Hearing Loss

Hearing loss causes a decrease in the ability of the ear to hear normally. A hearing loss is classified at either conductive (a problem with the conduction of sound from the eardrum to the inner ear) or sensorineural (a problem with the inner ear itself). Conductive losses are sometimes correctible with surgery or medical intervention. Sensorineural hearing losses are more common and usually permanent. Hearing aids are often the only treatment.

Symptoms of hearing loss include:

-difficulty understanding in noisy situations
-difficulty hearing on the phone
-being able to hear conversation but not understand everything
-asking people to repeat themselves
-pretending to understand
-difficulty understanding children and women’s voices
-avoidance of certain situations because of your hearing
-frustration (you and family members)

Degrees of hearing loss can range from mild to profound. Some frequencies may be more affected than others sometimes causing distortion in one’s hearing. A high frequency loss is the most common kind of hearing loss. Some common causes of hearing loss include: age, noise exposure, disease, heredity, and unknown causes.

Hearing Testing

If you feel you or a family member may be having some problems with hearing, getting your hearing tested is quick and easy process that may help alleviate some stress in your life.

Testing takes about 15-20 minutes. First the audiologist will make a visual inspection of your ear with an otoscope. Next, a pressure test will be preformed to test the mobility of your eardrum. You will then be asked to repeat back words which will reveal any distortion in your hearing. And finally you will listen for the beeps and press a button when you hear them which tells us your exact hearing levels. After the test, the audiologist will go over the results with you and make any recommendations.

Children as young as 9 months of age can be tested in our office. This is done either through a method of visual reinforcement or playing a game with pegs while listening for beeps.

Reasons to get your hearing tested include:

- If you know or suspect that you have a hearing loss.
- If a family member requests it.
- If you are experiencing tinnitus, vertigo, fullness in the ear, or recurrent ear infections.
- If children have speech delays, ear infections, or if there is parental/teacher concern.

Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment or if you have any further questions. (919) 942-7278