At the NY Hearing and Balance Center, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and balance disorders in two locations in NYC.
While approximately 28 million Americans today suffer from some degree of hearing impairment, the number is expected to nearly triple to 78 million by 2030, a staggering increase due in large part to the generally louder lives that we lead.
Deafening music concerts, loud sporting events, surround-sound audio systems, car alarms, motorcycles, and portable music players are a major contributor to hearing loss. Continued exposure to these and other excessive environmental noise can cause a loss of hearing.
Hearing Loss
Fortunately, unlike other contributors such as age and heredity, hearing loss is a condition over which people have some control.
Consider these questions that may reveal a potential hearing problem:
- Do you frequently misunderstand conversations?
- Do you constantly think others are mumbling?
- Do you often ask people to repeat themselves?
- Do you avoid loud social situations for fear you will not be able to follow conversations?
- Do you turn up the TV or radio so loud it annoys others?
- Do you hear ringing, roaring or buzzing in your ears?
- Do you hear better in one ear?
- Do you find the voices of women and children harder to hear?
Learn more about HOW THE EAR WORKS.
Take a simple HEARING TEST for an initial assessment. If your score is 6 points or higher, call us to schedule a consultation.
At the Hearing and Balance Center, we are here to answer your questions and give you all of the information you need. We know that when you are uncomfortable, in pain or confused about a physical change in your health, it can be anxiety-producing. We make sure you, our patient, are informed about all of your options. Have a question? Ask a Doctor. Let’s clear things up.
Hearing Loss Causes and Treatments
At the Hearing Center find out:
TREATMENTS AVAILABLE FOR HEARING LOSS, including SURGERY
WHAT HEARING AIDS ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU
Ear health affects more than one’s sense of hearing; it also governs one’s balance. As such, disorders that interfere with balance and cause dizziness can have a great impact on one’s normal daily function. Individuals experiencing any degree of hearing impairment should seek medical assistance.
In some cases, hearing loss is a temporary and reversible condition; in others, it is a permanent and irreversible one. The most common cause of hearing loss in children is otitis media, more commonly known as a middle ear infection. Early identification affords the best chance for improvement and minimizes the effect that hearing loss can have on a child’s language development. For the elderly, one of the largest groups affected by hearing loss, the most common contributors are excessive noise, drugs, toxins, and heredity. Age itself is a factor; just as our sense of sight tends to weaken as we grow older, so, too will our sense of hearing.
There are numerous treatment approaches available to individuals with hearing impairment. Surgical intervention is an option for some patients, while the use of medical devices and rehabilitation are more appropriate for others. The proper course of treatment is, of course, dependent on an accurate diagnosis of the cause for the loss.
The Hearing and Balance Center at NYOG offers patients a comprehensive array of services specific to the evaluation, rehabilitation, and prevention of hearing impairment and balance disorders. Led by Dr. Neil Sperling, M.D., the Center’s team of ear specialists and audiologists (hearing specialists) work together to evaluate each patient’s individual case and devise the appropriate treatment plan for the best possible outcome.
Contact the Hearing and Balance Center today for a consultation in NYC.
