If you’re in the process of addressing your hearing issues, you’re going to have hearing loss questions. But wading through the sea of information to find answers to those questions can be intimidating…
That’s why we’ve answered the top 5 hearing loss questions that we receive at Sinus Solutions of South Florida. If you live in the Tampa or West Palm Beach areas and have additional hearing loss questions (or are simply ready to meet face-to-face with a hearing loss doctor), then please call us at 561-790-7744 or request a consultation online today.
1. How can I test myself for hearing loss?
First on our list of hearing loss questions: Can you test yourself for hearing loss?
You can test yourself for hearing loss but only to a certain extent. Various sites offer hearing questionnaires and/or “tone tests” that will provide you with some helpful (but often limited) information about your hearing loss.
Visiting a doctor is your best and smartest option for getting an accurate hearing loss test. When you visit an ENT for hearing loss, they will be able to provide you with much more information about your hearing loss via an audiogram.
An audiogram can tell you whether your hearing loss is asymmetrical (different amounts of hearing loss in both ears) or symmetrical (the same in both ears), and it can help you find a hearing aid that best suits your needs.
An ENT is also better equipped to identify whether your hearing loss is brought on by causes not related to age. If you’ve been sick recently and are wondering, “Can a sinus infection cause hearing loss?” or “What will happen to my hearing if I have sinusitis and tinnitus?” then a visit to your local ENT in Tampa or West Palm Beach will provide you with the answers you need.
2. Can hearing loss heal on its own?
Another common hearing loss question we receive is, “Can hearing loss heal on its own?” The answer to this question will depend on the type of hearing loss you are experiencing. For example, hearing loss caused by long-term exposure to loud noises is almost always permanent. On the other hand, hearing issues caused by sudden hearing loss can sometimes be resolved, but note that sudden hearing loss is an emergency. The hearing loss probably won’t go away on its own and requires treatment ASAP (preferably within two weeks).
3. Is hearing loss treatable?
Again, whether or not your hearing can be restored will depend on the type of hearing loss that you’ve experienced. If your hearing cannot be restored, your doctor will likely recommend hearing aids. Having an ENT help select your heading aids (as opposed to an audiologist) comes with a number of benefits. Discover more on our page regarding doctor-approved hearing aids.
4. When should I see a doctor about hearing loss?
If you experience sudden hearing loss, you should visit an ENT as soon as possible to increase your chances of recovering your hearing. But if your hearing loss has been gradual, it can be difficult to know when to see an ENT.
Typically, family members and good friends will be the first people to notice that your hearing isn’t what it used to be. If those close to you have started sharing their concerns about your hearing with you, then it’s a good sign that it’s time to get your hearing issues addressed.
While it can be hard to admit that you’re experiencing hearing loss, ignoring the issue has been shown to increase feelings of depression, isolation, and loss of control. If at all possible, it’s better to meet those additional difficulties head-on than to hide or work around them.
5. Should I see an ENT about my hearing loss?
Yes! ENTs (also called otolaryngologists) are ear, nose, and throat doctors, making them more than equipped to provide you with hearing loss solutions.
At Sinus Solutions of South Florida, ENT Dr. Napoleon G. Bequer and his team can answer any hearing loss questions you may have. The latest scientific advances have provided us with a growing list of hearing loss treatment solutions, including surgery, cochlear implants, and hearing aids.
Miss listening to your favorite music? Tired of struggling to hear your grandkids when they speak to you? Call Sinus Solutions of South Florida at (561) 790-7744 or request a consultation online today to begin your hearing recovery journey today.
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