Hearing loss is so gradual that some patients don’t notice a change until communication becomes challenging. Aurora ENT in Anchorage, Alaska, provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for hearing loss in adults and in children. With nearly 25 years of experience in otolaryngology, our physician is the physician of choice when it comes to preserving and improving your hearing.
People suffering from hearing loss often don’t know that their hearing has diminished. These signs might be an indication of hearing loss:
Ringing in the ears is another indication of hearing loss.
There are two kinds of hearing loss: sensorineural and conductive. The causes of sensorineural hearing loss include advanced age, injury, extended exposure to loud noise, diabetes, meningitis, shingles, smoking, genetics, hypertension, and medications that can damage hearing.
The causes of conductive hearing loss are usually related to an obstruction and include:
Patients generally start the conversation about hearing loss with their primary care doctor and then are referred to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) for further evaluation and treatment.
The treatment for hearing loss depends on the cause. When hearing loss is related to obstruction, treatment involves removing the obstruction. That may be done through medication, irrigation, or a minor surgical procedure.
When the cause of hearing loss is sensorineural, hearing aids or cochlear implants are generally successful in restoring hearing.
In most cases, hearing aides are not covered by insurance. Medicare Part B covers a diagnostic hearing exam as well as balance exams, but not the cost of the hearing aids. Patients can learn more about planning financially for hearing aides by visiting with the financial team at Aurora ENT.
Sometimes hearing loss is an indicator of a serious underlying condition, so scheduling a diagnostic hearing exam as soon as hearing loss is noticed is critical. Getting examined early can rule out significant health problems or result in earlier diagnosis and intervention of a serious underlying condition.
Please contact our office for more information about our insurance policies.
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