HAVE YOU HEARD? Almost 50 Million Americans have hearing loss. That number is expected to double by 2030. Contact us to find out more 301-780-6770. #MillionEar ...read more
By Dr. Kathy Mellott. Audiologist May 22, 2016
Hearing loss currently affects more than 36 million Americans today. Although hearing problems are commonly associated with the normal aging process, more than half of all hearing-impaired persons are younger than 65. With the increased use of personal music players (MP3s) and earbuds, the number of Americans experiencing hearing loss at a younger age is growing. On average, most Americans consider hearing loss a condition that is simply associated with aging, and don’t know how to recognize the condition or who is qualified to diagnose and treat the condition. In an effort to raise public awareness for the growing number of Americans suffering from hearing loss, the American Academy of Audiology, in conjunction with Audiology Unlimited and College Park Hearing Services, is celebrating Better Hearing Month this May. As part of Better Hearing Month, Audiology Unlimited and College Park Hearing Services are encouraging consumers to be more aware of their hearing health. “Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noises; ear infections, trauma, or ear disease; harm to the inner ear and ear drum; illness or certain medications; and deterioration due to normal aging process,” explains Kathy Mellott, doctor of audiology. An audiologist is a highly educated and clinically experienced health-care professional who specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating people with hearing loss and balance disorders. Hearing loss can affect patients of all ages—newborns, infants, babies, toddlers, children, teens, adults, and the elderly. You may have a problem with your hearing and need to see an audiologist, if you have trouble hearing conversation in a noisy environment such as a restaurant, are unable to hear people talk to you without looking at them, or have a constant ringing in your ears. The first step in treatment of a hearing problem is a hearing evaluation by an audiologist. Audiology Unlimited and College Park Hearing Services have a variety of specialties to include, but not limited to: · Performing Hearing evaluations on all ages, including newborns and infants · Prescribing and fitting hearing aids · Designing and implementing hearing conservation programs · Providing hearing rehabilitation training Although most hearing loss is permanent, an audiologist can determine the best treatment, which may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and hearing rehabilitation. Ear protection will be given out at the Audiology Unlimited table at Beltsville Day, Sunday, May 19th at the Beltsville Community Center, 3900 Sellman Rd, Beltsville, MD. ...read more
By Dr. Kathy Mellott. Audiologist April 23, 2013
In today’s economy, people are saying, “I cannot afford hearing aids”.My question to you is, “How can you not afford better hearing”?Hearing aids come in a variety of styles and price ranges, with one to fit almost every budget. The more you pay for hearing aids and the more sophisticated the hearing aid.Premium hearing aids are like little computers for your ears.They are designed to keep speech above noise with special speech clarity circuitry.When you are in a quiet setting, the hearing aids set themselves for that environment.When you are in a noisy situation, the hearing aids change at rates up to a million times per second for better hearing in those situations.Hearing in church or in a large auditorium can be programmed into the hearing aids. As the price goes down, so does the automation of the hearing aid.Advanced hearing aids are also very good in noisy situations.Standard and basic hearing aids are still digital and programmable, but they have fewer options for changing in difficulty listening situations.Some hearing aids can be linked to your cell phone, Ipod and television. Few insurance companies provide a hearing aid benefit to adults.Maryland State law requires that insurers provide hearing aid coverage for a minor child if the hearing aids are prescribed, fitted, and dispensed by a licensed audiologist.Coverage may be limited to $1,400 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every 36 months.If the insured chooses a more expensive hearing aid he/she will have to pay the difference.Some insurance companies, beginning in January 2009, are providing similar coverage for adults.However, each plan is different and the $1400 per ear is not a guaranteed amount of coverage. Some insurance plans, including AARP, have a hearing aid “discount plan”.The insurance company does not pay for the hearing aid.The dispenser agrees to a discounted price for the hearing aids and services.Once the discount plan is activated through the insurance company, the patient is obligated to go to specified dispensers for services.Some of the dispensers are hearing aid dealers and not audiologists.Audiology Unlimited and College Park Hearing Services matches these discount plans, if the benefit has not been activated. A bill was introduced in the United States Senate entitled “Hearing Aid Tax Credit Act of 2005 (S. 1060)” This legislation would provide a tax credit of up to $500 per device toward the purchase of hearing aids every 5 years. The tax credit is non-refundable and may be used by a parent for a dependent child ($500 per dependent per device) or by individuals aged 55 or older who are purchasing hearing aids for themselves. Cost should not be a deterrent to better hearing.Hearing evaluation to determine degree and cause of hearing loss are usually covered by insurance.This is the first step to better hearing.Contact an audiologist today for a complete hearing evaluation. ...read more
By Dr. Kathy Mellott. Audiologist February 14, 2009
Liver doctors, also known as hepatologists, treat and help prevent diseases of the liver. Although patients with diagnosed disorders such as hepatitis, liver cancer and cirrhosis must seek the help of a liver doctor, healthy individuals with a family history of liver disease should consider ... ...read more
Most doctor offices are designed with the patient in mind. Most people get nervous and impatient while waiting for their appointment. Here are some good ideas for ways to furnish your office with a relaxing atmosphere and comfortable for the patients. ...read more