Hearing Loss Treatments in Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, FL
When Dr. Lapco assesses hearing loss, he will determine the type of hearing loss, configuration of hearing loss, and degree of hearing loss. It’s important to address hearing loss in all cases because it can have a drastic impact on lifestyle, such as education and general well-being. Dr. Lapco performs hearing loss treatments to patients in Fort Lauderdale at his Pompano Beach office.
How We Hear
Each section of the ear (inner, middle and outer) helps move sound during the process of hearing. Once there is sound, it travels through the outer ear into the eardrum. The sound causes the eardrum to vibrate, which then causes three tiny bones in the middle ear to move. This movement then goes into the inner ear, where little hairs move in fluid. These hairs are important because it transforms the movement to sound signals that are sent to the brain to process the sound.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss happens when sounds are blocked in the three parts of the ear. Exposure to loud noises is the most common cause of hearing loss, but infection is also a large contributor. Each part of the ear can have contributing factors to hearing loss:
- Outer Ear – Restricting the outer ear to sound may be caused by earwax buildup, infections, growth in the ear canal, or injury or birth defects.
- Middle Ear – Commonly, fluid buildup prevents sound from flowing through the middle ear. However, in more rare cases, tumors can also result in hearing loss.
- Inner Ear – Aging is one factor we can’t stray away from and unfortunately, it can diminishes hearing from repetitive damage to the cochlea or the acoustic nerve, which all are important for sending sound vibrations to the brain. Additional causes of hearing loss include Meniere’s disease and nerve-related problems.
Other causes of hearing loss can include presbycusis, which is related to aging and hearing loss. Also, there is a wide variety of genetic diseases and syndromes that can cause hearing loss as well. Most of these cause can be solved, but problems occurring in the middle and inner ear can ultimately lead to permanent loss, which is why it’s important to contact Dr. Lapco if you are experiencing troubled hearing.
Types of Hearing Loss
There are four basic types of hearing loss:
- Conductive Hearing Loss – This type of hearing loss happens when sound isn’t properly sent through the outer ear to the eardrum in the middle ear. Some possible factors to cause this loss are fluid buildup, allergies, ear infection and earwax buildup.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss – This loss happens when there is damage to the cochlea, or inner ear, or to the nerves that send sound to the brain. Usually this type of hearing loss can’t be treated and is the most common type of permanent hearing loss. Causes can include aging, illnesses or head trauma.
- Mixed Hearing Loss – This is the combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. In this case, there is damage to outer or middle ear and in the inner ear.
- Central Hearing Loss – When the central nervous system is unable to properly send a signal to the brain. With this condition, people can hear most sounds, but can’t process them or separate them.
Hearing Loss Treatments
Depending on the type, severity and location of the hearing loss, treatments may vary for each specific case. However, the most common treatments include:
- Medications including decongestants and antibiotics
- Myringotomy, or piercing the eardrum to let fluids drain out of the ear
- Fluid drained from the Eustachian tube
- Hearing Aids
- Surgery to remove any growths or correct any bone and nerve problems
Contact Dr. Lapco’s office today if you have sudden hearing loss accompanied with dizziness, fever or pain. We would like to set up an appointment for you to be properly examined to determine the type and degree of hearing loss. Dr. Lapco will recommend the best treatment possible for specific diagnosis. Dr. Lapco’s Pompano Beach office is located in Broward County just 10 miles from Coral Springs and 12 miles from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
