Do you know the Signs of Hearing Loss?
Are you struggling to hear during dinner? Do you strain to hear what the grandkids say, and never quite understand even if they repeat it three times? These frustrations might be caused by hearing loss! Hearing loss affects 20% of all adults, and one third of all Americans over 65. The symptoms often develop over time, meaning you can’t really pinpoint a start date, and often don’t realize just how severe your hearing loss has become. Early intervention is key, so know the signs of hearing loss, and take charge of your hearing health!
5 Common Signs of Hearing Loss
One of the most common signs of hearing loss is having difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments, such as in a restaurant or lounge. Even in quiet conversations, voices sound muffled and social situations quickly become stressful. Hearing loss often affects high frequencies first, so you’ll notice it most in the voices of women and children. Always turning up the volume on the TV is another sure sign of hearing loss. Finally, having a ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, is a common sign of hearing loss.
2 Main Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is mainly caused by two things; exposure to dangerously loud noises and presbycusis, hearing loss that occurs as a normal part of aging.
Noise induced hearing loss results from being exposed to dangerous sound levels, either during one extreme event, or chronically over months or years. Noise induced hearing loss is common among certain jobs such as factory work and construction, or any job that exposes you to loud engines or equipment. Not all noise induced hearing loss is job related, since some recreational activities like hunting, woodworking, or attending music concerts also expose you to dangerous sound levels.
Age related hearing loss is due to wear and tear that damages hair cells in the inner ear. These cells do not regenerate, so as we age hearing is slowly damaged.
Hearing loss can also be caused by head or ear injuries, infections, certain medications, and fluid or earwax buildup.
3 Types of Hearing Loss
The three types of hearing loss are conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss is the result of damage to the outer ear, and is caused by injury, tumors, or fluid and earwax buildups. Conductive hearing loss can affect anyone, and is often treatable or even reversible through surgery.
Sensorineural hearing loss is what we often think of when we think about hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear cells, meaning that the sounds that enter your ear are not translated to electrical impulses and sent to the brain. This type of hearing loss is caused by noise or aging. There is no way to reverse this damage, and it is most commonly treated with a hearing aid fitting.
Mixed hearing loss is combined conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, meaning several areas of the ear have been damaged.
So What Next?
If you have hearing loss, seek treatment! The most common treatment for hearing loss is to get fitted for hearing aids. These unique, customizable aids are easy to use, and will restore your confidence in hearing. Don’t hesitate to schedule a hearing test today!
You don’t have to live with untreated hearing loss. Visit us at Hear Care:
200 Toll Gate Rd
Suite 203
Warwick, RI 02886
Phone: (401) 737-1760
Email: [email protected]