Dr. Brian Peterson specializes in cochlear implantation, a hearing option available to both children and adults who are unable to benefit from traditional hearing aids. It is approved by the FDA for use in patients even as young as 12 months old with severe to profound hearing loss in both ears.
Recent technologic innovations have dramatically improved the function and appearance of cochlear implants. It can be used by patients who have been recently impaired or those who have had a hearing loss since birth. Because of his specialty with the ear, Dr. Peterson has extensive experience with this procedure. For questions about the program, call 801-566-8304. Read more about Dr. Peterson here.
What Causes Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in adults can either be inherited or acquired from a variety of conditions including illness, ototoxic type drugs, loud noise exposure, tumors, head injury, or the aging process. This loss may occur by itself or with tinnitus.
Significant hearing loss can be caused by many conditions, including:
- Ototoxic medications – a condition caused by certain medications including aminoglycoside antibiotics, salicylates in large quantities (aspirin), loop diuretics, and drugs used in chemotherapy regimens.
- Noise-induced hearing loss – a gradual and painless hearing loss that damages the hair cells in the inner ear. It is caused from listening to loud noise for long periods of time.
- Otosclerosis – a middle ear disease affecting movement of the bones, which is often surgically treatable.
- Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease – a sudden hearing loss is fast, dramatic, and should be medically treated as soon as possible.
- Ménière’s disease – an inner ear condition most common between the ages of 30 and 50.
- Acoustic trauma – or a single exposure to an extremely loud sound such as an explosion can cause a sudden loss of hearing.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – a skull fracture, a hole in the eardrum, and damage to the middle ear structures.
- Acoustic neuroma – a tumor that causes hearing loss.
- Presbycusis – a sensorineural hearing loss that occurs gradually later in life.
What is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is an electronic device with two portions. The external portion sits behind the ear and is surgically planted under the skin. The implant generates signals that are then circulated to the brain by way of the auditory nerve, which then is able to recognize signals and sounds. Unlike a hearing aid, it does not make sound louder or clearer. Instead, the device bypasses damaged parts of the auditory system and directly stimulates the nerve of hearing, allowing individuals who are profoundly hearing impaired to receive sound.
Referrals to Dr. Brian Peterson are accepted from any medical or healthcare provider. South Valley Ear Nose & Throat requests that all referrals be accompanied by the following:
- Medical history including any medications you are currently taking
- Other than hearing loss, information about any other current diagnosis or assessment.
- Information regarding hearing aids and usage history
- Contact information for any other medical or healthcare professionals involved in the care of the referred case
For more information about this program or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Peterson, call 801-566-8304.