Mark Ruffalo Real Life Hero

He is an Oscar nominated actor, filmmaker and political activist. He is one of the most respected performers in Hollywood, famous for roles in movies like 'Foxcatcher', 'Zodiac' and the 'Now You See Me' movies. His name is Mark Ruffalo and he has just earned a whole new generation of fans by starring as Bruce Banner AKA The Incredible Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is currently reprising the role in 'Thor: Ragnarok' and is set to continue in the next two 'Avengers' movies. Mark Ruffalo has made a name for himself defeating super villains and smashing inter galactic baddies. However, it is not widely known that the cinematic superhero is living with his own battles off screen, which has affected his hearing, and it is something he must live with day to day.

In 2002, Mark Ruffalo was lined up to play Mel Gibson's brother in the science fiction thriller 'Signs'. It was the latest film by 'Sixth Sense' director M. Night Shyamalan. However, the actor had to drop out, to be replaced by Jaoquin Pheonix due to a health issue. Ruffalo was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. A type of brain tumour which effects between six and nine million people in America annually, amounting to around 2,000 and 3,000 cases. There are various symptoms of an acoustic neuroma. They range from sudden hearing loss, inner ear damage, tinnitus, headaches, balance problems and pressure in the ear, among other signs. Mark Ruffalo underwent surgery and fortunately the tumour turned out to be benign, but, following the operation, he was left with temporary partial facial paralysis. He eventually recovered from the paralysis, but the tumour left him deaf in his left ear. However, he has learned to live with his condition and is going on from strength to strength.

He has received Academy Award nominations and is starring in the biggest box office blockbusters around. His name has been linked with many exciting projects. These include a remake of the classic TV series 'Columbo', where he will take on the role played by the legendary Peter Falk. He was coincidently another actor who overcame a disability to succeed. Falk had his right eye removed at the age of three, due to a tumour. It didn't stop him becoming the biggest TV star in the world in the 70s and the winner of four Emmys, the television Oscar.

We at Darroch Hearing believe nothing should stand in the way of people with hearing loss living a full life and achieving everything they are capable of. We can help through our expert advice and extensive selection of hearing aid solutions, designed to improve your quality of life. Why not see for yourself?

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog

Experience 'The Force' With A Hearing Loop System

The Christmas season is fast approaching, and for many people, this includes a family day out to the cinema. December sees the long-anticipated release of the new Star Wars film 'The Last Jedi'. However, this can be difficult and frustrating for individuals suffering from hearing loss who must wear a digital hearing aid. But, there is an exciting new technological breakthrough designed to enhance the movie-going experience for people living with hearing loss. It is called a hearing loop system and it can change how sufferers enjoy the movies.

The hearing loop system can help people who rely on a hearing aid to watch the film. This is with a microphone which picks up the spoken word. It is then transported to a wire, which covers the entire perimeter of the auditorium by way of an amplifier. The line, otherwise known as the induction loop, serves the same purposes as a transmitter or an antenna. The hearing loop system allows sound to be transported straight to a person's hearing aid, so that they can hear the movie. It has been reported that the popular cinema chain Odeon will be fitting their cinemas across the country with the newest induction loop systems. It is an amazing discovery, which allow sufferers to listen to the movie through their hearing aid.

It is another example of how an excellent hearing aid solution can enhance and improve the lives of people living with hearing loss. We at Darroch Hearing have offer the most extensive choice of top quality hearing aids. They are a force to be reckoned with!

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog

Types of Hearing Aids

When it comes to choosing a hearing aid, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. The first, of course, is the severity of your hearing loss. The next is the design and style of the hearing aid, and then you need to choose whether you want an analogue or digital hearing aid.

It may seem overwhelming, but when you speak to your Darroch Hearing audiologist, he or she will be able to give you sound advice and guidance as which will suit not only your ears but also your pocket:

1. Analogue hearing aids process sound by amplifying electronic signals whereas digital hearing aids use small computer chips to process sounds.

2. The first type of hearing aid that you get is the traditional ‘behind the ear’(BTE) design. This consists of a housing that sits behind the ear with an amplifying tube running across the front of the ear to the receiver seated inside the ear.

3. The ‘receiver in the ear’(RITE) design is smaller than the BTE and easier to manage. More of its parts are situated inside the ear.

4. ‘In theear’ (ITE) hearing aids fit completely in the ear and are less visible than the BTE and RITE. Unfortunately, these tend to need more maintenance than other hearing aids.

5. ‘Completely inthe canal’(CIC) hearing aids are also situated entirely in the ear, but are smaller than the ITE. These are not suitable for those who have severe hearing loss or even if you get ear infections regularly.

The choice is yours,but we will gladly help you make the best-informed decision for your hearing loss as well as cosmetic needs. Just talk to your audiologist when you come in for your check-up.

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog

3 Things that Cause Hearing Aids to Whistle

We see a lot of different hearing aid problems here in our clinic. One of them is whistling. Yes, hearing aids can generate a whistling noise that not only reduces their effectiveness but also makes wearing them rather annoying. If you’ve noticed your hearing aid whistling, stop in and see us. We can probably take care of the problem without expensive repairs being necessary.

The three most common causes of whistling hearing aids are:

1. Improper Fit

In order for hearing aids to work as they should, they need to fit snugly into the ear canal so that no sound can escape. An improper fit that allows escaping sound causes feedback that the hearer recognises as whistling. It’s a lot like a microphone feeding back if it’s too close to a speaker. Improper fit can be addressed through modifying the moulding or showing you a better way to insert the hearing aid.

2. Damaged Tubing

The tubing on your hearing aid is that which carries sound from the speaker into your ear canal. Therefore, if the tubing is damaged, it creates the same kind of problem you would experience if the earpiece doesn’t fit properly. Sound escapes and causes feedback. The thing to understand about tubing is that it wears out and breaks down over time. The average hearing aid needs to be re-tubed every 4 to 6 months.

3. Excess Earwax

The third cause of a whistling hearing aid actually has nothing to do with a hearing aid itself. It is the result of excess wax build-up that doesn’t allow the hearing aid to fit properly. The simple solution is to remove the wax from the ear. Most hearing aid wearers need this simple procedure from time to time.

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog