The Hearing Center at Tustin Ear, Nose & Throat

● Finding it hard to follow conversations when two or more people are talking● Trouble understanding others because of background noise● You often feel that people mumble or don’t enunciate clearly● Often asking people to repeat themselves● You notice you rely on watching people’s lips to understand what they’re saying● You prefer the TV or radio volume louder than others around you● Friends or family members mention that you may not hear as well as you used to

Hearing loss happens when the ear is not able to detect sounds as clearly or as loudly as it should. It can make speech sound muffled or unclear—especially in places with background noise. About one third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chances of developing itincreases with age.
There are different types of hearing loss, depending on which part of the ear is affected:● Conductive hearing loss happens when sound can’t move efficiently through the outer or middle ear (often due to earwax, fluid, or ear infections).● Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the inner ear or hearing nerve is damaged—commonly caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetics.● Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both.
Hearing loss can happen suddenly or gradually, and many people don’t realize how much they’re missing until they’re tested. It can affect communication, relationships, and even cognitive health.The good news is that most hearing loss can be effectively managed with hearing aids, medical treatment, or other listening strategies—helping you stay connected and confident in your daily life.

Tinnitus is the medical term for hearing a sound in your ears or head when no outside sound is present. It’s often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring, and may be constant or come and go.
Tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom that can be linked to several causes such as:● Hearing loss or loud noise exposure● Earwax buildup or ear infections● Certain medications● Jaw (TMJ) issues or circulation changes● Rare benign growths on the auditory nerve
Tinnitus is common and can affect people of all ages. While it can’t always be cured, many people find relief through sound therapy, hearing aids, stress management, specific supplements or lifestyle changes.

Many people are surprised to learn that dizziness and imbalance can be related to the ear. Your inner ear doesn’t just help you hear—it also helps control your balance. In your inner ear, there is your cochlea/hearing organ and there is also your vestibular organs/balance organs.
When there’s a problem in the inner ear, it can cause symptoms such as spinning (vertigo), lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or motion sensitivity. Audiologists are trained to evaluate how the ear’s balance system is working using specialized tests such as VNG (Videonystagmography).

A sudden loss of hearing (usually in one ear) should be treated as an urgent medical situation—not because it is life-threatening, but because time is critical for recovery. Sudden hearing loss often happens over the course of hours or up to three days, and early treatment—ideally within the first 24 to 72 hours—greatly increases the chance of regaining your hearing.
If you notice a rapid change in your hearing, such as waking up with hearing loss in one ear, feeling fullness in the ear, or hearing a sudden “pop” followed by muffled hearing, you should contact an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist as soon as possible. Prompt evaluation and treatment can make a major difference in the outcome.