Blog - Thigpen Hearing Center
How many years should I expect my hearing aids to last
Question: How many years should I expect my hearing aids to last
Answer: A good rule of thumb is four to five years. Hearing aids will continue working and making sound at that time, but most people begin to notice their aids are not performing as well as they once did. Wearing hearing aids all day, every day for 365 days a year, for four to five years in environments of dust, sweat, humidity, pollens, and more will impact their performance over ...
Read more
What are some potential causes of the constant noises in my ears?
Question: What are some potential causes of the constant noises in my ears?
Answer: Tinnitus (noise in the ears or head) is very common. Almost 1/3 of adults have experienced it at one time or another. About 10 to 15% of adults have persistent tinnitus requiring further examination and treatment.
The causes of tinnitus vary. Some conditions that may result in tinnitus are: hearing loss, inner ear disorders, head injury, hypertension, stress, wax touching the eardrum, ear infections, Eustachian tube dysfunction, ...
Read more
Do you have anything to keep water out of my child’s ears while swimming?
Question: Do you have anything to keep water out of my child’s ears while swimming? The generic devices are not effective.
Answer: Yes, we routinely make swim molds for both children and adults. Our doctors are skilled at making them using soft silicone, which provides the best seal from water entry into the ear canal and fits comfortably in the ear. They float and come in a variety of colors to match swim suits or your color preference. We also provide a ...
Read more
How do I know which hearing aid is best for me?
Question: How do I know which hearing aid is best for me?
Answer: This decision is best made with your audiologist. We consider factors such as the severity of your hearing loss, your daily activities, your job, your vision, and the size and shape of your ear canal. We like to let our patients listen to different brands to see which sounds best to them and are most comfortable.
For this reason, we offer many brands and styles rather than ...
Read more
Can opiate use affect hearing loss?
Question: Can opiate use affect hearing loss?
Answer: Opioids are derived from chemicals that bind to receptors in the ears and brain. In some people, opiate abuse can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. It may start out as temporary loss and, after repeated use, become permanent hearing loss. The loss may be in one ear or both ears and vary from high frequency loss to a flat loss for most all frequencies.
The U.S. is in an unprecedented opioid overdose epidemic. ...
Read more
What is the best treatment for recurrent ear infections in children?
Question: What is the best treatment for recurrent ear infections in children?
Answer: Your pediatrician may share with you that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a "wait and watch" approach because many mild ear infections will resolve on their own without antibiotics. There is some concern for over-prescribing antibiotics at a young age as well. However, treating ear infections is a partnership between parents and pediatricians, and concerns should be discussed in detail.
It's good to know that studies show rates of ...
Read more
Is the music in aerobics exercise classes loud enough to cause hearing loss?
Question: Is the music in aerobics exercise classes loud enough to cause hearing loss?
Answer: Most Americans are educated about the value of exercise to improve quality of life and overall health. Since aerobics classes and health clubs began in the 1970s and ’80s, group fitness classes have grown in popularity. These classes use music to motivate. Moderate to high-intensity classes are typically fast-paced, using louder music to create a dynamic atmosphere.
Eighty percent of centers monitored confirmed that noise ...
Read more
Decline in Brain Function Linked to Untreated Hearing Loss
June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month:
Although the brain naturally becomes smaller as humans age, findings from a study by Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging have linked accelerated brain tissue atrophy to older individuals with at least a 25-dB hearing loss. The results of this study are similar to those of past studies that reported marked differences in the brain structures of both humans and animals with a measurable hearing loss. The findings add to a growing list of health ...
Read more
What is the best way to communicate my concerns to my doctor? I often feel she doesn’t understand me.
Question: What is the best way to communicate my concerns to my doctor? I often feel she doesn’t understand me.
Answer: Communication during doctor appointments is a critical component of quality health care. Daily notes and diaries can help clarify what is needed. Patient satisfaction and quality of care is also supported by office staff that influence your future interactions. Staff should communicate respect for your time and concerns in a compassionate and quiet way. There are many other factors that may ...
Read more
-
Monday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Weekends: Closed
© 2015 All Rights Reserved. Audigy Group, LLC