The Audiology Department at Summit Health works in conjunction with the Ear, Nose, and Throat department. Audiology offers comprehensive diagnostic testing to identify and manage hearing and balance disorders for individuals of all ages. Audiology also offers options for hearing improvements, such as hearing aids and assistive listening devices.

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can affect individuals of all ages and their families. Aging is one of the strongest contributors to hearing loss, but additional factors such as genetics, ear wax build-up, noise exposure, and overall health (history) contribute to the type and severity of your loss. Many times tinnitus (the perception of a sound i.e., ringing, buzzing, whooshing, in the absence of an external stimulus) can co-occur with hearing loss, but this is not always the case. Our Audiology team can teach patients with hearing loss, and their families, about communication strategies and leading-edge hearing aid technology to manage difficult listening situations.

Common symptoms of hearing loss include:

  • Consistently turning up the volume of the television or radio
  • Hearing speech but not fully understanding what was said
  • Difficulty hearing in the presence of background noise
  • Avoiding or withdrawing from social situations

When to consult a provider:

  • If your hearing loss and/or tinnitus is affecting your life, and/or the lives of your loved ones.
  • If you experience sudden (complete or partial) loss of hearing. An event such as this warrants immediate medical attention.

Contact your primary care provider or consult an audiologist to set up an appointment. Our goal is to identify the cause of your hearing symptoms and find ways to improve your communication.