What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 3pm

BergerHenry ENT Specialty Group, 60 West Germantown Pike, Norristown, PA (2026)

01/23/2026

5 Things You Should Know About Anaphylaxis

Every year, anaphylaxis kills approximately 225 people in the United States. Whether you have anaphylaxis yourself, are close to someone who does, or just want to educate yourself a bit more, here are 5 things you should know about anaphylaxis.

1. Anaphylaxis can happen within seconds.
In most cases, the symptoms of anaphylaxis occur within minutes of being exposed to the trigger but some people may only begin to feel ill hours later. The symptoms of anaphylaxis may start off mild but can progress rapidly, and include:
• Feeling generally unwell
• Hives or rashes
• Flushed or pale skin
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Tightness of the throat or the feeling of a lump in the throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fainting or dizziness

Even if the early symptoms seem to be relatively harmless, like itchy skin, don’t forget that anaphylaxis can very quickly escalate to life-threatening breathing problems and treatment shouldn’t be delayed.

2. Anaphylactic reactions can be biphasic.
This means that the symptoms return even after successfully treating the initial reaction, even without a second exposure to the allergen. This is most likely to occur 8-11 hours after the first episode and happens in up to 20% of cases. It’s important to remain vigilant for a second episode even if the initial symptoms appear to have subsided as the second round can be just as fatal.

3. The most common allergens in children are foods.
Peanuts, fish and shellfish, wheat, soy, sesame, eggs, and dairy are the most frequently linked triggers to anaphylaxis in children. Adults can also experience anaphylaxis to common food triggers as well as certain medications and insect venom. Latex hypersensitivity is a growing concern and can also cause an anaphylactic reaction in some people.

4. Some people are anaphylactic to the cold.
Less than 8% of people with chronic hives and itching are triggered by cold exposure, a rare condition known as cold urticaria. Swimming in cold water or drinking a cup of icy water can trigger hives and swelling of the skin, which can usually be managed with oral antihistamines. In up to 20% of this group, cold exposure can result in anaphylaxis, including the symptoms of breathing problems, vomiting, and tummy pain, and needs to be treated as an emergency.

5. You can have anaphylaxis and not know it.
It is not uncommon for anaphylaxis to be misdiagnosed or go completely undiagnosed. In fact, more than 50% of people who come to the emergency room of a hospital are initially misdiagnosed because symptoms can be so variable from person to person, and not everyone presenting with anaphylaxis has a history of allergy or anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic reactions may be dismissed as asthma, anxiety, or other causes of fainting and low blood pressure. Most worryingly, 25% of severe allergic reactions that happen in schools are in children who had no known diagnosis of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis Treatment
Anaphylaxis can be diagnosed and managed by an allergist, a medical doctor with specific training in allergy and anaphylaxis. Making a diagnosis involves taking a thorough medical history, including all past episodes of allergic or anaphylactic reactions, and running tests to determine which allergens trigger reactions. This may be done using the skin prick test or blood tests.
In addition to learning how to identify and avoid your triggers, your management plan may involve:
• Always being prepared with an epinephrine pen on hand, and ensuring it isn’t expired
• Taking daily medications
• Purchasing medical jewelry or getting a medical tattoo so others realize you have anaphylaxis and know how to help during a reaction
• Making those around you aware of your situation and how to help you during a reaction – this may include your colleague and family members, or teachers and nurses at your child’s school
• Learning to recognize the early signs of when you’re having an anaphylactic reaction so you can seek help immediately

01/23/2026

Listen to Your Heart: How Heart Health Intersects with Hearing Health

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, taking one life every 34 seconds according to the CDC. While most people know heart disease affects the brain, kidneys, and overall longevity, fewer realize that your hearing health is also directly connected to your heart health. Emerging research shows that changes in your hearing may be one of the earliest warning signs of cardiovascular trouble - long before chest pain or shortness of breath ever appear.

Hearing Loss in the United States
Hearing loss affects millions of American adults and is far more than a minor inconvenience. Yes, hearing aids help, but untreated hearing loss is associated with major health concerns including cognitive decline, balance problems, depression, and social isolation. Globally, the economic burden of hearing loss is estimated to exceed $981 billion, reflecting its widespread physical, emotional, and financial impact.

The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Heart Health
Multiple studies around the world have identified a strong relationship between cardiovascular disease and hearing impairment. In some research, people with hearing loss faced a higher risk of future heart failure. In others, individuals with known cardiovascular risk factors - such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking - were significantly more likely to develop hearing loss.

While these studies don’t prove that one condition causes the other, the association is consistent and compelling. Many experts believe that compromised blood flow may be the link. The inner ear, including the cochlea, relies on a rich supply of oxygenated blood. When the cardiovascular system struggles, these delicate structures may be among the first to show damage - presenting as subtle hearing changes.

There’s also a secondary connection: mental health. Untreated hearing loss increases social withdrawal, loneliness, anxiety, and depression - all of which are known to trigger chronic inflammation and physiological stress that negatively affect cardiovascular health.
Can Improving Heart Health Help Protect Your Hearing?
Increasing evidence says yes. Cardiovascular fitness - especially through aerobic exercise - improves circulation throughout the body, including the small vessels that support the inner ear. Studies show that people with strong cardiovascular fitness tend to maintain better hearing as they age compared to those with lower fitness levels.

In other words, what’s good for your heart may also be good for your ears.

Key Takeaways
Hearing loss shouldn’t be dismissed as a normal part of aging. Because the auditory system is so sensitive to blood flow, changes in hearing can be an early red flag for heart disease. If you’ve noticed difficulty hearing, ringing in your ears, or trouble following conversations, a hearing evaluation is important - but it shouldn’t be your only step.

A visit to your primary care physician can help assess your cardiovascular risk and identify issues long before they become life-threatening. Protecting heart health through diet, exercise, and managing risk factors like smoking or hypertension may not only improve overall wellness but also preserve your hearing for years to come.

Your hearing and your heart do not function in isolation. When one struggles, the other often speaks up first. Listening to those early warning signs may be one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health.

01/23/2026

I'm freezing and... a little itchy! A rare condition called cold urticaria

As winter settles in, some people notice itchy red welts appearing after cold exposure. If that sounds familiar, you might be among the roughly 0.05% of the population living with a rare allergic condition called cold urticaria.

Cold urticaria is a type of chronic inducible urticaria where exposure to cold triggers hives, redness, swelling, and itching. For some, this happens after stepping into cold air. For others, it can be triggered by cold water, air conditioning, or even walking past the freezer aisle at the grocery store. Symptoms usually appear within minutes of exposure and can last for hours.

In more severe cases, cold urticaria can lead to anaphylaxis, especially when the entire body is exposed to cold, such as swimming in cold water or being in a very cold room. Symptoms can include widespread hives, swelling, trouble breathing, abdominal pain, dizziness, or fainting.

Cold urticaria can be primary, with no clear cause, or secondary, linked to another medical condition like infections or certain cancers. During a reaction, cold triggers immune cells to release histamine, which leads to the familiar itching and swelling seen in allergic responses.

There’s no cure, but many cases improve or resolve over time. Management focuses on avoiding triggers, recognizing personal temperature thresholds, and being prepared. This may include avoiding cold water, limiting cold foods and drinks, informing healthcare providers before procedures, taking antihistamines, or carrying epinephrine if there’s a risk of severe reactions.

Even in summer, cold urticaria can show up through icy drinks, air conditioning, or unheated pools. Working with an allergist can help confirm the diagnosis and create a plan to stay safe while still living your life.

10/03/2025

5 Tips for Managing Nasal Dryness

While post-nasal drip produces excess mucus, some people experience the opposite: a dry, irritated nose. It might seem less noticeable than a runny one, yet nasal dryness can be surprisingly uncomfortable — causing headaches, facial pressure, sinus irritation, and even nosebleeds in more severe cases.

Also known as rhinitis sicca, nasal dryness is often the result of a cold or allergy but can also be due to your environment. While you’re waiting for your cold to resolve or for allergy season to mercifully come to an end, try these tips to make your nasal dryness a little more bearable.

How to Relieve Nasal Dryness
1. Use a saline nasal spray or irrigation system
Commercially available nasal cleansing products such as sprays and irrigation systems are easily accessible and inexpensive. Nasal rinses are non-medicated and consist of sterile saline, which restores moisture to your nasal passages while flushing out dust, allergens, and other irritants.

2. Set up a humidifier
If your environment lacks humidity the logical solution is to… move to Hawaii. But if that’s not an option, consider a humidifier to return moisture to the air, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of a dry nose. However, be careful about regular cleaning, as a poorly maintained humidifier is prone to developing mold and this is unhelpful for allergies.

3. Avoid allergens and irritants
Nasal dryness can often be associated with allergies. A good general principle of managing allergies is to avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Hopefully you’ve figured out your allergens by now but if you haven’t, consider whether any of the following common irritants may be causing your symptoms of a dry and irritated nose:
• Animal dander
• Dust
• Molds
• Grass pollens
• Smoke
• Chemical vapors

4. Stay hydrated
With the average human body being made of about 60% water, it’s no surprise that our water intake is essential for healthy function. This includes your nasal passages, so don’t forget that water bottle.

5. Try a nasal moisturizer
A nasal gel or even something bland like petroleum jelly can provide a protective barrier. Dab a small amount around the inside of your nasal passages using a Q-tip. Nasal gels from your local drugstore will come with instructions (which you should follow).
If using petroleum jelly, this remedy is safe when used in small amounts and not too frequently. On rare occasions, it may cause problems if it gets into your lungs.

For persistent or particularly severe nasal dryness, consider scheduling an appointment with a Berger Henry ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Infrequently, these cases may be associated with an autoimmune disease known as Sjogren’s syndrome, or atrophic rhinitis, a chronic condition involving deterioration of the mucosal lining of the nose.

09/02/2025

Managing Allergies at School: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe

Worried about allergies at school? Discover how to educate your child, work with teachers, and reduce risks for a safer school year.

Sending your child to school is a big milestone, but for parents of children with allergies, it can feel overwhelming. At home, you control the environment. At school, your child becomes one of many, relying on teachers, staff, and peers to help keep them safe. With food and environmental allergies on the rise, it’s important to plan ahead, communicate clearly, and empower your child with the tools they need.

Allergies in Children Are on the Rise
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, up to 8% of children in the U.S. have food allergies, and nearly 40% of those children have experienced a severe reaction. Allergies can range from seasonal triggers like pollen or dust to serious food allergens such as peanuts, dairy, or shellfish. Anaphylaxis—the most severe reaction—can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Studies show that about one in four severe allergic reactions at school occur in children who had no previous allergy diagnosis, which highlights the importance of widespread staff awareness and training.

Preparing Your Child for School with Allergies
The first step is teaching your child about their allergies in an age-appropriate way. While a five-year-old won’t understand immune system mechanics, they can learn which foods or substances make them feel sick. Encourage your child to never accept food from others unless it’s from a trusted adult who knows their allergies. Role-play responses like “thank you, but I can’t have that” so they feel comfortable speaking up. It’s also helpful to remind them that sharing is great in most situations, but not when it comes to food or drinks.

Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Help
At home, your child knows to come to you when something feels wrong. At school, they need to know how to find help quickly. Teach them where the nurse’s office is located and how to identify a teacher, cafeteria staff, or playground monitor when they’re not in the classroom. Research shows that while nearly half of severe reactions start in the classroom, about 20% occur in the cafeteria and 10% on the playground. Practice talking through early symptoms—itching, tingling in the mouth, a tight chest—and what action they should take. Encourage them to speak up, even if the symptoms seem small.

Partnering with Teachers and Staff
Before the school year begins, schedule a meeting with the school nurse and your child’s teacher. Provide written documentation from your child’s allergist or ENT doctor, including their allergy action plan. Review what symptoms may look like in your child—children often describe reactions in unique ways, like “my tongue feels hairy” or “my mouth tastes funny.” In some cases, changes in behavior—sudden quietness, irritability, or scratching at the mouth—may be the earliest warning signs. Make sure staff understand how your child expresses discomfort. Share details about prescribed medications, such as an epinephrine auto-injector, and confirm where these medications will be stored and who is trained to administer them.

Reducing Risks at School
Even with good planning, exposure risks can occur in unexpected places. Food allergens may appear in classroom projects using recycled packaging, craft supplies like playdough, or musical instruments that are shared among students. Outdoor activities can pose risks from insect stings. Discuss strategies with school staff to minimize these risks—such as offering non-food rewards for good behavior, supervising snack times closely, and designating allergen-safe zones in the cafeteria. The more proactive you are in outlining potential hazards, the safer your child will be.

Partnering With Your Child’s Doctor
As part of back-to-school readiness, schedule a check-up with your child’s ENT doctor or allergist. Medications may need dose adjustments as your child grows, and it’s a good time to renew prescriptions or update emergency action plans. If your child also has asthma, make sure their asthma management plan is current, since asthma can increase the risk of severe reactions. Schools often require documentation from a physician, so having everything updated before the first day ensures a smoother start.

Advocating for Your Child
Ultimately, you are your child’s best advocate. Don’t hesitate to speak up if something at school feels unsafe, whether it’s a cafeteria practice, playground risk, or classroom activity. Although allergies are common—affecting millions of American children—not all schools are equally prepared to manage them. By educating your child, collaborating with school staff, and staying in close contact with healthcare providers, you can create a safe environment that allows your child to thrive both academically and socially.

07/18/2025

How Do Allergy Shots Work?

If you’re an allergy sufferer, you probably know there are a number of ways you can manage your allergies. One is to just put up with it and make sure you carry a big box of Kleenex wherever you go. Another approach is with natural remedies. Some people may find that antihistamine tablets, eye drops, or steroid nasal sprays are the way to go.

Or, you can play the long game with allergy shots.

What are allergy shots?
Also known as allergy immunotherapy, allergy shots are a long-term treatment approach to minimizing your reaction to allergens. And by long-term, we mean these shots can be effective for over 5 years. They can be effective at alleviating the symptoms of many different types of allergies as well as preventing the development of new allergies, particularly in children.

An allergy shot can be useful for different types of allergic diseases, including:
• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Eczema

Common allergens that trigger many of these reactions include:
• Grasses and pollens
• Molds
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Insect venom
• Cockroaches

Allergy shots are not suitable for treating food or drug allergies.

How do allergy shots work?
An allergic reaction is a hyped-up response from your body’s immune system when it encounters a harmless substance, known as the allergen. This immune response results in all those symptoms, from a runny and congested nose, to itchy eyes, itchy skin, swelling, and constricted airways.

The goal of allergy shots is to coach the body to not overreact when it comes into contact with an allergen. This is done by introducing the allergen(s) in small, friendly but increasing doses via an injection. The idea is that over time, your body will build a tolerance to the allergen(s).

Prior to starting the therapy, your Berger Henry allergy doctor needs to determine what you’re allergic to. This typically involves a skin test or a blood test.

There are two phases to allergy shots:

The build-up phase
This is the first stage, which occurs over 3 to 6 months. During the build-up phase, you receive an allergy shot between 1 to 3 times a week, with the dose of the allergen increasing a tiny bit each time.

The maintenance phase
Once the effective dose of allergen in your shots has been achieved, you enter the maintenance phase. Your allergy doctor determines the best maintenance dose for you based on how sensitive you are to the allergen and how you progressed during the build-up phase. The maintenance phase involves a shot every 2 to 4 weeks for 3 to 5 years (told you this was the long game). While many people find their allergy symptoms improving slightly during the build-up phase, it can take up to a year into the maintenance phase to notice significant relief from your allergies.

Do allergy shots really work?
For many people, yes. Allergy shots can provide long-lasting relief from their allergy symptoms even once the maintenance phase has finished. However, others may find their symptoms return once they’ve stopped receiving the shots.

If your allergy shot therapy didn’t work as well as you had hoped, it may be due to a number of factors, including:

• Being exposed to particularly high levels of the allergen in your environment

• The allergy shot dose not being increased sufficiently to challenge your immune system

• You are allergic to allergens not included in the shots

Allergy shots are not for everyone. Children under 5 years old are not recommended to undergo this therapy, as are people with severe asthma, heart conditions, or those taking certain medications. Pregnant women are also advised against commencing allergy shots during pregnancy, but it may be okay to continue the treatment if it started before becoming pregnant.

05/25/2025

Natural Allergy Treatment vs. Medications

Medicine can do wonders for the human body and if you’re an allergy sufferer, you’re probably willing to try almost anything to relieve your symptoms. Some people swear by their home-concocted natural home remedies while others are happy to stick with drugstore antihistamines. So, are natural allergy treatments any better than medications?

The benefits of natural allergy remedies
Though there may not be quite as much research that has investigated the effectiveness of natural treatments for allergy compared to the abundance of scientific literature surrounding medical interventions, for many people with mild to moderate allergy, it’s just a matter of giving it a good go.

You may prefer a non-drug alternative to allergy treatment for the lower risk of side effects and gentler action. Among other known side effects, oral antihistamines have the potential to cause drowsiness (particularly older generation medications), dizziness, a dry mouth or nose, and headache. Overusing nasal decongestant sprays can result in a medication dependency, known as rhinitis medicamentosa.

The perception of a holistic approach to allergy management can be attractive to some. Instead of just suppressing the symptoms of allergy, many natural remedies aim to remove or minimize the underlying triggers.

Some natural remedies can also be more cost-effective and more easily accessible than drugstore treatments. In fact, some treatments can probably already be found in your kitchen, such as local raw honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic, turmeric, green or peppermint tea, and pineapple.

Are natural allergy treatments better than medications?
Natural remedies certainly have some advantages over medications for allergy treatment for the reasons discussed above. For some patients, taking these non-drug approaches can be enough to get you back to your congestion-, sniffle-, itchy-free self but for others, natural treatments may not be enough.

Most healthcare professionals involved in managing allergy will suggest a two-pronged approach to sorting out those pesky symptoms – anti-allergy medications supported by natural remedies. After all, if you can reduce your exposure to allergens simply by having a shower, why not?

Medical treatments for allergies can provide a more predictable response – these medications and their active ingredients have been studied and properly formulated to target allergic conditions, and the clinicians who prescribe them are experienced in their use. If your allergies are severe or persistent, it’s most likely you will benefit from taking allergy medications over natural home remedies alone.

Home remedies for allergy
Other non-drug allergy treatments to consider include:
* Acupuncture with an experienced acupuncturist
* Spicy foods to help clear congestion (if you’ve ever ended up with a runny nose after a burger slathered in hot sauce, you know what we mean!)
* Essential oils that can reduce inflammation, such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, and frankincense
* Certain nutrients, such as quercetin (found in kale, broccoli, blueberries, chives, chili peppers, and others), and vitamin C (found in cabbage, oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, and others), which can help to reduce allergy symptoms
* Probiotics (whether supplements or probiotic-friendly foods like yogurt and sauerkraut) to support your gut microbiome and its role in immune health and allergy

If all of the above fail…
If even antihistamine medications aren’t relieving your allergy symptoms, don’t despair. You still have options with an appropriately qualified ENT doctor with allergy training who may suggest allergy immunotherapy or surgery for a deviated septum.

04/27/2025

How to Get the Most Out of Your Rechargeable Hearing Aids 🔋👂
Rechargeable hearing aids have transformed hearing technology. Today, about 80% of hearing aids purchased in the U.S. are rechargeable, and users love them for their convenience, eco-friendliness, and strong performance.

Modern rechargeable models deliver up to 30 hours of use on a single charge, reduce waste, and eliminate the need for tricky disposable batteries — a huge win for people with arthritis or dexterity issues.

To keep your rechargeable hearing aids working at their best, here’s what you need to know:
✅ Use the original charger. Stick to the manufacturer’s charger to avoid damaging the battery or device.
✅ Charge them overnight. Make charging part of your nightly routine so you wake up to a full day’s power.
✅ Don’t dock them in an unplugged charger. If the charger isn't powered, your hearing aids may turn on and slowly drain overnight.
✅ Clean them daily. Earwax buildup is one of the biggest causes of hearing aid problems. Wipe them gently with a dry cloth each night.
✅ Keep them dry. Always remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or visiting saunas. Moisture can damage internal parts.
✅ Avoid extreme temperatures. Heat over 90°F or cold below 50°F can weaken batteries and harm delicate electronics.

⭐ Pro Tip:
Rechargeable hearing aid batteries typically last up to 5 years. If your battery performance declines, your BergerHenry ENT audiologist can replace the battery without replacing the whole device.

Taking a few small steps each day can extend your hearing aids' lifespan, protect your investment, and keep your hearing sharp.

💬

04/05/2025

Did You Know Hearing Loss Can Affect Taste?
It may sound surprising, but research shows that our sense of hearing is closely connected to how we taste food.

This link is part of something called cross-modal perception—when different senses interact to shape our experience. Think about the crunch of an apple or the slurp of warm noodles. Without the sound, would those foods still taste the same?

A recent study comparing deaf individuals and people with full hearing found that: • People with hearing loss had higher taste thresholds—meaning they needed a stronger concentration to detect flavors.
• Hearing aid users were less sensitive to sweet flavors.
• Cochlear implant users were less sensitive to salty tastes.
• Participants with hearing loss were more likely to dislike bitter, salty, and sour tastes.

This can change the way someone with hearing loss experiences food—and may even reduce their interest in trying new dishes. Over time, that could lead to a limited diet or even malnutrition.

Why does this happen?
Some scientists believe the brain’s sensory processing centers are intertwined. Others suggest the sound of eating enhances flavor, or that hearing loss can lead to social isolation, making meals less enjoyable overall.

While hearing aids and cochlear implants may not directly improve taste sensitivity, they offer major benefits—like better communication, lower risk of cognitive decline, and a more connected, fulfilling life.

If you’re noticing changes in your enjoyment of food—or hearing—talk to an audiologist. The connection might be stronger than you think.

02/16/2025

When Should I Start Getting Regular Hearing Checks?

Given the complexity of the human body and all the things that can go wrong with it, there's a lot to keep track of when it comes to being proactive about looking after your health. One of these things that can go wrong is your hearing.

Around 14% of the US population has some degree of hearing loss. As may be expected, if you divide everyone into age groups, the prevalence of hearing loss only increases with age: 6% in those aged 18-44 years, 14% in those between 45-64 years, and 27% for older adults aged 65 years and above.

As hearing loss is associated with a number of daily challenges, including - but not limited to - hearing your favorite song on the radio, catching it early can go a long way to helping maintain your quality and enjoyment of life. Add to this the fact that untreated hearing loss is associated with other conditions including depression, dementia, and poor balance – writing down a hearing test on your list of things to do might be a good idea.

When should hearing be tested?

Newborns and babies
The first ever hearing screening test should happen within the first month after birth. In the US, hospitals and birthing centers typically offer this service, with most aiming to perform the test before the baby even goes home. This screening test helps to catch congenital hearing loss so the baby can then be referred onward to a pediatric audiologist for more thorough testing. Good hearing is integral for so many aspects of a child's development, including language and social skills. Further down the track, this translates to effects on education and vocation.

The onset of hearing loss can happen at any age so, if at any point you’re concerned about your child’s milestones relating to communication, talk to a pediatrician or organize another hearing test with an audiologist.

School-aged children
Although in the US we’re pretty good at newborn hearing screening tests, many school-aged children with hearing impairment go unnoticed. This may be because the hearing loss only developed later. Children are particularly prone to ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss if not properly treated. Similar to the importance of newborn hearing tests, catching any hearing loss sooner rather than later offers the best chance at normal development, learning, and social integration.

The World Health Organization recommends hearing checks in kindergarten, then in grades 1, 2, 3, 7, and 11. However, if your child has risk factors for hearing loss, such as a family history of it, or an ear condition like recurrent infections, impacted earwax, or underdeveloped ear structures, then you may need to organize more regular hearing checks.

Adults
We’ve already discussed some of the impacts of hearing loss (like not being able to enjoy your favorite song). Despite this, and the well-documented prevalence of hearing loss especially into older age, there is no clear consensus as to how often adults should have their hearing checked. The US Preventative Service Task Force found no evidence that regular tests for adults without hearing loss symptoms were beneficial, even for those over the age of 50. On the other hand, the American Geriatrics Society suggests annual hearing checks for all adults 65 years and older. And the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association supports a hearing test every decade until you get to 50 years, after which you should be checked every three years.

Though there is no firm agreement on how often you should have routine hearing screening checks, you should definitely get checked out if you:
* Are hearing a ringing, buzzing, or clicking in your ear, which may indicate tinnitus
* Find you need to turn up the volume on the TV or radio higher than before
* Are in an occupation that exposes you to excessive noise, like a construction site or lawn mowing
* Have a known family history of hearing impairment
* Enjoy hobbies or leisure activities involving loud noise exposure, such as concerts
* Have certain medical conditions that increase your risk of hearing loss, including diabetes, chronic ear infections, and cardiovascular disease
* Realize your hearing is not as clear as it should be

If in doubt, it is better to err on the side of caution. Talk to your family doctor about your risk of hearing loss. Talk to your friends and family about whether they suspect you have hearing loss due to the volume at which you watch Netflix or how often they need to repeat themselves in conversation. Talk to your audiologist if you think your hearing was not what it once was. Doing so could improve your quality of life in so many ways.

Schedule an Appointment
https://www.medentmobile.com/portal/index.php?practice_id=48SWUrQh&locid=0&main_section=online_schedule_start

BergerHenry ENT Specialty Group

01/23/2026

01/23/2026

01/23/2026

10/03/2025

09/02/2025

07/18/2025

05/25/2025

04/27/2025

04/05/2025

02/16/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 3pm