{"id":542,"date":"2018-11-21T10:29:57","date_gmt":"2018-11-21T18:29:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fueldev.site\/~oregonen\/hearing-loss\/hearing-loss-facts\/"},"modified":"2020-12-01T09:15:58","modified_gmt":"2020-12-01T17:15:58","slug":"hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/audiology\/hearing-loss\/hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\r\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"Does hearing loss always progress?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Hearing loss is a progressive condition that worsens over time. Symptoms appear so gradually, you may be completely unaware of your affliction for some time. Even when hearing loss is suspected, it takes an average of seven years for a person to seek medical treatment.\"\r\n    }\r\n  }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What are the symptoms of hearing loss?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Knowing the signs is helpful in spurring you to take action sooner. Any of the following might indicate hearing loss: Frequently asking people to repeat what they have said. Feeling like others mumble when they speak. Having difficulty following conversations in which background noise is present. Turning up the volume on the television or radio. Avoiding social gatherings in noisy places. Often, a family member or friend will be the first to notice a hearing problem. Since treatment is most effective when begun early, if you think you might be suffering from diminished hearing, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist. The sooner, the better!\"\r\n    }\r\n  }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"How is hearing loss diagnosed?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"In order to diagnose hearing loss, your doctor will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and give you a physical examination followed by a hearing evaluation consisting of a series of audiological tests. Your physician and audiologist will work together to recommend a hearing treatment plan designed to meet your needs.\"\r\n    }\r\n }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What is conductive hearing loss?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Conductive hearing loss occurs when there are problems in the outer ear, ear canal, eardrum or middle ear. It can be caused by any of the following: Ear infection. Fluid in the ears. Malformation or abnormalities of the outer or middle ear. Impacted earwax. Foreign object in the ear. Allergies. Perforated eardrum. Otosclerosis. Benign tumors. Conductive hearing loss is often correctable with surgery or medications (typically antibiotics). Alternatively, it may be treated with hearing aids.\"\r\n }\r\n }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What is sensorineural hearing loss?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Sensorineural hearing loss involves a problem with the inner ear, and is frequently referred to as \u201cnerve deafness.\u201d It may be caused by any of these: Noise exposure. Head trauma. Aging (presbycusis). Viral disease. Autoimmune ear disease. Meniere\u2019s disease. Malformation or abnormality of the inner ear. Otosclerosis. Tumors. Sensorineural hearing loss can sometimes be treated with medications (corticosteroids) or surgery. More likely, hearing aids will be required.\"\r\n }\r\n }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What is mixed hearing loss?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both types. Treatment might involve a combination of medication, surgery and\/or hearing aids. In addition to the different types of hearing loss, it is important to consider the extent to which a patient is experiencing symptoms. Hearing loss is further categorized as being either monaural or binaural.\"\r\n }\r\n }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What is unilateral hearing loss?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Unilateral hearing loss (sometimes referred to as single-sided deafness) affects one ear only, while bilateral hearing loss affects both ears. Patients with unilateral hearing loss have normal hearing in one ear and impaired hearing in the other; they have difficulty hearing on one side and localizing sound. This type of hearing loss is usually associated with conductive causes. Individuals with bilateral hearing loss have impaired hearing in both ears. The condition is most often treated with hearing aids (two are more effective than one) or cochlear implants.\"\r\n }\r\n }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What is noise-induced hearing loss?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common type experienced by younger individuals. It can be caused by exposure to a single loud sound, such as a gunshot or explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud noise over a period of time. When sounds exceed 85 decibels (dB) they are considered hazardous to your hearing health. Continuous exposure to volume levels that high causes permanent damage to the hair cells in your ears. Activities that put people at risk for noise-induced hearing loss include hunting, riding a motorcycle, listening to music at high volumes, playing in a band and attending rock concerts. An estimated 15 percent of Americans aged 20 to 69 have hearing loss that may have been caused by noise exposure. This type of hearing loss can be prevented by wearing earplugs and protective devices.\"\r\n }\r\n }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"Is hearing loss preventable?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Protecting your ears is the key to hearing loss prevention. If your job exposes you to hazardous noises, make sure proper safety equipment is provided, and that it meets state and federal regulations. Hearing protection \u2013 earplugs and earmuffs \u2013 is essential when working around loud equipment. It\u2019s always a good idea to bring along earplugs if you\u2019re participating in a noisy recreational activity (e.g., a football game or rock concert), as well. At home, limit your exposure to noisy activities, and keep the volume down \u2013 on the television, stereo and especially when it comes to personal listening devices like MP3 players. Prevent other types of hearing loss by refraining from inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your ears, blowing your nose gently through both nostrils and quitting smoking. Studies show those who use tobacco are more likely to suffer from hearing loss. Regardless of your age, have your hearing tested regularly. Early detection is key. While noise-related hearing loss can\u2019t be reversed, you can still take steps to avoid further damage to your hearing.\"\r\n    }\r\n }\r\n ]\r\n  }\r\n<\/script><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>People have many misconceptions about hearing loss. These are based on old myths, outdated technology or just a general misunderstanding of the condition. By learning some important facts about hearing loss, you\u2019ll be better equipped to deal with it, whether it affects you personally or somebody close to you.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"hearing loss\" src=\"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/medium-Hearing-Loss-Causes-3.jpg\" alt=\"ear with sound waves\" width=\"540\" height=\"349\" class=\"wp-image-1513 alignright\" \/><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Here are some interesting facts about hearing loss.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Hearing loss isn\u2019t confined to older individuals; it affects <a href=\"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/pediatric-services\/audiology\/pediatric-hearing-loss\/\">people of all ages<\/a>. Only about one-third of hearing loss patients are older than 65.<\/li>\r\n<li>Not everybody who suffers from hearing loss is aware of their condition. Hearing loss develops gradually, and changes to hearing are often so subtle they may go unnoticed for some time.<\/li>\r\n<li>The most common cause of hearing loss is noise exposure. While 85 decibels (dB) is considered the safety threshold, exposure to even moderately loud noises can cause permanent hearing damage.<\/li>\r\n<li>Hearing loss cannot be reversed \u2013 but it <em>is <\/em>preventable in some situations. Wearing hearing protection (earplugs or ear muffs) is an effective method of warding off noise-induced hearing loss.<\/li>\r\n<li>The stigma associated with wearing hearing aids has long disappeared. Today\u2019s digital devices are small, sleek, comfortable and discreet. If you are concerned with other peoples\u2019 perceptions, you can opt for styles that are worn in the ear canal, making them virtually invisible.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/audiology\/hearing-aids\/choosing-a-hearing-aid\/\">Hearing aids<\/a> are not a cure for hearing loss, but they do help many hearing-impaired individuals communicate more effectively. They work by amplifying sound vibrations that enter the ear. It is estimated that 95 percent of those suffering from hearing loss benefit from hearing aids \u2013 although only one out of five people with hearing loss seeks treatment.<\/li>\r\n<li>Despite the fact that hearing aids are sophisticated devices utilizing state-of-the-art technology, they are not complicated to use. Today\u2019s instruments are programmed to your own unique lifestyle needs and preferences, and most automatically adjust to different listening environments. Features like Bluetooth\u00ae compatibility enable them to wirelessly connect to a variety of communication devices for improved versatility and convenience.<\/li>\r\n<li>Two hearing aids are better than one. Wearing two hearing aids makes sense, given the fact that we have two ears. This gives us directional hearing, enabling us to <a href=\"https:\/\/knowingneurons.com\/2013\/03\/15\/how-does-the-brain-locate-sound-sources\/#:~:text=He%20proposed%20that%20the%20sound,cue%20used%20for%20sound%20localization.&amp;text=So%2C%20the%20brain%20is%20using,that%20reaches%20your%20right%20ear.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">localize the source of a sound<\/a>; as a result, we can hear better in noisy environments. Most types of hearing loss affect both ears anyway. Ninety percent of hearing loss patients benefit from wearing two hearing aids.<\/li>\r\n<li>Hearing loss affects people equally, regardless of race, sex, income or social status. What do Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Beethoven, Whoopi Goldberg, Pete Townshend, Huey Lewis, Ed McMahon, Buzz Aldrin and Arnold Palmer have in common? They all wear (or wore) hearing aids.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><p>Call <span class=\"company-name \">Oregon Ear, Nose &amp; Throat Center<\/span> at <a href=\"tel:+15417797331\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(541) 779-7331<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>People have many misconceptions about hearing loss. These are based on old myths, outdated technology or just a general misunderstanding of the condition. By learning some important facts about hearing loss, you\u2019ll be better equipped to deal with it, whether it affects you personally or somebody close to you.\u00a0 Here are some interesting facts about&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":538,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"(541) 779-7331 | Learning some facts about hearing loss will help you be better equipped to deal with it, whether it affects you or someone else. ","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","position":"","credentials":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":"","locid":"","rating":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/542"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=542"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/542\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/538"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=542"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=542"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}