{"id":1563,"date":"2022-10-11T16:10:46","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T22:10:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.fm1.dev\/?page_id=1563"},"modified":"2023-04-06T12:38:14","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T18:38:14","slug":"audiology-hearing-loss-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rockymountainearcenter.com\/audiology-hearing-loss-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Audiology & Hearing Loss FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n\n

Q:\u00a0What causes hearing loss?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n

A: There are three categories of hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is the result of damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve and is usually permanent. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are unable to reach the inner ear and is typically able to be resolved by surgery or medical treatment. There is also a mixed form of hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear from aging or loud noises, ear infections, abnormal bone growths or tumors, earwax buildup or a ruptured eardrum.<\/p>\n\n\n

Q:\u00a0What is the first sign of hearing loss?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n

A: Early signs of hearing loss include<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • difficulty understanding conversations in crowded places or over the phone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • struggling to hear consonant sounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • feeling tired after conversations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • ringing in your ears, also known as tinnitus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n

    Q:\u00a0Can hearing loss be restored?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n

    A: Though hearing loss is only able to be fully restored in limited cases, hearing aids and implants and other treatments can allow you to hear the sounds of your world again. If you have conductive hearing loss, which is the result of sound waves being blocked from the inner ear, it may be able to be resolved by surgery or medical treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sensorineural hearing loss, which causes hair cells in the ear that detect sound to be permanently damaged, is not able to be resolved. However, hearing aids can allow you to connect with sounds again.<\/p>\n\n\n

    Q:\u00a0How can hearing loss be prevented?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n

    A: There are a variety of steps you can take to prevent hearing loss. You can avoid noise-induced hearing loss by wearing earplugs or other hearing protection in loud environments. Also, consider turning down the volume on your television or music. Other types of hearing loss can be prevented by avoiding putting cotton swabs in your ears, managing your blood pressure, keeping diabetes under control and avoiding ototoxic drugs when possible.<\/p>\n\n\n

    Tinnitus<\/h2>\n\n

    Q:\u00a0What causes tinnitus?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n

    A: There are many health conditions that can lead to tinnitus, and often, an exact cause is never found. Common causes of tinnitus include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Hearing loss, because the hair cells in the ear that pass sound to the brain can leak electrical impulses to the brain when they are broken<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Ear infections or ear canal blockage, which change the pressure within the ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Head or neck injuries, which can impact the inner ear, hearing nerves or brain function related to hearing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Other factors include Meniere\u2019s disease, problems with the Eustachian tubes, tumors in the head and neck, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and certain medications.<\/p>\n\n\n

      Q:\u00a0Does tinnitus cause hearing loss?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n

      A: Tinnitus may interfere with your hearing, but it does not cause hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n

      Q:\u00a0Can people with tinnitus have hearing loss?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n

      A: Because tinnitus is a symptom of a variety of inner ear disorders, many people with tinnitus also experience hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n

      Hearing Tests<\/h2>\n\n

      Q:\u00a0When should you get your hearing checked?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n

      A: You should visit an audiologist for an exam if you\u2019re struggling to hear, someone else has noticed a change in your hearing, you\u2019re experiencing ear drainage or pain or hearing loss runs in your family. Additionally, those older than 65 or people who work in loud environments should also have a hearing test.<\/p>\n\n\n

      Q:\u00a0How often should you get your hearing checked?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n

      A: According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), healthy adults under 40 who are not experiencing any hearing loss should have their hearing tested every three to five years. People who are older than 60, have already been diagnosed with hearing loss or are regularly exposed to loud noises should receive a hearing test annually.<\/p>\n\n\n

      Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n\n

      Q:\u00a0What level of hearing loss requires a hearing aid?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n

      A: Hearing aids are beneficial even for people with mild hearing loss. Treating hearing loss while it is still mild will allow you to remain engaged with your surroundings and connected with loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n

      Q:\u00a0Is it better to get hearing aids early?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n

      A: Yes. There are a variety of benefits to treating hearing loss early, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n