Hearing Test & Hearing Loss Treatment at Madison ENT in Manhattan, NYC
When people think of hearing loss, they often believe it only affects seniors. But did you know that approximately 26 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 experience some form of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss? That number doesn’t even include those under 69 who experience hearing loss due to other factors, some of which are listed below.
You don’t have to live with hearing loss. For patients in the Manhattan area, Dr. Stacey Silvers with Madison ENT may be able to help. Give us a call today at (212) 213-3339 or request an appointment online.
Warning Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is often gradual, which means many people don’t recognize it until it’s significantly progressed. People close to you may notice it before you do. Common signs include:
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments — restaurants, parties, the subway
- Turning up the TV, radio, or phone to a volume others find too loud
- Struggling to hear high-pitched sounds (consonants in speech, children’s voices, doorbells)
- Hearing people talk but having difficulty understanding words clearly
- Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Withdrawing from social situations because conversation feels like too much effort
- Missing sounds like a phone ringing, the oven timer, or someone calling your name
If any of these sound familiar, a hearing evaluation is the right next step and it’s completely non-invasive.
Types of Hearing Loss
Understanding the type of hearing loss you have is essential to determining the right treatment. There are three main categories:
Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)
The most common type of permanent hearing loss. It occurs when the hair cells inside the cochlea (inner ear) or the auditory nerve are damaged or deteriorate. SNHL cannot be reversed, but it can be effectively managed with hearing aids or, in severe cases, cochlear implants. The most common causes include age-related changes, noise exposure, genetic factors, and certain medications.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Occurs when sound cannot pass efficiently through the outer or middle ear. This may be caused by earwax buildup, ear infections, fluid behind the eardrum, a perforated eardrum, or abnormal bone growth (otosclerosis). Conductive hearing loss is often temporary and treatable with medication, a minor procedure, or surgery.
Mixed Hearing Loss
A combination of both sensorineural and conductive components. Treatment addresses both elements of the loss, and the plan depends on the underlying causes identified during your evaluation.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
NIHL is the most common cause of hearing loss. Depending on a combination of factors including the intensity, frequency, and duration of a noise, sound has the capability to damage our hearing.
Sudden hearing loss can occur from exposure to one very high level of sound, such as an explosion. Even though exposure may only last a brief amount of time, temporary or permanent damage is possible.
In most cases, the damage will occur over time. Sounds less than 75 decibels will not cause hearing loss, but anything over 85 decibels may be harmful to our ears. Common sources of noises over 75 dB include music & live events, power tools such as chainsaws or leafblowers, or even car horns in traffic.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea doesn’t only affect your sleep, it also increases your risk of losing your hearing due to the effects of the vascular supply to the inner ear. In a recent study conducted by the American Thoracic Society, people with sleep apnea had a 31 percent increased risk of high-frequency impairment and 90 percent of people had an increased risk of low-frequency hearing impairment.
Diabetes
High blood glucose levels that are found in people with diabetes can damage vessels in the stria vascularis and nerves. If you have diabetes, it’s suggested that you set up regular hearing tests with your physician.
Smoking
Due to smoking’s effect on vascular supply to the auditory system, smoking can cause hearing loss in both smokers and people who live with smokers.
Use of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen
Pain relievers like ibuprofen can reduce blood flow to the cochlea, which can lead to impaired hearing. They can also impact the structures that protect the cochlea.
Popping Ears
Popping your ears on an airplane or in an elevator might make your ears feel better, but the pressure can result in a torn eardrum and damaged hearing.
How Is Hearing Loss Diagnosed and Treated?
If you notice that your hearing isn’t as good as it used to be, don’t panic. It could be caused by NIHL, impacted earwax, ear infection, or some other source. An experienced Ear Nose and Throat doctor like Dr. Silvers will perform several tests to determine what is causing the issue.
If hearing loss does occur, it can be treated, but not completely cured. Dr. Silvers will be able to offer suggestions to prevent further hearing loss and may fit you with a hearing aid if necessary.
Reviewed by the board-certified ENT doctor at Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery
Still have questions? Ask our ENT doctor!