Dr. Richard Namikas, AuD is an audiologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive audiological care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Venice, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Namikas understands the unique needs of this population and is committed to expertly managing complex conditions like hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo, in partnership with their primary care physician and other healthcare providers. He specializes in providing comprehensive hearing and balance care for seniors, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Richard Namikas, AuD is an audiologist in Venice, FL, with a deep understanding of the audiological needs of older adults (typically age 65 and older). He completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, equipping him with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver exceptional care. Dr. Namikas' approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is committed to addressing the specific concerns and challenges that seniors face in maintaining their health and well-being, and he works closely with them to develop personalized treatment plans. Prospective patients should call (941) 496-9277 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Richard Namikas provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Richard Namikas is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Namikas is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive audiological care. He expertly manages hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo, working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic and personalized approach. His focus is on understanding each senior's individual needs and goals, fostering collaboration with families, and creating a plan to maintain their quality of life and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Namikas can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Richard Namikas provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Benign Paroxyzmal Vertigo of Childhood: Benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood (BPVC) is a condition causing short attacks of dizziness in children, usually disappearing by adulthood. While extremely rare in older adults, these episodes of vertigo are usually benign and resolve on their own.
- Hearing Loss Due to Noise: Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable in many cases, and even existing loss can be managed effectively with hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and strategies to protect your remaining hearing.
- Mixed Hearing Loss: Having mixed hearing loss means you have a blend of hearing problems; one affecting how sound enters your ear and the other how your inner ear processes it. With the right audiological support and a personalized treatment plan, you can improve your hearing and quality of life.
- Loss of Balance: Feeling unsteady on your feet? It's understandable, and an audiologist can help identify the cause of your balance problems and create a plan to regain your confidence and prevent falls.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss - Early Greying - Essential Tremor: Sensorineural hearing loss can significantly impact your interactions with others, especially when accompanied by early graying and essential tremor. Fortunately, comprehensive audiological care, including hearing aid fitting and counseling, can greatly enhance communication and maintain independence.
- Auditory Neuropathy: Auditory neuropathy is a hearing problem where the inner ear receives sound normally, but the signals aren't sent to the brain properly, making it hard to understand speech, even with normal hearing tests.
- Hereditary Hearing Loss: Family history of hearing loss doesn't mean you're destined to struggle with it. Early testing and appropriate management strategies can significantly improve quality of life.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Richard Namikas offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Tympanometry: To ensure your hearing aids are optimally effective, your audiologist may use tympanometry to check for middle ear conditions that could affect their performance and overall benefit.
- Audiogram: As part of your hearing evaluation, the audiogram provides a detailed picture of your hearing abilities, allowing your audiologist to personalize your care plan.
- Hearing Aid: Modern hearing aids offer advanced features to address various types of hearing loss and integrate seamlessly into a senior's daily life.
- Device Implantation and Extraction: Careful device extraction, when necessary, ensures the safe removal of implanted hearing devices, minimizing discomfort and potential complications for older adults.
- Diagnostic Testing: Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations are crucial for creating a tailored care plan that addresses your specific hearing needs and improves your quality of life.
- Cochlear Implant Activation: Cochlear implant activation is the crucial step where your audiologist turns on your new implant, allowing you to begin hearing sounds again.
- Earwax Removal: By removing earwax buildup, we can better assess the health of your eardrum and middle ear during your audiological examination.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Audiology Services in Florida.
Dr. Richard Namikas is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With the audiologist's guidance, a senior citizen felt significantly less disoriented during episodes of vertigo, regaining their confidence in navigating their home safely. The family reported a noticeable improvement in their loved one's overall well-being and ability to participate in familiar activities.
- After struggling to hear conversations and enjoy music, a senior couple found comfort and connection again. With the help of hearing aids and communication strategies, they could now fully participate in family gatherings and rediscover the joy of shared experiences.
- A senior couple rediscovered the joy of lively conversations with family and friends, thanks to personalized hearing support and a tailored treatment plan for their mixed hearing loss. They felt more connected and engaged in social activities, leading to a more fulfilling retirement.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Audiological care with Dr. Richard Namikas:
- What is an Audiologist?
- Dr. Namikas and our audiology team are healthcare professionals with doctoral degrees (Au.D.) who specialize in hearing and balance disorders. We are the primary experts in managing age-related hearing loss, fitting hearing aids, and helping seniors improve communication and quality of life.
- My family says I don't hear well, but I think I hear fine. Why should I get a hearing test?
- Many people with age-related hearing loss don't realize how much they're missing because the changes happen slowly. A hearing test with Dr. Namikas can help identify any subtle loss, especially changes in speech clarity, and ensure your hearing health is optimal. It's a simple, painless check-up, similar to getting your eyes examined.
- Is there a link between untreated hearing loss and memory problems?
- Research is increasingly showing a link between untreated hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Studies suggest that when the brain struggles to process sound, it may have fewer resources available for memory and thinking. Treating hearing loss can be a proactive step in supporting overall brain health.
- What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?
- BPPV is a common inner ear problem causing short, intense dizziness when your head moves. It's caused by tiny crystals in the inner ear that get displaced. Dr. Namikas can easily treat it with simple maneuvers in the office.
- What happens during a comprehensive hearing evaluation?
- During a comprehensive hearing evaluation, a series of painless tests are conducted in a sound-treated booth. These tests involve listening to tones at different pitches and volumes, and repeating words. The results, shown on an audiogram, provide a detailed map of your hearing abilities, which Dr. Namikas will explain thoroughly.
- I've been feeling dizzy and off-balance. Can an audiologist help?
- Yes, an audiologist can definitely help with dizziness and balance issues. The inner ear's vestibular system is a crucial part of our balance, and audiologists like Dr. Richard Namikas are trained to perform specialized tests, such as VNG, to determine if the dizziness is related to an inner ear problem, like Benign Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
- Aren't hearing aids big, clunky, and expensive?
- Modern hearing aids are incredibly small and discreet, often comfortable to wear. Technology has advanced significantly, offering features like Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries. Dr. Namikas works with each patient to find a solution that fits their specific hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.
- What is an 'audiogram'?
- An audiogram is a graph that shows the results of your hearing test. It illustrates the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches, from low to high. Dr. Namikas uses this visual tool to determine the exact type and degree of your hearing loss and to recommend the best treatment options.
183 Center Rd
Venice FL 34285
Phone: (941) 496-9277
Dr. Richard Namikas, AuD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1821187550
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Audiology Services like Dr. Richard Namikas are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.