How do you know if your sinuses need extra attention?

Sinus infections - also known as sinusitis - are one of the most common diseases in the world. Millions of people suffer from sinusitis each year and for most of those people the pain from swollen nasal passages and the pressure caused by a buildup of mucus in the sinus cavities is fairly short-lived. In some people, however, sinusitis is a chronic issue with little to no relief. How do you know when it’s time to see your doctor for a sinus issue?

Logansport Memorial Hospital's audiologist earns doctorate degree

Stacey Shilts, Au.D. CCC-A

Stacey Shilts has been practicing audiology for 18 years, spending the last 8 of those years with Dr. Short and as part of Logansport Memorial Hospital. Recently, she decided to further her education and pursue her doctorate degree in audiology. Having a doctorate degree is now becoming the new industry standard for audiologists. Stacey’s pursuit and completion of her doctorate degree keeps Logansport Memorial Hospital at the cutting edge of providing exceptional care for our audiology patients and our community.

Stacey began her educational journey in 2014 through the University of Florida’s nationally-ranked distance-learning doctorate program. She graduated from the program on April 28, 2016 with her doctorate of Audiology. Her new credentials are listed as Au.D. CCC-A.

“For me, this was both a personal and a professional endeavor,” explains Stacey. “I knew that I wanted to be advanced and innovative within my industry, but I also enjoy learning and pursuing new educational experiences that can benefit my career. Earning my Au.D made me more knowledgeable, confident, and skillful in providing audiology services to our patients here at the hospital.”

“I can already see my additional training improving patient care significantly. One of the most important things I learned was how to better utilize best practices to more effectively meet patient needs. Based on my experience, we have opportunities here where we can make some changes, do some things differently, and hopefully see increased patient satisfaction. That is always my goal. I believe it is my responsibility to provide my patients with the best expertise and care that I possibly can, so I dedicate myself to experiences in continuing my education to do that.”

Logansport Memorial Hospital is very proud of Stacey’s accomplishment, and will continue to support her in her professional achievements in any way possible. We are committed to providing exceptional levels of care with providers who aim to exceed your expectations. Thank you to Stacey and to every provider in our network for upholding that commitment to our community.

Which hearing aid is right for you?

If you are experiencing hearing loss caused by disease, aging, injury or long-term exposure to loud noise, you might benefit from a hearing aid. A hearing aid helps people with hearing loss listen, communicate and participate more fully in everyday life.

Have your hearing loss evaluated by a doctor to make sure you’re getting the right type of hearing aid and to have it fitted properly. While a prescription is not required for most hearing aids, it can be hard to know which one is best for your needs.

Cold or allergies? How to tell the difference

You’ve got an itchy throat and runny nose that just won’t quit. Or maybe you’ve had a headache, congestion and sneezing for a full week. How do you know if it’s a lingering cold virus or allergies?

Allergic rhinitis refers to a group of symptoms—such as a runny or itchy nose, watery eyes, and sneezing—that result from inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes. A common, but inaccurate, name for this condition is hay fever. It is estimated that 40-50 million people in the United States develop allergic rhinitis during their lifetime.

Here's to your Hearing

During the month of the year when so many healthcare providers and organizations are focused on promoting heart health, we wanted to do something different. Not that we don’t support raising awareness for heart health… in fact, we had several employees participate in the National “Go Red” Day on Friday, February 6. Those who made a $5 donation to our Cardiac Rehab Fund through the LMH Foundation got to wear jeans with their red shirts while giving to a good cause. The Cardiac Rehab Fund provides scholarships for individuals who need assistance to participate in our Cardiac Rehab program. It’s one way we can support heart health here locally!

Okay, enough about that. We’ve officially done our part to promote heart health awareness. This month, let’s talk about something that isn’t as commonly discussed… your hearing. Whether you are a child, a parent, or a grandparent, you need your ears to be working at their best. Think of all that you could miss if they weren’t – the sound of the ocean, birds singing, your favorite sports team’s fight song… the list goes on and on. (And if you can’t tell, I think I’m one of many who is ready for a season other than winter… bring on spring!)

What did you say? I couldn’t hear you.

Unfortunately, it’s estimated that 28 million Americans have some type of hearing loss. Because most problems develop gradually, many people don’t realize there is an issue with their hearing early enough. The good news is that we know a lot about how to recognize some common signs and symptoms of hearing loss so that we can get help for ourselves or for our loved ones.

Signs that you or a loved one may have a hearing problem:

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Often turning an ear toward a sound to hear it better
• Understanding people better when you wear your glasses or look directly at their faces
• Losing your place in group conversations
• Keeping the volume on your radio or TV at a level that others say is too loud
• Having pain or ringing in your ears
• Noticing that some sounds remain clear (often low-pitched sounds like the bass line in music) while others seem fuzzy (frequently women’s and children’s high-pitched voices)

Hearing loss can be subtle. The people you care about might not realize how much of the conversation they miss, and they don’t want to be dismissed as “too much bother.” They also may be afraid to “say the wrong thing” if they misinterpret a comment. Try to help them understand that a hearing test could give them peace of mind, improve their quality of life, and protect them from problems that arise when they can’t hear… like when an oven timer goes off.

Let’s talk about Hearing Aids

Hearing aids have come a long way since they first came out as an option for hearing loss. Years ago, they used to be big and bulky – with even bigger batteries that felt clunky on your ear. Now, hearing aids are much less visible. Some are so small that others don’t realize you have one at all. They can be custom molded for comfort, and come with lots of other options to best meet your hearing needs. 

If you think that you or a loved one is having difficulty hearing, it’s best to consult with a certified audiologist, who can conduct a test to detect any hearing problems and develop a treatment plan to prevent additional hearing loss. In our community, we are fortunate to have an audiologist in our Ear, Nose, and Throat office who can work with you individually. You can call the office directly at (574) 753-2222 to schedule an appointment, or learn more about your options.

This month, take advantage of our services and employees that are “hear” to help. Here’s to your hearing, your heart, and your overall health!