Hearing issues encompass more than just the inability to hear. They include conditions such as hearing loss, balance disorders, and tinnitus, which can have a significant impact on one's quality of life. The link between hearing loss and other major health concerns, including dementia, depression, diabetes, and heart disease, highlights the urgency of addressing these issues promptly.

At Southwest Balance, Dizziness & Ear Institute in Phoenix, we specialize in diagnosing and treating these three common hearing issues. Our approach focuses on reducing risks through preventive measures and providing personalized treatment plans to enhance the lives of those affected by hearing and balance disorders.

Hearing Loss

At Southwest Balance, Dizziness & Ear Institute, we understand that hearing loss is a multifaceted issue that can stem from various causes. Our team specializes in diagnosing and treating different types of hearing loss, ensuring personalized care for each patient:

• Types of Hearing Loss:some text
  • Sensorineural Hearing Loss occurs due to damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, often caused by aging, loud noise exposure, genetics, or accidents.
  • Conductive Hearing Loss happens when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear, usually because of earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, or ear infections.
  • Mixed Hearing Loss combines both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, requiring a comprehensive approach for effective treatment.
• Symptoms to Watch For:some text
  • Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments.
  • Asking others to repeat themselves frequently.
  • Increasing the volume on devices higher than usual.
  • Experiencing tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, which often accompanies hearing loss.
• Preventive Measures and Treatments:some text
  • Regular hearing checks, especially for adults over 50, to monitor changes and address issues early.
  • Using ear protection in loud environments and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent hearing loss.
  • Treatment options include earwax removal, surgery for structural issues, hearing aids for inner ear damage, and cochlear implants for severe cases.

Our commitment at the institute is to guide you through understanding your hearing health, providing state-of-the-art care tailored to your specific needs.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus, often perceived as ringing, roaring, or buzzing without an external source, is a condition that affects 10 to 25% of adults and can either improve or worsen over time. Our team at Southwest Balance, Dizziness & Ear Institute is well-versed in the complexities of tinnitus, understanding that it can stem from various causes such as noise exposure, ear injuries, ear conditions, medications, and certain medical conditions.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:

• Symptoms: Sounds may be heard in one or both ears, varying from soft to loud, low to high pitched, and can be continuous or intermittent 4.
• Diagnosis: Involves a thorough physical examination, review of medical history, and audiological tests to accurately identify the presence and severity of tinnitus.

Treatment and Prevention:

• Treatment Options: We offer a range of treatments including addressing underlying causes, sound therapies, behavioral therapy, and medications tailored to each patient's specific needs.
• Prevention Tips: We emphasize the importance of using hearing protection, reducing volume levels, maintaining cardiovascular health, and limiting intake of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine to help prevent tinnitus.

Our approach is comprehensive, focusing not only on treatment but also on helping our patients adapt to and manage their condition to achieve a better quality of life despite tinnitus.

Balance Disorders

At Southwest Balance, Dizziness & Ear Institute, our expertise extends to the intricate realm of balance disorders. These conditions, often marked by sensations of unsteadiness or dizziness, can significantly impact daily life. Understanding the causes and symptoms is the first step towards effective management and treatment:

• Causes of Balance Disorders:some text
  • Inner ear infections (Vestibular Neuritis, Labyrinthitis)
  • Dislodged calcium crystal particles causing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
  • Circulatory problems, head or neck injuries, infections, effects of medication, nervous system diseases, migraine headaches, and stroke
• Symptoms to Look Out For:some text
  • Dizziness, vertigo, feeling as if you are going to fall
  • Lightheadedness, faintness, blurred vision, confusion, disorientation
  • Nausea, vomiting, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, fear, anxiety, or panic
• Our Approach to Treatment:some text
  • Advanced Vestibular Treatment (AVT) with a 93% success rate in improving balance dizziness and vertigo
  • Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations using modern technology
  • Personalized treatment plans including balance retraining exercises, Epley maneuver, and lifestyle changes

Our dedicated team is committed to guiding you through the journey to regain balance and confidence in your daily activities.

Southwest Balance, Dizziness & Ear Institute in Phoenix

At Southwest Balance, Dizziness & Ear Institute in Phoenix, AZ, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive suite of services tailored to address hearing loss, balance disorders, and tinnitus, leveraging over 75 years of combined experience and cutting-edge technology. Our commitment is to provide personalized, efficient, and quality service, helping you navigate through your journey to better hearing and balance with the utmost care and expertise. Contact us today to book an appointment.