Hearing
The UPMC Ear and Hearing Center provides full-spectrum expertise in the evaluation and management of routine and complex problems of the ear, hearing, facial nerve, and balance function. Disorders such as acute and chronic ear infections, cholesteatoma, sudden hearing loss, and deafness are treated with comprehensive, contemporary surgical techniques of hearing rehabilitation including lasers, cochlear implants, and bone anchored hearing devices when appropriate.
Skull base tumors, such as acoustic neuroma, are treated with microsurgical resection or stereotactic radiation therapy. The division works closely with the UPMC Center for Audiology and Hearing Aids to provide comprehensive care of all hearing disorders.
The UPMC Center for Audiology and Hearing Aids performs routine and specialized hearing evaluations, and provides treatments for permanent hearing loss including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive listening devices. The center has three specialized programs, the Tinnitus Treatment Program, focusing on patients with tinnitus (noise in the ears) and hyperacusis (hypersensitivity to sound); the Musicians' Hearing Center, which cares for the auditory needs of musicians; and the Cochlear Implant Program, which helps those who cannot use hearing aids. In addition, the center can create custom earmolds such as musicians' earplugs, swim plugs, in-ear monitors, and earplugs to block noise.