MY BLOG
Posts for: January, 2020
Do you find yourself missing half of what people are telling you or straining to hear conversations on the TV? If so, you very well could be dealing with some type of hearing loss. If you’re concerned about this issue, Dr. Frank Kardos, your ENT doctor here in our clinic at Wayne, NJ, can help diagnose your condition and recommend the best possible treatment options for you.
What Exactly is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is characterized by the decreased ability to hear sounds and can occur in only one or both ears. Deafness, or total hearing loss, is very rare, but some degree of hearing loss is completely normal, as you grow older. According to the NIDCD, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 25% of individuals aged between 65 and 74 years old will develop hearing loss. Common hearing loss causes include the following:
- Genetic abnormality
- Infections
- Congenital birth defect
- Toxicity
- Aging
- Trauma or injury to the head or ear
- Fluid or earwax buildup in the ear
- Chronic exposure to extremely loud sounds
How is Hearing Loss Treated?
When determining the most suitable hearing loss treatment, we will closely consider which exact type of hearing loss you’ve sustained. Generally speaking, hearing loss types include sensorineural hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, and conductive hearing loss. During a consultation at our Wayne office, we will the following factors into consideration:
- The severity or degree of hearing loss
- The cause
- Your age
- Your lifestyle
- Your communication requirements
- Your budget
- Your cosmetic preferences
You can undergo medical or surgical treatment, depending on the exact kind of hearing loss you have, particularly if you have conductive hearing loss. However, the most common and effective treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. These are available in a myriad of styles, and Dr. Kardos is happy to help you select the one best for your situation.
Living Well with Hearing Loss
You don’t need to live a silent life or withdraw from your friends and family just because you have hearing loss. After all, 9n most cases, treatments can help restore or improve your hearing. If you’re still not used to your decreased hearing ability and have yet to receive treatment, don’t hesitate to ask people to speak a bit louder and slow down when talking. Pay closer attention to who’s speaking and limit background noise so that you can hear and communicate with people more easily.
Call Us
Concerned about hearing loss? Book a consultation with Dr. Frank Kardos here at our clinic in Wayne, NJ, by dialing (973) 956-1200 as soon as possible. Remember, the earlier you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin treatment and take back your hearing.