The world around us communicates through sound — from the voices of loved ones to the subtle alerts that keep us safe. When hearing loss occurs, it doesn’t just diminish sound; it creates barriers between you and the world you navigate daily. 

At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we specialize in breaking down those barriers with expert hearing care designed specifically for ENT-related hearing challenges, including comprehensive hearing testing, advanced hearing aid solutions, and innovative procedures like balloon sinuplasty and eustachian tube balloon dilation. These minimally invasive treatments can effectively restore hearing function by addressing the underlying sinus and eustachian tube issues that often contribute to hearing loss, an approach that distinguishes our care from traditional audiologist services.

Don’t let hearing difficulties prevent you from fully participating in life’s precious moments. Schedule a consultation today to discover how our specialized ENT approach can help improve your hearing and overall quality of life.

How do you tell if you need your hearing checked?

Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to miss the early warning signs. Recognizing when you might need a hearing evaluation is the first step toward better hearing health. Consider scheduling a hearing assessment with Dr. Michael Kaplan if you experience any of these common indicators:

• You frequently ask people to repeat themselves or find yourself saying “what?” more often than usual.
• You have difficulty following conversations in noisy environments like restaurants or gatherings.
• Phone conversations have become increasingly challenging to understand.
• Family members comment that you set the TV or radio volume too high.
• You find yourself straining to hear or leaning in during conversations.
• Certain sounds seem muffled or voices appear unclear, even when people are speaking directly to you.
• You frequently experience ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in your ears (tinnitus).
• You notice yourself withdrawing from social situations due to communication difficulties.
• You feel unusually tired after social gatherings from the effort of trying to hear and understand.

Hearing issues can sometimes indicate underlying ENT conditions that may respond well to medical treatment rather than just hearing amplification. Dr. Kaplan’s specialized ENT approach means we can identify if your hearing difficulties stem from treatable conditions like eustachian tube dysfunction, chronic sinusitis, or ear infections that might be overlooked in a standard hearing test.

What does an ENT do for hearing loss?

As ear, nose, and throat specialists, ENT physicians like Dr. Kaplan offer a comprehensive medical approach to hearing loss that goes beyond simply fitting hearing aids. At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we investigate the underlying medical causes of your hearing difficulties through:

• Comprehensive medical evaluation of your ears, including examining the ear canal and eardrum using specialized equipment
• Thorough assessment of related structures that can impact hearing, including the sinuses, nasal passages, and throat
• Advanced diagnostic testing to determine the type and severity of hearing loss, such as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss
• Identification of treatable medical conditions that may be causing or contributing to hearing difficulties
• Medical management of conditions like ear infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, or excess earwax buildup
• Specialized treatments for hearing loss associated with sinus conditions, including minimally invasive procedures like balloon sinuplasty
• Eustachian tube balloon dilation to address hearing problems caused by pressure regulation issues
• Recommendations for appropriate hearing aids when amplification would benefit your specific hearing needs

Unlike audiologists who primarily focus on hearing aid fitting, Dr. Kaplan can treat the medical conditions often responsible for hearing difficulties. This distinction is crucial: many patients experience significant hearing improvement after addressing underlying ENT issues, sometimes reducing or eliminating the need for hearing amplification.

When hearing aids are necessary, Dr. Kaplan provides expert guidance on selecting devices that complement any medical treatments you’ve received. This integrated approach ensures you receive comprehensive care that addresses both the symptoms and causes of your hearing loss, leading to optimal outcomes and improved quality of life.

Hearing testing and hearing aids — FAQs

Should you have a hearing test before buying a hearing aid?

Absolutely! A hearing test is essential before purchasing any hearing aid to determine the type and extent of your hearing loss. This evaluation ensures you get the appropriate device programmed to your specific hearing needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution that may not adequately address your unique hearing profile.

How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aid prices typically range from $1,000 to $4,000 per ear, depending on the technology level and features included. At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we offer various options to accommodate different budgets while ensuring quality hearing solutions, and many insurance plans may provide partial coverage.

How do I get my hearing checked?

Getting your hearing checked at Kaplan Sinus Relief involves scheduling a comprehensive hearing evaluation with Dr. Kaplan’s team. The assessment includes a thorough examination of your ears, specialized hearing tests to measure your hearing thresholds, and a discussion of your symptoms and hearing challenges in various environments.

Is it better to go to an ENT or an audiologist?

When dealing with hearing loss, it’s often beneficial to see an ENT specialist like Dr. Kaplan first, as they can diagnose and treat underlying medical conditions that might be overlooked by an audiologist. ENTs provide medical treatment alongside hearing aid recommendations when necessary, offering a comprehensive approach that addresses both symptoms and underlying causes of hearing loss.

Your journey to better hearing starts at Kaplan Sinus Relief.

Addressing hearing loss is about more than just amplifying sound; it’s about reconnecting you with the world around you through comprehensive care that treats underlying causes while providing effective solutions. 

At Kaplan Sinus Relief, Dr. Kaplan combines specialized ENT expertise with advanced hearing technology to create personalized treatment plans that address both symptoms and sources of hearing difficulties. Whether your hearing challenges stem from sinus issues, eustachian tube dysfunction, or other ENT-related conditions, our unique medical approach often achieves results that traditional hearing aid fitting alone cannot match. 

Don’t let another day pass in a muffled, disconnected world. Schedule a consultation at our Houston office today and take the first step on your journey to clearer, more vibrant hearing and a more engaged life.