Do I Have A Hearing Loss?

Millions of Americans have hearing loss and recent statistics suggest approximately 1 in 10 people have hearing loss and 1 in 3 for people over the age of 65 (NIDCD, 2007).  And according to experts, hearing loss is on the rise for all age groups.

Hearing Loss Causes
There are many different causes of hearing loss, with the most common being the aging process. Hearing loss can also be caused by exposure to loud noise, certain medications, infections, head or ear trauma, congenital (birth or prenatal) or hereditary factors, diseases, as well as a number of other causes.

Signs of Hearing Loss

    * You hear people speaking but you have to strain to understand their words.
    * You frequently ask people to repeat what they said.
    * You don’t laugh at jokes because you miss too much of the story or the punch line.
    * You frequently complain that people mumble.
    * You need to ask others about the details of a meeting you just attended.
    * You play the TV or radio louder than your friends, spouse and relatives.
    * You cannot hear the doorbell or the telephone.
    * You find that looking at people when they speak to you makes it easier to understand.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a hearing professional for a full hearing evaluation.  A hearing evaluation allows the hearing professional to determine the type and degree of your hearing loss, as well as how well or how poorly you understand speech. The hearing evaluation will also include a thorough case history as well as visual inspection of the ear canals and eardrum.

The results of the hearing evaluation are used to determine if medical intervention is needed or if the hearing loss would be best treated by hearing aids. If there are any medical concerns shown in the hearing evaluation, the hearing professional will refer you to a physician specializing in the ear, such as an Otolaryngologist.

Types of Hearing Loss

There are many different types of hearing loss that can occur. The most common type of hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss, also called “nerve”, “cochlear” or “inner ear” hearing loss. The second most common type is conductive hearing loss. Other types of hearing loss include: mixed and central.

Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted efficiently through the ear canal, eardrum, or tiny bones of the middle ear. This results in a reduction of the loudness of perceived sound. Conductive losses may result from earwax blocking the ear canal, fluid in the middle ear, middle ear infection, obstructions in the ear canal, perforations (hole) in the eardrum membrane, or disease of any of the three middle ear bones.

A person with conductive hearing loss may notice their ears seem to be full or plugged. This person may speak softly because they hear their own voice loudly. Crunchy foods, such as celery or carrots, seem very loud and this person may have to stop chewing to hear what is being said. All conductive hearing losses should be evaluated by an audiologist and a physician to explore medical and surgical options.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss
As mentioned, sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. The most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss are age related changes and noise exposure. Sensorineural hearing loss may also result from disturbance of inner ear circulation, increased inner ear fluid pressure or from disturbances within the hearing nerve.

People with sensorineural hearing loss typically report they can hear people speaking, but they can’t understand what they are saying. People with sensorineural hearing loss also complain that "everyone mumbles."

Although sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and there is currently no cure, there are many excellent treatment options for patients with sensorineural hearing loss, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss occurs when both a conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss are present.

Central Hearing Loss
Our outer and inner ears allow us to “hear” sound, but the brain allows us to “understand” sound.  Various medical issues can cause our central processing of auditory stimuli to breakdown – thus causing a central hearing loss or also known as an auditory processing disorder.  Persons with a central hearing loss can hear sound but have difficulty with understanding or processing the sound that was heard.

When a central hearing loss is suspected, there are specialized auditory processing tests that are used by an audiologist and physician to determine if a hearing loss is due to central auditory processing issues versus a sensorineural hearing loss.

Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids FAQs

How long does it take to adjust to hearing aids?
The adjustment period to hearing aids varies among individuals. The longer you wait to treat your hearing loss with hearing aids, the longer it takes for your brain to adjust to your new hearing aids. Success can be as little as two weeks for experienced hearing aid wearers. For others, especially new hearing aid wearers, the process can be anywhere from one month to one year.

The success rate is up to the hearing aid wearer, typically patients get a faster result when they:
Wear hearing instruments at all times
Follow guidelines of the after care program

By working closely with your hearing professional on follow up visits and adjustments to your hearing aid settings, the adjustment period may go quicker.

 
Sound from my hearing aids doesn't seem natural. Why?
You are now hearing speech sounds that you were not able to hear before because of your hearing loss. This unnatural sound quality will eventually improve as your hearing nerve and brain adapt to hearing these frequencies (sounds) again. Your auditory nerve and brain need time to adjust and eventually the quality will improve as well as your speech comprehension ability.

Continue to wear your hearing aids as much as possible. Many users want to remove them due to the unnatural sound quality. By removing them you are not allowing the nerve and brain to be stimulated and it will take longer for them to adapt to the new sound.


Is it normal for my ears to be sore from my hearing aids?
Minor physical sensitivity may occur in the first few days of wearing new hearing aids. As your ears become familiar with your hearing aids this problem should subside. If irritation persists or a sore develops, consult your hearing professional immediately.

In some cases your hearing aids may need to be slightly modified physically for a better fit.  The hearing professional has specialized tools to modify the physical fit and improve wearing comfort.


What do I have to do to maintain my hearing aids through the years?
You should visit your hearing professional at least once a year to have your hearing tested as well as have your hearing aids cleaned and checked.

Your hearing aids are susceptible to earwax, dirt and dust, and varying degrees of moisture depending upon your climate and level of physical activity. All of these factors can eventually inhibit the performance and operation of your hearing aids.

Continual care for your hearing aids involves cleaning your hearing aids as instructed by your hearing professional in addition to following the care instructions listed in your operation manual.

If you live in a climate with high humidity or use your hearing aids during physical activity, it is recommended you place your hearing aids in a hearing aid dehumidifier at night to reduce the amount of moisture inside the hearing aids.

Moisture and wax build up are often the most detrimental to hearing aids and if steps are taken to reduce the negative effects of these factors the performance and life of your hearing aids can be extended.

If you feel you may have a hearing loss, please contact us today!

Grant's Hearing Center