Hearing Loss

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is a reduced ability to hear well. You might have some degree of hearing loss or lose your hearing altogether. This can be temporary or permanent. 

It’s common to experience gradual hearing loss during aging, as about half of people in the United States over 75 have some degree of hearing loss. Three main types of hearing loss include:

• Sensorineural, involving the inner ear
• Conductive, affecting the middle or outer ear
• Mixed (combination of the two)

You can’t always get your hearing back after losing it, but treatment with Dr. Shapiro can enhance what you hear to improve your quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

Hearing loss symptoms may include:

• Difficulty understanding words
• Hearing muffled sounds
• Trouble hearing sounds containing certain letters
• Needing to turn up the volume of radios and/or televisions
• Often asking other people to repeat what they say
• Speech problems in young children
• Ringing in the ears
• Being bothered by background noise
• Not being able to hear as well as your peers

You might not notice age-related hearing loss right away, as it often appears gradually over time. Left untreated, some people with hearing loss feel disconnected from social activities or experience feelings of depression. 

What are the risk factors for hearing loss?

Hearing loss risk factors can include:

• Aging
• Genetics
• Frequent ear infections
• Ear tumors or other growths
• Ruptured eardrum
• Exposure to loud sounds
• Excessive earwax
• Some medications
• Certain illnesses

You might develop ear damage because of loud noises associated with a job, going to a concert, listening to loud music, or using things like a snowblower or motorcycle. 

Prevention measures include protecting your ears from loud sounds and treating hearing loss in the early stages.

How is hearing loss diagnosed?

At the Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida, Dr. Shapiro reviews medical history, medications, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. 

He also completes a physical exam and looks inside your or your child’s ears. The Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida offers a series of hearing tests to uncover hearing loss, the extent of the diagnosis, and how to best treat the condition.

How is hearing loss treated?

A personalized hearing loss treatment plan may consist of:

• Lifestyle changes
• Earwax removal 
• Hearing aids
• Ear tube placement
• Cochlear implants
• Surgery

The Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida offers an array of treatments that can help you hear clearly, avoid worsening problems, and experience a better quality of life. Dr. Shapiro follows up to ensure exceptional and long-lasting results.

Schedule a hearing loss evaluation at the Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.