News & Articles

On average, most people wait approximately 5 to 7 years before doing something about their hearing loss. During that time, the brain gets “used to” receiving reduced and distorted auditory information from the ears. The brain becomes accustomed to inadequate sound and eventually considers it normal. It becomes to expect a quieter world, but the real world is a very noisy place. So once someone is fit with hearing aids, it takes time and practice for the brain to recalibrate and adjust to what it is receiving from the ears. 

Tinnitus refers to an auditory perception not produced by an external sound. It is commonly described as a "hissing, roaring, or ringing" and can range from high pitch to low pitch, consist of multiple tones, or sound like noise (having no tonal quality at all). It most often is constant, but can also be perceived as pulsed, or intermittent, and may begin suddenly, or may come on gradually. It can be sensed in one ear, both ears, or in the head.

When a baby fails a hearing screen (called a ‘refer’ result) it does not necessarily mean that he or she has a hearing loss.  Between 2-10% of all babies do not pass their first hearing screening.  It is important that you return for the rescreen before one month of age.  This is the best way to be sure about your baby’s hearing.  Do not wait 3-6 months to rescreen.   The easiest and most accurate hearing testing is done when babies are sleeping naturally.  Early screening/testing reduces the need for sedated procedures later on. Most babies will pass the second screen.  

The most common reasons that a child would need a rescreen include:

• Fluid or debris in the ear canal
• Middle ear fluid or infection
• A permanent, mild or greater hearing loss (3 in 1000 newborns)

The Holley Institute Fall 2011 Magazine has just been released and you can download it here. This issue is filled with all the information that you need to know about what happened has over the summer at The Family Village and with our staff. Also included are many articles of interest regarding your hearing health

Turn that music down! Ever said that to your teenage child? Chances are, you have…and often. Teens love to listen to their music at ear-popping decibels. But it’s at a cost. Approximately 12 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 19 already have a permanent hearing loss due to loud noise exposure.