Northgate Hearing Services, Seattle WA » Uncategorized

Medicare Coverage of Audiology Services

Lori — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:44:05 +0000

As it stands today, Medicare coverage for audiology services requires a physician referral. However, a bill introduced in Congress last summer would allow Medicare recipients to directly seek audiological services without medical referral. Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) recently added his name to the growing list of 70 Congress members co-sponsoring H.R. 3024, the Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act.

Medicare coverage for audiology services is currently limited to hearing evaluations to rule out medical involvement. What this essentially means is that your initial hearing evaluation would be covered, as your first hearing evaluation is always intended to rule out medical involvement. Subsequent tests performed every year or so in order to monitor changes in hearing typically are not.

Rome wasn’t build in a day- we are encouraged by every legislative “baby step” that leads to improved access and coverage for our patients!

Can Smoking Cause Hearing Loss?

Lori — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:16:34 +0000

In addition to all the other warnings against smoking, we know that it can also increase your risk of hearing loss. In a study of approximately 3000 individuals, it was found that those who smoke are 1.3 times more likely to suffer from hearing loss than their non-smoking counterparts. Interestingly, those exposed to second hand smoke were almost 2 times more likely to suffer from hearing loss!The underlying mechanisms that cause such ear damage are fourfold:

1. The nicotine in cigarettes is a known ototoxic drug, related to increased hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness.

2. Cigarettes are vasodilators (i.e constrict the blood vessels); as such they reduce oxygen supply to the inner ear hair cells.

3. Cigarettes generate free radicals in our bodies which can damage inner ear hair cells.

4. Smoking subdues the mechanism in the ears that protect us from loud noises, thus increasing our vulnerability to noise induced hearing loss.

If there weren’t enough reasons to avoid smoking, we now have one more!

Academy of Doctors of Audiology Convention

Lori — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:07:03 +0000

Dr. Mercer recently attended the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) convention in Clearwater, Florida. This organization “is dedicated to the advancement of practitioner excellence, high ethical standards, professional autonomy and sound business practices in the provision of quality audiologic care”. Over 500 primarily private practice audiologists participated in courses involving patient care, practice management and new hearing technologies. Dr. Mercer attended several sessions including determining candidacy for cochlear implants and other implantable hearing aids, collaborating with various medical specialties, meeting the unique hearing and listening needs of older adults, assessing various staffing models and a plethora of new hearing instrument technologies. Our staff is excited to share our new knowledge with you!

Mission Concert for Hearing Impaired Children in Guatemala

Lori — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:00:40 +0000

Please join us for a mission concert at Dr. Mercer’s church, Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, on Saturday, November 7th at 7:0oPM. Dr. Mercer will be traveling with the Healing The Children audiology team in late January. 100% of your donations will go directly toward hearing aids for the children of Guatemala. Dr. Mercer and Dr. Gray will sing with the choir and Dr. Mercer’s Elliott Bay Pipe Band will perform as well. The address is 19540 104th Ave NE, Bothell. We’d love to see you there!