If you suffer from an impairment of one of your five senses, your quality of life may be drastically altered. In the case of gradual or sudden hearing loss, you may not be able to understand speech or hear noises below a certain octave. This may impair your ability to interact with others or even drive a car.

It can be a scary experience, but you do not need to suffer. Dr. Shuaib is clinically certified to provide medical treatment to return or treat your hearing abilities.

HOW DOES HEARING LOSS OCCUR?

Hearing loss or deafness can occur if there is damage to the eardrum or middle ear. It may also occur when auditory vibrations are not completely making their way from the outer to the inner ear.

According to Medical News Today, approximately 15% of people over the age of 18 report some level of hearing loss. There are several diseases or conditions that can affect your hearing capabilities, such as:

  • Mumps
  • Meningitis
  • Lyme Disease
  • Syphilis
  • Chicken Pox
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Arthritis
  • Cytomegalovirus (a common herpes virus)
  • Cancers
  • Exposure to second-hand smoke as a teenager
  • Stroke
  • Tinnitus

If you have trouble hearing for an extended period, set up an appointment with Dr. Shuaib for a physical examination.

During your appointment, Dr. Shuaib will investigate your ear using a medical instrument called an otoscope. This common tool has a light on one end that allows him to examine the inside of your ear. With this device, Dr. Shuaib can discover if there is a wax buildup, infection, eardrum collapse or excessive fluid.

Other tests include:

Head and Neck Cancers
  • Bone oscillator test. This test uses a bone oscillator to assess the nerve function that carries sound signals to the brain.
  • Audiometer test: The patient is provided with sounds at different tones. Every time a sound is heard, the patient will signal.
  • Tuning Fork test: A tuning fork is a two-pronged metal instrument that generates a noise when hit. Testing with the tuning fork can help Dr. Shuaib detect the area of the hearing loss./span>

TREATMENT OPPORTUNITIES

There are several medical therapy options to help you regain some or all your hearing. The most common options are a hearing aid or a cochlear implant.

Several types of hearing aid are available. They come in a variety of sizes, circuits and power levels. While hearing aids will not cure deafness, they can amplify the sound entering the ear.

They are made up of a microphone, battery, loudspeaker and amplifier. They're very tiny and discrete and are fitted to rest comfortably inside your ear.

In some cases specifically related to cochlea function, Dr. Shuaib may opt for a cochlear implant. These will generally improve the understanding of speech. The most recent versions enable patients to enjoy music again or even go swimming.

HOW CAN I PREVENT HEARING LOSS?

While some hearing loss is caused by disease, accident or defect, there are other measures to moderate preventable hearing loss:

Head and Neck Cancers
  • Do not listen to sounds louder than 85 decibels for an extended period (e.g., a lawnmower-like volume)
  • Do not set a high volume on your TV, music-playing device or children’s toys
  • Wear earplugs if your job takes place in a noisy setting, such as a music venue or construction site
  • Wear earplugs to any festivals, concerts or sporting events

If you or your loved one is experiencing a loss in hearing, there is hope. You may be able to regain or restore your hearing capabilities with Dr. Shuaib.

Dr. Stefan Shuaib is one of the top head and neck surgeons in Texas and provides on-site diagnosis and treatment in the Rio Grande Valley. If you are concerned about any changes or symptoms you have been experiencing, it is important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shuaib by calling (956) 362-8125.