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Hearing Loss
Did you know that hearing loss affects over 30 million Americans, many of whom are under the age of 50? Particularly the baby boomers are being affected today by hearing loss, often caused by exposure to loud noises, such as in occupational environments, rock concerts, etc. In addition, the increase in the use of MP3 players and headphones by both adults and children alike at loud sound levels can also cause hearing loss.
Hearing loss can happen at any age. Changes in hearing usually happen gradually.
Signs of Hearing Loss can include:
- People may sound like they are mumbling
- Difficulty hearing in background noise
- Ringing, buzzing, hissing, roaring, or cricket sounds in the ears
- Asking people to repeat
- Responding incorrectly in conversations
- Turning the volume of the TV or radio louder than others would like
- Withdrawing from conversations or social activities
- Family history of hearing loss
- History of noise exposure
- History of ototoxic medications
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Most hearing losses can be helped by the use of amplification. Research has shown that the use of hearing aids have had a positive impact by improving the overall quality of life. The National Council on Aging has found that when a hearing loss is present, wearing amplification has helped improve relationships in the home, and reduced anger, frustration, and anxiety from not being able to hear.
Any person suspecting a hearing problem should see their audiologist for a hearing test. Your physician may also order a hearing test when you have ringing in the ears, fullness or pressure, or are having dizziness or balance problems.
Causes and Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive
A conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot be conducted to the inner ear due to a problem with the outer ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear bones. Conductive hearing loss usually causes a reduction in sound or a feeling of pressure and fullness in the ears.
The most common causes of a conductive hearing loss are impaction of earwax, fluid in the ear from a cold, ear infections, poor eustachian tube function, perforated eardrums, swimmers ear, or the malformation of the outer or middle ear. Conductive hearing loss can often be surgically or medically corrected.
Sensorineural
A sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or pathways from the inner ear to the brain. A person with sensorineural hearing loss will have a reduction in hearing and can often have difficulty understanding speech clearly especially in background noise. Sensorineural hearing loss may be caused by the normal aging process, diseases, birth injury, ototoxic drugs, genetics, viruses, head trauma, and noise exposure. Hearing Aids are usually the preferred solution for sensorineural hearing loss.
Mixed
A mixed hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with both the outer or middle ear, and the inner ear or auditory nerve. When a conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss are both present, it is referred to as a mixed hearing loss.
Bilateral vs Unilateral
Bilateral means hearing loss in both ears and unilateral means hearing loss in only one ear.
Sudden vs Progressive
A sudden hearing loss is a rapid onset of decreased hearing that requires immediate medical attention to determine cause and treatment. A progressive hearing loss becomes worse gradually over a period of time.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by a one-time exposure to a loud sound or by a prolonged exposure to sounds over an extended period of time. Each persons sensitivity to sound is different. The standard recommendation is to wear earplugs, earmuffs, or other hearing protection devices when exposed to sounds above 85 dB (decibels). Keep iPods and MP3 players turned down. Wear ear protection when going to concerts, watching fireworks, using power tools, lawn mowers, vacuums, and other noisy household appliances. Read labels for noise levels on children’s toys or any product generating a louder sound.
Tinnitus and what it sounds like
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head where no external source is present. In most cases, tinnitus is a subjective noise, meaning that only the person who has tinnitus can hear it. People describe hearing different sounds: ringing, hissing, crickets, screeching, static, roaring, buzzing, electric tones, sea shell sounds and music. You should schedule an appointment with an Audiologist and Ear, Nose, and Throat Physician if you experience tinnitus.
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