DepartmentConditions We Treat Close [Back to Overview](/departments/ear-nose-and-throat-otolaryngology/audiology-hearing-problems)## Explore department Request an Appointment ## Request an Appointment Request an Appointment ##### By Phone For general scheduling or help finding the right provider, call to speak to a member of our care team. ##### Schedule Online If you’ve already seen a provider in this department, you can request a follow-up with them in MyChart. [Schedule With MyChart](https://mychart.bmc.org/) Close Dialog Refer a Patient ## Refer a Patient Refer a Patient Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: [617.638.8124](tel:617.638.8124) Close Dialog ## Audiology (Hearing Problems) # Conditions We Treat Explore Audiology (Hearing Problems) **11 Conditions** ### Hearing Loss ### Hearing Loss Conductive hearing loss is a form of hearing loss where the transmission of sound from the environment to the inner ear is impaired, usually from an abnormality of the external auditory canal or middle ear. [Go to Detail Page](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/hearing-loss) ### Conductive Hearing Loss Conductive hearing loss results when there is any problem in delivering sound energy to your cochlea, the hearing part in the inner ear. [Go to Detail Page](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/conductive-hearing-loss) ### Children’s Hearing Loss As the parent of a child with newly diagnosed hearing loss, you will have many questions and concerns regarding the nature of this problem, its effects on your child’s future, treatment options, and resources. This brief guide will give you necessary initial information, and provide guidance about the availability of resources, and the respective roles of different care providers. [Go to Detail Page](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/childrens-hearing-loss) ### Ear Infection and Hearing Loss Otitis media refers to inflammation of the middle ear. When an abrupt infection occurs, the condition is called "acute otitis media." Acute otitis media occurs when a cold, allergy, and the presence of bacteria or viruses lead to the accumulation of pus and mucus behind the eardrum, blocking the Eustachian tube. This can cause earache and fever. [Go to Detail Page](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/ear-infection-and-hearing-loss) ### Genetic Hearing Loss An autosomal recessive trait is characterized by having parents who are heterozygous carriers for mutant forms of the gene in question but are not affected by the disorder. The problem gene that would cause the disorder is suppressed by the normal gene. [Go to Detail Page](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/genetic-hearing-loss) ### Infant Hearing Loss More than three million American children have a hearing loss, and an estimated 1.3 million of them are under three years of age. Parents and grandparents are usually the first to discover hearing loss in a baby, because they spend the most time with them. If at any time you suspect your baby has a hearing loss, discuss it with your doctor. [Go to Detail Page](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/infant-hearing-loss) ### Noise Induced Hearing Loss A Q&A with AAO-HNS Member Expert Barry E. Hirsch, MD, Professor, Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Director, Division of Otology; and Chair, AAO-HNS Hearing Committee. [Go to Detail Page](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/noise-induced-hearing-loss) ### Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) happens when there is damage to tiny hair cells in the cochlear and/or the auditory nerve. [Go to Detail Page](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/sensorineural-hearing-loss-snhl) ### Ear Infections and Disorders ### Tinnitus Tinnitus is commonly defined as hearing a sound in the absence of external sounds. Tinnitus is not a disease in itself but a common symptom, and because it involves the perception of sound or sounds, it is commonly associated with the hearing system. In fact, various parts of the hearing system, including the inner ear, are often responsible for this symptom. [Go to Detail Page](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/tinnitus) ### Otosclerosis The term otosclerosis is derived from the Greek words for "hard" (scler-o) and "ear" (oto). It describes a condition of abnormal bone growth around the stapes bone, one of the tiny bones of the middle ear. This leads to a fixation of the stapes bone. The stapes bone must move freely for the ear to work properly and hear well. [Go to Detail Page](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/otosclerosis) ### Ménière’s Disease Ménière’s disease (also called idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) is one of the most common causes of dizziness originating in the inner ear. [Go to Detail Page](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/menieres-disease) **Other Hearing Loss Conditions** - Sudden hearing loss - Age-related hearing loss **Pediatric Hearing Concerns** - Failed newborn hearing screenings - Delayed speech and language development due to hearing loss - Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) - Otitis media with effusion (fluid in the middle ear) **Other Ear Infections and Disorders** - Ear infections and fluid in the ear - Eustachian tube dysfunction - Chronic ear disease and surgical ear conditions