Missouri Humidity and Hearing Aids – Part 1
We have already talked a little about how rain or dampness can affect the performance of hearing aids, but what about other sources of moisture? And why might a hearing aid have problems with moisture in the middle of February as well as in the middle of August? First a little lesson on the climate…
What Happens After a Failed Newborn Hearing Screening?
A diagnostic Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) evaluation should be scheduled, immediately. An ABR is used to assess the auditory (hearing) nerve function and to estimate hearing levels. It is a physiological test that measures electrical impulses that are transmitted through nerves from our ears to the brainstem. What does the test involve? Electrodes are placed…
Could Your Medication Be Damaging Your Hearing?
Could your medication be damaging your hearing? Ever wonder if medication could be causing hearing loss? The answer is yes- depending on what type of medication it is and the dosage. Medications, prescription and over-the-counter, can be ototoxic (damaging to the ear). This can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears or balance disorders. Certain…
Do I Need Two Hearing Aids?
“DO I NEED TWO HEARING AIDS OR CAN I WEAR JUST ONE?” Many of our patients ask me this question when it’s time to discuss the purchase of a hearing aid. Some are asking because of the financial aspect of paying for two hearing aids; others ask just because they don’t like the thought of wearing…
Better TV Listening With A Neckloop
Even with properly fitted hearing aids, it can be difficult to understand the TV due to poor room acoustics, distance from the TV, and background noises like the dishwasher running or other people talking. Using a neck loop with the t-coil function on your hearing aids may improve your listening experience while watching TV. From previous…
Dizziness: BPPV
Here at Midwest ENT Centre, we assess and diagnose patients with many inner ear and balance disorders. One of the most common causes of dizziness in patients is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV. It is present in about 20% of all dizzy patients, but is more likely found in older individuals. This is…
Hearing Loss in Babies
Did you know babies wear hearing aids at 6 weeks of age? You may ask, “How is it possible to know that a 6 week old baby has hearing loss?” Most babies will undergo a newborn hearing screening prior to discharge from the hospital. The newborn hearing screening can detect possible hearing loss in the…
Dizziness: Videonystagmography (part 2)
At Midwest ENT Centre, we work with patients who may be experiencing dizziness, imbalance or vertigo episodes. Depending on the patient’s symptoms, the doctor may request further assessment of the inner ear balance system, called the Vestibular System. One of the tests routinely performed by our audiologists here is Videonystagmography (VNG). What a mouthful! What…
Benefits of Using a Neck Loop
Using the T-coil and Neck Loops With Your Hearing Aid In the last blog, I talked about t-coils and how they can increase the functionality of your hearing aid or cochlear implant. T-coils are like wireless antennas. They pick up magnetic signals transmitted from a sound source and then deliver that sound directly to your…
Realistic Expectations for Family Members With Hearing Loss
“My mother still has a hard time hearing me even when she is wearing her hearing aids.” Many spouses and family members experience a lot of frustration when someone they love suffers from hearing loss. Typically, they have dealt with this invisible disability for several years. Once they finally convince that loved one to get…