Author - Audiology by Accent

Caught Up in the Codes: Benefits of Unbundled Pricing

Have you ever gotten a medical bill that was far more than you expected to pay, and you couldn’t even figure out what services it actually covered? This is an all too common occurrence in the medical field where complicated codes must correspond with each and every service provided. Current Procedural Terminology, or CPT, codes are set forth by the American Medical Association. These unique codes are designed to cover medical, surgical and diagnostic services. However, if a service does not...

Celebrating Better Hearing Month: A Step Towards Better Hearing Health

Every May, we observe Better Hearing Month, an annual campaign organized by the audiology community with the aim of spreading awareness about the importance of hearing health. This month-long event emphasizes the significance of regular hearing check-ups, preventative measures, and the potential treatment options for hearing impairments. Understanding the Importance of Hearing Health Hearing is a vital sense that enables us to communicate, socialize, and navigate the world around us. It plays a critical role in our lives, from our safety to...

Tinnitus Explained

What is tinnitus? Tinnitus (“TIN-a-tus” or “Tin-EYE-tus”) is the perception of sound in the ears or head where no external source of sound is present. Tinnitus is commonly described as “ringing in the ears.” Facts about tinnitus. 1 in 5 adults have tinnitus 50 million people in the United States experience tinnitus 2 million of them suffer with more severe ringing of the ears #1 service-connected disability for veterans Common causes of Tinnitus Severe head injury Exposure to noise Meniere’s disease Hearing loss ...

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids—What to Know

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved over-the-counter hearing aids for consumers with mild to moderate hearing loss. While this might make hearing aids more accessible to millions of Americans, it is still important for people to consult a professional audiologist before purchasing these devices. Pros of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids There are a couple of pros of over-the-counter hearing aids. Some people fail to get hearing aids because they are concerned about cost, so their hearing loss can become progressively worse...

Myths & Misconceptions About Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

Many people have misconceptions about hearing loss and hearing aids. Understanding the facts is important for people to achieve better hearing and overall health. Here are five common myths about hearing loss and hearing aids. 1. Myth - Only older adults suffer hearing loss. Out of the estimated 48 million Americans with hearing loss, 66% are younger than age 65. A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at comprehensive data. The researchers found that 20% of children...

Earwax Buildup & Blockage – When Does It Become A Problem?

While everyone has earwax, most people are perturbed by it. Earwax is naturally produced by the sebaceous glands in your ears and is also known as cerumen. This waxy substance helps to lubricate your ear canals and trap debris and dust so that they can't travel further down in the ear canal. While this substance helps to protect the health of your ears, it can become problematic when too much of it builds up in your ears. Your body should naturally...

What infections are linked to hearing loss?

Many different types of infections can cause damage to the inner ear and cause balance problems, tinnitus, and hearing loss. While some people might recognize their hearing problems resulted from a recent illness, others might suffer hearing problems without knowing that they had infections. In these types of cases, the hearing problems might be the first sign that something is wrong. Some instances of hearing loss can also be traced back to infections that occurred decades before because of a...

Is Hearing Loss in One Ear Possible?

For most people who have hearing loss, both of their ears will be affected. This type of hearing loss is called binaural hearing loss. However, it is possible to lose hearing in only one ear, which can happen at birth or later. Hearing loss in only one ear is known as unilateral loss. If the loss in the affected ear is profound, it is called single-sided deafness. The loss of hearing can occur suddenly or gradually. When the loss is sudden,...