The medical staff at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates provides a comprehensive array of audiologic services that are necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of various hearing and/or communication disorders.

Our audiologists are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and are licensed to practice audiology and dispense hearing aids. With our expertise and the aid of advanced computerized technology, we have the ability through our treatment programs to help hearing impaired and individuals with impaired communication skills achieve a better quality of life.

Hearing Disorders   ^top

Hearing loss is usually classified as conductive or sensorineural. In conductive hearing loss sounds are not transmitted properly to the nerves in the inner ear. This can be caused by wax in the ear canal, a perforation of the eardrum, fluid in the middle ear caused by eustachian tube obstruction, or a problem with one of the three small middle ear bones that transport the sound waves across the middle ear. The bones can be damaged by infection or trauma. Most conductive hearing losses can be corrected by surgery. Problems with the nerve endings in the inner ear (the hair cells) or the hearing nerve that carries the messages to the hearing centers in the brain causes sensorineural hearing loss. Noise injury is a common cause of damage to the hair cells. The most common type of sensorineural hearing loss is presbycusis or degeneration of the hair cells associated with aging. There are hereditary forms of sensorineural hearing loss in which children can be born deaf, or in which there is a progressive hearing loss beginning in childhood or early adult life. A hearing aid can help most people with sensorineural hearing loss. The type of hearing loss and appropriate treatment can be determined by an evaluation from an ear specialist and audiometric testing.

Hearing Tests   ^top

The basic hearing test is an audiogram. Audiograms are performed to determine hearing sensitivity and type of hearing loss. Audiometric testing includes measurement of the softest level that tones of various pitches of words can be detected as well as measures of work recognition ability for words presented at an optimally audible level. Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss can be differentiated at various frequencies. An additional component, tympanometry can determine middle ear pressure and if middle ear fluid is present. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing measures sound emitted from the inner ear. It is used to determine normal inner ear function and can be used to verify normal hearing in infants. Auditory Brainstem Evoked Response (ABR) measures hearing nerve function and can also be used to determine hearing levels in children. Other advanced testing is available when rare conditions are evaluated.

Cochlear Implants   ^top

Profound or severe hearing loss does not benefit significantly from amplifications. When hearing loss is so severe that hearing aids are not helpful, a cochlear implant is indicated. It consists of an external component worn similar to a hearing aid, and an internal component that is surgically implanted to transmit the electrical signals of sound directly into the hearing nerve bypassing the nonfunctional inner ear.

Hearing Aids   ^top

Hearing loss is one of the most common neurological conditions in the United States yet few people with hearing loss use hearing aids. Advanced hearing aid technology now allows hearing aids to be programmed to a patient’s specific hearing loss. Miniaturization also permits the aids to be unnoticeable, hidden down in the ear canal. Special features also allow for hearing in a noisy background, and automatic or remote volume control. In special situations, assistive listening devices (ALD’s) can improve hearing without the use of hearing aids.

A hearing aid trial program is available to all patients who wish to experience the benefits of amplification. A qualified audiologist can discuss the various styles and technologies that are available in order to determine which instruments are most appropriate to fit your needs. Once this determination has been made, the hearing instruments can be ordered for a 30-day trial period. The trial period may be extended beyond 30 days when necessary.

Implantable Hearing Aids   ^top

Recent developments in hearing aid technology allow for the speaker portion of the hearing aid to be implanted into the middle ear with a minor surgical procedure. Feedback and discomfort can be reduced and the quality of hearing improved.

Tinnitus   ^top

Noise heard in the ear is one of the most common ear disorders in the United States. It can be a sign of a more serious ear condition if it is loud, involves only one ear, or pulsates with the heartbeat and should be evaluated by an ENT specialist. More often, it is a symptom associated with mild or severe hearing loss. Simple treatments such as avoiding caffeine and good rest are often helpful. For more serious conditions, treatments such as medications, biofeedback, or tinnitus therapy can relieve symptoms.
 

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