Hearing Loss in Gurnee & Libertyville
Hearing loss can affect anyone—gradually or suddenly, mildly or severely. You might not notice it right away, but missed words, higher TV volumes, or difficulty hearing in noisy rooms can quietly impact daily life. At Lake County ENT, we identify the exact type and cause of hearing loss and offer customized solutions to help you reconnect with the sounds around you.
What it is
Partial or total inability to hear sounds, caused by problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear—or in the hearing nerve itself.
Who it affects
People of all ages. Common causes include aging, loud noise exposure, ear infections, wax buildup, or certain medications.
How we help
Comprehensive hearing evaluations, advanced testing, and personalized treatment plans for long-term hearing health.
Having trouble following conversations or asking people to repeat themselves? Schedule a hearing evaluation today.
Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive
- Sound waves can’t efficiently reach the inner ear.
- Often caused by earwax, fluid, infection, or eardrum/middle-ear issues.
- Usually temporary and treatable with medication or minor procedures.
Sensorineural
- Damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or hearing nerve.
- Commonly related to aging, noise exposure, or genetics.
- Typically permanent—but hearing aids or amplification can help.
When to call us: If you notice new hearing loss, muffled hearing, or ringing in one or both ears—especially if it develops suddenly.
Call 911 for hearing loss following head injury or accompanied by severe dizziness or facial weakness.
How We Diagnose Hearing Loss
Our Evaluation
We begin with a detailed conversation and ear exam to determine whether the issue is temporary or chronic.
- Otoscopy (visual ear inspection)
- Review of symptoms, history, and medications
- Assessment for wax buildup or infection
Tests We May Use
- Audiogram: Determines hearing thresholds and frequency sensitivity.
- Tympanogram: Evaluates eardrum movement and middle-ear pressure.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE): Measures inner-ear hair cell response.
Not sure what’s causing your hearing changes? We’ll find the cause and guide your next steps.
Treatment Options
Medical Care
- Earwax removal or infection treatment when appropriate
- Medications for inflammation, allergies, or Eustachian tube issues
- Steroids or antivirals for sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Hearing Rehabilitation
- Hearing aids: Modern, discreet, and digitally programmable devices
- Assistive devices: TV streamers, phone amplifiers, or Bluetooth options
- Protective strategies: Hearing conservation counseling and follow-up testing
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Listen & evaluate: Discuss your hearing concerns and lifestyle needs
- Exam & testing: Comfortable, painless hearing evaluation
- Plan together: Review results and create your personalized care plan
Good to Know
- Early treatment helps prevent further hearing decline.
- Most people notice immediate quality-of-life improvements with hearing aids.
- We offer follow-up and ongoing hearing protection advice.
Ready to reconnect with the sounds of life? Let’s start with a simple hearing test.
FAQs
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Don’t wait to hear life clearly again. Schedule your hearing evaluation with Lake County ENT today.