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Allen Park: 313-381-8787
Southfield: 248-304-7772

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Downriver ENT in Allen Park & Southfield

Downriver ENT has been providing exceptional care at our offices in Allen Park and Southfield, Michigan for over 30 years. Millions of Americans suffer from disorders in the ears, nose and throat and our specialists can pinpoint the cause of your discomfort and provide relief. Our doctors treat patients from all over the greater Detroit area with problems including allergies, throat disorders, nose and mouth issues, and more.

Downriver ENT – Ears

Astonishingly, one of every ten North Americans is affected by hearing loss. Hearing loss affects people of all ages and can be a result of numerous factors including noise exposure, medical conditions, ototoxic medications, and age. In general, adults’ ability to hear gradually declines over time until they reach the point in which they can no longer hear well enough in many environments. Of the millions of Americans affected by hearing loss, more than half are below the age of retirement. While the vast majority of these individuals have hearing loss that can be alleviated with the help of hearing aids, only 25% choose to actually use hearing amplification devices like hearing aids.

Common Signs of Hearing Loss

Because hearing loss is predominately an elongated process, it can be difficult to pinpoint the signs. The most common signs of possible hearing loss include:

Complaining that other are mumbling.

Difficulty hearing in situations with background noise.

Constantly asking others to repeat themselves.

Increasing the volume on devices such as the radio, tv, telephone, etc.

A general decrease in the quality of life.

Ringing and/or whistling in the ears or tinnitus.

Complaints of depression, fatigue, and/or stress.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a hearing disorder defined by a perception of sound in the ears when no external sound source is actually present. In most cases, individuals suffering from tinnitus claim to hear a high pitched ringing or whistling sound. In a recent study conducted by the American Academy of Audiology, it was estimated that some 29 million Americans suffer from some degree of tinnitus. Over 25% of Americans over the age of 65 are affected. Our talented otolaryngologists at Downriver ENT have numerous strategies and therapies that can be used to help mitigate tinnitus symptoms.


The Three Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss comes in many shapes and sizes and can range from a partial loss to full audio deprivation. Hearing loss can be broken down into three categories:

1. Sensorineural:
80% of hearing loss is sensorineural. Sensorineural hearing loss is the result of damage to the inner ear and/or auditory nerve. The cause of sensorineural hearing loss is difficult to pinpoint and is usually permanent. This type of hearing loss is usually treated with hearing amplication devices such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices, etc.

2. Conductive:
Roughly 20% of hearing loss in the United States is conductive meaning that problems within the middle and/or outer ear are causing the hearing loss. Conductive hearing situations can usually be addressed medically or surgically. After treatment, patients typically enjoy a complete or partial hearing improvement.

3. Mixed:
The remaining cases of hearing loss are a mix between components of conductive and sensorineural components. Mixed hearing loss cases are treated with medical attention and/or amplification devices.

Contact Downriver ENT in Southfield and Allen Park, Michigan

Thank you for trusting the specialists at Downriver ENT for your ear, nose, and throat care. If you or a loved one are suffering from Tinnitus or any type of hearing disorder, please call us at one of our two locations serving the greater Dearborn, Southfield, Allen Park, and Detroit Metro areas. We can be reached at our Allen Park office at 313-381-8787 or at our Southfield office at 248-304-7772. You can also contact us online. The path toward better hearing starts with a phone call to Downriver ENT. We hope to hear from you soon!