Audiology Associates of North Florida Patient Information

Introduction | Staff & Bios | Hearing Solutions | Diagnostic Testing Services | Patient Information

Noise Exposure, Hearing Loss & Hearing Protection Options
One of the most common causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud sound. Whether the cause be years of exposure to a symphony orchestra, or a single blast from a shotgun, loud sound can cause permanent hearing loss and ringing in the ears by damaging delicate nerve cells.
There are a variety of options available to help protect your hearing, including specialized custom-made devices for hunters and musician. Contact our office to discuss your needs 850-671-5172 extension 243.

Dizziness & Imbalance
Dizziness and imbalance are common problems. People may report feeling unsteady, lightheaded, woozy or they may experience a spinning sensation. Often these symptoms are accompanied by changes in hearing, ringing in the ears or a feeling of ear fullness.
These symptoms can be caused by many factors including inner ear disorders, cardiovascular problems or neurological involvement. To determine the reason for your dizziness, your physician may order specialized testing to assess the inner ear.
Audiology Associates of North Florida is pleased to provide comprehensive evaluations to help determine the cause of your dizziness. Tests such as Videonystagmographyand Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials, as well as audiological evaluations help your physician understand the cause of your dizzy symptoms so that appropriate treatment can begin.

Hearing Self Test
The following questions will help you determine if you have a hearing loss and need to have your hearing evaluated:

Do you have a problem hearing over the telephone?
Do you hear better on one ear than the other when you are on the telephone?
Do you have trouble following the conversation with two or more people are talking at the same time?
Do people complain that you turn the TV volume up too high?
Do you have to strain to understand conversation?
Do you have trouble hearing in a noisy background?
Do you have trouble hearing in restaurants?
Do you have dizziness, pain, or ringing in your ears?
Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves?
Do family members or co-workers remark about your missing what has been said?
Do many people you talk to seem to mumble (or not speak clearly)?
Do you misunderstand what others are saying and respond inappropriately?
Do you have trouble understanding the speech of women and children?
Do people get annoyed because you misunderstand what they say?

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, contact our office to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation 850-671-5172 extension 243.

Pediatrics
Research has shown that the most important years for language development occur between birth and two years of age. When hearing loss goes undiagnosed, whether due to persistent ear fluid or permanent nerve loss, children will miss the information they need to form good language skills. That is why it is so important that caregivers be aware of speech, language and hearing milestones and seek professional advice when they have concerns. To determine if your child is meeting these important milestones, see http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart.htm

If you have concerns, contact our office to schedule a pediatric hearing evaluation (link to pedi. Hearing evaluation in diagnostic testing) 850-671-5172 extension 243.

Helpful Web Links

Better Hearing Institute
Hearing Loss Association of America
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
American Academy of Audiology
American Tinnitus Association
Vestibular Disorders Association