Hearing Evaluation and Treatment
MRCS (Edinburgh, UK), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
Understanding Hearing Loss
Hearing plays a vital role in how we connect with the world. When hearing becomes difficult, it can affect communication, relationships, work performance and overall quality of life. For children, untreated hearing problems may even affect speech and language development.
At our clinic, we provide comprehensive hearing evaluation and treatment services for patients of all ages. Whether you are experiencing gradual hearing loss or ringing in the ears, our ENT specialists and audiologists will work together to identify the cause and recommend the best possible solution.
What Are Common Signs of Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss and related conditions can present in many ways. You may need a hearing evaluation if you or your loved one experiences:
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning up the television or radio to high volumes
- Ringing, buzzing or hissing sounds in the ears (tinnitus)
- Ear pain, pressure or recurring ear infections
- Delayed speech or unclear pronunciation in children
Even mild hearing problems can impact communication and should be checked by an ENT specialist.
Common Types & Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss comes in different types, and knowing which one applies to you will guide the doctor in choosing the right treatment plan.
- Conductive Hearing Loss: This is caused by blockages or problems in the outer or middle ear, such as wax build-up, ear infections, fluid in the middle ear or a perforated eardrum.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This is linked to damage in the inner ear or auditory nerve. Common causes include ageing, noise exposure, genetic factors or certain medical conditions.
- Mixed Hearing Loss: This refers to a combination of conductive and sensorineural issues.
How is Hearing Loss Diagnosed?
A hearing evaluation at Precision ENT Specialists involves getting a detailed medical history and performing an ear examination. Depending on the symptoms, we will recommend one or more specialised tests:
- Pure Tone Audiometry: This measures hearing sensitivity at different sound frequencies.
- Speech Audiometry: This assesses how well words can be understood at different volume levels.
- Tympanometry: This evaluates middle ear function and the movement of the eardrum.
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): Often used in children, this test measures the inner ear’s response to sound.
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR): This assesses how the hearing nerve responds to sounds, which is useful in infants and complex cases.
These hearing tests are painless, safe and tailored to each patient’s age and needs.
Treatment Options for Hearing Loss
- Removal of ear wax or foreign bodies
- Antibiotics or medication for ear infections
- Ventilation tubes (grommets) for children with recurrent fluid in the ears
- Surgery for perforated eardrums, middle ear disease, or bone abnormalities
Dedicated Hearing Care for Children
Children with hearing problems often struggle with speech and learning. Common issues include glue ear, recurrent infections, or congenital hearing loss. Our paediatric ENT and audiology team offers child-friendly hearing tests and treatments such as grommet insertion, hearing aids and speech therapy referrals. Early intervention is key to supporting development and school readiness.
Why Choose Our Clinic for Hearing Loss
At Precision ENT Specialists, we combine advanced technology with a patient-centred approach to provide the best possible care for patients with hearing loss. Our services include:
- Comprehensive testing for both adults and children
- Access to modern hearing aids and implantable devices
- Collaborative care between ENT specialists and audiologists
- Long-term support, counselling and follow-up care
Additionally, Dr Barrie Tan is a trusted subspecialist in the field of hearing loss and cochlear implants. From 2012 to 2019, he was the Director of the Centre for Hearing and Ear Implants at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), the largest cochlear implant unit in Singapore.
When to Seek Help for Hearing Loss
If you or your child is showing signs of hearing problems, don’t wait until symptoms worsen. Early evaluation and treatment can prevent long-term consequences. See a hearing specialist if you notice any of the following:
- Conversations are becoming harder to follow
- You frequently feel that people are mumbling
- There is ringing or buzzing in your ears
- Your child is slow to develop speech or doesn’t respond consistently to sounds
- You have a history of prolonged noise exposure or family history of hearing loss
FAQs
OUR DOCTORS
Meet Our
ENT Specialists
Our clinic is led by two experienced ENT specialists, each with their own subspecialties, offering comprehensive expertise across all areas of ENT care. This ensures our patients receive care that is both broad in scope and deep in specialised insight.
Dr Barrie Tan
Senior Consultant ENT Specialist
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (ENT) (Singapore)
MRCS (Edinburgh, UK), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
Dr Barrie Tan has over 25 years of experience in ENT, particularly in the field of hearing loss and cochlear implants, snoring and sleep apnea, as well as endoscopic ear surgery.
Dr Barrie was a President’s Scholar and the former Head of the ENT Department at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and the Director of the Centre for Hearing and Ear Implants. He continues to hold various leadership positions in several ENT professional bodies today.
At his practice, Dr Barrie places great emphasis on listening carefully to his patients and providing the most personalised and supportive care possible.
Dr Ranjit Magherra
Senior Consultant ENT Head & Neck Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh)
FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Otolaryngology)
Dr Ranjit Magherra is an accomplished ENT Head & Neck Specialist with over 25 years of experience. He was also fellowship-trained in Head & Neck and Thyroid Surgery.
Dr Ranjit was formerly the Head of the ENT Head & Neck Surgery Department at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), as well as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore.
He has also received several Service Quality Awards during his time in the public sector and continues to bring the same level of dedication to his patients even today.