ENT Specialists Audiology

Contributed by David Lodzins, Audiologist, MS CCC-A


Many people have come to the realization that their hearing may be getting worse. They may notice difficulty hearing on their own or, more commonly, they receive feedback from friends and loved ones that they are missing things others are saying.  Surveys have shown that 3 in 10 people over 60 have a hearing loss and 1 in 6 baby boomers have hearing problems.

A large majority of these people will wait an average of seven years before getting help. Perhaps they don't want to acknowledge the problem, are embarrassed by what they see as a weakness, or believe that they can "get by" without using a hearing aid. This may be for many reasons. 

The first may be that the individual with hearing loss may not feel that the loss is bad enough.  At ENT Specialists, patients commonly tell me that they can hear people just fine but they can’t understand them because they mumble.  Another reason people don’t get help with their hearing may be the perceived cost of hearing aids.  Hearing aids range in price depending on technology level and the patient’s need.

There is also negative word of mouth about hearing aids from those who have had negative experiences.  Often, these individuals were wearing hearing aids that were either inappropriate for their hearing loss or were not properly fit to their hearing needs.  My patients at ENT Specialists have told me that they, too, felt negative about hearing aids, but when they finally tried a properly fit, appropriate hearing instrument, they wished they had done it many years before.

Another reason my patients waited so long to get hearing aids is that they had no idea where to get them.  They tell me that they receive advertisements in the mail daily for hearing aids and they were not sure where to go because of the negative experiences their friends have had.  Many people are not sure where to go and who they can trust. 

I suggest making an appointment with an audiologist at ENT Specialists for many reasons.  First, patients will receive a comprehensive audiological evaluation by a certified audiologist to determine the type and degree of hearing loss.  An accurate, thorough hearing exam is crucial to get the best outcome when fitting a hearing aid. 

The second reason to visit an audiologist is that he or she may uncover medical concerns that need to be treated by a doctor.  The audiologists at ENT Specialists work closely with the ENT doctors to address any medical issues discovered during testing and can set an appointment for an individual, usually for the same day.  Some medical issues that I see that need medical attention are:

·         Active drainage from one or both ears

·         Ear wax impaction

·         Fluid behind the eardrum

·         Middle ear infection

·         Ear canal infection

·         Sudden decrease in hearing

·         Ringing in the ears

·         Hole in the eardrum

·         Difference in hearing between the right and left ear

·         Differences in speech understanding between the right and left ear

·         New onset of dizziness

·         Ear pain

A third reason to visit an audiologist with ENT Specialists is that you will be seeing a hearing healthcare professional that has a Doctorate or Masters degree in audiology.  The audiologists on staff have had many years of training and experience to help you find the best solution for managing your hearing loss.  Our comprehensive hearing evaluation includes a needs analysis to determine the best hearing aid style and technology level to best meet your listening needs.  Everyone is different, both economically and socially, and together we will determine what solution is best for you. 

Our goal as audiologists at ENT Specialists is to help those with hearing loss reach their hearing goals.  If you think you or a loved one suffers from hearing loss, don't delay another day. Visit a hearing healthcare professional at ENT Specialists and take the first step toward a world of better hearing.