasons is needed.

Along with ”ear syringing”, Stephen is also a main brand stockists of the very latests 2020 versions of hearing aids.

Hearing aids Bath

If you are in need of ear wax removal and you live in the Bath or Bristol area please call reception and speak with Anita to book your appointment. Out of hours appointments are also available.

Bath Ear syringing centre

/in , /by

Bath Ear syringing centre

 

We talked ear health very seriously here at our Bath Ear syringing centre. Bellow is some information regarding going away and hitting the beach or pool.

Stephen Neal is based at the Keynsham hearing centre and is a leading ear wax removal specialist.

 

As many people set out for holiday in coastal towns during the hot summer days, more attention should be paid to ear health. With people taking a dip at every opportunity the risk of an outer ear infection can increase significantly. An early diagnosis of external otitis can prevent any serious infection. Here are the causes and treatments of outer ear infections.

Don’t neglect your ear care

Outer ear infection is common in the summer, when more people cool off in the sea or in a pool. The outer ear remaining wet, contact with dirty pool water, seawater or foreign bodies, allergy, other skin conditions and chronic diseases like diabetes are the main factors that increase the risk of an outer ear infection.

Stephen Neal the Bath audiologist specialist based at the Keynsham hearing centre is available for all types of ear wax removal.

Bath Ear syringing centre

 

This is why patients who have previously had an outer ear infection suffer from the same disease again if attention is not paid. Outer ear infection is often caused by bacteria and fungi, while viruses and parasites can rarely be a factor. The chronic condition of the outer ear infection, which often occurs in the form of acute infections, is called “swimmer’s ear,” which is very difficult to treat.

Ways to avoid outer ear infection

The main principle for avoiding outer ear infection is to remove risk factors. The ways of avoiding can be listed as follows:

Treat and keep your chronic diseases under control.

Do not keep water in ear and do not use ear sticks during shower.

Do not swim in dirty and low chlorine pools and in dirty parts of the sea.

Use silicone stopper when swimming in order to prevent water from getting into outer ear.

Remove the water escaping to the ear after swimming with head movements.

You can use a few drops of vinegar to ensure the optimal PH level in the outer ear after swimming.

Outer ear infection includes clinical cases including serious life-threatening infections. For this reason, diagnosis should be made at the earliest stage of complaints and treatment should be started quickly.

Smelly earwax in your ear

The outer ear is a canal shaped, extending from earlap to eardrum, with one end opening outward and the other closed by eardrum. The outer ear is a structure that is susceptible to infections due to being a canal with one end open, poor ventilation and its humid environment. It is possible to list the three main symptoms of outer ear infection as pain, discharge and hearing loss. The pain can be severe and increase when you touch your ear. The discharge is yellow-green and usually smells bad. Hearing loss results from outer ear edema and discharges from outer ear due to infection. The disease can be easily diagnosed by a simple ear examination in the patient with the aforementioned complaints. In diagnosis, it is important to distinguish that the discharge is not from middle ear, but from outer ear. Therefore, a specialist examination is recommended.

After the examination, the specialist doctor will determine the best method of treatment. The outer ear should be thoroughly cleaned during treatment. Local antibiotic drops, cortisone drops and painkillers are used. Since ear

drops cannot reach the canal in patients with highly edematous and closed outer ear canal, suppositories should be placed in outer ear for a few days to ensure that the drops reach the canal.

More severe in diabetic patients

Systemic antibiotic use and rarely hospitalisation may be required for advanced outer ear infections in people with risk factors, such as diabetes. During treatment, ears should be protected from water and water sports should be suspended. Materials such as hearing aids, headphones and stoppers should not be used during this period as they make the treatment harder.

Ear syringing Bath Somerset

 

If you do end up having any hearing or ear issues please see your GP as soon as you can.  However if you have or think you have ear wax and need this removed please book in for an appointment at the Bath Ear syringing centre.

Hearing aids Bath

/in , /by

Hearing aids, Bath

 

Hearing aids Bath, at the Keynsham hearing centre.

 

 

The best hearing aids around Bath, Somerset, are to be found at the Independent hearing centre called Keynsham hearing centre. Stephen Neal, lead audiologist and owner, is a truly independent hearing centre selling premium hearing aids and conduct ear wax removal either by the traditional water irrigation (ear syringing) method, or using Micro-Suction.

Hearing aids, Bath, Somerset

Hearing aids are now a lot smaller than they once were. If you feel that your hearing isn’t what is once was and maybe struggling in loud environments, busy restauraunts or just cant seem to pick up what sometimes is said, having a hearing test will see what is happening with your hearing. Once the hearing test has been completed we can discuss what the next path would be. It could be that your hearing is fine and all you need is your ears cleaning of any excess ear wax. if however, you are suffering from hearing loss, then we would discuss how slight or how severe that hearing loss is and show you what is currently on the market that would help your hearing back to something it once was.

Hearing aids, Combe Down, Bath

You will be amazed at how small some hearing aids really are. Some are so small you just cannot see them at all as they sit inside your ear canal. These are for slight hearing loss only, but if that is all you have it would really help to gain your confidence in social gatherings knowing that you can be part of the conversation again.

If you live near or in Bath, Somerset, or surrounding areas and would like to really get your hearing back to something it once was, call or pop in to make an appointment. We are here to help and to make your life once more an enjoyable hearing experience. The Keynsham hearing centre.

 

Watch our ear wax removal Video here.

Hearing aids Bath and Bristol, ear wax removal Bath, Ear wax removal Bristol

Latest digital hearing aids from Stephen Neal audiologist Bristol and Bath

Digital Hearing aids Somerset

/in /by

Digital Hearing aids Somerset

 

Digital Hearing aids Somerset can be found at the Keynsham hearing centre, Somerset. We specialise as a truly independent hearing company to get your hearing back to a level you may have missed in a while. We offer a full spectrum hearing test. This test is designed to find out exactly what hearing loss you may have so we can then tailor the correct type of hearing aid/s you may require.  Not all hearing aids are the same. Depending on what type of hearing loss you have depends on what type of hearing aid you may need. Stephen Neal the lead audiologist has a wealth of knowledge and will guide you on to what type of hearing iAd would suit your needs.

Keynsham hearing centre

Not all hearing aids are the same. Stephen will explain what would suit you, so you are well informed to make your own decision before you embark on buying hearing aids.  Hearing aids can be perceived at being expensive but to have your hearing back to a level which you no longer miss out on conversations in loud environments is the difference between being in the conversation or not. Hearing health is as important as eye sight so why not get your hearing test booked in now.

Somerset hearing aids

After the hearing test we will know more about what your hearing loss is so we can then get you back to some sort of normality when it comes to hearing in noisy crowded rooms, traffic noise, or watching the TV at your level while not annoying your loved ones.  Hearing is a sense we all take for granted but as we get older it can and does deteriorate. Why put up with second best living standards when with our help we can get you back some of the normality in hearing you enjoyed when you were younger.

Contact Anita on reception to book an initial hearing test, from there let us start your journey together to really get your hearing heath back to some normality.

If you need ear wax removal in Somerset please look at our video here to see Micro-suction ear wax removal.

Hearing aids, ear wax removal-Somerset

Hearing aids & Dimensia-Somerset-ear-wax-removal

Bath Ear wax removal

/in /by

Bath Ear wax removal

 

Bath Ear wax removal . The Keynsham hearing centre is the place to find out more information if you are suffering with hearing loss of any type. Sometimes the loss can be quite mild and irritating so you just put up with it for now. This could easily be a build up of wax that is blocking the ear canal and can easily be removed in a few minutes at Keynsham.  Ear wax removal is usually done using a very very small suction device called Micro-Suction. We have produced a video on how this works and how the ear wax removal appointment will look like. Stephen Neal is who you would see at Keynsham and he is shown on the video.

Ear wax removal Bath

You can watch the Micro-Suction ear wax removal video here.

To book an appointment at the Keynsham clinic please call reception and speak with Anita or use the contact form .

 

Stephen Neal hearing news:

 

International Campaign for Better Hearing Announces Results of Hearing Loss Survey

Ear wax removal Bath, Somerset

Hearing loss Bath

A new survey conducted in ten countries, specifically designed to study the habits of people with hearing loss, reveals how people around the world feel about their hearing condition and how addressing hearing loss with treatment can help significantly improve quality of life.

The study results, which the The International Campaign for Better Hearing announced in a press release, conclude that 74% of respondents from around the world with hearing loss have at some point been embarrassed, while 69% have felt anxious, 64% have experienced feeling socially isolated, 59% felt tired/drained, 62% suffered from anger or frustration, and 49% have even felt unsafe as a result of their hearing loss.

Ear wax removal Bath

The US ranked highest, with 81% of their respondents experiencing social isolation because of their hearing loss,while people in Spain were the most likely to have experienced feeling unsafe because of their condition (79%).

After recognizing a problem with their hearing, 3/10 people globally delayed getting assessed and treatment as they believed losing their hearing was just a fact of aging and therefore couldn’t be helped, and 24% delayed seeing a professional as they were too embarrassed to go.

The US and UK respondents were quickest to seek medical help with 17% of US respondents and 16% of UK respondents pursuing advice as quickly as within a month of noticing a problem with their hearing. However, it took 22% of Irish, 18% of Australian, and 18% of New Zealand respondents over 5 years to seek help. Overall, less than half of respondents across the globe sought advice for their hearing issues within 6 months, and more than a third waited over a year.

After being diagnosed with hearing loss, 91% of respondents had treatment globally, which included hearing aids, cochlear implants, surgery, and wax removal. According to the survey, respondents from Ireland were most reluctant to accept treatment—35% compared to the global average of 9%.

The most common treatment for hearing loss across the globe was wearing a hearing aid, topping the poll in all but one market region. In fact, more than 8/10 of respondents in half of the countries polled reported that they wear aids, and significantly, 84% reported that their life has consequently improved by treatment.

The survey revealed that the most common prompts for recognizing hearing problems are difficulty with conversations (62%), having to turn up the radio/TV (60%), and having friends and family point out that they are missing out on sounds (51%).

“In general, it seems that noticing hearing issues does not always spur us to seek medical advice, even though a vast majority have at some point felt anxious, unsafe, or alone. In fact, we are actually willing to wait a considerable amount of time and live with our symptoms,” said Ann-Kristin Foss, brand and communications manager, International Campaign for Better Hearing. “Considering how much of a difference hearing loss treatment can make to our lives we want to encourage more people to get their hearing checked as soon as they notice any difference to their hearing ability.”

Ear syringing Bath, Somerset

“If you noticed a problem with your eyesight, you would almost certainly get checked out as soon as possible, and would visit an optician for a diagnosis,” said Foss.  “Over half of the respondents that took our survey were more likely to turn to health services than to a hearing specialist for diagnosis of their hearing issues. Thanks to the International Campaign for Better Hearing, everyone can now receive a free hearing test at a number of professional hearing clinics across the world.”

The International Campaign for Better Hearing survey also looked to find out whether people with hearing loss were aware of the links between unaddressed hearing loss and health issues, and the results reveal that the majority of global respondents demonstrated an “alarming lack of knowledge” of how hearing loss can affect overall health. Whilst many are familiar with the links between hearing loss and social withdrawal and depression, more than three quarters are unaware that hearing loss can cause problems with heart health, strokes, and diabetes. Furthermore, 80% aren’t aware that untreated hearing loss may increase your risk of developing dementia. This question was also posed to family members of people with hearing loss, which produced slightly more positive results.

The International Campaign for Better Hearing advocates the importance of hearing loss identification, offering free hearing tests for everyone—particularly encouraging people over the age of 60 to have their hearing checked at a clinic for free, as they are at a higher risk of hearing loss. The initiative, which is supported by hearing care retailer Audika Group, is making every effort to inform and educate about hearing health and the dangers of untreated hearing loss as well as making hearing aids accessible to those who otherwise could not afford them via a give-back program.

For more information visit: https://www.campaignforbetterhearing.org/

Source: The International Campaign for Better Hearing

 

New hearing aids Somerset

/in /by

New hearing aids Somerset

New hearing aids in Somerset at the Keynsham hearing centre. We are used to new hearing aids arriving from various manufacturers all year round, but when something is really new and exciting we love to tell you and our existing clients why we are so excited.

Hearing aids have evolved in recent years. Digital hearing aids have made the devices so small and powerful they are no longer what people expect to see. The huge hearing aid of old is getting less visible these days, the new as powerful hearing aids are now tiny. If you are looking for new hearing aids in Somerset, we are the place for you!

New hearing aids Devon

The tech inside these little wonders are amazing on so many levels. Take one of the many things they can do. They can connect to your mobile phone and you can talk wirelessly without the phone in your hand as if you were talking to a person next to you. The hearing aid is catching your voice and transmitting this to your phone via bluetooth. You can hear perfectly as your hearing aid is in your ear so you don’t have to really listen hard to get what the conversation is. It’s all done without you doing anything. This tech isn’t new, it has been around for some years, but if your hearing aids are not ”Connected” versions, then maybe when you are next due a new set of hearing aids, you can ask to be told of what’s new in this ”Connected” world.

Devon hearing aid centre

Stephen Neal the lead audiologist at Keynsham hearing centre will be happy to show you and explain all about what is new and on offer. He will also show you how you connect your new digital hearing aid with various tech such as mobile phones, IPads, and the T.V.

If you are in need of ear wax removal please watch our ear wax removal video here.

Make your appointment with Stephen Neal now by calling Anita on reception.

Keynsham hearing news:

 

Semtech and Sonova Launch Jointly-Developed Radio System

Digital hearing aids, Devon

Latest Digital hearing aids at the Honiton hearing centre, Devon

Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC), a supplier of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, and Sonova, a developer of hearing care solutions, announced a jointly developed advanced radio system. The ultra-small integrated circuit (IC) is said to be a main component for a new generation of hearing aids, enabling support for multiple radio protocols in the 2.4GHz band, as well as effective operation on very low power, according to the announcement.

New hearing aids Somerset

“This chip allows Sonova to move in a new direction with our hearing aids,” said Marc Secall, director, research & development, wireless, at Sonova. “The breakthrough radio technology and power management are the game changers for hearing aids. It allows them to support a number of applications that have previously not been possible in a hearing aid, all at low power consumption and low supply voltage. Possible applications span from connectivity to any Bluetooth®-enabled audio device (eg, a smartphone or television) to full duplex audio streaming between hearing aids and connectivity to wireless microphones.”

Ear wax removal Somerset

“Semtech continues to innovate and create flexible, reliable solutions for challenging applications associated with the best radio frequency connectivity at the lowest power and 0.8V supply voltage,” said Jean-Paul Bardyn, vice president of research and development of Semtech’s wireless and sensing products group. “Sonova has long been a leader for hearing devices. By implementing Semtech’s technology and enabling access to the Cloud, we believe that these devices will enrich the IoT-connected solutions which Semtech is serving with LoRa Technology.”

Source: Semtech, Sonova

Images: Semtech, Sononva