There are a variety of reasons for hearing loss. Treatment plans are developed at each of our Twin Cities Metro area offices only after a comprehensive series of tests and examinations are performed to determine the cause and type of hearing problem involved. Hearing can be affected by medication, disease and, more commonly in children, otitis media or middle ear infection. The information provided on this website just scratches the surface of the complexities in healthcare for the ear. We invite you to contact us for additional information or to schedule an appointment.
Conductive Hearing Loss - occurs when sound vibrations are not properly conducted through the middle ear to the inner ear. Some possible causes could be an ear infection or fluid, otosclerosis or wax blockage. Management of conductive hearing loss can sometimes be improved by a hearing aid, or alternative surgical management may be the treatment of choice. Each option would be discussed with your physician to determine which is best for you.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss (nerve type) - this type of hearing loss originates in the inner ear along the hearing nerve and can be a result of noise exposure or, less commonly, Meniere's Disease, medications, multiple sclerosis or a viral infection.
Mixed Hearing Loss - occurs with a combination of both conductive and sensorineural components. This type of hearing loss can, in some cases, be improved with surgery, or alternatively a hearing aid may be recommended
Otosclerosis is a condition where excess bone begins to form across the membrane that leads into the inner ear, causing gradual hearing loss. Our audiologists will obtain the appropriate audiological testing required to diagnose otosclerosis. Otosclerosis may be inherited.
Stapedectomy is the surgery performed to correct otosclerosis. The goal of the surgery is to reopen the membrane by removing the bony formation. The surgery utilizes a microscope and is performed via the ear canal under local anesthesia with IV sedation. During the surgery, the eardrum is lifted to allow access to the middle ear, and the bony formation is removed and replaced by a substitute prosthesis, usually made up of a synthetic material. The results of the surgery may be immediately recognized in the operating room.
To ensure that we are providing the most comprehensive hearing loss treatment available, our clinics in Maplewood, St. Paul, Woodbury and Eagan all have Midwest Hearing Aid Systems offices and dedicated professional audiologists on staff.
What Is an Audiologist?
Audiologists are specially trained in identifying, assessing and managing disorders of the auditory, balance and neural systems. Because of their extensive training and experience, audiologists are uniquely qualified to evaluate hearing and recommend treatment for hearing loss, if appropriate. All of our audiologists are certified and hold masters or doctoral degrees in audiology from an accredited university or college.
Midwest Hearing Aid Systems offices provide a full range of audiological services, including:
Hearing aids are electronic instruments that require batteries and maintenance and typically come with a two-year warranty. During the warranty period, any adjustments, modifications or repairs will be performed at Midwest Hearing Aid Systems at no charge.
Hearing aids are designed to improve communication and quality of life - they will not restore your hearing nor will they prevent additional hearing loss. Our audiologists in Minneapolis and Western Wisconsin will provide you with detailed procedures on how best to care for and adapt to your new hearing aid.
If you are in need of hearing loss treatment, contact our otolaryngology practice in Woodbury, Eagan, Maplewood or St. Paul.
Tips to Aid in Better Communication
INTERESTING FACT ABOUT THE EAR: Wearing headphones for an hour can increase the bacteria in your ears by up to 700 times.
The most common medical problem seen by our physicians in Western Wisconsin and at our Minneapolis St. Paul facility is middle ear infection (otitis media). In fact, over 10 million children are treated each year for ear infections. This problem may occur in adults also, although much less frequently. Otitis media is also the most common cause of hearing loss in children.
The ear is a very complex structure consisting of three sections - the outer, inner and middle ear. The outer ear is the visible part of the ear. It picks up vibrations from sounds and transmits signals to the middle ear. The middle ear takes these vibrations to the inner ear via three small bones. The inner ear contains the nerve endings that ultimately make hearing possible. The eustachian tube connects the inner ear to the throat, allowing excess secretion to drain from the middle ear to the nose and throat. When this drainage does not work properly, the inner ear is susceptible to infection. The Eustachian tube does not fully extend downward during childhood, making children more susceptible to ear infections.
Ear infections usually follow some type of upper respiratory problem such as the common cold. Often otitis media clears when treated properly with antibiotic therapy. However, if the fluid or effusion does not clear, it may become chronic and last for weeks or months. When otitis media does not respond well to antibiotics, you or your primary physician may refer your child to an otolaryngologist at our Western Wisconsin and Minneapolis/St. Paul area clinics. The otolaryngologist may recommend a surgical procedure to drain the fluid and insert a tiny tube through a small incision in the eardrum. The tube helps by equalizing air pressure and preventing accumulation of fluid in the middle ear. It also improves hearing. Most tubes remain in the eardrum for several months and then come out with normal growth of the eardrum, leaving little, if any, scarring.
If you think your child may be suffering from an ear infection, don't wait. Schedule an appointment with one of our otolaryngologists in Western Wisconsin or the Minneapolis St. Paul area.
Midwest ENT Clinics
We also provide services in the following Western Wisconsin cities:
Contact Midwest ENT Specialists for an appointment with one of our ENT doctors in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Twin Cities areas or Western Wisconsin by completing the form below.
States established patients should not use this to contact their physician for medication refills or medical advice. Please call the office you where you were seen as a patient.