Introducing Klara: A Secure, Convenient New Way to Reach Us
At Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists, we are committed to making your care as accessible and efficient as possible. That’s why we are pleased to announce our transition to Klara, a secure messaging platform that lets you connect with our team as easily as sending a text. What Is Klara? Klara is a secure, HIPAA-compliant messaging system designed specifically…
Plan Ahead for a Safe and Healthy School Year
Schedule Now for Updated Asthma and Food Allergy School Forms As the end of the school year approaches, now is the time to think ahead for the 2026-27 school year. If your child has asthma, food allergies or both, updated school action plans are required before the first day of school, and summer appointments fill…
Why You Should Get Tested If You Think You Have a Penicillin Allergy
If your medical record says you have a penicillin allergy, you are not alone. Penicillin allergy is the most commonly reported drug allergy in the United States, listed in the records of roughly 10% of the population. But here is the surprising truth: over 90% of people who believe they are allergic to penicillin test…
Communication Is at the Heart of Everything Â
This May, Let’s Talk About It Every meaningful moment in our lives involves communication. A conversation with a friend. Hearing your grandchild laugh. Following along at a noisy family dinner. When hearing works well, we often take it for granted. But for the millions of Americans living with hearing loss, communication takes real effort, and real support. May…
Your Spring Allergy Action Plan: What to Know Before Pollen Season Peaks
Spring in Minnesota is something we all look forward to: warmer days, longer evenings, and the first signs of green after a long winter. But for the millions of Americans living with seasonal allergies, spring also marks the start of sneezing, itchy eyes, and that relentless stuffy-head feeling that just won’t quit. Our own Dr….
Ticks and Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Recognizing and Managing Allergic Reactions
Thirty years ago, if you told your physician you thought you had developed an allergy to meat, they would have reassured you that there was no such thing. That changed in the late 2000s when UVA’s Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills discovered an allergic reaction linked to bites from the lone star tick. Platts-Mils documented patients who reacted to…
How Hearing Aids Support Healthy Relationships
Hearing loss touches nearly every part of your life. One area where you might feel its impact is in your relationships. Whether you’re reconnecting with people you love or staying present in everyday conversations, hearing aids are an excellent way to support strong connections. As Midwest Hearing audiologist Dr. Jodie Mensink, Au.D., explains, “Hearing loss…
Study Reveals Parkinson’s Connection to Hearing Loss in Veterans
According to a study published in JAMA Neurology in fall 2024, veterans with hearing loss could be at a greater risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, a nerve disorder that impacts movement.1 Approximately one million people in the U.S. have Parkinson’s, with veterans disproportionately affected by the disease.1 The Study Details Researchers from the VA Portland…
How Our Redux Dryer Improves Hearing Aid Function
Your hearing aids are technologically advanced tools that help you communicate with the world. Like many other electronic devices, the lifespan of your hearing aids can change depending on outside factors. One such factor is the relative humidity in your environment.[1] Sweat, accidental splashes or dense Midwest humidity can lead to moisture buildup inside your…
Listening Fatigue: Why Conversations Wear You Out
When you live with untreated hearing loss, it’s common to feel mentally drained after a long dinner or a day of meetings. We call that feeling listening fatigue. Why Does Listening Fatigue Happen? Processing speech with hearing loss requires a little extra effort. Think of it like solving a jigsaw puzzle. When you hear speech…