Frequently Asked Questions
There are many reasons why you could be experiencing “clogged ears.” Sometimes, it’s the result of earwax. When earwax becomes impacted it can cause discomfort, muffled hearing, and a clogged feeling. At Island Hearing Services, our audiologist can help determine if your ears are feeling clogged due to earwax and provide a comprehensive hearing evaluation to identify other possible causes of the clogged feeling.
While there is no one tinnitus test our audiologist uses, a comprehensive hearing exam will identify ringing in the ears. We will have you fill out a questionnaire and we will assess your hearing ability to diagnose tinnitus and help you find the best management option. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are options available for relief.
Current Hearing aid technology typically holds an IP68 or IP68+ water resistance rating, which means they are water resistant in fresh water to a maximum depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes, and are protected from dust. Nevertheless, you should never wear your hearing aids in the water while swimming or in the shower. If you’re planning to jump in the water at State Beach or Ice House Pond this summer, store your hearing aids in a dry and safe place! Submerging your hearing aids in water can cause permanent damage to the internal components.
To get the most out of your devices, it’s important to properly care for them. Every time you take them out of your ears you should wipe them down with a dry, soft cloth to remove any earwax or dead skin cells. When not wearing your hearing aids you should store them in a safe, dry place out of the reach of any small children or pets. In addition, we recommend bringing your aids in every six months for a professional, deep cleaning.
The main benefit of a hearing test is that it can catch hearing loss early, allowing for timely intervention and management. Several comorbidities including cognitive decline, diabetes, and fall risk are associated with hearing loss. Getting a baseline hearing test is a great first step towards better hearing health and being proactive about your overall health. If you have a diagnosable hearing loss, you work in a noisy environment, or you are over the age of 55, you could benefit from a hearing test. Contact our office today to schedule yours.
