Kayla’s Story
Meet Kayla Kayla had numerous ear infections as a child, but it wasn’t until she displayed difficulties in school that led her parents to have her hearing tested. At seven years old, Kayla was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear and needed to wear hearing aids. However, the stigma…
Flying with Hearing Aids
The holiday season will soon be upon us. Crowds of travelers eagerly rush to John Glenn Airport in anticipation of seeing loved ones. However, for individuals with hearing loss, airplane travel can be quite difficult. It can be hard to hear overhead announcements for gate changes, boarding information, and hearing in-flight notifications when on the…
As the Weather Starts Getting Colder, Here’s How You Can Protect Your Ears
Did you know that cold, damp weather can affect the health of your ears, as can certain winter activities? We review how you can protect your ears during the late fall and winter months below. Cover Your Ears Your outer ears are comprised mostly of cartilage, with very little fat to insulate them against cold…
How Severe Is Your Hearing Loss?
According to an article published in the American Journal of Public Health, “An estimated 25.4 million, 10.7 million, 1.8 million, and 0.4 million US residents aged 12 years or older, respectively, have mild, moderate, severe, and profound better-ear hearing loss.” But what exactly do these classifications mean? We answer this question below. Normal Hearing If…
Audiologist and Hearing Aid Dispenser – What’s the Difference?
Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dispensers are very different regarding training and scope of practice. A hearing aid dispenser must have a high school diploma and be licensed by the state. A hearing aid dispenser is only allowed to test hearing for dispensing hearing aids and can only fit adult patients. They cannot treat you for…
What Are the Different Parts of a Hearing Aid?
Modern hearing aids are essentially tiny computers that boast incredible features, allowing you to hear well when conversing with friends at The Pearl. In order to accomplish this, there are several essential parts that work together. We review these below. Microphone The amplification process starts with the microphone. The microphone picks up sounds from your…
Staff Spotlight: Emily Kirkendall
This month we feature Audiologist, Dr. Emily Kirkendall. Dr. Emily joined Columbus Speech & Hearing 15 years ago because she liked the idea of working for a non-profit organization and having the unique ability to work with adults and children every work day. A Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium graduate, Dr. Emily says the best part…
Audiology and The Balance System
Did you know that Audiologists are considered experts in the balance system? The vestibular (balance) organ is housed in the inner ear and uses input from your eyes, muscles, joints, and inner ear to maintain balance. We often take good balance for granted; however, those with balance-related issues can find them debilitating. What is a…
Columbus Speech & Hearing Receives Nearly One Million Dollar Grant to Support Speech, Hearing Early Identification and Intervention
Funding will help reach and provide services to Columbus communities that are medically underserved COLUMBUS, OH – Columbus Speech & Hearing (CSH), Columbus’ premier speech and hearing nonprofit, today announced that it has received a $975,000 grant from Ohio’s Medicaid managed care plans: Anthem, Buckeye, CareSource, Molina and UnitedHealthcare. These funds will go toward expanding…
Over the Counter Hearing Aids (OTCs)
By: Jennifer Thomson, Au.D, M.S. In August 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved regulations for a class of over-the-counter hearing aids in response to demands by consumers and other agencies. These devices will likely be available for purchase by mid-October 2022. Prescriptive hearing aids are very different from OTCs. Before looking into hearing…