Approximately one in every 10 Americans, or about 30 million people, suffer
from hearing impairment of some type. This number will likely continue to
grow as the "baby boom" generation begins to age. Hearing loss typically
begins around ages 45-60 and often times prevents people from fully participating
in life activities.
Hearing loss is invisible and essentially painless. Typically, there are no
physical warning signs, except for the occasional cases of tinnitus or ringing
in the ear(s). Most hearing losses develop over a period of 25 to 30 years and
often get gradually worse with age. Often, between the ages 45 to 60, there can
be enough deterioration to interfere with communication. Hearing researchers
believe that hearing loss in older adults is the accumulation of two or more
causes, such as exposure to loud noise, family history or simply the natural
aging process. In most cases, there is damage to the microscopic hair cells
(cilia) in the inner ear causing irreversible hearing loss. For the vast majority
of individuals with nerve damage or sensorineural hearing loss, the damaged hair
cells will function again if vigorously stimulated with amplification.
Other causes of hearing loss include ototoxic drugs, viral and toxic illness,
disturbance of fluid to the inner ear and excessive temporal bone growth in the
inner ear. Only about five percent of all hearing losses are the result of
structural damage to the ear. This type of loss is called a conductive hearing
loss. Common causes are impacted wax, perforated eardrum, middle ear effusion,
otosclerosis, cholesteatoma and congenital anomalies.
Sensori-neural (SNHL) Sensori-neural hearing loss occurs when
there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the nerve pathways
from the inner ear to the brain. SNHL cannot be corrected via surgery.
Conductive(CHL) Conductive hearing loss occurs when soundis not
efficiently distributed through the outer ear canal, through the eardrum
and to the small bones of the middle ear. This causes a reduction of
sound volume. Often times, this type of hearing loss can be treated
medically or surgically.
Mixed Mixed hearing loss is the combination of both SNHL and CHL types.
The damage is in both the outer or middle ear system as well as the inner ear.
Nearly 95% of all hearing loss can be treated with amplification.
Today's technology has intelligent integrated signal processing.
This technology provides a more comfortable sound by automatically
adjusting to the environmental sounds around you to match your unique
hearing needs. When programmed correctly by the professional, this
new technology provides a clear and natural sound. The key for
effective treatment and rehabilitation is to identify a hearing loss
in the early stages.
Below are some common symptoms of hearing loss that may indicate the need
for a hearing evaluation.
- Do you accuse others of mumbling or not speaking clearly?
- Do others say you turn the television up to loud?
- Do you have trouble understanding someone who is not facing you?
- Do you have difficulty in groups or with background noise?
- Do you experience ringing or buzzing in your ears?
- Do you hear words but not understand them?
- Do you often ask others to repeat?
- Do you feel others speak to rapidly?
- Do you hear better in one ear than the other?
- Do you have other ear complaints such as pain or fullness?
If you answered YES to one or more of the above questions, a hearing evaluation may be
indicated. Call us today for your FREE-NO OBLIGATION hearing consultation.