Hearing loss is one of the most distressing things that can happen to a person. There are over 100 possible causes of hearing loss. These include aging, infections, disease, and regular exposure to loud sounds.
If you’ve recently noticed a decline in your ability to perceive sound, you will benefit from the expertise of an ears, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist.
ENT specialists are different from audiologists but are also hearing loss specialists—equally qualified to diagnose and treat hearing problems. ENT specialists use different diagnostic tests and treatment approaches, depending on the cause and severity of the hearing loss.
Let’s talk about the different ways an ENT specialist can treat your hearing loss.
Ear Irrigation
One of the common causes of hearing loss is earwax blockage. Your hearing loss specialist can remove the impacted earwax by applying some special substances made to soften and dissolve it. Once the earwax softens, your doctor will gently irrigate your ear canal to completely remove it.
Antibiotics/Medications
If your hearing loss is due to an ear infection or pus buildup in your ear, your ENT specialist can drain the pus by inserting small tubes into your ear and treating the infection using antibiotics. Once the infection has cleared, your hearing will also significantly improve.
Meniere’s disease, another cause of hearing loss that causes fluid to build up in your inner ear, comes with dangerous symptoms such as a feeling of fullness in your ear, vertigo, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). To treat this condition, your ENT specialist will likely prescribe a diuretic—which is a type of medication that relieves your inner ear fluid buildup—and suggest that you limit your salt intake.
Surgery
Other than prescribing pharmaceutical treatments, your ENT specialist may perform surgery if your hearing loss is caused by calcified bones or benign tumors.
Hearing Aids
If your hearing loss is caused by damage to or the degeneration of your ear’s inner structures, your hearing loss specialist will recommend a hearing aid. There are different hearing aid styles, some more discreet than others, and have different features.
Hearing aids work by amplifying sounds and directing them into your ear canal. Your ENT doctor will consider your preference when recommending a hearing aid.
There is no known downside or risks to using hearing aids. They have been proven to significantly enhance a person’s hearing acuity.
ENT Specialist in Georgetown, TX
Dr. Scott W. Franklin of Georgetown ENT is a double board-certified ENT specialist, and he is highly experienced in treating all sorts of hearing problems. We perform a full range of hearing and balance tests to determine the exact cause of your hearing loss. We will explain each of the treatment options, so you can make an informed decision as to which one is the most suitable for you.
To make an appointment with Dr. Scott William Franklin, call us at (512) 869-0604 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
