Question: Are itchy ear canals normal? Answer: Itchy ears are common among hearing aid users. If there is no skin condition contributing to the itching, then it is likely brought on by the hearing aids. One cause of itchiness may be the presence of an earpiece in the ear canal pressing on the small […]
Read MoreAge Related Hearing Loss
Question: Isn’t age-related hearing loss common and to be expected? Answer: A longer life span and aging baby boomers have led to an unprecedented growth in the proportion of older adults. Age related hearing loss is one of the most significant chronic conditions in this population, affecting nearly two out of three Americans age […]
Read MoreSingle Sided Deafness
Question: I have hearing loss in one ear that cannot be helped with a hearing aid and normal hearing in the other ear. I frequently have trouble hearing those at the office on the side of my poor ear. Any suggestions? Answer: You have described a type of hearing loss that usually CAN be helped […]
Read MoreImproving Hearing Ability
Question: Why do you think some people receive better benefit from their hearing aids than others do? Answer: So many things contribute to this. We believe that auditory rehabilitation techniques should be taught when receiving the hearing aids as a standard treatment protocol. This approach begins with the testing of not just the hearing ability […]
Read MorePersonal Sound Amplifiers
Question: I’ve seen devices advertised on TV and in magazines called “personal sound amplifiers” and they are a lot less expensive. Are they the same thing as hearing aids? Answer: No, they are not. Personal sound amplifiers are quite different from hearing aids and shouldn’t be used in place of expertly programmed hearing aids fitted […]
Read MoreDrug Store Hearing Devices
Question: What are your thoughts on drug store or magazine ordered devices for improving hearing? Answer: These are not hearing aids. These are generic amplifying devices geared to increase volume. Most hearing loss is not a loss of hearing for all sounds equally. They do not have customizable noise management—a feature crucial for hearing aid […]
Read MoreHearing and Your Healthcare
Answer: Your family is giving you wise advice. Addressing your hearing loss is priority for many reasons: As you are hearing better, you will be understanding your doctors and family better. The conversation you are missing around you is important for staying involved and in touch with your circumstances. Improved hearing improves your […]
Read MoreWhat happens during a hearing test? I am nervous about having my first test next week.
Question: What happens during a hearing test? I am nervous about having my first test next week. Answer: There is really no reason to be nervous. From the moment you enter our office, our focus is on you, your comfort, and your well-being. Respectful of your time, our doctors call you back as quickly as […]
Read MoreWhat 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 […]
Read MoreI ask people to repeat themselves, and then they yell and I still don’t understand. What’s going on?
Question: I ask people to repeat themselves, and then they yell and I still don’t understand. What’s going on? Answer: Chances are you have a frequency-specific type of hearing loss. If you know someone is talking but cannot understand what is said, then you probably have a loss for specific sounds. It may be that […]
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