The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 41 COVID patients today, 39 yesterday. Other significant numbers:
22 with the active virus today, 21 yesterday
2 in ICU, 0 yesterday
0 on a ventilator, 0 yesterday
19 hospitalized, but out of acute infection phase, 18 yesterday
Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Kristina Fletcher, audiologist, The University of Kansas Health System
Generally, people should get their hearing checked every 2-3 years. Hearing tests usually take about 10-15 minutes.
They typically last 5-7 years and range in price from $2,000-$6,000 with a full service package from audiologists. That price includes testing and fitting the device -- it is important to make sure hearing aids fit properly.
Prices are lower, ranging $300-$1,000, for over-the-counter hearing aids.
Hearing aid innovation has come so far in the past few years. You basically have a computer in your ears.
Some hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible to your cell phone, which is very convenient for many patients.
Wearing hearing aids in both ears is important if you have hearing loss in both.
Dr. Jim Lin, ENT physician, The University of Kansas Health System
People know they need a test when they have trouble understanding others due to background noise.
There is a correlation between hearing loss and dementia. The use of hearing aids can help mitigate the effects of dementia.
Until October of this year, hearing aids were highly regulated, which led to higher prices.
The White House created a policy to provide hearing aids over-the-counter to patients.
Audio trauma, such as a gunshot or firecracker, can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Nationally, over the past two decades, earbuds are contributing to hearing loss at a younger age.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, director of infection control and prevention, The University of Kansas Health System
COVID cases have been trending up at the Health System.
Dr. Fauci said he is hoping to have a winter of COVID not as bad as last year across the country.
Studies are showing COVID patients on Paxlovid have had 50 percent less chance of going to the hospital.
Early studies are showing bivalent boosters led to a decrease in hospitalizations as well.
Monday, November 28 at 8:00 a.m. is the next live Morning Medical Update. Encore episodes will be available on Thanksgiving and Friday.
On Monday, learn how treatment for rare face cancer led to a devastating colon diagnosis and then the lungs for a resilient patient who is now in the clear.
