About Harriet Jacobster, Au.D. Expertise I can answer questions regarding non-medical treatment of hearing loss such as hearing aids and aural rehabilitation. I am also able to answer your questions regarding hearing testing, what types of tests are appropriate, what information a hearing test gives you and what it doesn't give you. As a classically trained musician, I can also answer issues dealing with hearing loss specific to musicians.
Experience I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with over 25 years' of experience working with both children and adults. I have given lectures on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids to several state chapters of national organizations for the deaf and hard of hearing. I also taught Speech Reading and Aural Rehabilitation both privately and for the Florida Deaf Service Center.
Organizations American Academy of Audiology
American Speech Language Hearing Association
Education/Credentials Au.D. Doctor of Audiology, Nova Southeastern University 2000
Question I have been receiving steroid treatment for ETD which has at least partially caused the hearing distortion I have in both ears. However the treatment has been stopped by the hospital doctor, although it did have the desired effect on my left ear. Are there any hearing devices which would eliminate the distortion without having the awful blocked up feeling that comes with foam earplugs? Sad to say, not many people seem to realise how distressing this condition is for a musician.
Answer Hi Brenda,
You need to have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist. Distortion is a sign of neural loss of some type, either in your ear or the auditory nerve or possibly even in the brain. Once you have been cleared, you can discuss the options with the audiologist. You may want to try a hearing aid which may help with the distortion. There are several excellent hearing aids out there that are specially designed for musicians, for instance, the Yuu by Unitron has a great program for musicians. You can also check out this site: sensaphonics.com. This company specializes in musicians' plugs that can be specially made so that you can still appreciate the full fidelity of the music without the blocked up feeling.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology
