Questions About Hearing Loss
How Does Noise Affect Hearing?
Prolonged exposure to high-intensity noise can cause permanent damage to the inner ear. This damage, which is irreversible either medically or surgically, can cause permanent hearing loss and/or tinnitus. Sources of such noise include industrial and military situations, loud music, and many environmental sources. Hearing protection is vital to prevention of permanent damage and resulting hearing loss.
What Is An Audiologist?
An audiologist is a licensed hearing health care professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. You can think of an audiologist primarily as a “hearing doctor.” Learn more about Audiologists.
Do I Need A Doctor’s Referral To See An Audiologist?
It is helpful, but not necessary. If a communication problem requires medical treatment, Dr. Groesch and Dr. McFadden will communicate this information to your doctor.
I Don’t Have A Problem Hearing, But I Have A Constant “Ringing” In My Ears. What Causes This?
Tinnitus (TIN-ih-tus) is noise or ringing in the ears. A common problem, tinnitus affects about 1 in 5 people. Tinnitus isn’t a condition itself — it’s a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder.
Although bothersome, tinnitus usually isn’t a sign of something serious. Although it can worsen with age, for many people, tinnitus can improve with treatment. Treating an identified underlying cause sometimes helps. Other treatments reduce or mask the noise, making tinnitus less noticeable. Hearing aids are one option for treatment of tinnitus. Learn more about Tinnitus.
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