MIDWEST ENT UPDATE 9/29/2020

As we approach fall and winter, we wish to update you on your ear nose and throat health. We recommend that you have your humidifiers inspected and cleaned. If you don't have one, this may be a good time to purchase. When heaters go on, so should humidifiers. In addition, nasal saline sprays and netty pots often times aid in healthy noses and throats. It is becoming increasingly well known how important good nasal breathing is for our overall health. I am sending a link to a recent story aired on CBS News, featuring James Nestor, author of the recent book, "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art". It is very insightful and I hope you enjoy it.

We continue to take very strict COVID precautions. We have had no cases as a result anyone coming to our office or having surgery with us at Northwestern Hospital.
Flu season is rapidly approaching and strongly encourage the flu vaccine.
We are very pleased with our results of the Inspire(inspiresleep.com)procedure for sleep apnea. This has proven to be an excellent outpatient procedure for those who are not getting good results with CPAP.
As always, we offer a full range of services for your hearing health. We provide the most current technology for testing your hearing and providing the most appropriate hearing aids for each individual.
Please feel free to call the office(312-988-7777) for further information on all of the above or to set up an appointment. You may also send individual emails through our patient portal.

Wishing you all good health and safety,

Gordon J. Siegel, M.D.,FACS
Assistant Clinical Professor
Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery             
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Hearing Aids: The Different Types & How They Work

Do you suffer from hearing loss and are overwhelmed by the choices of hearing aids in Chicago, IL? Dr. Gordon Siegel at Midwest ENT is here to help. 

What is a Hearing Aid?

According to HLAA, 50 million Americans are dealing with some form of hearing loss. A loss or reduction in hearing can be stressful, but there are several types of hearing aids to choose from.

A small electronic device that amplifies sound is called a hearing aid. It can be removable and worn in the ear or implanted behind the ear. 

Types of Hearing Aids:

  • Receiver in the canal (RIC) 
  • In the ear/canal (ITE/ITC) aid 
  • Completely in the canal (CIC) or Invisible in the canal (IIC) aid - a great option if you want to be more discreet about your hearing loss.
  • Behind the ear (BTE) aid - one part is in the ear canal but the receiver is behind the ear.

After we conduct thorough testing of your hearing loss, our staff at Midwest ENT will work with you to make the best decision for a hearing aid.

How Do Hearing Aids Work?

A hearing aid uses three steps to produce sound:

  1. A mini microphone converts sound into an electronic signal. 
  2. The digital signal is modified as needed for the user's level of hearing loss.
  3. The receiver sends the sound through the earpiece.

Why Should I Get a Hearing Aid?

Whether your hearing loss is minor or severe, you may benefit from a hearing aid. A hearing aid can ensure that you are never left out of a conversation and are always alert to your environment.

 As you grow older, you can keep more independence and be less likely to misunderstand people with a hearing aid.

As a student, you will always hear the teacher and can conduct your education with ease. Our experienced staff will guide you in your search for the best hearing aids in Chicago, IL.

What Are Some Causes of Hearing Loss?

Otosclerosis

When the bone abnormally grows and hardens around your ear's stapes (bones in the middle ear), it prevents the stapes from moving and transmitting sound.  

SNHL (Sensorineural Hearing Loss) 

This type of loss happens when any auditory nerves are damaged. Head trauma, exposure to extremely loud noises, viruses, and autoimmune inner ear disease are just some potential causes. The gradual hearing loss that comes with aging is the most common form of SNHL.

Swimmer's Ear

Extreme water exposure can cause an infection in the ear canal.

Earwax

Your ear canal may get blocked by a buildup of excessive earwax. We can easily clean out a blockage in our office.

If you need an ear exam or hearing aid, don't hesitate to call (312) 988-7777 for a consultation. Dr. Gordon Siegel at Midwest ENT will help you assess the best hearing aids in Chicago, IL.

We would like to inform you of a very special group of Northwestern physicians. We are called Northwestern Private Practice. We are all physicians with teaching appointments in the Feinberg Northwestern School of Medicine. We have the same privileges as the employed physicians. What we do not have, is a time limit on the services that we provide. In most cases, we can see our existing or new patients in a timely fashion. We have physicians in almost every field of medicine. We are committed to preserving the best quality of care.

Our Location

3 East Huron Chicago, IL, 60660, US

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

Sunday:

Closed