Ear Conditions and Hearing

Hear Clearly. Stay Connected.

Ear Conditions and Hearing

Ear and hearing problems can affect communication, concentration and everyday comfort. Hearing changes, ringing in the ears, recurring infections and persistent pressure or pain can make it harder to stay engaged in daily life.

At SCENT, Dr. Wendy McConnell provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for ear and hearing conditions, with care focused on identifying the cause of your symptoms and determining the right path forward.

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Common Ear & Hearing Conditions

Ear and hearing symptoms can have many different causes. Understanding what is behind them is the first step toward protecting your hearing and finding appropriate treatment. Dr. McConnell evaluates and treats a wide range of ear and hearing conditions, including:

  • Hearing loss
  • Tinnitus
  • Ear infections
  • Ear pain
  • Ear pressure or fullness
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction
  • Ruptured eardrum
  • Balance or dizziness concerns

Understanding Changes in Your Hearing

Understanding Changes in your Hearing

Hearing changes, ringing, pressure and discomfort can develop for many reasons. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether symptoms are related to the ear canal, eardrum, middle ear, hearing system or another underlying condition.

Dr. McConnell takes time to understand what you are experiencing, when your symptoms began and how they are affecting your daily life. Based on your needs, evaluation may include a detailed ear examination and appropriate hearing or diagnostic testing to help guide treatment.

Understanding Changes in your Hearing

Treatment Focused on Better Hearing & Comfort

Treatment depends on what is causing your symptoms and how they are affecting you. Dr. McConnell develops an individualized treatment plan based on your diagnosis, hearing needs and overall condition.

Medical Treatment

Ear infections, inflammation and other conditions may be treated with medications or other nonsurgical approaches designed to relieve symptoms and address the underlying cause.

Hearing & Diagnostic Care

Hearing changes, tinnitus or recurring ear problems may require additional evaluation and testing to better understand hearing function and identify contributing conditions.

Procedural & Surgical Care

When appropriate, procedural or surgical treatment may be considered for persistent infections, eardrum problems, Eustachian tube dysfunction or other conditions affecting the ear.

When Should You See an ENT?

Occasional ear discomfort may resolve on its own, but persistent or recurring symptoms may signal a problem that needs attention. An ENT evaluation may be appropriate if you are experiencing:

  • Hearing that has noticeably changed
  • Ringing or buzzing in the ears
  • Ear infections that keep returning
  • Persistent ear pain or pressure
  • A feeling of fullness in the ear
  • Drainage from the ear
  • Balance or dizziness concerns

If ear or hearing symptoms continue to affect communication, comfort or daily activities, a specialized evaluation can help identify the cause and determine what treatment may provide relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ear and hearing symptoms can raise questions about what is causing them, whether hearing may be affected and what treatment may involve. Here are answers to some of the questions patients commonly have about ear and hearing conditions.

Why does my ear feel clogged or full?

Ear fullness can have several causes, including congestion, fluid, earwax or Eustachian tube dysfunction. An examination can help determine what is causing the sensation.

What causes ringing in the ears?

Tinnitus can be associated with hearing changes, noise exposure and several ear-related conditions. Evaluation can help identify possible contributing factors and determine appropriate next steps.

Can recurring ear infections affect my hearing?

Yes. Infection, inflammation or fluid in the middle ear can temporarily affect hearing. Recurring problems should be evaluated to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Why does my hearing seem worse in one ear?

Hearing can differ between ears for several reasons. A noticeable or persistent difference should be evaluated to determine whether an ear or hearing condition is contributing.

Does hearing loss always mean I need hearing aids?

No. Treatment depends on the type and cause of hearing loss. An evaluation can help determine what is affecting your hearing and which treatment options may be appropriate.

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Ready to Hear and Feel Better?

Persistent ear or hearing problems do not have to interfere with everyday life. Request an appointment with SCENT and take the next step toward better hearing, comfort and connection.

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