Audiology and Hearing Aid Services

Studies have shown that, for the average patient, the most important factor to success with hearing aids is the professional that dispenses the product. This means that where you receive your hearing aid is even more important than the type of hearing aid you get. We are pleased to report that Dr. Rodriguez was named as one of the best audiologists in the country in 2012 and 2013. He is the only audiologist who dispenses hearing aids in the Dallas/Irving area to make the list.

At Las Colinas Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy we do not “sell” hearing aids, rather we utilize hearing aids as an integral part of a patient’s auditory rehabilitation process. The difference is the paradigm used to solve the problem of improving a patient’s hearing. Dr. Rodriguez has used this approach for over a decade to help thousands of patients hear better and he is the audiologist of choice for other doctors and their family.

Las Colinas ENT and Allergy is a “full-service” Audiology facility meaning we can diagnose and treat hearing disorders for all age groups. We offer all major manufacturers of hearing aids and tinnitus devices. Our pricing is consistent with most non-profit/university clinics. We are very pleased to offer a range of services, an exceptionally trained staff, and ease of appointments meaning you don’t have to wait several weeks for an appointment.

Common Signs of Hearing Loss

Amazingly, someone can have a seriously debilitating condition like hearing loss and not even know it. That’s because the human mind is not conditioned to respond to very slow changes, it’s designed to adapt to it. Because hearing loss often occurs over several years, it often goes unnoticed until a listener encounters serious difficulty understanding speech. That same adaptation can be utilized in the auditory rehabilitation process to improve hearing.

Ten Ways To Recognize Hearing Loss

The following questions will help you determine if you need to have your hearing evaluated by an otolaryngologist and audiologist:

• Do you have a problem hearing over the telephone?
• Do you have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time?
• Do people complain that you turn the TV volume up too high?
• Do you have to strain to understand conversation?
• Do you have trouble hearing in a noisy background?
• Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves?
• Do many people you talk to seem to mumble (or not speak clearly)?
• Do you misunderstand what others are saying and respond inappropriately?
• Do you have trouble understanding the speech of women and children?
• Do people get annoyed because you misunderstand what they say?

If you answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, you should see an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist ”ENT”) and an audiologist for a hearing evaluation. Schedule an Appointment

The material on this page is for general information only and is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes. A doctor or other health care professional must be consulted for diagnostic information and advice regarding treatment. Adapted from NIH Publication No. 01-4913

Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It occurs when the nerve endings in the inner ear are not transmitting sound properly. This is caused by damage to the hair cells in the cochlea which can happen due to exposure to loud noises, or a natural deterioration of the cells that come with age. This type of hearing loss cannot be cured with medical intervention, but can usually be improved with the use of hearing instruments.

Conductive loss occurs when sounds are not being transmitted properly to the inner ear due to a “mechanical” problem. This is often the result of blockage or damage in the middle or outer ear (i.e., ear infections and excessive wax) and in most cases can be corrected medically.