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…
Hearing Loss & Musicians
Back-to-school season is upon us! So bring on sweaters, cooler temps, football games, and marching bands! Approximately six million U.S. teenagers have some form of hearing loss, which signifies an increase of about 33 % over the past two decades. (Audiology Services of Chattanooga). Noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative, and it’s irreversible. The increased exposure…
Hearing Protection in the Summer
Many outdoor activities in the summer can be extremely loud and possibly damaging to your ears. For example, exposure to the sounds of lawn equipment, power tools, fireworks, and concerts can all lead to irreversible hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable. The Better Hearing Institute recommends wearing earplugs when around loud sounds. Columbus…
Hearing Loss and Dementia
Did you know confirmed hearing loss puts individuals at higher risk of developing dementia? What you should know about dementia and hearing loss: Hearing loss is the number one modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. Wearing hearing aids when you have hearing loss keeps your mind sharp. Hearing loss can make the brain work…
A Tinnitus Success Story: Aubré Battiste
When Aubré Battiste was a young mother working at a call center, she began experiencing pain in her ear. Aubré bounced from doctor to doctor for eight years, trying to figure out what was wrong and how she could find some relief. “I was depressed and felt hopeless,” says Aubré. She eventually learned she had…
Hearing Aid Donor Program
For nearly 100 years, Columbus Speech and Hearing (CSH) has remained mission-focused; to help those with communications challenges regardless of their ability to pay. Hearing loss affects countless people; however, many people do not have the financial resources to obtain hearing aids. We know that hearing loss can impact quality of life and cognitive abilities. For…
Financial Options for Hearing Aids
Columbus Speech & Hearing is proud to offer hearing aid solutions for any budget. We work with a variety of insurance benefits. Unfortunately, many insurances do not have a benefit for hearing aids, making the financial burden of purchasing them much higher. We offer different models for everyone’s needs. – Subscription Plan – This is…
How to Discuss Hearing Loss with a Loved one
By: Dr. Jennifer Thomson, M.S., Au.D Talking to family members about their possible hearing loss could be uncomfortable and possibly confrontational. For many individuals, their hearing is not what it used to be. They may think their hearing loss only affects them, but hearing loss can cause problems in their relationships. Untreated hearing loss can…
Staff Spotlight: Ann Wheat, Au.D
February’s staff spotlight is Ann Chiles Wheat, Aud. Dr. Wheat has been with Columbus Speech & Hearing (CSH) for 33 years! She earned her Doctorate of Audiology from Arizona School of Health Sciences and received her Master of Science from University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Wheat’s areas of expertise include pediatric diagnostic and rehabilitative…
Tinnitus
50 million people in the United States experience tinnitus. Tinnitus is a “phantom” buzzing, ringing, clicking, or other sounds when no external sound is present. Tinnitus can range from non-bothersome to insufferable. It is a common symptom of noise exposure. Tinnitus can occur for many reasons; earwax, ear infections, or side effects from medications. In…