Hearing Aids

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss occurs when any part of the ear isn’t functioning like it should. Hearing loss affects all ages, including infants, children, and adults. 

Hearing loss is categorized based on the part of the ear that’s malfunctioning, which includes:

• Conductive (middle or outer ear)
• Sensorineural (inner ear)
• Mixed (inner, middle, and/or outer ear)

In infants, hearing loss may be caused by a congenital defect. In adults, hearing loss may occur gradually over time. 

What can I expect during a hearing aid evaluation?

You can expect a comprehensive and personalized evaluation when you see the hearing aid experts at ENT Specialists. The full-service ENT practice has experienced audiologists who use state-of-the-art equipment to assess hearing loss and develop the most effective treatment plan. 

The audiology team evaluates infants, children, and adults. For infants and children, the innovative practice uses auditory brainstem response (ABR) to rule out and treat temporary causes of hearing loss, as well as diagnose varying degrees of permanent hearing loss. 

ABR is completed without sedation and doesn’t require child participation to get results. ABR tests your child’s hearing by recording brainwave activity in response to sound. 

For adults, the audiology team at ENT Specialists performs audiometer tests. During these in-depth hearing tests, the team uses headphones and various tones to assess hearing and hearing loss. 

How do hearing aids work?

Hearing aids are devices that amplify sound to varying degrees based on hearing loss. The microphone on the hearing aid picks up the acoustic signal and then translates it to an electrical signal. This signal is then amplified. 

The amplified electrical signal is translated back to an acoustic signal by the receiver and sent into the ear canal, causing the eardrum and middle ear bones to vibrate. The vibration continues into the inner ear and creates movement of the inner fluid.

The movement in your inner ear then creates electrical impulses in your cochlear hair cells, which sends the information to your brain through the hearing nerve and is perceived as sound.

At ENT Specialists, the team fits hearing aids at the office so you get the best device to meet your needs. 

What are the benefits of hearing aids?

Hearing aids offer many benefits to those struggling with hearing loss. Some of the benefits include:

• Better earning power
• Improved communication in relationships
• Decreased feelings of frustration
• Sense of control over life events
• Improved self-confidence and self-esteem

With advances in hearing aid technology, the experienced team at ENT Specialists can help almost everyone hear better. To schedule a consultation for you or your loved one, call the office or use the online booking tool.