Tag Treatment

In recent years, the United States has witnessed a significant shift in the approach to mental health treatment. This article explores the factors contributing to this change, the current state of mental health care, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Understanding the Shift in Mental Health Treatment

Mental health, once a taboo subject, has increasingly become a central part of public discourse in the U.S. This shift is driven by several factors:

1. Increased Awareness: There’s been a significant increase in public awareness about mental health issues, partly due to advocacy by mental health professionals, celebrities, and influencers. High-profile discussions about mental health have helped destigmatize these conditions.

2. Technological Advancements: The rise of telemedicine and digital health tools has revolutionized access to mental health care, making it more accessible and less stigmatizing.

3. Policy Changes: Legislation such as the Affordable Care Act has expanded coverage for mental health services, recognizing mental health as essential to overall health.

The Current State of Mental Health Care in the U.S.

The landscape of mental health care in the U.S. is evolving. There’s an increasing recognition of the importance of mental health alongside physical health. Services are more diversified and accessible than ever before:

1. Integration of Mental Health in Primary Care: Many primary care providers now screen for mental health issues and offer referrals to specialists.

2. Growth of Telehealth Services: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth mental health treatment, which has proven particularly beneficial for mental health treatment. It allows individuals to access care from the comfort of their homes.

3. Expansion of Mental Health Workforce: Efforts are being made to expand the mental health workforce, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors, to meet the growing demand for services.

4. Increased Insurance Coverage: Mental health coverage is now more commonly included in health insurance plans, thanks to laws that require parity in coverage for mental and physical health.

Challenges in Mental Health Care

Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain:

1. Workforce Shortages: There is a shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas, which limits access to care.

2. Persistent Stigma: While decreasing, stigma around mental health still exists, discouraging many from seeking help.

3. Socioeconomic Disparities: Access to mental health care is still uneven, with disparities based on race, income, and geography.

4. Quality of Care: Ensuring consistent, high-quality care across various providers and settings remains a challenge.

Opportunities for the Future

The future of mental health care in the U.S. presents several opportunities:

1. Increasing Use of Digital Tools: The continued development of apps and digital platforms can support self-management and provide resources for those who may not have access to traditional care.

2. Focus on Preventive Care: There’s a growing emphasis on early intervention and preventive care to address mental health issues before they escalate.

3. Collaborative Care Models: Integrating mental health care with other forms of health care can ensure a more holistic approach to treatment.

4. Targeting Underserved Populations: Tailoring services to meet the needs of diverse populations, including minority groups and low-income individuals, can help address existing disparities.

The Role of Education and Advocacy

Education and advocacy continue to play a crucial role in furthering the progress of mental health treatment. Increasing public awareness, educating healthcare providers, and advocating for policy changes are key to continuing the momentum.

Conclusion

The rise of mental health treatment in the United States marks a significant step forward in addressing the mental health crisis. With increased awareness, technological advancements, and policy changes, mental health care is becoming more accessible and integrated into overall health care. However, challenges like workforce shortages and persistent stigma still need to be addressed. The future of mental health care is promising, with opportunities for further innovation and improved access, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective mental health care system.

Article by Hearing Partners, contributed by Jennifer Lee, Senior Clinical Audiologist at Hearing Partners

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the nerves that transmit signals from the ear to the brain. This type of hearing loss is often permanent and can result in sounds being perceived as distorted, even at high volumes.

This article will discuss the symptoms and causes of sensorineural hearing loss, followed by an exploration of the diagnostic methods used. Additionally, we will provide detailed information on the available treatment options for sensorineural hearing loss, as well as highlight the distinctions between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

Symptoms of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss can impact either one or both ears, and can be gradual or sudden. These are some common symptoms associated with this form of hearing loss:

• Distorted hearing
• Reduced speech understanding, even when speech is loud and/or especially in a noisy environment
• Decreased ability to hear soft sounds
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Dizziness

Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

 Sensorineural hearing loss can be attributed to various factors including aging, exposure to loud noises, genetic factors and medications.

Aging

The primary factor contributing to hearing loss is the process of aging. Sensorineural hearing loss, in particular, typically manifests around the age of 60 (aging starts at 40 but usually people notice the hearing loss at 60 due to its severity). A common indication of this condition is difficulty comprehending speech amidst background noise and requiring repetitions to understand.

Noise Exposure

Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause damage to the inner ear, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. This can happen in various settings, including workplaces like metalworking, construction, and manufacturing industries. Leisure activities such as attending concerts, going to nightclubs, and listening to excessively loud volumes on your headphones can also contribute to sensorineural hearing loss.

The maximum sound intensity that is safe to listen to for extended periods is 75dBSPL, equivalent to the sound level of an average vacuum cleaner or hairdryer. On media devices, that is approximately 70% of the volume bar. When listening to higher levels, reduce the listening duration or limit it to 1 hour a day to avoid damaging the ears.

Genetics

Newborns can experience sensorineural hearing loss due to complications during birth, or staying in the NICU for prolonged periods. Mothers can also transmit infections like syphilis, toxoplasmosis, CMV, rubella, and herpes to their babies in the womb, leading to hearing loss.

Physical Trauma

An injury to the head can cause damage to the ears and nerves. Subsequently, this can result in temporary or permanent sensorineural hearing loss.

Illnesses or infections

Illnesses such as Meniere’s disease and infections affecting the inner ear such as meningitis, measles and mumps can potentially cause sensorineural hearing loss.

Tumors

A tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve, also known as acoustic neuroma, can affect the function of the auditory nerve, causing tinnitus, dizziness and/or sensorineural hearing loss.

Ototoxic Drugs and Cancer Treatments

Certain medications have the potential to harm the nerves responsible for hearing or the sensory cells located in the cochlea. Prescribing doctors should inform users of the potential risk of hearing loss and monitor the duration of drug use and hearing levels of the patient closely. Examples of such drugs include:

• Antibiotics including aminoglycosides
• Diuretics including frusemide
• Antineoplastics

Treatment used for cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can also cause damage to the hearing organ and nerve due to the nature of the treatment.

Diagnosing Sensorineural Hearing Loss

To accurately diagnose and treat sensorineural hearing loss, it’s best to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation with an audiologist. The audiologist will examine your ear to check for any signs of inflammation, fluid accumulation, earwax buildup or damage to the eardrum. They’ll also check for the presence of foreign objects.

Next, the audiologist will carry out a hearing test in a soundproof booth. Different tones and words will be played at various volumes and frequencies in each ear. The purpose of this test is to determine the softest sound you can hear and identify specific frequencies where hearing loss may be present.

Treatment for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

 Prevention is better than cure. Adopt healthy hearing habits and diet to slow down hearing deterioration and monitor your hearing regularly for early detection and intervention. Hearing loss can potentially result in social isolation and reduced quality of life if left untreated.

For cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, see a medical doctor as soon as possible, ideally within the first 2 weeks of onset. Your ENT doctor may recommend medication such as steroid pills or steroid injections and a series of hearing tests to monitor the effects of steroids. However, medical and surgical interventions can rarely restore this type of hearing loss fully. In that case, the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants will be a better option to manage the residual hearing loss.

Hearing Aids

Medical-grade hearing aids are designed to help individuals manage the symptoms of hearing loss by customising the sound amplification to the users’ hearing configuration.

For instance, if you encounter difficulties hearing high-frequency sounds, a hearing aid can effectively amplify these specific sounds while leaving other frequencies unaffected.

As technology advances, hearing aids have and are still improving their listening support features like noise suppression while retaining environmental cues and speech clarity to balance user comfort and benefit.

Cochlear Implants

A cochlear implant is a device used to assist individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who are unable to benefit from hearing aids. It’s made up of 2 components, an external processor which is worn behind the ear, and a receiver which is surgically implanted under the skin.

The external processor captures sounds from the environment and transmits them to the internal receiver. The receiver then sends electrical signals to the auditory nerve, enabling the user to comprehend the initial sounds detected by the processor.

Sensorineural vs Conductive Hearing Loss

The 2 main types of hearing loss are sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

	Sensorineural hearing loss	Conductive hearing loss
Part of the ear that is affected	Inner ear or cochlear and/or its associated nerves	Middle or outer ear
Causes	Aging Genetics Illnesses (e.g. meningitis, measles, mumps and Meniere’s disease) Nerve tumors or growths Ototoxic drugs and medications Prolonged exposure to loud noises	Middle ear: Benign growth in the middle ear Damage to the sound-conducting bones Middle ear infection Perforated eardrum   Outer ear: Birth deformities Bony growths in the ear canal (i.e. surfer’s ear) Ear canal infection (i.e. swimmer’s ear)Ear wax buildup Foreign objects in the ear canal
Impact	Voices sound unclear or distortedDecrease in the perceived loudness of a sound	Decrease in the perceived loudness of a sound
Management	Hearing aidsCochlear implants	Surgery Other forms of medical management Hearing aids or bone-anchored hearing systems

Keeping Sensorineural Hearing Loss at Bay

 Many individuals experience sensorineural hearing loss as they age, which is a normal occurrence. Nevertheless, hearing loss at any age should be managed as soon as possible so that quality of life is not affected and implications of hearing loss, such as dementia and depression, can be kept at bay.

It’s also important to remember that exposure to loud noises can result in permanent damage to your inner ear or auditory nerve. By adopting these healthy hearing habits, you can prevent any harm to your ears caused by excessive noise.

• Keep your headphone volume below 70% of the maximum volume
• Wear earplugs in places with loud sounds
• Take regular hearing tests
• Consult a doctor before taking any new medication

We humans love to experiment. Experimenting with science, experimenting with chemicals, even experimenting with ourselves, we humans don’t have barriers when it comes to experiments.

It’s the same case for hair, we experiment with shampoos and hair treatments to make it look good. However, hairs are sensitive and can be damaged if proper care is not taken. One such treatment which has been proven safe and sound for hairs is Nanoplasty.

Don’t know what Nanoplasty is? Don’t worry, in this article, we’ll brief you about Nanoplasty and everything that this treatment has to offer.

What is Nanoplasty?

A common question that might arise in your mind would be, “What is a Nanoplasty hair treatment.”

Well, nanoplasty is a hair straightening treatment that straightens up your hair by sufficiently penetrating the hair’s microfibril matrix without exposing the hair’s cuticle, which makes this treatment highly effective and less harmful for the hair.

Nanoplasty offers cruelty-free and chemical-free treatment that is generally helpful to the hair.

Advantages of Nanoplasty

1. Chemical Free

There are various permanent hair-straightening treatments, including hair bonding and keratin treatment, among others. These techniques help erase problems about textures that cause coils, curliness or kinks.

However, despite the fact that they work well, these treatments often incorporate strong chemicals that can damage your hair. For example, keratin treatments contain chemicals like aldehyde, parabens, and Carbo cysteine.

These chemicals break existing hair bonds and reposition them in curl-free positions. This process release gases that are carcinogenic in nature and can affect your health adversely.

Meanwhile, Nanoplasty treatments contain safe and user-friendly ingredients that do not have any side effects. For example, chemicals like organic acids, vegetable-sourced amino acids, and collagen reposition hair bonds.

2. Strengthen Your Hairs

One of the major factors that determine how much your hair might fall or break is its strength. Thus, it is important to consider some methods that makes it stronger.

While there are several strengthening methods available, the most effective is Nanoplasty hair treatment. It replaces lost protein while giving the nutrients required for healthy hair growth as it helps to strengthen and repair the hair’s natural structure.

Moreover, it also has the benefit of being inclusive, meaning that all hair types can use it. When choosing your formulation or brand, take your hair’s type, texture, and degree of damage into consideration.

3. Longevity

While there are many choices for straightening hair, including styling products like steam pods, the results are not long-lasting. A week is about how long most styling treatments last (less if you expose your hair to water).

Therefore, customers favor hair-straightening procedures like Nanoplasty because they endure for several months. These semi-permanent straightening products reduce the risk of heat damage and breakage due to repeated styling and adjusting.

Nevertheless, Nanoplasty gives better value for your money because it lasts 4–8 months, whilst other hair-straightening procedures only last 3-6 months. The health of your hair improves when you take an eight-month hiatus from drastic hairstyles.

4. Frizz Prevention

Hair frizzing generally stems from dry hair while other factors include heat damage, or use of the wrong hair care procedure. However, with Nanoplasty hair treatment you can be sure that your hair has enough moisture and does not become frizzy.

It also softens the cuticles on your hair and gives it a shine. Additionally, it gives your hair strength and a barrier of defense to keep moisture from evaporating.

5. Easy Application

Most hair-straightening procedures involve the same steps: washing of hair with soap, using the treatment, pinning or combing the hair after setting and then application of heat.

However, Nanoplasty will take around two hours lesser as compared to other treatment hence it saves you time. Secondly, it does not involve the post-treatment care stage as well.

Procedure of Nanoplasty

• Cleaning and Preparation: The hair is thoroughly washed in preparation for the Nanoplasty process that gives the best results.
• Nanoparticle Infusion: The hair is infused with nanosized particles to be able to fill up voids.
• Application of Restorative Serum: Specialized serum laden with vitamins and other nutritional substances are used for nourishing and rejuvenating hair.
• Heat Activation: Heat is used to enhance the efficacy of nanoparticles.

Considerations and Aftercare:

• Professional Application:

Nanoplasty represents a highly demanding form of therapy. Ensure that you select a certified hair stylist who has experience in Nanoplasty processes for better application and outcome.

A professional stylist will do a thorough analysis of your hair on the basis of its type, state of health, and requirements before crafting a personalized plan.

Talk to your stylist and find out if Nanoplasty would suit your hair type and state. However, it can be compatible with different hair, but individually some aspects might differ.

In this case, people with extremely destroyed or highly chemically treated hair should tell their concerns for reasonable expectations to the stylist.

Conclusion

Nanoplasty hair treatment is the apogee of hair care. Keeping our hair healthy is just as important as taking care of each part of our body.

It gives a shine to your hair and protects it from styling damage. It also gives your hair the necessary nutrients that keep it strong.

So, why do you hesitate? Invest in your mane by getting a Nanoplasty hair treatment done by experts.

Acne, a very common skin condition, affects millions of folks worldwide, impacting not only physical appearance but also self-esteem and overall well-being. While various treatment options are available, one promising and innovative approach is photon light treatment. In this discourse, you will explore the benefits and mechanisms of photon light therapy for acne and how it relieves individuals dealing with mild to severe acne.

1. Understanding Acne: A Complex Skin Condition

Before delving into photon light treatment, it’s crucial to comprehend the complexity of acne. Acne occurs when hair follicles become jammed with dead skin cells and oil, forming pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and even cysts. It can be influenced by hormonal changes, genetics, diet, and skincare habits, making it a challenging condition to manage.

2. The Power of Photon Light Treatment

Photon light treatment, also known as LED or Light light-emitting Diode therapy, utilizes specific wavelengths of light to target and address various skin concerns, including acne. Red and blue light wavelengths are commonly used in these treatments. Blue light targets the bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) responsible for acne breakouts, while red light reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

3. Blue Light: Bacteria Buster

Blue light, with its shorter wavelength, is highly effective in killing acne-causing bacteria. When directed at the skin, it penetrates the sebaceous glands, where these bacteria reside. Blue light activates a molecule called porphyrin within the bacteria, producing free radicals that ultimately destroy the bacteria. As a result, acne lesions become less inflamed, reducing the risk of future breakouts.

4. Red Light: Inflammation Reduction and Healing

With its longer wavelength, red light focuses on reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing. It can penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers, targeting inflamed areas affected by acne. Red light stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that plays a crucial part in skin repair and regeneration. This helps to fade acne scars and restore the skin’s natural texture.

5. Pain-Free and Non-Invasive Treatment

One of the notable advantages of photon light treatment for acne is its non-invasiveness and lack of pain. LED therapy is gentle and pain-free, unlike other procedures that may cause discomfort or require downtime. It does not involve incisions, chemicals, or medications, making it suitable for individuals seeking non-pharmacological and non-surgical acne solutions.

6. Suitable for Various Acne Types

Photon light treatment is versatile and can be adapted for different types of acne, from mild to severe. Whether dealing with occasional breakouts, persistent blackheads, or cystic acne, LED therapy can be customized to target specific concerns. It is also suitable for sensitive skin, as it is gentle and well-tolerated.

Conclusion

In pursuing clear and healthy skin, photon light therapy emerges as a promising and effective approach for acne relief. Its ability to target acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote skin healing makes it a valuable addition to acne treatment options. Moreover, its non-invasive and pain-free nature makes it accessible and appealing to multiple individuals seeking relief from acne.

While photon light treatment can provide significant benefits for acne sufferers, consulting with a skincare professional or dermatologist before starting any treatment regimen is essential. They can assess the different needs of the individual, recommend the most suitable wavelengths and intensity of light, and monitor progress over time.

As research and technology advance in skincare, photon light treatment holds promise for further innovation and refinement. Its potential to improve the physical appearance and the emotional well-being of individuals with acne underscores its significance in skincare.