Audiology & Hearing Loss FAQ

There are three main types of hearing loss:

• Sensorineural – Damage to the inner ear or the pathways to the brain.

• Conductive – Issues in the outer or middle ear.
• Mixed – A combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy places.
• Asking people to repeat themselves often.
• Turning up the volume on devices.
• Avoiding conversations or social events.

• Aging or long-term exposure to loud sounds.
• Ear infections or abnormal bone growth.
• Earwax buildup or a ruptured eardrum.

While it can’t be corrected with surgery, hearing aids or cochlear implants can improve your ability to hear and communicate.

Unilateral hearing loss affects only one ear, while the other hears as normal. It can be caused by trauma, infections, or conditions like acoustic neuromas.

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Hearing loss happens suddenly, especially in only one ear.
• You experience dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or fullness in the ear.

If you experience sudden hearing loss, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can improve your chances of recovery.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) occurs quickly, often without warning, and may be accompanied by dizziness or tinnitus. It’s essential to consult a physician as soon as symptoms appear.

Noise-induced hearing loss occurs after exposure to loud sounds, either over time or suddenly. It’s common in environments like concerts, construction sites, or while using loud machinery.

• Wear ear protection in loud settings.
• Turn down the volume on your devices.
• Avoid inserting objects into your ears.
• Manage chronic health conditions that could affect hearing, like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Some cases, such as those caused by blockages, can be reversed. However, most types of hearing loss, especially sensorineural, are permanent.

• Hearing Aids – Devices to amplify sound.
• Cochlear Implants – Surgically implanted devices for more severe hearing loss.
• CROS Hearing Aids – For single-sided hearing loss, sound is transmitted from the impaired ear to the healthy one.

Sudden hearing loss, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), can happen rapidly. To diagnose this, our team will:

• Review your symptoms and medical history.
• Perform a hearing test to determine the type and severity of the loss.

Treatment may include:

• Steroids to reduce inflammation.

• Antibiotics if an infection is the cause.
• Hearing aids or cochlear implants for severe cases.

ANSD occurs when sound is improperly transmitted from the ear to the brain. Though the ear can detect sound, the brain cannot process it effectively. It primarily affects children and may be caused by:

• Premature birth.
• Low oxygen levels at birth.
• Certain medications or neurological disorders.

Treatment for ANSD might include:

• Hearing aids to amplify sounds.

• Cochlear implants for treating more severe cases.

• Speech therapy to help with communication challenges.

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears when no external source is present. It can often accompany hearing loss and be caused by:

• Frequent or prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage the cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus and hearing loss.
• Ear infections or injuries can also cause inflammation or damage to the ear, resulting in tinnitus.
• As you age, the nerve pathways and structures in your ears naturally change, which can sometimes cause tinnitus.

Treatment for tinnitus often includes managing the underlying hearing loss with hearing aids, which can help to mask the ringing or buzzing.

As we age, changes in the inner ear and the auditory nerve can lead to age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis.

This type of hearing loss occurs gradually and typically affects both ears. Common symptoms can include:

• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, like children’s voices.
• Trouble understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
• Needing to turn up the volume on the TV or phone.

While age-related hearing loss is usually permanent, it can be effectively managed with hearing aids or other assistive devices so you can live life to the fullest.

Untreated hearing loss can have significant impacts on your overall health and well-being, including:

• Cognitive decline – Research suggests a link between untreated hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive issues like dementia.

• Social Isolation – Difficulty hearing can make social settings challenging, leading to withdrawal from conversations and social events.

• Mental health effects – Untreated hearing loss can contribute to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and even depression.

Addressing hearing loss early with hearing aids or other treatments can help prevent these adverse outcomes.