Dr. Ruffin recently met with the HLAA-WA to learn more about the hearing loss community in Washington state. Karen Utter and Warren Weissman, leaders of the organization, responded with a warm welcome. Their excitement for having an ear surgeon with hearing loss is reflected in the article that they wrote. We are excited to work with the larger hearing loss community to improve outcomes for those with hearing loss.
For severe hearing loss, hearing aids aren't the best option. For many, a cochlear implant has a greater chance of improving hearing. Read on to hear the perspective of a cochlear implant surgeon who also has cochlear implants.
Read Full articleCochlear implants can cost over $100,000. Read more to learn how to understand insurance, minimize your costs, and start your journey to hearing better.
Read Full articleHave a plan in place before you get sick. Being prepared ahead of time is key. In an epidemic, the hospital can be overwhelming. You may be in a temporary isolation tent or placed in a hallway. You may not have access to communication tools that you usually get. Again, being prepared ahead of time is key. Make a plan with your family if you’re not ready.
Read Full articleIn the hospital, COVID-19 creates unique challenges for those with hearing loss. COVID-19 patients are separated from other other patients into “respiratory isolation.” This means that masks and noisy air purifiers are widely used. Masks that muffle the voice and prevent lipreading. Unlike other medical settings, masks will not be lowered so that you can lipread.
Read Full articleLike other technology, cochlear implants (CI) are continually improved. Dr. Ruffin has been a scientist involved in cochlear implant research for 15 years. He provides a birds-eye view of CI research in the HLAA Washington State Fall 2019 issue of Soundwaves.
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