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Wall Street Journal Reviews Etymotic Hf2 Sound-Isolating Earphones

Sounds of Life: Water-Proof Headphones

Although I have yet to try the technology, this is a concept I really love. Music is an important motivator for most people, especially when we go out for that long bike ride, run or swim. San Diego-based H2O Audio has developed a line of water-proof headphones and accessories for athletes and active people. They recently inked deals with athletes such as pioneer surfer Laird Hamilton and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. If you are looking for a solution that allows you to enjoy your tunes in the pool or surf, check out the H20 Audio website for some interesting options and let me know what you think.

What Makes Us Happy?

For the past 42 years, Harvard psychiatrist Dr. George Vaillant has been the lead scientist associated with the Grant Study. The research associated with the Grant Study spans over 70 years and the lives of 268 Harvard students (many well into their eighth decade of life). Here Vaillant points to examples from this longitudinal study in an attempt to answer a question many of us frequently contemplate: "What makes us happy?"

Tinnitus: The Washington Post Interviews Dr. Kasper

Tinnitus is a rapidly growing issue for millions of Americans, including countless veterans who have served (and continue to serve) bravely in the military. Use this link to read "The Buzz That Veterans Hear" in today's Washington Post written by Tom Wilkinson.

Ask the Audiologist - Cochlear Implants & The Brain...

Dear Dr. Kasper,

I have a question regarding cochlear implants. Considering the language processing centers are located in the left side of the brain, would this make a difference when someone is deciding which ear to implant?

Sincerely,

JT

 

Dear JT,

A cochlear implant is an amazing device that allows individuals with significant hearing loss to gain or regain perception of sound. It accomplishes this through an electrode array that is surgically inserted into the inner ear. A customized external processor that converts sound in the environment to electrical impulses activates the electrodes. In turn, the electrodes stimulate the remaining portions of the hearing nerve and sound information is then transmitted to the brain where it is heard.

Not everyone with hearing loss is a candidate for a cochlear implant. Adults who are 18 years or older who have severe to profound sensory-neural hearing loss in both ears and don’t benefit through the use of standard hearing instruments, are potential candidates. Also, children as young as 12 months old with profound sensory-neural hearing loss in both ears might be candidates, as well.

To answer your question, I spoke with Jaclyn Spitzer, Ph.D., the Director of Audiology and Speech-Pathology at New York-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. In addition to her significant clinical experience, Dr. Spitzer has published extensively on her research with cochlear implants and patient outcomes.

According to Dr. Spitzer, “Despite the fact that the brain has specialization in the two hemispheres, the hemispheres do not operate independently. There is neural communication between the sides that transfers information between the locations.” She continues, “Research has demonstrated that there is no difference in cochlear implant performance between persons implanted on the right side versus the left.” Dr. Spitzer concluded by noting there are other factors that are much more important when the team is considering which ear to implant. I would defer to your team of healthcare professionals to help you determine what those factors might be in your specific case.

Thank you for your question, JT and good luck!

CK