Hearing Tests - Everyone should have a baseline hearing test conducted by a qualified professional using calibrated equipment. A baseline hearing test can serve as a point of reference in case of accidental hearing loss due to a loud noise such as the explosion of an air bag in an automobile accident. A previous test can also be used for reference to help diagnose other medical problems.

Ear Wax - Ear wax is normal and part of the way the ear cleans and protects itself.  Nearly everyone produces wax on a daily basis. Using q-tips disrupts the natural process of how the ear cleans itself. Q-tips often push wax deeper into the canal, and can cause temporary hearing loss from blockages and permanent hearing loss if the ear drum becomes damaged. Cotton swabs should only be used to wipe wax from the exterior part of the ear. Impacted wax can be removed professionally using special instruments, by flushing, or a combination of both. We use a video otoscope to show the patient exactly what we see in the canal.

Hearing Aids - Hearing aids come in many different shapes, sizes and styles. Factors such as hearing loss type and severity, and the size and shape of ear canal limit which hearing aid style will work for each individual. A hearing professional can help determine which type will work for each person. Good hearing aids are programmable and can be adjusted to help improve speech understanding or decrease background noise.  Custom hearing aids can be modified or remade to improve comfort.  Wearing hearing aids sooner rather than later slows brain shrinkage and decreases the likelihood of dementia.

Hearing Aid Maintenance - Hearing aids require cleaning by the patient as well as professional cleanings to ensure proper performance. Devices that are cleaned correctly on a regular basis last longer and perform better throughout their life. When a hearing aid malfunctions, some problems can be fixed in office while others require the device to be shipped to the manufacturer.

Hearing Protection - Some causes of hearing loss are not preventable. However, most noise-induced hearing loss could have been prevented. Such losses occur from either long-term exposure to sound above a certain loudness level, such as machinery, or from short-term exposure to very loud sounds, such as firearms. Hearing protection should be worn to reduce the likelihood of hearing loss. Soft foam plugs offer some protection. Muffs provide more protection. Combining the two increases the protection level. Custom ear plugs, in solid, filtered, or electronic formats, increase comfort and decibel reduction in many different situations.

Hearing Safety - While individuals should take steps to protect their hearing in noisy situations, it is important to be respectful and careful with the hearing of others. Many people have lost hearing as the result of someone else’s thoughtless actions. One woman lost hearing after someone jokingly used a hammer to pound on a metal pipe she was holding on her shoulder. Another was permanently made deaf in one ear when a coworker threw a firecracker in the cab of his truck. Recently, I was contacted regarding a young man after someone popped a balloon right next to his ear. His eardrum ruptured and he had hearing loss and tinnitus as a result. It may seem funny to make a loud noise to scare someone, but it could lead to permanent life-long hearing loss and tinnitus. Be smart this Independence Day Season!

— Happy Independence Day!