Health
COCHLEAR IMPLANT: Who needs it? How does it help (part 2)
COCHLEAR IMPLANT: Who needs it? How does it help? This is part 2 in the Cochlear implant series and you can read the first part here.
Cochlear implants appeared rather gimmicky when they first arrived. With misconceptions around its use, most people were apprehensive. Even doctors were doubtful. It promised everything, would it deliver?
What were the fears with a cochlear implant?
*It can’t help, if you are born hearing challenged.
*It doesn’t help in speech development.
*It will make the child alienated.
*It’s no good for old people with hearing problems.
So what are the answers? Read on.
The Story from deaf to hearing, is it magic?
Cochlear implants started in the second half of the 1980s.
Riddled by misconceptions and hype it was handicapped by the need for really motivated children and parents.
But like all life-changing things, the cochlear implant stood the test of time with flying colors.
Children who were helped by a cochlear implant make us smile.
They tell us how they hear. How do they understand speech? It’s through their words that we learned about life, from no sound to a noisy world.
Who does it help?
- Children
- Post-lingual deafness in all age groups
- Old people with profound age-related hearing loss.
- In Auditory Dys-synchrony
Cochlear Implant in Children
Postlingually deaf children.Children who have already developed speech and have lost hearing due to some disease like meningitis.
Best Age of cochlear implantation: before two and a half years. But it has been done as early as one year of age.
7 years is a watershed zone, after which Prelingual deafness has variable results.
The longer the child has an implant, the better is the speech recognition scores. When the duration of use of the implant is the same, results are better with a lower age of implantation. The rate of expressive and receptive language learning is similar to that of hearing children.
Role of cochlear implant in presbycusis
Presbycusis or age-related hearing loss is also helped with cochlear implantation. It’s useful for the elderly with profound hearing loss, which cannot be helped with a hearing aid.
A world without sound can be lonely. More so in the aged population.
10% of normal ganglion cells ( approx.3500 cells ) are needed to recognize and understand speech.
The successful hearing outcome is seen with useful hearing. This helps in the hearing rehabilitation of the aged.
Depression, anxiety, and social isolation in both elderly and people with decreased hearing make life more difficult.
Some criteria:
Pure tone audiometry(hearing test) of 70 decibels or more for those planning for implantation in children and adults.
Cochlear implant in Auditory Dys-synchrony
You must be wondering”Auditory what”?
Auditory neuropathy or auditory dys-synchrony is complex. Children have variable hearing abilities.
What do Tests show in Auditory Dys-synchrony?
Normal middle ear functions, otoacoustic emissions present. But Brainstem evoked response Audiometry is unresponsive. This means sounds pass from outside to the ear up to the nerve of hearing, like a hearing person. But the communication between this nerve and the brain is distorted. The sound reaches the brain scrambled and makes no sense.
Why does this happen?
The sensory cochlear hair cells responsible for firing electrical signals in response to sound, do so dys-synchronously. That’s random without the syncing needed for understanding the generated sound.
Plain English: the rhythm of the electrical firing, is not right for your brain to pick up as words.
The action potential doesn’t develop properly in the cochlear nerve. This causes hearing loss. This is variable depending on. the degree of dys-synchrony.
Initially believed that hearing aids and auditory amplification would be useless. But some children benefit from hearing aids too.
Cochlear implantation can restore synchrony by, by-passing cochlear hair cells and stimulating the auditory nerve directly and synchronously.
The theory is good. But research continues for strategizing treatment, in Auditory Dys-synchrony. Whether a cochlear implant will help in auditory dys-synchrony is decided case to case.
The next burning question:
1 implant or 2 implants: One ear or both ears?
With 2 implants pros:
Better speech understanding.
This is more obvious in a noisy environment. Better sound localization, the direction of sound detection possible only with hearing in both ears.
Cons of 2 bilateral implants:
Most importantly the cost.
The dedication required for several years of necessary post-implant speech training and follow-up. It’s definitely not easy.
Where do we stand now?
Some governments cover the cost.
Few individuals can afford the cost of the best grade of the implant for both ears.
The government is realizing the cost of the implant is value for money. It is less than the years of disability support a person will need.
In children should you use up both ears?
Over the years as technology improves, maybe they’ll be better options?
Should you give up the present for the future many questions still need answers
Can there be a significant bilateral vestibular injury?
With excellent imaging, experienced surgeon, and God’s blessing this is rare.
Is it cost-effective?
The benefits outweigh the potential harm for many cochlear implant candidates. Like with all new medical innovations, it’s a long journey to perfection. We are still far from perfect in this cochlear implant journey. But we are far ahead than 10 years back. Light years away from 50 years back.Where there was no hope…There smiles a child with a cochlear implant who is hearing.
Updated May 2022
Cochlear Implant: What you need to know(Part 1)
Cochlear Implant: Who needs it? ( Part2)
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Instacuppa Fruit Infuser water bottle (Review) #SuperBloggerchallenge
Drinking water should be an easy habit in the hot Indian summer, right?It would seem so.But most of us forget to take this miracle liquid in the right amount. Instacuppa Fruit infuser water bottle may be the answer to a prayer.
The reason may be because it’s tasteless,at least regular water is tasteless.Both children and adult have a problem with drinking more water even though its good for us.
Is fruit infused water good for you?
Even as a doctor I am guilty of forgetting to drink enough water especially on busy days.That’s where the Instacuppa fruit infusion water bottle helped me.I love my sliced cucumber infusion water.Ginger, lemon and basil water or lime, lemon and mint water.The refreshing nature of the simple infusion water makes drinking water easier.
If you haven’t read it yet, read my post on why water is good for you or watch the vlog below.
Till then I will tell you a few secrets about drinking more water
[bctt tweet=”Your metabolic rate increases after drinking water! #Instacuppa #SuperBloggerChallenge #Healthwealthbridge ” username=”misra_amrita”]
There are studies done, which says the increase happens after 30 minutes and can be as much as 30%.
[bctt tweet=”For every 500 ml water, you drink you expend 100KJ.Thats so cool! #Instacuppa #SuperBloggerChallenge2018 #Healthwealthbrige” username=”misra_amrita”]
Right? If you want a healthy body weight, and reduce those extras try carrying your own infusion water bottle around.It’s easy, tasty, healthy, no fuss and the best way to get those nutrients into your body.Research says that walking and having lemon water every day helps you not only in reducing weight but acts to lower your systolic blood pressure in hypertensive adults.
Infusion water is a great way to get those fruit and veggie nutrients in your body and that of your family.When I wrote my book Fruits for life nutrition secrets (part 1) (its free today get it now !) that’s when I started having infusion water.
While you know fruits are great for you, in the busy bee life, you tend to miss many of the things which are good for you. Incorporating fruits and vegetables as a part of my diet by various methods is my lifelong pursuit.
Can you make detox water in a plastic bottle?
When I first used infusion water it was a simple one. Only cucumber and water. The wonderful fresh flavor of the water made drinking easier. When a bottle of water finish, I just ate the cucumber slices no fuss, no mess simple! This I made in a glass bottle and never a plastic bottle.
What is the best fruit infused water bottle?
The problem was when I am traveling or when I visit the hospital that’s when I discovered the Instacuppa fruit infusion water bottle.It is amazing I can carry it anywhere making my water intake much easier.
At home, I use the Instacuppa thermos flask.
It’s easy to use.
Even if you are not a frequent water drinker, with this you won’t miss your daily water goals.
When your bottle is empty, just eat the fruit pieces.You don’t want to waste food right?
Infused water is flavored with the goodness of fruits.
The more processed something is, the more sugar it has, the worse it is for your body.
When you use infusion water, you get the water-soluble vitamins, minerals and none of the sugar overload.
What you should be careful about
- Try to use only fresh fruits and veggies
- Avoid adding sugar or salt or any kind of sweeteners
2 simple infusion water recipes I love
Few slices of cucumber ice cubes + water
2 lemon slices and water.
Have you tried fruit infusion water? Comment below to let me know.
Week 4 Voting
Week 3 voting opens
WEEK 6 LINK SUBMIT HERE
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Childhood obesity :What happens to your baby’s body(part 4)
When I write about children’s health issues my hubby (he is a Pediatrician and a pediatric nutritionist ) helps me with all the research.
This time while writing the #Daily chatter challenge he suggested I start writing about childhood obesity.
The last 10 days of festivities and good food made writing about healthy diet difficult.
But now when we are taking a break before Diwali it’s going to be easier to write healthy.
While eating during festivals if you don’t want to lose the results of all your hard work ,it’s important to practice moderation.
Now with Bijoya Dashami sweets ,Lakshmi pujo and Kali pujo/Diwali all coming up in line we need a game plan.
How to Practice healthy even while feasting.
- Enjoy the goodies but don’t go crazy.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Cucumbers throughout the day Lighter meals
- Avoid deep-fried .Opt for grilled ,pan-fried and tandoori items
- Go light on the added cream,cheese and frills that all fast food restaurant offer.
- It’s better to avoid buffets because you always over eat.
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Catch up on exercises.
- Meditate
- While going for Bijoya carry a tiffin box .Shamelessly stuff it with all the extra sweets you would like to eat but is more than your daily limits.Take it home .Enjoy 1 treat each day.
If it was eat ,eat, eat and occasionally pray during the last few days.
Now before Diwali it should be
Sleep,Pray ,exercise, eat in moderation.
Why discuss childhood obesity with festival food?
Because children learn from us ,adults. When they see us eating without control,they think it’s okay.
But it’s never a good idea to have bad food habits.
What they learn in childhood ,will affect their health as children and adults.
The saddest part is children can have the same health problems that adults do with obesity.
It’s important we know what the children have to undergo .That way we can make better choices for us and them.
So what are the symptoms that indicate excessive weight to be a medical problem?
Problems with breathing and respiration
What doe the child complain?
*Snoring, gasping ,daytime sleepiness,morning headache
*Shortness of breath,night-time or exercise cough
Medical condition :Asthma,Obstructive sleep apnea
Gastrointestinal problems:
Complaints :Irregular bowel movements
Binge eating,night-time snacking
Gall bladder diseases
Fatty liver
Eating disorders
Hormonal or Endocrine problems:
Type 2 Diabetes
Menstrual irregularities,Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Others: joint pains involving knees ,feet ,skin changes
When children are overweight ,certain guidelines help detect whether their growth in height, will help control the problem.
System assessment is important for timely referral to specialists .
When I was a child the last thing in my mind, during Durga Pujo was controlled diet.
Nowadays everyone is more aware.
Teach your children healthy choices so,they can enjoy good food without feeling guilty .They are smart .They will understand.
As parents you have the power in your hand.
Did you make healthy choices while feasting?
Comment below to let me know .
I am taking part in the #ubc #blogboost .This is day 11 post
Ultimate blogging challenge with Blogchatter #DailyChatter
From the Childhood obesity series:
If baby is a picky eater blame yourself:Healthy eating habits in children (part 1)
Picky eater : When you need to worry(part 2)
Childhood obesity :The control is in your hand(part 3)
Read my Ultimate guide to feeding your preschooler
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Microblog Mondays & Mompreneur’s blogging journey : Who do I write for
“My biggest motivation? Just to keep challenging myself. I see life almost like one long University education that I never had — everyday I’m learning something new.”
Richard Branson, founder Virgin Group
2 years back when I started blogging I was clueless.
I was just writing random thoughts.
Had a why. But was not clear?
I asked myself whom I really wanted to write.
All the pro bloggers will tell you 2 different answers depending on whom you ask.
1.Write for yourself
2.If you want people to read your blog, find your audience your tribe.
That’s confusing! Till you understand the answer is complete, by combining these two.
Ultimately writing is very personal. It’s a dialogue in your brain. Where you ask questions and you yourself answer!
.So how do people attract their “tribe: their readers.
In this case “birds of a feather flock together.”
Women understand women. I write as a woman, as a mom.
So it’s no surprise that my blog is visited mostly by women.
So don’t stop writing for yourself. Somewhere there is someone, just like you who will find her way, reading your “how”.
Write for yourself and your “avatar” and you will find your readers.
This is a part of Microblog Mondays and #Daily chatter I am taking part in the #ubc #blogboost Ultimate blogging challenge with Blogchatter
#DailyChatter Day 10
UBC day 10
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Childhood obesity :The control is in your hand
When I was researching data about childhood obesity my hubby was doing an ecourse on pediatric nutrition. Sharing notes ,we realized childhood obesity like adult obesity ,doesn’t only depend on food.
Food choices are important
Amount of food is important.
But another thing which was staring us in the eye was lifestyle.
If you have read about the two hit theory regarding adult disease in my post
You will understand the second trigger most is often lifestyle.
Childhood obesity important to be addressed because it’s a health hazard . When we teach our children to embrace their bodies and stop obsession with their weight and how they look .It’s important to be clear about healthy body image.
Just like focusing on how they look doesn’t help Not giving attention to the cause of the issue has lifetime implication.Obesity is unfortunately not a physical disease.It’s a psychological problem.Parents need to have a long hard look at themselves
Causes of childhood obesity is multiple and multifactorial.
Broad classification is possible if you insist on it.
2 major divisions
Exogenous :Environment ;lifestyle and psychosocial .Definitely more common
Genetic susceptibility
Endogenous :Endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism ,Prader -Willi syndrome ,single gene diseases (congenital leptin deficiency :leptin is your satiety hormone.
This sounds good while writing a paper.Definitely not useful while treating the problem.
Viruses ,gut microbes,excessive stress (second hit) are all under investigation.
Most promising results are with the reversible causes of obesity
They include :
- Circadian rhythm
- Sleep medications
- Stress
- Psychosocial
- Sedentary behaviour
- Lack of physical exercise
- Dietary behaviour
Currently these are the focus of treatment as well as hocus pocus.
When children are obese in childhood their fat cells become fat.Even when they lose weight or fat from theses cells.The size of the cell remains the same.
Makes these children prone to weight gain.
From one year of age ,there is a difference in the rate of adipocyte development in obese and non obese children.
Problems and complications:
- Snoring,daytime drowsiness
- headache
- Shortness of breathing
- Binge eating
- Limb or join pain
- polyuria
- menstrual irregularities .
When you gave birth ,you signed up for a lifelong battle.That to teach her /him to be healthy, wealthy and wise.
So if you are not at your best, weight wise,it’s important you take a look in th mirror.Make an action plan for yourself before you talk to your child.
I am taking part in Ultimate blogging challenge with Blogchatter
#DailyChatter
UBC day 7
