Snoring and Sleep Apnea? Are they Different?

........YES, They are Different!

Although a snoring problem can lead to Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea is a condition that occurs when the airway is blocked, and can actually cause you to stop breathing for 10 seconds or even longer. Sleep Apnea is a treatable condition.

Below are possible treatment options: 

Weight loss

Nasal Decongestant

Positional Therapy

Surgery

Oral Appliance

Breathing Mask 

If you or a loved one suffers from allergies or asthma attacks then you know there are “triggers” that can bring on an attack. Some of the most common triggers are:

Tobacco Smoke: Do not allow secondhand smoke near you, in your home, your car, or wherever you spend a lot of time

Dust Mites: are in every home. Use mattress covers and pillowcase covers to make a barrier between dust mites and yourself. Do NOT use down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters.

Outdoor Air Pollution: Can come from factories, cars, etc. Be aware of air quality reports

Cockroach Allergen: Remove as many water and food sources as you can in your home to prevent cockroaches

Pets: If you have a furry pet make sure you vacuum often. If your floors have a hard surface (wood or tile) damp mop them every week

Mold: Humidity can make mold grow. Try to control humidity with an air conditioner or a dehumidifier. Fix water leaks, which let mold grow behind walls and under floors

Smoke from burning wood or grass: Smoke from burning wood or grass is made up of a mix of harmful gases and small particles. Breathing in too much of this smoke can cause an attack. If you can, avoid burning wood in your home

Helpful hint: Check air quality reports often, on the radio, internet, television, and your local newspaper to plan your activities for when air pollution levels will be low.      www.cdc.gov

Don’t Ring in the New Year!

Often referred to as “ringing in the ear”, tinnitus can be constant or intermittent and can be heard in one ear, both ears, or in the head.

Great News! A recent study published by the Better Hearing Institute, suggested that about 50% of tinnitus sufferers reported relief when using hearing aids that have been appropriately fit for their hearing loss.

How do Hearing Aids Help?

By improving hearing and communication, hearing aids amplify sounds so that the prominence of tinnitus is reduced. The aids take the stress out of listening, which is also a major factor in the loudness of tinnitus.

Tips to Lessen the Severity of Tinnitus

• Don’t worry about Tinnitus

• Recognize tinnitus is an annoyance and try to ignore it

• Limit exposure to extremely loud sounds / noise

• Control high blood pressure

• Limit caffeine: coffee, tea, cola, chocolate

• Exercise to increase circulation

• Get enough rest

• Reduce Stress

For more information on Tinnitus please visit www.betterhearing.org