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Posts for: May, 2019
When you begin to lose your hearing, you may not notice it at first. As the loss increases, however, both you and your family will observe some changes. Your Wayne, NJ, ENT physician, Dr. Frank Kardos, helps patients pinpoint the nature of their hearing problems and discover the best path to better hearing. Are you struggling with this common health issue?
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Expressions of hearing loss
Healthy Hearing reports that 15 percent of American adults have some type of difficulty with their hearing. They may experience difficulty hearing conversations, constantly hear a buzzing or roaring sound (tinnitus), or have to regularly turn up the TV volume. As symptoms escalate, hearing loss sufferers frequently withdraw from social situations, leading to depression and issues with cognition.
Causes of hearing loss
Many factors contribute to hearing loss. Most people believe it is part of the natural aging process, and while research bears this out, other things play a role, too. Examples are:
- Repeated and prolonged exposure to loud noise
- Injury
- Ototoxicity (prescription drugs)
- Diabetes
- Head injury
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Measles, mumps, and shingles
Additionally, simple mechanical problems may occur within the structure of the ear itself, including:
- Accumulation of wax
- Eardrum perforation
- Fracture of the bones in the middle ear
- Fluid build up in the middle ear (from frequent infections)
Dr. Kardos will review your symptoms, inspect your ear canal with a lighted otoscope and recommend some testing with his in-house audiologist. As needed, he may advise imaging, such as an MRI, to rule out tumors associated with the acoustic nerve and other structural abnormalities.
Common treatments at our Wayne office
Much depends on whether you have sensori-neural, conductive (involving the outer, middle, or inner ear structure) or a mixed hearing problem. Hearing aids are a great help, and with today's digital technology, they are smaller and more effective than ever.
Fluid drainage surgery may be an option as are antibiotics for infection and ear wax removal. Some tumors of the auditory nerve (acoustic neuromas) may be surgically removed or simply observed for signs of change. Dr. Kardos and his team will formulate the care plan most effective for you and your type of hearing loss.
Contact us!
If you are experiencing hearing issues or it's simply time for a routine audiology check-up, please contact your otolaryngologist, Dr. Frank Kardos, at his Wayne, NJ, office. The number is (973) 956-1200!