expert type icon EXPERT

Brian James

Audiologist

Dr. Brian James is an audiologist practicing in Saratoga Springs, UT. Dr. James evaluates, diagnoses and treats hearing loss, balance issues and tinnitus. Audiologists can care for patients of all ages and treat almost all types of hearing loss. As an audiologist, Dr. James takes part in services like prescribing and fitting hearing aids, recommending assisted listening devices and providing hearing rehabilitation. Audiologists can work in a number of settings such as hospitals, schools, clinics, private practices as well as government, military and VA hospitals.
14 years Experience
Brian James
  • Saratoga Springs, UT
  • University of Utah
  • Accepting new patients

Earwax

Yes, you should see an Ear-Nose-Throat doctor (ENT), so an examination can be performed to determine the issue(s).

Recovery for a stapedectomy surgery?

I would talk with the Doctor preforming the surgery. They will have a better feel on the recovery process.

Eardrum?

You should see an Audiologist or Ear-Nose-Throat doctor. They can visually look into the ear to see if there is a hole in the eardrum and/or use a Tympanometer to detect if READ MORE
You should see an Audiologist or Ear-Nose-Throat doctor. They can visually look into the ear to see if there is a hole in the eardrum and/or use a Tympanometer to detect if there is even a very small hole in the eardrum (tympanic membrane).

Can hearing damage be reversed?

It depends on what damage was caused by the infection. Sometimes if the fluid has accumulated in the middle ear and Ear-Nose-Throat doctor can place a "tube" through the eardrum READ MORE
It depends on what damage was caused by the infection. Sometimes if the fluid has accumulated in the middle ear and Ear-Nose-Throat doctor can place a "tube" through the eardrum to relieve pressure and allow the ear to drain. Most middle ear infections do not cause hearing loss per se.

What is the treatment for hearing damage?

There are several option of which depends on what is going on with the ear(s). I would first see a Pediatric Audiologist for an evaluation and testing. From there you will be READ MORE
There are several option of which depends on what is going on with the ear(s). I would first see a Pediatric Audiologist for an evaluation and testing. From there you will be given direction on what are the next steps.

What can cause hearing problems in a child?

There are many reasons but accumulation of ear wax, fluid behind the eardrum (middle ear infection) are some reasons. You could start by taking her to an Pediatric Audiologist READ MORE
There are many reasons but accumulation of ear wax, fluid behind the eardrum (middle ear infection) are some reasons. You could start by taking her to an Pediatric Audiologist for an evaluation and testing where they will go over the results and given recommendations.

Can you prevent speech delay?

I would take the child to an Ear-Nose-Thraot Dcotor/Audiologist to have them evaluate your child. They will have current diagnostic equipment to test your child beyond a normal READ MORE
I would take the child to an Ear-Nose-Thraot Dcotor/Audiologist to have them evaluate your child. They will have current diagnostic equipment to test your child beyond a normal hearing test. It is important that you follow through testing your child because children start acquiring language around 6 months, even though they are not speaking at that age.

Can sudden hearing damage be fixed?

It Depends. The usual window is about two weeks once the sudden hearing loss occurs. One is usually treated with steroids but you need to see an Ear-Nose-Throat Doctor for the READ MORE
It Depends. The usual window is about two weeks once the sudden hearing loss occurs. One is usually treated with steroids but you need to see an Ear-Nose-Throat Doctor for the evaluation to determine what exactly caused the sudden hearing loss. Side note: if one experiences sudden hearing loss in one ear you should immediately go too the ER for an evaluation and possible treatment.

Can hearing damage be caused by an infection?

Yes, especially if the infection is in the inner ear. Most infections occur in what is called the middle ear and certain conditions in the middle ear can cause a hearing loss. READ MORE
Yes, especially if the infection is in the inner ear. Most infections occur in what is called the middle ear and certain conditions in the middle ear can cause a hearing loss.

Could acupuncture help consistent ear ringing?

I am not sure about acupuncture helping but ringing in the ears or tinnitus can be from damage to the "hair cells" in the inner ear or could be an middle ear issue. I would go READ MORE
I am not sure about acupuncture helping but ringing in the ears or tinnitus can be from damage to the "hair cells" in the inner ear or could be an middle ear issue. I would go to an Audiologist for an evaluation and treatment.

Irritated ear?

I would visit an Ear-Nose-Throat doctor to be evaluated. Side note: if you have similar skin issue on the body, a visit to the Dermatologist would be in order. Also a gluten READ MORE
I would visit an Ear-Nose-Throat doctor to be evaluated. Side note: if you have similar skin issue on the body, a visit to the Dermatologist would be in order. Also a gluten intolerance can cause skin issues.

Can hearing loss be caused by a cold?

Yes, especially if fluid has built up in the middle ear or the Eustachian tube is not functioning properly. Take her to an Audiologist or Ear-Nose-Throat doctor for further evaluation READ MORE
Yes, especially if fluid has built up in the middle ear or the Eustachian tube is not functioning properly. Take her to an Audiologist or Ear-Nose-Throat doctor for further evaluation and treatment.

Watching airplanes okay for ears?

Noise above 85 dB can cause hearing damage, especially if it is consistent. I would get some kind of hearing protection for him if exposing him to close plane take-off and landings. READ MORE
Noise above 85 dB can cause hearing damage, especially if it is consistent. I would get some kind of hearing protection for him if exposing him to close plane take-off and landings.

How to treat hearing damage after a cold?

There a few options and depends on what is causing the hearing loss. Go see an Audiologist or Ear-Nose-Throat doctor for further evaluation and testing.

What do I do about this ear pain?

Sounds like an ear infection which is causing an Eustachian tube problem. I would see an Ear-Nose-Throat doctor for an evaluation and treatment.

I need an audiologist who deals with cochlear implant patients?

Contact your local or regional medical center. They will have trained Audiologist that will help you.

Ear leaked suddenly?

Sometime the two glands in the ear canal that make earwax by mixing together did not mix properly. Nothing too worry about. I would still go to an Ear-Nose-Throat doctor for READ MORE
Sometime the two glands in the ear canal that make earwax by mixing together did not mix properly. Nothing too worry about. I would still go to an Ear-Nose-Throat doctor for a look.

Can’t hear on left side?

Sounds like you pushed the earwax further back toward the eardrum. Go see an Audiologist or Ear-Noe-Throat doctor and they will be able to remove/clean out the earwax.

Inconsistently timed 'pressure' in left ear. What could be the cause?

It sounds like an Eustachian tube problem. I would visit an Ear-Nose-Throat doctor for an evaluation. They will have treatments for you.

Can an ear infection cause hearing problems?

Yes, there could be fluid built up behind the eardrum. I would take her too an Ear-Nose-Throat doctor for an evaluation and treatment.