Ear Disorders Specialist

What causes hearing loss?

Hearing loss can be gradual or sudden, and it can be caused by many factors including age, ear infection, a build up of ear wax, foreign object, ruptured eardrum and trauma. The key to successful treatment of hearing loss is first determining the underlying cause through a careful examination and a recounting of specific signs and symptoms.

What causes ear infections?

Ear infections can be caused by several factors, depending on where the infection takes place. Typically, ear infections are divided into inner, middle and outer ear infections. Middle ear infection is the most common, occurring when the tubes that connect the ear to the throat become inflamed and swollen, usually due to a cold or severe allergies. When one or both tubes become blocked, fluid inside the ear can become blocked, enabling germs to build up. Outer ear infections, also called “swimmer's ear,” results when the protective coating of the ear canal is worn down, resulting in pain and inflammation; inner ear infections are referred to as labyrinthitis and usually affect the structure called the labyrinth becomes swollen and inflamed.

How can ear problems cause dizziness?

Ear infection and other disorders can play a major role in many types of dizziness because the ear and its nerves as associated with our sense of balance. Some of the most common ear-related causes of dizziness include:

• Inner ear infection: Also called labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, inner ear infections occur when the structure or your ear called the labyrinth becomes swollen and inflamed. Labyrinthitis can also cause temporary hearing loss or ringing in your ears.

• Meniere's disease: In this condition, fluid builds up in the inner ear, causing symptoms such as vertigo (dizziness), fluctuating loss of hearing, ringing in the ear and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear.

See some of our patient reviews about diagnosing and treating ear disorders below.

"He listened to the issue my son is having with his ear and then He explained in detailed what to expect and how we are going to try and take care of the problem. Awesome doctor and great stuff so this is our new ENT. Thank you." -A.C. (Google)

 "Dr. Patel was very thorough and patient with me and I recommend him to every person who has anytype of ear problem." -T.S. (Zocdoc)

"Dr. Patel was very professional. I had very bad ear wax build up and he was able to remove it all." -A.N. (Zocdoc)

"He was very helpful with my ear condition. Feeling better and will follow up on two weeks. A pleasant experience." -J.N. (Zocdoc)