L-R: Dr. Miller, Dr. King, Dr. Beauchamp, Harbin Clinic Ear, Nose & Throat

MAY IS NATIONAL SPEECH-LANGUAGE-HEARING MONTH:

 AN ANNUAL MOVEMENT TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT COMMUNICATION DISORDERS AND TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO THINK ABOUT THEIR HEARING. 

At Harbin Clinic Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) and Audiology, the medical specialists point out two areas patients typically have a lack of awareness around hearing — identifying hearing loss and further protecting from hearing loss. Many people live with unidentified hearing loss and fail to realize that they are missing certain sounds and words. By identifying early that someone is experiencing hearing loss, it is also a step towards addressing possible communication disorders. Beyond identifying hearing loss, understanding how to protect oneself from hearing loss can be invaluable. This May, Harbin Clinic ENT and Audiology says “listen up!” to find out more about taking care of your hearing.  

PROTECTING YOURSELF: 

KNOW WHEN IT’S TOO LOUD 

It’s a noisy world! Understanding what causes hearing loss on an everyday basis can be essential for protecting hearing. The World Health Organization points to several typical moments to protect from voluntary noise exposure. 

 At an event: If someone needs to shout to be heard, then the answer is yes, it’s too loud. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can be protective in these situations. Remember this in places such as concerts, nightclubs, sporting events and even fitness classes. 

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 Audiologists recommend using the 60/60 rule while wearing earbuds — only use earbuds for 60 minutes at a time and at 60% capacity. This prevents you from too-loud listening levels and long periods of noise exposure. Investing in noise-canceling earbuds can also help prevent further damage. By eliminating background noise, you can listen at a lower volume. In general, over-the-ear headphones are better for your hearing, and you can listen to them louder. 

At the firing range: Although a firearm is loud for only a moment, those using firearms for recreational and/or professional purposes benefit from hearing protection. 

Harbin Clinic Audiologist Sarah Merrell AuD, CCC-A

COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR SPEECH-LANGUAGE-HEARING MONTH 

Want to take Speech-Language-Hearing Month seriously this year? The very best way to protect hearing is early identification of problems and intervention. At Harbin Clinic ENT and Harbin Clinic Audiology, audiologists and otolaryngologists diagnose, manage and treat disorders of the ear, nose and throat.  

“We at Harbin Clinic ENT are dedicated to diagnosing and treating an array of conditions – from the common snore to complex sinus diseases and head and neck cancers. Our expertise extends beyond mere treatment; it’s a commitment to restoring balance to these vital organs, ensuring each patient’s well-being resonates with health,” says otolaryngologist Dr. Robert King. 

AUDIOLOGY AND ENT CARE 

Audiology is the study of hearing and balance problems, and it is an integral part of the ENT practice. Patients with hearing needs may see an audiologist for screening and diagnosis. Depending on their needs, they may also see an otolaryngologist. At Harbin ENT, comprehensive audiology care includes:  

  • Alerting devices (for smoke detectors and doorbells)
  • Assistive listening devices (for telephones and television)
  • Custom noise protection earmolds
  • Custom water protection earmolds (for swimming)
  • VNG (evaluation of dizziness)
  • Hearing aid evaluation and dispensing (30-day trial/refund period with hearing aid purchase)
  • Hearing aid repair and accessories
  • Hearing and balance disorder evaluations
  • Hearing evaluations (adult, infant, pediatric and industrial)
  • Otoacoustic emission tests (inner ear response to sound) for infants, children, etc.
  • Pediatric hearing loss and rehabilitation
  • Tinnitus evaluations (ringing in ears) and consultation
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Beyond hearing, balance and speech, Harbin Clinic ENT also serves patients in need of other ear treatments such as children with recurring ear infections and who may need ear tubes.  

Hear us out this May for National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! Get “a-head” with care from Harbin Clinic ENT and Audiology.