Why Is It Important to Monitor Your Hearing Health Over Time?
Being proactive about protecting our hearing is essential, but sometimes, even with the best efforts, changes can sneak up on us. That’s why keeping an eye—or an ear—on our hearing health is so important. Hearing loss isn’t selective; it can happen even with preventive actions in place. If you notice any shifts in your hearing,…
Tips for Celebrating Audiology Awareness Month
October is Audiology Awareness Month. Audiology Awareness Month is set to celebrate those with, and spread awareness and understanding about, hearing loss, tinnitus and their available treatments. By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss, at least 700 million of whom will likely require treatment. Outside of hearing…
“The Golden Bachelor” Premiere: Reality TV’s Role in Bringing Hearing Aids into the Spotlight
A New Narrative in Hearing Health As doctors of audiology, we found the premiere episode of “The Golden Bachelor” to be a subtle yet significant opportunity to advance the conversation regarding hearing health. The episode introduces Bachelor Gerry and spotlights hearing aids as a part of his daily routine. When contestant Nancy joins Gerry, she casually reveals…
What to Expect From Septoplasty Surgery
Approximately 260,000 septoplasties are performed every year in the U.S., making it one of the most common procedures done by ear, nose, and throat providers (ENTs). Most often recommended for adults and teens, septoplasty may be used to treat or fix multiple conditions, including but not limited to: A study on the efficacy of septoplasty…
Midwest Hearing Director Dr. Kristi Gravel Published in Renowned Medical Journal
We’re thrilled to share that Dr. Kristi Gravel, Director of Midwest Hearing, has been published in the prestigious ‘Ear and Hearing’ journal for her research on pediatric hearing loss associated with Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV). About the Research The study focuses on pediatric hearing loss linked to Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV). The research highlights that children who…
What to Know About a Chronic Sore Throat
A sore throat is considered chronic if it lasts for two weeks or more. Several different conditions can cause a chronic sore throat. Let’s take a closer look at what they are as well as potential treatment options. Does a Chronic Sore Throat Feel Different? A chronic sore throat can feel similar to an acute…
Rising Incidence of Alpha-Gal Syndrome: The Lone Star Tick Meat Allergy in Minnesota
As temperatures continue to rise, a new trend is emerging in Minnesota — an increase in lone star tick reports. Typically associated with the southern United States, this tick species has made its presence known further north. The consequences of a lone star tick bite go beyond the usual discomfort, as it has been linked…
How to Prepare Your Child for an ENT Visit
Ear, nose and throat providers are skilled at treating conditions such as ear and sinus infections, sore throats and more. Many ENT concerns are common in children. For instance, five out of six children will have an ear infection by their third birthday. Given that your child will likely require at least one visit to…
Poor Air Quality May Lead to Chronic Sinusitis
Poor air quality doesn’t just make it hard to go outside and enjoy your day, but it can lead to various health problems as well, including chronic sinusitis. What Is Chronic Sinusitis? Sinusitis is another term for a sinus infection. These infections occur when the tissues in your sinuses become inflamed. Chronic sinusitis is simply…
Can Sinus Inflammation Affect the Brain?
A newer study shows that people with chronic sinusitis don’t just have to contend with a stuffy nose and headache; sinusitis can also cause trouble with focus and lead to depression and other symptoms that indicate the brain is affected as well. The study was published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery in April 2021….