Riverside Hearing Aid Clinic treating Hearing Problems
Hearing loss & hearing problems
As ear, nose and throat specialists, the board-certified otolaryngologists and audiologist at North Florida Otolaryngology Associates (NFOA) treat a wide variety of hearing and inner ear problems. The most common of these problems include tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus can sound like a high-pitched whistling or buzzing, ringing or hissing. It can also be a more complex sound, like the roar of an ocean. Some people can clearly hear the sound of their tinnitus and are able to live with it quite happily. In others, the sound is terribly annoying and can often drive them to distraction. The sound can be in one or both ears or perceived elsewhere in the head. It is equally common in men and women and can be associated with almost any disorder of the ear, though it is more common in older people who have age-related hearing loss.
We have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating tinnitus and understand the association of tinnitus with hearing loss. Our audiologists conduct careful examinations and consider the patient’s symptoms. We may perform a number of tests, which include hearing tests, balance tests and blood tests. If we feel that a further investigation of the inner parts of the ear is required, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the head may be conducted. Treatment can include medications, hearing aids, biofeedback training and tinnitus maskers.
Vertigo
Vertigo, or inner ear balance disturbance, is often confused with dizziness, fainting, light-headedness, swaying or over-breathing. The difference between these symptoms and vertigo is sometimes hard to detect, and although some forms of vertigo are difficult to manage, in most cases treatment is possible. We are experts in identifying true vertigo from other forms of dizziness and in treating it through both surgical and nonsurgical means, with surgery always used as a last resort after other treatment options have failed.
Hearing loss
Hearing loss is common among older Americans and those with noise-induced hearing damage. Although hearing loss is almost inevitable with aging, hearing amplification is highly effective in returning patients to the world of the hearing. Newer technology eliminates or reduces many of the problems with older-type hearing aids, allowing the rehabilitation of patients who may not have been adequately helped in the past.
Of course, not all hearing loss is related to aging or noise exposure. Our years of experience recognizing different types of sensorineural hearing loss are most helpful. And should a patient need a hearing aid, one of our staff audiologists will help them find the hearing aid that’s precisely right for their individual needs, budget and lifestyle.
For more information on hearing problems including hearing aids, contact us at 387-3001