Mardi Gras!

With Mardi Gras around the corner, there are some considerations for hearing healthcare.  Parades can get loud, and riding the floats is even louder!  

There are varying levels of loudness that are acceptable without putting someone at risk for hearing damage.  There are sound level meter apps available on most smart phones, and they can be relatively reliable.  

Custom hearing protection (molded to fit your ears), generic ear plugs (like the foamie yellow ones), and ear muffs (that look like headphones) are all viable options for protecting your hearing depending on the noise level and your ear’s anatomy.  

Be this guy ↓ ................... Not this guy! ↓

It’s a Noisy Planet is a useful resource for noise-related information regarding hearing health. https://www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov/

Dangerous Decibels is another good source for information regarding permissible noise levels. http://dangerousdecibels.org/education/information-center/decibel-exposure-time-guidelines/

Risks of Hearing Loss

Since I started the blog just two weeks ago, I figured it would be useful to share some basic information about hearing loss.

About 36 million people have hearing loss, and approximately 30% of those people wear hearing instruments.  Signs and symptoms of hearing loss include difficulty in noisy places, hearing from a distance, asking people to repeat, saying people “mumble”, and having difficulty following conversations.  Many people experience ringing or buzzing in their ears or head, which may or  may not be a sign of hearing loss but should be evaluated.  

A simple handout detailing symptoms and causes of hearing loss, as well as prevention was published by the American Academy of Audiology. Please share this with anyone you feel would find it useful.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call or email our office.

Epiphany

Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, the day when the Three Wise Men (or Kings) visit Jesus in the manger.  For us Louisianans it signals the start of King Cake or Carnival Season.  Yum!  

I couldn’t help but think of people with hearing loss during the holidays.  Many events are noisy, including family gatherings, and this is where people with hearing loss experience the most trouble: in group settings or noisy places.  How many people were participating in family or other social events with hearing loss?  We know that only about 30% of people with hearing loss wear hearing aids.  Many do not get tested.  

An epiphany is defined as an experience of a sudden realization or revelation.  Did you have an epiphany during the holidays?  How much of the conversation did you miss?  Could you hear your children, grandchildren, family, friends?  More importantly, do you wish you had heard better?  A hearing test is non-invasive, affordable, takes less than an hour, and the results are available immediately.  It may be that you do not need hearing instruments now but it is helpful to document any beginning of hearing loss for future comparison.  Everyone should consider having a baseline hearing test and receive personalized recommendations from an audiologist.

Take the Hearing Health Quiz to assess your risk of hearing loss.

Happy New "Ear"

2017!  How did we get here?  Time goes by so fast when you’re busy.  Reflecting on 2016, it was certainly a year of change.  New jobs, a move, a new home, and a new baby.  My family has kept busy this year, and so has the practice.  We are excited for what is in store for 2017!  

I am pleased with the support I have received from “old” and new patients.  I have always said “The Patients Make the Practice”, and it has never been more true.  Without wonderful, dedicated patients, Comprehensive Hearing Solutions would not exist.  For that, “Thank You”!  

As we begin 2017, I look forward to serving you all.  My one resolution is to continue to grow the practice so that I can provide premium hearing healthcare for years to come.