Hearing Center

The ENT & Allergy Centers of Texas are pleased to offer our patients a full range of in-house diagnostic hearing evaluations that are tailored to each individuals need. Our ear, nose, and throat specialists are able to test everyone from infants to geriatric patients. As our audiology team understands the impact of hearing loss on one’s life, we are dedicated to offering our patients the highest level of service. Our hearing treatments include hearing aids, hearing loss rehabilitation, tinnitus and more.

Hearing Tests

Our Hearing Center offers hearing tests for all ages at our offices.

• Behavior Observational Audiometry (BOA)
• Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
• Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA)
• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)

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Ear Wax (Cerumen)

Ear Wax, also known as cerumen, is produced by glands in the ear canal, and typically comes out of the ear on its own. The purpose of cerumen is to help trap debris in the ear canal before it reaches the eardrum. Therefore, some ear wax is a good thing! However, when an ear produces too much cerumen, it can harden in the ear canal and cause a blockage (impaction). The use of Q-tips and hearing aids can also cause an impaction by pushing the ear wax further into the ear canal.

What are the Symptoms of Ear Way Impaction?

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in addition to liquid and/or a bloody discharge from your ear, contact your doctor immediately before trying any over-the-counter remedies.

• Decreased hearing in the affected ear
• Ringing in the ear
• A “full” or “plugged” feeling in the ear
• Pain in the ear

How is Cerumen Impaction Treated?

• Most drug stores sell over-the-counter wax softening drops (ex. Debrox). These drops help to soften the ear wax, and allow it to come out of the ear canal on its own. You can also try using a few drops of mineral oil in the ear.
• If your symptoms do not improve after a few days, contact your Ear, Nose, and Throat physician.
• Your doctor may clean out the ear wax using a tool called a curette, with suction, or by irrigating the ear with water.

How Can I Prevent Ear Wax Impaction in the Future?

• Avoid using Q-tips or other objects to clean your ears. Instead, use a damp towel and your finger to clean around the opening of your ear canals.
• If you wear hearing aids, make sure to have your Audiologist check your ears for excessive ear wax every few months.

Ear Wax Removal Patient Testimonial

Read what our patients are saying!

“I am so glad I came here. I have had excessive ear wax built up in my left ear. I tried OTC ear wax removal to help but still had issues. I looked up this center on google and scheduled an appointment with Dr. Martino. Turns out I had wax coated on my eardrum. Dr. Martino and his staff took me in fairly quickly for my appointment time, and now I can hear just fine. Dr. Martino was very kind, professional and made feel at ease. He is very good at what he does. He also gave me some tips on preventative measures for maintenance of my ears. His staff and the nurses were also very nice and courteous. While I hope I don’t have anymore issues, I’ll definitely refer to them from now on.”

Edward B. – August 2018 

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hearing loss and tinnitus

Tinnitus is often described as “ringing” or “buzzing” in the ears, but it can be any sound or combination of sounds. Tinnitus results from nerve activity that the brain interprets as “sound.” Everyone experiences tinnitus sometimes. Some people experience constant or near-constant tinnitus.

Common causes of tinnitus is exposure to loud noises. It can also result from head injury, medications, earwax, and many other causes. Its difficult to know the exact cause of tinnitus because its associated with so many conditions. Conditions include high blood pressure, stress, dental problems, metabolic problems and high cholesterol.

Tinnitus Treatment

Damage to the ears often results in both hearing loss and tinnitus. However, they do not always occur together. Tinnitus does not cause hearing loss but sometimes tinnitus can seem to interfere with hearing. An audiologist can determine if you have a hearing problem.

Tinnitus treatment can lessen the problem but not everyone needs treatment. Treatment may be helpful for you if your tinnitus is affecting your sleep, ability to concentrate, emotional well being, or daily activities. You may need a medical evaluation if your tinnitus is on one side of the head, or if you have changes in your hearing, ear pain, head, or neck problems, or balance issues.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about our hearing tests and treatments, contact our practice today at 972.984.1050 to schedule an appointment. ENT & Allergy Centers of Texas serve McKinney, Plano, Allen, Celina, Frisco, Carrollton and surrounding areas in Texas.