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Each Mayo Clinic location has otorhinolaryngologists (Ear, nose and throat specialists – ENT) and audiologists experienced in treating hearing disorders of all kinds. Mayo Clinic has sophisticated diagnostic tools and offers virtually every treatment option, including surgery, hearing aids and cochlear implants. Mayo Clinic specializes in treating difficult cases of hearing loss.
Patients start with a hearing assessment by an audiologist, followed by a comprehensive interview and medical examination by an ENT doctor who specializes in ear problems (called an otologist). A battery of tests are then ordered, depending on each patient's medical needs. Read more about diagnosis.
Mayo Clinic offers treatment for hearing disorders. Patients whose conditions are treatable with medication or surgery will be treated by an ENT specialist. If there are no medical or surgical options, or the patient chooses not to pursue those options, an audiologist can provide hearing rehabilitation options, which may include hearing aids or other devices. Read more about treatment.
Gradual hearing loss that occurs as you age (presbycusis) is a common condition. An estimated one-third of Americans older than 60 and one-half older than 75 have a hearing impairment.
Over time, the wear and tear on the ears from noise contributes to hearing loss by damaging the cochlea, a part of the inner ear. Doctors believe that heredity and chronic exposure to loud noises are the main contributors to hearing loss. Other factors, such as earwax blockage, can prevent your ears from conducting sounds well.
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