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For many people, hearing loss is a natural and gradual part of the aging process, and the onset is so gradual they aren’t aware  their hearing is deteriorating. Hearing loss can also becaused by genetic problems, medical conditions,ear infections, illness, traumatic injury or prolonged exposure to noise.

Choosing the right hearing instruments comes down to a number of factors: your hearing loss, the features and look you prefer and your lifestyle. Today, there are many great styles and choices ? One is just right for you.

For many people, hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process, and the onset is so gradual they aren’t aware their hearing is deteriorating. If someone you care about has a hearing loss, there are many ways you can help. Facing them when talking, articulating words clearly and minimizing background noise when possible are all techniques that will help your hearing impaired loved one.

Allergy testing can be performed on the skin or by blood. Skin testing is performed on both of your arms. Antigens are placed on the surface of the skin right underneath the skin. Allergy testing by blood work is done by simply drawing a few tubes of blood and sending it to a specialized lab.‍An allergy nurse or technician that has been specially trained by the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy will perform your test.

Both forms of testing are accurate. Skin testing skill proved to be the most accurate. Blood testing is a good option for a small child unable to sit still or someone who cannot be skin tested due to their medications. Unfortunately, some insurances will dictate which one you have done.

There is minimum discomfort with allergy skin testing. The prick test is commonly described as “a quick scratch by a toothpick.” The intradermal portion of the test is more of a “nick” with the tip of the needle. A numbing cream can be prescribed if you would like. The majority of our patients do very well with the testing.

The skin test takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours. You will know the results the same day for the majority of the test. The blood test is performed at your convenience. The results normally come in 1 to 2 weeks later.

Skin testing can range anywhere from $500.00 to $850.00. This depends on how many antigens are placed on the skin and how allergic you are. Blood testing can range $500.00 to $1500.00 depending on how many antigens are tested.

Most regular insurance policies cover allergy testing. On rare occasions some have had restrictions as to how many allergens or how often you can get tested. Medicare and Medicaid have restrictions to the number of antigens that can be tested for every year. We will gladly check benefits to determine your out of pocket expense.

There are a couple of treatment options offered here through our ENT practice. One is weekly allergy injections and the other is sublingual (under the tounge). Both are very safe and effective.