Vision Health Tip

Emory Healthcare’s Johns Creek Audiology and Hearing Aid Center sponsors educational seminars and related events for the community.  To make a reservation for the upcoming educational Seminar being held on September 28th, or to schedule an appointment, please call (770) 814-1260.

AUDIOLOGY 101—POP QUIZ
By Deborah T. Woodward, MS, CCC-A

Now that school is back in session, let’s test your knowledge of ears.  Are the following questions TRUE or FALSE?

1.  Using cotton swabs is a good way to keep ears clean.  FALSE—cotton swabs push wax further into the ear canal and may impact against the ear drum.  Nothing smaller than your elbow should go into your ear!

2.  Hearing loss may be a contributing factor to a child’s delayed speech and language development.  TRUE—If a child cannot hear clearly, speech cannot be formulated and articulated.

3.  A cardiologist is a specialist to be contacted if you frequently ask others to repeat themselves and people say you turn the TV volume up too loud.  FALSE—A certified audiologist, trained to measure accurately the degree and nature of a hearing loss, is the specialist to see.

4.  Hearing aids are appropriate for all hearing losses.  FALSE—There are several types of hearing loss, some that can be medically treated.  A certified audiologist will determine if hearing aids are an appropriate solution for a particular hearing loss.    

5.  When someone wears hearing aids, speaking louder to them will be helpful.  FALSE—Hearing aids amplify normal levels of speech.  Shouting can be painful for the listener.  Slow down and speak clearly.

6.  High frequency hearing loss means consonant sounds are often indistinguishable.  TRUE—A high frequency hearing loss means that consonant sounds can be difficult to hear and understand, e.g. “she” sounds like “tree; “shoe” sounds like “two”.