Do you know what causes hearing loss? It’s okay, most people do not. Many people we talk to relate hearing loss to loud noises or unprotected ears, but there is much more to hearing loss than just noise. While this may play a role in hearing loss, there are many other factors that we should be aware of and protect ourselves from. From birth as we age further, we are at risk for decreased hearing which can also translate to a decrease in the quality of our life. As audiologists, our goal is to reduce hearing loss through the use of various treatment options and have you live your life to the fullest once again. The truth is, many people delay getting their hearing assessed for fear of permanent damage or because they are not aware of the positive, life-changing effects of hearing aids or other solutions.
Before we know how to prevent hearing loss, we need to know what causes it. According to medical experts, the most common causes of healing loss include:
Damage to the inner ear – Aging and prolonged exposure to loud noise may cause wear and tear on the hairs or nerve cells in the cochlea that send sound signals to the brain. When these hairs or nerve cells are damaged or missing, electrical signals aren’t transmitted as efficiently, and hearing loss occurs.
Ruptured eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) – Loud blasts of noise, sudden changes in pressure, poking your eardrum with an object and infection can cause your eardrum to rupture and affect your hearing.
Ear infection and abnormal bone growths or tumors – In the outer or middle ear, any of these can cause hearing loss.
Earwax – Earwax can block the ear canal and prevent conduction of sound waves. Earwax blockage is a common cause of hearing loss among people of all ages. This causes conductive hearing loss, which usually can be restored with earwax removal.
We treat hearing loss with care and concern for the patient and the family. Hearing loss can cause devastating effects on a person’s life. But when you allow our audiologists to help you regain your hearing abilities, it may improve your earning power, communication in relationships, intimacy, ease in communication, emotional stability, sense of control, physical health, balance, and social participation. This is a priceless result, as hearing is such an important sense. Our services include hearing tests, hearing aids, ear wax removal, middle ear testing, aural rehabilitation, and much more. As we focus on your rehabilitation, you can focus on getting your quality of life back where you deserve.
