Patient Education

Audiology Consultants LLC would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Audiology Consultants LLC provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Acoustic Neuroma

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor found on the vestibular cochlear nerve, the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. This nerve is behind the ear, right under the brain.

A type of auditory tumor, an acoustic neuroma is also known as a vestibular schwannoma. This type of tumor is usually slow-growing and, although it does not affect brain tissue as cancerous tumors do, it may press against the nerves controlling hearing and balance as it grows. An acoustic neuroma is an uncommon cause of hearing loss. Many patients do not experience any problems from this type of tumor because it may remain very small, but if enlarges enough to exert serious pressure on the brain, it may become life-threatening. ...

Acoustic Trauma

Acoustic trauma is an injury to the mechanisms within the inner ear that control hearing. This type of injury can lead to hearing loss or ringing in the ear. Acoustic trauma is not caused by a blow to the ear, but rather by a very loud noise such as an explosion or gunshot, or by long-term exposure to loud noises. A diagnostic procedure called audiometry can determine how much damage has been caused by acoustic trauma. ...

Audiologic Testing

Patients who suffer from hearing loss, or other hearing- and balance-related conditions, may benefit from audiologic testing. Comprehensive diagnostic exams can determine the causes and severity of, and best treatment for, hearing-related conditions. Audiologic tests are usually performed after other diagnostic tests have indicated the presence of a possible hearing problem or balance-related condition. ...

Audiometry

Patients who suffer from hearing loss, or other hearing- and balance-related conditions, may benefit from an audiologic evaluation. Hearing loss may be the result of trauma caused by noise exposure, chronic ear infections, injury, underlying medical conditions, disease or other factors. These comprehensive diagnostic exams can determine the cause, severity and best treatment option for a condition causing hearing loss or a balance disorder. ...

Balance Disorders

A balance disorder is a complex condition that causes unsteadiness and dizziness, and sensations of spinning, moving or floating. Part of the inner ear known as the labyrinth interacts with other body systems, including those of the eyes, bones and joints, to maintain balance. Normal balance requires the work of three sensory systems: the visual; the vestibular, which is located in the inner ear; and the somatosensory, which involves the muscular and skeletal systems. These systems, as well as the brain and nervous systems, can be the source of balance problems. When these systems do not function properly, vertigo, spinning, disorientation, trouble focusing the eyes, and poor balance may result. ...

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, also known as BPPV, is a common form of vertigo, a balance disorder caused by inner ear issues. Patients who suffer from BPPV may have brief periods of vertigo that come and go. Although BPPV is not a life-threatening condition, it should be evaluated by a doctor to ensure proper treatment. ...

Chronic Ear Infection

An ear infection, also known as otitis media, is a very common condition that develops as a result of a buildup of fluid in the Eustachian tubes, the tubes which connect the eardrum to the nose. Patients with an ear infection may experience earache, hearing loss, fever, ear discharge, headache and dizziness. ...

Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants are small electronic devices used to assist individuals who are completely deaf or severely hearing-impaired. Unlike hearing aids which amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged areas of the ear, sending sounds directly through the auditory nerve to the brain.

Cochlear implants are designed to correct sensorineural hearing loss, which is damage to the tiny hair cells in the circular portion of the inner ear known as the cochlea. Due to this damage, sound waves cannot reach the auditory nerve. With a cochlear implant, the auditory nerve can be stimulated directly, bypassing the dysfunctional hairs of the inner ear. ...

Ear Infections

Ear infections, also known as otitis media, are one of the most common childhood medical problems. Ear infections are the most frequent cause of doctor visits for children. In fact, three out of four children in the United States will have at least one ear infection by the time they reach the age of three. ...

Ear Pain

Ear pain, medically known as otalgia, is a common symptom of a number of medical problems, not all of them directly related to the ear. Ear pain, which can be sharp, dull or burning, temporary or constant, presents more frequently in children than in adults. Many times the type of pain experienced serves as a diagnostic tool, assisting the physician in pinpointing the pain's cause. ...

Earwax

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal to protect the eardrum from damage and infections. Earwax accumulates naturally, and then dries up and falls out of the ear canal. It functions to rid the ear of dust or sand particles, and repel water, which may contain bacteria and can cause infections. Without earwax, ears would be dry, itchy and unprotected. Earwax is made up of various different materials, and may be soft and almost liquid, or firm and solid. It is composed of dead skin cells, bacteria, sweat, oil and water. The production and clearing of earwax is natural and self-regulating so, under ordinary circumstances, the vast majority of people need never clean their ears. ...

Ear Wax Removal

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced to protect the ear from damage and infections. It is produced in the ear canal and normally accumulates and then dries up and falls out of the canal. It rids the ear of dust particles and repels water, which can cause infections. Without ear wax, the ears would be dry, itchy and unprotected. ...

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are a common non-invasive treatment option for hearing loss. A hearing aid is a small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to amplify sounds. While hearing aids are useful in improving listening and communication, they do not cure hearing impairment or make the ear function normally. ...

Hearing and Balance Problems

Hearing and balance problems are often inter-related conditions, as part of the inner ear, also known as the labyrinth, interacts with other body systems like the eyes, bones and joints to maintain balance. Problems within the ear or vestibular system can cause hearing loss and balance problems, which affect over 2 million people each year. ...

Hearing and Balance Tests and Treatments

Hearing Evaluation

If you suffer from hearing loss or other hearing and balance related conditions, you may benefit from an audiologic evaluation. These comprehensive diagnostic exams can determine the cause, severity and best treatment option for these conditions in children and adults. ...

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is the sudden or gradual decrease in hearing. Hearing loss can be mild or severe, reversible, temporary or permanent, and may affect one or both ears. The most common cause of hearing loss is age, affecting up to 25 percent of people between the ages of 65 and 75 and up to 50 percent of those over the age of 75. Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, results from changes in the ear which cause gradual hearing loss. Some individuals are hearing-impaired or deaf as a result of a congenital defect or because of an illness, such as Ménière's disease. ...

Implantable and Semi-Implantable Hearing Aids

Implantable and semi-implantable hearing aids are surgically placed within the middle ear and affixed to the bone structure. This allows for direct transmission of sounds to the bones involved with hearing, leading straight to the cochlea and the nerves that send sound messages to the brain. Feedback is reduced and speech sounds are often much more clearly received and comprehended. Implantable and semi-implantable hearing aids are a good treatment option for patients with moderate to severe hearing loss who have been unhappy with traditional devices. ...

Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease is a condition that involves abnormalities in the inner ear that causes hearing and balance problems. This condition usually occurs in only one ear and is most common among adults in their 40s and 50s. Over 600,000 people in the United States suffer from Meniere's disease. Although the symptoms can be distressing, there are various treatment options available for people who suffer from Meniere's disease. ...

Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an ear infection caused when bacteria found in water penetrates the ear canal. Occasionally, fungi or viruses may also cause this condition. Swimmer's ear usually only affects one ear and is most common among children, young adults and people who suffer from chronic middle ear infections. ...

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a sensation of noise in the ears which may manifest itself as ringing, clicking, or hissing. Tinnitus is extremely common, experienced by as many as one in five individuals. Usually not a serious medical problem, tinnitus can nonetheless be extremely intrusive, affecting the patient's quality of life. It is often considered a symptom, caused by an underlying condition such as a problem with the inner or middle ear. Although it is often not a serious health problem, if tinnitus persists, it can cause fatigue, depression, anxiety, and problems with memory and concentration. ...

Tympanostomy

A tympanostomy is a surgical procedure during which a surgical opening is made in the eardrum, or tympanic membrane, in order to promote drainage of infected fluid from the middle ear and ear tubes are surgically implanted into the eardrum to promote ongoing drainage. After the tympanostomy, the tubes remain in place for several months. ...

Vertigo

Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or dizziness, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, that occurs as a result of problems within the brain or the inner ear. People with vertigo feel as if their surroundings are moving although no movement is actually occurring. Vertigo is one of the most common health problems in the United States; it affects many adults during their lifetimes. ...

Acoustic Neuroma

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor found on the vestibular cochlear nerve, the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. This nerve is behind the ear, right under the brain.

A type of auditory tumor, an acoustic neuroma is also known as a vestibular schwannoma. This type of tumor is usually slow-growing and, although it does not affect brain tissue as cancerous tumors do, it may press against the nerves controlling hearing and balance as it grows. An acoustic neuroma is an uncommon cause of hearing loss. Many patients do not experience any problems from this type of tumor because it may remain very small, but if enlarges enough to exert serious pressure on the brain, it may become life-threatening. ...

Acoustic Trauma

Acoustic trauma is an injury to the mechanisms within the inner ear that control hearing. This type of injury can lead to hearing loss or ringing in the ear. Acoustic trauma is not caused by a blow to the ear, but rather by a very loud noise such as an explosion or gunshot, or by long-term exposure to loud noises. A diagnostic procedure called audiometry can determine how much damage has been caused by acoustic trauma. ...

Audiologic Testing

Patients who suffer from hearing loss, or other hearing- and balance-related conditions, may benefit from audiologic testing. Comprehensive diagnostic exams can determine the causes and severity of, and best treatment for, hearing-related conditions. Audiologic tests are usually performed after other diagnostic tests have indicated the presence of a possible hearing problem or balance-related condition. ...

Audiometry

Patients who suffer from hearing loss, or other hearing- and balance-related conditions, may benefit from an audiologic evaluation. Hearing loss may be the result of trauma caused by noise exposure, chronic ear infections, injury, underlying medical conditions, disease or other factors. These comprehensive diagnostic exams can determine the cause, severity and best treatment option for a condition causing hearing loss or a balance disorder. ...

Balance Disorders

A balance disorder is a complex condition that causes unsteadiness and dizziness, and sensations of spinning, moving or floating. Part of the inner ear known as the labyrinth interacts with other body systems, including those of the eyes, bones and joints, to maintain balance. Normal balance requires the work of three sensory systems: the visual; the vestibular, which is located in the inner ear; and the somatosensory, which involves the muscular and skeletal systems. These systems, as well as the brain and nervous systems, can be the source of balance problems. When these systems do not function properly, vertigo, spinning, disorientation, trouble focusing the eyes, and poor balance may result. ...

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, also known as BPPV, is a common form of vertigo, a balance disorder caused by inner ear issues. Patients who suffer from BPPV may have brief periods of vertigo that come and go. Although BPPV is not a life-threatening condition, it should be evaluated by a doctor to ensure proper treatment. ...

Chronic Ear Infection

An ear infection, also known as otitis media, is a very common condition that develops as a result of a buildup of fluid in the Eustachian tubes, the tubes which connect the eardrum to the nose. Patients with an ear infection may experience earache, hearing loss, fever, ear discharge, headache and dizziness. ...

Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants are small electronic devices used to assist individuals who are completely deaf or severely hearing-impaired. Unlike hearing aids which amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged areas of the ear, sending sounds directly through the auditory nerve to the brain.

Cochlear implants are designed to correct sensorineural hearing loss, which is damage to the tiny hair cells in the circular portion of the inner ear known as the cochlea. Due to this damage, sound waves cannot reach the auditory nerve. With a cochlear implant, the auditory nerve can be stimulated directly, bypassing the dysfunctional hairs of the inner ear. ...

Diabetes

Diabetes is the inability of the body to create or use insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that enables sugar or glucose to enter cells. Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disorder in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to the insulin being produced. ...

Ear Infections

Ear infections, also known as otitis media, are one of the most common childhood medical problems. Ear infections are the most frequent cause of doctor visits for children. In fact, three out of four children in the United States will have at least one ear infection by the time they reach the age of three. ...

Ear Pain

Ear pain, medically known as otalgia, is a common symptom of a number of medical problems, not all of them directly related to the ear. Ear pain, which can be sharp, dull or burning, temporary or constant, presents more frequently in children than in adults. Many times the type of pain experienced serves as a diagnostic tool, assisting the physician in pinpointing the pain's cause. ...

Earwax

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal to protect the eardrum from damage and infections. Earwax accumulates naturally, and then dries up and falls out of the ear canal. It functions to rid the ear of dust or sand particles, and repel water, which may contain bacteria and can cause infections. Without earwax, ears would be dry, itchy and unprotected. Earwax is made up of various different materials, and may be soft and almost liquid, or firm and solid. It is composed of dead skin cells, bacteria, sweat, oil and water. The production and clearing of earwax is natural and self-regulating so, under ordinary circumstances, the vast majority of people need never clean their ears. ...

Ear Wax Removal

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced to protect the ear from damage and infections. It is produced in the ear canal and normally accumulates and then dries up and falls out of the canal. It rids the ear of dust particles and repels water, which can cause infections. Without ear wax, the ears would be dry, itchy and unprotected. ...

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are a common non-invasive treatment option for hearing loss. A hearing aid is a small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to amplify sounds. While hearing aids are useful in improving listening and communication, they do not cure hearing impairment or make the ear function normally. ...

Hearing and Balance Problems

Hearing and balance problems are often inter-related conditions, as part of the inner ear, also known as the labyrinth, interacts with other body systems like the eyes, bones and joints to maintain balance. Problems within the ear or vestibular system can cause hearing loss and balance problems, which affect over 2 million people each year. ...

Hearing and Balance Tests and Treatments

Hearing Evaluation

If you suffer from hearing loss or other hearing and balance related conditions, you may benefit from an audiologic evaluation. These comprehensive diagnostic exams can determine the cause, severity and best treatment option for these conditions in infants, children and adults. ...

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is the sudden or gradual decrease in hearing. Hearing loss can be mild or severe, reversible, temporary or permanent, and may affect one or both ears. The most common cause of hearing loss is age, affecting up to 25 percent of people between the ages of 65 and 75 and up to 50 percent of those over the age of 75. Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, results from changes in the ear which cause gradual hearing loss. Some individuals are hearing-impaired or deaf as a result of a congenital defect or because of an illness, such as Ménière's disease. ...

Implantable and Semi-Implantable Hearing Aids

Implantable and semi-implantable hearing aids are surgically placed within the middle ear and affixed to the bone structure. This allows for direct transmission of sounds to the bones involved with hearing, leading straight to the cochlea and the nerves that send sound messages to the brain. Feedback is reduced and speech sounds are often much more clearly received and comprehended. Implantable and semi-implantable hearing aids are a good treatment option for patients with moderate to severe hearing loss who have been unhappy with traditional devices. ...

Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease is a condition that involves abnormalities in the inner ear that causes hearing and balance problems. This condition usually occurs in only one ear and is most common among adults in their 40s and 50s. Over 600,000 people in the United States suffer from Meniere's disease. Although the symptoms can be distressing, there are various treatment options available for people who suffer from Meniere's disease. ...

Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an ear infection caused when bacteria found in water penetrates the ear canal. Occasionally, fungi or viruses may also cause this condition. Swimmer's ear usually only affects one ear and is most common among children, young adults and people who suffer from chronic middle ear infections. ...

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a sensation of noise in the ears which may manifest itself as ringing, clicking, or hissing. Tinnitus is extremely common, experienced by as many as one in five individuals. Usually not a serious medical problem, tinnitus can nonetheless be extremely intrusive, affecting the patient's quality of life. It is often considered a symptom, caused by an underlying condition such as a problem with the inner or middle ear. Although it is often not a serious health problem, if tinnitus persists, it can cause fatigue, depression, anxiety, and problems with memory and concentration. ...

Tympanostomy

A tympanostomy is a surgical procedure during which a surgical opening is made in the eardrum, or tympanic membrane, in order to promote drainage of infected fluid from the middle ear and ear tubes are surgically implanted into the eardrum to promote ongoing drainage. After the tympanostomy, the tubes remain in place for several months. ...

Vertigo

Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or dizziness, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, that occurs as a result of problems within the brain or the inner ear. People with vertigo feel as if their surroundings are moving although no movement is actually occurring. Vertigo is one of the most common health problems in the United States; it affects many adults during their lifetimes. ...