Audiology

Brenda Rubert, AuD, CCC-A, Doctor of Audiology, has provided audiology services at Prairie Ridge Health since 2001. These services include the evaluation and treatment of hearing disorders for infants to seniors, as well as for the fitting of hearing aids and custom earplugs.

Through a hearing test, the audiologist can detect the extent of the impairment. Dr. Rubert works collaboratively with your Primary Care Provider as well as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialists, Justin McNamar, MD and Lindsay Robinson, PA-C to determine if medical or surgical interventions are needed to improve your condition. Dr. Rubert will also discuss hearing aid options based on your individual needs and lifestyle when appropriate.

With approximately 37.5 million Americans suffering from hearing impairment, protecting your hearing early on can decrease your risk of severe hearing loss later in life. The two most common causes of hearing loss are noise exposure and aging. Participating in noise-producing jobs and hobbies, such as farming, construction or hunting, can slowly cause hearing loss.
Similarly, listening to music at a high volume level may damage hearing ability as well.

Hearing aids can be difficult to accept for some, but I encourage people not to be leery of them. Advancements in hearing aid technology have made them effective and comfortable to wear,” said Dr. Rubert. “Many patients are often pleasantly surprised by how natural the hearing aids sound and feel and have found the experience life-changing.”

Signs of hearing loss include:

• Often asking others to repeat what they have said.
• Having trouble hearing conversations when background noise is present.
• Needing the television volume turned up to a level that is too loud for other people.
• Perceiving others to be mumbling when they speak.
• Hearing ringing in the ears.

If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, see your physician and seek a referral or call 920-623-1430 for more information.