Hearing Loss Knows No Generation Gap

Sniffling, sneezing… not the only reason to go to Ear Nose Throat & Allergy Center.

Sniffling, sneezing, runny nose and earaches are not the only reasons to visit an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist. The physicians at the Ear Nose Throat & Allergy Center are uniquely equipped in diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx, oral cavity and upper pharynx (mouth & throat), as well as structures of the neck and face.

During Hearing Health for Life Month, Dr. Mark Welch, Board Certified ENT Specialist/Surgeon and Otolaryngic Allergist and Dr. Karrie Cuttler, CCC/A, a Board Certified Audiologist at the Ear Nose Throat & Allergy Center in Claremore & Owasso are both focused on educating the public about hearing loss.

“Hearing loss usually develops over a period of several years. Since it is painless and gradual, you might not notice it. Therefore, it is important to be constantly aware of the health of your ears in every season of your life,” says Dr. Cuttler.

Infants through school-age children often suffer from ear infections that can ultimately lead to hearing loss if untreated. Other factors include congenital hearing loss and foreign objects being put into their ears. Children can also experience hearing loss from trauma, noise and viral and bacterial infections.

Those in the teenage through mid-life stage can experience hearing loss through toxic noise which is unprotected exposure to extremely loud noises at school, work or leisure-time events. Tinnitus, which is a ringing or humming in the ear, is also a problem for many in this stage of life.

A variety of hearing-threats face those who are mid-life through elderly. These threats include age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss, circulatory problems and inner ear disease.

“There really is no age that is not vulnerable to hearing loss threats,” says Mark Welch, D.O. “Many hearing disorders are treatable and even preventable.  That is why everyone should see their an ENT specialist if they suspect a hearing deficit,” he added.

If you have ear pain, drainage, excessive earwax, hearing loss in only one ear, sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss or dizziness, it is especially important that you see an otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist). A hearing screening from a hearing aid dealer may not be adequate to detect the problem. A more accurate assessment of your ability to hear pure tone sounds and understand words may be necessary from a certified audiologist.

The Ear Nose Throat & Allergy Center is located in both Claremore and Owasso. Although currently sharing office space, the facility is preparing to develop an office on the ground floor of the St. Johns Medical Building. This expansion will allow for a specifically designed office space for ENT use. “We are excited that this arrangement will make way for a full time ENT/Allergy presence in Owasso,” said Mark Welch, D.O.

Additionally, Dr. Welch has brought in the expertise of Andrea Wall, a certified nurse practitioner, to assist with patient follow-ups, surgery and patient education. Andrea brings over 16 years experience as a RN to the practice. She has extensive training in surgery and patient care. “Since Dr. Welch is able to do surgery at any Triad, St. Johns or Hillcrest facility, we want to insure the continuity of care for our patients. Andrea allows that to happen wherever Dr. Welch performs surgery,” explains Jessica Jones, surgery scheduler.

As a mother of four young children, Andrea brings a mother’s touch to the table. “Andrea likes what she does, is nurturing and has a soothing personality which helps alleviates anxiety in patients of all ages,” said Jennifer Welch.

In time, this will open up additional patient appointments and will permit those with recurring or seasonal symptoms to be seen in a timelier manner. It will also allow for extended hours in the allergy department.

The center also houses Karrie J. Cuttler, CCC/A, a Doctor of Audiology. Dr. Cuttler is Board Certified and State Licensed with 10 years experience in hearing evaluation and rehabilitation. Dr. Cuttler has extensive experience testing children of all ages, including infants. She offers the following services: comprehensive hearing evaluations and hearing aid services for children and adults, testing and treatment for dizziness/balance disorders and auditory brainstem response testing for pediatric hearing threshold estimation, as well as neurodiagnostic evaluations. Products offered include custom ear molds for swimming, noise protection and cellular phones. Other specialty services and products are also available.

If you have ear pain, drainage, excessive earwax, hearing loss in one or both ears, sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss, or dizziness or if you suspect your infant or child may be experiencing hearing loss, contact the diagnostic experts at the Ear Nose Throat & Allergy Center in Claremore or Owasso today.

For more information, contact

Ear Nose Throat & Allergy Center

www.entallergycenter.com