How Much Do Cochlear Implants Cost?
Cochlear 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 articleHear better when you preserve remaining hearing with cochlear implantation
It is no longer true that cochlear implants destroy residual hearing. Soft surgery results in atraumatic electrode insertion. This can preserve residual hearing. This hearing is useful whether the hearing is "usable" or not. Preserved hearing means less scar inside the cochlea so the cochlear implant can work better. If you have usable hearing, you may wear a cochlear implant and a hearing aid in the same ear. Atraumatic insertion also improves balance outcome. With less scar inside the cochlea, you may be able to adopt new and upcoming technologies for improved hearing.
Read Full articleTinnitus treatment apps from Hearingtracker.com
Most tinnitus isn’t curable, but there are still things you can do to make it quieter. The key for most types of tinnitus is to cover it up with masking noise. Check out this article from Hearingtracker.com.
Read Full articlePart 2 of COVID-19 for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Communicating in the Hospital
In 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 articlePart 1 of COVID-19 for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing: How Hospitals Work
Have 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 articleHow an Ear Surgeon with Hearing Loss Chooses His Own Hearing Tech
Choosing your hearing “kit” can be paralyzing. Thankfully, my background in hearing science makes it easier for me. Because I work in some of the noisiest and mission-critical environments, like the operating room, I’ve learned what really works for me. Read below to read some of my thoughts:
Read Full articleHow Can a Cochlear Implant Help Me?
Most people with severe and profound sensorineural hearing loss don’t realize what they’re missing. The average hearing aid user waits for a decade before biting the bullet and getting hearing amplification. A cochlear implant candidate takes even longer—a dozen years before receiving an implant. Learn more about cochlear implants.
Read Full articleRemote Microphones; How To Ask For Accommodations (Part 1)
”Oh, I don’t need a microphone, I’ll speak louder,” is the bane of those with hearing loss attending lectures, conferences, or simply being out with friends in a louder setting. Dr. Jessie Ramey does a great job advocating for use of hearing assistive technology in higher education. This article takes Dr. Ramey’s advice further and discusses how to ask for accommodations.
Read Full articleStorytelling is Important and Other Thoughts on Andrew Solomon's Essay, The Dignity of Disabled Lives
The limitations placed by society can often exceed the limitations placed by disability. Solomon points out that the trajectory of disabled people has quietly improved in the last 40 years. To improve further, people with disabilities must continue to engage the public and tell our own stories. Doing so establishes our humanity, drives inclusion, and demonstrates that a diversity of thought improves the lives for all.
Read Full articleRepresentation Matters: Jessica Williams, a deaf medical student, highlights self-advocacy and success with hearing loss.
Student Dr. Williams is a medical student pursuing pediatric neurology. She is deaf and hears with a cochlear implant. In this article, discusses the importance of self-advocacy on succeeding with hearing loss, “Representation in medicine matters.
Read Full articleMeet the Trailblazing FBI Agent with Hearing Loss Who Pushed the Bureau to Let Her in — and Excelled
This is a fantastic article and a great reminder to challenge employment restrictions on hearing loss. Policies restricting opportunities for hard of hearing people are rarely well thought out. Most hearing people cannot imagine functioning without full hearing. Thus, employers and agencies are often unfamiliar with what people with hearing loss can do with appropriate accommodations.
Read Full articleDr. Ruffin Featured in Soundwaves Newsletter from Hearing Loss Association of Washington
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.
Read Full articled/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Hidden Figures
Every person with hearing loss, regardless of communication mode, can achieve big things. It takes courage to live defy expectations and determination to overcome hurdles. But it can be done.
Read Full articleNew Urgency for Treating Hearing Loss
In the past, hearing loss was often seen as less serious than other health issues. In recent years, its impact on health has become better understood. Untreated hearing loss can lead to withdrawal and social isolation. This can lead to depression and anxiety. But did you know that loneliness has severe health consequences? Its effect on mortality is as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
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