Hearing Care is Health Care
By Bernice McKenzie SPECIAL EVENTS & NEWS , , , , ,

Don’t Miss This Inspiring Talk on Hearing & Brain Health by TedTalk Speaker Nashlea Brogan!

UPDATE 16-JAN-2024:

Due to the recent rise in reported illnesses and COVID cases, we have made the difficult decision to transition this event to a virtual format. Participants will still have the opportunity to engage with Nashlea and ask questions during the session. You can register for the free virtual event by clicking here.

Additionally, we are pleased to announce that three more events featuring Nashlea are planned for later this year, and we warmly invite you to attend.

We apologize for the last-minute change but believe this decision prioritizes the health and well-being of our staff, guest speaker, and community members. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

 

 

We’re thrilled to announce that renowned TedTalk speaker Nashlea Brogan is returning to our community to share her knowledge on hearing and brain health! This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most compelling voices in the field.

Mark your calendar for Friday, January 24, 2025, when Nashlea will deliver two powerful talks that could transform the way you think about hearing health.

📍 Event Details
– LaSalle: 10:00 AM
– Essex: 2:00 PM

🌟 Why Attend?
Nashlea’s TedTalk has captivated audiences worldwide, shedding light on the critical connection between hearing and brain function. Her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to improve their health or support loved ones on their hearing journey.

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot
Secure your seat today at HearingSeminar.ca. When you register, we’ll mail you tickets to ensure you’re all set for this incredible event.

Let’s come together as a community to learn, connect, and take steps toward better hearing and brain health.

👉 Register now at HearingSeminar.ca!

 

In the meantime, you can watch her TedTalk to see why this is an event you *cannot* afford to miss.

By Bernice McKenzie BLOG, SPECIAL EVENTS & NEWS , , , ,

The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic: Leading the Charge in Patient-Focused Audiology since 2010

I am Bernice McKenzie, an audiologist and the owner of The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic. Originally from Brantford, Ontario, I moved to Windsor to attend Wayne State University, where I was part of the first graduating class of Doctors of Audiology. Audiology, the study of hearing and balance disorders, provided me the opportunity to help people—a core value in my family of nurses and social workers. However, I soon realized that the profession was shifting towards hearing aid sales rather than patient care.

During my clinical training, I completed internships at Henry Ford Hospital, John Dingell VA Medical Center, Michigan Children’s Hospital, and the Michigan Ear Institute.

In 2010, frustrated by the retail model of audiology, I opened my own clinic, Amherstburg Audiology and Hearing Aids, which I later rebranded as The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic. I expanded to include locations in Windsor, LaSalle, and Essex. From the beginning, my goal has been to put the patient first. By charging for appointments, I removed the pressure of hearing aid sales and ensured that my patients receive a full, comprehensive examination.

One area I am especially passionate about is the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Research shows that untreated hearing loss may increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. To address this, my clinics use Cognivue Thrive, a computerized FDA and Health Canada-approved cognitive screening tool. This technology helps detect early signs of cognitive decline, enabling patients to seek timely medical intervention. “We’re not diagnosing dementia,” I emphasize, “but we want to identify concerns early and refer patients for further testing.”

My clinics also stand out for their thorough hearing assessments. While most clinics test frequencies up to 8,000 Hz, we’ve invested in equipment that can test up to 16,000 Hz, providing a more complete diagnosis. This approach helps identify hearing loss that may be missed at other clinics, especially for patients struggling to understand speech in noisy environments.

We also focus on both hearing and balance issues, investing in specialized equipment to test the ear’s balance system and hiring an occupational therapist to provide therapy for vertigo patients. By offering a wide range of services, we are uniquely positioned to treat both hearing and balance disorders comprehensively.

My philosophy centers on quality of care over quantity. My team spends up to two hours with each new patient, performing in-depth testing and creating personalized treatment plans. Hearing aids are just one part of these plans, and we offer a range of brands to find the best fit for each patient’s needs.

Ultimately, my mission is to restore audiology to a patient-centered medical profession. “We’re different because we focus on patient care, not product sales,” I say. My dedication to offering comprehensive care has set my clinics apart and earned the trust of many patients throughout the region.

By Bernice McKenzie BLOG, SPECIAL EVENTS & NEWS , ,

Discover Our Free Educational Books for Patients

At The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic, we believe that informed patients are empowered patients. That’s why we’re proud to offer a selection of free educational books to help you better understand hearing loss, tinnitus, and their connections to overall health. These resources are available to anyone who wants to learn more, whether you’re a new patient or simply curious about hearing health.

 

Pre-Education Book 
We understand that learning about tinnitus and hearing loss can feel overwhelming, which is why our new patient appointments last up to two hours. To help patients feel prepared and informed, we send them our pre-education book before their appointment. Co-authored by our owner, Bernice McKenzie, this book explains the treatment process in clear, easy-to-understand terms. It’s the perfect way to start your journey toward better hearing health.

 

 

 

Diabetes, Dementia, and Hearing Loss
Did you know there’s a connection between diabetes, dementia, and hearing loss? This critical link inspired Bernice McKenzie to co-author a book on the topic. It’s an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding how these conditions interact and why treating hearing loss is so important for overall health. You can request your free copy by visiting DiabetesAndHearing.ca

 

 

“The Consumers Guide To Hearing Care” by Dr. Douglas Beck
We often receive calls from patients with questions about hearing aids. While our clinicians focus on providing individualized care during appointments, we’ve made it easy for anyone to access reliable information by offering Dr. Douglas Beck’s comprehensive book on hearing aids. Whether you’re considering hearing aids for the first time or just want to learn more, this book is packed with practical advice and insights. You can request a free copy of your book by clicking HERE.

 

 

 

 

“SILENCED” by Dr. Keith Darrow
Tinnitus can be a frustrating and confusing condition, especially with so much conflicting information online. Dr. Keith Darrow’s book, “SILENCED. The Medical Treatment of Tinnitus”, is an excellent resource that cuts through the noise. It provides accurate, up-to-date information about tinnitus and treatment options in an easy-to-read format. This book is available free of charge—just request your copy today by clicking HERE.

 

Whether you’re preparing for your first appointment, exploring treatment options, or seeking trustworthy information, our books are here to help.

At The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your hearing health. Take advantage of these free resources today!

By Bernice McKenzie BLOG , ,

The Vital Sense: Why Hearing Health Can’t Wait

👂 You’re Not Alone

Over 50 million adults in North America are living with hearing loss.
Are you wondering:

  • “Do I really need hearing care right now?”
  • “Is it worth helping my parents seek treatment?”
  • “Should I wait until it gets worse?”

The real question is:
How important is your health—or your loved one’s health—to you?

✅ What We Now Know:

Hearing Loss is a Progressive, Degenerative Disorder

It’s not just about missing a few words.
Untreated hearing loss increases your risk of:

  • ✅ Dementia & memory decline
  • ✅ Falls and serious injuries
  • ✅ Hospitalizations and long-term care
  • ✅ Depression and anxiety
  • ✅ Lost wages and premature death

This is no longer considered “just part of getting older.”
Hearing is not optional—it’s essential.

📋 Common Signs of Hearing Loss

  • Asking people to repeat themselves
  • Struggling in noisy environments
  • Turning up the TV or radio too loud
  • Withdrawing from conversations or social situations
  • Tinnitus (ringing/buzzing in the ears)
  • Trouble hearing on the phone
  • Feeling like others are “mumbling”

🧠 Hearing Affects More Than Your Ears

🔹 Social Health

Hearing loss can lead to isolation, embarrassment, and loneliness—even in its early stages.
Treating it helps restore confidence and reconnects you with the people you love.

“I have avoided almost all social contact because I can hardly say to people, ‘I am deaf.'”
— Ludwig van Beethoven

🔹 Physical Health

People with untreated hearing loss are less physically active.
Did you know?
Only 1 in 10,000 people live to 100—and lifestyle (not genetics) accounts for 75% of that success.

🔹 Emotional Health

Untreated hearing loss can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Hearing treatment boosts emotional health by restoring connections, improving sleep, and increasing confidence.

🔹 Cognitive Health

Your brain depends on sound stimulation.
Treating hearing loss in mid-life is the #1 modifiable risk factor for dementia.
Treating hearing loss has been shown to improve:

  • Memory recall
  • Processing speed
  • Attention span

💸 The True Cost of Waiting

Ignoring hearing loss today can turn into spending money on:

  • managing anxiety and stress
  • managing the repercussions from a serious fall
  • dementia-related care

Your hearing is worth protecting.

👵 Aging Has Changed. So Should Our Approach to Hearing.

Forget the myths:

❌ “You slow down with age”
❌ “It’s too late to learn”
❌ “It’s not worth it”

Here’s the truth:

Decline is optional.

Today’s seniors are working, traveling, learning, and staying socially active well into their 80s and 90s.
You deserve to hear every moment of it.

🚧 Why People Delay Hearing Care

And Why You Shouldn’t.

1. Fear of Looking “Old”

Truth: Nothing makes you appear older than missing half the conversation.

2. Fear of Cost

Good news: We offer insurance support, and financing options.

3. Fear of Wasting Time

We offer streamlined diagnostics, modern technology, and efficient scheduling—so your time is respected.

4. “It’s Not That Bad Yet”

It’s easy to adapt to gradual hearing loss—but your brain doesn’t adapt without support.
Early treatment = better outcomes.

5. “I Tried It Before. It Didn’t Work.”

Not all clinics are created equal.
At The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic, we provide comprehensive care, tinnitus solutions, cognitive support, and the ongoing care of an audiologist.

💬 What Our Patients Say

“I wish I had done this sooner.”
“I didn’t realize how much I was missing.”
“This is SO easy.”

You can’t change your past noise exposure or your family’s genetics.
But you can choose the right clinic and take action now.

✅ The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic

Real Treatment. Real Results. Real People Who Care.

  • 🎯 Focused on treating hearing loss—not just selling hearing aids
  • 🕒 2-hour diagnostic appointments
  • 📍 Multiple clinic locations for your convenience
  • 🧠 Cognitive screening included
  • 🔁 Follow-up support

📅 Ready to Hear Life Again?

Book your consultation today.

Let’s treat your hearing—together.

By Bernice McKenzie BLOG, SPECIAL EVENTS & NEWS , ,

Bernice McKenzie is an approved Dr.CliffAud provider

We’re please to announce that Bernice McKenzie is part of the DrCliffAud Approved Provider Network!!

If you’ve researched hearing aids during the last few year’s you’ve most likely seen videos posted by Dr. Cliff Olson on his youtube channel. If it is ear related, he probably has a video talking about it. You can check out his youtube channel by clicking here.

By admin BLOG, SPECIAL EVENTS & NEWS , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2019 Hear For The Holidays!

 

Do you know someone who’s life would be improved by improved hearing? WE WANT TO KNOW!

The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic and Amherstburg Audiology & Hearing Aids are in search of members of our communities (Essex, Amherstburg and LaSalle) who’s hearing impairment is holding them back – so we can gift them US! One lucky winner from each clinic will receive a set of hearing aids and the gift of our services for 3 years.

Simply click the gift below and fill out our short online form.

All applicants must make themselves available for an audiometric evaluation. Entries will be received until November 29, 2019 at 11:59pm, so that we can have some time to have our winners hearing by the holiday! If you have questions, please feel free to contact us any time!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

By Bernice McKenzie BLOG ,

Buying Hearing Aids from independent clinic versus a big box store

I will start off by saying that I will always recommend an independent private practice audiologist over a chain. Part of the reason being because I am in private practice. There are of course other reasons:

(1) Locally owned and operated: we support local charities, events, sports teams. Our small audiology clinics are the ones supporting events in Amherstburg, Essex,  LaSalle, Harrow and McGregor.

(2) Not directly, or indirectly, owned by a hearing aid manufacturer. You will always be prescribed that is best for you, not what is best for our shareholders in Europe.

(3) You are guaranteed to see a regulated health care provider. Many chins do not have audiologists on staff, therefore may not be seeing an audiologist and may not realize it. Many audiologists in our region are in private practice. If you live in Amherstburg, LaSalle, Harrow or McGregor and want to be seen by a regulated hearing healthcare professional, then you need to visit a private practice.

I do realize that there is a reason why you would want to buy from a chain. The only real reason I can think of is that you are planning on moving in the near future and want to deal with a company that has a location near your new home. You probably thought I was going to suggest that price would be a reason to buy from a chain. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Hearing aids are regulated medical devices, so there really isn’t a price difference between clinics. If you believe you will get a deal at a chain, book an appointment with an independent audiology clinic to see what they can offer.  You may be surprised that the independent private practice may offer a better deal than the faceless hearing aid chain.

By Bernice McKenzie BLOG

Hearing Aid Batteries

You wouldn’t think I’d have much to say about something as simple as a hearing aid battery. Well, let me prove you wrong.

Battery Sizes

Patients always think that there is only one hearing aid battery size. I hate to burst your bubble, but there are four. Below are the different battery sizes, listed from the smallest to the largest:

  • Size 5 (red sticker): VERY small battery. I don’t think they make this battery anymore.
  • Size 10 (yellow sticker): the smallest battery on the market.
  • Size 312 (brown sticker): medium sized battery
  • Size 13 (orange sticker): larger battery
  • Size 675 (blue sticker): largest battery on the market

How long will my battery last?

The larger the battery, the longer it will last. There are other factors that will dictate how long a battery will last: (1) the number of hours a day you wear your hearing aids, (2) the volume that the hearing aid is set at – the louder the aid, the more current it will drain (3) devices connected to the hearing aids (bluetooth, FM system etc..) will drain more current.

What brand hearing aid battery should I buy?

Many people think that they can put just any battery in their hearing aid. When you invest thousands of dollars into a sophisticated medical device, do you think it’s wise to skimp on the batteries? My self-pay patient’s do not have to worry about purchasing hearing aid batteries, as they get batteries as part of their service plan. I do, however, encounter people who recently moved to town or obtained their hearing aids from another clinic. I cringe whenever I hear someone say that they purchase their hearing aid batteries from a store that “sells items for a dollar”. Don’t get me wrong, I like a bargain, but hearing aid batteries are not an area where you want to cut corners.

I have heard people tell me that the “cheaper” size 312 batteries last a day or two. If that is the case, you may be spending more in the long run if the same size “brand name” battery would last seven to ten days. Another concern with the cheaper batteries is that they have been known to destroy hearing aids. You may save a couple dollars on batteries, but it isn’t worth it if you have to spend thousands of dollars to replace a damaged hearing aid.

For the price conscious individual, we sell a four pack of hearing aid batteries for $2.50. Our private label batteries are a brand name, and we get out logo put on the packaging. I know the local “things for a dollar store” sells two batteries for $1.00. When you do the math, our batteries work out to be $1.25 per package and the brand name company that we get them from guarantees that they will not destroy your hearing aids.

Do I have to pay tax on hearing aid batteries?

Hearing aids are a medical expense. Hearing aid batteries are also a medical expense. You DO NOThave to pay taxes on hearing aid batteries. In fact, you can claim the cost of hearing aid batteries on your taxes.

By Bernice McKenzie BLOG , , ,

I Think I’ll Wait Until My Hearing Gets Really Bad

“I Think I’ll Wait Until My Hearing Gets Really Bad”
Laurie Bornstein, MS, CCC/A
Executive Hearing LLC

What is your reason to postpone an investment in better hearing? While cost may certainly be a concern, it has also been shown that even when hearing aids are free, many still balk at wearing them. What’s worse is when physicians tell their patients that they are “too young” to wear hearing aids, or “not bad enough yet,” or that “hearing aids only make things louder.”

Physicians who are not Ear, Nose and Throat specialists get very little education about hearing in medical school. Even ENTs who are quite knowledgeable about ears are seldom educated about hearing aids, but because they are medical doctors, patients listen to them and accept as fact statements that might only be opinions. Hearing aid technology changes so frequently that audiologists can barely keep up, but that’s precisely what makes audiology a specialty that requires several years of schooling and constant updating!

When your physician (or anyone!) tells you to skip getting hearing aids for now, ask if s/he knows of a medical or surgical intervention that will make you hear better or make your tinnitus subside. If the answer is no, then get out of there and head to an audiologist for another opinion.

If you have trouble hearing – even “sometimes” – please don’t postpone taking care of it. Today’s hearing solutions range from simple amplifiers that are useful for those who truly might not benefit much from “real” hearing aids, yet report some difficulties, to high-tech devices that will even interact with some electronic devices in the home.
Many people don’t realize how much they miss and how much added stress and fatigue results from straining to hear. Life is not only safer and experiences richer when one can hear, people report having energy that they thought was only available to the young.

Now that there has been shown to be a relationship between untreated hearing loss and early onset of dementia, it is more important than ever to retain your hearing as long as possible. If that means wearing hearing aids, wear them proudly in the realization that you are taking care of yourself so that you can interact fully for as long as you walk this earth. Friends and loved ones are counting on you!

By admin SPECIAL EVENTS & NEWS ,

It’s pretty clear. No one cares quite like Dad cares.

We’re so excited to be able to share the gift of hearing with your Dad this year!

Enter to win a prize for Dad that goes beyond just a special day. One winner will be chosen from all eligible entrants to receive one set of (2) hearing aids along with batteries & our caring services for 3 years at no cost to him!

To enter, leave a photo with your fatherly figure – dad, grandad, or dad in law in the comments below the video on our Facebook page, and book a hearing test for both you and Dad together online. Its that simple –but you must do both! (You’ll thank us later for the souvenir photo!)

Hurry though, we need your Dad’s picture by Monday June 18 at 11:59pm to be eligible.

Eligible entrants will have a demonstrated hearing loss requiring amplification and be ADP eligible at the time of fitting. Entrants agree to use of their likeness for advertisement purposes and follow up questionnaires must be completed.

Book Now!
By Bernice McKenzie SPECIAL EVENTS & NEWS , ,

iOS 11.4 and Made for iPhone Hearing Aids

14-JUN-2018

 

We received the email below from hearing aid manufacturer GN ReSound:

“Since the release of the iOS® 11.4, we have been diligently testing it with ReSound Made for Apple® hearing aids. At this time, we cannot confirm compatibility with ReSoundSmart Hearing aids and the iPhone SE® running iOS 11.4.

We recommend advising your patients to refrain from upgrading their iPhone SE to iOS 11.4. We will send out a notification if compatibility changes.”

Please do not update your iPhone operating system to iOS 11.4 if you are using a Made for iPhone hearing aid from Bernafon, GN Resound, Oticon, Starkey or Widex.

We will update this post once it is safe to update to iOS 11.4

 

UPDATE

20-JUN-2018

It is still NOT SAFE to update to iOS 11.4

We received the following email from GN ReSound today:

“MFi hearing instruments are unable to connect with iPhone SE after Apple’s release of iOS 11.4. We recommend iPhone SE users stay on iOS 11.3 if they have not updated already.

The issue will be fixed with an upcoming iOS release. We are awaiting Apple to confirm the release date and will send out a notification when more information is available.”

 

UPDATE

16-JUL-2018

It is now safe to update your iOS (iPhone Operating System).

We received the following email from GN ReSound today:

“Since the release of iOS® 11.4.1, we have been diligently testing its compatibility with ReSound Made for Apple® hearing aids. Our testing confirms this latest iOS update has resolved issues that were reported after the May 29th release of iOS 11.4, where iPhone SE users were unable to connect to their MFi hearing instruments to stream audio or utilize their ReSound app. “

By Bernice McKenzie BLOG ,

Why are there no testimonials on your website

We get asked that question at least once a day.

Our clinic is owned and operated by an audiologist and registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). As such, we are governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act of 1991. Regulated health care professionals in Ontario are not permitted to publish testimonials.

You will not see testimonials for dentists, optometrists, physicians, pharmacists, psychologists or any other regulated health care provider in Ontario. The Ministry of Health does not allow their use.

If you visit a website for hearing health care and notice that there are testimonials, it is highly likely that you are not dealing with a regulated health care provider.

Regulation is important. The colleges are there to protect the public. Health regulatory colleges are responsible for ensuring that regulated health professionals provide health services in a safe, professional and ethical manner. This includes, among other things, setting standards of practice for the profession and investigating complaints about members of the profession and, where appropriate, disciplining them.

As a patient, if you have a complaint about services provided by a regulated health care provider, you can complain to their respective college. If you were treated by an unregulated provider, then you have no recourse whatsoever.

To learn more about regulated health care providers visit the Ministry of Health website here.

To learn more about the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) visit their website here.

By Bernice McKenzie BLOG

Why are some hearing aids so cheap?

We’ve all seen them, those adverts advertising a hearing aid for a very cheap price. Ever wonder why certain chains offer such low prices? There are many reasons at play:

  • It could be really old technology
  • It could be that they have already discounted the government grant from the price listed
  • It could be that the chain or clinic is owned by a hearing aid manufacturer company and they are trying to get rid of stock
  • It could be a device that other audiologists will not prescribe due to quality issues
  • It may not even be a hearing aid, you may be looking at a simple amplifier

Regardless of the price, if you are considering getting one of these hearing aids for an unbelievable price you should ask the audiologist (if you are even dealing with an audiologist) to tell you why you are getting such a “great deal”. As with all things in life, you get what you pay for. If you are looking at a hearing aid as a commodity instead of a medical device then you may do well with something that is sub-par. My suggestion to you: get a second opinion from an independent audiologist in private practice. You can always call and make an appointment with our Doctor of Audiology. She’s been giving second opinions to local residents in Amherstburg, Harrow, LaSalle, McGregor, Essex and Windsor for years.

By admin BLOG , ,

Can I be frank about something?

I’ve recently had the worst summer cold ever, which started as a sore throat (for which my doctor gave me antibiotics), which worsened and then proceeded to make me bed ridden the entire long weekend +1. In this midst of all the this fun and excitement (ugh I felt like a bag of sand) both of my eardrums perforated. Ruptured. Tore.

I’ve now been without a significant portion of my hearing for 3 days. This is what’s called a conductive hearing loss.

con·duc·tive
kənˈdəktiv/
adjective
adjective: conductive
  1. having the property of conducting something (especially heat or electricity or sound).
    “to induce currents in conductive coils”
    • of or relating to conduction.

My hearing will gradually find its way back to me with the help of my Doctor’s magic drops and time, as my eardrums heal I should get my hearing back. It can take 8+ weeks to heal on its own. If it doesn’t, I need a referral to see an Otolaryngologist if my ear drums don’t heal on their own and I still have a significant hearing loss.

Here are the things that I have noticed since I’ve been for all tense and purposes placed in a sound proof bubble:

  1. Everything makes noise. My pen on the desk, my dogs’ nails on the floor. The neighbor’s car door, my car, my phone. I never really noticed how noisy the world was before – now that its gone the silence is deafening. Poof. Gone. The most bizarre sensation in the world is standing in the shower (with my ears protected from water) and not hearing the water fall. Bizarre. Like, I laughed out loud about it. I can’t hear the keys right now as I type, but I know they are making noise. So if a tree falls in a forest, it does make a sound.
  2. People suck at communication skills. I like to think that because of where I work, I may be an exception… But in general, when you tell people that you can’t hear them, they continue talking at the same volume and pitch they were speaking before, they make no greater effort for you to hear them out. i.e. my Doctor yesterday kept turning away from me when she was talking. And I would have to ask her repeat herself. Over. And Over. And Over. Look at me, because the pieces of the puzzle that I can’t hear can be filled in by my looking at your beautiful face!
  3. There’s a lot of noise in my head. Every inhale, every exhale. Every bite I chew. Every hair I comb, every time I move my head or jaw. Clearing my throat is loud. My stomach growling woke me out of a cold and sinus drug addled sleep. This is all a symptom of conductive hearing loss, and it is obnoxious that I can’t hear much that goes on on the outside of my own head. Everything on the inside… LOUD. Part of it of course is because I don’t hear anything else, its not drowning out the sound of my swallowing.
  4. I’m exhausted. Now that the general malaise is gone from my illness and it took some hearing with it, everything I do is a struggle and I’m exhausted trying to read people, struggle on the phone with all the fantastic people who call me (that’s you!) and it makes me tired. My brain is working too hard to compensate.
  5. Tinnitus is real. My particular tinnitus is pulsatile tinnitus, I can hear my heartbeat. Its not a sound that anyone else can hear, every heartbeat I hear loud and clear in my head. Every last one. Over. And Over. And Over. I wake up and its there. I try to sleep and its there. I can’t mask this with another sound, because I can’t hear that either. This will go away when my hearing comes back and I hear other things than what is happening in my head. I hope.

So that’s that. The first thing I said to Bernice and Paige when my hearing hopped a train was ‘I can’t understand why hearing aids don’t sell themselves’. So if I might be frank, this not hearing all the sounds is no joke. My hearing loss happened suddenly and traumatically so of course, I noticed all the sounds gone at once, not gradually like everyone else. None the less, this has been a real eye opener. I can’t imagine why anyone would not want to hear the sounds of life.

I’m frantic to get a piece of those sounds back. 8+ weeks seems so far away.

~melissa

 

By admin BLOG , , , ,

Protect your ears this summer

The summer season is fast upon us, and so are all the fun summer activities! We’d like to take a minute to remind you of how important it is to remember that some of the fun things you do could have an irreversible effect of your hearing.

  1. Yard Work: A well groomed yard shouldn’t lead to hearing loss as you age. Protect your hearing from lawn mowers, weed whippers, chain saws and leaf blowers!
  2. Fireworks: The beautiful displays of fireworks can damage your hearing. Ringing in at up to 125dB, that’s enough to permanently cause a threshold shift. Remember your children’s ears as well at fireworks time.
  3. Sporting Events & Concerts: The loud cheers at your favorite ballpark (Go Tigers!) and summer concerts can last up to 3 hours. On average, the sound levels can reach 95dB+. That duration and intensity of sound may result in tinnitus the next day – that’s your ears’ way of telling you they were overexposed to sound.
  4. Boats and Motorcycles: Its not just the engine noise that can harm your hearing – wind noise can be the culprit! Consult our audiologists for custom hearing protection that will still allow you to hear the important sounds around you while riding and boating safely.

Make sure you get outside and enjoy all of the super activities that are part of summer traditions, but please – PROTECT THOSE EARS! If you are experiencing ringing, buzzing or fullness in your ears this summer, consult our Doctors of Audiology, Audiologists!

 

By admin BLOG , , , , ,

Startling Statistics About BPPV

At The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic, we understand how debilitating BPPV or  Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo can be.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common form of positional vertigo and is probably the most common disorder involving vertigo. It’s an affliction of the inner ear. In the most common clinical scenario, when the patient changes the position of the head, he or she feels that the room is spinning. The person may experience significant nausea as well.┘

According to The University of California, BPPV will affect nearly 40 percent of people over 40 at least once in their lifetime.

The good news about BPPV is that in most cases, it is entirely treatable.

The bad news about BPPV is that studies show, it can take an absurdly very long time from presentation of symptoms to treatment.

 

Two recent studies explored the time period from initial presentation of symptoms of BPPV to correct diagnosis. Fife and Fitzgerald report that in the United Kingdom, the mean wait time from initial presentation to correct diagnosis was 92 weeks. A more recent study out of China found the delay to be longer than 70 months.

We have witnessed this very same phenomenon in our practice, when people have seen multiple specialties and undergone several tests over the course of months and even years. Patients have altered their lives to accommodate their BPPV, changed their habits, disturbed their activities, family lives and working responsibilities. BPPV is easily diagnosed and easily treated.

In both studies mentioned above, the subjects were treated with Canalith repositioning (CRP) once the diagnosis of BPPV was made. In the Chinese study over 80% were successfully treated with one CRP, while the Fife and Fitzgerald study reports 85% were successfully treated.

Perhaps this is the most disturbing reality of these studies. 8/10 people who had suffered for years from Vertigo were cured of their BPPV in one treatment. Just one. 

At least 85% of cases had classical symptoms of BPPV and could have been easily identified by Primary Care Physicians at first referral, had they been trained to recognize and diagnose the condition.┌

It’s amazing to me that once someone is affected by BPPV and they tell their family and friends about it, they are shocked to realize how many people they know have experienced the very same thing! Further, they are shocked at just how easy it is to treat.

We are happy to test and manage your BPPV for you and your loved ones right in the heart of Essex County. If you have questions or concerns in regards to who we are and how we can help, please never hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!

Don’t be a statistic! 

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By admin SPECIAL EVENTS & NEWS , , , , ,

Thank you Essex for your Support!

It’s Food Bank day at The Hearing & Dizziness Clinic!

THANK YOU Essex County for your support of our non-perishable food donations to The Essex Area Food Bank.

We had set a goal of 500lbs to collect for those in our community who are in need of our help, doing hearing tests in exchange for non-perishable food items. We are happy to report that we have SMASHED that goal with at least twice what we had hoped! You brought everything from noodles to beans, rice to corn meal and cereal and baby food.

Please call if you are in need of your annual hearing screening. For a limited time, our Doctors of Audiology will provide complimentary adult hearing screenings for a canned food donation. Call today to arrange your appointment at (519) 961-9285

By admin BLOG , , ,

The Holidays & Hearing Loss

For many people with hearing loss, the holidays can be especially challenging. While large family gatherings offer a great chance to catch up with friends and family, holiday parties can lead to challenging listening situations for people with hearing loss.

Here are some tips for people with hearing loss to better enjoy holiday gatherings from our friends at Widex.

Holidays and hearing loss: The tips

  1. Find a quiet corner – Stand away from loudspeakers and noisy kitchens and position yourself in the quietest area of the room. This way you can hear conversation rather than noise.
  2. Pick your seat – If you’re having a sit-down dinner, pick a seat at the center of the table nearest to a close friend or relative. This way you have a better chance of hearing conversation and enjoying your meal.
  3. Pick your drink – A glass of wine can make you more relaxed – or it can confuse you and make your level of understanding worse. Be aware of what you are drinking and your own level of tolerance.
  4. Buddy up – Find a friend or relative with whom you can hang out at the party. This person can help you to feel more included in conversation and can repeat things you may not understand.

Holidays and hearing aids

If you have hearing aids, it’s important that you wear them to holiday events. You may think that with so much noise at a party or family dinner, hearing aids would just make things louder, but modern digital hearing aids aren’t simple sound amplifiers. They are designed to filter out all the unwanted noise – like the clanging of dishes in the kitchen or the background music – and help you focus on speech.

Two hearing aid features in particular are put to work in crowds:

  • The Speech Enhancer – Widex hearing aids reduce noise by using a speech enhancer. This technology works to reduce background noise and helps you focus on what you need to hear.
  • Directional Microphones – Directional microphones work to reduce the amount of noise allowed to enter your hearing aids. In noisy environments, like at a holiday party, the system will work to pick up the least amount of noise.If the noise is located behind you, your directional microphones will adapt to pick up sound from in front of you and dampen noise from behind you. According to a 2004 study, directional microphones are proven to improve speech understanding in noise.

Have the “hearing loss” conversation

Holiday gatherings are a good time to have “the conversation” with friends and loved ones. We’re talking about the conversation about hearing loss and getting hearing aids. If you think your loved one is unable to hear correctly, take out your phone or tablet and encourage them to take an online hearing test. This is a great first step to help someone realize he has a hearing loss. And don’t forget, our complimentary hearing screening continues until January 15, 2016. 

Help guests with hearing loss

You might not have hearing loss – but one of your guests might. Here are some tips on helping your guests with hearing loss enjoy your party”

  • Background music – Everyone loves a good Christmas carol, but when those carols are in the background of the conversations of 20+ people, no one can hear them anyways. Consider turning down the background music – or turning it off completely when several guests are socializing at once. People tend to speak louder to be heard over the music, so your music may in fact make the party louder.
  • Dish Duty – Hold off on cleaning the dishes until after your guests have left. For people with hearing loss, the clatter of kitchen dishes can distract from dinnertime conversation. Take time to enjoy your guests rather than worrying about the clean-up!
  • Seating – If you know that one of your guests has a hearing loss, seat that person at the center of the table closest to those with the quietest voices. It may also help if you sit next to that person, so you can help him or her to better understand the conversation.

Please note that we are OPEN every day except Christmas Eve, Closed Christmas Day and on Monday December 28 for Boxing Day. Should you need our services this holiday, please do not hesitate to come on in or call us! 

We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

By admin BLOG , , , ,

How to shop for hearing aids – the smart way!

We had the privilege of meeting a younger gentleman a while back who’s approach to hearing aid shopping was novel to us. We thought that it was ingenious – and thus, with his permission we are going to share a bit of his story with you.

Mr. X is a 12 year hearing aid wearer who called us to arrange a consultation. Not a hearing test. He simply wanted to meet our Doctors of Audiology and see our facilities. It seems that 12 years ago at his initial purchase he bought hearing aids where his family doctor was, and was never very happy with those services he received. The product he purchased and subsequent products he purchased over the years worked just fine, but the services he had received, to him, seemed lacking. He told us that he bought his hearing aids there because he felt his family doctor would be upset if he bought a set elsewhere – closer to home.

Mr. X visited us on a Tuesday, along with his wife and brought a copy of his most recent hearing test. He was open and honest that we were not the first clinic that he visited. He asked about our education, experience and what we recommended for him and his hearing loss. It would be a 25 minute drive from his home for him to visit us, but he’d been further.

Mr. X was not price shopping. He was Audiologist shopping: and we loved it. 

In Mr. X’s reasoning, only a few hundred dollars separate the costs of the hearing aids. But the quality of service is where he perceives his value. Cost and value: two very different concepts but often interchanged ideas.

COST: the price of something, the amount of money that is needed to pay for or buy something.

VALUE: the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something. One’s judgment of what is important.

We want to encourage each and every reader to consider shopping for an Audiologist rather than a hearing aid. The right Audiologist will very often lead you to the right hearing aid for you. This day and age, we tend to get wrapped up in the cost of things, getting a good sale etc., but we don’t think so much of the value of the services that we receive along with those products. Don’t be tempted to price shop so much as to value shop. And when all else fails; we price match.

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