Dr. Bredenkamp recieved his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. He then went on to serve a six year residency at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine in the department of Surgery.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Hearing protection devices decrease the intensity of sound that reaches the
eardrum. They come in two forms: earplugs and earmuffs.
Earplugs: Earplugs are small inserts that fit into the outer ear canal. To be
effective they must totally block the ear canal with an air-tight seal. They are
available in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit individual ear canals and can
be custom made. For people who have trouble keeping them in their ears, they can
be fitted to a headband.
Earmuffs: Earmuffs fit over the entire outer ear to form an air seal. They
are held in place by an adjustable band. Earmuffs must be snugly sealed so the
entire circumference of the ear canal is blocked.
Properly fitted earplugs or muffs reduce noise by 15 to 30 dB of sound. The
better earplugs and earmuffs are approximately equally effective in sound
reduction. However, earplugs are better protection against low frequency noise
(such as noise from a jackhammer), and earmuffs are better protection against
high frequency noise (such as noise from an airplane taking off). For high
frequency sounds, think of the high-pitched treble keys of the piano, whereas
for low frequency sounds, think of the low- or deep-pitched bass keys of the
piano.
Simultaneous use of earplugs and muffs usually adds 10
to 15 dB more protection than either used alone. Combined use should be
considered when the noise exceeds 105 dB. It is important to understand that
ordinary cotton balls or tissue paper wads stuffed into the ear canals are very poor protectors since
they only reduce noise by approximately 7 dB.
Excessive noise exposure may occur at live rock concerts
as well as in more intimate venues for music whenever amplification is utilized. The damage to
hearing from music is every bit as permanent as that incurred by other means. As
a matter of fact, special high-fidelity earplugs have been developed
specifically for such situations and are being utilized by musicians and
professional sound engineers. These earplugs are specially designed to eliminate
the so-called plugged (occluded) ear effect and to maintain an even reduction of
sound across the frequency range. Otherwise, when the ear is plugged, the
plugged ear effect makes one's voice sound more bass, or deeper, and louder.
Try it by occluding your ear(s) (gently) with your finger, and speak. You'll
hear the plugged ear effect.
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults.
Dizziness is a symptom that is often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of dizziness include low blood pressure, heart problems, anemia, dehydration, and more. Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause.
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased.
Tinnitus is a ringing or swishing that seems to originate in the ear or head. Most of the time it is not a serious problem (it is however, a nuisance to those that suffer from the condition). Causes of tinnitus include loud noise exposure (firearms, loud music), medications, and other diseases (Meniere's disease). Treatment options are limited for tinnitus. Tinnitus can be prevented by wearing hearing protection when exposed to loud noises.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
The Eustachian tube is a membrane lined tube that connects the middle ear space to the back of the nose. Problems include partial or complete blockage which can cause popping, clicking, and ear fullness. Allergies, sinus and ear infections, or the common cold can cause this blockage, while altitude changes can cause symptoms in those persons with Eustachian tube problems. Treatment includes several maneuvers (swallowing, chewing gum, yawning etc.), which can be done to improve Eustachian tube function.
Vertigo is a feeling of spinning movement, and at times accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur. Vertigo is most often associated with an inner ear problem. The treatment for vertigo can be lifestyle changes and medication if necessary.
Middle ear infection or inflammation (otitis media) is inflammation fo the middle ear. There are two types of otitis media, acute and chronic. Acute otitis media is generally short in duration, and chronic otitis media generally lasts several weeks. Seventy-five percent of children in the U.S. suffer from otitis media at some point. Treatment depends upon the type (chronic or acute).
Heart disease (coronary artery disease) is caused by a buildup of cholesterol deposits in the coronary arteries. Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, heredity, diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and obesity. Symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath. There are a variety of tests used to diagnose coronary artery disease. Treatment includes life-style changes, medications, procedures, or surgery.
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
Meniere disease (idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) is an inner ear disorder with symptoms that include vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and the sensation of ear fullness. Diuretics, anti-vertigo, anti-nausea and low salt diets are the primary treatment for Meniere disease. Surgery may be recommended if the vertigo cannot be controlled with medication.
Ear was is a natural substance secreted by special glands in the skin on the outer part of the ear canal. It repels water, and traps dust and sand particles. Usually a small amount of wax accumulates, dries up, and then falls out of the ear canal carrying with it unwanted particles. Under ideal circumstances, you should never have to clean your ear canals. The absence of ear wax may result in dry, itchy ears, and even infection. Ear wax may accumulate in the ear for a variety of reasons including; narrowing of the ear canal, production of less ear wax due to aging, or an overproduction of ear wax in response to trauma or blockage within the ear canal.
Balance is a state of body equilibrium or stability. We often take for granted how dependent we are on a healthy balance system. When the system breaks down, however, patients will describe symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, or motion sickness.
There are three types of Usher (Usher's) syndrome, the most common condition that affects both vision and hearing. The major symptoms of Usher syndrome include retinitis pigmentosa (night-blindness and a loss of peripheral vision), and hearing loss. Usher syndrome is a genetic condition. There is no cure for Usher syndrome.
Hearing loss (deafness) may be present at birth or it may manifest later in life. Deafness may be genetic or due to damage from noise. Treatment of deafness depends upon its cause.
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