Hearing Loss
Basics
If you are suffering from age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, you are not alone. In the United States, one-third of those 65-75 and one-half of those over 75 have some hearing issues. Unfortunately, the average time between a patient beginning to have trouble hearing and when they seek professional help is seven years. At Alltones Audiology, we strive to make treatment simple. We even come to you so you don’t have to leave your home.
At Alltones Audiology, we believe in giving our patients the information they need to make confident decisions about their treatment. Since there are different degrees, types, and causes of hearing loss, we make sure to conduct thorough tests and recommend tailored solutions. This page gives a basic overview of hearing loss. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask us. We are happy to help.
Hearing Loss Basics
Hearing Loss
Basics
If you are suffering from age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, you are not alone. In the United States, one-third of those between 65 and 75 and one-half of those over 75 have some degree of hearing problems. Unfortunately, the average time between a patient beginning to have trouble hearing and when they seek professional help is seven years. At Alltones Audiology, we strive to make treatment simple for you. We even come to you so you don’t have to leave your home to start improving your hearing.
At Alltones Audiology, we believe in giving our patients the information they need to make confident decisions about their treatment. Since there are different degrees, types, and causes of hearing loss, we make sure to conduct thorough tests and recommend tailored solutions. This page gives a basic overview of hearing loss. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask us. We are happy to help.
How Hearing works
In order to hear, your ear translates the vibrations of sound waves into electrical signals that the brain interprets. There are three parts of your ear. The outer earconsists of the ear canal, which sound travels down, and the eardrum, which vibrates when sound hits it. The middle ear is just behind the eardrum and consists of small bones called ossicles. These vibrate when sound reaches the eardrum and cause the fluid in your inner ear to move. The inner ear is also called a cochlea and has tiny hair cells that move when the fluid around them does. They translate this movement into an electrical signal that travels through the auditory nerve to your brain.
3 Types of Hearing Loss
There are three basic varieties of hearing loss and each one has different causes and recommended treatments.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This is the most common variety and occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve are not functioning as they should. As a result, the brain does not get clear signals about the loudness and clarity of the sounds around you.
Symptoms include:
- High-frequency hearing loss, which may result in having more trouble hearing women’s or children’s voices
- Feeling that you can hear what others say but not understand it
- Problems with listening when two or more people are speaking at once or in noisy environments
- Having trouble hearing specific types of sounds, such as an “s” or “th”
- Noises seem either too quiet or too loud
- A ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Feeling dizzy or unbalanced
It is not possible to reverse sensorineural hearing loss, but treatments can make it easier for you to participate in conversations and connect with your friends and family. Hearing aids are an effective solution for many with this condition. Assistive listening devices, which include captioned phones and vibrating alarm clocks, can also help you in your day-to-day life.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This is the most common variety and occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve are not functioning as they should. As a result, the brain does not get clear signals about the loudness and clarity of the sounds around you.
Conductive Hearing Loss
This type is less common and is caused by a blockage or damage in the outer or middle ear. As a result, sound cannot be conducted into the inner ear. This may be temporary or permanent depending on the specific cause. Some reasons for this type of hearing loss include ear wax impaction, damage to the eardrum, ear infections, or tumor growth
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty with the loudness of sounds as opposed to trouble understanding sounds
- One ear is easier to hear out of than the other
- Pain or pressure in one or both ears
- Your own voice sounds louder or different to you
- A foul smell from the ear canal
Depending on the root cause, it may be possible to treat conductive hearing loss with a medical or surgical intervention. If there is permanent hearing loss, hearing aids or implantable devices may help.
Conductive Hearing Loss
This type is less common and is caused by a blockage or damage in the outer or middle ear. As a result, sound cannot be conducted into the inner ear. This may be temporary or permanent depending on the specific cause. Some reasons for this type of hearing loss include ear wax impaction, damage to the eardrum, ear infections, or tumor growth.
Mixed Hearing Loss
If a conductive issue occurs at the same time as sensorineural hearing loss, then this is referred to as mixed hearing loss. The treatment and symptoms vary depending on the degree of damage and the specific causes.
Mixed Hearing Loss
If a conductive issue occurs at the same time as sensorineural hearing loss, then this is referred to as mixed hearing loss. The treatment and symptoms vary depending on the degree of damage and its specific causes.
Contact Us
Can Help
Hearing loss can have a large impact on your quality of life. Those with untreated hearing issues are twice as likely to suffer from depression than those who hear normally or who use hearing aids. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Alltones Audiology brings professional hearing health care to your home so there’s no hassle.