Difficulty following conversations, understanding speech in noisy places, or hearing the television may be signs of hearing loss. The ENT Center provides audiology and hearing services for adults and children at offices in Stamford, Westport, and Southport.

Hearing loss can show up in everyday conversations

Signs vary from person to person. Possible signs include:

• Asking people to repeat themselves often
• Finding it hard to understand speech in a noisy room or on the phone
• Hearing speech as muffled
• Turning up the television or other devices
• Missing parts of conversations, especially when more than one person is speaking

These signs do not by themselves diagnose hearing loss. A hearing evaluation can help assess what is happening.

Age-related hearing loss is the most common cause in adults

Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, develops gradually as people get older. It is the most common cause of hearing loss in older adults. Hearing loss can also have other causes, including noise exposure, illness, medications, and inherited factors.

For age-related hearing loss, hearing aids are a common treatment and may improve hearing. An evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to hearing changes and which next steps are appropriate.

Read more from NIDCD about age-related hearing loss. If you would like to discuss hearing aids at The ENT Center, book a separate 60-minute hearing-aid evaluation. See hearing-aid care and appointment details.

Hearing loss and dementia

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a potential modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. Appropriately fitted hearing aids are recommended for patients with age-related hearing loss.

Hearing loss is commonly described as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed

The type of hearing loss depends on which parts of the hearing system are affected:

• Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted normally through the outer or middle ear.
• Sensorineural hearing loss involves the inner ear or the nerve pathways that carry sound toward the brain.
• Mixed hearing loss includes both conductive and sensorineural components.

An audiologist can assess hearing and help identify the type and degree of hearing loss. An ENT physician may also evaluate possible medical causes and discuss treatment options.

The ENT Center provides hearing services in Stamford, Westport, and Southport

Call 203-353-0000 to request a hearing evaluation at one of The ENT Center’s Fairfield County offices.

Frequently asked questions

What are common signs of hearing loss?
Common signs can include difficulty understanding speech in noise, frequent requests for repetition, muffled hearing, and turning up the television. An evaluation is needed to assess hearing.

Does a hearing evaluation include a hearing-aid evaluation?
No. The hearing-aid evaluation is a separate 60-minute appointment and must be booked separately. If you want both visits, ask the scheduling team whether they can be scheduled on the same day.

What should I do if my hearing suddenly drops?
Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, needs immediate medical attention. Do not wait for a routine hearing appointment.