Hearing and balance issues are common among Americans of all ages, including children, adults, and the elderly. Flagstaff Surgical Associates in Flagstaff, Arizona, provides audiology services to people of all ages for hearing and balance problems and offers in-office testing and treatment to help you. Getting treatment for any hearing problems or balance difficulties can help you enjoy your life more and be safer going about your day-to-day tasks. To book an appointment, call the office or use the online tool today.

What is audiology?

Audiology is a medical specialty that examines the role of the inner ear and its components that are responsible for hearing and balance. Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat hearing disorders and balance problems like:

  • Hearing loss
  • Ear infections
  • Acoustic neuromas
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
  • Tinnitus
  • Balance disorders
  • Congenital hearing loss
  • Dizziness
  • Meniere’s disease
  • Motion sickness

They also diagnose conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss hearing disorders.

They perform a variety of tests to identify the cause of your hearing or balance issues and refer you to the appropriate specialists to treat your condition. Audiologists also provide hearing loss management options like hearing aids, balance training, cochlear implants, and osseointegrated hearing systems for adults and children.

What causes ringing in the ears?

 

There are a number of different causes for ringing in the ears, or tinnitus. Tinnitus can cause you to hear ringing, buzzing, or high and low pitched frequencies in one or both ears. Possible causes of tinnitus include:

  • Age-related hearing loss
  • Exposure to loud noises
  • Excess ear wax blocking the ear
  • Changes to the bones in your inner ear
  • Meniere’s disease
  • Injuries to your head, neck, or jaw
  • Acoustic neuromas

To determine the cause of your tinnitus symptoms, your Flagstaff Surgical Associates audiologist asks about the types of sounds you hear, when you hear them, and if any activities or movements make the sounds louder or quieter.

You can also undergo a series of tests to check your hearing and ability to sense certain frequencies. These tests can also help identify other hearing disorders.

Based on the cause of your tinnitus, your audiologist provides recommendations for treatment to reduce the severity or frequency of the ringing in your ears.

At Flagstaff Surgical Associates, your audiologist offers all testing, management, and treatment in the office for your convenience.

What are signs of a balance problem related to my ears?

Balance problems can occur if the components of your inner ears are inflamed, damaged, or irritated. Inside your ears is a structure called the labyrinth that is circular and contains a thick, viscous fluid that moves through the labyrinth when you move your head.

If there is a problem with the walls of the labyrinth or the fluid within, you can experience balance problems. Signs of balance problems include:

  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo, or sensations that you or your surroundings are spinning
  • Loss of balance when turning or tilting your head

Diagnosis and management of balance disorders can improve your safety, well-being, and quality of life.

For expert audiology services, contact Flagstaff Surgical Associates. Call the office or book online now.