Hearing Loss in North Texas

Hearing loss is the deprivation of hearing in one or both ears. This condition can range from mild to severe and can affect nearly anyone, but it most prevalent in people over the age of 60. It's very common — roughly one in eight people in the United States has some form of hearing loss. People who have diabetes or cancer are also more likely to suffer from this auditory condition. Have you noticed an onset of hearing loss? Contact Cross Timbers ENT to meet with one of our seasoned audiologists. We conveniently offer locations in Mansfield, Midlothian, and Arlington, TX.

Hearing loss can occur at any age and is often progressive, typically developing with advanced age. However, it's not limited to the elderly and can even be present at birth. Various factors contribute to hearing loss, including damage or injury to the ear, earwax buildup, infections, abnormal growths, or a ruptured eardrum. Genetics can play a role, and certain occupational noises and illnesses can also lead to hearing impairment.

Hearing loss can present itself in various ways and often subtly creeps into everyday life. Whether it's struggling with conversations or feeling isolated in social settings, the symptoms can be both frustrating and life-altering. Recognizing these signs early can lead to timely intervention and support. Common symptoms of hearing loss include:

• Difficulty understanding conversations
• Frequently asking others to repeat requests
• Finding the need to increase the volume on listening devices
• Social withdrawal

There are a variety of ways our staff may diagnose your hearing loss. The first and most common method is a simply physical exam, in which we will look inside your ear for any earwax, infection, or other possible causes of hearing loss. Alternatively, if we cannot diagnose the problem with a physical exam, we may need to turn to other alternatives, such as screenings tests or audiometer tests. This will give us a better idea of what is causing you to experience hearing loss.

Hearing loss is treated accordingly to its cause, as there may be very different reasons why you are experiencing diminished hearing. At Cross Timbers ENT, our treatments can vary and can include:

• Earwax removal
• Medication for ear infections
• Hearing aids

If you have additional questions about how your hearing loss might need to be treated, don't hesitate to contact our North Texas office today.

What's the most common cause of hearing loss?
People can lose hearing for a variety of reasons. The most common cause in America is loud noise. This may be due to prolonged exposure to loud noises on a daily basis, such as machinery and concerts.

How many people have hearing loss?
According to government statistics, about 13% of the population over 12 years old (~30 million) has some level of hearing loss in both ears. About two percent of adults over 45 have disabling hearing loss.

Is hearing loss reversible?
Unfortunately, hearing loss caused by nerve damage due to the natural effects of aging, an injury, or loud sound exposure is usually not reversible. However, hearing loss caused by wax buildup and ear infections can typically be reversed or improved with treatment.

How can I protect my hearing?

• Wear ear protection around loud sounds (using power tools, concerts, fireworks, etc.)
• Wear earplugs when swimming and/or use drying drops
• Keep your ears clean
• Don’t put cotton swabs or other instruments deep into your ear ­­– cleaning the outer part is OK

Can hearing loss be prevented?
Some types of hearing loss can be prevented by avoiding excessive noise exposure, using ear protection in loud environments, and maintaining ear hygiene. Regular hearing check-ups are also essential.

How is hearing loss diagnosed?
An audiologist can diagnose hearing loss through a series of tests, including pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry. These tests assess the degree and type of hearing loss.

Thankfully, there are numerous solutions available today to improve hearing loss. At Cross Timbers ENT, we use various hearing tests to properly diagnose your condition and offer hearing aids for the treatment of hearing loss. To discover more, contact our office in Midlothian, Arlington, or Mansfield, TX.