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Hearing Loss Treatment & Evaluation in Atlanta, GA
We understand that hearing loss is more than just a medical condition. It can affect everyday conversations, work meetings, and social interactions.
Our comprehensive hearing care approach is designed to help restore your confidence and connection to the world around you. Our audiology team works closely with our board-certified ENT physicians to provide a complete spectrum of hearing services under one roof. From initial evaluation through ongoing management, we're with you every step of the way.
Looking for help with hearing loss or hearing aids & products?
Common Signs of Hearing Loss
You may be experiencing hearing loss if you notice any of these common symptoms:
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Frequently asking others to repeat themselves or speak more clearly
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Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments like restaurants or social gatherings
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Turning up the television or radio volume to levels others find too loud
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Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, such as children's voices or birds chirping
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Feeling like people are mumbling or speaking unclearly
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Difficulty hearing on the telephone
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Withdrawing from conversations or social situations because it's too difficult to follow along
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Ringing, buzzing, or other noises in your ears (tinnitus)
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Feeling exhausted after conversations due to the effort required to listen
Hearing Tests & Diagnostic Audiology in Atlanta
At Piedmont Ear, Nose, Throat and Related Allergy, identifying the cause of your hearing concerns is an important first step toward finding the right treatment. Our audiologists use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate your hearing, determine the type and severity of hearing loss, and recommend care based on your specific needs.
Our audiometric hearing tests include more than a standard hearing screening. We perform in-depth evaluations to assess how different parts of the auditory system are functioning.
What to Expect During a Hearing Test
Your hearing evaluation at Piedmont ENT is a comfortable, non-invasive process that typically takes about an hour.
During the examination, our audiologist will first inspect your ears using an otoscope, a small handheld tool with a light used to look inside the ears. This allows us to check for any visible issues such as earwax buildup, infection, or structural abnormalities. We’ll then conduct a series of tests in a soundproof booth where you'll wear headphones and respond to various sounds at different pitches and volumes.
We may also perform speech testing to evaluate how well you understand words at different volume levels, tympanometry to assess middle ear function, and other specialized tests depending on your symptoms.
Audiometric Evaluations
Audiometric evaluations are the gold standard for measuring hearing sensitivity and function. These comprehensive tests provide detailed information about the softest sounds you can hear at various frequencies and how well sound travels through different parts of your ear.
Types of Hearing Loss We Treat
Not all hearing loss is the same. Understanding the type of hearing loss you have is essential for determining the most effective treatment approach.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of permanent hearing loss, occurring when there's damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways that carry sound signals to the brain. This type of hearing loss typically affects your ability to hear soft sounds and can make it difficult to understand speech, especially in noisy environments.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves can't efficiently travel through the outer or middle ear to reach the inner ear. This type of hearing loss often makes sounds seem muffled or quieter than normal, but speech clarity is usually preserved once sounds are loud enough.
Depending on the cause, treatment may involve earwax removal, medication for infections, surgical repair of the eardrum, or procedures to correct middle ear problems. Our ENT physicians are skilled in both medical and surgical management of conductive hearing loss.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, meaning there's damage in both the inner ear or auditory nerve and the outer or middle ear. This type of hearing loss requires a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both components.
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, is a gradual decline in hearing that occurs as we get older. It typically affects both ears equally and primarily impacts your ability to hear high-frequency sounds.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss results from prolonged exposure to loud sounds or a single exposure to an extremely loud noise.
You may be at risk for noise-induced hearing loss if you've worked in construction, manufacturing, or the military, or regularly attend concerts, ride motorcycles, or hunt.
Hearing Loss Treatment Options
Treatment for hearing loss depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause of your condition. At Piedmont ENT, our physicians and audiologists create personalized treatment plans for you.
Medical Treatment
Some forms of hearing loss may be caused by infections, inflammation, earwax buildup, or fluid in the middle ear. In these cases, medical treatment may help restore hearing and relieve symptoms.
Depending on the cause, treatment may include medication, ear cleaning procedures, or management of underlying medical conditions affecting the ears.
Surgical Treatment Options
Certain hearing conditions may require surgical treatment. Our ENT physicians provide comprehensive evaluation and surgical care for conditions affecting the eardrum, middle ear bones, and other structural issues that may contribute to hearing loss.
If surgery is recommended, your physician will explain the procedure, expected outcomes, and recovery process in detail.
Assistive Listening Devices
In addition to hearing aids, some patients benefit from assistive listening devices designed to improve communication in specific environments. These devices may help amplify sound during phone calls, television viewing, meetings, or conversations in noisy settings.
Ongoing Hearing Care and Monitoring
Hearing needs can change over time, making ongoing care an important part of treatment. Our team provides follow-up evaluations, hearing aid adjustments, and long-term hearing management to help you maintain the best possible hearing outcomes.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are one of the most common and effective treatment options for hearing loss. Today’s devices are smaller, more comfortable, and more advanced than ever before, offering features such as background noise reduction, Bluetooth connectivity, and customized sound settings.
Our audiologists will help you select and properly fit hearing aids based on your hearing needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Why Choose Piedmont ENT for Hearing Care in Atlanta?
At Piedmont Ear, Nose, Throat and Related Allergy, our team of ENT physicians and audiologists works together to provide complete hearing care in one location. From hearing evaluations and medical treatment to hearing aids and ongoing support, we focus on personalized care tailored to your needs.
We combine advanced diagnostic technology with a patient-centered approach to help you achieve the best possible hearing outcomes. Patients throughout the Atlanta area trust our team for thorough evaluations, clear guidance, and continued support throughout their hearing care journey. Schedule an appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Loss Treatment
What are the early signs of hearing loss?
Early signs of hearing loss may include asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the TV volume, difficulty hearing in noisy places, or ringing in the ears. If hearing issues are affecting daily conversations or activities, it may be time for a professional evaluation.
What causes hearing loss in adults?
Hearing loss in adults can have many causes. Aging and long-term exposure to loud noise are among the most common, but certain medications, medical conditions, ear infections, injuries, genetics, and even earwax buildup can also affect hearing.
Can hearing loss be reversed?
Some types of hearing loss can be reversed, especially when caused by earwax, infections, or middle ear issues. Others, such as inner ear or nerve-related hearing loss, are usually permanent but can often be effectively managed with hearing aids or other treatment options.
Everyone was very friendly and worked quickly to get me in and out. Felt very comfortable and was explained everything. Would highly recommend it!
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I came here for a second opinion. Dr. Hoffmann and her whole staff are amazing. They were so kind and welcoming. I’m glad I was able to come here and will continue coming here for my follow-ups.
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I have been a patient at PENT for 5 years and they are consistently helpful, professional, skilled, and thorough. Dr. Coleman is top-notch! From his office visits that are detailed and thoughtful, to his surgical skills that were amazing, topped off by his excellent sense of humor, he has greatly improved my life and health, and I heartily recommend him.
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I have been treated by Dr. Chin for almost 10 years. I’ve had chronic sinus issues for years. Not only is Dr. Chin a very gifted doctor but he is also a great man! When I sit in his chair I feel totally confident that I’m getting superior care. He’s got a great personality and makes me feel relaxed.
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I always have a great experience in my appointments with Jun Kim. She is very professional, thorough, relatable, and has a wonderful bedside manner. I always look forward to our appointments.
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