Hearing Loss |
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Hearing loss is a condition that affects almost 10% of the population. Hearing loss can affect people at any age, however it is most commonly found in people who are 60 years and older. There are three main types of hearing loss:
Conductive: This hearing loss results when something prevents the normal passage of sound through the ear canal and middle ear space, such as ear wax or middle ear fluid or infection. Medical or surgical treatment is generally effective, however hearing aids may be used when surgery is not indicated.
Sensorineural: This occurs when there is damage to the inner ear and/or the auditory nerve. Hearing aids are usually the best treatment option. Sensorineural hearing loss often involves a decreased ability to understand speech and it is important to keep in mind that hearing aids do not restore normal hearing.
Mixed: As the name implies, this hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing losses. Possible treatments include medical, surgical or the use of hearing aids.
We use state of the art equipment to perform the testing required to diagnose the hearing loss and recommend the appropriate treatment. Atlantic ENT Associates dispenses the latest hearing aid technology including analog, digital and high frequency emphasis hearing aids.
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Conditions Related to Hearing and Balance
- hearing loss
- tinnitis (ringing ears)
- perforated ear drum
- fluid in the ear
- cerumen impactions (wax buildup)
- ear pain/pressure/fullness
- dizziness (vertigo)
- swimmer's ear ( external ear canal infection)
- trauma
- hereditary
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Treatments Related to Hearing and Balance
- medication
- ear wax removal
- pressure equilization tubes
- hearing aids
- assisted listening devices
- hearing protection
- musician plugs
- swim plugs
- physical therapy
- diet
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Dizziness & Balance |
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Dizziness is a very common complaint among patients who visit our office. Dizziness may be caused by inner ear disorders or impairments to other body systems.
In order to assess the balance system, we perform Videonystagmography (VNG). The VNG is a test used to measure oculomotor labyrinthine function. The patient wears a pair of goggles around the eyes and a camera is attached to take a video of the eye movements in response to stimulating the balance system. The VNG will help us to determine if the dizziness is caused by the inner ear and if so, whether one or both ears are involved.
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