Are you interested in participating in a research study?

What if a simple, locally-delivered drug could enable our body to regenerate and heal itself? An investigational drug called FX-322 could potentially restore the hair cells of inner ear and may improve hearing.

Our Otology Experts specialize in treating all types of ear diseases and disorders including, but not limited to:

conductive, sensorineural and mixed hearing loss
Ear infections and otitis media tinnitus
Meniere's Disease
hyperacusis
otosclerosis
acoustic neuromas

Treatment techniques can include medical, surgical and technological options. Our physicians and audiologists also specialize in bone anchored, cochlear and other types of implantable hearing devices. All levels of audiological testing and services are available at the Silverstein Institute.

Types of Hearing Loss

Depending on which part of the ear is damaged, hearing loss can be classified as one of four different types:

Sensorineural (high frequency)
Conductive
Mixed
Single-sided deafness

Hearing is a Priceless Investment

A variety of hearing problems affect one in three people over the age of sixty. This severely limits their ability to respond to alarms, follow their doctor's advice or even hear doorbells. This also prevents them from fully participating in regular conversations and enjoying everyday life.

The trouble with hearing loss is that the condition steadily worsens the longer it is left untreated. Being one of the five basic senses that we need to navigate our lives, its loss can spell dire consequences, especially for those who also suffer from various other afflictions brought about by aging.

While hearing aids can greatly assist patients who suffer from hearing loss, many people feel self-conscious while wearing the device, believing it to be too conspicuous and noticeable. However, those with hearing loss should understand that not being able to hear is very obvious to those around them and often much more conspicuous then any aid or device.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

There can be a number of reasons for hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways and can be caused by illness, medications, hereditary or genetic issues, trauma, malformation of the inner ear, exposure to loud noise or simply aging. Conductive hearing loss can be caused by ear infections, fluid buildup, allergies, perforated eardrum, benign tumors, abnormal bone growth, or impacted earwax. Mixed hearing loss, a combination of conductive and sensorineural loss, can also occur.

Treatment Options

Hearing loss treatment needs to be administered as early as possible in order to be most effective. Depending on the cause of the hearing loss, treatments can include various medical, surgical and technological options. Our physicians and audiologists will work together to determine the most effective treatment option for you. If a technological option is the best, we offer various types of hearing devices. These can include bone anchored, cochlear or other types of implantable hearing devices as well as the most advanced behind-the-ear, in-the-ear and custom fitted digital hearing aids.

Which Hearing Device to Choose?

A variety of hearing aid devices are available that can fit different budgets and lifestyles. In order to find the right aid, you may need to try several models. Our audiologists and hearing instrument specialists will work with you to help determine the right fit for your particular medical circumstances and condition. The Silverstein Institute also offers a 30-day trial period for patients to try new devices at no charge.

What is a Cochlear Implant?

Mimics the natural hearing function of the inner ear to make sounds louder and clearer

Who Can a Cochlear Implant Help?

Adults (18+ years)

Have a moderate-to-profound hearing loss in both ears
Demonstrated limited benefit from wearing hearing aids in both ears

Children (2-17 years)

Have severe-to-profound hearing loss in both ears
Demonstrated limited benefit from wearing hearing aids in both ears

Children (12-24 months)

Have profound hearing loss in both ears
Demonstrated limited benefit from wearing hearing aids in both ears

Hearing & Medical Evaluations

Three major goals

To determine the type and cause of your hearing loss
To determine if you are a good candidate for a hybrid hearing or cochlear implant system
Identify factors to make your surgery safe and successful

Patient Journey

Hearing evaluation
Medical evaluation
Hearing implant procedure
Activation (typically in 2-4 weeks)
Getting the most out of your hearing implant

Getting the Most Out of Your Hearing Implant

Follow-up appointments are key

Adhering to a rehabilitation program will help you develop new listening and comprehension skills

Example rehabilitation activities include:

Using your hearing implant system for as many hours a day as possible
Reading aloud to yourself and with your family and friends
Listening to audio books while you read along with a printed copy
Listening to songs that are easily recognized

What is the Baha System?

Baha Attract

Invisible magnetic bone conduction system
Uses your body’s own natural ability to conduct sound to bypass the damaged outer and middler ear, and send sound directly to your healthy inner ear

Baha Connect