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In This Issue:
Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the country, affecting more than 36 million Americans. At BWH, the audiologists in the Division of Otolaryngology identify and treat hearing and balance problems. They are able to perform hearing screenings for newborns and hearing evaluations for people of all ages. They provide hearing assessment and monitoring for patients at risk for progressive hearing loss and for those undergoing medical and surgical treatment of ear disease. For those whose hearing loss requires amplification, they prescribe and fit hearing aids, as well as other assistive listening devices and provide informational counseling to patients and families regarding how to adapt to hearing loss. Audiologists refer patients to physicians when the hearing problem needs medical or surgical evaluation.
“Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of conditions such as disease or infection, ototoxic drugs, exposure to noise, trauma and the aging process,” said Deb Waldman, AuD, audiologist in the Division of Otolaryngology. “As part of Better Hearing Month, we are encouraging employees and patients to be more aware of their hearing health.”
On Friday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, Otolaryngology will offer free hearing screenings for BWH employees on a first come, first serve basis, at the Otolaryngology clinic in the 45 Francis St. lobby. For information about the screenings, as well as evaluation, prevention and treatment of hearing loss, call 617-525-6509.
Bring your BWH ID to the screening. The hearing screenings are for assessing presence or absence of hearing loss only; for problems with ear pain, drainage, dizziness or surgical issues, contact your primary care physician.