If your ears feel constantly clogged, full, or muffled, and they will not pop the way they used to after a flight or a head cold, you may be dealing with Eustachian tube dysfunction. This common condition affects how pressure and fluid move through the ear. It is a common ear complaint we evaluate at our Abilene office, and it is also one of the most misunderstood. Patients often spend
Effective earwax removal is about safety, not “scrubbing” your ears. The wrong tools, like cotton swabs or ear candles, can cause pain and damage. Your ears usually clean themselves, but sometimes wax builds up. When that happens, gentle care at home and professional help at Abilene Audiology can protect your hearing. Seeing an audiologist in Abilene, TX gives you clear answers and safe treatment. You do not have to guess
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear? Despite its name, you don’t actually need to swim to get swimmer’s ear. Any situation that damages or irritates the delicate skin lining the ear canal can lead to infection. Common Causes Include: The ear canal skin is thin and sensitive. Once it becomes irritated, bacteria or fungus can enter more easily and multiply. Another overlooked cause is earwax (wax) buildup. While wax normally protects the
Wax guards aren’t cleaned, they’re replaced. When sound gets faint or cuts out, swap the guard for a fresh one from your pack. Most people replace theirs every two to four weeks depending on how much wax they produce. Many people ask, can hearing aid wax guards be cleaned, but they are designed to be replaced, not washed or reused. Wax guards protect your hearing aids from debris and blockage,
This article explains the answer to the common question “can I buy over the counter hearing aids” and helps you understand what OTC hearing aids are, how they work, and whether they may be right for you. You’ll learn about availability, accessibility, cost, and important regulations surrounding these devices. It also explains why seeing an audiologist first is the safest path for your long-term hearing health. If conversations sound muffled
As an audiologist, one of the most common “home remedies” I’m asked about is the use of ear candles. Many people say that it’s a natural way to remove ear wax, relieve sinus pressure, manage headaches, or even improve hearing. In this blog, we’ll answer the most common questions about ear candling: Do ear candles actually work, and more importantly, are they safe? What Are Ear Candles? Ear candling (also
Audiologists are healthcare specialists trained to diagnose, manage, and treat individuals with hearing or balance problems such as hearing loss, tinnitus, Ménière’s disease, and vertigo. They perform thorough examinations and hearing tests using advanced diagnostic equipment to assess each patient’s auditory and vestibular function. These professionals specialize in hearing and balance health, working closely with patients to enhance daily living. Audiologists help patients address challenges like deafness, dizziness, or sensitivity
Is it possible to manage tinnitus naturally? When you perceive ringing or other disturbances in one or both of your ears, you might be experiencing a condition called tinnitus. Other people typically cannot hear the sounds you hear when you have tinnitus since it is not caused by an outside sound. Tinnitus is a frequent issue. About 15% to 20% of people experience it, and older individuals are more likely
Do you have trouble hearing people when they talk? Do you often ask others to repeat themselves? Do you turn the TV up louder than others like it? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it might be time to think about wearing a hearing aid. Hearing aids help people hear better. They make sounds louder and clearer so you can enjoy conversations, music, TV, and all the
Hearing loss can significantly impact one’s life. If left unaddressed, it can lead to a frustrating experience, affecting one’s relationships, social, and professional life. One of the most common questions we get at our clinic is – “Does Medicare pay for hearing aids?” Unfortunately, Medicare does not directly pay for or cover hearing aids. The good thing is, there are other options available. Medicare Overview Before answering the question –
Ear wax is a normal part of your body. It helps protect and lubricate the ears. However, the body may overproduce ear wax which can cause a build-up. When this happens, things can get ugly. It can block sound and make it harder to hear. In this blog, we’ll talk about how ear wax can cause hearing loss, the signs to look for, how to treat it, and how to
Hearing loss affects many people, but is it considered a disability? The answer depends on how much it impacts daily life and a person’s ability to work, communicate, and connect with others. Let’s take a closer look at hearing loss, how it can affect someone, and when it might be seen as a disability. What Is Hearing Loss? Hearing loss means someone has trouble hearing sounds clearly. This can happen