EXPERT
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.
Brooke Pearce, AUD
- LOS ANGELES, CA
- Accepting new patients
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Is hearing loss hereditary?
When it comes to age-related hearing loss, it is estimated that the causes of it are 35-55% genetic. In other words, age-related hearing loss can be hereditary. But not definitively. READ MORE
When it comes to age-related hearing loss, it is estimated that the causes of it are 35-55% genetic. In other words, age-related hearing loss can be hereditary. But not definitively.
Can using earbuds make me deaf?
Yes, this is true. 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 READ MORE
Yes, this is true. 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.
In general, sounds above 85 dB (decibels) are harmful, depending on how long and how often you are exposed to them and whether you wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs. For reference, normal conversation is about 60 dB, a lawn mower is about 90 dB, and a loud rock concert is about 120 dB.
In general, sounds above 85 dB (decibels) are harmful, depending on how long and how often you are exposed to them and whether you wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs. For reference, normal conversation is about 60 dB, a lawn mower is about 90 dB, and a loud rock concert is about 120 dB.
Why do I feel a vibration in my ears?
This ringing in the ears is called Tinnitus. It’s the sensation of ringing, buzzing, hissing, chirping, whistling, or other sounds in the ears. For most people, Tinnitus doesn’t READ MORE
This ringing in the ears is called Tinnitus. It’s the sensation of ringing, buzzing, hissing, chirping, whistling, or other sounds in the ears. For most people, Tinnitus doesn’t escalate to anything more than an annoyance and inconvenience. It can be a symptom of vestibular (balance) disorders. However, having Tinnitus doesn’t mean you have a vestibular disorder.
There are many causes of Tinnitus from earwax buildup to eardrum damage and many more. Therefore, treatment varies based on the cause. It’s best to consult an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT).
There are many causes of Tinnitus from earwax buildup to eardrum damage and many more. Therefore, treatment varies based on the cause. It’s best to consult an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT).
Can my ear infection impact my hearing?
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).
How can I cure my ruptured eardrum?
First and foremost, visit an Otolaryngologist (ENT) as soon as possible. Self-treatment can worsen your pain and prolong your injury. Please avoid home remedies. Healthcare professionals READ MORE
First and foremost, visit an Otolaryngologist (ENT) as soon as possible. Self-treatment can worsen your pain and prolong your injury. Please avoid home remedies. Healthcare professionals will diagnose the severity and figure out the best cure moving forward.
Can sinusitis cause hearing impairment?
Sinusitis does not directly cause hearing impairment. However, sinus infections can lead to ear infections, which can then have a hearing-impairment symptom. Your body should be READ MORE
Sinusitis does not directly cause hearing impairment. However, sinus infections can lead to ear infections, which can then have a hearing-impairment symptom. Your body should be able to work through sinusitis. But if it hasn’t resolved itself over a prolonged period, then you should consult an Otolaryngologist (ENT) to get that figured out.
Are there any surgeries to treat hearing loss from birth?
50% to 60% of hearing loss in babies is due to genetic causes. Cochlear implants may be the best course of action, as they bypass the outer ear function and connect sound directly READ MORE
50% to 60% of hearing loss in babies is due to genetic causes. Cochlear implants may be the best course of action, as they bypass the outer ear function and connect sound directly to the auditory nerve. It’s best to consult an Audiologist in person for this matter, which you can find one through the American Audiology Association.
Is hearing loss hereditary?
When it comes to age-related hearing loss, it is estimated that the causes of it are 35-55% genetic. In other words, age-related hearing loss can be hereditary. But not definitely. READ MORE
When it comes to age-related hearing loss, it is estimated that the causes of it are 35-55% genetic. In other words, age-related hearing loss can be hereditary. But not definitely.
I feel dizzy on waking up. Is it some ear problem?
These two symptoms are often both the result of vestibular dysfunction, but can be the symptoms of a variety of conditions. We’d encourage you to see an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist READ MORE
These two symptoms are often both the result of vestibular dysfunction, but can be the symptoms of a variety of conditions. We’d encourage you to see an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT) for proper diagnosis.
I had an ear drum repair surgery four months back and now its again infected. What should I do?
More than 90 percent of patients recover from tympanoplasty (eardrum surgery) with no complications. We’re sorry that you’re finding yourself in the 10%. However, there are risks READ MORE
More than 90 percent of patients recover from tympanoplasty (eardrum surgery) with no complications. We’re sorry that you’re finding yourself in the 10%. However, there are risks involved with any type of surgery. Tympanoplasty risks can include bleeding, infection at the surgery site, and allergic reactions to medications and anesthesia given during the procedure. Please contact the surgeon for more information, as they know your case better than anyone.
I can hear a buzz sound all the time. What is it?
This ringing in the ears is called Tinnitus. It’s a very common symptom, affecting more than 50 million Americans. Tinnitus itself is just a symptom, so the seriousness of your READ MORE
This ringing in the ears is called Tinnitus. It’s a very common symptom, affecting more than 50 million Americans. Tinnitus itself is just a symptom, so the seriousness of your situation depends on the condition causing the buzzing sensation. There are many causes of Tinnitus from earwax buildup to eardrum damage to vestibular disorder and many more. Therefore, the condition causing Tinnitus might be serious. It’s best to consult an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT Doctor).
Can vertigo lead to other problems?
It sounds like you may be experiencing aural fullness (fullness in the ear), which is a common symptom linked with vestibular (balance) disorders. Because vertigo is a symptom, READ MORE
It sounds like you may be experiencing aural fullness (fullness in the ear), which is a common symptom linked with vestibular (balance) disorders. Because vertigo is a symptom, not a condition, it cannot lead to other problems. However, whatever condition you have that is causing the vertigo may also be causing the muffled hearing. We recommend that you visit a vestibular specialist to receive a proper diagnosis, as this will inform you of why your hearing is muffled and why you experience vertigo.
Why do I have excessive earwax buildup?
Some people are prone to produce too much earwax. In your case, the act of actually cleaning your ears with swabs can be throwing your ear’s natural system off balance. Your ear READ MORE
Some people are prone to produce too much earwax. In your case, the act of actually cleaning your ears with swabs can be throwing your ear’s natural system off balance. Your ear will naturally push excess wax out of your ear, without the need for manual removal.
The most common cause of earwax blockage is at-home removal. Using cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects in your ear canal can also push wax deeper, creating a blockage.
We recommend letting your ear naturally cycle wax through on its own (which may take a week or more after you stop manually removing wax). If you’re still experiencing excess earwax buildup, then see an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT).
The most common cause of earwax blockage is at-home removal. Using cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects in your ear canal can also push wax deeper, creating a blockage.
We recommend letting your ear naturally cycle wax through on its own (which may take a week or more after you stop manually removing wax). If you’re still experiencing excess earwax buildup, then see an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT).
What can trigger noise-induced hearing loss?
In general, sounds above 85 dB (decibels) are harmful, depending on how long and how often you are exposed to them and whether you wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or READ MORE
In general, sounds above 85 dB (decibels) are harmful, depending on how long and how often you are exposed to them and whether you wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs. For reference, normal conversation is about 60 dB, a lawn mower is about 90 dB, and a loud rock concert is about 120 dB.
The occasional concert is alright as long as you are distant from the speakers. If you’re worried about your hearing, it’s always a good idea to wear a pair of ear plugs. They are inconspicuous and will help soften the decibels reaching your ear drum.
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent hearing loss that is caused by being around loud noises over a long period of time. It can also occur after you are exposed to loud noise in a short period of time, such as an explosion.
The occasional concert is alright as long as you are distant from the speakers. If you’re worried about your hearing, it’s always a good idea to wear a pair of ear plugs. They are inconspicuous and will help soften the decibels reaching your ear drum.
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent hearing loss that is caused by being around loud noises over a long period of time. It can also occur after you are exposed to loud noise in a short period of time, such as an explosion.
I have a buzz sound in my ear. What could it be?
The symptom you’re experiencing is most likely Tinnitus. It’s a very common symptom affecting more than 50 million Americans. There are many causes of Tinnitus from earwax buildup READ MORE
The symptom you’re experiencing is most likely Tinnitus. It’s a very common symptom affecting more than 50 million Americans. There are many causes of Tinnitus from earwax buildup to eardrum damage to vestibular disorder and many more. It’s best to consult an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT Doctor).
Why do I have a drumming sound in my ears?
The symptom you’re experiencing is most likely Tinnitus. It’s a very common symptom affecting more than 50 million Americans. The jaw movement from chewing is what is increasing READ MORE
The symptom you’re experiencing is most likely Tinnitus. It’s a very common symptom affecting more than 50 million Americans. The jaw movement from chewing is what is increasing the drumming sound. There are many causes of Tinnitus from earwax buildup to eardrum damage to vestibular disorder and many more. It’s best to consult an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT Doctor).
Can hearing loss due to ageing be reversed?
Age related hearing loss is caused by degeneration of sensory cells. It cannot, unfortunately, be reversed. However, it can be treated effectively with hearing aids and other communication READ MORE
Age related hearing loss is caused by degeneration of sensory cells. It cannot, unfortunately, be reversed. However, it can be treated effectively with hearing aids and other communication devices.
Is there any cure for deafness?
Cochlear implants may be the best course of action, as they bypass the outer ear function and connect sound directly to the auditory nerve. It’s best to consult an Audiologist READ MORE
Cochlear implants may be the best course of action, as they bypass the outer ear function and connect sound directly to the auditory nerve. 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).
My son who is 5 years old is having a ringing sensation in his ears. Is it treatable?
This ringing in the ears is called Tinnitus. It’s the sensation of ringing, buzzing, hissing, chirping, whistling, or other sounds in the ears. For most people, Tinnitus doesn’t READ MORE
This ringing in the ears is called Tinnitus. It’s the sensation of ringing, buzzing, hissing, chirping, whistling, or other sounds in the ears. For most people, Tinnitus doesn’t escalate to anything more than an annoyance and inconvenience. It can be a symptom of vestibular (balance) disorders. However, having Tinnitus doesn’t mean you have a vestibular disorder.
There are many causes of Tinnitus from earwax buildup to eardrum damage and many more. Therefore, treatment varies based on the cause. It’s best to consult an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT).
There are many causes of Tinnitus from earwax buildup to eardrum damage and many more. Therefore, treatment varies based on the cause. It’s best to consult an Audiologist or Otolaryngologist (ENT).
Can typhoid cause hearing loss?
Typhoid fever can attack nearly any organ in the body. Cochleovestibular (ear) involvement can result in acute sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). It’s a rare complication and may READ MORE
Typhoid fever can attack nearly any organ in the body. Cochleovestibular (ear) involvement can result in acute sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). It’s a rare complication and may result in permanent deafness. However, there are cases where the SNHL was reversed.
