When discussing an individual’s ability to hear well in noisy environments, it comes down to two things: hearing loss and auditory processing. Hearing speech in the presence of background noise is very difficult for individuals with a hearing loss. This difficulty can occur regardless of age, degree of hearing loss, or which hearing aid is…
Read MoreEveryone produces earwax. It is a healthy and important part of your auditory system, designed to help shift and remove dirt, dust, and bacteria, and to keep the ear free of foreign material. However, a buildup of that same earwax can become a problem, especially for those who wear hearing aids. An earwax impaction can…
Read MoreSummer in Florida is now upon us, and many patients have questions related to their hearing aids and enjoying outdoor activities. The biggest danger to your hearing aids in the summer is water. Most modern hearing aids are water-resistant but not waterproof, as most hearing aid models have some protection against accidental immersion and splashing.…
Read MoreWhen undergoing a hearing test, the primary test is called audiometry and consists of listening to beeping sounds and indicating when the patient has heard the sound with a hand raise or pressing a button. When completing this portion of testing, the audiologist is looking for the softest sounds that the patient can just barely…
Read MoreMany patients often ask at their hearing aid consultation appointment “How long do they last?”. While there isn’t a straightforward answer, here are some guidelines. Hearing aids are complex devices requiring proper care and maintenance. Technology is general is rapidly changing every few years and along with this is new advancements in hearing aid technology.…
Read MoreAs audiologists, we often get asked “How do I clean my ears?” by patients if I can’t use Q-tips. Many people do not know that your ear typically does a good job cleans itself! Earwax, or cerumen, is a self-cleaning agent meant to protect and lubricate your ear canal. Glands in your ear canal produce…
Read MoreThe team at Jacksonville Hearing and Balance Institute will soon be participating in the Kilwin’s Run on March 23rd. This is a fundraising event to support the Clarke School for Hearing and Speech. Founded in 1867 the Clarke School is dedicated to teaching children who are deaf or hard of hearing how to listen and…
Read MoreOur last blog post focused on tinnitus basics and possible treatment options for tinnitus management. Unfortunately, there is a lot of inaccurate information regarding tinnitus on the internet, which has resulted in this topic becoming very controversial online. Here are a few of the most debated topics surrounding tinnitus, its causes, and its effects on…
Read MoreWhat is Tinnitus?Tinnitus is a symptom commonly described as hearing a ringing, buzzing, or static-like noise in the absence of external sounds. For some, it is intermittent, but for others, it is constant and significantly impacts quality of life. It is a common symptom of undiagnosed hearing loss but an occur without the presence of…
Read MoreAs Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s time to think about love, connection, and how hearing plays a crucial role in our relationships. At Jacksonville Hearing and Balance Institute, we believe that expressing love is even better when we can communicate clearly. Let’s explore why healthy hearing matters on this special day. Sound is a big part…
Read MoreThe holiday season is filled with festive activities and family gatherings that can prove to be difficult for having a conversation, especially if there is hearing loss involved. Below are some tips that can help make communication easier. Happy Holidays from the team at Jacksonville Hearing & Balance Institute!
Read MoreAs you start your holiday shopping this year, keep your ear out for toys that are necessarily loud. The Sight & Hearing Association (SHA) keeps close tabs on the noise makers that catch our kids attentions. Kathy Webb, the executive director of SHA, said in a recent press release, “Test a toy before you buy…
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