There are hundreds out there who experience difficulty in hearing. They are not aware or are too nervous to address the issue. However, hearing loss is a very serious issue and needs to be checked immediately. Hearing loss is generally permanent and must be taken care of immediately. The good news is that in most cases it can be rectified without any surgery. A hearing aid is a device is placed externally in the ear, into the canal. It acts as a filter and ensures that the right sounds reach the ear. There are several brands and models available today. You must consider a hearing aid device only when suggested by a specialized doctor. Here are a few things you should know before buying one.
Hearing test
It is very important to get a hearing test. The hearing loss will vary from person to person. It can also happen in both ears. The devices are molded to perfectly fit the individual. Hence a hearing test will help determine how much the power of the hearing aid should be. They also get a mold and the size of the device based on the ear.
The test in itself is painless. Thus, you need to get it done before placing an order. Miracle Ear hearing aids can be bought after customizing the devices.
Get your priorities straight
If the doctor has suggested a hearing aid, you must understand that it is of utmost importance. If there are any changes in lifestyle recommended, pay heed to it. Experts usually ask patients to avoid using earphones and listening to loud music.
Consult several doctors
You need to get the opinions of several medical experts. They will give you a clear idea of the extent of your problems. You can also ask them for the best and most economical brand you can go for. There are several companies that are making hearing aids in different sizes and shapes. Efforts are being made to optimize and make it in smaller sizes. Get an expert opinion and find the one that is most suitable for you.
Medical history
It is necessary to get to the root of the problem. You need to give the doctor a complete brief on your medical history. All the surgeries and medication you have undergone will play a key role in diagnosing the root cause of your hearing loss. It will also give a clear picture on how you can move forward and rectify it.
Check all the models
They are available in several models. Most companies offer all of these.
– In the ear (ITE)
– Behind the ear (BTE)
– Completely in the canal (CIC)
– Mini CIC
– In the canal (ITC)
You can explore different brands and find the most convenient model for you. Miracle Ear hearing aids have varieties in all of the above.
Have realistic expectations
The hearing loss could most probably permanent. Hence you need to accept that a hearing device is needed. It is easy to use and can be removed any time. The hearing may not always be as effective as it was before. However, with the latest technologies, it is pretty accurate.
Have an open mind
If you have any preconceived ideas about hearing aids you can leave them all aside. Hearing aid styles have come a long way. They are available in several styles and in small sizes. They are merely a small addition to the ear that will make your life a lot easier.
Support system
Frustration and irritation are common in those who experience hearing loss and need a hearing aid. Hence it is recommended to have a family member or a loved one in the loop. It will make the entire ordeal a lot easier to handle.
Chronic migraine is a condition where the affected person experiences at least 15 headache days a month. It is observed that at least 8 out of these 15 days are migraine headaches with severe symptoms, and this pattern of discomfort remains consistent for 3 months. Initially, it may not be a frequently occurring episode, however, with time, the episodes may get regular with chronic headaches. If left untreated, this condition can affect a person’s life.
Causes
Several factors determine the onset of this kind of migraine. One of them includes a steady increase in the frequency of episodic headaches. Over-the-counter treatment options that are used to treat frequent headaches stop affecting over time, leading to side effects that develop into chronic headaches. Some other factors that can put an individual at a high risk of developing this condition include mood disorders like anxiety or depression, snoring, excessive caffeine intake, ongoing disturbed sleep patterns, and a history of stressful life events causing emotional or physical trauma. An unhealthy lifestyle leading to an increase in the body mass index (BMI) can also be a causal factor.
Symptoms
There is no difference between symptoms of chronic migraines and episodic migraines. However, the only thing to notice is the increased frequency of episodic headaches in a month. Some typical symptoms of this illness can be observed for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Transitioning symptoms (episodic to chronic migraines)
Diagnosis
A health professional will take a look at the affected person’s health history. If needed, the doctor may ask questions that help understand the migraine patterns. The questions include how and when the migraines begin, how long they last, are there any notable physical factors or triggers that worsen the condition, and where the location of the pain is.
The professional may also ask for a detailed history of other health conditions like anxiety, depression, lifestyle choices that may trigger these headaches, any treatment options used, and possible side effects that could be factored into the diagnosis. Based on the results, appropriate treatment methods will be advised and implemented.
Treatment options
Most of the treatment methods focus on managing the symptoms, the migraine attacks, and reducing the episodes and pain.
One of the treatment therapies includes focusing on lifestyle changes.
Some other treatment options for managing migraine attacks include:
Other techniques include:
Also, maintain a headache diary and note down the possible triggers and the number of migraine attacks in a month. If there’s a notable increase in the attacks, consult a doctor at the earliest. Knowing the triggers can help the doctor chalk out an effective treatment plan.
Preventive treatments and methods
Apart from treatment options that help manage the symptoms, there are preventive treatment methods that reduce the episodes of these headaches to a certain extent. These include using beta blockers and other therapies. One such treatment method also includes using an Allergan product named BOTOX®, which doctors recommend for those 18 years and older. The intravenous treatment method is administered around the neck or the head, where the migraine pain usually affects the person. This ten-minute procedure is not painful and can prevent headaches for three months. The procedure takes place in a doctor’s clinic under close supervision.
Chronic migraine can be painful and disrupt everyday life activities, so choosing the right treatment plan is crucial. Get all the information from a licensed health professional and seek the best possible treatment plan according to a detailed diagnosis.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin. The pigment melanin is responsible for giving the skin its color. Advanced melanoma can form inside one’s nose, throat, or digestive tract. Studies show that the risk of melanoma increases in people under 40, especially women. Knowing the early signs of the disease is crucial since melanoma can be treated successfully if detected early.
Stages
There are five stages of melanoma. The cancer cells of Stage 0 melanoma are restricted to the epidermis, the top layer of skin. The epidermis and dermis, the deeper layer of the skin, both contain cancer cells in Stage I melanoma. Stage II melanoma is marked by tumor thickness and ulceration, while Stage III is marked by melanoma deposits in the skin and cancer spreading to nearby lymph nodes. The advanced stage of melanoma, also called metastatic skin cancer, shows the further spread of cancer to distant areas of the body.
Causes of advanced melanoma
The exact cause of melanoma is unknown, although exposure to harsh ultraviolet (UV) radiation, tanning beds, or lamps has been shown to increase one’s risk of getting the disease. One can develop skin disease anywhere in one’s body. Those with a family history of the disease or exposure to radiation or vinyl chloride are also vulnerable to metastatic melanoma.
Signs of advanced melanoma
An early sign of melanoma is the development of an unusual mole. Normal moles are minor and uniform in size and color. But melanoma moles have irregular shapes or borders and can be larger than 6 millimeters. If a mole grows in size, color, and shape and causes itchiness, it’s best to get it checked. Advanced melanoma may lead to chronic fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or liver, loss of appetite, jaundice, skin itchiness, headaches, and even seizures. Depending on where the metastatic melanoma has spread, one may experience chest pain, breathing issues, aching bones, paralysis, sleepiness, and swelling in one’s legs or abdomen.
Melanoma treatment options
The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate for patients with melanoma that has spread to surrounding lymph nodes is 66%. Surgery is a common way to treat it. Targeted therapy is another method to eliminate the tumor and its metastases selectively. Alternatively, immunotherapy aids a person’s immune system in recognizing and shrinking cancer cells. Other treatments for metastatic skin cancer include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Conclusion
Opdulag is a standard treatment for advanced melanoma skin cancer. The therapy, given by intravenous (IV) infusions, works with one’s immune system and is used to fight cancer that has spread or cannot be surgically removed. If one experiences any early signs of melanoma skin cancer, it’s recommended to consult a doctor immediately.