Hearing Loss Services

Hearing Loss

An estimated 48 million Americans have some amount of hearing loss. In children, hearing problems can affect the development of spoken language. In adults, hearing loss can create problems with social interaction and work productivity. Only 1 in 5 people who would benefit from a hearing aid actually uses one.

Connecticut ENT Allergy & Sinus offers a full audiology team comprising licensed, certified, and experienced audiologists, as well as a certified OTO-tech/balance specialist.

Please contact Connecticut ENT Allergy & Sinus at either of our Waterbury offices (203) 578-4630 or (203) 574-3777 to schedule an appointment.

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is the partial or total inability to hear. Hearing loss may be present at birth or developed anytime afterward. Hearing loss may occur in one ear or both ears and can be temporary or permanent. Hearing loss is defined when a person is unable to hear 25 decibels in at least one ear after testing. Hearing loss can be categorized as mild (25 to 40 dB), moderate (41 to 55 dB), moderate-severe (56 to 70 dB), severe (71 to 90 dB), or profound (greater than 90 dB). There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss,  and mixed hearing loss.

  • Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Permanent damage either to the tiny hair cells in your inner ear (known as stereocilia), or to the nerve pathways that lead from your inner ear to the brain. Sensorineural hearing loss is the far more common type of hearing loss, affecting roughly 9 out of 10 people with hearing loss.
  • Conductive Hearing Loss: When sounds cannot get through the outer and middle ear. Soft sounds can be hard to hear while louder sounds may be muffled. Treatments of medicine or surgery can sometimes fix conductive hearing loss.
  • Mixed Hearing Loss: This occurs when an individual has both sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss. There maybe damage in the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear or in the nerve pathway to the brain.

Hearing Loss Treatments

If you are experiencing hearing loss symptoms, our Audiologists can help you resolve or at least mitigate the issues. Our recommended treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your hearing loss.

  • Hearing Aids: A hearing aid can mitigate your hearing loss if the damage is in your inner ear. One of our audiologist can discuss with you the potential benefits of a hearing aid and expertly fit you with a hearing aid device.
  • Removing Earwax Blockage: This blockage is a reversible cause of hearing loss. Earwax can build up in the ear canal, especially after an illness. We can remove earwax painlessly using suction or one of specialty tools.
  • Cochlear Implants: A cochlear implant bypasses damaged section of your inner ear and directly stimulates the hearing nerve. We recommend this treatment for patients who have severe hearing loss and are not getting any benefit from conventional hearing aids.
  • Surgical Procedures: Surgery can be option for hearing loss.

Our Audiologists

Link to: Dr. Caitlin M. Kishore, Au.D.
Dr. Caitlin M. Kishore Connecticut ENT

Caitlin M. Kishore, Au.D.

Dr. Caitlin M. Kishore, Au.D., is a dedicated audiologist with expertise in hearing and balance disorders, providing personalized care to individuals of all ages. Her clinical interests include tinnitus management, cochlear-implant evaluations, and vestibular dysfunction.

Learn more about Dr. Kishore
Link to: Dr. Katarina Falero
Doctor Katarina Falero Connecticut ENT

Katarina Falero, Au.D.

Dr. Falero takes an individualized approach to hearing aid fittings and patient care, recognizing that each patient’s needs, lifestyle, and listening goals are unique. She believes that exceptional patient care is essential to achieving each patient’s hearing health goals.

Learn more about Dr. Falero
Link to: Michelle R. Gotay, M.S.
Michelle R. Gotay, M.S. Connecticut ENT

Michelle R. Gotay, M.S.

Michelle R. Gotay, M.S., is an experienced and highly skilled audiologist committed to improving hearing health and quality of life for patients of all ages. She provides comprehensive care for individuals experiencing hearing and balance disorders.

Learn more about Michelle Gotay
Link to: Dr. Shalva Trestman
Doctor Shalva Trestman Connecticut ENT

Shalva Trestman, Au.D.

Dr. Shalva Trestman brings extensive experience in diagnosing hearing issues. Her clinical focus is adult diagnostics and rehabilitation, where she works closely with patients to accurately identify their hearing concerns and guide them through individualized treatment.

Learn more about Dr. Trestman

Hybrid Remote Audiology Service

The Hybrid Remote Audiology service at Connecticut ENT Allergy & Sinus combines the precision of in-office diagnostic testing with faster appointment times. The audiology exam takes place in the office, with support from a care team member while the licensed audiologist is at a remote location. This service provides a trusted approach to hearing care that meets the same clinical standards as traditional in-person testing. It is utilized in leading ENT and audiology clinics across the nation.

  • For questions, patients can call our office to speak with a member of the audiology team at (203) 578-4630.
  • For appointments, patients can call our office at (203) 578-4630 or click here to request one.

It’s the same personalized care—just with the added convenience and access of remote expertise.

Hybrid Remote Audiology

Hearing Loss Services Blog Posts

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Noise Damage | The Hidden Dangers of Everyday Noises in Oxford, CT

Every day noises may seem harmless, but over time, they can lead to permanent hearing damage. By recognizing the risks and taking simple steps to protect your ears, you can safeguard your hearing for years to come. Our board-certified doctors, dedicated nursing staff, and highly trained ENT specialists will strive to make your hearing loss treatment experience a positive and productive one.  Please contact Naugatuck Valley ENT at (203) 578-4630 to set up an appointment.
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Tinnitus The Ringing Truth Blog Post Rectangle

The Ringing Truth: Exploring Tinnitus in Shelton, CT

Tinnitus is a common condition where individuals experience ringing, buzzing, or other noises in their ears without any external sound source. More than 50 million Americans have encountered tinnitus at some point. For many, this is a temporary and minor inconvenience. Still, for about 20% of these individuals, tinnitus can be a persistent and bothersome issue that significantly impacts their quality of life and functional health.
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Navigating Treatments for Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Prospect, CT

Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) occurs when the tiny hair cells in the cochlea or the auditory nerve are damaged. These hair cells are crucial for converting sound waves into neural signals, which are then transmitted to the brain. When these cells or the auditory nerve are compromised, the sound energy that reaches the cochlea cannot be effectively converted, leading to hearing loss.
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