What Are Some Common Auditory Issues That Get Referred To A Physician?

When should an audiologist send you to a physician, and what happens next? We dive into two middle ear conditions that often sit at the crossroads between audiology and surgical care: otosclerosis and cholesteatoma. One tends to move slowly and allows space for thoughtful decisions; the other can quietly erode tissue and demands swift action. By the end, you’ll understand the warning signs, the tests that raise red flags, and the treatment paths that protect your hearing and your health.

We unpack otosclerosis first: how a hereditary change in the stapes bone leads to gradual hearing loss, what patterns audiologists look for on the audiogram, and why surgeons may wait until the benefit-risk balance is right. You’ll hear a clear explanation of stapedectomy, including prosthetic replacement, expected outcomes, recurrence risk, and when hearing aids remain a smart option. It’s a practical, plain‑spoken guide to making a confident decision with the support of an experienced ENT or otologist.

Then we turn to cholesteatoma, an abnormal skin growth that can invade the middle ear and mastoid. We explain why it’s dangerous, how it damages bone and the eardrum, and why prompt surgical removal is essential. We talk through hearing changes after surgery, the importance of long‑term monitoring, and why there’s no proven prevention beyond good ear health and timely care. Throughout the conversation, we show how audiologists and physicians collaborate to safeguard your hearing with accurate diagnosis, timely referral, and realistic expectations.

If you’re in the DFW area and want expert guidance on hearing loss, tinnitus, or middle ear issues, we’re here to help. Subscribe, share this with someone who’s concerned about their hearing, and leave a review to tell us what you want us to explore next.

To learn more about Total Hearing Care visit:
https://www.TotalHearingCare.com

Total Hearing Care
Multiple Locations Across the DFW Metroplex
(469) 809-4487

Let’s Learn About Earwax 101

Think earwax is just gunk to wipe away? We break down the surprising science behind this natural defense system and share practical ways to keep your ears clear without risking irritation, impaction, or hearing loss. With Dr. Jill Copley in the studio, we unpack why some people produce dry, flaky wax and others battle sticky buildup, how ear hair and canal shape affect clearance, and what that “underwater” feeling might really mean.

We get specific about home care: when warm water irrigation can help, how hydrogen peroxide drops soften wax, and why daily use of drying solutions can backfire by making wax tougher over time. We explain exactly when to skip DIY methods—like if you have a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, or a history of ear surgery—and why professional removal from an audiologist or ENT is the safer route for narrow canals or recurring blockages. You’ll also hear why ear candling is a myth with messy side effects, and how Q-tips often push wax deeper rather than pulling it out.

From quick fixes after a haircut to setting a monthly maintenance cadence, we share a balanced plan to protect your hearing, prevent impaction, and keep the canal’s self-cleaning process on your side. Clear hearing supports better communication and a calmer mind, and small changes in ear care can make a big difference. If this helped you rethink your routine, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves their Q-tips a little too much, and leave a review with your biggest ear-care question.

To learn more about Total Hearing Care visit:
https://www.TotalHearingCare.com

Total Hearing Care
Multiple Locations Across the DFW Metroplex
(469) 809-4487

What Are Some Common Auditory Issues That Get Referred To A Physician?

Your ear shouldn’t roar, spin, or suddenly go quiet—and when it does, minutes matter. We break down the exact signs that a hearing or balance problem needs a physician, not just a tune-up, and share how fast action can protect your long-term hearing and health.

We start by clarifying where audiologists shine—testing, diagnosing hearing patterns, spotting middle ear problems—and where medical partners must step in. You’ll hear why dizziness and vertigo are never “normal,” how Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis, and even medications can trigger spinning and nausea, and what a roaring, unilateral tinnitus might be telling you. We explain asymmetry between ears, the patterns that look like age-related loss, and the red flags that point to inner ear or nerve involvement requiring ENT, otologist, or neurotologist care.

Then we tackle urgent scenarios: sudden hearing loss and the 24–48 hour treatment window. We outline what to do first, why steroids—oral or injected—are time-sensitive, and how to distinguish a wax blockage from a true sensorineural emergency. We also touch on potential neurological signs, from subtle stroke near auditory pathways to cognitive changes that show up in testing, and why collaboration with physicians ensures a complete workup. For families, we contrast common childhood ear infections and adenoid issues with adult-onset vestibular disorders that can appear at any age.

If you’ve noticed dizzy spells, one ear lagging behind, or tinnitus that roars on one side, don’t wait. Press play to learn when to call your doctor, request an ENT referral, or head to urgent care. If you’re in the DFW Metroplex, book an appointment at Total Hearing Care so we can help you hear better—and live better. Subscribe, share with someone who needs this clarity, and leave a review to help others find the show.

To learn more about Total Hearing Care visit:
https://www.TotalHearingCare.com

Total Hearing Care
Multiple Locations Across the DFW Metroplex
(469) 809-4487