Ear And Hearing Center
At our clinic, our team of board-certified otolaryngologists provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for all ear-related conditions and for patients of all ages. With decades of experience, our prestigious team is committed to protecting your hearing, diagnosing complex ear conditions, and delivering exceptional ear health and hearing care to patients in the Austin area.
Our on-site audiologist, Bill Boggess, MS, provides comprehensive hearing evaluations to help identify hearing loss, hearing issues, and other disorders affecting the outer ear, middle ear, or inner ear. Whether you need your hearing tested, treatment for hearing problems, or personalized hearing aids, our team offers expert guidance throughout your entire hearing journey, including hearing aid fittings, programming, maintenance, and ongoing support, ensuring a full spectrum of care under one roof.
To provide the highest level of hearing care, we use advanced diagnostic technology, including binocular microscopic ear evaluation of the ear canal, in-office Mini-CT imaging of the middle ear, and specialized hearing and balance testing labs. These advanced tools allow our team to accurately diagnose conditions affecting the ears and hearing, recommend the most effective treatment options, and help restore hearing whenever possible.
If you’re experiencing ear pain, hearing loss, balance issues, ringing in the ears, or other ear-related or hearing concerns, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today to receive the highest standard of care. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you protect your hearing health and find answers that improve your quality of life.
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Common Ear And Hearing Care
- Ear Wax build-up
- Hearing loss and ringing (tinnitus)
- Hearing aid services
- Hole in the eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation)
- Recurring ear infections (otitis media)
- Middle ear pressure and popping (Eustachian tube dysfunction)
- Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)
- Otoplasty and Pre-auricular pits
- Vertigo, dizziness, and Ménière’s disease
Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Ear infections, also called acute otitis media, occur when an infection causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear. They may affect one ear or both ears and are one of the most common ear conditions seen in both children and adults. Most ear infections develop after an upper respiratory infection, allergies, or other illnesses that cause swelling around the eustachian tubes, preventing the middle ear from draining properly. These infections often require recurring antibiotics.
Symptoms Of Ear Infection
Common signs of ear infections include:
- Ear pain or pressure
- Fever
- Drainage from the ear
- In children, tugging or pulling at the ear
- Trouble hearing or muffled hearing
- Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
- Irritability or difficulty balancing
Without prompt care, recurring middle ear infections can increase the risk of hearing problems, ongoing inflammation, or, in rare cases, permanent hearing loss.
Our ENT specialists perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of recurring ear infections, including allergies, chronic sinusitis, nasal blockage, adenoid enlargement, or dysfunction of the eustachian tubes. During your examination, your specialist may use a lighted instrument and advanced imaging to evaluate the outer ear, ear canal, and middle ear for signs of infection or chronic inflammation.
While many ear infections improve with medications and infection clears over time, some patients develop recurring otitis media, chronic otitis media, or persistent middle ear infections that require additional treatments. When infections persist, ear tubes may be placed in the eardrum to drain the fluid, relieve the pressure, and prevent future infections. This is a simple procedure that can be performed safely in children and in the office for adults. For patients with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction, balloon eustachian tube dilation offers a minimally invasive treatment option that helps restore normal function, equalize air pressure, and reduce the likelihood of more infections and long-term hearing complications.
Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)
Swimmer’s Ear, also known as otitis externa, is an ear infection that affects the outer ear and ear canal rather than the middle ear. It commonly occurs when the ear canal becomes infected, often from water exposure or irritation, but it can also be caused by minor scratches inside the ear canal, or exposure to common bacteria that thrive in moist environments. Symptoms may include ear pain, itching, redness, drainage, tenderness when touching the outer ear, temporarily trouble hearing, and in more severe cases, severe ear pain or facial swelling. Because these symptoms can worsen without prompt treatment, it’s important to seek medical attention if discomfort persists or drainage develops.
Our physicians can gently clean the outer ear and ear canal to identify the cause of the ear infection and determine the most appropriate treatment. Gentle cleaning of the ear canal may be performed before prescribing specialized medicated ear drops to eliminate the infection, relieve pain, and restore healthy ear function as quickly as possible.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
The Eustachian tube connects the back of the nose to the middle ear and helps regulate ear pressure. When the eustachian tubes become blocked because of allergies, sinus disease, inflammation, or an upper respiratory infection, pressure and fluid buildup can develop in the middle ear, leading to hearing loss, muffled hearing, popping or clicking sensations, dizziness, and recurring ear infection. With a comprehensive allergy, sinus, and nasal evaluation, our physicians can identify and correct the underlying issue. Treatment may include medical therapy, trans-tympanic steroid injections, eustachian tube balloon dilation, or ear tube placement.
Our Allergy Center and Sinus and Nasal Center can offer state-of-the-art care for these conditions. In some cases, an injection of a steroid into the middle ear (trans-tympanic dexamethasone therapy) may be necessary. This is a simple office procedure, and it may “wake up” the Eustachian tube. Occasionally, “tubes” may need to be placed as an office procedure to relieve this pressure.
For patients with persistent eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), we offer a new approach with Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation Surgery, a minimally invasive procedure performed without external incisions. In this procedure, a small balloon is guided through the nose and into the affected eustachian tube, where it is gently inflated for approximately two minutes to expand the passageway and improve function. The procedure is performed under IV sedation by a board-certified anesthesiologist, and most patients experience little to no discomfort with a quick recovery. By improving ventilation of the middle ear, balloon dilation may provide long-lasting relief, reduce recurring ear infections, and help restore hearing.
Tinnitus (Hearing Loss And Ringing)
Hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears) often occur together and may result from aging, noise exposure, repeated exposure to loud sounds, ear infections, or other ear disorders affecting the inner ear. In some cases, damage to the delicate hair cells of the inner ear or changes involving the auditory nerve can interfere with the way the brain processes sound, leading to hearing changes and persistent ringing.
Our team provides comprehensive hearing testing for patients of all ages using advanced diagnostic equipment. We can have your hearing tested to determine the type and severity of hearing loss, identify underlying hearing issues, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. Whether your symptoms are mild or more advanced, our goal is to protect your long-term hearing and help you communicate with confidence.
Tinnitus can have a significant impact on quality of life, especially when it develops suddenly or occurs alongside sudden hearing loss. Because sudden hearing loss is considered a medical emergency, prompt evaluation and treatment are essential to improve the chances of recovery. Our expert physicians will perform a detailed microscopic examination of the ears to identify treatable causes of hearing loss, including problems involving the ear canal, middle ear, or inner ear. When appropriate, treatment may include medical therapy, hearing rehabilitation, or hearing aids to improve hearing and reduce the impact of tinnitus on daily life.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a symptom rather than a disease and can develop for many different reasons. Identifying the underlying cause is an important part of effective hearing care, as treatment depends on the source of the ringing or buzzing in the ears.
The following conditions can cause tinnitus:
- Earwax buildup in the ear canal
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Middle ear fluid or recurring ear infections
- Hearing loss
- Exposure to loud sounds or long-term noise exposure
- Disorders affecting the inner ear
Many other causes of ringing also need to be evaluated, including medications, Ménière’s disease, and increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, and other conditions affecting the hearing system. Because tinnitus can sometimes occur with sudden hearing loss or other hearing problems, prompt evaluation is important.
How Is Tinnitus Treated?
Treatment for tinnitus usually depends on its underlying cause. Because tinnitus may occur with sudden hearing loss, prompt evaluation is essential. Sudden hearing loss and tinnitus are considered an otology emergency, and early treatment offers the best chance to restore hearing and reduce the risk of permanent hearing loss. A simple office procedure, trans-tympanic dexamethasone perfusion, has the potential to reverse this hearing loss and treat the ringing.
Our expert otolaryngologists perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether tinnitus is related to hearing loss, an ear infection, middle ear disease, eustachian tube dysfunction, or another condition affecting the hearing system. Based on your diagnosis, treatment may include medical therapy, trans-tympanic dexamethasone perfusion, management of the underlying condition, or specialized therapies designed to reduce tinnitus symptoms and improve your overall hearing care.
We also offer advanced tinnitus management options, including Tone Therapy, which uses customized sound therapy to help retrain your brain’s response to tinnitus. For some patients, hearing aids may also improve hearing while making ringing or buzzing less noticeable.
Hearing Aid Services
While hearing aids are widely available, a comprehensive medical evaluation and proper diagnosis are crucial for selecting the right device and long-term success. At our practice, every patient benefits from a thorough examination by a board-certified ear, nose, and throat physician to determine the true cause of their hearing loss before hearing aid recommendations are officially made.
Not all hearing problems are caused by permanent damage to the inner ear. Conditions such as ear wax buildup, middle ear fluid, ear infection, allergies, or dysfunction of the eustachian tubes can temporarily affect hearing and may be treated without hearing aids. For patients with nerve-related or profound hearing loss, we also discuss advanced treatment options, including whether cochlear implants or other solutions may be appropriate.
Working with our audiologist, Bill Boggess, MS, we provide comprehensive hearing care, precise diagnostic testing, and the latest digital hearing aids customized to your hearing profile, lifestyle, and communication needs. From your initial evaluation through programming, adjustments, and follow-up visits, we are committed to supporting you through your hearing journey.
Ear Wax Removal
It’s the simple things that can mean so much to patients. Excess earwax may seem like a minor problem, but a blocked ear canal can contribute to ear pain, hearing loss, outer ear infections, tinnitus, and dizziness. During your visit, our physicians examine the ear canal using an operating microscope and gently remove impacted wax to improve comfort, protect your hearing, and restore normal ear function.
Hole In The Eardrum (Tympanic Membrane Perforation)
Both adults and children can develop a hole in the eardrum after recurring ear infections, trauma, or from small tumors called cholesteatoma. Damage to the eardrum may cause hearing loss, recurring drainage, and repeated middle ear infections if left untreated. Tympanoplasty (repair of the eardrum) is a simple outpatient procedure that repairs the eardrum, helps restore hearing, and reduces the risk of future infections. Our goal is to preserve healthy middle ear function and improve long-term hearing outcomes.
Mastoidectomy
A cholesteatoma is a small benign growth that develops within the middle ear and surrounding mastoid bone. Over time, it can damage the three tiny bones (ossicles) responsible for transmitting sound vibrations, leading to hearing loss, chronic infection, and other complications.
A mastoidectomy removes the cholesteatoma and helps prevent additional damage. When necessary, ossiculoplasty can repair or reconstruct the tiny bones of the middle ear to improve hearing and restore the normal transmission of sound. If identified, we would refer patients with this condition to a specialist to obtain this procedure.
Vertigo, Dizziness, And Ménière’s Disease
Vertigo and dizziness can result from a variety of conditions affecting the inner ear, brain, or balance system. Because these symptoms are often associated with hearing changes, our office provides comprehensive balance evaluations to identify the underlying cause and develop the most effective treatment plan.
Our advanced diagnostics services include:
- VNG (Video Nystagmography) testing
- Hearing and balance testing
- Office-based CT imaging
- Microscopic ear examination
Common causes include:
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) — Often treated in-office using the Epley maneuver.
- Ménière’s Disease and Viral Labyrinthitis — May be treated with medication, dietary modifications, or trans-tympanic steroid therapy to reduce symptoms and protect hearing.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment often provide the best opportunity to improve balance, preserve hearing, and help patients return to their normal daily activities.
Schedule A Consultation
Don’t let hearing loss, recurring ear infections, tinnitus, dizziness, or any other ear-related concerns affect your quality of life and experiencing the world with one of your greatest senses. Our experienced team provides comprehensive hearing care, advanced diagnostics, expert treatment, and the latest hearing aids to help protect and restore your hearing. For expert ear, hearing, and balance care, call (512) 601-0303 to schedule a consultation. Our practice proudly serves Austin and the surrounding areas in Central Texas.
“Superb service from Dr. Slaughter’s audiologist, Bill! Always knowledgeable and willing to make your hearing aid experience the best it can be. Also, seen Dr. S’s PA and she is excellent as well.”
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Austin Ear Hearing Care— FAQs
How does hearing work?
Healthy hearing begins when sound waves enter the outer ear and travel through the ear canal to the eardrum. The eardrum causes the three tiny bones in the middle ear to vibrate, transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear. Tiny sensory hair cells convert those vibrations into electrical signals, which travel along the auditory nerve to the brain.
When should I have my hearing tested?
You should have your hearing tested if you notice trouble hearing, ringing in your ears, dizziness, difficulty understanding conversations, or a sudden change in hearing. Early evaluation allows your provider to identify hearing issues, diagnose the cause of hearing loss, and recommend the most appropriate hearing care before symptoms worsen.
Can hearing loss be reversed?
The answer depends on the cause. Hearing loss resulting from earwax buildup, middle ear fluid, or an ear infection may improve once the underlying condition is treated. However, damage to the inner ear, hair cells, or auditory nerve may be permanent. Prompt evaluation offers the best opportunity to restore hearing whenever possible.
What causes sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss can develop over hours or a few days and should always be treated as a medical emergency. It is typically caused by viral or bacterial infection coming from the sinuses. Because early medical attention greatly improves the chances of recovery, anyone experiencing sudden hearing loss should seek immediate hearing care.
How can I protect my hearing?
Protecting your hearing starts by limiting noise exposure from machinery, concerts, sporting events, and other loud sounds. Wearing appropriate hearing protection, lowering headphone volume, and taking listening breaks can reduce your risk of hearing loss. Regular hearing evaluations are also an important part of maintaining lifelong hearing health.
Can untreated ear infections cause hearing loss?
Yes. While most ear infections resolve with appropriate treatment, repeated ear infections or chronic otitis media can damage the middle ear and affect hearing. Persistent inflammation, fluid buildup, or recurring middle ear infections may increase the risk of temporary or permanent hearing loss if left untreated.
When are hearing aids recommended?
Hearing aids are recommended when hearing loss affects communication, work, relationships, or daily activities. Modern hearing aids are highly customizable and can improve speech understanding, reduce listening fatigue, and help many people with hearing loss stay connected with family and friends. Comprehensive hearing care ensures your devices are properly selected, fitted, and adjusted for your lifestyle.
Are cochlear implants an alternative to hearing aids?
For some patients with profound hearing loss, cochlear implants may be a better option than traditional hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Your physician and audiologist can determine which treatment is most appropriate based on your hearing evaluation.
How can I lower my risk of ear infections?
Good hygiene, allergy management, avoiding secondhand smoke, and treating sinus problems promptly may help reduce your risk of ear infection. In children, keeping vaccinations current and supporting a healthy child’s immune system may also help prevent bacteria that cause ear infections and lower a child’s risk of developing recurring middle ear infections.
Another factor that may help minimize children’s risk of ear infections is to keep sick children home and limit their time in group childcare settings to help reduce the chances of picking up the illnesses that often lead to ear infections.
What should I do if I have ear pain or drainage?
Persistent ear pain, drainage from the ear canal, dizziness, or changes in hearing should never be ignored. These symptoms may indicate an ear infection, a perforated eardrum, or another condition affecting the middle ear or inner ear. By seeking prompt medical attention, you allow your provider to diagnose the problem early and begin the most effective treatment.
How common are ear infections in children, why do they happen, and how are they treated?
Ear infections are extremely common in young children. Five out of six kids will have at least one by age three, making them the most common reason for pediatric doctor visits. Children are especially prone to ear infections because their eustachian tubes (the small channels connecting the middle ear to the nose) are narrower than those of adults, making it easier for fluid and bacteria to get trapped and cause infection. When it comes to treatment, antibiotics are typically prescribed if the infection lasts more than 48 hours, since many mild cases can start to improve on their own within that window.
Is earwax bad, and does it need to be cleaned out?
No. Earwax is actually a healthy, protective substance. Ear canals are self-cleaning, and earwax naturally migrates outward over time through everyday jaw movements (like chewing and talking), carrying dirt and debris out with it. In most cases, your ears don’t need any help doing this job.
What’s the safe way to clean my ears, and what should I avoid?
Stick to wiping only the exterior of the ear with a damp washcloth as the skin inside the ear canal is fragile and easily damaged. Never insert cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal since this tends to push wax deeper rather than remove it. Also avoid ear candling; it’s medically unproven and can actually cause injury.
What if earwax builds up and becomes a problem?
If build up occurs affecting hearing, do not attempt home remedies and instead make an appointment with our office to have it safely removed.
How can I prevent ear infections related to moisture or hygiene?
Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming, since trapped moisture can encourage infection. It also helps to clean earbuds regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.