Hearing Aids

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

Signs and symptoms of hearing loss include being able to hear only muffled speech and other sounds along with difficulty understanding words and consonant sounds. You might also notice that you need to turn up the TV’s volume and that you’ve started avoiding social settings because you find it hard to hear people. 

Age-related hearing loss comes on gradually, but if you notice a sudden loss of hearing, make an appointment to be checked by your West Shore ENT & Allergy doctor.

How do you diagnose hearing loss?

The team of specialists at West Shore ENT & Allergy use a variety of auditory tests that include:

Physical exam

Your doctor looks into your ears to check for excessive ear wax, infection, and any structural causes of your hearing loss.

Screening tests

Your doctor uses a whisper test where you cover one ear at a time to see how well you hear words spoken at different volumes.

Audiometer tests

Your audiologist uses a machine to repeat sounds to determine the quietest level of sound you are able to hear through a set of headphones.

These tests show the extent of your hearing loss and can also pinpoint the specific part of your ear that’s damaged.

How is hearing loss treated?

Based on your medical history and test results, the team suggests treatments that include a variety of hearing aids to help manage your hearing loss. Some of these treatments include:

Digital hearing aids

A digital hearing aid uses a small computer to receive sound and amplify it. Digital hearing aids offer several advantages over analog hearing aids. They come with features like directional microphones, feedback cancelation, and noise management in busy environments for better sound quality.

Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA)

The BAHA system is a surgically implanted device that stimulates your cochlea — the part of your ear that receives sound vibrations — by transmitting sound waves through the bones in your skull.

Earlens®

This patented hearing aid uses light to transmit sound to activate your natural hearing system.

What can I do to prevent hearing loss?

Hearing loss is a fact of aging, but steps can be taken to minimize your hearing loss as you get older. Preventive steps include:

• Avoiding loud noises
• Using low volume 
• Taking precautions at work
• Getting regular hearing tests

If you’ve suffered a hearing loss, call the office or use the online scheduling tool to get treatment and learn ways to manage your hearing loss.