Expert Hearing Care at The New York Hearing Center
The New York Hearing Center offers expert evaluation, prevention, and treatment for hearing loss and related conditions across the New York region. Dr. Sperling and his audiology team are skilled in diagnosing and treating all types of hearing loss.
Otitis Media (Ear Infections)
Ear infections are the most common illness in children and can be both painful and potentially lead to permanent hearing loss. While antibiotics often provide quick relief from the pain, recurrent infections may require additional treatments.
Otosclerosis
Conductive hearing loss can occur when abnormal growths encase the small vibrating bones of the middle ear. In many cases, hearing loss caused by otosclerosis can be effectively treated with a surgical procedure called laser stapedotomy.
Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma is a non-cancerous growth resulting from the accumulation of skin cells and proteins behind the eardrum in the ear canal. If the cholesteatoma is small and hearing loss is minimal, a microscopic cleaning may suffice. For more advanced cases, a mastoidectomy may be necessary. This surgical procedure aims to remove both the cholesteatoma and any infections from within the mastoid bone.
Eardrum Perforation (Ruptured Eardrum)
Ear drum perforations or ruptures are typically caused by injuries or frequent infections. Repairing the tympanic membrane and/or the ossicular bones can restore the conductive mechanism and improve hearing.
Ossicular Chain Discontinuity
Conductive hearing loss can occur due to ossicular chain discontinuity or malformation, which disrupts the transmission of sound from the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to the inner ear. Ossicular chain reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to restore this sound transmission.
Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease
Autoimmune inner ear disease is a rare condition that many doctors may not be well-versed in. Dr. Sperling, however, has extensive experience in treating this uncommon disorder. Typically, prednisone is prescribed to suppress the immune system and slow the damage to inner ear structures. Additionally, intratympanic steroid injections can provide a powerful supplement to this treatment.
Meniere's Disease
Currently, there is no known cure for Meniere’s Disease, which is characterized by excess fluid and pressure in the inner ear. However, Dr. Sperling and his team at NYOG specialize in managing and alleviating the symptoms of this condition with personalized treatment plans. Most patients experience significant improvement with the appropriate care.
Tinnitus
An otolaryngologist will collaborate with you to identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and may recommend targeted treatments to eliminate the noise. Additional treatment options include mindful meditation, hearing aids, cochlear implants, electrical stimulation, cognitive therapy, medication, sound therapy, and TMJ treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The New York Hearing Center, led by Dr. Sperling and his audiology team, diagnoses and treats all types of hearing loss, including conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss. They offer expert evaluation, prevention, and tailored treatment plans to manage hearing impairments and related conditions.
Ear infections, especially common in children, can cause pain and potentially lead to permanent hearing loss if recurrent. While antibiotics often relieve pain quickly, recurrent infections may require more advanced treatments to prevent long-term damage and preserve hearing.
Otosclerosis causes conductive hearing loss due to abnormal bone growth in the middle ear. A common and effective surgical treatment is laser stapedotomy, which helps restore the vibration function of the small bones and improves hearing clarity in affected patients.
Cholesteatoma, a non-cancerous growth behind the eardrum, is treated based on its size and hearing loss severity. Small cases may be managed with microscopic cleaning, whereas advanced cases require a mastoidectomy to remove the growth and any infections from the mastoid bone.
A perforated or ruptured eardrum, often caused by injury or infection, can be repaired through surgical procedures that restore the tympanic membrane and ossicular bones. These repairs help restore sound conduction and improve hearing function.
Autoimmune inner ear disease is rare and requires specialized treatment. Dr. Sperling typically prescribes prednisone to suppress the immune system and slow ear damage. Intratympanic steroid injections are also offered as a potent supplementary treatment to protect inner ear structures.
While there is no known cure for Meniere’s Disease, the center offers personalized management plans to alleviate symptoms caused by excess inner ear fluid and pressure. Many patients experience significant improvement in their quality of life with appropriate treatment.
Tinnitus treatment at the center involves identifying underlying causes with an otolaryngologist and employing targeted therapies. Options include hearing aids, cochlear implants, electrical stimulation, cognitive therapy, sound therapy, medication, mindfulness meditation, and TMJ treatment to reduce or eliminate noise symptoms.