Ear, Nose And Throat

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on hearing loss. Sight & Hearing Association  Phone: 1-800-992-0424 or  Phone: 651-645-2546 http://www.sightandhearing.org (a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization, founded in 1939 as the Minnesota Society for the Prevention of Blindness, that works to prevent the needless loss of vision and hearing) Books Sataloff RT, Sataloff J. […]

Hearing loss, or deafness, is the partial or total inability to hear sound in one or both ears. The human ear is amazing. It is one of the smallest and most complex organs in the body, capable of turning the tiniest disturbances in air molecules into a form the brain can understand – and doing

There are different types of hearing loss, depending on which part of the hearing pathway is affected. A specialist will always try to localize where in the hearing pathway the problem lays, so as to be able to classify the hearing loss as belonging to one of the following groups. This is most important in

 Hearing loss sneaks up on people. Often family members and friends are aware of hearing problems before the hearing-impaired person. Many people in the early stages of hearing loss of this sort will find themselves: Asking people to repeat themselves more frequently Offering inappropriate answers because they have misheard a conversation or question Going out

If you think you have some hearing loss, you should see your doctor. Your primary care physician may refer you to a hearing specialist. Otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) are specialists in ear problems, among other things. Otology is a subspecialty of otolaryngology. Otologists have a special interest in and concentration on ear problems. Neurotology is a further

The various tests that may be performed for hearing loss include: Audiogram Tympanometry Site of lesion testing BERA Other types of testing Tests not directly related to hearing We consider these below: Audiogram An audiogram is a hearing test that is generally performed in a soundproof room using sophisticated, calibrated equipment. A trained professional, most

What problems can affect the outer ear? What problems can affect the middle ear? What problems can affect the inner ear?   We consider these questions below: What Problems Can Affect The Outer Ear? Anything that completely blocks the ear canal can cause hearing loss. Blockage with earwax (also called cerumen) is common. A doctor

A number of other problems can cause hearing loss, particularly sensorineural hearing loss. Many of them are very common conditions that are not always associated with hearing loss. They include: Common Childhood Infections Mumps is the most common cause of one-sided total deafness in the United States. Frequently, the child and family are not aware of

The first step in treating hearing loss is an accurate diagnosis – finding out exactly what’s causing the hearing loss. When a specific cause is found, treatment options can include: Treating the underlying disease, such as hypothyroidism, if a disease is found. A hearing aid to provide amplification of sound (for most people with sensorineural hearing

Because there often are no clear symptoms to suggest that your child has glue ear, your doctor may rely on one or several of these tests to make the diagnosis: Otoscopy Audiometry Tympanometry Otoscopy Otoscopy involves looking at the eardrum using an instrument (called an otoscope) with a cone-shaped tip and a small light attached. The

Glue ear does not always need treatment. Most physicians prefer a conservative, or “wait and see,” approach to treating glue ear. About 90% of cases resolve on their own within three or four months Children who have complications such as frequent earache, or who might be at risk of developing speech problems because their glue