Hearing Aids SoCal’s Otolaryngology Experts
Hearing plays a crucial role in your overall well-being, from daily communication to fostering relationships. If you find yourself struggling to hear conversations, missing important sounds, or feeling disconnected from the world around you, a customized hearing aid may be the solution. Today’s advanced digital hearing aids offer exceptional clarity, discreet designs, and personalized programming to fit your unique lifestyle.
At Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT), our board-certified audiologists and ENT specialists provide comprehensive hearing evaluations and expert hearing aid fittings. We partner with leading hearing aid brands to offer cutting-edge solutions tailored to your specific hearing needs. Whether you’re experiencing age-related hearing loss, noise-induced damage, or a sudden decrease in hearing, we are here to help you regain confidence and reconnect with the sounds that matter most.
Hearing loss can develop gradually over time or occur suddenly, affecting how well you perceive sounds and communicate with others. It is one of the most prevalent health concerns among older adults, with nearly one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 experiencing some degree of hearing impairment. Of those over 75, nearly half struggle with hearing difficulties.
This condition can impact daily life in numerous ways, making it challenging to follow conversations, hear important warnings, or respond to doorbells and alarms. Beyond communication struggles, untreated hearing loss is also linked to balance issues and an increased risk of falls, as the inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining equilibrium. Over time, these difficulties can lead to frustration, social withdrawal, and a decline in overall well-being.
Hearing loss can be caused by various factors, including prolonged noise exposure, medical conditions such as diabetes, or the natural aging process.
At SoCal ENT, our skilled audiologists use state-of-the-art audiometric testing to assess your hearing with precision and care. If hearing loss is detected, we offer a full spectrum of treatment options, including advanced hearing aids, medical management, and preventive strategies. Our close collaboration with board-certified otolaryngologists (ENT doctors) ensures that each patient receives a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan tailored to their needs.
While age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is more common among seniors, hearing issues can develop at any stage of life. Many adults have not had their hearing tested since childhood, and early detection is key to preserving long-term auditory health. A standard audiogram performed by a Doctor of Audiology at SoCal ENT provides valuable insight into your hearing ability and helps identify potential concerns early. If hearing loss is detected, our specialists can recommend discreet, high-tech hearing solutions designed to fit your lifestyle while enhancing your hearing experience. Even if your hearing is currently normal, establishing a baseline test allows for accurate comparisons in the future, helping you proactively monitor your hearing health.
A standard hearing test measures your ability to hear sounds across the full range of speech frequencies (250-8000 Hz). Performed by an audiologist or under their direct supervision, the evaluation begins with an otoscopic examination to check the health of the ear canal and eardrum. The test is conducted using supra-aural headphones or insert earphones and typically lasts about 15 minutes.
The primary purpose of this assessment is to determine the softest sounds a person can detect at different frequencies, helping to identify potential hearing loss. The results are recorded in an audiogram, a visual chart that maps hearing sensitivity across various frequencies. If a more comprehensive evaluation is needed, additional testing—such as bone-conduction assessments and speech discrimination tests—may be recommended to gain a deeper understanding of hearing function.
A comprehensive hearing test provides an in-depth evaluation of your hearing health, conducted by an audiologist or ENT specialist. This assessment includes a standard hearing test, which measures your hearing sensitivity across speech frequencies (250-8000 Hz) using air conduction.
In addition to air-conduction testing, a bone-conduction hearing test is performed to assess inner and middle ear function. By transmitting sound through vibration, this test helps determine whether hearing loss originates from the middle ear or deeper within the auditory system. Speech testing is also included to evaluate functional hearing acuity, measuring how well you understand speech in various listening conditions. Our specialists may recommend a comprehensive hearing evaluation to obtain a detailed and accurate understanding of your overall hearing health.
A tympanogram is a visual representation of how the eardrum responds to changes in air pressure within the ear canal. When sound waves reach the eardrum, some of the sound is absorbed and transmitted through the middle ear, while the rest is reflected back. Tympanometry is used to assess middle ear function, helping to detect conditions that may impact hearing.
This test can identify abnormalities such as excess earwax (cerumen), middle ear infections (otitis media), or a perforated eardrum, all of which can affect sound transmission. Often performed alongside a standard hearing test (audiometry), tympanometry provides valuable insight into your overall hearing health and middle ear condition.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing is used to evaluate the function of the inner ear (cochlea) by measuring the response of its tiny sensory hair cells. When sound enters the ear, these hair cells vibrate, producing a faint echo-like sound that travels back into the middle ear. This response, known as an otoacoustic emission, is recorded using a small probe with a built-in microphone placed inside the ear canal.
The presence or absence of these emissions helps determine hearing function and potential blockages. If hearing loss exceeds 25-30 decibels (dB) or if there is an obstruction in the outer or middle ear, the emissions may not be detected. This non-invasive test is performed in a quiet environment and requires no active participation, making it a valuable tool for assessing cochlear health and overall hearing function.
Hearing aids are small, advanced electronic devices designed to amplify sound for individuals with hearing loss. Each device consists of three main components:
Modern digital hearing aids go beyond simple amplification by using smart technology to filter out background noise, enhance speech, and adapt to different listening environments. They can be programmed to target specific frequencies, ensuring natural and personalized hearing for each user.
Hearing aids come in a variety of styles to fit different hearing needs and personal preferences. At SoCal ENT, our audiologists help you choose the best option based on your hearing loss severity, lifestyle, and comfort.
These sit behind the ear and connect to an earpiece that fits inside the ear canal. They are durable, powerful, and ideal for all levels of hearing loss.
Similar to BTE models, but smaller and more discreet, RIC hearing aids place the speaker directly in the ear canal for natural sound quality.
Custom-made to fit within the outer ear, these offer a balance of power and discretion, making them great for mild to moderate hearing loss.
The smallest and most discreet options, these sit deep inside the ear canal, making them nearly invisible while providing excellent sound enhancement.
With so many hearing aid brands available, selecting the right device for your lifestyle, level of hearing loss, and ear anatomy is an important decision. At SoCal ENT, our Doctors of Audiology have the expertise and experience to guide you toward the best hearing aid solution for your specific needs. We work with leading hearing aid manufacturers to ensure our patients receive high-quality, customized devices that enhance their hearing and daily experiences. Here are just some of the brands we offer:
Known for cutting-edge connectivity and made-for-iPhone hearing aids.
A U.S.-based brand focused on enhancing speech clarity and background noise reduction.
Danish-engineered hearing aids designed to improve natural sound perception.
Formerly Siemens, known for discreet, high-performance hearing aids.
A global leader in premium digital hearing aid technology.
Swiss-designed hearing aids offering exceptional sound clarity and durability.
Our audiologists will help you select, fit, and customize the perfect hearing aid for your lifestyle.
Hearing aids are designed to improve hearing clarity for individuals experiencing:
Hearing loss doesn’t just affect communication—it can impact cognitive function, mental well-being, and even balance. That’s why seeking professional hearing care early is essential.
Modern hearing aids offer life-changing benefits, helping you:
With expert fitting and support from SoCal ENT, you will be paired with hearing aids tailored to your specific needs for a comfortable and effective experience.
If you experience trouble hearing in conversations, difficulty understanding speech, or frequently ask people to repeat themselves, a hearing evaluation can determine whether a hearing aid is right for you. You may benefit from hearing aids if you:
At SoCal ENT, we provide comprehensive hearing tests and expert recommendations to help you find the best hearing aid for your needs.
Don’t let hearing loss diminish your quality of life. At SoCal ENT, we offer state-of-the-art hearing aids and expert care to help you hear with clarity and confidence.
Most hearing aids have a lifespan of 3-7 years, depending on care and usage.
While hearing aids do not cure hearing loss, they significantly improve clarity and communication.
Yes, many modern hearing aids include sound therapy features to help manage ringing in the ears.
A hearing test with an audiologist is the best way to determine if a hearing aid is right for you.
