Hearing Loss
Recognize & Treat Hearing Loss—Don’t Let It Go Unnoticed
What Are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is a progressive condition that worsens over time. The symptoms often appear gradually, making it difficult to notice for some time. Often, a family member or friend will be the first to notice a hearing problem. If you have noticed any combination of these signs, it’s time to have your hearing checked.
- You can hear but you lack clarity
- Frequently asking people to repeat what they have said
- Feeling like others mumble when they speak
- Turning the volume up on the TV or radio
- Missing parts of the conversation when there is background noise
Treatment for hearing loss is most effective when begun early. If you think you have hearing loss, make an appointment with one of our hearing specialists to start improving your quality of life.
Types of Hearing Loss
Treating hearing loss depends on the type and degree of loss present.
Conductive hearing loss is when there are problems with the outer or middle ear. Causes can include:
- Ear infection
- Fluid in the ears
- Malformation or abnormalities of the outer or middle ear
- Impacted earwax
- Foreign object in the ear
- Allergies
- Perforated eardrum
- Otosclerosis
- Benign tumors
Conductive hearing loss is often correctable with surgery or medications.
Sensorineural hearing loss is when there is a problem with the inner ear or hearing nerve. Causes can include:
- Noise exposure
- Head trauma
- Aging (presbycusis)
- Viral disease
- Autoimmune ear disease
- Meniere’s disease
- Malformation or abnormality of the inner ear
- Otosclerosis
- Tumors
Even though irreversible, sensorineural hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, surgery and/or hearing aids.
In addition, there is also unilateral hearing loss, also referred to as single-sided deafness. Patients with unilateral hearing loss have normal hearing in one ear and impaired hearing in the other; they have difficulty hearing on one side and localizing sound. This type of hearing loss is usually associated with conductive causes.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss is a type of sensorineural loss and is the most common affecting patients of all ages. It can be caused by exposure to a single loud blast, such as a gunshot or explosion, by continuous exposure to loud noise over time.
When sounds exceed 85 decibels (dB) they are considered hazardous to your hearing health. Continuous exposure to volume levels that high causes permanent damage to the hair cells in your ears.
Hearing Loss Prevention
Protecting your ears is the key to hearing loss prevention. Whether you are exposed to loud noise through your occupation or hobbies, it’s important to use proper hearing protection. Loud noise exposure is one of the most common causes of hearing loss in people of all ages, increasingly becoming more popular in young adults.
To prevent hearing loss, you should limit your exposure to loud noise. When that is not possible, wearing earplugs or earmuffs can help protect your ears. In addition, don’t stick anything in your ears, such as cotton swabs or other objects.
Regardless of age, everyone should have their hearing tested regularly. Early detection is key.