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?

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!

Hearing loss is very common, especially among adults over age 65, but it affects people of all ages. According to statistics, roughly 20% of Americans (approximately 48 million people) experience some degree of hearing loss, and 25% of adults have experienced tinnitus (ringing the ears) in at least one ear. There are a number of causes and degrees of hearing loss, and portion of children and adults affected by certain types of hearing loss may benefit from assistive devices like hearing aids. Dr. Frank Kardos and Dr. Gary Hilt offer a range of treatment options for hearing loss in Wayne, NJ.

Hearing Loss Diagnosis and Treatment in Wayne, NJ

The most common causes of hearing loss are generally age-related wear and tear, prolonged exposure to loud noises and sounds, damage to the inner or middle ear, wax buildup (usually temporary), and congenital (present at birth) defects. Although most forms of hearing loss are not reversible, there are a number of options available to help children and adults improve their ability to communicate and enjoy a better quality of life.

How is Hearing Loss Treated?

If you or your child is experiencing hearing loss, there are several options available depending on the underlying cause and severity, as well as which part of the ear is affected (inner, middle, or outer ear). The most common causes of hearing disturbances and loss include:

• Wax buildup (outer ear)
• Ear infection (outer or middle ear)
• Tumor or blockage (outer or middle ear)
• Fluid buildup (middle ear)
• An injury (middle or inner ear)
• Nerve and tissue damage and degeneration (middle or inner ear)
• Birth defect

Hearing problems caused by issues in the outer ear are generally temporary, and can usually be treated with medication if there is an infection, or removal of wax buildup (see an ENT doctor to avoid the risk of causing an injury). If you are experiencing fluid buildup, the doctor will drain the ear to relieve pressure and remove the fluid. Problems with the inner ear or permanent hearing loss may require a hearing aid or assistive device like a cochlear implant.

Find an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor in Wayne, NJ

For more information about hearing loss prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, contact our office by calling 973-956-1200 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kardos or Dr. Hilt today.

Losing your hearing can be a very frustrating experience, but working with a trained doctor to correct it can help you feel like yourself again. Only a certified ear nose and throat doctor like Dr. Frank Kardos in Wayne, NJ, can diagnose the presence of hearing loss, but there are certain signs that may help you decide that you need to schedule an evaluation with us. Dr. Kardos explains the causes and signs of hearing loss in this post.

What causes hearing loss?

As you've probably guessed, aging is one of the main causes of hearing loss, although doctors aren't sure why. Genetics may be a factor in these cases. Years of exposure to loud sounds can also take its toll on older adults. Damage to the structures inside the ear may also cause hearing loss, as can certain medications or illnesses. While most cases of hearing loss occur gradually, your Wayne ENT doctor also sees patients who have experienced an immediate loss of their hearing due to being too close to a sudden loud sound, such as an explosive or firearm.

What are some early signs of hearing loss?

Early on, hearing loss can be chalked up to the quality of sound coming from the television or a bad connection on the phone. However, if you've consistently been experiencing one or more of the following situations, hearing loss could be the culprit.

• Certain pitches - high, low, or in-between - are difficult or impossible to make out
• Sounds and words are perceived as muffled or mumbled
• You are often asking others to repeat themselves
• You have been told your TV or radio volume is too loud
• You can't make out a conversation in a crowded room (such as at a busy restaurant)

If you think you may be losing your hearing, it's best to see a doctor sooner rather than later. Contact the ENT office of Dr. Frank Kardos in Wayne, NJ, to have your hearing evaluated.

If you are worried about your little one’s hearing find out what to look out for.

While it’s not as common to have a baby born with hearing loss, it can happen. Fortunately, your child receives a full examination after birth to check the health of their ears. Of course, problems can occur along the way that can lead to hearing loss. From the office of our Wayne, NJ otolaryngologist, Dr. Frank Kardos, find out the warning signs that your little one might be dealing with hearing loss.

If your child does have hearing loss here are some of the warning signs (it’s important to note that signs may vary depending on your child’s age). Some signs include:

• Not startling or responding to a loud noise in the vicinity
• An older baby or infant that may not show any response to a familiar voice
• Most children should be saying words by around 15 months and 2-word statements by around 2 years old. If your child hasn’t experienced these milestones, you’ll want to schedule an evaluation with our Wayne ENT doctor

It’s not all that uncommon for children to be left undiagnosed until they are in school. If your child doesn’t seem to be paying attention and is having trouble in school, this may also be a sign of hearing loss.

Risk Factors and Causes of Infant Hearing Loss

Two most common risk factors for infant hearing loss are a family history of hearing loss and low birth weight. Hearing loss may also be present if your little one has outer or middle ear issues. Causes of hearing loss include:

• Ruptured or injured eardrum
• Something stuck in the ear canal
• Scarring on the eardrum
• Birth deformities of the ear
• Earwax impaction (this can cause temporarily hearing loss)
• Fluid buildup behind the eardrum
• Infections such as meningitis or measles
• Tumors of the ears
• Genetic problems
• Infections passed from mother to baby while in the womb

If your child is displaying these symptoms then it’s time you scheduled an appointment with our Wayne, NJ ENT office and turn to our very own Dr. Kardos for the medical attention your family needs.

Hearing loss can have a profound impact on your life, but fortunately, treatments are available if you are experiencing problems. Frank Kardos, MD, your Wayne, NJ, ear, nose and throat doctor, is here to share information about hearing loss causes and treatments.

Aging

Hearing loss can happen as part of the natural aging process. If your problem is age-related, you may have difficulty keeping up with a conversation, or might find that it's hard to hear when it's noisy.

Earwax buildup

The cause of your hearing loss can be a simple as an accumulation of wax in your ear. In addition to hearing loss, you may also experience ringing in your ears and an earache.

Fluid buildup

Fluid buildup in the middle ear can cause temporary hearing loss. The problem is common if you have an ear infection.

Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease affects the inner ear and causes hearing loss, ringing, dizziness and sensitivity to sounds. The disease is most common in people who are between ages 30 and 50.

Noise-induced hearing loss

Exposure to loud noises, particularly if exposure continues for long periods, can damage your hearing. If you work in a noisy environment, failing to wear ear protection may increase your risk of developing hearing loss.

Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a disease of the middle ear caused by the overgrowth of bones surrounding the stapes bone. The overgrowth affects the transmission of sounds from the middle to the inner ear.

Acoustic neuroma

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that develops on the nerve that extends from your inner ear to your brain. In addition to hearing loss, the tumor can also affect your balance and cause ringing in your ear.

What types of treatments are available for hearing loss?

Treatments vary depending of the cause of your hearing loss. Hearing aids can be helpful in many cases, particularly if your loss is age-related. Antibiotics and decongestants can clear the fluid that accumulates during an ear infection. When fluid buildup is a chronic problem, your doctor may suggest piercing the eardrum to allow for better drainage or may recommend improving drainage by inserting tubes in your ears. Surgery may be needed to remove tumors or correct problems related to your bones or nerves.

Neglecting hearing issues can lead to permanent hearing loss, in some cases. If have trouble hearing, call Frank Kardos, MD, your Wayne, NJ, ear, nose and throat doctor, at (973) 956-1200 to schedule an appointment. There is hope for hearing loss!