What is it?

Tinnitus refers to a problem where a patient continuously hears a noise that does not come from the external environment. The most common noise is a high pitched ringing. Others include cracking, hissing, buzzing, static, and many other sounds caused by:

• Noise exposure (i.e. heavy machinery, concerts, gunshots)
• Hearing loss due to aging
• Destruction of sensory hair cells in the ear
• High impact accidents
• Ear infections
• A foreign object
• Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders

Patients who experience tinnitus should contact our office for an appointment with Dr. Neil Goldhaber so a treatment plan can be made to help them.

How is it treated?

Tinnitus caused by ear infections, foreign objects, and TMJ disorders are often times easily treatable. By correcting the underlying cause of tinnitus—through the use of antibiotic medications, a foreign body removal, and TMJ relief treatment—
symptoms will go away.
Tinnitus caused by other factors may be more difficult to treat. Because there is no cure for tinnitus, treatment is geared towards managing symptoms. Any, all, or any combination of the following treatment options can be used:

• Hearing aids. Devices used to combat hearing loss.
• Sound therapy. External sound can be used to counteract tinnitus.
• Behavioral therapy. Managing emotions can decrease the severity of tinnitus.

Patients who are interested in alternative treatment options or options other than those mentioned above should contact our offices. When under the care of the right specialist, patients can expect long-lasting symptom relief.

What is it?

The vestibular system is a sensory system in the inner ear that controls balance and special orientation. Any of the following can cause problems in the vestibular system that may lead to vertigo and balance disorder:

• Ear infections
• Head injuries
• Medications
• Low blood pressure
• Eye muscle imbalance

Symptoms of vertigo and balance disorders can be quite uncomfortable, especially when they are severe. Any, all, or any combination of the following may present:

• Dizziness/Vertigo
• Faintness
• Spinning
• Lightheadedness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Because of the nature of these symptoms, affected patients may be limited in their day-to-day activities and possibly become anxious or depressed. Relief of symptoms is achieved through a treatment plan prescribed by an ENT specialist.

How is it treated?

Proper treatment revolves around accurately diagnosing the disorder (there are several types) and then treating it accordingly. Some of the treatment options prescribed may include:

• Anti-nausea medications. Reduce nausea, vertigo, and dizziness.
• Antibiotics. Medications used to treat infections that may be causing a disorder.
• Medication changes. Stopping or changing a medication that produces symptoms.
• Lifestyle modification. Limiting or eliminating tobacco, alcohol, and possibly caffeine usage. Diet and exercise programs may also be changed.
• Therapy. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy helps patients find ways to decrease vertigo and improve their ability to perform activities.

Research is continuously being conducted to find more treatment options—interested patients should discuss these alternatives by contacting our office.

What is it?

Balance disorders are very common among older adults. Millions of Americans have disorders of balance they describe as dizziness. The inner ear is comprised of the hearing sense organ, cochlea, and the balance system, vestibular system or semicircular canals. Balance and dizziness can be examined through different tests to allow for proper treatment.

Vestibular/Balance Assessment

• VNG/ENG
• Epley maneuvers
• ECOG

Vestibular Rehabilitation

What is it?

Hearing loss is one of the third most prevalent health condition facing older adults. Individuals with untreated hearing loss develop significant cognitive decline. Risk factors of untreated hearing loss include; memory decline, dementia, depression, and falls. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of hearing healthcare to meet the individual needs of our patients.  We welcome the opportunity to put our expertise to work for you.

Our services include;

• Diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology for adult and pediatric populations
• Selection and fitting of hearing devices
• Counseling and aural rehabilitation

Protecting our hearing is extremely important in the noisy world we live in today. According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), recreational activities that can put you at risk for noise-induced hearing loss include target shooting and hunting, snowmobile riding, listening to MP3 players at high volume through earbuds or headphones, playing in a band, and attending loud concerts. Harmful noises at home may come from sources including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and woodworking tools.

• Custom Earplugs
  • Custom ear plugs are appropriate for individuals who work in noisy environments, have noisy hobbies, or individuals who are easily bothered or annoyed by noises. Custom earplugs will reduce all noise around the individual. Different strengths of reduction can be chosen with the help of our Audiologist.
• Musicians earplugs
  • Musicians Earplugs have a filter that allows the sound to be suppressed while still being high in quality and undistorted. They are designed to protect musicians from high levels of noise that can be harmful to their hearing while providing them with the best sound quality available

• Swim plugs
  • Swim plugs or aqua seal earplugs are meant to eliminate water from getting into the ears during swimming and bathing. These plugs are typically used after ear infections and or tubes placed in the ears.