Welcome to the Fort Worth ENT Hearing Aid Center, where our physicians and audiologists specialize in the treatment of audiology and hearing loss. Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physicians or otolaryngologists are trained in the medical and surgical treatment and diagnoses of problems with the ear.
Fort Worth ENT Hearing Aid Center
To speak with one of our audiology and hearing loss specialists, call the Fort Worth ENT Hearing Aid Center. Direct Phone Line: 817-335-8255
Testing for Audiology and Hearing Loss
Some of the tests and diagnostics performed by our audiology and hearing loss specialists are:
- basic hearing tests
- diagnostic testing for patients with dizziness and balance problems
- specialized hearing testing in the operating room (ABR testing) for children who are difficult to test
Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is caused by anything that prevents sound waves from reaching the inner ear. This may be something as simple as a build-up of wax in the ear canal, or it could be as serious as otosclerosis (a condition associated with a stiffening of the small bones in the middle ear). Other causes may be a narrowing of the ear canal (stenosis), the complete absence of the canal (atresia), perforated eardrum, or a build-up of fluid in the middle ear (prevents the small bones vibrating).
Generally, conductive hearing loss can easily be treated medically or surgically. For residual hearing loss, once optimal treatment has been administered, hearing aids can be effectively used to promote better hearing.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is usually the result of the inner ear or neural damage, the cause of which is often difficult to determine. Unfortunately, this hearing loss is often irreversible. Recognized causes may be inherited/genetic, certain disease processes, aging (presbycusis), noise trauma, and the side effects of certain medications. Essentially, all sounds are diminished and speech may sound fuzzy. When this occurs, certain sound pitches may become difficult to detect, and you may not be able to understand keywords in a conversation (which can make communication and socializing with others quite difficult). Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) usually doesn’t become a problem until the ’50s. Treatment is usually with hearing aids.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is usually a combination of both sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss. The doctors at Fort Worth ENT will be able to determine the type of hearing loss that you have and will be able to make appropriate treatment recommendations.
Audiology and Diagnostic Testing
An audiologist is a healthcare professional, usually with a master’s degree or more, trained to help diagnose and monitor hearing and balance disorders. They have extensive knowledge of ear anatomy, physiology, and pathology and a wide experience with hearing aids and protective ear molds. Our audiologists work hand-in-hand with our ENT specialists to provide patients with the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical care.
Disorders managed by our audiologists and physicians include:
- Otitis media (infection)
- Otosclerosis (bone overgrowth in the ear)
- Perforations of the ear drum and other disturbances of the outer ear
- Eustachian tube dysfunction (the pressure-equalizing tube between the inner ear and the back of the throat)
- Sensorineural hearing loss and acoustic nerve lesions
- Meniere’s disease (damage in the inner ear leading to ringing, also known as tinnitis, and balance disorders)
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Treatment for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Our audiologists can evaluate and treat the full spectrum of audiology and hearing loss disorders in both pediatric and adult patients. In addition to those listed above, we also manage:
- Digital Hearing aid dispensing
- Tinnitus (Ear Ringing) and Hearing Loss
- Pediatric evaluations
- Site of lesion testing
- Hearing protection
- Swim mold manufacture
For hearing loss, we have state-of-the-art hearing devices available from several major manufacturers. We will evaluate your individual needs, and help you select the style, technology, and brand that will be best for you.
If you have questions concerning audiology and hearing loss or would like an appointment with one of our physicians at Fort Worth ENT & Sinus please complete an online appointment request or phone 817-332-8848.
