Hearing loss doesn’t just affect older adults, it can also impact children and teens. If you are struggling to hear clearly, you are not alone. According to the ACHIEVE Study, about one in eight people in the U.S. over the age of 12 experience some form of hearing loss.
WMCHealth’s Advanced ENT Services is here to help. We offer the latest in diagnostic testing and personalized treatments. These cutting-edge treatment options, including cochlear implants, can help you reconnect with the world around you.
What Is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss occurs when sound is blocked or disrupted on its way from the outer ear to the hearing nerve. It’s more common with age—affecting about half of people over 75—but can also appear at birth or during adolescence.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss often develops slowly, so the signs may not be obvious at first. Below are symptoms to look for.
In Adults
- Thinking others are mumbling
- Difficulty hearing on the phone
- Trouble following conversations
- Struggling to hear in noisy places
- Needing to turn up the TV volume
- Asking others to repeat themselves
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
In Children
- Not reacting to loud sounds
- Not responding to their name
- Difficulty following verbal directions
- Delayed speech or language development
- Challenges in school or frequent frustration
How Hearing Loss Is Diagnosed
Your care starts with a full history and physical exam. Your doctor will check for signs of infection, fluid, wax, or other causes. You’ll likely be referred for hearing tests completed by an audiologist. These tests help us measure:
- Whether one or both ears are affected
- How well you hear different tones and speech
- The degree of hearing loss (from mild to profound)
In some cases, imaging like an MRI or CT scan may be recommended to better understand the cause.
Hearing Loss Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on the type and severity of hearing loss. At WMCHealth, we offer a full range of options, from simple interventions to advanced surgical solutions.
Nonsurgical Treatments
WMCHealth provides a full spectrum of advanced procedures and techniques to treat hearing loss. For less severe conditions, doctors may recommend nonsurgical treatments, such as:
- Ear tubes
- Hearing aids
- Wax removal
- Medications (e.g. for infections)
Surgical Treatments for Hearing Loss
For more severe conditions, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical interventions, such as repair of a perforated eardrum and laser stapedotomy for otosclerosis, can reverse hearing loss.
One of the most innovative advancements in hearing loss reversal in recent years is the cochlear implant, a device surgically implanted in the cochlea or inner ear. Cochlear implants are life-changing devices for people who don’t benefit from hearing aids. These small electronic devices are surgically implanted in the inner ear and can help restore hearing.
WMCHealth’s Cochlear Implant Center is a regional leader in this technology, offering expert care before, during, and after surgery.