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Brooke Pearce, AUD

Audiologist

Dr. Brooke Pearce is an audiologist practicing in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Pearce evaluates, diagnoses and collaboratively treats vestibular balance disorders. Dr. Pearce is the co-founder of Dizzy & Vertigo Institute of Los Angeles, with emphasis on new evidenced-based diagnostic and treatment options for vestibular disorders. Dr. Pearce has been practicing as a board-certified audiologist established in her career with an emphasis on collaborating with a multidisciplinary approach.
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Brooke Pearce, AUD
  • LOS ANGELES, CA
  • Accepting new patients

How do you get swimmer's ear?

Swimmer’s ear is brought on by damage to the ear canal running from the start of the ear canal to the eardrum. When this skin is damaged, the result is swimmer's ear. The most READ MORE
Swimmer’s ear is brought on by damage to the ear canal running from the start of the ear canal to the eardrum. When this skin is damaged, the result is swimmer's ear. The most common way of getting it is when water from a pool or the ocean stays in the ear too long, spurring a growth of bacteria. However, swimmer’s ear can be caused on dry land too if you damage that area of the ear. In the future, it is helpful to get your son a pair of snug-fitting ear plugs to wear at the pool.

What is the hearing test for tinnitus like?

There are a few different tests for tinnitus, all of them harmless and easy on the patient. Some of them are subjective – speech recognition test and pure tone audiogram – asking READ MORE
There are a few different tests for tinnitus, all of them harmless and easy on the patient. Some of them are subjective – speech recognition test and pure tone audiogram – asking the patient for feedback on hearing. Some of them are objective – tympanogram, acoustic reflex testing, and otoacoustic emission testing – where the doctor is measuring and analyzing the actual structures of the ear.

How can I get rid of swimmer's ear at home?

It’s most important to keep your ears dry at all times. When showering or swimming, plug your ears using earplugs or a cotton ball with Vaseline on the outside. Don't scratch the READ MORE
It’s most important to keep your ears dry at all times. When showering or swimming, plug your ears using earplugs or a cotton ball with Vaseline on the outside. Don't scratch the inside of the ear because this may make the condition worse. Full treatment of swimmer’s ear should be given by your Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT).

I think I'm partially deaf--what should I do?

Exposure to loud, sudden noises often causes hearing loss or damage to the eardrum. Your general physician will most likely check your ears to see if there’s any obvious visual READ MORE
Exposure to loud, sudden noises often causes hearing loss or damage to the eardrum. Your general physician will most likely check your ears to see if there’s any obvious visual damage. And he/she should point you to an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT) for proper treatment.

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

Symptoms might include having difficulty understanding the clarity of speech, especially in crowded environments. You may also hear ringing in your ears or muffled noises. Or you READ MORE
Symptoms might include having difficulty understanding the clarity of speech, especially in crowded environments. You may also hear ringing in your ears or muffled noises. Or you might recognize yourself occasionally turning up the volume when you listen to something, having trouble understanding what people are saying in noisy environments, and even reading lips from time to time.

Early treatment is best. It’s best to consult an Audiologist in person for this matter, which you can find one through the American Audiology Association (
https://memberportal.audiology.org/Directories/Find-an-Audiologist).

What could be the reason for my "hazy" hearing?

This could be a build-up of wax, age-related hearing loss, middle ear infection, sinus infection, tinnitus, among other causes. As you can see from the list of possibilities, it’s READ MORE
This could be a build-up of wax, age-related hearing loss, middle ear infection, sinus infection, tinnitus, among other causes. As you can see from the list of possibilities, it’s best to get a proper analysis from an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT).

What causes hearing loss?

There are a variety of causes of hearing loss ranging from age to exposure to loud noises. Early treatment is best. Especially amongst the elderly because untreated hearing loss READ MORE
There are a variety of causes of hearing loss ranging from age to exposure to loud noises. Early treatment is best. Especially amongst the elderly because untreated hearing loss can be a cause for other deteriorating problems, such as Alzheimer’s. It’s best to consult an Audiologist in person for this matter.

Which hearing aids work the best?

Almost all hearing aid brands have gotten very easy to clean and to change their batteries. They’re all very comparable in functionality. Although, Oticon, Phonak, and Widex are READ MORE
Almost all hearing aid brands have gotten very easy to clean and to change their batteries. They’re all very comparable in functionality. Although, Oticon, Phonak, and Widex are widely reported as being the most comfortable and well-fitting brands. Your Audiologist should be able to make more elaborate recommendations based on the needs of your grandmother.

What are some signs of vertigo?

Vertigo is a form of dizziness that creates a false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. It’s an illusion. False signals in the body’s balance centers cause READ MORE
Vertigo is a form of dizziness that creates a false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. It’s an illusion. False signals in the body’s balance centers cause your body to overcompensate and create this false sense of motion. People often describe it as being suddenly scooped up by a speeding train going in circles.

Is partial deafness possible after an ear infection?

Middle ear infections can affect your hearing – muffling sounds and your overall ability to hear. This can be unsettling, but it's almost always temporary and doesn't result in READ MORE
Middle ear infections can affect your hearing – muffling sounds and your overall ability to hear. This can be unsettling, but it's almost always temporary and doesn't result in any permanent hearing loss. Still, any hearing loss should be evaluated by an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT).

Can vertigo cause deafness?

Vertigo is a symptom of many conditions. There are conditions, such as Meniere’s Disease, which cause vertigo and in some cases damage to the inner ear. But vertigo and hearing READ MORE
Vertigo is a symptom of many conditions. There are conditions, such as Meniere’s Disease, which cause vertigo and in some cases damage to the inner ear. But vertigo and hearing loss are not exclusively linked together.

It’s best to get the proper testing done at an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT), determine what’s causing your vertigo, and then figure out the proper course of treatment.

I work with headphones for a long time. Can it affect my hearing?

Yes, it can. An estimated 12.5% of children (approximately 5.2 million) and 17% of adults (approximately 26 million) have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive READ MORE
Yes, it can. An estimated 12.5% of children (approximately 5.2 million) and 17% of adults (approximately 26 million) have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise. Prolonged exposure to loud music increases your risk of hearing loss. But working in a call center shouldn’t be an issue, as long as you keep your headphones at a moderate volume.

When is a hearing aid recommended for patient?

It’s a good time to see an Audiologist when you start to notice your symptoms. Symptoms might include having difficulty understanding the clarity of speech, especially in crowded READ MORE
It’s a good time to see an Audiologist when you start to notice your symptoms. Symptoms might include having difficulty understanding the clarity of speech, especially in crowded environments. You may also hear ringing in your ears or muffled noises. Or you might recognize yourself occasionally turning up the volume when you listen to something, having trouble understanding what people are saying in noisy environments, and even reading lips from time to time.

Early treatment is best. It’s best to consult an Audiologist in person for this matter, which you can find one through the American Audiology Association (
https://memberportal.audiology.org/Directories/Find-an-Audiologist).

Is it okay if my mother just sleeps with her hearing aid?

Sleeping in hearing aids isn’t going to cause any extra damage to your hearing, so it’s not harmful. However, it’s not recommended as hearing aids aren’t designed to be slept in. READ MORE
Sleeping in hearing aids isn’t going to cause any extra damage to your hearing, so it’s not harmful. However, it’s not recommended as hearing aids aren’t designed to be slept in. This will cause them to wear down quicker. Perhaps creating some sort of visual reminder for her would be helpful – a sticky note by her bedside maybe – could help her remember to take them out.

My mother is falling down often. Could it be a balance issues?

Disorientation is quite common among the elderly. Balance is created in the brain by taking in cues from your eyes, your somatosensory feeling, and the canals in your inner ear. READ MORE
Disorientation is quite common among the elderly. Balance is created in the brain by taking in cues from your eyes, your somatosensory feeling, and the canals in your inner ear. All three of these fade with age. It’s possible that she’s getting vertigo-like disorientation which is causing her to fall. Many things can lead to this disorientation, so please have her consult an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT) to see if this is something she can better manage with treatment.

I am unable to hear high-pitched sounds?

Losing your sense of high-pitched sounds is quite common as we age. It’s one of the first tonalities we lose. There are, of course, many reasons for hearing loss ranging from a READ MORE
Losing your sense of high-pitched sounds is quite common as we age. It’s one of the first tonalities we lose. There are, of course, many reasons for hearing loss ranging from a damaged ear drum to buildup of earwax. It’s best to consult an Audiologist.

What tests are available to me to confirm possible hearing loss?

Yes, a trained Audiologist will run you through a variety of tests such as an Auditory Brainstem Response Test or Behavioral Audiometry Evaluation. Early treatment is best so READ MORE
Yes, a trained Audiologist will run you through a variety of tests such as an Auditory Brainstem Response Test or Behavioral Audiometry Evaluation.

Early treatment is best so please consult an Audiologist in person for this matter, which you can find one through the American Audiology Association (
https://memberportal.audiology.org/Directories/Find-an-Audiologist).

Why do I have pain in my ears whenever I hear a loud noise?

This is likely hyperacusis, which is a type of reduced tolerance to sound. Hyperacusis is commonly caused by aging or prolonged exposure to loud noises. There are no tests for READ MORE
This is likely hyperacusis, which is a type of reduced tolerance to sound. Hyperacusis is commonly caused by aging or prolonged exposure to loud noises. There are no tests for diagnosing hyperacusis and no definitive cure. But the symptoms can be managed.

My daughter has trouble pronouncing certain sounds and letters. How can I help her?

You’re thinking the right way by seeing a speech pathology expert. They’ll know the different causes and be able to advise accordingly.

Loss of hearing after car accident. How will it be treated?

Exposure to loud, sudden noises often causes hearing loss or damage to the eardrum. Your general physician will most likely check your ears to see if there’s any obvious visual READ MORE
Exposure to loud, sudden noises often causes hearing loss or damage to the eardrum. Your general physician will most likely check your ears to see if there’s any obvious visual damage. And he/she should point you to an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT) for proper treatment.