EXPERT
Melissa Kristelle Fling, AU.D.
Audiologist
Dr. Melissa Fling Au.D. is a top audiologist that practices at Advantage ENT and Audiology in Arvada and Westminster, Colorado. She specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing and vestibular/balance disorders.
9 years
Experience
Melissa Kristelle Fling, AU.D.
- Arvada, Co
- Central Michigan University
- Accepting new patients
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Can ambulances cause hearing loss?
Hearing loss can be caused by any noise that is loud enough and that you are exposed to long enough. In most cases, although ambulances are loud, the exposure time is a matter READ MORE
Hearing loss can be caused by any noise that is loud enough and that you are exposed to long enough. In most cases, although ambulances are loud, the exposure time is a matter of seconds, so it is unlikely that it would cause hearing loss. Having said that, I always plug my ears when an ambulances drives by because it's loud enough to me that it's uncomfortable.
My hearing loss is being attributed to my mental illness?
Hmm...Have you gotten a second opinion? That's what I would do first. Also, hearing loss, depending on the cause, cannot necessarily be seen in an MRI. The golden standard for READ MORE
Hmm...Have you gotten a second opinion? That's what I would do first. Also, hearing loss, depending on the cause, cannot necessarily be seen in an MRI. The golden standard for obtaining hearing measurements is through behavioral responses (i.e., you respond when you hear a tone). The audiologist may not have been confident in the responses that you gave during the exam, which is why he/she may not have been comfortable fitting you with hearing aids. I would try another audiologist and see what they get from you as a next step.
How can I protect my baby's ears from loud noises?
Well you don't need to protect your baby's ear from an ambulance driving by. That is likely not at an intensity that would cause damage given it's a very short lasting exposure; READ MORE
Well you don't need to protect your baby's ear from an ambulance driving by. That is likely not at an intensity that would cause damage given it's a very short lasting exposure; however, you could put your hands over your baby's ears to muffle the sound until it passes. Are you being exposed to this in your residence mostly? If so, close the windows and/or cover your baby's ears until it passes. Same advice on the street. Cover his/her ears. If you're exposed to it a lot, you could get some pediatric ear muffs, but don't use them when there's not loud, loud sound. Babies need exposure to sound to learn. Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Why does my ear hurt after using a q-tip?
Could be a number of reasons. If you have occluding wax, you may be pushing on it and putting pressure on the ear canal. Stop using q-tips temporarily if it hurts. Clean the outside READ MORE
Could be a number of reasons. If you have occluding wax, you may be pushing on it and putting pressure on the ear canal. Stop using q-tips temporarily if it hurts. Clean the outside of the ear with a q-tip or towel after getting out of shower.
Is using Q-tips dangerous for your ears?
It can be. I've seen several people that were startled or pushed while using one and they pushed the qtip through their eardrum.The rule of thumb is that you're not supposed to READ MORE
It can be. I've seen several people that were startled or pushed while using one and they pushed the qtip through their eardrum.The rule of thumb is that you're not supposed to put anything in your ear that's smaller than your elbow, which means nothing :)The ear canal is a self-cleaning mechanism. As skin cells are produced from the tympanic membrane outward, the skin brings any wax or debris out of your ear canal with it, which will naturally wash out when you bathe. Ear wax only produces at the outer third if the ear canal, so it shouldn't be deep in the ear canal. One way it gets there is by a qtip pushing it in deeper. That's one reason why qtip use is discouraged because it may push wax in further rather than really getting much out. Having said that, I use qtips to clean my pinna and the opening of my ear canal, but I don't push it in deeply. So, you can use qtips, but be careful. Alternatively, use a towel to clean out the front and back of pinna and opening of ear canal after you bathe. Hope that helps :)Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
What should I do if my child has excess wax in his ears?
I would take him to his pediatrician first. They can look in his ears and see if it's occluding his ear canal. If it's just wax in the opening of the canal, that's normal and healthy. READ MORE
I would take him to his pediatrician first. They can look in his ears and see if it's occluding his ear canal. If it's just wax in the opening of the canal, that's normal and healthy. If it's occluding, then if the pediatrician can't get it out, an Ear, Nose, and Throat physician can get it out.
When should you see an audiologist for the first time?
You can see an audiologist anytime if you don't have concerns and just want to check your hearing. If you have concerns, see one sooner.
What does a pulsating sound in the ear mean?
Could mean a couple things. Go see an Ears, Nose, and Throat physician to be evaluated.
What can cause hearing issues in children?
There are many causes. Important first step is to take him to an audiologist and Ear, Nose, and Throat physician for a hearing evaluation.
Why do I have lapses in hearing?
Well, you're probably not having lapses. You probably have hearing loss and depending on the degree and pattern, it may affect you more in certain circumstances than others (i.e. READ MORE
Well, you're probably not having lapses. You probably have hearing loss and depending on the degree and pattern, it may affect you more in certain circumstances than others (i.e. background noise, group conversation, rapid speech, soft spoken people, people who do not enunciate, etc). I'd suggest a baseline hearing exam if you haven't had one recently. It's very common to start to noticing some hearing difficulties in your 50s and 60s.
Do your ears need to be drained of wax?
No, not unless you're having a problem or feel like your ears are plugged or you're not hearing well. There's really no such thing as "draining" ears. If you have wax impaction, READ MORE
No, not unless you're having a problem or feel like your ears are plugged or you're not hearing well. There's really no such thing as "draining" ears. If you have wax impaction, it gets suctioned or taken out by hand. Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Can having seasonal allergies make hearing difficult?
Seasonal allergies cause inflammation and fluid build up in sinuses and that can make the ears feel plugged, which can mildly affect hearing temporarily. If you're concerned, see READ MORE
Seasonal allergies cause inflammation and fluid build up in sinuses and that can make the ears feel plugged, which can mildly affect hearing temporarily. If you're concerned, see a primary care, allergist, and/or an otolaryngologist.
Can hearing loss be caused by sleeping position?
Not likely. Go get your hearing checked.
Can you damage your ears by going to concerts?
Yes. Repeated noise exposure at that level is permanently damaging to the hearing organ. Wear hearing protection. If you like going a lot, I'd suggest having a custom pair made. READ MORE
Yes. Repeated noise exposure at that level is permanently damaging to the hearing organ. Wear hearing protection. If you like going a lot, I'd suggest having a custom pair made. They'd be no more than $200 and they'll fit custom to your ears. You can wash them, and they'll last years. I've been using mine for 8 or 9 years. You can see an audiologist who will make a mold of your ear and send them out to be manufactured any color/design you want. Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
How to do prevent hearing loss?
The most preventable type of hearing loss is noise-induced hearing loss. To prevent noise from damaging your hearing, you should wear sufficient hearing protection when needed READ MORE
The most preventable type of hearing loss is noise-induced hearing loss. To prevent noise from damaging your hearing, you should wear sufficient hearing protection when needed (i.e., firearm use, occupational noise, concerts, etc). If there is not genetic hearing loss in the family, it is unlikely you'll develop hearing loss prior to the age of 50. I wouldn't worry about it.
How do you confirm having tinnitus?
There is no objective way to measure tinnitus yet. A clinician will determine if it's tinnitus based on your description of it. If it's a constant sound in ears/head, it's tinnitus. READ MORE
There is no objective way to measure tinnitus yet. A clinician will determine if it's tinnitus based on your description of it. If it's a constant sound in ears/head, it's tinnitus. If it comes and goes, lasts seconds to a few minutes, that's not tinnitus. That's normal.
Is a hearing aid safe when flying?
Yes, it's safe.
When should you start having regular hearing tests?
Around 50 years old at the latest.
