Monthly Archives: February 2014

What is The Procedure For A Hearing Test?

Patients are often put through a number of different tests to help the practitioner discover the extent of the hearing loss and the cause of it. Hearing tests also determine whether a patient is suffering from hearing loss at all. The first part of the exam consists of simple questions and answers, often given orally. Although some patients may be required to fill out a questionnaire. The answers will help the health care professional discover the extent of the damage, and may help him uncover the cause of it.

Ear Examination

Following the history, the audiologist will then examine the patient’s ears. This can uncover physical problems that may be causing the hearing loss. For instance, some patients suffer hearing loss due to a build up of ear wax. In other situations, the ear has swelled due to irritation. An otoscope will be used to look inside the ear. The problem could also be due to the ear drum being punctured.

The Main Hearing Test

hearing testThe hearing test is conducted in a sound-proof room. That way, no noises from outside the office can interfere. There are three main tests that are commonly used in this examination. Together, they can help determine the extent of the hearing loss, and possibly the cause of it. The pure tone test, middle ear test and speech test are usually included.

Don’t be Afraid to Tell the Audiologist Why You Think You May Have Lost Your Hearing

Some of us have jobs that require us to be around loud noises. If you’re a musician that often has to be on stage with loud instruments and sound effects, this is a possible cause of your hearing loss. Some causes of hearing loss may be embarrassing, but it’s still important to be honest about them. Did you stick something in your ear? If you did, this could help your hearing loss expert diagnose a punctured ear-drum.

The Treatment

The treatment for your hearing loss will depend on the cause of it. This is just one more reason it’s important to be honest. If there’s a build up a fluid behind your eardrum, this can be corrected with surgery. If the hearing loss is permanent, it can still be remedied with a hearing aid. There are implants that can also be placed in the ear to help with hearing.

How To Figure Out If You Need A Hearing Exam

Your hearing loss may not be obvious yet. It could be slight, and just waiting to get worse. There are a few signs that can let a patient know their hearing is damaged. Tinnitus, which is ringing in the ear, is often a symptom of hearing loss and ear damage. Is this happening randomly? It’s probably time for a hearing test. Vertigo, which is a spinning, dizzy sensation, could mean that you’ve punctured your eardrum. Ear pain can also be a symptom. Especially when there is swelling with discharge. Of course, the main symptom that the exam focuses on is hearing loss.

Try A Free Hearing Test Online First

There are free hearing exams online. Your score on one of these tests can also be an indication of a problem. If you do badly, it’s time to see a professional for a thorough, hearing examination.

Don’t Wait

Going through a hearing test can help a practitioner stop what’s causing your hearing loss before you lose your ability to hear completely. It’s never a good idea to wait and see if it gets better. What’s causing your hearing loss may not be something that can cure itself. See a practitioner to diagnose it before it’s too late.

What Is Food Manager Certification?

When it comes to restaurants and other facilities involved in the food chain, the safe storage and preparation of food is a top priority. All employees should be taught how to handle food safely and at least one person should have a food manager certification to set up and help maintain procedures for safe food handling within the facility. A manager is responsible for the overall food safety program but supervisors and lead workers should also get the training and certification to ensure that day-to-day operations remain in compliance with the law. The Servsafe Food Manager Certification Program certifies a food manager as compliant with regulations.

The Duties Covered In a Food Manager Certification Program

Managers are responsible for setting up the policies and procedures for safe food handling within their facility. They should conduct food safety training with their staff to ensure that all personnel understand how food contamination and other problems occur. On a daily basis, they must inspect operational hazards and make adjustments when necessary. Finally, they should periodically inspect the facility to ensure that all safety practices are in place and working.

What Types Of Food Establishments Must Have A Certified Food Manager

Regulations vary from state to state, but most states require that one person has a food manager certification at:

* restaurants
* food packaging and processing facilities
* a facility whose primary purpose is the sales and/or distribution of food.

When food sales are not the primary purpose of a business, the company may be exempt. It is in the best interest of any business that sells or prepares food to check local and state regulations in order to remain in compliance.

What Types Of Questions Will Be On The Certification Exam?

The exam will cover all aspects of food safety as well as the duties of a food manager. Applicants should be prepared to answer questions such as:

* At what temperature is a refrigerated unit too warm for the safe storage of food?

* May foods prepared in a home kitchen be served at a restaurant?

* Are there certain types of clothing that may not be worn in a kitchen?

* What should an employee do if a large piece of hair falls into a serving of potato salad?

* What is the best way to defrost a piece of meat?

Understanding the answers to these questions means that the food manager will be able to implement safe practices. When safe food procedures are not in place, the facility’s customers are at increased risk of developing a food-borne bacterial disease with dire consequences.

How To Find A Food Manager Certification Training Program

There are many resources available for food service training. Serve it Up Safe specializes in certifying Florida food handlers with courses throughout the state. Options include online training as well as training in person. To locate training in your state, check out the applicable pages on the state government’s website. Any program listed there will satisfy the local requirements for training.

Keep in mind that when the establishment’s food manager leaves the location, most locales require that an immediate replacement be found. This action ensures an unbroken chain of food safety practices in the workplace.

What Is the Difference Between A Plastic Surgeon And A Cosmetic Surgeon?

When people talk about plastic surgery, they usually are referring to cosmetic surgery. In fact, many people think of the two as being the same thing and use both terms interchangeably. Yet the two terms have very different meanings. Plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons are not the same, although there is overlap between the two professions.

What is the Difference?

A plastic surgeon specializes in reconstructive surgery while a cosmetic surgeon specializes in aesthetic surgery.

plastic surgeryIn the case of reconstructive surgery, the plastic surgeon specializes in corrective and restorative surgical procedures that correct abnormalities that may result from an accident, birth defect, or health condition. The plastic surgeon is trained and qualified in several specialized fields that include restorative or reconstruction surgery, as well as aesthetic surgery, though often focusing more on the former than the latter.

On the other hand, aesthetic surgery is more or less a sub-specialty of plastic surgery. The cosmetic surgeon specializes in the improvement of a person’s appearance by re-shaping or enhancing the structure and tissue.

There are instances when plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery merge. Several aesthetic surgery procedures can also be considered reconstructive surgery procedures. For instance, a situation where breast reconstruction is necessary, or a rhinoplasty. The rhinoplasty might be necessary after a corrective surgery to correct a structural imperfection of the nose to improve breathing. In the case of the breast reconstruction, the surgeon might augment a breast to make it look the same as the one that had a mastectomy.

Plastic vs. Cosmetic Surgical Training

The difference between the two professionals is the training they have undergone. A plastic surgeon will undergo at least three years of rigorous training as a surgical resident, which is done after they have completed medical school and are certified by the board of plastic surgeons. Even then, the surgeon will have to undergo another training specializing in the field of plastic surgery. The training can be for 3 – 8 years based on which surgical fellowships the surgeon wishes to cover.

A cosmetic surgeon often lacks that in-depth knowledge in major surgery procedures, especially those that need major reconstruction. Often, a cosmetic surgeon may have undergone a year or two or cosmetic surgery training, with several fellowships covered through short courses over the weekends.

Certification and Recognition

Whether it is a plastic surgery or a cosmetic surgery procedure, it is important to confirm that the surgeon is certified by the appropriate medical boards. In the case of American plastic surgeons, there should be a certification by the ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgery). Only those who have the certification and recognition of the ABPs qualify to call themselves Plastic Surgeons. Any cosmetic surgeon should have a certificate from the ABCS (American Board of Cosmetic Surgery). The ASPS and the ABCS are the only boards recognized by the ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties).

Also, remember that while the certification may surgeon the title and privilege to practice his or her profession, it does not guarantee any particular results. This may be particularly true of cosmetic surgeons who have far less specialized training than plastic surgeons. Only choose a surgeon who has privileges to carry out cosmetic surgery procedures at a reputable hospital. This also applies to plastic surgeons though most of them often are affiliated with reputable hospitals where they have privileges to perform reconstruction surgical procedures that may or may not require aesthetic surgery.