Broadwater Hearing Care

St. Petersburg

Stronger Scores on the Mini-Mental Exam

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Hearing Aids are Linked to Stronger Scores on the Mini-Mental Exam Most of you don’t know what the Mini-Mental Exam is. It is a very short test given to individuals suspected of having some early memory problems. It is generally administered by the family physician and is a very good indicator of early problems. A recent study, published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, showed that hearing aids might help prevent or slow the development of dementia in elderly people with … [Read more...]

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Hearing Loss

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Hearing loss has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, both directly from the disease itself and through exposure to certain medications used to alleviate inflammation and to biologics. The exact cause of hearing loss isn’t known at this time. Since these treatments help preserve quality of life, they cannot be discontinued. It is important for individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis to have a regular hearing check-up and to let their physicians know immediately if they … [Read more...]

Higher Medical Bills with Untreated Hearing Loss

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New University Study - Untreated Hearing Loss Leads to Higher Medical Bills A new study completed at the Medical University of South Carolina looked at the data from a national healthcare claims database to see if there was a correlation between hearing loss and the use of healthcare. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Otolaryngology-Head&Neck Surgery, compared costs of healthcare for a large group of individuals. The results over a period … [Read more...]

Good Night’s Sleep Important with Tinnitus

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A Good Night’s Sleep is Important for Individuals with Tinnitus We have previously discussed the effect sleep apnea has on tinnitus. Today we are going to discuss the effect of good sleep hygiene on tinnitus. There has been a lot in the news lately about good sleep habits and how we are happier, healthier, and more productive when we sleep well. This also applies to tinnitus. If you are rested, symptoms can be minimized. We have a list of tips for a good night’s sleep. If you … [Read more...]

Audiologists or Hearing Aid Stores

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Are Audiologists More Expensive than Hearing Aid Stores? I recently had a long term patient of mine confess that he had been “shopping” for new hearing aids. He thought it would be less expensive to see a Hearing Instrument Specialist, or hearing aid dealer than it would be to see me. When he returned to me with whistling poorly fit hearing aids from Sam’s Club, he told me his story. He had been to three different hearing aid providers, independent, chain and big box. They all told … [Read more...]

Understanding Tinnitus

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Tinnitus Education One in three adults report having some degree of tinnitus (ringing in the ears). This year I have made it a priority to become a Fellow of the Tinnitus Practitioners Association. I have taken over thirty hours of coursework this year alone to become an expert in tinnitus diagnosis and treatment. As of this writing, I am the only audiologist on the west coast of Florida and one of two audiologists in the state to have Fellow status. If you are having difficulty with … [Read more...]

Tinnitus and Noise Exposure

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Research shows that one in three people have tinnitus (ringing in the ears). For most, it is mild and not a problem. For others, it can interfere with daily living. Most tinnitus has been tied to noise exposure. So, if you do not want tinnitus, or don’t want it to get any worse. Avoid loud noise. This can be difficult. There is noise all around us. In the restaurants we choose, shops we frequent, and even in our homes. Your blow dryer, blender and vacuum are pretty noisy as well. … [Read more...]

Ringing in the Ears

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Ringing in the Ears - You are not alone! Approximately 50 million Americans experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears). There is no cure available. While there is no magic bullet, we do have treatments available that are very helpful. There is no need to suffer. Tinnitus is not a disease and can be well managed. The key to proper management is seeking out the correct professional to help. Audiologists are uniquely qualified to help. Some, like me, have advanced training in … [Read more...]

Sleep Apnea and Tinnitus Connection

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I have seen several patients recently who complain of tinnitus and have untreated sleep apnea. What could the connection be? If your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, many organs can be affected. We know that sleep apnea has increased the risk of heart problems and it can also affect tinnitus. When I have recommended a sleep study and the results are positive for sleep apnea, therapy has improved the tinnitus symptoms. Often using a CPAP will make a difference immediately. I … [Read more...]

Good Healthcare includes Hearing Screenings

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After age 50, regular hearing screenings are an important part of health care. Regular hearing screenings are often overlooked by family physicians, so it is important to ask and seek out hearing screenings from a licensed audiologist. Another study has come out linking hearing loss to mental decline. A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry on April 25, 2016 has shown that adults age 80-99 with hearing loss were more likely to have dementia than adults age … [Read more...]