Hearing loss, which can happen at any age, is notoriously frustrating and disheartening, especially if the sufferer has not yet realized what is happening to their body. However, the effects of hearing loss no longer need to be permanent. With help from your Cary, NC ear, nose, and throat specialists, you can determine the treatment your hearing loss requires to get you back to a normal life.
What causes hearing loss? For many people, it seems logical that hearing loss comes from repeated loud noises. While hearing loss can come from extended exposure to loud sounds, many cases are simply due to aging. As we age, everyday elements and sounds take their toll on our ears inner workings. These sounds wear out the ear, causing it to become less effective at picking up sounds. In some cases, hearing loss is hereditary. Childhood ailments, like meningitis, often cause hearing loss. Fluid buildup or a blockage in the ear itself may also cause hearing loss, both permanently and temporarily.
How do I know if I need a hearing test? If you notice hearing loss, you should talk with your doctor about it. While rare, hearing loss may be a symptom of an underlying issue. A hearing test is usually the definitive way to diagnose hearing loss. Many mild cases of hearing loss do not require any treatment. However, as the hearing loss progresses, special devices to amplify sound, called hearing aids, might be prescribed to help the patient hear.
How can my ENT specialist help? At your appointment, your ENT specialist will gather family and medical history to aid in pinpointing the cause of your hearing loss. Various testing eliminates the risk of complications from an underlying condition. Hearing aids come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you and your doctor to choose one which best suits you and your situation. For complete hearing loss, cochlear implant, a device surgically implanted into the brain, allows the ear’s malfunctioning parts to be bypassed and the patient to hear.
For more information on hearing loss, please contact Dr. Pankaj Gupta, MD, FACS, AUD at Wake Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists in Cary, NC. Call (919) 851-5636 to speak with an associate about scheduling your hearing test.