Advanced Treatment for Complex Hearing Loss and Balance Disorders 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.
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. Let’s clear things up.
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?
Take a simple HEARING TEST for an initial assessment. If your score is 6 points or higher, call us to schedule a consultation.
Hearing Loss Causes
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.
Hearing Loss Treatments
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hearing loss can be caused by various factors including excessive noise exposure from music concerts, sporting events, and portable music players. Other causes include ear infections like otitis media, age-related changes, heredity, drugs, and toxins. Early identification, especially in children, can help minimize long-term effects.
You might have hearing loss if you frequently misunderstand conversations, think others are mumbling, ask for repetitions, avoid loud social situations, increase TV or radio volume, hear ringing or buzzing in your ears, hear better in one ear, or find voices of women and children harder to hear. Taking a simple hearing test can help assess your condition.
Treatment options vary depending on the cause and severity, including surgical intervention, medical devices like hearing aids, and rehabilitation programs. The Center's team led by Dr. Neil Sperling evaluates each case individually to recommend the best treatment plan for optimal results.
No, hearing loss is not always permanent. In some cases, it is temporary and reversible, such as hearing loss caused by middle ear infections in children. However, some causes like age-related hearing loss can be irreversible. Proper diagnosis is essential for determining the nature of hearing loss.
The ear not only helps with hearing but also plays a key role in maintaining balance. Disorders affecting the ear can cause dizziness and affect daily function. Thus, individuals with hearing impairment should also consider evaluation for potential balance disorders.
Early identification of hearing loss, particularly in children, is crucial because it allows timely treatment which can prevent negative impacts on language development and communication skills. Addressing hearing loss promptly improves long-term outcomes.
You can take a simple hearing test available on the Hearing & Balance Center’s website. If your score is 6 points or higher, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with the center for a detailed evaluation and treatment options.