Hearing Loss Treatment
Signs, Types, and Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss treatment in Apple Valley, CA starts with knowing what you're dealing with. Most hearing loss comes on slowly. The TV creeps louder, the grandkids seem to mumble, and dinners out get tiring. Aging and noise are the most common causes, along with ear infections, earwax, genetics, and some medications. Hearing loss can be sensorineural, conductive, or mixed, and a hearing evaluation shows which type you have.
Dr. Kristi Mendoza, Au.D.
Owner & Doctor of Audiology
Why Treating Hearing Loss Early Matters
When hearing loss goes untreated, the brain works harder to fill in the gaps. Research has linked it to social isolation, fatigue, and a higher risk of dementia. Many patients find that well-fitted hearing aids keep them in the conversation. Dr. Kristi Mendoza, Au.D., has treated hearing loss since 1991 and verifies every fitting with Real Ear Measurement. If your results point to a medical cause, we coordinate with your physician or an ENT.
Patient Reviews
What patients across the High Desert, Visalia, and La Verne say about their care with Dr. Kristi Mendoza, Au.D.
Expert Hearing Care From the High Desert to Visalia
Dr. Kristi Mendoza, Au.D., has helped patients hear better since 1991, and every plan starts with a thorough hearing evaluation.
Serving Southern & Central California
Four Offices, One Number
Dr. Kristi Mendoza, Au.D., and her team see patients in Apple Valley, Jess Ranch, La Verne, and Visalia. Choose the office closest to you on the map.
- Call or text: (760) 503-1700
- info@optimumaudiology.com
- Doctor of Audiology since 1991
- Real Ear Measurement on every fitting
- VA Community Care & OWCP provider
Optimum Audiology is a great place to go to for my hearing aids. Friendly staff and very helpful. They take care of everything from insurance, to keeping your hearing aids properly working. Thanks for doing a great job for me Optimum Audiology.— Anthony A.
Select a location for more information
Hearing Loss FAQs
Common questions about hearing loss in Apple Valley and the High Desert: early warning signs, what causes it, whether it can be reversed, and how to protect your hearing.
The early signs of hearing loss are easy to explain away. You ask people to repeat themselves, lose track of conversations in restaurants or at church, turn the TV up louder than others like, or feel like everyone mumbles. Phone calls with family get harder, and you may start skipping gatherings you used to enjoy.
Because the change is gradual, a spouse or adult child often notices first. If any of this sounds familiar, a hearing test gives you a clear answer. If you have an HMO plan, ask your doctor for a referral first. Call or text (760) 503-1700 to book at our Apple Valley, Jess Ranch, La Verne, or Visalia office.
Age-related hearing loss is the most common cause, a slow change in the inner ear over many years. Noise-induced hearing loss is close behind. Military service, construction, factory work, power tools, motorcycles, and shooting sports all add up over time. Ear infections, earwax buildup, head injuries, genetics, certain medications, and conditions like diabetes can also play a part.
Often more than one cause is involved. A full evaluation sorts out what's happening and whether hearing aids are likely to help. Veterans may be covered through the VA Community Care Network, and federal workers with job-related noise exposure may qualify through OWCP. Our billing team can help you check.
It depends on the type. Conductive hearing loss happens when something blocks sound on its way in, such as earwax, fluid, or a middle ear problem. It can often be treated. If earwax is the cause, we offer professional earwax removal right in the office.
Sensorineural hearing loss, the kind caused by aging or noise, is permanent because the hair cells in the inner ear don't grow back. It can still be managed well. Many patients find that hearing aids fitted with Real Ear Measurement make speech clearer and conversations easier. Knowing which type you have is why treatment starts with a diagnostic evaluation.
Protect your ears whenever things get loud: lawn equipment, power tools, firearms, motorcycles, concerts, and noisy job sites. Foam plugs help, but custom hearing protection molded to your ears is more comfortable, so you're more likely to wear it every time. We make custom earplugs for musicians, shooters and hunters, and industrial workers.
A baseline hearing test is the other half of the plan. Your first audiogram becomes the starting point for future tests, so changes show up early. If you already have hearing aids, wearing them every day keeps your brain used to the sounds you'd otherwise miss. Call or text (760) 503-1700 to schedule.