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Hearing loss is a highly prevalent condition that currently affects about 37 million people nationwide. Whether symptoms come on suddenly or gradually over time, ear-related issues can often be debilitating and affect a person’s quality of life.
Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy specializes in audiology in Voorhees, NJ, and offers a full range of services at several convenient locations. Our team of highly skilled audiologists combines their experience and training with advanced technology to create custom treatment plans for each patient. So, regardless of the type of hearing loss you are experiencing, we can find a solution for you.
Why Do We Lose Our Hearing?
Hearing loss is best described as a decreased sensitivity to sounds. Our ears consist of a complex system that includes the outer, middle, and inner ears and a pathway to the part of the brain that allows us to attach meaning to sound – the auditory cortex. In order for us to hear, all of these components must be functioning correctly.
As a result, there are various causes for hearing loss and many ways to treat it. Aging is a well-known cause of hearing loss, affecting about 1 in 3 seniors nationwide. In other cases, the culprit is a blockage in the ear canal by ear wax, foreign objects, or ear canal infections.
Holes or fluid in the middle ear may also cause hearing issues. However, one of the most common causes of hearing loss is excessive exposure to loud noises, such as working at a construction site or witnessing an explosion.
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- Kaitlee Francisco
What an Audiologist Does
Audiologists are healthcare professionals trained to identify, assess, and treat or manage hearing and auditory disorders. They also help patients manage issues with balance, tinnitus, and other neural systems. In addition, an audiologist can provide rehabilitative tactics and make appropriate recommendations for long-term treatment.
At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allery, our audiologist team is skilled in evaluating and treating hearing loss. They specialize in custom hearing aids and utilize the advanced technology to offer hearing loss prevention options, such as musicians’ earplugs.
We recommend our Becker ENT team members for patients with ENT issues, sinus-related issues, sleep apnea, and tonsilitis. ENT doctors, including otolaryngologists and sinus specialists, undergo specialized training to treat all disorders of the ears in addition to other head and neck issues. They are also medically licensed to perform surgery if necessary.
Understanding and Treating Tinnitus
Tinnitus, often described as ringing or buzzing in the ears, is a common concern among patients seeking audiological care. At Becker ENT & Allergy, our specialists use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess the severity and potential causes of tinnitus. Treatment options may include sound therapy, hearing aids equipped with tinnitus-masking features, and counseling sessions to help patients manage this condition effectively. If you are experiencing persistent tinnitus, our audiologists are here to guide you through each step of your personalized treatment plan.
Managing Balance Disorders with Expert Care
Balance disorders can be disorienting and impact your daily life significantly. These conditions often stem from issues within the inner ear or vestibular system. Our clinic is equipped with advanced testing facilities to accurately diagnose various balance disorders, such as vertigo and Meniere’s disease. Treatment strategies may involve vestibular rehabilitation exercises, dietary adjustments, and medication. Our team is dedicated to restoring your balance and ensuring you can lead a stable, healthy life.
Specialized Pediatric Audiology Services
Children require specialized attention when it comes to audiology. Early detection and treatment of hearing impairments in children are crucial for their language development and educational progress. Becker ENT & Allergy offers a friendly and supportive environment for our youngest patients, with tailored hearing assessments and treatments designed to cater to children’s needs. We work closely with parents to educate them about their child’s hearing health and provide solutions that grow with their child. Whether it’s dealing with hearing loss, conducting hearing tests, or fitting hearing aids, our pediatric audiologists are experts in making children feel at ease during their visit.
Types of Hearing Loss We Treat
“Hearing loss” is a general term that can be characterized according to which part of the auditory system is affected. We treat the three main types of hearing loss at all of our New Jersey locations:
Conductive
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sounds can’t get through the outer and middle ear. Patients typically report difficulty hearing soft sounds, while louder sounds may seem muffled. Causes for conductive hearing loss include ear infections, fluid in the middle ear from colds or allergies, impacted earwax, a hole in the eardrum, and foreign objects in the ear.
Sensorineural
Sensorineural is the most common type of hearing loss. It occurs when the nerves to the inner ear or brain are damaged. With this type of hearing loss, the speech will sound faint or muffled, and even loud sounds may seem distant or unclear. Exposure to loud noises, head trauma, aging, and inner ear abnormalities are often the cause of sensorineural hearing loss. However, certain illnesses and drugs that are toxic to the hearing may also be a factor.
Mixed
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both types, occurring when there is damage to the inner, middle, and outer ear. Generally, anything that causes conductive or sensorineural hearing loss can cause mixed hearing loss. However, the two combined may make your hearing worse than it would be with just one condition.
The Audiology Test
Regular hearing testing is recommended for people of all ages to check their hearing and overall ear health. Audiologists perform audiometric tests, also called hearing tests, to determine how well you hear sounds and whether your hearing has declined over time. The test generally takes just fifteen to twenty minutes, after which you’ll receive customized recommendations to help you treat or prevent hearing loss in the future.
We offer comprehensive hearing tests for children aged 2.5 years and up and adults and seniors. Regular hearing testing is particularly important for school-aged children as hearing can be a crucial component of the learning process. Adults should also be aware that hearing loss can develop gradually, often to the point that a person is unaware of the problem until it is no longer easily treatable.
Take Our Online Hearing Evaluation
If you notice symptoms of hearing loss in either yourself or your loved one, our team of specialists is available for diagnostic hearing tests. However, it can be helpful to perform a simple test at home before your appointment.
If you, your child, or your loved one answers “yes” to one or more of the following questions, hearing loss may be the problem:
- Do you hear noises in your ears or head (ringing, buzzing, humming, etc)?
- Do you feel as though people are whispering or mumbling?
- Do you hear well in quiet rooms but have difficulty understanding speech when background noise is present?
- Is your television turned up louder than it used to be or louder than is comfortable for others?
- Do you have trouble understanding on the telephone? Do you have a “good ear” for the telephone?
- Do you have any pain, pressure, or drainage in or from either ear?
- Do you ask people to repeat themselves when speaking to you?
Maintaining Good Ear Health: Preventive Care Tips
Healthy hearing is vital to maintaining overall quality of life, but it’s easy to take for granted until issues arise. To help you preserve your hearing health, here are some practical tips and preventive measures. Remember, while these tips can help maintain ear health, it’s crucial to consult an audiologist or hearing care professional if you experience any changes in your hearing or if situations deteriorate.
1. Regular Hearing Check-Ups
- Why it’s important: Just like regular dental check-ups, hearing assessments can catch potential issues early, even before you notice any symptoms. Early detection often leads to more effective management.
- What you can do: Schedule an annual hearing test with an audiologist, especially if you’re exposed to high noise levels regularly or if hearing issues run in your family.
2. Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises
- Why it’s important: Exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss. This is one of the most common preventable causes of hearing impairment.
- What you can do: Use ear protection like earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments (concerts, factories, construction sites). Even everyday noises, such as from lawnmowers or blenders, can be harmful over time.
3. Maintain Ear Hygiene
- Why it’s important: Good hygiene can prevent issues like ear infections, which can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss if not treated.
- What you can do: Clean your ears regularly but avoid inserting objects directly into the ear canal, including cotton swabs. Instead, clean the outer ear with a damp cloth and consult a healthcare professional for safe ways to manage earwax buildup.
4. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Why it’s important: Hydration and nutrition can impact ear health. For example, high fluid intake helps maintain the levels of fluid in the inner ear, affecting hearing.
- What you can do: Include foods rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and zinc, which are vital for ear health. Foods like bananas, avocados, nuts, and whole grains are excellent choices.
5. Manage Stress Levels
- Why it’s important: Stress and anxiety can contribute to conditions like tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Managing stress can mitigate these symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- What you can do: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation. Regular physical activity also helps reduce stress.
Consult an Expert: How We Treat Hearing Loss
Many people choose not to seek treatment for their hearing loss due to the false notion that there is no actual treatment once you’ve been diagnosed. In reality, nearly all hearing loss can be managed or treated to some degree. Some issues, such as inner ear complications, can’t be “fixed,” but there are options for patients who want to improve their hearing and achieve a better quality of life.
Hearing loss treatments we offer at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy include:
- Hearing aids
- Medications for conditions, such as ear infections
- Manual removal of impacted earwax
- Surgical correction for traumatic injury or congenital factors
- Cochlear implants for severe hearing loss
Driving Directions from Nearby Locations
From Northwest (Cherry Hill)
- Take NJ-70 E/Marlton Pike W/Rte 70 W (3.8 miles)
- Turn right onto Springdale Rd (1.4 miles)
- Turn left onto Kresson Rd (1.8 miles)
- Turn right onto Centennial Blvd (0.6 miles)
- Turn right onto Sheppard Rd (0.2 miles)
- Turn right (33 feet)
- Arrive at Penn Medicine Becker ENT
From Sahara Sam’s Oasis Outdoor Water Park
- Drive South to NJ–73 N (200 feet)
- Turn right (0.1 miles)
- Turn left towards NJ–73 N (100 feet)
- Turn right onto NJ–73 N (0.6 miles)
- Turn left onto Cooper Road (2.5 miles)
- Turn right onto sentimental Boulevard (0.2 miles)
- Turn left onto Shepard Road (0.2 miles)
- Turn left 200 feet
- Turn right 100 feet
- Arrive at Penn Medicine Becker ENT
From The Promenade at Sagemore
- Head north (150 feet)
- Turn right towards Sagemore Dr. (300 feet)
- Turn right onto Sagemore Dr. (0.2 miles)
- Turn right onto Marlton Pkwy (1.2 miles)
- Turn left onto Centennial Boulevard (0.8 miles)
- Turn right onto Shepard Road (0.2 miles)
- Turn left (200 feet)
- Turn right (100 feet)
- Arrive at Penn Medicine Becker ENT
Schedule an Appointment in Voorhees, NJ, Today
Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy in Voorhees, NJ boasts a highly trained staff of specialists recognized as exceptional physicians and innovators in audiology. Our elite team of medical professionals remains top-rated in their field, devoted to providing patients with outstanding treatment options, pioneering technology, and the best possible care. If you live near Voorhees, NJ, and have started to experience hearing loss, you’re not alone. Our audiologists can address even the most complex issues and help you regain control of your ear health. Contact us today to schedule a new patient appointment.
