Hearing Loss Specialist
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Lexington ENT & Allergy
Otolaryngology located in Upper East Side, New York, NY
If you notice it’s getting more difficult to hear what people are saying, it’s time to schedule a hearing loss evaluation at Lexington ENT & Allergy. At the office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, experienced otolaryngologist Alexa Lessow, MD, offers comprehensive, in-office hearing evaluations to understand the root cause of hearing loss. Dr. Lessow also specializes in hearing aids to improve your hearing and services to protect your ear health. Schedule an evaluation for hearing loss by calling the office in New York City or by requesting an appointment online today.
Hearing Loss Q & A
What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss is often a side effect of the natural aging process. At 65, most people begin to experience some loss of hearing.
You can also suffer gradual hearing loss due to factors like:
- Ear infection
- Fluid in the ear
- Inner ear damage
- Ruptured eardrum
- Excessive earwax
- Exposure to loud noises
Most types of hearing loss aren’t reversible, but Dr. Lessow offers solutions to improve what you can hear and to protect your long-term hearing.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
You may notice that it’s difficult to understand what people are saying, especially in crowds or if there’s background noise. Other signs of hearing loss include:
- Difficulty hearing consonants
- Muffled sounds in the environment
- Needing the television or radio volume to be loud
Because of the difficulties you have hearing others, you may start to avoid conversations and social situations. You should seek a hearing evaluation at Lexington ENT & Allergy if a loss of hearing is having a negative impact on your life.
If you have a sudden loss of hearing, especially in just one ear, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Lessow right away for a diagnosis.
How is hearing loss diagnosed?
During your evaluation for hearing loss, Dr. Lessow reviews your personal and family medical histories. She examines your ear for signs of inflammation or a buildup of earwax.
Dr. Lessow offers several on-site hearing tests to evaluate what you can hear at different volumes. She may also recommend videonystagmography (VNG), a test to evaluate the inner ear vestibular system.
In some cases, Dr. Lessow may order an MRI of your brain to identify issues contributing to your hearing loss.
How is hearing loss treated?
Depending on the results of your diagnostic testing, Dr. Lessow creates a treatment plan that focuses on helping you hear more clearly and protecting your overall ear health.
If excessive earwax builds up, Dr. Lessow can gently remove the wax with specialized tools. She can prescribe an antibiotic to clear up an ear infection that is detected.
When hearing loss relates to the natural aging process or damage to your inner ear, Dr. Lessow may recommend a hearing aid, a small device that fits inside your ear and amplifies the sounds in your environment.
A variety of hearing aids are available, including one that goes deep inside the ear canal and isn’t noticeable to other people.
To get help for hearing loss, schedule a consultation by calling Lexington ENT & Allergy or by requesting an appointment online today.