Hearing Loss

Our team of audiologists have over 50 years of combined experience.

Audiology at Family Ear, Nose & Throat

Family Ear, Nose & Throat offers diagnostic hearing evaluations for individuals of all ages, including children. Our team of audiologists use a variety of tools, including pure-tone testing, speech audiometry, and impedance testing to determine the type, nature, and severity of any hearing loss present.

The audiology department at Family Ear, Nose & Throat is comprised of Lisa Tessier, Au.D., Elizabeth Brown, Au.D., Michele McCarthy, Au.D., and Missy Graziani, Au.D. All of our audiologists hold a Doctorate in Audiology and have been extensively trained in diagnostic testing and rehabilitative services. Together, they have over 50 years of experience assisting people with hearing loss and helping them find long term solutions. The audiologists work closely with the medical staff at Family Ear, Nose & Throat in evaluating hearing loss, vestibular disorders, and tinnitus in both adults and children.

Hearing Conditions

Presbycusis

Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) is a type of hearing loss that is the result of the aging process. This causes difficulty hearing high pitches before low pitches. Common experiences of individuals with this kind of hearing loss include:

It sounds like everyone is mumbling
You need to ask people to repeat themselves
Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
Trouble hearing on the phone or when watching TV

For those with presbycusis, the solution is not to just turn up the volume on everything. Instead, we can amplify particular pitches in order to improve clarity of sound without making everything seem loud.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or within the hearing nerve. This type of hearing loss is often due to genetics, age, noise exposure, medication, or disease. Sensorineural hearing loss responds well to hearing aids.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is when sound can’t travel from the outer ear to the inner ear. This is usually due to a build-up of earwax, trauma to the ear, or because of an ear infection. Conductive hearing loss can be successfully corrected with antibiotics or surgery.

Cognition and Hearing

Hearing loss can do more than just affect your ability to hear. It can also affect your ability to effectively communicate with your family and friends. Hearing loss affects your ability to hear and process certain sounds and frequencies. When left untreated, eventually your brain will forget those sounds. This can lead to cognitive decline and even dementia. In order to be proactive about your hearing and your overall health it’s important to manage the signs of hearing loss early with hearing aids. With hearing aids, you will be able to clearly hear the sounds you have been missing, keeping your brain active and healthy.

Audiology Services

Hearing Tests in Kittery, ME and Portsmouth, NH

If you are having a hard time hearing high-pitched or soft sounds, or it is difficult to hear when there is background noise, then you may benefit from a hearing test. Our experienced team includes certified audiologists who can test your hearing and examine your ears for any problems.

After a case history, the hearing test will allow us to diagnose any signs of hearing loss, its severity, the cause of the problem, and will help us find a treatment option. We offer the following hearing tests:

Pure Tone Audiometry
Speech Audiometry
Tympanometry
Auditory Function Tests
Bone Conduction Test
Otoacoustic Emissions

Ear Cleaning

Cerumen, better known as earwax, is a natural oily substance produced by glands in your ear canal. It keeps the canal clean and protects it from foreign substances such as dust, microorganisms, and water. If earwax accumulates in large quantities, it may cause hearing loss, pain, or a feeling of fullness in the ear.

We can remove excess wax and treat any external ear infection that may have developed. Some forms of earwax can easily be removed with a special tool, while other forms may require water irrigation.

Custom Hearing Protection

We can take molds of your ears to create custom hearing protection, musician’s earplugs, surfer’s plugs, sleep plugs, and swim molds. Custom hearing protection, such as earplugs, are great for those who are exposed to loud noises frequently and can be used for hunting, listening to music, and motorsports.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus, commonly known as “ringing in the ears,” affects millions of Americans. Tinnitus occurs when a constant sound seems to originate in your ear or head. Tinnitus can present itself as ringing, roaring, buzzing, hissing, or something else along those lines.

People often report that their symptoms sound louder when the environment is quieter (e.g., when getting ready for bed at night). Tinnitus can be caused by many factors, a few include: