Contact our practice in Philadelphia, near Bryn Mawr and King of Prussia, to schedule an audiology appointment for fitting hearing aids or hearing loss testing.
826 Main Street
Suite 201
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460
Tel: 610-415-1100
Fax: 610-415-1101
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1201 County Line Road
Suite 101
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
Tel: 610-520-0900
Fax: 610-520-0920
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525 Jamestown St
Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19128
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5 South Sunnybrook Road
Suite 300
Pottstown, Pennsylvania 19464
Tel: 610-326-3600
Fax: 610-326-4466
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255 Gordon Drive
Suite 101
Lionville, PA 19341
Tel: 610-524-5300
Fax: 610-524-0100
Click map for location and directions
525 Jamestown St
Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Philadelphia, King of Prussia, Bryn Mawr — Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, Audiology Services
Many people suffer from hearing loss and may not even know about it. In fact, it is estimated that one in every 10 Americans experience some degree of hearing loss. At Broker, Cramer & Swanson; Ear, Nose & Throat, our otolaryngologists offer patients in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, and King of Prussia various audiology services and treatment devices, including hearing aids, for exceptional hearing loss treatment and prevention.
Hearing Loss
When an individual is unable to hear sounds in a range of pitches anywhere in the normal audible spectrum, that person is said to be suffering from some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can be experienced in one or both ears; can occur either suddenly or gradually; and can be temporary, reversible, or permanent. The severity of hearing loss varies from patient to patient, ranging from mild to moderate to severe to profound. When hearing loss is very significant (approximately 90 dB or greater), that person is said to be deaf. People who are deaf cannot process speech or most noises in the environment, even with the use of hearing aids.
Types of Hearing Loss
There are many different types of hearing loss that an individual can experience. However, the three most common types include conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Also called nerve deafness, sensorineural hearing loss is the most common and most lasting form. This type of hearing loss occurs when the acoustic nerve or the inner ear is damaged, which makes it extremely difficult to understand speech or hear other noises in the environment. Sensorineural hearing loss can be treated with the use of hearing aids.
- Conductive Hearing Loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when damage to the outer or middle ear prevents incoming sound waves from reaching the inner ear. Individuals affected by conductive hearing loss perceive sounds on all frequencies as being somewhat muted. Conductive hearing loss can be treated with surgery or medications; however, it can lead to severe and permanent hearing impairment if left untreated.
- Mixed Hearing Loss. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Individuals with mixed hearing loss have sustained damage both to the inner ear and to the middle or outer ear. These people receive treatment for conductive hearing loss.
Through our extensive audiology testing, our otolaryngologists in Bryn Mawr, Philadelphia, and King of Prussia can determine which type of hearing loss you are experiencing in order to recommend the most effective treatment. To schedule a hearing evaluation, contact our otolaryngologists today.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Aging. One of the most common causes of hearing loss is the aging process. Hearing loss as a result of aging is known as presbycusis.
- Loud noise. Another extremely common cause is exposure to loud noises over an extended period of time. This type of hearing loss is also the most preventable.
- Genetic factors. Hearing loss due to genetic factors is also another very common condition. Scientists believe that genes are the cause of at least half of all hearing loss cases.
- Otitis media. Ear infections are the most common cause of hearing loss in children.
- Temporary blockage. In some cases, earwax and other fluids can block sounds from entering the ear, causing temporary hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is extremely common for those with swimmer's ear and allergies.
- Head or ear injuries. Eardrum perforation, tumors, and other head injuries can contribute to hearing loss.
- Disease. Some diseases, such as Meniere's disease and meningitis, can cause temporary hearing loss.
- Otosclerosis. Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear is another cause of hearing loss.
- Ototoxic medications. In some instances, medications and treatments such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and others can be toxic to the ear, resulting in hearing loss.
Contact our otolaryngologists in the Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, and King of Prussia areas for more information on other causes of hearing loss.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus refers to a constant distracting ringing sensation in one or both of the ears. The ringing can vary from a low pitch to a loud squeal and may come and go over time. Tinnitus is very common; more than 36 million people in the United States experience ringing in their ears.
Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is caused by damage to the acoustic nerve endings located in the inner ear. These nerve endings are vital to good hearing. Exposure to loud noises can permanently damage them, resulting in tinnitus or even hearing loss.
Tinnitus can also be caused by high or low blood pressure, diabetes, allergies, head injuries, thyroid problems, and medications such as antibiotics, sedatives, antidepressants, and aspirin. Tinnitus may also be a symptom of an even greater problem such as otosclerosis, or stiffening of the middle ear bones.
Treatment for Tinnitus
Currently, there is no specific treatment for tinnitus. An otolaryngologist can, however, prescribe medication that can help alleviate the ringing noise. There are also a few things patients can do to lessen the severity of the condition:
- Stay away from sources of loud noises and sounds. Doing so can also help prevent hearing loss.
- Decrease your intake of salt, caffeine, and other stimulants. Stimulants can impair your blood circulation and make tinnitus worse.
- Get plenty of exercise and rest to improve your circulation.
- Learn to ignore the ringing sensation, and try to mask the ringing sound with other noises.
- Use a hearing aid. Hearing aids not only help with hearing loss, but can also be effective at masking the ringing noise and helping it to go away temporarily.
These tips can help reduce or even eliminate the effects of tinnitus. If you live in Philadelphia or the surrounding areas, contact the audiology professionals at our ENT practice for more helpful tips on dealing with tinnitus.
Hearing Devices
Individuals from King of Prussia, Bryn Mawr, and Philadelphia can work around their hearing loss with hearing aids and other audiology devices that we carry at our practice. We offer a variety of hearing aids and cochlear implants designed to help enhance the sounds in the world around you.
Hearing Aids
The otolaryngologists at our practice serving the areas surrounding Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, and King of Prussia received extensive audiology training in providing hearing aids of the highest quality to patients suffering from hearing loss. We offer a wide selection of custom-fit digital and analog hearing aids, including behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, half-shell, in-the-canal, completely-in-canal, and receiver-in-the-ear varieties, to match many different lifestyles.
Hearing Aid Department –Broker, Cramer, and Swanson, ENT/Allergy
If you have difficulty hearing or understanding speech, you may benefit from a hearing aid. In order to more completely assess the improvement you will get from amplification, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment for a hearing aid consultation. During this appointment, a dispensing audiologist will discuss available technology that may be appropriate for your hearing loss.
We dispense a wide range of manufactures including Starkey, Resound, and Oticon. We offer behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, canal and completely in the-canal instruments with standard, programmable or digital technology. During the 30-day trial period, the hearing aid may be returned for a refund. Some insurance companies cover a portion of the cost of hearing aids; therefore, you should call your insurance company to determine your individual benefits.
Broker, Cramer, and Swanson, ENT offer the following for your hearing healthcare needs:
- Experienced audiologists-Our audiologists specialize in hearing aid technology and are up to date on the latest programming strategies to fit your hearing aid needs.
- Availability- Broker, Cramer, and Swanson ENT/Allergy are open daily and same day appointments are available.
- Stability- our patients can remain confident in our commitment to their hearing aid needs. Our audiologists have been dispensing aids for 30 years and have an excellent record of success.
- Physician Affiliation- The board-certified Otolaryngologists at Broker, Cramer, and Swanson, ENT/Allergy are available at our office for medical consultation when indicated.
- Diagnostic Evaluation- Our office has a full range of diagnostic tests and procedures to evaluate and treat hearing loss and dizziness. Our audiologists have expertise in treating all types of hearing loss.
Karen K. Real, MA, CCCA is a licensed clinical audiologist with over thirty years of experience in the hearing aid industry. She is board certified in Audiology and is the acting director of the hearing aid department at Broker, Cramer, and Swanson ENT/Allergy. She is available for consultations to help you with your hearing aid needs.
Call today for an appointment 610 415 1100
Fitting for Hearing Aids
Patients suffering from hearing loss who are interested in using hearing aids to improve their hearing should call our ENT practice to schedule an evaluation. During the appointment, one of our otolaryngologists will evaluate the patient's ears and degree of hearing loss in order to determine which hearing aids would be best for that patient. For maximum benefit, hearing aids should be selected and custom-fitted according to the patient's ear structure, listening needs and preferences, and dexterity. Once the proper hearing aids are selected for the patient, they will be tested in his or her ears. The patient will be able to test-run the new hearing aids for a period of time in order to become accustomed to them and make sure that they fit the patient’s lifestyle perfectly. To schedule an appointment for a hearing aid evaluation, please contact our ENT practice.
Two Hearing Aids vs. One
Individuals in the Philadelphia, King of Prussia, and Bryn Mawr areas who are suffering from hearing loss in both ears should consider wearing two hearing aids instead of one. Unlike a single hearing aid, two hearing aids can provide better amplification and restore stereophonic hearing, making speech clearer, especially in the midst of background noise. However, patients with significantly better hearing in one ear than in the other may benefit from wearing only one hearing aid. Our otolaryngologists can help you determine whether wearing two hearing aids is the best solution for you. Contact our practice to schedule a hearing evaluation appointment.
Cochlear Implants
Individuals from Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, or King of Prussia who have severe hearing loss may experience no benefit from wearing hearing aids. They may, however, be able to take advantage of cochlear implant surgery offered at our practice instead. Also known as bionic ears, cochlear implants are tiny electronic devices that are surgically placed in the ear and activated by a microphone that is worn on the outside of the ear. A speech processor, usually worn on the belt or in a pocket, translates sounds into electrical signals that are transmitted as radio waves past damaged nerves to the inner ear. Unlike hearing aids, a cochlear implant does not make sound clearer or louder, but instead stimulates the acoustic nerve in the inner ear so that people who are profoundly deaf can still receive sound.
Cochlear Implant Surgery
Before receiving cochlear implants, patients must undergo extensive ear and hearing evaluations to make sure that the procedure is best for their audiology needs. Our experienced otolaryngologists conduct comprehensive otologic and audiologic testing, as well as physical and psychological testing, to help prepare patients for the implant surgery.
During cochlear implant surgery, the surgeon creates an incision behind the ear and drills through the mastoid bone into the inner ear. The implant device is then inserted and the incision sutured shut. Cochlear implant surgery at our ear, nose, and throat practice is performed under general anesthesia and can last up to three hours. For more information on the benefits of cochlear implant surgery, contact our ear, nose, and throat surgeons today.
Hearing Loss Protection
Our otolaryngology practice offers not only a wide selection of devices that help impaired patients hear better, but also a range of devices that help protect hearing. Hearing protection devices such as ear plugs and earmuffs effectively reduce the intensity of sound that reaches the eardrum to prevent gradual hearing loss. These devices should be worn by those who work in extremely noisy environments.
Ear Plugs
Ear plugs are small inserts that fit snugly in the outer ear canal to decrease the intensity of low frequency noises in the environment. Our ear plugs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and they can be custom-made to properly fit and seal any patient’s individual ear canals. Ear plugs can even be attached to a headband for those who have trouble keeping them in their ears.
Earmuffs
Unlike ear plugs, earmuffs fit over the entire outer ear to block high frequency noises in the environment. They are firmly held in place by a headband.
Although ear plugs and earmuffs are each individually effective at reducing noise, when combined they offer more noise protection. Contact our practice to learn more about the ear plugs and earmuffs that we carry.
Contact Our Hearing Loss Professionals
If you live in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, or King of Prussia, our audiology professionals can provide hearing aids and other hearing loss treatments to help you hear clearly once more. Contact Broker, Cramer & Swanson; Ear, Nose & Throat to schedule an appointment today.