Center for Oto-Neurology: Helping patients rediscover their senses
At the Center for Oto-Neurology, we understand how vital your senses are to experiencing the world around you. Hearing loss, whether partial or complete, can significantly impact your daily life, social interactions and even work performance. We’re here to help you understand and address these challenges so you can regain control of your hearing and get back to enjoying the soundtrack of your life.
Understanding the causes and types of hearing loss
Hearing loss affects millions of Americans, and it can occur for a variety of reasons. The ability to hear is vital, but sometimes conditions arise that hinder sound from properly reaching the inner ear, leading to various types of hearing loss. There are two main categories of hearing loss:
- Conductive Hearing Loss: This occurs when there is a blockage or dysfunction in the outer or middle ear. Common causes include earwax build-up, middle-ear fluid, or issues with the middle ear bones. These issues can prevent sound waves from traveling effectively to the inner ear.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss is typically caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. Aging, prolonged exposure to loud noises, and certain diseases are common contributors to sensorineural hearing loss.
In addition to these, some patients may experience symptoms like ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness or a sense of imbalance, all of which can have a profound effect on everyday life. Left untreated, these issues can lead to social isolation and challenges in professional settings.
Would a visit to a hearing loss specialist benefit you?
If you are experiencing hearing difficulties, it might be time to consult a specialist. We offer comprehensive evaluations to assess the degree and type of your hearing loss, helping determine the best course of action for treatment. Hearing loss treatments may include medication, surgery, or hearing aids, depending on your condition.
Before scheduling an appointment, consider the following self-assessment to help determine if you could benefit from a professional evaluation:
Hearing Loss Self-Test
- Do people seem to mumble when they speak?
- Is it harder to hear the voices of women or children?
- Do you experience ringing in one or both ears?
- Do you have trouble hearing in noisy environments, such as restaurants?
- Does your hearing problem cause you to feel isolated or withdrawn?
- Have you worked around loud machinery or environments?
- Do you frequently ask others to repeat themselves?
- Are you often dizzy or off-balance?
- Do you feel embarrassed about your hearing loss?
- Do people complain that the volume on your television or music is too loud?
If you answered "yes" to two or more of these questions, it may be time to consult with your physician for a referral to our clinic. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving your hearing and improving your overall well-being.
Strategies for managing hearing loss while you wait
Hearing loss does not have to define the quality of your life moving forward. While waiting for a professional evaluation, there are several strategies you can employ to make daily interactions more manageable. These suggestions are meant to give you agency now while you are working toward receiving treatment:
- Clear Communication: Ensure you can see the speaker clearly by sitting in a well-lit area and being close enough to make lip-reading easier.
- Minimize Background Noise: Reduce distractions by turning down the volume of televisions, radios or other noisy devices when speaking with others.
- Choose Quiet Environments: Opt for quieter seating in restaurants or meetings to improve communication and reduce background noise interference.
- Ask for Clarification: Don’t hesitate to ask people to rephrase or speak more slowly if you miss something during a conversation.
We're here to help
At the Center for Oto-Neurology, we are committed to helping you navigate hearing challenges and find solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re experiencing mild hearing loss or more severe symptoms, we provide the necessary testing, treatments and support to help you hear better and live a fuller life. If you suspect that you or a loved one might be experiencing hearing loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s work together to reopen the beautiful world of sound around you.