Signs of Hearing Loss
The most common type of hearing loss is age related (presbycusis) and can be difficult to notice right away. As we age, the hair cells inside the inner ear begin to naturally deteriorate, resulting in difficulty hearing. This process typically occurs over the course of a few years, making it difficult to notice there has been any change in hearing ability.
Some common signs of hearing loss you should be aware of include:
- You can hear but you lack clarity
- You frequently ask people to repeat themselves
- Speech seems muffled
- It seems like the people around you mumble
- It’s difficult to hear when there is background noise (such as at a restaurant)
- You turn the volume up on the TV or radio louder than others like
- You hear a ringing in your ears
- Someone close to you has suggested you have your hearing checked
Hearing Loss and Overall Health
Our ability to hear is connected to our overall health and well-being. Sometimes, hearing loss can be an indicator of another health condition – such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Because of this connection it’s important to have your hearing checked if you have noticed a change.
It’s important to manage hearing loss at the first signs because if left untreated, it can have negative effects on your health and quality of life. These can include a loss of speech comprehension, social isolation, depression, forgetfulness, and even cognitive decline. The sooner hearing loss is managed, the better the results will be.
Don’t wait, schedule a hearing exam today!
Types of Hearing Loss
Not every hearing loss is the same. Just as there are varying degrees, there are also different types of hearing loss. The three main types are sensorineural, conductive, and mixed.
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common and occurs from damage to the hair cells in the inner ear or to the hearing nerve. Causes include age, genetics, ototoxic medications, head trauma, or underlying health conditions. This type of hearing loss is permanent but can be managed with hearing aids.
Conductive hearing loss is when there is a problem transmitting sound from the outer and middle ear to the inner ear. Causes include ear infection, earwax impaction, ruptured eardrum, fluid in the middle ear, or abnormal growths in the middle ear. This type of hearing loss can be treated by a medical doctor.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive. Treatment for this type of hearing loss includes having the conducted portion looked at by a doctor and then using hearing aids to manage the sensorineural portion.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is very common, affecting roughly 50 million Americans. Almost everyone will experience tinnitus at some point in their lifetime, but how it affects everyone can range drastically. Tinnitus can be loud or quiet, sporadic or constant, and can range in frequency. Not every case of tinnitus requires treatment. But if you do experience frequent ringing in the ears that is affecting your quality of life, we encourage you to make an appointment.
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