Hearing loss is more common than many people realize and can happen at any age. When someone begins to lose their hearing, they will experience multiple symptoms. The vast majority of people begin to lose their hearing as they age. Around half of all people over the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss. Understanding the types and symptoms will help individuals ensure they seek medical care as necessary.
Types of Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing loss. The following offers information on the three types. When people suffer from these conditions, they need to schedule an appointment with the Hearing Doctors.
- Conductive hearing loss involves the middle or outer ear.
- Sensorineural hearing loss involves the inner ear.
- People can also suffer mixed hearing loss which involves both of the above types. Multiple factors can lead to hearing loss. The following are some of the most common reasons for hearing loss.
- The aging process
- Excessive ear wax production
- Chronic exposure to loud noises
Regrettably, most hearing loss cannot be reversed. There are steps a doctor can take to help prevent ongoing damage. Doctors can also help a person hear more effectively.
What Are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss?
People experience a range of symptoms when they start to lose their hearing. Some people do not realize they have hearing loss until the symptoms begin to impact their daily lives. Should individuals notice they have any of the following symptoms, they need to take action and schedule an appointment with a doctor.
- Muffled speech and sounds
- Asking others to speak up or repeat what they just said
- Difficulty understanding consonants
- Withdrawal from conversation
- Avoidance of loud social situations
- Turning up the television and radio more than normal
- Difficulty understanding words with background noises
Those who notice any of the above hearing loss symptoms would be wise to schedule a hearing test to learn about their degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss is progressive and rarely improves unless temporary issues have arisen, such as an ear infection.
Hearing Tests Are Crucial to Combat Hearing Loss
When someone begins to experience hearing loss, taking immediate action is crucial. Hearing loss is diagnosed through different steps carried out by the doctor, including the following.
- The doctor will examine the patient’s ears to determine if there are any health concerns that may cause their hearing loss.
- General screening tests, including the whisper test, are carried out to determine issues with hearing.
- Hearing tests will be carried out by audiologists. Multiple types are available.
- Tuning fork tests can detect different types of hearing loss.
- Audiometer tests are also essential for understanding the degree of hearing loss.
Schedule a Hearing Evaluation Today
Those who have developed the symptoms of hearing loss need to take action before progressive damage occurs. Scheduling a hearing evaluation is the first step to learning the degree of hearing loss and what is causing the symptoms.
There are many types of treatments available to improve hearing. With prompt treatment, individuals can begin to experience improvements in their hearing.
Zombie maven. Musicaholic. Friendly student. Unapologetic organizer. Hipster-friendly internet geek.
