Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop ringing in the ears?
Tinnitus can be debilitating, affecting concentration, sleep, and overall quality of life. While there is no one tinnitus treatment that will cure ringing in the ears completely, we do offer management options in the form of hearing aids that can help. To learn more about specific tinnitus masking hearing aids, contact us.
Why does everything sound muffled?
Muffled hearing can be a sign of two things: clogged ears due to earwax or hearing loss. To determine what the cause of your muffled hearing is, it’s best to have a full hearing evaluation. First, we will perform an ear exam to look at the inside of your ears to determine if built-up wax is the issue. Then, we will conduct a hearing test.
Are hearing and balance related?
Yes! Our sense of balance comes from within the cochlea – where the hearing nerve is located. For this reason, balance problems and hearing loss often occur together. They do not have to go together though. Many people experience dizziness without hearing loss. To determine what has caused your balance issues, a full hearing evaluation along with balance testing should be performed. This way we can identify the cause and come up with a treatment plan.
What is the lifespan of hearing aids?
Hearing aids have an average lifespan of anywhere from 3 to 7 years. The longevity of your devices will depend on the style and how well you care for them. New technology is released every three years and many people like to upgrade their hearing aids around that time to take advantage of new features.
What are the benefits of treating hearing loss?
There are many benefits to managing hearing loss! When you treat hearing loss early, you can prevent any loss in speech comprehension, making it easier to understand conversations. In addition, you’ll also experience better communication, improved balance, better mental clarity, and more confidence. There are many benefits to managing hearing loss, so don’t wait!
What can I expect during a balance test?
During your balance testing appointment, you can expect a series of non-invasive evaluations designed to assess how your inner ear, eyes, and brain work together to keep you steady. You may be asked to wear goggles that track eye movements, follow visual targets, or change positions to measure your response to movement. These tests help our providers pinpoint the cause of dizziness or imbalance and guide the best course of treatment.