Red Flags: When to See an Audiologist at Ottawa Hears Clinic
Your hearing health is essential, playing a pivotal role in your overall well-being and daily interactions. Recognizing the signs of hearing issues is vital for maintaining this aspect of your health. In this post, we will delve into key symptoms that indicate the need to consult an audiologist at Ottawa Hears Clinic:
Difficulty Hearing in Noisy Environments: Struggling to hear in settings with background noise may be a sign of hearing loss. According to research, there's a connection between hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia (American Academy of Audiology, 2013).
Asymmetrical Hearing: If you find that one ear hears better than the other, it's advisable to see an audiologist. This condition could be a symptom of various issues, ranging from simple wax build-up to more complex concerns like Meniere's disease.
Pulsatile Tinnitus: Hearing a heartbeat-like rhythm in your ear may be indicative of pulsatile tinnitus, often associated with health issues such as high blood pressure or vascular abnormalities (Bianchin, Rusconi, & Bacchi Reggiani, 2016).
Unilateral Tinnitus: Persistent ringing or buzzing in one ear warrants a professional assessment, as unilateral tinnitus can be a symptom of underlying health concerns (Stouffer & Tyler, 1990).
Ear Pain: Persistent or intense ear pain, whether due to infections or pressure changes, requires immediate medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions.
Ear Fullness: A sensation of a blocked or full ear could be due to Eustachian tube dysfunction, sinus infections, or sudden hearing loss, necessitating professional advice.
Ear Drainage: Any unusual ear discharge, whether pus or cerebrospinal fluid, should be promptly examined, as it may be indicative of infections or more severe conditions.
Sudden Hearing Loss: Immediate or gradual loss of hearing in one or both ears is a medical emergency, potentially pointing to serious issues like acoustic neuroma or autoimmune diseases (Chandrasekhar et al., 2019).
Ear Trauma: Any physical damage to the ear, whether from accidents, sports injuries, or improper cleaning, should be assessed by an audiologist to prevent complications.
Your hearing health is crucial, and these warning signs should not be ignored. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Ottawa Hears Clinic immediately. Our certified audiologist will evaluate your condition and recommend the most effective course of action. Early detection is key to successful treatment, and with Ottawa Hears, your hearing is in capable hands.
At Ottawa Hears Audiology, we provide top-quality audiological care with comprehensive tinnitus and hearing assessments to ensure the best hearing health outcomes for our patients.
🌐 Online: For more information or to book an appointment, please visit www.ottawahears.com. Our user-friendly online form is designed for your convenience.
📞 Phone: Prefer speaking to a person? Call us at 343-800-5909. Our friendly team is ready to assist you and answer any queries you may have.
Note: No medical referral is required to see our knowledgeable, experienced, certified, and regulated Audiologist. Additionally, many of our services are eligible for partial or full coverage by insurance or third-party payers.
References:
American Academy of Audiology. (2013). Clinical Practice Guidelines on Central Auditory Processing Disorder.
Baguley, D., McFerran, D., & Hall, D. (2013). Tinnitus. The Lancet.
Bianchin, G., Rusconi, R., & Bacchi Reggiani, M. L. (2016). Pulsatile Tinnitus and Chronic Subclavian Artery Occlusion. Annals of Vascular Surgery.
Chandrasekhar, S. S., et al. (2019). Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss (Update). Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Stouffer, J. L., & Tyler, R. S. (1990). Characterization of Tinnitus by Tinnitus Patients. Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders.
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