About 20% of Americans have some degree of hearing loss, and it’s the third most common physical condition after heart disease and arthritis. If you’re having trouble hearing or think you might need a hearing aid, visit ENT Specialists of Austin.

Our practice offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services for children and adults in Austin and Cedar Park, Texas. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Hearing Loss Austin, TX

Hearing Loss & Hearing Aids Q & A

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can occur due to an issue in one or several parts of the ear.

In the outer ear, hearing loss can result from blockages caused by a buildup of earwax, a foreign body, or swelling from an outer ear infection that prevents sound from reaching the eardrum.

Hearing loss due to a middle ear problem is usually caused by a temporary buildup of fluid from an infection or a growth in the middle ear cavity.

In the inner ear, hearing loss can stem from damage to the sensory hair cells, which can result from loud noises, high fevers, and various factors associated with aging.

What are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can develop so gradually that some people may not even realize they’re losing their hearing. Common signs of hearing problems include:

  • Trouble hearing in places where there is background noise
  • Difficulty picking up consonants
  • Muffled sounds or speech
  • Need to turn up the volume on your TV or radio

If you have an underlying infection or medical condition that’s causing hearing loss, you might experience additional symptoms, like headaches, migraines, or sinus problems.

Do I Need a Hearing Aid?

The best way to know if you need a hearing aid is to complete an adult hearing evaluation, which involves a thorough assessment of your hearing in a soundproof room.

Following the hearing evaluation, your physician discusses the results with you. Based on the outcome, they may recommend hearing aids or hearing protection methods.

What are the Benefits of Hearing Aids?

The hearing aids available today are far superior to previous generations of hearing aids, both in performance and appearance. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by the discreet, comfortable nature of modern hearing aids, which can improve normal hearing, reduce background noise, and incorporate Bluetooth and wireless compatibility.

Other benefits of hearing aids from ENT Specialists of Austin include:

  • Style: a variety of colors to best match your hair or skin tone
  • Selection: availability of most hearing aid brands, including Phonak, Widex, Starkey, Oticon, Resound, and Siemens, among others
  • Accessories: can be paired with a variety of accessories to help improve your experience

With a wide variety of options that improve hearing and communication, hearing aids can greatly transform your daily life and improve your social interactions.

Contact ENT Specialists of Austin to schedule a consultation about hearing loss and hearing aids today. Call the practice or book an appointment online to get started.