There are times when we all have difficulty hearing things, especially when in a noisy or crowded area. However, if you start losing your ability to hear even under normal circumstances, you may need to have a hearing evaluation.
Let’s talk about how to determine when you need to see a hearing loss specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment, and where you can go to see a world-class ENT (ear, nose, and throat), doctor, right here in Georgetown.
You Have a History of Being Exposed to Loud Noises
Sudden bursts of sound may cause severe damage to your eardrums – such as loud concerts, exposure to loud equipment, and gunshots. Loud noise can lead to a rupture in your eardrums, resulting in hearing loss. Your hearing loss specialist can help to address the damage so you can hear more normally again.
You Only Hear Muffled Sounds
Having hearing loss may cause difficulty in understanding words, especially if there’s background noise. This difficulty may lead you to frequently ask people to repeat what they’ve said to help you understand them. In particular, if you experience difficulty hearing consonants, you may have hearing loss that should be addressed by a hearing specialist.
Your Hearing Is Still Impaired Even After Ear Cleaning
Another cause of hearing loss is a blockage in your ear canal. Earwax buildup can cause a blockage in your ear and result in temporary hearing loss. A hearing loss specialist can remove the wax buildup and improve your hearing. It is not recommended that you use store-bought ear cleaners or Q-tips, because you can cause permanent damage to your hearing.
You Experience a Gradual Decrease in Hearing Capability
Hearing loss may be classified as gradual or sudden. Sudden hearing loss usually results from earwax buildup, infection, or exposure to extremely loud noise. On the other hand, the most common cause of gradual hearing loss is the natural aging process.
You Are Closely Related to Someone with Hearing Problems
Studies show that there is a link between genetics and hearing loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 50% to 60% of people who experience hearing loss have this issue in their family history. If someone in your family has hearing loss, consult with a specialist to see if you are also susceptible – so you can possibly thwart hearing loss before it begins.
Hearing Loss Specialist in Georgetown, TX
Here at Georgetown ENT, we have the best equipment and the most experienced medical providers on staff to help you address your hearing problems. We are committed to providing our patients with quality, patient-centered care.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our excellent hearing loss specialists, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (512) 869-0604 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!