What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is a common condition that affects individuals of all ages, even children. Hearing loss affects your ability to clearly hear sounds and understand speech and can affect one or both ears. Hearing loss is measured in degrees: mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, or profound.
There can be many causes of hearing loss, although the most common are age and loud noise exposure. As we age, the hair cells inside the inner ear (which are responsible for transmitting sound to the brain) begin to naturally deteriorate. This process can be accelerated from prolonged noise exposure. Loud noise is dangerous to our ears and sound waves can damage the delicate hair cells within, leading to permanent hearing loss.
There are other causes of hearing loss, including head/ear trauma, genetics, ototoxic medications, frequent ear infections, or underlying health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. No matter what caused your hearing loss, our team can help you.
Signs of Hearing Loss
For many people, hearing loss occurs gradually, over the course of a few years. For this reason, it can be difficult to notice the signs until your hearing has decreased significantly. Below are some common indicators that it is time to have your hearing checked:
- You can hear but you lack clarity
- You frequently ask others to repeat themselves
- It is difficult to hear when there is background noise (in a restaurant)
- You often respond with “What?”
- You need the volume on the TV or radio turned up louder than others like
- Women and children’s voices are harder to hear
- You feel fatigued after conversations
- You hear a ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- A close friend or family member has recommended you have your hearing tested
Types of Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing loss.
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common and occurs due to damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. Common causes include aging, noise exposure, genetics, underlying health conditions, or ototoxic medications. Sensorineural hearing loss is irreversible but can be successfully managed with hearing aids.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are unable to travel through the outer and middle ear to the inner ear. Causes include ear infections, earwax blockage, abnormal growths, ruptured eardrum, or fluid in the middle ear. This type of hearing loss is curable by a medical doctor.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This occurs due to issues with sound transmission through the outer and middle ear and damage to the inner ear. Treatment includes a combination of medical guidance from a physician as well as hearing aids.
Benefits of
Managing Hearing Loss
There are many benefits to managing hearing loss. When left untreated, hearing loss can have a negative impact on communication, cognitive function, and quality of life. Hearing is deeply connected to brain health. In fact, research has shown that older individuals with untreated hearing loss have a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia compared to those who use hearing aids.
When you take the step to manage hearing loss, you can experience:
- Enhanced communication
- Better relationships
- Healthier cognitive function
- Enhanced safety
- Professional success
- Emotional well-being
- Improved quality of life
There are many benefits to managing hearing loss with hearing aids. Don’t wait any longer, start enjoying your life again by scheduling an appointment today! The team at Aspire Audiology & Hearing Center in Scottsdale is excited to help you.