Hearing Loss

Understanding Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting individuals of all ages. At Center for Hearing and Balance, we understand that hearing loss can significantly affect your quality of life, and we are committed to providing comprehensive care and support to address your unique needs.

Types of Hearing Loss

• Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This type occurs due to damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often caused by aging, exposure to loud noises, or certain medical conditions. It is the most common type of permanent hearing loss and typically requires hearing aids or other assistive devices.
• Conductive Hearing Loss: This form of hearing loss results from issues in the outer or middle ear that prevent sound from being transmitted effectively to the inner ear. Common causes include ear infections, fluid buildup, or earwax blockages. Conductive hearing loss can often be treated with medical or surgical interventions.
• Mixed Hearing Loss: This type involves a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, where both the inner ear and outer or middle ear are affected. Treatment may require a combination of medical and hearing aid solutions.
• Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD): ANSD occurs when sound enters the inner ear normally but is not transmitted effectively to the brain. This type of hearing loss can be challenging to diagnose and manage, often requiring specialized interventions.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

• Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy environments
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Turning up the volume on electronic devices
• Experiencing ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Feeling as though others are mumbling or speaking unclearly

Who Can Experience Hearing Loss?

• Newborns: There are nearly 400 congenital syndromes that include hearing loss as a significant feature of the condition. Hearing loss is the most frequent impairment a baby is born with. Some 24 different abnormal genes have been identified that lead to deafness.
• Young Children: Ear infections are the most common reason for hearing loss in this age group. While the loss is usually temporary, it can be detrimental to educational success. Permanent hearing loss in early childhood can result from high fevers, illnesses, accidents and trauma.
• Teens: While this group can also suffer hearing loss from illness and trauma, the most common reason is excessive noise exposure – which is completely preventable. Noise sources include personal music devices, earphone use with portable DVD players and computers, guns used in hunting and the operation of all-terrain vehicles.
• Adults: Natural aging of the auditory nerve can lead to subtle communication problems in some adults. As with teens, noise exposure is a large contributor to hearing loss in adults. Adult-onset illnesses such as otosclerosis, acoustic neuroma, hypertension, diabetes and respiratory problems along with some cancer treatments can increase the severity of hearing impairment.
• Older Adults: People in this age group are the most likely to have a hearing impairment. Natural aging of the auditory nerve as well as a lifetime of noise abuse, illnesses, trauma or medications can all contribute to hearing impairment in older folks.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. At Center for Hearing and Balance, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your hearing health and determine the most appropriate treatment options. Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Hearing Evaluations: We conduct detailed hearing tests to measure the degree and type of hearing loss.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Based on your evaluation, we create tailored treatment plans that may include hearing aids, assistive devices, or medical referrals.
• Hearing Aids: We offer a range of high-quality hearing aids designed to meet your specific needs, with risk-free trials to ensure the best fit and performance.
• Ongoing Support: Our commitment to your hearing health extends beyond the initial treatment, with regular follow-ups, maintenance, and adjustments to ensure optimal hearing.

Prevention and Management

Preventing hearing loss involves protecting your ears from excessive noise exposure, avoiding ototoxic medications, and maintaining overall ear health. Regular hearing screenings are also essential for early detection and timely intervention.

Get Started Today

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, Center for Hearing and Balance is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation and take the first step toward better hearing and improved quality of life.