Frequently Asked Questions
Hearing loss is pervasive in our society. Hearing loss affects approximately 13% of teenagers, about 15% of young adults, about 33% of those aged 69-74 and almost half of Americans aged 75 or older. Although so prevalent, our society doesn’t spend much time educating the public about hearing loss. Many are confused about the ways hearing loss can affect one’s life, the signs or hearing loss, or the impact of using hearing aids. Here, we answer some frequently asked questions about hearing loss and hearing aids.
Believe it or not, our auditory system is by far one of the most complicated systems in our entire body. On top of its complex nature, it is one of the few bodily functions that never turns off - even as we sleep! In order for us to hear and understand each individual sound, a complete process must first occur.
- First, sound waves are collected by our outer ears and sent through the ear canal.
- These sound waves then cause our eardrums and three tiny bones located inside our middle ear to vibrate.
- The vibrations of these bones and the eardrum cause a special liquid that sits within our inner ear cochlea to also vibrate and ripple.
- Sitting atop of this liquid are extremely tiny and very delicate hair-like cells. The rippling and vibrating of the liquid cause these tiny cells to bend and sway.
- Through the bending and swaying, these hair-like cells are able to transmit the vibrations into electrical signals that are possible for our brain to understand and process.
- These electric signals are then sent down our auditory nerve to our brains.
- It is only when these electric signals are received and processed by our brains that we “hear” and understand the various noises in our environments.
This entire process occurs continuously and at lightning speeds in order for us to hear every single sound, including every letter of every word.
Hearing loss can occur when there are issues in any one of these various steps of the hearing process.
There are four main types of hearing loss. These are called sensorineural, conductive, auditory processing, and mixed.
- Sensorineural - Sensorineural is by far the most common type of hearing loss. In fact, over 90% of hearing aid users have sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is the result of damage to the sensory or neural functions of the ear. Most often, this means damage to the delicate hair-like cells in the cochlea or the auditory nerve.
- Conductive - Conductive hearing loss is the second most common type. This type of hearing loss occurs when there is a physical abnormality, blockage or disease that interferes with the sound waves’ passage through the auditory system. This could be a malformation of the inner ear bones at birth, the result of allergies or diseases, head or neck trauma, or even excess earwax buildup.
- Auditory Processing - When the cause of hearing inabilities is the result of auditory processing disorders, there is actually no problem with one’s hearing at all. Instead, the brain has difficulties processing and interpreting the sounds and messages it receives. This type of hearing loss typically occurs at birth or after a traumatic brain injury or stroke.
- Mixed Hearing Loss - Mixed hearing loss occurs when two or more of the aforementioned hearing losses occur simultaneously.
Treating hearing loss improves relationships. Human connection happens when we are able to have meaningful conversations. Meaningful conversations are much easier and less stressful when we can hear and understand what our communication partner wants to say. Studies throughout the world have concluded that treating hearing loss with hearing aids greatly improves our romantic relationships, but also our relationships with the rest of our families, our friends, and our co-workers.
Treating hearing loss improves our emotional health. When hearing loss makes conversations stressful and frustrating, many of us find ourselves unintentionally isolating ourselves from social situations. This can cause us to experience feelings of depression and anxiety. In a recent study, about 11% of those with untreated hearing loss experienced depressive symptoms, versus only 5% of those who did not experience hearing loss or treated it with hearing aids. When we hear better, we communicate better. When we communicate better, we become happier.
Treating hearing loss improves our mental health. Many studies have concluded that there is a correlation between hearing loss and an increased risk for cognitive decline. Hearing aids work to combat this. It has been shown that hearing aids can actually slow cognitive decline in older adults. Hearing loss has also recently been named as one of the most important modifiable risk factors for developing dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Treating hearing loss improves our physical health. Untreated hearing loss can leave us vulnerable. Those with untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience slips and falls that result in serious bodily injury and disability. When we can properly hear the world around us, we are more likely to notice warning signs of danger nearby, and are therefore better able to care for our physical safety and wellbeing.
Hearing loss is most often treated with a prescription for hearing aids. Modern hearing aids are very discreet, and often invisible. They also come power-packed with incredible features created specifically to make life easier and more enjoyable. For most people with hearing loss, hearing aids, along with a personalized hearing treatment program are the best plan of action.
If you think you might be experiencing some signs of hearing loss, reach out to our friendly team today. We look forward to working with you.
Hearing aids have been proven to boost cognitive function and improve emotional wellbeing. But did you know that only 20 percent of the people who could benefit from hearing aids wear them? This might be due to certain misconceptions that exist about hearing loss. Here are five common facts and fictions about this prevalent health condition.
Fact: This is one of the biggest myths about hearing loss. While it is true that hearing loss is strongly associated with aging, 40 percent of Americans with hearing loss are actually under 60 years old. Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is still the standard type. Still, young people are increasingly at risk for noise-related hearing loss due to increased exposure to loud noise (such as music) in their leisure time. A recent CDC report found that almost 20 percent of people already have a certain degree of hearing loss in their twenties.
Fact: Noise-related hearing loss is cumulative, and you may not notice that your loud work environment or noisy hobby is damaging your ears until it has become a more severe problem. But that doesn't mean it's not happening. Suppose you frequently use power tools, mow the lawn, shoot guns recreationally or go to loud concerts or bars. In that case, it's important to wear earplugs to prevent irreversible hearing damage from occurring. Care should also be taken when listening to music in earbud headphones. The proximity to the eardrum means hearing damage can occur quickly.
Fact: Undiagnosed or untreated hearing loss could damage your relationships in significant ways. Suppose you consistently have trouble communicating with your loved ones. In that case, this causes just as much stress and anxiety for them as it does for you. Untreated hearing loss can even lead to depression. People tend to withdraw from their social circles and become more isolated as their hearing loss worsens.
On the medical side of things, untreated hearing loss can be detrimental to your long-term cognitive health, increasing the risk of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Fortunately, hearing aids have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression and help to safeguard cognitive function.
Fact: Not necessarily. A reasonably recent CDC study revealed that about 24 percent of people between the ages of 20 and 69 who considered their hearing to be excellent had detectable hearing loss. The loss of hearing happens gradually and subtly, often without any apparent physical symptoms. Your loved ones may even notice that you have hearing problems before you do. As early detection and treatment of hearing loss is the best way to preserve healthy hearing, brain function, and overall health, you should go in for a hearing exam if your family members have noticed any irregularities with your hearing.
Other signs that you might have hearing loss include:
- Frequently needing others to repeat themselves
- Watching TV at a volume that is too loud for others
- Feeling that everyone around you is mumbling.
Fact: Not necessarily. A reasonably recent CDC study revealed that about 24 percent of people between the ages of 20 and 69 who considered their hearing to be excellent had detectable hearing loss. The loss of hearing happens gradually and subtly, often without any apparent physical symptoms. Your loved ones may even notice that you have hearing problems before you do. As early detection and treatment of hearing loss is the best way to preserve healthy hearing, brain function, and overall health, you should go in for a hearing exam if your family members have noticed any irregularities with your hearing.
Other signs that you might have hearing loss include:
- Frequently needing others to repeat themselves
- Watching TV at a volume that is too loud for others
- Feeling that everyone around you is mumbling.