Hearing researchers believe that hearing loss in older adults is the accumulation of two or more causes. Most hearing losses are caused by 1) Exposure to loud noise, 2) Genetics (family history), or 3) The natural aging process. In most cases, there is damage to the microscopic hair cells (cilia) in the inner ear causing irreversible hearing loss. For the vast majority of individuals with nerve damage or sensorineural hearing loss, the damaged hair cells will function again if vigorously stimulated with amplification.

Other causes of hearing loss include ototoxic drugs, viral and toxic illnesses, disturbance of fluid to the inner ear and excessive temporal bone growth in the inner ear. Only about five percent of all hearing losses are the result of structural damage to the ear. This type of loss is called a conductive hearing loss. Common causes are impacted wax, perforated eardrum, middle ear effusion, otosclerosis, cholesteatoma, and congenital anomalies.

Medical Referrals

All Hear On Earth hearing care centers are staffed by trained hearing health care providers who will assess your loss, and determine the best course of action. The Food and Drug Administration provides strict guidelines which must be followed in order to determine if a patient's hearing loss needs evaluation by a licensed physician specializing in diseases of the ear. If while conducting a FREE Hearing Evaluation, the Hear On Earth professionals determine a medical examination is needed, the patient will be referred to the appropriate professional.

Physicians specializing in hearing health are located in the same clinic as the Hear On Earth Hearing Care Center in Las Cruces, NM. Dr. McMillan, M.D., P.A., and Dr. Gillihan, M.D., are both Otolaryngologists with Rio Grande Ear, Nose & Throat. Dr. Ivey, Ph.D. is an audiologist with the Rio Grande Hearing & Balance Center. Should your Hear On Earth hearing provider need to refer you for further evaluation, Dr. McMillan, Dr. Gillihan, and Dr. Ivy, are right on the premises and can provide you with caring, professional medical treatment.