Comprehensive Care of Hearing Disorders

Audiology1Do people seem to mumble more frequently? Do you experience ringing in your ears? Do friends and family members say you have your TV turned up to a high volume? Perhaps you are finding it more difficult to understand a conversation when in a crowd? Any of the above may indicate a hearing loss, the third most common physical ailment in the United States. Hearing loss and its associated symptoms may be subtle and emerge slowly or they may be significant and come on suddenly. Either way, the inability to hear has a significant impact on an individual’s life, both physically and emotionally. Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss is associated with depression, isolation, reduced quality of life and other chronic health-care conditions. The loss of hearing is not just an ailment of old age, it can strike anyone at any age. Nearly 60 percent of those suffering from impaired hearing are between 21 and 65 years old. Treatment of hearing loss, such as hearing aids, can minimize the negative effects of hearing loss; however, only about 1 in 5 individuals with hearing loss seek help for communication problems. Most often people wait over 7 years before pursuing any type of management or treatment. If there are underlying problems that cause hearing loss, corrective treatments may be necessary. Audiologists are trained to evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders in adults, teens, children and infants. In more complex cases, patients may need to be seen by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat) physician. ENTs specialize in treating the interrelated systems of the ear, nose and throat. When it comes to your hearing, find a committed team that offers comprehensive, high quality, clinically proven, medical and/or surgical treatment options for conditions that involve the ears, nose, throat, head and/or neck. Our skilled audiologist, Makenzi Gwinn offers comprehensive evaluations, diagnoses and management of hearing and balance disorders. Dr. Gwinn holds a license in the state of Idaho for Audiology. She is certified by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. She graduated with her Doctorate of Audiology from Idaho State University and completed her training at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA. Makenzi is excited to be back in southeast Idaho and have the opportunity to provide audiology services to the community she grew up in. If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing difficulties or other issues affecting the ear, such as dizziness and/or balance disorders, we are happy to be of service. From mild to severe hearing loss and from accurate diagnosis to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Portneuf Ear Nose and Throat is here for you. Portneuf Ear Nose and Throat Clinic