Although it has been estimated that 25% of people above the age of 65 have some hearing loss, it is important to recognize that hearing and balance problems can occur at any age. The loss of hearing can be sudden or gradual; it can be mild or severe; it can be temporary or permanent.
Hearing and Balance Test (ENG)
Dizziness is a common term that people use to describe a variety of unpleasant feelings including: lightheadedness, vertigo, loss of balance, cloudiness, floating, wooziness, disoriented, confusion, and giddiness. Often, dizziness is caused by a problem in the inner ear balance (Vestibular) system. We use a diagnostic test called Electronystagmography (ENG) to find out why you are dizzy. The ENG is the gold standard hearing and balance test for evaluating disorders of the inner ear's balance system . If you are dizzy, make an appointment today.
Having trouble hearing or hearing noises in your ears?
Our tests include pure tone, speech reception, speech recognition, otoacoustic emissions (OAE)*, and impedance testing. A pure tone test evaluates the ability to hear sounds at different pitches (frequency). Speech reception tests determine the lowest sound level at which words can be heard at least 50% of the time. Speech recognition tests determine how clearly a person can hear speech. OAE's are signals generated by nerve cells (outer hair cells) in the inner ear that can be used to estimate hearing sensitivity.
*NOTE: The OAE test does not require patient participation and can be used in infants and comatose patients. Impedance tests are used to evaluate middle ear function.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of a sound within the head that affects approximately 17% of the general and 33% of the elderly population. The sound is often described as ringing but may be described as a pulsating, fluttering, buzzing, clicking, whining, hissing, roaring, beeping or cricket like sound. Tinnitus is a symptom of a hearing problem that can result from a range of underlying diseases and needs to be evaluated. Based on our doctor's diagnosis, a tinnitus management and treatment program will be implemented to help you control the ringing or noise in your ears. Certain causes of nerve interference or damage to the inner ear may require corrective ear surgery.
The causes of loss of hearing and balance issues include earwax, outer ear infection, ear foreign bodies, nerve damage, and various middle ear problems. In addition to a thorough ear examination, we use comprehensive audiometry to measure hearing ability. We specialize in the medical and surgical management of hearing loss. If you are having trouble with your hearing and balance, make an appointment today.
