How Do I Know If I Have A Hearing Loss?

A hearing loss may vary in degree from mild to profound. Mild Loss: Individuals with a mild or high frequency hearing loss may not be fully aware of the problem. However, family members and friends often recognize that the person has trouble hearing in groups or sometimes does not understand what is being said. Moderate and Severe Loss: Individuals with a hearing loss will usually know they are having trouble since they have to strain to hear and understand in many situations. They often need the TV volume to be loud or are not able to hear effectively on the telephone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Are Some Of The Causes Of Hearing Loss?

There are many causes of hearing loss, including: Noise-induced hearing loss – Hearing loss resulting from loud noises. It is one of the most common causes of hearing loss and the most preventable. Presbycusis – Hearing loss resulting from the aging process. This type of hearing loss is also quite common. Genetic hearing loss – Hearing loss due to genetic factors. Scientists estimate genes and hereditary cause at least half of all hearing loss cases. Temporary blockage – Hearing loss that occurs as the result of blockage from earwax or other fluids and ear infections. This type of hearing loss is common for people with allergies or swimmer’s ear. Disease – Hearing loss due to diseases, like Meniere’s disease or meningitis. Ototoxic medications – Hearing loss as a result of certain medications and medical treatments that are toxic to the ear. Otitis media – also known as ear infection, this is the most common cause of hearing loss in children. Otosclerosis – Hearing loss that results from abnormal bone growth in the middle ear. Ear or head injuries – Hearing loss resulting from tumors, eardrum perforations, and other head injuries.

Each individual with hearing loss experiences unique challenges and concerns. Here are several questions our team frequently receives, along with our expert answers. You may have your own questions that are not covered here. If this is the case, you can list them and bring them to your appointment. We will ensure you get answers and help you find a hearing support system that you feel comfortable with.

Hearing Related FAQs

How do I know if I need a hearing aid?naushucmr2021-02-01T16:00:12+00:00

How do I know if I need a hearing aid?

First, you need to figure out if hearing loss is affecting your daily life. Your family may have noticed you are not hearing as well as you did in the past. If you are having trouble communicating and keeping up with your regular lifestyle, this can have an impact on your decision. Your audiologist can test your hearing to help determine if you have hearing loss and, if necessary, work with you on options that may help you.

Can people with cochlear implants swim, shower and participate in sports?naushucmr2021-02-01T15:58:44+00:00

Can people with cochlear implants swim, shower and participate in sports?

Yes, people with implants can swim, shower and participate in virtually all types of sport activities when they are not wearing the external equipment. The only restriction relates to skydiving and scuba diving because significant changes in air pressure are not advised. Participation in all other athletic activities is unrestricted, although protective headgear is always recommended.

Are cochlear implants experimental devices?naushucmr2021-02-01T15:58:07+00:00

Are cochlear implants experimental devices?

Cochlear implants have been used since the 1970s and several devices are currently approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children and adults.

What Is The Ringing In My Ears?naushucmr2021-02-01T16:04:25+00:00

What Is The Ringing In My Ears?

If you hear ringing, whistling, chirping, hissing, or clicking in your ears, you probably have a symptom known as tinnitus. It can occur periodically or constantly and be perceived in one or both ears or the head. Tinnitus often results from noise damage to the ear or from age-related hearing loss.

Approximately 50 million Americans experience some degree of tinnitus, and 12 million of these suffer from severe cases. Tinnitus cannot be cured; however, hearing aids and other treatments can help individuals better manage this symptom.

What Are Some Of The Causes Of Hearing Loss?naushucmr2021-02-01T16:05:13+00:00

What Are Some Of The Causes Of Hearing Loss?

There are many causes of hearing loss, including:

Noise-induced hearing loss – Hearing loss resulting from loud noises. It is one of the most common causes of hearing loss and the most preventable.
Presbycusis – Hearing loss resulting from the aging process. This type of hearing loss is also quite common.
Genetic hearing loss – Hearing loss due to genetic factors. Scientists estimate genes and hereditary cause at least half of all hearing loss cases.
Temporary blockage – Hearing loss that occurs as the result of blockage from earwax or other fluids and ear infections. This type of hearing loss is common for people with allergies or swimmer’s ear.
Disease – Hearing loss due to diseases, like Meniere’s disease or meningitis.
Ototoxic medications – Hearing loss as a result of certain medications and medical treatments that are toxic to the ear.
Otitis media – also known as ear infection, this is the most common cause of hearing loss in children.
Otosclerosis – Hearing loss that results from abnormal bone growth in the middle ear.
Ear or head injuries – Hearing loss resulting from tumors, eardrum perforations, and other head injuries.

What Is Hearing Loss?naushucmr2021-02-01T16:05:28+00:00

What Is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is abnormal or reduced hearing sensitivity. An estimated 30 million people in America suffer from some degree of hearing loss. There are three common types of hearing loss: