Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an audiologist?
- How often should I have my hearing tested?
- What causes hearing loss?
- How old does my child need to be for testing?
- Should I come alone to the appointment or bring a family member?
- I feel like a family member has a hearing loss but I can't get them to come in for the appointment. What can I do?
- What can be done about earwax?
- What is this ringing/buzzing in my head?
- Why do people who are dizzy see an audiologist?
- What is otosclerosis?
- What is a Baha?
- Am I a candidate for a cochlear implant?
- What is middle ear fluid?
- How do I know if I have Meniere's Disease?
- My ears itch. What can I do?
- Why should I wear hearing protection while mowing the lawn or around excessive noise?
- The doctor told me I have a hole in my eardrum. Is that serious?
What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is a professional with a Masters or Clinical Doctoral Degree who is certified by the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association. She/he can perform a variety of tests to identify hearing problems and then propose treatment options. In addition, an audiologist can dispense hearing aids and administer tests to evaluate dizziness.
How often should I have my hearing tested?
It is recommended to have your hearing tested every 1-2 years. You should schedule an appointment sooner if you notice a sudden decrease in hearing or experience any ear pain or drainage from your ears.
What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss can come from an inherited condition, physical changes within the ear due to aging, exposure to loud noises, an injury or infection that damaged part of the ear, or exposure to toxic medicines. Your physician or audiologist will be able to further discuss your specific case at your appointment.
How old does my child need to be for testing?
We are able to test all ages at our clinic, including newborns who are at least one month old.
Should I come alone to the appointment or bring a family member?
It is helpful to bring a family member along for the appointment. Your family member could learn how to communicate better with you, understand your hearing loss and assist in determining the audiologist's recommendations. However, parents who are having their own hearing tested, or who are having their children tested, should not bring any other children with them because they may be distracting for the person being tested.
I feel like a family member has a hearing loss but I can't get them to come in for the appointment. What can I do?
Try to find out why they are resistant to the appointment. Some people fear that if they come in for an appointment they will have to get a hearing aid. Let the individual know that there are some types of hearing loss that may be treated medically rather than with hearing aids. Let them know how their hearing loss effects you and how you feel it is affecting them. Volunteer to drive them to the appointment and to be there for support.
What can be done about earwax?
Some people have more wax than others. A minimal amount of earwax is healthy, but an excessive amount blocks the ear canal and can cause a hearing loss. We recommend seeing a physician for ear cleaning rather than trying to clean them at home. For more information, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ear_wax
What is this ringing/buzzing in my head?
These head noises may be tinnitus. If you think you are experiencing tinnitus, the next step is to schedule a consultaion with an audiologist and physician to determine a possible cause and to receive treatment. You can find more information about tinnitus by visiting www.ata.org/abouttinnnitus/index.php
Why do people who are dizzy see an audiologist?
The semicircular canals, found in the inner part of the ear, are important for maintaining balance. The audiologist, with a recommendation from a physician, may be able to provide testing and treatment for your dizziness. Once your testing has been completed, a physical therapist specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation can assess your therapy/treatment options. For more information about dizziness and balance, visit our Balance Solutions website at http://www.stcloudbalancesolutions.com
What is otosclerosis?
Otosclerosis is the abnormal growth of the bones of the middle ear. This abnormal growth prevents structures within the ear from working properly and causes hearing loss. For some people with otosclerosis, the hearing loss may become severe. For more information, visit http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/otosclerosis.htm#1
What is a Baha?
The Baha system is a surgical treatment used for patients with either a conductive or a mixed hearing loss as a result of an untreatable medical condition (e.g. atresia, chronic OM, consecutive failed stapedectomy) or for those who have single-sided deafness due to a sudden hearing loss, trauma, or an acoustic tumor. For more information, see http://www.cochlearamericas.com/Products/2103.asp
Am I a candidate for a cochlear implant?
Individuals with severe or profound sensorineural (permanent) hearing loss may be candidates for a cochlear implant if they receive little or no benefit from hearing aids. Children as young as twelve to eighteen months old may be candidates. A skilled implant center team will conduct a thorough evaluation, including hearing and medical tests, to determine if this is right for you or your child. For more information contact the Cochlear Implant Association at http://www.hearingloss.org/ciai.
What is middle ear fluid?
Middle ear fluid, or serous otitis media, is a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. Symptoms for middle ear fluid include hearing loss and/or pressure or pain in the ear. This condition is quite common in children and occasionally seen in adults. It is often accompanied with an upper respiratory infection that causes a small tube that is located from the back of the throat to the ear to swell up and prevents the fluid from draining. Treatment options include medication and surgery. It is important that this condition be treated as soon as possible because hearing loss caused by middle ear fluid can delay speech and language development in children and hinder progress in school.
How do I know if I have Meniere's Disease?
Meniere's Disease is characterized by vertigo (a spinning sensation), hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sense of fullness in the ear. Meniere's Disease may be diagnosed by a physician. Several tests may be needed by the audiologist to help with the diagnosis. These tests may include a hearing test, an ENG, VNG, ECoG, and/or ABR.
My ears itch. What can I do?
Many things can cause itchy ears. Some common causes of itchy ears are dry skin, earwax and outer ear infections. Please consult your physician or an ear, nose and throat specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment of itchy ears.
Why should I wear hearing protection while mowing the lawn or around excessive noise?
Excessively loud noise, such as that from a lawn mower, power tools, or a rock concert, can cause damage to the inner ear and result in a permanent hearing loss. Wearing hearing protection helps prevent a noise-induced hearing loss by reducing the intensity of the sound that travels through the ear.
The doctor told me I have a hole in my eardrum. Is that serious?
Problems associated with a hole in the eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) will vary from one person to the next. Some may notice considerable hearing loss while others will notice none. Some people with eardrum perforations will experience frequent ear drainage while others notice very little. If you are diagnosed with an eardrum perforation, it is important to wear earplugs whenever bathing or swimming to keep water out of the ear. Please contact The Hearing Clinic with any questions regarding earplugs or custom earplugs. If you experience any ear pain/drainage, make an appointment with the physician.
Any information provided on this site should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with a physician. If you have a medical problem, contact your local physician for diagnosis and treatment.
