What Are The Signs of Hearing Loss?
Symptoms of hearing loss include difficulty understanding what others are saying, asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to hear in crowded places, hearing in background noise, the perception that others are mumbling or not speaking clearly, listening to the television or radio at a higher volume than others and experiencing a ringing or buzzing in the ears. You may find yourself withdrawing from social situations in order to avoid conversation and might experience depression.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Several factors can cause hearing loss. The most common include aging, noise exposure, ear infections, ear or head trauma and genetics.
Are There Different Types of Hearing Loss?
Yes. There are three types of hearing loss: Sensorineural, conductive and mixed. Sensorineural is the result of damage to the inner ear hair cells and/or acoustic nerves. Conductive is the result of obstructions in the outer or middle ear. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of the other two types; this means that in one ear you have an issue with the outer or middle ear and the inner ear.
Can Hearing Loss be Prevented?
Some types of hearing loss are preventable. Noise-induced hearing loss can be avoided by wearing proper hearing protection when exposed to occupational or recreational noise and turning down the volume on your TV, radio or personal music device. To prevent other types of hearing loss, avoid sticking cotton swabs or other objects in your ears, blow your nose gently through both nostrils and swallow or yawn frequently when traveling by airplane.
What Are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are instruments that amplify acoustic sounds to enable those with hearing loss to hear better.
Will Wearing a Hearing Aid Make Me Appear Old?
Today’s hearing aids are small and discreet. Besides, asking people to repeat themselves, responding inappropriately when others are talking and social withdrawal are more obvious indicators of hearing loss than wearing hearing aids.
What Type of Hearing Aid Is Best For Me?
Choosing a hearing aid can be a daunting task. Your hearing care professional will work closely with you to consider several factors – the type and severity of your hearing loss, your lifestyle, the size and shape of your outer ears and inner ear canals and your manual dexterity – in order to determine the best hearing device for you.
What Is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant works differently than a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify acoustic sounds, while cochlear implants generate an electrical signal that the brain interprets as sound. A cochlear implant is a two-part device consisting of an internal device that is surgically implanted and an external device that is worn behind the ear. These are designed for people with severe to profound hearing loss and poor speech understanding a chance of improved hearing.
What Are Assistive Listening Devices?
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are portable amplifiers that may be used either in conjunction with hearing aids and cochlear implants or on their own. They separate speech from background noises, making it easier to follow conversations in certain environments where distance, competing distractions or poor acoustics are factors.
Call Oregon Ear, Nose & Throat Center at (541) 779-7331 for more information or to schedule an appointment.