A large portion of audiology appointments revolve around patient education. Given that ear health is not regularly discussed, it makes sense that patients may have a lot of questions. A common theme among their questions is safety. That is, how can one prevent damage or further loss? Below are a couple of the most common inquires. Ear Cleaning When testing as patient, they often express concern about their ears being full of wax. The truth is most people’s ears are pretty clear. Skin in your … [Read more...] about Ear Safety Tips
Trinity Hearing Center
Understanding the Finances of Hearing Healthcare
Studies show that the average timespan from a person realizing they have trouble with their hearing to finally seeking help is seven years. One of the biggest reasons people wait is concern about cost. Information about hearing aids varies widely online and insurance benefits can be difficult to navigate. But taking care of your ears doesn’t need to be scary. While no two offices operate identically, the overall journey is largely the same. Hearing Exam The first step is always to obtain an … [Read more...] about Understanding the Finances of Hearing Healthcare
Testing the Lyric Hearing Aid
The Lyric is a hearing aid that is housed inside the ear canal for extended periods of time. No need to change a battery or put the hearing aid in a recharging device at night. All you need to do is go to your audiologist and ask to try a pair of them for free! Discreet Amplification The most amazing benefit of wearing the Lyric is that you are a “normal” person. You do not have to be careful with your hearing aids around the house so the dog or cat does not eat them when you take them … [Read more...] about Testing the Lyric Hearing Aid
Sounds of Summer
As the temperatures increase and the days stretch out, it is clear that summer is upon us. For most, this means spending more time outside, near water or traveling. It also means increased considerations when it comes to caring for hearing aids. Fortunately, hearing aids are built with these considerations in mind. Moisture Hearing aids are essentially tiny computers. Thus, the internal electrical components are susceptible to damage from moisture. While most hearing aids are not … [Read more...] about Sounds of Summer
Understanding the Difference Between an ENT and Audiologist
Hearing health care can be a steep learning curve for many patients. It’s not something which is commonly discussed until help is required. One common question is the difference between an audiologist and an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician. In actuality, both of these providers work together closely to holistically treat the patient. But the two are distinct professions with important distinctions. Scope of Practice Before delving into the differences, it is important to define the … [Read more...] about Understanding the Difference Between an ENT and Audiologist
Leaping Ahead with Lumity
Hearing aids evolve at an incredible rate, with the ultimate goal of improving sound quality and clarity. The other goal is making the hearing aids as user friendly as possible. Manufacturers consistently survey their customers to determine what types of innovations are most desirable. Phonak recently launched a new technology platform. It’s called Lumity, and patients are stating that the improvements are very noticeable. Sleeker The most common concern patients have, even when they love … [Read more...] about Leaping Ahead with Lumity
Using VR in Tinnitus Management
The second most frequent request I receive from patients, after improved hearing, is to make their tinnitus go away. While tinnitus is not dangerous, it can certainly diminish sufferers’ quality of life. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for tinnitus. Instead, the focus is on mitigating the impact on daily life. Studies show that amplification, sound therapy, dietary modifications and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are all effective forms of tinnitus management. But are there any new … [Read more...] about Using VR in Tinnitus Management
Making Sure Hearing Aids Work for You
As audiologists, our main goal is always to improve our patient’s safety and quality of life. Typically, this is done through the fitting of hearing aids. Surveys have shown that one major barrier to accessing hearing aids is cost. In an effort to help address this barrier, Congress recently granted permission for hearing devices to be sold over the counter. Now it can be even more challenging for patients to know which option best suits their needs. Fortunately, you do not have to figure it out … [Read more...] about Making Sure Hearing Aids Work for You
Exploring the Lyric Hearing Aid
The Lyric is a hearing aid that is housed inside the ear canal for extended periods of time. No need to change a battery or put the hearing aid in a recharging device at night. All you need to do is go to your audiologist and ask to try a pair of them for free! Discreet Amplification The most amazing benefit of wearing the Lyric is that you are a “normal” person. You do not have to be careful with your hearing aids around the house so the dog or cat does not eat them when you take them … [Read more...] about Exploring the Lyric Hearing Aid
Understanding the Hearing Aid Journey
Do you miss hearing the sounds of the birds? Are the voices of your grandchildren becoming increasingly difficult to understand? Do you find yourself constantly turning up the TV or radio just to make out what’s being said? Hearing loss is a normal part of growing older, and it can be very scary. It doesn’t have to be. The process of getting hearing aids is painless, and an audiologist will work their hardest to help improve your quality of life and allow you to interact with the world around … [Read more...] about Understanding the Hearing Aid Journey