Ear Care Specialist

What causes earaches?

Recurrent or persistent ear pain should be evaluated by a competent medical provider to determine the cause. Children experience more ear aches and infections than adults, as their developing ear anatomy makes it easier for fluid to develop behind the ear drum and for infections to occur

Ear pain in adults can be a warning sign of head and neck cancer, a problem with the jaw joint, or an infection of the outer or middle ear. Ear pain that occurs due to elevation changes like descending from the mountain or after an airplane flight is usually benign. You can often relieve this discomfort by yawning or chewing gum.

Sudden, intense ear pain accompanied by discharge from your ear is a sign of a ruptured eardrum. Head and neck injuries, infections, or even changes in water pressure while scuba diving can cause a ruptured eardrum. Additional symptoms might include a sensation of ringing in the ears or dizziness. 

What are hearing aids?

Hearing aids are electronic devices that work in or behind your ear. They work to amplify sound, helping you hear what’s going on around you. 

Just a few years ago, hearing aids were simply amplifiers and made both voices and background noise equally loud. For many they just weren’t that helpful. Modern digital programmable hearing aids can be adjusted on a computer to your match your individual hearing loss pattern, helping you discern the voices of friends and family above any background noise.

You can wear some devices that fit inside your ear canal. These are the smallest options, but they also don’t stay charged as long as others and use tiny batteries that can be difficult to handle. 

Other options sit in the outer portion of your ear. They often include more features than in-ear aids, like volume control. They’re more visible than smaller hearing aids but can improve moderate to severe hearing loss.

Some hearing aids fit behind your ear and have a small tube that connects to a piece that fits in your ear canal. They’re able to create maximum amplification. Some versions connect the in-ear and behind-the-ear parts with a thin wire. 

Sheridan Ear, Nose & Throat offers Oticon® and Starkey® hearing aids, among others. During your consultation, you’ll learn more about the pros and cons of all available options.

How do I know if I need a hearing aid?

Hearing loss can develop gradually, making it hard to know when it’s time for an assistive device like a hearing aid. Some signs that a hearing aid could be helpful include:

• Having to ask others to speak up or repeat themselves
• Difficulty separating sounds in a crowded room
• Increased irritability, frustration, or lack of patience 
• Needing to turn up the volume on your television or computer
• Trouble hearing conversations on the phone

When you’re ready, call or book an appointment online to meet with Dr. Bateman for a hearing check.