October is National Audiology Awareness Month, and we’re celebrating the 13 Doctors of Audiology at Midwest Hearing. Together, they bring more than 300 years of experience caring for patients’ hearing.
Our audiology team provides comprehensive hearing care for every age and includes five audio technicians who support our patients.
One Team, 300+ Years of Experience
When we look at the combined experience of our Doctors of Audiology, that number adds up to 300.5 years. Twelve of our 13 audiologists have practiced for more than 10 years, and six have cared for patients for 25 years or more.
That experience matters. Our longest-serving audiologists have guided patients through every generation of hearing technology, from analog devices to today’s rechargeable, Bluetooth-connected hearing aids. With that much experience under one roof, our clinicians learn from one another, creating a culture of team-based support and care. Who benefits most from this shared knowledge? Our patients.
Every audiologist at Midwest Hearing holds a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree, the clinical doctorate for the profession. They are also helping train the audiologists who come next: our team partners with doctoral programs to mentor audiology graduate students through clinical preceptorships.
Connected to a Complete Care Team
Midwest Hearing is a division of Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists, which has served the Twin Cities for more than 100 years. That means our audiologists work side by side with Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physicians every day.
For you, it means your hearing and any medical causes of hearing loss are cared for under one roof. If a hearing concern turns out to need medical attention, your care continues with the same team, often in the same clinic.
What We Do: Hearing Care for Every Age
An audiologist is a licensed health care professional who diagnoses and treats hearing and balance problems. At Midwest Hearing, that care follows you through every stage of life:
- In-office hearing tests and personalized treatment plans
- Hearing aid selection, fitting, service, and repairs
- Our cochlear implant program
- Pediatric audiology, including newborn hearing follow-up screenings and children’s hearing aids
- Custom earplugs and hearing protection
How We Help You Stay Connected
Hearing is how you stay connected to the people you love, your work, and the things you enjoy. Hearing problems are also common, and many go untreated. The American Academy of Audiology is highlighting these findings for this year’s awareness month:
- Nearly 29 million adults in the U.S. could benefit from using hearing aids (NIDCD).
- Hearing loss is associated with social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline, along with other negative health outcomes that affect quality of life.
- An estimated 740 million people worldwide experience tinnitus, and more than 120 million of those cases are severe (JAMA Neurology, 2022).
The encouraging news is that hearing loss is treatable, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. When you come to Midwest Hearing, you can expect:
- Time with your audiologist. A one-on-one conversation about how you communicate today and how you want to communicate in the future.
- A clear picture of your hearing. An in-depth assessment that shows exactly where your hearing stands.
- A plan built around you. Treatment options that fit your hearing, your lifestyle, and your budget.
- A team behind your care. Your audiologist draws on the shared knowledge of our whole team and partners with our ENT physicians when you need them.
We encourage you to bring a family member or friend to your visit.
Is It Time for a Hearing Check?
Hearing loss often develops gradually, so the first signs are easy to miss. Consider scheduling a hearing test if you or someone you love:
- Often asks people to repeat themselves
- Has trouble following conversation in restaurants or groups
- Turns the TV up louder than others prefer
- Notices ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Feels worn out after social events from the effort of listening
Not sure? We recommend a baseline hearing test for anyone 50 or older. Our online hearing screener is a good first step.
Celebrate With Us
All month long, we’re recognizing our audiologists on our blog, on social media, and in our clinics. We’d love for you to join us.
- Thank an audiologist. If one of our Doctors of Audiology has made a difference for you or your family, tell them at your next visit or share your experience.
- Join the conversation. Follow along @midwest_ent and tag us with #MidwestHearing.
- Prioritize your own hearing. Talk to your primary care physician or call Midwest Hearing at (651) 770-1363. You can request an appointment at any of our five locations: Eagan, Lakeville, Vadnais Heights, Woodbury, and Hudson, WI.
To our audiologists: thank you for the experience, teamwork, and care you bring to our patients every day. Happy National Audiology Month!