Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be broadly separated into two categories: conductive and sensorineural (damage to tiny hair cells in the inner ear).

​Conductive hearing loss results when there is an interference with delivering sound energy to your cochlea, the hearing part in the inner ear. Common reasons for conductive hearing loss include blockage of your ear canal, a hole in your ear drum, problems with three small bones in your middle ear, or fluid in the space between your eardrum and cochlea. Fortunately, most cases of conductive hearing loss can be improved either medically or surgically. The physicians of Valley ENT Associates are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of conductive hearing loss.

Presbycusis is a sensorineural hearing loss that develops later in life and comes on slowly. It’s usually a permanent type of hearing loss and often gets gradually worse with age.​

Most of these types of hearing losses can be effectively improved by individually selected, prescribed and fitted hearing aids.

Some adults can have their hearing loss corrected by an ENT physician or surgeon, so it’s important to have an evaluation that makes this determination.
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Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)

​Over 50 million Americans have experienced tinnitus, or ringing in ears, which is the perception of sound without an external source being present. About one in five people with tinnitus have bothersome tinnitus, which negatively affects their quality of life and/or functional health. Tinnitus may be an intermittent or continuous sound in one or both ears. Its pitch can go from a low roar to a high squeal or whine, or it can have many sounds.

Tinnitus is a subjective experience of hearing a sound, a ringing or a noise when no such external physical sound is present. Some call it “head noises”, “ringing” or other similar things. Although, most cases of tinnitus are not associated with serious disease processes, there are a few very serious and potentially life-threatening diseases that can present with tinnitus.  Therefore, it is recommended to have an evaluation by an ENT physician if you are experiencing tinnitus or ringing in the ears.

Persistent tinnitus lasts more than six months. Prior to any treatment, it is important to undergo a thorough examination and evaluation by an ENT (ears, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist, and an audiologist. Your understanding of tinnitus and its causes will enhance your treatment.
​

Hearing Evaluation

Currently, Valley ENT Associates has a certified audiologist and two certified OTO-Techs on staff trained to specifically obtain hearing information for children and adults who exhibit hearing problems for a variety of reasons. They may test you with a traditional hearing test or use newer technology to obtain information from individuals who may not be able to complete the traditional tests. These tests include, audiograms, tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and threshold auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing.

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be broadly separated into two categories: conductive and sensorineural (damage to tiny hair cells in the inner ear).

​Conductive hearing loss results when there is an interference with delivering sound energy to your cochlea, the hearing part in the inner ear. Common reasons for conductive hearing loss include blockage of your ear canal, a hole in your ear drum, problems with three small bones in your middle ear, or fluid in the space between your eardrum and cochlea. Fortunately, most cases of conductive hearing loss can be improved either medically or surgically. The physicians of Valley ENT Associates are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of conductive hearing loss.

Presbycusis is a sensorineural hearing loss that develops later in life and comes on slowly. It’s usually a permanent type of hearing loss and often gets gradually worse with age.​

Most of these types of hearing losses can be effectively improved by individually selected, prescribed and fitted hearing aids.

Some adults can have their hearing loss corrected by an ENT physician or surgeon, so it’s important to have an evaluation that makes this determination.
​

Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)

​Over 50 million Americans have experienced tinnitus, or ringing in ears, which is the perception of sound without an external source being present. About one in five people with tinnitus have bothersome tinnitus, which negatively affects their quality of life and/or functional health. Tinnitus may be an intermittent or continuous sound in one or both ears. Its pitch can go from a low roar to a high squeal or whine, or it can have many sounds.

Tinnitus is a subjective experience of hearing a sound, a ringing or a noise when no such external physical sound is present. Some call it “head noises”, “ringing” or other similar things. Although, most cases of tinnitus are not associated with serious disease processes, there are a few very serious and potentially life-threatening diseases that can present with tinnitus.  Therefore, it is recommended to have an evaluation by an ENT physician if you are experiencing tinnitus or ringing in the ears.

Persistent tinnitus lasts more than six months. Prior to any treatment, it is important to undergo a thorough examination and evaluation by an ENT (ears, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist, and an audiologist. Your understanding of tinnitus and its causes will enhance your treatment.
​

Hearing Evaluation

Currently, Valley ENT Associates has a certified audiologist and two certified OTO-Techs on staff trained to specifically obtain hearing information for children and adults who exhibit hearing problems for a variety of reasons. They may test you with a traditional hearing test or use newer technology to obtain information from individuals who may not be able to complete the traditional tests. These tests include, audiograms, tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and threshold auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing.