Columbine Hearing Care

02/21/2026

One of my favorite things to see at appointments? A “second set of ears.”

A patient once asked, “Do I really need to bring someone? I don’t want to bother them.” And look, I get that. But I also know that I’ve gone to appointments alone and forgotten half of what I was told. 🫣

Here’s why we encourage it: a spouse, adult child, or friend can help you remember instructions, ask questions, and support you as you adjust.

When that patient brought their spouse, everything felt easier: less stress and more confidence when they got back home. So if you have an upcoming visit, consider bringing someone with you! 😉

02/20/2026

Have you heard about Ask an Audiologist? 🤔

This helpful website is loaded with information about hearing, hearing loss and hearing aids . . . all provided by audiology experts - like our own Dr. Dusty Jessen!

🎯 She recently answered a question about why it sounds like people might be mumbling and explained how high frequency hearing loss affects speech clarity.

Check it out!👇🏼

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WAa9ZoBU8j8

Dr. Dusty Jessen explains how high frequency hearing loss affects speech clarity.Find a Audiologist in your area @ AskAnAudiologist.com ...

02/19/2026

“Does ear candling work?” 🕯️

We get this question all the time!

Despite popular claims, ear candling is both ineffective and unsafe. The waxy residue left behind comes from the candle, not your ear, and the hollow candle means hot wax can drip into the ear canal.

Ouch! 😬

For safe and effective ear wax removal, it’s always best to leave it to a trained professional. Your ears are too important to risk!! 👂

02/18/2026

Hi! I’m Lisa! 👋🏻

If you’ve ever scheduled an appointment or called with a question, chances are you’ve talked to me. Since I’ve already introduced myself before, here’s a little extra for February:

I love to read 📚 and my favorite authors are Harlan Coben, Elin Hilderbrand & Freida McFadden. Reading while sipping a coffee or latte? ☕️ Even better!

At Columbine Hearing Care, my goal is always to make you feel heard, understood and helped in a friendly and efficient manner. I know that coming in - particularly for that very first visit - can feel like a big step. You shouldn’t have to navigate it alone! 💞

02/17/2026

“Does more expensive automatically mean better?” 🤔

Our philosophy is simple 👇

We want you to go with the technology you need to get your maximum communication success. We consider factors such as your hearing test, your lifestyle, and your listening goals, then make our recommendation.

If you’re hearing aid shopping and want a no-pressure conversation, send us a message or call our office to schedule an appointment. We’ll walk you through the options so you feel confident about what you’re choosing. 💁🏼‍♀️

02/16/2026

A five-star experience is always the plan! 🌟

We love being your trusted local team. Come say hi anytime!

02/15/2026

New hearing aid research reinforces something we see in the clinic every day: there is no one perfect hearing aid setting. Some people want a fast reaction to changes in sound. Others want a smoother, slower response. Interestingly, preference often depends on the type and degree of hearing loss!

Translation: if your hearing aids ever sound “too sharp,” “too loud suddenly,” or like speech is “clear, but not comfortable,” that’s not you being picky, that’s a setting we can fine-tune!

If you’re not loving how things sound lately, schedule a quick check!! ✅

Based on findings published in Ear & Hearing (Windle, Dillon, Heinrich).

02/14/2026

This Valentine’s Day, show your heart AND your hearing some love.

Your heart and ears are more connected than you think. The tiny sensory cells in your inner ear depend on strong blood flow to function properly, so when heart health declines, hearing can suffer too.

Studies show that cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure may increase the risk of hearing loss. (Source: American Journal of Audiology)

Taking care of your heart isn't just about longevity; it’s also about staying connected to the world around you through better hearing. 👂 So, if you've noticed changes in your hearing or want to make sure everything's in working order, we're here to help! ❤️

02/13/2026

Your heart health and hearing health are more connected than you might think!

Good blood flow is essential for the tiny sensory cells in your inner ear to work properly. 🩸 When your heart and blood vessels aren’t pumping well, these cells can get damaged, leading to hearing loss. That’s why conditions like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease can increase your risk of hearing problems. Taking care of your heart means taking care of your ears too! 👂

If you’ve noticed any changes in your hearing or want to make sure your ears are in tip-top shape, send me a message or call to schedule a hearing exam.

02/12/2026

Did you know your ears are self-cleaning? 😮

Tiny hairs inside the ear canal naturally move earwax outward over time. When you use Q-tips or other objects, the wax often just gets pushed deeper instead of removed, leading to blockages, muffled hearing, or discomfort. ❌

If your ears feel full, itchy, or clogged, it’s best to have them checked by a professional rather than trying to fix it yourself. We’re here to help keep your ears safe and clear! 🦻

02/10/2026

I recently saw a large European study, the Gutenberg Health Study, that has been exploring the link between hearing loss and cardiovascular health. It caught my attention because, as an audiologist, I see firsthand how hearing changes can reflect broader health shifts. 🏥

Here’s the short version: the study found that people with hearing loss often had more cardiovascular risk factors, but when researchers accounted for age and other variables, most of those links faded.

Except one.

Hearing loss still showed a significant connection with diabetes, even after full adjustment. To me, that’s an important clue.

Sometimes, hearing changes show up as one of the early signs that something in the vascular or metabolic system needs a second look. Especially if you’re managing (or at risk for) diabetes.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your hearing checked or your diabetes care plan updated, consider this your gentle reminder.

Not because anything is “wrong,” but because paying attention early can help us stay connected to the world, and to ourselves.

02/09/2026

🧐 Did you know that earwax actually plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy??

Earwax is produced by glands in the outer portion of the ear canal and works alongside tiny hairs (called cilia) to trap dust, dirt, and other debris before it can reach the eardrum. This helps protect the sensitive structures deeper in the ear.

The goal isn’t to remove earwax completely, it’s to keep it from building up and causing problems. Healthy ears need a little wax!

As we age, earwax doesn’t move out of the ears as efficiently, which can lead to buildup and hearing issues. But don’t worry… we're here to help with safe, professional ear wax removal if you need it!