Vision and hearing function together every minute of every day. Together these two senses create the 3-dimensional awareness of your environment. Neither works particularly well without the other, and unfortunately, both tend to fail as we get older. Leading eye groups across the United Stats now evaluate and treat vision and hearing problems together.

Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health care problems facing older adults. It is estimated that more than 55 million Americans suffer from hearing loss significant enough to affect their communication abilities; 80% of this group remain undiagnosed or untreated. Recent studies show that over 50% of Baby Boomers are experiencing significant hearing loss as much as 20 years earlier in life than previous generations.

Unfortunately, statistics suggest that less than 15% of family doctors address hearing loss. The onset of symptoms is gradual, and your family doctor is most likely concerned about other immediate health issues. As specialists in vision care, we are acutely aware of the importance of evaluating and treating sensory losses that affect everyday living.

• Difficulty hearing conversations in crowded places
• Ringing or other noises in your ears
• Friends and family members commenting that you don’t seem to hear them
• Others complaining that you watch TV with the volume too high
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Feeling that people are mumbling, speaking too fast, or speaking unclearly in everyday conversations
• Difficulty understanding women or young children’s voices
• Trouble knowing where sounds are coming from

We perform a comprehensive audiogram using the most modern equipment. An audiogram measures your ability to hear pure tones at various frequencies and to hear and understand speech. In addition, your hearing specialist will document a detailed history of your classic hearing loss symptoms. An appointment with an otolaryngologist will be made for patients experiencing any unusual symptoms. Test results, recommendations, and treatment options will be reviewed with you in detail.

Every case of hearing loss is different. For approximately 90% of all patients, hearing instruments of some kind are the only treatment option, because the problem is not medically or surgically correctable or reversible.

Untreated hearing loss is more noticeable than you might think. Clinical studies show untreated hearing loss dramatically impacts quality of life for you and for those closest to you. Miscommunication is noticeable to others and can lead to negative changes in your personality. Many people with untreated hearing loss gradually withdraw from activities they enjoy, leading to isolation and depression, and may demonstrate anger management problems and other more complicated psychosocial changes.

Fortunately, today’s digital technology and component miniaturization has enabled most patients to wear tiny devices that are hardly noticeable to them or to others. As we have stated before, every case of hearing loss is different, and the most appropriate hearing instruments for any particular patient depend on the extent of the loss, the patient’s activity level and the hearing device performance demands.

Simply stated, “Vision and Hearing Together.” We use the finest technology available, first-rate clinical staff, and the combination of care for your eyes and ears under the watchful eye of your trusted doctor.

We have a 30-day trial period. If you are dissatisfied with your hearing instruments, you may return them within the 30-day period and receive a refund, or exchange them for a different style that better meets your needs.

Quality hearing instruments are available in all price ranges. All of ours are competitively priced. We do not use promotional pricing, misleading advertising, or sell outdated technology or discontinued models. You will receive the correct hearing instruments at an excellent price. We offer patient financing, including interest-free options.

No. Medicare does not pay for hearing instruments, just as they typically do not pay for eyeglasses or contact lenses for most vision problems.

KEI patients over 50 are screened for hearing loss during the technician component of the physician examination. A KEI doctor reviews the screening results and recommends additional testing for those who would benefit. An appointment with our licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist is scheduled for another day.

Although our licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist sees patients in our Corbin, Lexington, Maysville, Middlesboro, and Morehead offices, we also screen patients in Jackson and Mt. Sterling.

Drs. Blandford, Curtis, and Evans.