You’ve heard the joke: “Mom hears just what she wants to hear. She’s got selective hearing.” However, for people with true hearing loss, the muffled conversations, odd ringing sounds, and impacted social interactions are not funny.
If you or a loved one suspect you have hearing loss, your Cary otolaryngologist, Dr. Pankaj Gupta, can help. From offering complete ear, nose, and throat examinations and audiologic check-ups to fitting with the latest in hearing aids, the staff at Wake Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists will work to improve your daily function and quality of life.
Symptoms of hearing loss
A full 15 percent of adults in the United States have some degree of hearing difficulty, says the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. What does hearing loss in Cary sound like? What does it look like? How does it impact the sufferer and those around them?
To answer these questions, take a look at the symptoms of hearing loss:
Sounds and voices are muffled (especially when high-pitched or soft).
Patients experience tinnitus, a buzzing or ringing in one or both ears, and dizziness.
Conversations are difficult to decipher in a crowded room.
Television, radio, computer, or phone volume must be increased.
Family members complain their loved one cannot hear them.
Words are misinterpreted.
Sufferers withdraw from social interactions such as parties and dinner table conversations.
Patients depend on friends and loved ones for interpretation of sounds and interactions.
Hearing loss happens due to a variety of factors: age, occupation (noisy environments harm hearing), ototoxic drugs (some chemotherapies and antibiotics), and genetics. Viral infections, tumors, autoimmune conditions, and head trauma cause hearing problems, too.Deciphering hearing lossAt Wake Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists, Dr. Gupta carefully examines his patients who may have hearing loss. He looks for anatomical malformations or damage, impacted ear wax, infection, and other possible physical or pharmacological causes. Additionally, his office is fully equipped and staffed for audiologic examinations which screen for perception and interpretation of sounds and words of various pitch and volume.If needed, your otolaryngologist and audiologist delivers a range of hearing aids custom-fitted for your specific ear anatomy. Today’s digital technology allows these experts to program hearing aids to your preferences and lifestyle. For instance, if you enjoy attending local symphony orchestra concerts, your devices may be tuned for best reception and perception of those wonderful musical notes.Don’t waitHearing loss really is a serious matter, and you need to deal with it. Fortunately, you can receive kind, compassionate and reliable help from your friends at Wake Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists. For your hearing consultation, in Cary, NC, please contact our office team at (919) 851-5636.