Eurosim.Org – Website Reviews » 2008 » November

November 2008



What is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is the practice and study of medical principles which are related to sports science, especially in the areas of athletic performance, sports training, sports injury prevention, injury treatment, and injury diagnosis. In addition, sports psychology, sports nutrition, workout planning, and exercise regimens are also addressed within the realm of sports medicine.

Who is a Sports Medicine Specialist?

A specialist in sports medicine is an individual who has acquired specialized training and education in the field. Specialists focus on the therapeutic and medical aspects of physical activity and sports participation. The sports medicine specialist title does not automatically mean that they are a physician, however, as they tend to hold bachelors or masters degrees or have received training through a certificate program.

What are the Differences Between a Sports Medicine Specialist and a Sports Medicine Physician?

A sports medicine physician has been rigorously trained in the sports medicine specialization, especially when it comes to exercise or sports-related injuries. These individuals focus primarily upon the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of injuries which occur during physical activity or while engaging in sports. They work in the medical field and regularly conduct sports-related surgeries, treat patients for sports-related reasons, or give advice to those who intend to or are currently participating in sport activities.

A sports medicine specialist, on the other hand, tends to work in areas other than direct medical care. They may work as a coach and as a sports medicine adviser. They will be able to treat simple injuries such as sprains and strains. They know some of the most common methods for enhancing performance, helping the muscles to mend, and muscle relaxation. These individuals often work in conjunction with other coaches as well as a part of the overall physical fitness programs of colleges, universities, high schools, or gyms.

What is Sports Science?

Sports science, which is also known as exercise science, is the application and study of the principals of psychology, anatomy, and physiology as they are related to physical activity and human movement. The field of exercise science is relatively new. Much of the specialization field focuses on research on how the human body adapts to various levels of exercise and sports activity, including the lack of it. The participants in these research studies range from those in the general population up to elite athletes.

Careers in Sports Science and Sports Medicine

Sports medicine professionals strive to help people to achieve optimal performance and health goals. Those who pursue a degree in sports science or sports medicine often work in service, academic, or clinical employment. Professions include nutritionists, sports psychologists, researchers, coaches, trainers, and many others.

Hearing aids explained

Hearing aids are electronic devices inserted into the ear to help magnify sound for the user. Hearings aids were designed for people with loss of hearing to be able to function in society without having to miss what was going on around them. Hearing aids must be ordered through an audiologist who will contact the manufacturer with the specifications to program each individual hearing aid. As a wearer uses them, the hearing aid will need periodic adjustments to be better suited to the individual. Problems such as feedback and settings will need to be worked out over time so that the wearer can get the maximum benefit from their hearing aid.

Types of hearing aids:

There are two main types of hearing aids: Analog and Digital. Analog hearing aids have been around the longest. They work by converting sound into an electronic signal, amplify them, and then send them on through the user’s ear. Analog hearing aids are typically built on an individual basis based on a person’s audiogram and audiologist specifications. They can be programmed to work in a variety of different scenarios based on the settings. Users can change the settings to have their hearing aid work in a crowded room or a small quiet setting.

Digital hearing aids work by converting sound into a numerical code that is then amplified for the wearer. Digital hearing aids can be programmed to amplify various pitches as well as loudness so they work better for people who have a loss of hearing in a certain range of tones. The digital hearing aid has more flexibility in programming than the analog hearing aid. Digital hearing aids typically cost more than analog hearing aids do.

Styles of hearing aids:

There are two main styles of hearing aids. One hearing aid is designed with an earpiece that fits behind the ear and the aid is in the ear canal opening. For discreteness, the second style is placed in the ear canal and hidden from view. There are four options for this style. One has an earpiece that fits inside the ear where the flesh curves down. The other three have receivers placed directly in the ear with varying degrees of depth starting from just barely in the canal to completely within the canal.

The individual, with the help of their audiologist, will need to decide at the time of ordering what type and style best fits their needs and budget. Comfort, fit, and style will all need to be addressed so that the wearer can enjoy being able to hear again with a hearing aid that is right for them.