Hearing Loss

At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can access exceptional care for hearing loss. As a global leader in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For over a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for ear, nose and throat (ENT) and head and neck conditions.

Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for complex specialty care according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ENT and head and neck conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists has pioneered many of the otorhinolaryngological techniques used today and is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes. We assisted in the establishment of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety.

When you need care for hearing loss, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.

Hearing loss can take many forms, including:

• Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis): a gradual loss of hearing over time, typically affecting both ears equally and causing difficulty tolerating loud noises and understanding speech
• Sudden hearing loss: a rapid, unexplained loss of hearing that occurs suddenly or over several days. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
• Tinnitus: a ringing, hissing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be intermittent or persistent, often associated with other medical conditions like high blood pressure or allergies

Hearing loss may result from various factors, including:

• Chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease
• Earwax or fluid buildup
• Genetic variations
• Medications known to damage the inner ear
• Prolonged exposure to loud noise
• Ruptured eardrum
• Stroke or brain injury
• Viral or bacterial ear infections

Hearing loss can present in various ways, often depending on its cause and severity. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Challenges hearing on the phone or distinguishing sounds from background noise
• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Perception of muffled or distorted sounds
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Trouble hearing high-pitched voices, such as children’s
• Withdrawal from social settings due to difficulty following conversations

Montefiore Einstein’s team employs advanced diagnostic tools to identify the type and severity of hearing loss and its underlying cause. Diagnostic methods include:

• Hearing tests: audiometry, tympanometry and speech testing to evaluate hearing ability, ear function and speech clarity
• Imaging: computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify structural issues, tumors or abnormalities in the ear or auditory pathways
• Otoscopy: a physical examination of the ear canal and eardrum to check for blockages, infections or injuries
• Genetic testing: When hereditary factors are suspected, genetic testing may help pinpoint the cause of hearing loss.

At Montefiore Einstein, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments tailored to the type and severity of hearing loss. Options include:

• Assistive listening devices (ALDs): amplifiers that help patients hear sounds more clearly, especially in noisy environments
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices: tools like text-to-speech technology to support effective communication
• Cochlear implants: a surgical solution for severe hearing loss, converting sounds into electrical signals recognized by the brain
• Hearing aids: devices designed to amplify sound and improve communication
• Supportive therapies: speech therapy and auditory training to help patients adapt to their devices and optimize hearing