Alyson O’Banion

Alyson O’Banion, MPT, DPT attended the University of South Carolina-Aiken and received her bachelor’s degree in exercise science and biology in 1996 with the immediate completion of her master’s degree in physical therapy from the Medical College of Georgia in 1998. She completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2014 from A.T. Still University in…
Waterproof & Water-Resistant Hearing Aids: What’s the Difference?

According to an article on consumer preferences for hearing aid attributes, “Seven attributes of hearing aids were identified through qualitative research: performance in quiet settings, comfort, feedback, frequency of battery replacement, purchase price, water and sweat resistance, and performance in noisy settings.” This post focuses on resistance to water – more specifically, what it means…
Tips for Sharing the Holiday Cheer with Children Who Have Hearing Loss

Many associate hearing loss with older populations, but lots of children experience hearing loss as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately one to three of every 1,000 children has hearing loss, while other studies have estimated this number to be more like two to five per 1,000 children. If…
Sarah Norris, Au.D., CCC-A

Dr. Sarah Norris joined Augusta-Aiken ENT & Allergy in June 2021. She is originally from Macon, Mississippi. She graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Dr. Norris received her Doctor of Audiology from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She completed her externship here at…
Boo! Protect Your Hearing From Loud Noises This Halloween

Halloween is only a few days away. Many of you have already picked out the perfect pumpkin at Steed’s Dairy and are putting the finishing touches on costumes before you head out for a night or a whole weekend of spooky fun. However, what you may not realize is that some of these fun Halloween…
Christopher Z. Johnson, MD

Dr. Johnson graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Microbiology and again earning his Doctor of Pharmacy. In medical school he was nominated to the medical honors society, AOA, as an early inductee. He completed his residency in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at Augusta University. During residency, he developed a…
Highlighting Pediatric Hearing Loss for Audiology Awareness Month

Though hearing loss may be more commonly associated with older adults, anyone can develop the condition, including children. For Audiology Awareness Month, we’d like to highlight some key facts about pediatric hearing loss, including causes, signs and possible treatment options. Facts About Pediatric Hearing Loss According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication…
Is Vertigo Causing Your Dizzy Spells?

Many different things can make you feel dizzy, from low blood pressure to dehydration and even some neurological conditions. Vertigo is one of the more common causes of dizziness. Let’s examine a few types, as well as discuss when to see a doctor and possible treatment options. Dizziness Caused by Vertigo While vertigo and dizziness…
Four Essential Habits for Those Who Wear Hearing Aids

There’s a lot to learn when you first get hearing aids, from proper maintenance techniques to how to configure your settings in different listening environments. By practicing these essential habits, you can help ensure you get the most out of your device. Wear Your Hearing Aids Consistently As the saying goes, “consistency is key.” This…
How To Make the Most of Virtual Meetings When You Have Hearing Loss

As the office landscape adjusts and a good number of people work from home at least part of the time, virtual meetings have become much more frequent. While many appreciate the flexibility and convenience of being able to communicate with colleagues from anywhere, people with hearing loss may face some unique challenges in virtual environments….