Although hearing loss is a common disability, most people are taught very little about it. Thus, new patients always have a myriad of questions during the initial phases of diagnosis and management. Some questions are more unique or specific to the individual, but most are the same. And for good reason. Hearing loss has a steep learning curve and patients want to ensure they are making informed decisions. My goals are to always make sure patients feel comfortable and secure, and to answer their … [Read more...] about Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing
Jeff Lane
Tackling Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external stimulus. The perceived sound can vary among individuals, with ringing, hissing crickets and cicadas being the most common. It can also vary in intensity, duration and rate of occurrence. Tinnitus affects approximately 15% of adults. It is a complicated condition that requires proper understanding to be appropriately addressed. What Causes Tinnitus? I frequently have patients ask how to get rid of their tinnitus during an … [Read more...] about Tackling Tinnitus
Hearing Versus Understanding
The most common concern of those with hearing loss is not being able to understand others. “I can hear them,” a patient will say. “I just don’t know what they said.” Considering the fact that verbal communication is how most people interact with others, being able to do so is essential. However, people can often conflate hearing and understanding. While undoubtedly interconnected, they are two distinct functions. Understanding the difference can help to improve outcomes and satisfaction with … [Read more...] about Hearing Versus Understanding
Welcome to Hearing Aid Paradise
Advancements occur at a quick pace in the realm of hearing aids. Manufacturers are constantly developing new solutions to patients’ hearing needs, so that each successive model provides an even more natural sound quality. Phonak, one of the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturers, recently released its newest platform: Paradise. Paradise offers multiple innovations aimed at improving patient satisfaction. Sound Quality When surveyed, hearing aid users stated that their biggest concern … [Read more...] about Welcome to Hearing Aid Paradise
Can You Hear Them Now?
Hearing loss is an insidious condition that affects all aspects of an individual’s life. Enjoying television or movies means turning up the volume too loud for others or reading captions. In-person conversations become less enjoyable because of the effort required for the hearing-impaired listener. Phone conversations can be even more difficult, as visual cues are unavailable and the quality of the connection can vary. The inability to communicate effectively over the phone can be frustrating … [Read more...] about Can You Hear Them Now?
Hearing Mythbusters
With the internet being ubiquitous, information is easier to access than ever. However, that does not mean that the information is necessarily correct. This sentiment is especially relevant when it comes to health advice. One might read that carrots help improve eyesight; in actuality, this was wartime propaganda to disguise radar technology. Given the daily onslaught of information, it can be difficult to determine what is factual. Cleaning Your Ears Earwax is not innately bad. In … [Read more...] about Hearing Mythbusters
Which Hearing Aids Are Right for Me?
The world of hearing aids can be intimidating. With multiple manufacturers and models, it can feel akin to purchasing a vehicle. A minority of adults with hearing loss are actually fit with hearing aids, while the average length of time between noticing an issue and seeking treatment is seven years. Fortunately, licensed providers are available to act as guides, with “guides” being the keyword. While providers are very knowledgeable and reliable sources, the question of which type of hearing aid … [Read more...] about Which Hearing Aids Are Right for Me?
Strategies to Improve Communication
One inevitable side effect of hearing loss is increased difficulty communicating with others. Specifically, the person with hearing loss will often not hear, or will misunderstand, what someone has said. Sometimes, the misunderstanding can be humorous. More often, though, it is frustrating and embarrassing. Some people with hearing loss will eventually began to retreat from social interactions, reducing quality of life. Hearing aids can be of great benefit in restoring these communication … [Read more...] about Strategies to Improve Communication