Audiologists are experts in the field of hearing, but do they treat ear infections? At North Shore Hearing P.C., one of the most common questions we receive is whether an audiologist can help or treat ear infections. 

While we specialize in audiology and treat hearing loss with cutting-edge hearing aids, we do much more. Read on to learn more and reach out to our office for a consultation today.

Do Audiologists Treat Ear Infections?

Ear infections occur when there is an imbalance in the ratio of fluids and bacteria. This creates a build-up in the middle ear, which can lead to pain, fever, headache, and sore throat. While ear infections are often associated with children, they can occur at any age.

If you or your child are suffering from an ear infection, one of the first steps is to see an audiologist. When you see an audiologist, we will evaluate the ears for any physical abnormalities that may be causing the symptoms. With a focus on hearing health, an audiologist can then prescribe treatment as well as over-the-counter medications depending on what is found during the examination. 

Can An Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor Prescribe Medication?

While we may not be able to prescribe antibiotics to treat an ear infection, we can refer you to an Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) doctor. An ENT doctor is a medical physician also referred to as an otolaryngologist. 

These medical professionals can treat everything from swimmer’s ear, headaches, sleep apnea, and any other condition associated with the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck region. At the same time, the ENT doctor is a surgeon who can perform delicate operations. At North Shore Hearing, we regularly partner with ENT medical doctors to provide holistic, comprehensive care.

Audiologists Specialize in Treating Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is the decreased ability to hear. Hearing loss can impact people of all ages, and there are three different types of hearing loss:

• Conductive Hearing Loss occurs in the middle or outer ear when sound waves aren’t able to move all the way through the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is associated with blockages.
• Sensorineural Hearing Loss occurs when the actual hearing nerve or inner ear has been damaged. This type of hearing loss is usually the result of hair cells within the cochlea being damaged.
• Mixed Hearing Loss is a combination of both.

At North Shore Hearing P.C., our audiologist offers a range of different solutions for all types of hearing loss. 

How Do I Know I May Have Hearing Loss?

There are several signs that indicate you may have hearing loss. Here are some of the common signs of hearing problems and signs of hearing loss:

• You ask people to repeat themselves, especially when they talk in a soft voice.
• You have trouble hearing with noise in the background, such as in a restaurant or a group.
• You struggle with certain types of sounds that seem unusually loud in one ear. 
• You experience difficulty having conversations in a noisy environment.
• You generally find it difficult to hear clearly.
• You regularly ask others to turn the TV volume up.
• You experience problems hearing and understanding women and children, particularly.
• You have difficulty hearing over the telephone.
• Do family members or coworkers remark about you missing statements?
• Problems hearing when someone speaks in soft voice or whisper.
• You regularly ask family members or coworkers to repeat themselves.
• Difficulty hearing the radio, TV, or when talking on the phone. 

If you experience any of the previously mentioned signs of a hearing problem or hearing loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at North Shore Hearing. After you complete a hearing test, your responses will be analyzed by our audiologist to diagnose and treat your hearing loss.

Hearing Aids Are Effective at Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, and More

One of the most effective solutions our audiologist uses to treat hearing loss, tinnitus, and other conditions are hearing aids. Today’s hearing aid is more advanced than ever and is engineered to be discreet and comfortable.

Leveraging the latest hearing aid technology, there are a range of different styles of hearing aids, and the audiologist at North Shore Hearing will help you find the perfect solution for your life. We leverage this innovative treatment to help you achieve better hearing, more confidence, and improve your overall quality of life.

Audiologists Can Help with Earwax Buildup

While it has gotten a bad wrap, earwax is your friend. Earwax works to keep your ears free of infection and clean. This fluid self-regulates itself to ensure you always have just the right amount. However, sometimes your ears can overproduce earwax and may require treatment. In this case, here are a few ways you can safely clean your ears at home:

• Use warm water
• Use over-the-counter wax softener to clean your ears
• Use the syringe process

What Is Impacted Ear Wax?

If you suffer from fullness in your ear, pressure in the ear, difficulty hearing, dizziness, drainage, or tinnitus, you may have impacted earwax. This is a very serious condition that we can easily treat. 

If you suffer from impacted earwax, it’s important to see an audiologist to have your ears professionally cleaned. How do you know when you should have your ears professionally cleaned by an audiologist? If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you should set up an appointment for professional ear cleaning. Doing so can offer your relief, alleviate the problem, and lead to better hearing:

• Are your ears blocked?
• Do you feel ear pain?
• Do you notice a dark-colored ear wax?
• Are you experiencing hearing loss?

Audiologists Can Help with Balance disorders

Balance issues are often referred to as dizziness, pain, or ringing that can be triggered by anxiety, stress, or inner ear problems. If you suffer from symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, frequent falls, vertigo, or disorientation, you may be suffering from a balance disorder. Your sense of orientation and balance comes from your inner ear.

However, your sense of balance can be upset by toxins, diseases, syndromes, and injuries. This can occur either suddenly or gradually. As experts in inner ear systems, we specialize in diagnosing balance disorders. To do so, we use proven methods. Once diagnosed, we can help you rehabilitate and begin living a normal life.

Audiologists Can Treat Ringing in Your Ears

According to the CDC, 15% of the American public suffers from tinnitus. Tinnitus is the swooshing, hissing, or buzzing sound in the ear that can last from 16 up to 48 hours in duration. This condition is caused by damage to the cochlea, which are tiny sensory hair cells that are in the inner ear.

Fortunately, the audiologist at North Shore Hearing P.C. offers several treatments for tinnitus. While there is no cure for tinnitus, we offer a number of treatments. And positive results have been successfully achieved through our solutions. We leverage

• Hearing aids for tinnitus,
• Sound therapy, and
• Help facilitate lifestyle changes.

Contact North Shore Hearing P.C.

At North Shore Hearing P.C., our audiologist regularly treats people who have tinnitus, trouble hearing or are demonstrating signs of a hearing problem. In addition to treating hearing loss,  we often see patients who have regular ear infections. We offer different types of treatment for a range of conditions impacting your hearing. However, your journey toward better ear health starts with an appointment for a hearing exam.

Contact us today to schedule a hearing test or complete the form. Someone from our office will be in touch with you shortly. For immediate assistance, please contact our office by calling us today.