doctorofaudiology
16 Years Experience
Marlboro, NJ
Male, 40
I've been an audiologist for 16 years. I work with all types of patients, focusing on balance disorders, tinnitus, and hearing aids. As I have worked in an Ear, Nose, Throat setting much of my career, I am also exposed to much of the medical side of audiology. ASK ME ANYTHING about being an audiologist.
DISCLAIMER: If you feel that you have a hearing or balance issue, please be sure to see your local ENT or audiologist. This Q&A is not designed to treat or diagnose your problems.
I can see the benefit from sonic weapons, however, an audiologist is probably not going to be on the top of the list for people asked about its benefits. Military is working on recovery for sudden hearing loss, so eventually, maybe sonic weapons won't be as effective down the line. Just a guess.
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The million dollar question. This cannot be answered in a couple of sentences or even a paragraph. Much goes into whether a hearing aid is effective. A few factors include: 1) the patient's hearing loss and ability to discriminate speech. People with poor speech discrimination will have difficulty understanding with or without hearing aids. As inner hair cells of the ear die, they cannot be recovered. Thus, presenting loud sound may not be enough to make things "clear". Certain newer technologies combat this. 2) the product that a patient gets. Unfortunately, people will value money over performance all too often with hearing... Read More +
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It depends upon what you are using them for. I have many patients who are professional or amateur musicians who do find extreme benefit with custom ear plugs. Many of them enjoy the interchangeable filters, offering different levels of protection depending upon what activity they may be engaged in. As someone with custom plugs, I do notice the difference. The firm seal of custom molds gives the user confidence that sound will not leak in. They also won't fall out.
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Generally, the answer is no. However, each time you go to a concert, cilia (receptor hair cells) do get damaged. If you were to have a hearing test prior to the concert and after, the odds of a hearing loss appearing are small. There are plenty of instances where a loud concert can cause permanent hearing loss, just like any other form of traumatic event to your ears (i.e. explosions, head injuries, etc). To avoid this, be sure to wear hearing protection to concerts. I'm a huge hard rock fan; I rarely feel my experience is hindered due to wearing "plugs".
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Dry Cleaner
Why don't more dry cleaners stay open late?
Literary Scout
Can a novelist achieve huge success through self-publishing?
Air Traffic Controller
Have you ever ordered a pilot to abort mid-takeoff?
I used to use Mac's Ear Plugs. Simple and inexpensive. However, please be sure to follow instructions on how to insert them. Many people will try to place them deep into the ear canal; this is not appropriate and can be dangerous.
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Some audiologists specialize in balance disorders and treatment. However, please be sure to have an evaluation of your balance system first. Go to an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist that has an audiologist who performs vestibular testing (not all do). Depending on the findings and case history, results may indicate that vestibular rehabilitation (balance therapy) is beneficial. There are specialized audiologists (as noted above), but more commonly, specialized physical therapists who can create programs to improve one's balance.
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While I do not know the specifics, I do believe that soldiers are monitored by their local VA's to monitor their hearing. I am aware that research is being performed to address sudden onset hearing loss via a pill. However, I am sure, as with any occupation using firearms, there are risks of hearing loss. I have often been told by military and police, etc., that wearing hearing protection is not realistic given that they must respond to commands and orders in the field. So I guess that this is what happens. This article pretty much sums it up: http://www.military.com/news/article/army-fights-hearing-loss-in-soldiers.html... Read More +
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