The announcement by the Food and Drug Administration finalizing the ruling that allows for Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aid sales is good news for increased access to hearing health care. It will provide increased access to hearing aids for adults (ages 18 and older) who have mild to moderate hearing loss. This can be an initial step to the acceptance and treatment of hearing loss, much like reading glasses for eyesight. OTC hearing aids are not appropriate for children or those with moderate to severe or profound hearing loss.
As an agency with a 101-year history of providing access to hearing health care for all people including marginalized and vulnerable populations, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center (CHSC) believes this is a step in the right direction for a more global acceptance of the treatment of hearing loss and with Baby Boomers hitting retirement ages, it could not be timelier.
However, at CHSC, we encourage people to undergo an audiologic evaluation (hearing test) before purchasing any hearing aids. A proper diagnosis of the degree of hearing loss results in a more accurately programmed hearing aid – much like a proper prescription for glasses. A hearing evaluation will also identify any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the hearing loss.
CHSC's commitment to hearing health will continue into the next century. We will continue to provide professional audiology services to those who purchase their hearing aids – now including OTC aids - but may find they need additional support.
In addition, CHSC will continue to provide our full range of hearing aid services for all degrees of hearing loss and all ages. Low-cost and no-cost options for hearing aids may include health insurance with hearing aid benefits such as some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid, and our Audiology Patient Assistance Program (APA).
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Medicare
It is estimated that around 15% of Americans experience tinnitus. Tinnitus is described differently by different people. It has been described as a ringing, chirping, rushing air “whooshing” noise, hissing, or whining sound. No matter the description, it is a sound perceived in the head or ears without a true external environmental cause of sound being present. Often, people downplay tinnitus and consider it a mild inconvenience. Others are impacted much more seriously. If you only experience mild symptoms from time to time, you may learn to live with it. But if your tinnitus affects you on a daily basis, it can have an impact on your quality of life.
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earplugs,
Ear Pain,
Ear Anatomy,
Cochlear Implants,
Ear Wax
Earwax or cerumen (from the Latin word "cera” meaning wax) is a normal, natural, necessary substance produced by the human ear. It is a sticky golden-colored substance produced by the outer cartilaginous third of the ear canal and it contains naturally occurring proteins that inhibit fungal and bacterial growth and keeps the sensitive skin of the ear canal lubricated and healthy. Earwax also helps trap dust and dirt and other foreign objects from entering the ear.
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earplugs,
Ear Pain,
Ear Anatomy,
Ear Wax
Many people with hearing loss struggle to hear and understand the dialogue on television shows. A common comment from loved ones is that the television volume is louder than they prefer. Sadly, this sometimes leads to people isolating to different rooms to watch what they want at a volume that is comfortable.
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2021: A Century of Serving Northeast Ohio!
I couldn’t be prouder to lead an organization with a legacy and mission that have stood the test of time. Looking back, there is so much about our story that inspires me. This will be the first in a series of reflections to bring you along on the century-long journey of Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center (CHSC). As you read along, I hope you will share in my sense of awe and wonder as we embark on our second century of serving Northeast Ohio.
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Cochlear Implants,
Deafness,
Early Intervention,
Communication Access
When choosing a hearing aid, there are many considerations. What will it look like? What will it do? An important consideration is of course your hearing loss. Your lifestyle and listening needs also play a critical role. Your vision and dexterity also are factors – will you be able to see small disposable batteries, insert them properly, clean the small components of the hearing aid? Would a lithium ion rechargeable product be best?
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With the COVID-19 global pandemic and the suggested (and at times required) use of face masks, people with hearing loss are limited in their ability to use their vision to support their hearing and communication.
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Face masks
Very often, spouses and life-partners will suggest that their loved one has “selective” hearing – a self-made term indicating that they can hear perfectly fine most of the time, but tend not to hear their partner speaking. Is it simply a matter of “tuning out” – or could it be something else?
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Support,
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Barotrauma is the term used to describe the discomfort or injury caused by increased air pressure during airplane flights (or increased water pressure when scuba diving).
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Ear Anatomy
Minerals are in the foods we eat and play a vital role in our overall health and proper body function. Many of us may be aware that calcium builds strong bones and teeth, and that zinc helps with boosting the immune system (think Cold-EEZE cold remedy). There are even some minerals that are critical elements for protecting your hearing health.
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