Can Hearing Loss Be Tied To Sleep Apnea? - Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists have the answer

Jacob Burrows, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology

The answer is YES! A recent study published in May, 2014 found a high correlation with sleep apnea and hearing loss.

Sleep apnea affects the way you breathe when you’re sleeping. In untreated sleep apnea, breathing is briefly interrupted or becomes very shallow during sleep. These breathing pauses typically last between 10 to 20 seconds and can occur up to hundreds of times a night, jolting you out of your natural sleep rhythm. As a consequence, you spend more time in light sleep and less time in the deep, restorative sleep you need to be energetic, mentally sharp, and productive the next day. This chronic sleep deprivation results in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and an increased risk of accidents. Sleep apnea can also lead to serious health problems over time, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, weight gain and their findings indicate… sleep apnea is also associated with an increased risk of hearing impairment.  

This particular study was conducted over several years and included 13,000 participants. Their findings revealed that participants with sleep apnea were independently associated with 31% increase in high frequency hearing loss. Because sleep apnea is commonly associated with vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), it is also suspected to be associated with hearing loss via vascular insufficiency of the cochlea, a hearing organ that is supplied by end arteries.

Sleep apnea can affect our lives in many ways, including our hearing health. Untreated hearing loss can lead to an increase in depression, feelings of anxiety and isolation from family and friends. If you are concerned about the possibility sleep apnea and hearing loss, or simply hearing loss in general, it is wise to have your hearing evaluated.

Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists has provided the area’s most trusted hearing and balance services for more than 40 years. With offices in 10 communities throughout Southern Utah and Nevada, we make it convenient for you to receive the highest levels of care. We support research and development of the newest hearing technologies and the cure for hearing loss.  We always put our patient’s concerns first, matching each individual’s needs with the treatments and tools which fit their lifestyle.  For an appointment with a Doctor of Audiology at any one of our 10 locations, call 435-688-8866 or 800-548-0356.  

(Article facts provided by: Nathaniel Dunford, American Thoracic Society)

 

Cliffside Restaurant Voted Best of Southern Utah - Best New Restaurant

Cliffside Restaurant Voted Best of Southern Utah - Best New Restaurant.

Voted #1 in St. George for Best New Restaurant. #2 for Best Outdoor Dining and #3 for Best Elegant Dining. 

Thank you to everyone who voted for us.

http://www.cliffsiderestaurant.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cliffside-Restaurant/598821950195051?ref=stream&focus_composer=true&ref_type=bookmark

Cliffside Restaurant Offers Banquet Services

If you have group or banquet needs, check out Cliffside Restaurant. They can accommodate groups up to 50 people for lunch or dinner in their private dining area. Full-service A/V equipment for presentations, amazing views of the city and the food and service is AWESOME! Call 435-319-6005 for more information.

JensenBayles - ESTATE PLANNING – A COMPETENT ATTORNEY IS ESSENTIAL

Attorneys - Phillip G. Gubler and Thomas J. Bayles

Many people have a misconception about estate planning.  For example, many will avoid doing their estate planning because they believe their assets “aren’t worth much” and think estate planning would be a waste of time and money.  The reality is that estate planning is necessary for everyone -- no matter the value of their assets.  Completing your estate planning now with an attorney that regularly practices in the estate planning area to clearly define your intentions is an investment which will likely save your family financial and emotional heartache in the future.

While you may want to live forever, there is a strong likelihood that you will not make it out of this life alive.  Estate planning allows you to clarify what is to happen with your assets once you have passed away.  As you think about your estate planning there are a few things to consider:  1) Beneficiaries who will receive assets from you, i.e., spouse, children, other close family members and friends, or charities; 2) Property that will be affected by the planning, such as real property, personal property, as well as financial accounts and investments; and 3) Distribution of the properties to the beneficiaries.  

The decisions made in the estate planning process are very important, and it is essential that the attorney you work with has experience drafting trusts, wills and related documents in order to properly plan with the least risk of contention at death.  The experience an attorney gains through continued work in the estate planning area will help that same attorney provide specialized solutions for the client’s planning goals.  Several years ago, I read an Associated Press article about United States Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Berger and the problems he left behind because he wrote his own Will.  The point in bringing this up is not to disparage the Chief Justice who was a renowned jurist and a smart attorney, but to point out that even a smart attorney who does not regularly practice in the estate planning area should seek competent assistance from an attorney who does.  

A qualified estate planning attorney can help guide you through the estate planning process and avoid the pitfalls of ambiguous language and directions.  Whether you want to divide your estate equally between beneficiaries or leave a little something extra to someone special, your estate planning attorney can craft documents allowing you to be as creative as you wish -- while adhering to the basics of what is required and making sure you are clear in your directions. The last thing you want to leave is a legacy of internal strife among family members who challenge your estate planning documents.

JensenBayles, LLP provides a broad spectrum of legal services.  Thomas J. Bayles has been actively providing advice in the areas of trusts, wills, probate and tax planning in the St. George market for over 15 years. Please visit our web site www.jensenbayles.com or call 435-674-9718 and ask for Thomas J. Bayles or Phillip G. Gubler. The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice.

5 Summer Concerns for Hearing Devices - Advanced Hearing

Dr. Lance F. Greer, Audiologist

Now that summer is in full swing, care and maintenance of your hearing investment is important to assure that you maintain good hearing. Here in the desert southwest the temperatures can reach well into the 100’s and humidity is quite low. However due to the low humidity, there are 5 things I would encourage you do or to watch out for.

1)     Avoid placing your hearing aids in direct sunlight particularly in a car. Windows in a car can act as a magnifying glass and with the right glare, focused light causes extreme heat, which can literally warp and damage sensitive computer chip components inside your hearing devices. Also the batteries may have a greater chance to produce corrosion that can damage battery contacts and internal electronic components. 

2)    Remember to remove your hearing devices prior to taking the plunge into the a swimming pool. Failure to do so will most likely short them out.  Several years ago, I had a patient who dove into his pool and as he hit the water, he knew he had forgotten to take his devices off. After a 10-minute search, both units were found and recovered from the bottom of the pool. Fortunately in this patient’s case, his devices were still covered under his repair warranty, so we were able to send them in for repair and had him back in good hearing order within days. Just remember, if you do get your hearing aids wet, open the battery door, remove the battery and even put in a small Tupperware container with white rice. This will usually remedy the problem and they will function within 12-24 hours. If they don’t you will need to bring them in to our office for a more comprehensive review.

3)    If you sweat a lot in the summer heat you may need an electric dehumidifier. There is an increased chance of perspiring behind the ears and even in the ear canals. Such perspiration can quickly damage the internal components because of its saltiness. Even here in the desert, perspiration and humidity, particularly when the “monsoon” storms start, can have an effect on the performance of your devices. If your hearing instrument works great in the morning hours but tends to fade and get softer as the day progresses, then you may want to come in and look at our electric dehumidifiers.

4)    Sunscreen has oils in it that can be damaging to hearing aids and even ear molds. Take extra precaution when applying sunscreen oils or sprays before that trip to the beach or pool!  It would be best to apply these protective products and wait 15 minutes for your body to absorb these oils prior to putting your hearing devices back on.

5)    Brush, Brush and more brushing. Each night be sure to take a little brush or designated cleaning brush and thoroughly brush over the microphone and speaker components of the your hearing devices.  With the wind that is common here in our area and the dust that is created, the brushing you do will keep the tiny dust particles out of out of the sensitive internal components of your devices.  This will assure that you will get the maximum performance and life longevity from your devices.

From our family here at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists to you, we wish you a great and successful summer and hope that you are able to get a way and go on a road trip or two and build some good memories.

Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists has been providing audiology services for more than 40 years and specialize in adult and pediatric care. Our five clinical audiologists have over 64 years of experience serving the communities of St. George, Cedar City, Mesquite, Hurricane, Beaver, Milford, Delta, Fillmore, Panguitch, and Overton, making it convenient for you to receive the highest levels of hearing and balance care. We always put our patient’s concerns first, matching each individual’s needs with the treatments and tools, which fit their lifestyle. For more information go to http://www.hearingaiddoctor.com/

Paragon Real Estate - Two Top Real Estate Producers Merge to Create Innovative Agency

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Sue Gatchell, REALTOR®, Paragon Real Estate

Jack Scott, Principal Broker, Paragon Real Estate

Tammie Richeson, REALTOR®, Paragon Real Estate

St. George, UT – The Sue Gatchell Group, formerly with ReMax Associates, has bought into Paragon Real Estate as a full partner with REALTOR®’s Jack Scott, (principal broker), and Tammie Richeson. The agency will retain the identity “Paragon Real Estate”, but will soon be represented with an entirely new look and website representing the advancement and innovation of a constant, progressive and growing real estate agency. “We are leaving the past and moving to the future to better assist our customers. I am really excited about this new venture,” stated Gatchell. “This will bring two of the top real estate producing agents in southern Utah together to create a real estate shop with almost 30 agents, who are all working hard to provide the most complete real estate experiences for buyers and sellers.”

Jack Scott and Tammie Richeson founded Paragon Real Estate in October of 2012 and it has grown to 23 agents in less than two years. With the addition of Sue, Scott Gatchell, Shauna Polatis, and Tanner Gatchell from The Gatchell Group, Paragon Real Estate will have nearly 30 agents with plans for continued growth over the next few years. “I’m enthusiastic about what this new venture holds for the future. Coming together will make a substantial impact on the Real Estate business in southern Utah,” stated Richeson.

“Sue Gatchell adds her real estate market knowledge and experience to an already growing agency,” according to Scott. “With over 1,000 transactions to her name, Sue Gatchell is a superior talent in getting the deal done with the best possible results for her clients. Sue has held a REALTOR® license for 18 years in Utah - the past11 years in southern Utah. Buyers, sellers and builders alike prefer her outgoing and engaging personality.”

Gatchell states:  “I’ve worked for a large brokerage for many years, and lately I’ve just had this impression to offer an alternative to agents and our clients. In this new era of the Internet and online marketing, personal service is more important than ever. Also, as the economy persists in squeezing people’s already tight budgets, we’ve got to make sure our clients get represented in a way that’s most favorable to their financial interests while protecting them from undue cost or risk. Similarly, we need to train agents to provide superior service, which in turn helps them maximize their compensation for a job well done on these life-changing and highly personal transactions.”

 

“As a fellow agent, I respect what Sue has done over the years for the real estate community. Most importantly, however, Sue consistently receives “10’s” on customer satisfaction surveys and boasts a long and growing list of return customers and friends,” remarked Richeson. “On a daily basis, she monitors market activity and meets with buyers, sellers and industry leaders to give her the greatest possible knowledge of local market trends and conditions. The on-going result has been numerous awards as an industry top performer.”

About Paragon Real Estate
Tammie Richeson and Jack Scott established Paragon Real Estate in 2012 and have over 20 years of experience in the business. It is a full service brokerage representing buyers and sellers throughout the intermountain West.  Paragon has expert knowledge of the surrounding area and the activity for each neighborhood. As one of our clients, you can be assured that you are in the company of true professionals. Our agents at Paragon Real Estate are highly trained in all aspects of the Real Estate Purchase Contract, and place the client’s best interests first.

Our agents work hard to make the buying and selling experience trouble-free and understandable. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a seasoned real estate investor, our goal is to make each transaction a pleasurable and smooth experience.

Paragon, n. definition: A person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality, model of perfection or excellence. Paragon Real Estate is located at 150 N 200 E., St. George, and it’s REALTOR®s can be reached at 435-319-6007.

Senior Partner Kenneth Hinton to Retire from HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors

Senior Partner, Kenneth Hinton

St. George, UT, June 17, 2014 — Philip Peine, managing partner with HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors announced the retirement of the firm’s Senior partner, Kenneth Hinton.  Hinton has spent more than 35 years providing management, advisory, accounting, audit and tax service to HintonBurdick clients.  Hinton has been the lead supervisor to the firm’s external peer review and internal review process and has overseen compliance with firm policies and procedures. He also serves as a member of the HintonBurdick audit committee, which provides oversight for the audit department. His main areas of focus include audit and tax.

Before joining HintonBurdick, Hinton worked for Touche, Ross & Company. He received a Master of Accountancy from Brigham Young University, graduating Cum Laude with an auditing emphasis, along with minors in business administration and economics. “Ken has become well known throughout the region for his expertise in audit law,” said Peine. “We will miss his leadership, example of service, and friendly management style and we all wish him and his wife, Kay, the greatest of adventures as they enjoy their retirement years serving others.”

Through his years of work Hinton has been affiliated with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants.

As a member of the St. George community, Hinton has served on the Board of Directors for the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the good will ambassador Dixie Sunshiners for a number of years.  He was a Dixie Regional Medical Center Foundation Board member and served as Board President for one year. During his year as president he also sat on the DRMC governing board.

Hinton has spent numerous hours of service on other community boards including the Audubon Chapter helping with the annual Christmas bird counts, the Washington City Lions Club and in church leadership positions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  According to Hinton, “I am truly grateful for the thousands of wonderful associations that I’ve been able to make through my time serving and the wonderful memories it has provided me.”

Hinton grew up in Hurricane the third youngest of eight children to A. Lavar and Leora Hinton. He has been married to his wife, Kay, for 37 years and they have three married daughters, Kristen, Shonna, and Michelle. Later this year they will count 10 grandchildren among their prized treasures.

Hinton enjoys being in the outdoors golfing, hiking, backpacking, fishing and biking, but especially ornithology or bird watching.  One of the most spectacular birds Ken has spotted was the Lilac-Breasted Roller, seen while on a trip to South Africa.

Ken’s future plans include travel and spending time with his family, serving church missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife Kay, serving in the St. George LDS Temple, learning to be a better genealogist, and according to Hinton, “providing community service to any one of the governmental agencies who will have me, such as the Bureau of Land Management, the National and State Parks, or the Division of Wildlife Resources where I can study God’s creations and how they interact with the environment here in southern Utah and provide that information to others.”


About HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors

HintonBurdick currently serves clients in all 50 states and some foreign countries with accounting and audit services, litigation support, computer training and systems management, payroll services, tax planning and consulting services.  Offices are located in St. George, Cedar City, Hurricane, and Richfield, Utah, and in Mesquite, Nevada, and Flagstaff, Arizona. For more information, go to hintonburdick.com, or call (435) 628-3663.