Medical Treatment

Providing the Latest Technology

Vertigo and Balance Disorders
Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Therapy
Ear Infections
Cholesteatoma
Facial Nerve Treatment
Skull Base Surgery
Surfer’s Ear
Otosclerosis

Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Therapy

Persistent ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears (tinnitus) and a sensitivity to normal everyday sounds (hyperacusis) can be related to several medical issues. These include damage to the hearing nerve or the inner ear, allergies, high or low blood pressure, a tumor, injury to the head or neck, and certain medications. A thorough evaluation is important to determine the course of treatment for these conditions. In most cases, symptoms of tinnitus can be significantly reduced. Shohet Ear Associates was one of the first centers in all of California to offer tinnitus retraining therapy and the latest tinnitus treatment, neuromonics. ( TOP )

Ear Infections

Chronic or acute ear infections such as otitis media or swimmer’s ear can impact the ability to hear. Fluid build-up in the ear can have potentially serious consequences such as temporary or permanent hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus or facial nerve paralysis if left untreated. Shohet Ear Associates provides expert medical care for ear infections, including surgery, if indicated. ( TOP )

Cholesteatoma

A cholesteatoma is a skin growth in the middle ear behind the eardrum. It is usually caused by repeated infection or poor eustachian tube function. The ingrowth often occurs as a cyst or pouch that sheds layers of old skin that build up inside the ear. Cholesteatomas can increase in size and destroy the surrounding bones of the middle ear. As the cholesteatoma enlarges, it can cause damage to adjacent structures as well as hearing loss. There may also be ear drainage, sometimes with a foul odor. Initial treatment may include a careful cleaning of the ear, antibiotics, and ear drops. Almost all cholesteatomas usually require surgical treatment to prevent serious complications. Hearing and balance tests, and CT scans of the skull bone next to the ear may be necessary to determine the extent of hearing loss. ( TOP )

Facial Nerve Treatment

Twitching, paralysis or weakness of the facial nerve can have many causes, including injury or medical conditions such as tumors or Bell’s Palsy. Shohet Ear Associates provides sensitive medical care for those suffering from facial nerve disorders. After a thorough diagnosis, treatment may include medication, physical rehabilitation or surgery. ( TOP )

Skull Base Surgery

Skull base surgery is used to treat a range of conditions of the head and neck. Shohet Ear Associates specializes in lateral skull base surgery to treat conditions such as acoustic meuromas (vestibular schwannomas), meningiomas, paragangliomas (glomus tumors), or ear malignancies. ( TOP )

Surfer’s Ear

Treatment for Surfer’s Ear at Shohet Ear Associates is provided using a minimally invasive surgical technique performed through the ear canal, without the usual incisions behind the ear. For many people, this means less pain and faster recovery. ( TOP )

Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a disease in which a buildup of bone causes the stapes—a bone in the middle ear--to become fixed and prevents it from vibrating normally. The lack of vibration prevents sound from being conducted to the inner ear, leading to a conductive hearing loss. Stapedectomy is a surgical treatment for otosclerosis in which a tiny synthetic prosthesis is inserted in the middle ear to replace the immobilized stapes. This surgery usually provides a significant improvement in hearing in patients with conductive hearing loss.

Click here to review an article written by Dr. Shohet on otosclerosis. ( TOP )