Frequently Asked Questions

Hearing

What's involved with a hearing test?

A hearing test takes place in a sound-proofed room. The hearing care professional will play sounds. You will be asked to push a button when you hear a sound. It takes approximately 30 minutes and it's pain free.

Do I have a hearing problem?

Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer "yes" to three or more of these questions, you could have a hearing problem and may need to have your hearing checked.

  • Do I have a problem hearing on the telephone?
  • Do I have trouble hearing when there is noise in the background?
  • Is it hard for me to follow a conversation when two or more people talk at once?
  • Do I have to strain to understand a conversation?
  • Do many people I talk to seem to mumble (or not speak clearly)?
  • Do I misunderstand what others are saying and respond inappropriately?
  • Do I often ask people to repeat themselves?
  • Do I have trouble understanding the speech of women and children?
  • Do people complain that I turn the TV volume up too high?
  • Do I hear a ringing, roaring, or hissing sound a lot?
  • Do some sounds seem too loud?

What should I do if I have a hearing loss?

Hearing problems are serious. The most important thing you can do if you think you have a hearing problem is to go see a doctor. Your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in the ear, nose, and throat. An otolaryngologist will try to find out why you have hearing loss and offer treatment options. He or she may also refer you to another hearing professional, an audiologist. An audiologist can measure your hearing. Sometimes otolaryngologists and audiologists work together to find the treatment that is right for you. If you need a hearing aid, an audiologist can help you find the right one. Although children must be seen by a physician before they can be fitted for a hearing aid, adults do not always see a physician as long as they sign a waiver.

Why am I losing my hearing?

Hearing loss happens for many reasons. Some people lose their hearing slowly as they age. This condition is known as presbycusis. Doctors do not know why presbycusis happens, but it seems to run in families. Another reason for hearing loss may be exposure to too much loud noise. This condition is known as noise-induced hearing loss. Many construction workers, farmers, musicians, airport workers, tree cutters, and people in the armed forces have hearing problems because of too much exposure to loud noise. Sometimes loud noise can cause a ringing, hissing, or roaring sound in the ears, called tinnitus.

What treatments and devices can help?

Your treatment will depend on your hearing problem, so some treatments will work better for you than others. Hearing aids are the most common treatment. They make sounds louder. Things sound different when you wear a hearing aid, but an audiologist can help you get used to it. You and your audiologist work together until you are comfortable. Other assistive listening devices or methods available are TV listening systems, personal listening systems (e.g. FM systems), telephone amplifying devices, Auditorium-type assistive listening systems (available at many auditoriums, movie theaters, churches, and other public places), and lip reading or speech reading skills.

Tinnitus

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is commonly described as a ringing in the ears, but it also can sound like roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing. It may be soft or loud, high pitched or low pitched. You might hear it in either one or both ears. In the past year, experts estimate that 22.7 million adult Americans experienced tinnitus for more than three months, which is roughly 10 percent of the adult population of the United States.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease. It is a symptom that something is wrong in the auditory system, which includes the ear, the auditory nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain, and the parts of the brain that process sound. Something as simple as a piece of earwax blocking the ear canal can cause tinnitus. But it can also be the result of a number of health conditions, such as: noise-induced hearing loss, ear and sinus infections, diseases of the heart or blood vessels, Ménière's disease, brain tumors, hormonal changes in women, and thyroid abnormalities. Tinnitus is sometimes the first sign of hearing loss in older people. It also can be a side effect of medications. More than 200 drugs are known to cause tinnitus when you start or stop taking them. Pulsatile tinnitus is a rare type of tinnitus that sounds like a rhythmic pulsing in the ear, usually in time with your heartbeat. A doctor may be able to hear it by pressing a stethoscope against your neck or by placing a tiny microphone inside the ear canal. This kind of tinnitus is most often caused by problems with blood flow in the head or neck. Pulsatile tinnitus also may be caused by brain tumors or abnormalities in brain structure. Even with all of these associated conditions and causes, some people develop tinnitus for no obvious reason. Most of the time, tinnitus isn't a sign of a serious health problem. Although if it's loud or doesn't go away, it can cause fatigue, depression, anxiety, and problems with memory and concentration. For some, tinnitus can be a source of real mental and emotional anguish.

What should I do if I have tinnitus?

The first thing is to see your primary care doctor, who will check if anything, such as ear wax, is blocking the ear canal. If your doctor cannot find any medical condition responsible for your tinnitus, you may be referred to an otolaryngologist (commonly called an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or an ENT). The ENT will physically examine your head, neck, and ears and test your hearing to determine whether you have any hearing loss along with the tinnitus. You might also be referred to an audiologist who can also measure your hearing and evaluate your tinnitus.

Are there treatments that can help me?

Tinnitus does not have a cure yet, but treatments that help many people cope better with the condition are available. Most doctors will offer a combination of the treatments below, depending on the severity of your tinnitus and the areas of your life it affects the most.

  • Hearing Aids
  • Counseling
  • Sound Generators
  • Antidepressants and antianxiety drugs might be prescribed by your doctor to improve your mood and help you sleep.
  • Other medications may be available at drugstores and on the Internet as an alternative remedy for tinnitus, but none of these preparations has been proved effective in clinical trials.

Can I do anything to prevent tinnitus or keep it from getting worse?

Noise-induced hearing loss, the result of damage to the inner ear, is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. Anything you can do to limit your exposure to loud noise—by moving away from the sound, turning down the volume, or wearing earplugs or earmuffs—will help prevent tinnitus or keep it from getting worse.

Where can I find more information?

Go to the American Tinnitus Association website at www.ata.org for more information.

Misophonia

What is Misophonia?

Misophonia is a disorder in which certain sounds trigger emotional or physiological responses that some might perceive as unreasonable. Those who have Misophonia might describe it as when a sound “drives you crazy.” Their reactions can range from anger and annoyance to panic and the need to flee.

What are triggers?

Individuals with Misophonia often report they are triggered by oral sounds; for example, the noise someone makes when they eat, breathe, or chew. Other adverse sounds include keyboard or finger tapping. Often a small repetitive motion is the cause -- someone fidgets or wiggles their foot. Similarly, people with Misophonia also say they often react to the visual stimuli that accompanies sounds and may also respond intensely to repetitive motions such as pen clicking.

What causes it?

Nobody knows exactly what causes Misophonia. Researchers believe that those with Misophonia have acquired the problems when the were young. it is not an innate or inborn reaction (did not exist at birth).

How is Misophonia treated?

Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach combining sound retraining therapy by audiologists and supportive counseling in which coping strategies are emphasized.

Hyperacusis

What is Hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis is a rare hearing disorder that causes sounds which would otherwise seem normal to most people to sound unbearably loud. People who suffer from hyperacusis may even find normal environmental sounds to be too loud. Hyperacusis is not discomfort around loud sounds. Individuals with hyperacusis may find a car engine, dishes clanking, rustling of paper, or even loud conversation uncomfortable enough to avoid such situations.

What causes it?

There are some diseases or disorders that are linked to hyperacusis, such as: Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD), Bell’s palsy, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, Meniere’s disease, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Stress, and Depression. Additionally, hyperacusis is seen in patients who have experienced a head trauma, such as an air bag deployment, surgery to the jaw or face, or a viral infection of the inner ear. One major cause of hyperacusis is loud noise exposure. It may be triggered by a single intense noise such as a gunshot, or it may develop gradually from listening to loud noise without hearing protection. Hyperacusis can also be found in individuals with autism or autism spectrum disorders. As autism rates grow, more families are living with someone who has hyperacusis. Reports estimate that up to 40% of children with autism have hyperacusis. Often people with autism can have multiple sensory integration issues involving hearing and other senses.

What treatments can help?

Depending on the cause, hyperacusis may get better with time. Specifically, in cases of trauma to the brain or hearing system, there is a chance that the sensitivity to sounds will become more tolerable. However, in cases where the cause is not clear, relief may not come on its own. Many people who suffer from hyperacusis get by in their everyday life by wearing earplugs or earmuffs to reduce incoming sound levels that may be bothersome or by withdrawing from social situations that may have uncomfortable sounds present. This is a logical response. However, these strategies may not work—hyperacusis sufferers may be furthering their poor tolerance to relatively soft sounds. Wearing earplugs or earmuffs may provide immediate relief from an environment that seems uncomfortably loud, but when the individual eventually removes the earplugs or muffs, that environment will seem even louder than it might have otherwise. A better treatment for some is called sound desensitization. Under the guidance of a specialist, the person with hyperacusis listens to barely audible static noise for a set period of time each day. Over time, perhaps 6 months to a year or more, the tolerance to sound is built up, and sensitivity to normal sounds is no longer painful. Other experimental treatments are available, including biofeedback, relaxation strategies, and acupuncture. It is important to research any hyperacusis management technique before beginning to use it. Treatments should be personalized to the individual. Medication is not generally a treatment for hyperacusis but may be a part of the treatment process, helping sufferers cope with the stress related to the disorder.

CAPD

What is CAPD?

Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is a condition in which the ears and the brain do not work well together. People with CAPD can hear, but the brain has trouble processing the sounds. It's important to know that CAPD is not an intellectual disability. It also isn't autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ( (ADHD), or simply "bad" behaviour. With treatment, people with CAPD can learn to cope with it. They can lead healthy, productive lives.

Who can diagnose CAPD?

CAPD isn't diagnosed by checking off a laundry list of symptoms. The only way to diagnose the condition is with a series of tests, performed by an audiologist.

What causes it?

Nobody knows exactly what causes CAPD. Some children who have autism and ADHD also have CAPD, but autism and ADHD do not cause it.

What are the symptoms?

Parents and teachers often first notice the symptoms of CAPD in school. Symptoms include:

  • Having trouble understanding discussions in a noisy classroom
  • Struggling with spelling and reading aloud
  • Asking often for parents and teachers to repeat what they've said

How is CAPD treated?

Treatment is planned specially for your child. It may include:

  • Training in listening skills
  • Having your child wear a device that fits in the ear. It allows your child to focus on speech while reducing background noise
  • Working with a speech or language therapist
Your child's hearing develops as he or she grows older. Continuing to develop skills over time can help your child cope with CAPD. Your child may also get help from his or her school.

Hearing Aid

What is a hearing aid?

A hearing aid is a small electronic device that you wear in or behind your ear. It makes some sounds louder so that a person with hearing loss can listen, communicate, and participate more fully in daily activities. A hearing aid can help people hear more in both quiet and noisy situations.

How can I find out if I need a hearing aid?

If you think you might have hearing loss and could benefit from a hearing aid, visit your physician, who may refer you to an otolaryngologist or audiologist. An otolaryngologist is a physician who specializes in ear, nose, and throat disorders and will investigate the cause of the hearing loss. An audiologist is a hearing health professional who identifies and measures hearing loss and will perform a hearing test to assess the type and degree of loss.

Are there different styles of hearing aids?

There are three basic styles of hearing aids. The styles differ by size, their placement on or inside the ear, and the degree to which they amplify sound.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) - BTE models are available for all degrees of hearing loss and, as the name suggests, can be worn comfortably behind the ear. These models are available in many different colors, styles and designs.
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) - These models are smaller than standard BTE models and it has a speaker inside the ear. The are available for mild to severe hearing loss. They can be worn comfortably behind the ear. These models are available in many different colors, styles and designs.
In-The-Ear (ITE) - These models are made specifically to fit the shape of your ear canal for maximum benefit and the best possible comfort. They are available in many skin tones, are unobtrusive and very effective. The smallest models sit in your ear canal and are virtually invisible. These models are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.

BTE
BTE
RIC
RIC
ITE
ITE

Which hearing aid will work best for me?

The hearing aid that will work best for you depends on the kind and severity of your hearing loss. You and your audiologist should select a hearing aid that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Please note that a hearing aid will not restore your normal hearing. With practice, however, a hearing aid will increase your awareness of sounds and their sources. You will want to wear your hearing aid regularly, so select one that is convenient and easy for you to use. Other features to consider include parts or services covered by the warranty, estimated schedule and costs for maintenance and repair, options and upgrade opportunities, and the hearing aid company's reputation for quality and customer service.

How can I adjust to my hearing aid?

Hearing aids take time and patience to use successfully. Wearing your aids regularly will help you adjust to them. It usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks. Work with your audiologist until you are comfortable and satisfied. You may experience that your voice sounds too loud and this is very common for new hearing aid users. Check with your audiologist to see if a correction is possible. Most individuals get used to this effect over time.

Balance

Did you know these?

  • According the National Institute of Health (NIH), dizziness or loss of balance will affect 90 million Americans sometime during their lifetime.
  • Dizziness is the number one complaint reported to medical providers in adults 70 years of age or older.
  • Balance-related falls account for more than one-half of accidental deaths in the elderly.
  • Balance-related falls cause over 300,000 hip fractures in individuals over 65 years of age.
  • Inner ear disorders or ear infections can result in imbalance and vertigo affecting a person’s ability to walk, roll over in bed, see or think clearly, or to read or watch television.
  • Many times, disorders of the inner ear are misdiagnosed as a more severe neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis, or as clinical depression.
  • Inner ear disturbances account for 85% of dizzy disorders.
  • Children can also be affected by inner ear disorders and are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as learning disabled, dyslexic, or psychologically disturbed.
  • Illness, infections, disease, head injuries and whiplash are frequent causes of imbalance, dizziness, and vertigo.

What is balance and the vestibular system?

The medical term for the part of the inner ear involved with balance is called the vestibular system. The vestibular system is an organ located within the inner ear which relays information to the brain about balance and orientation of the head and body. Balance is a complex interaction which requires input from our vestibular system, in addition to our vision and the sensation from our feet, muscles, and joints. If any one of these systems are not working properly, you will suffer loss of balance.

What are balance disorders?

Balance disorders fall into two main categories:

  • The first is dizziness, vertigo, or motion intolerance. This condition may be caused or worsened by rapid head movement, turning too quickly, walking, or riding in a car. These symptoms can be acute or sharp attacks lasting for seconds or sometimes for several hours.
  • The second is a persistent sense of imbalance or unsteadiness. Some people refer to this as a loss of surefootedness. There can be many causes of dizziness and imbalance, with the largest percentage coming from the vestibular system.

A balance disorder may be caused by viral or bacterial infections in the ear, a head injury, or blood circulation disorders that affect the inner ear or brain. Many people experience problems with their sense of balance as they get older. Balance problems and dizziness also can result from taking certain medications. However, many balance disorders can begin all of a sudden and with no obvious cause. Your physician may have referred you to our clinic as the balance experts who will help in the process of determining possible causes and best treatment options.

What is neurodiagnostic testing?

The inner ear is home to the hearing and balance centers. The receptors within the ear allows signals to be received and processed by a variety of locations within the central nervous system and the brain. Unlike imaging studies which show only the anatomy or structures, this family of tests allows your doctor to better understand how the system is working and where a problem may arise. Depending on your condition, your physician may recommend evaluation of the hearing and/or balance centers as they are all part of the inner ear. All testing is easy, comfortable and use advanced technology.