Q: What are the signs/symptoms of hearing loss?
A: Difficulty understanding conversation, especially in groups or noisy places. You need the TV volume louder than others do. It sounds like people are mumbling/not speaking clearly.
Q: What causes hearing loss?
A: Hearing loss can come from normal aging, exposure to loud noise, impacted wax, trauma to the head, infections, genetics, and even some medications.
Q: What types of hearing loss are there?
A: There are three common types of hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common and comes from the inner ear. This hearing loss is typically permanent and may be progressive. It involves deterioration of the hair cells in the cochlea (organ of hearing). Conductive hearing loss comes from the outer or middle ear. For example, this could be from fluid in the middle ear, a hole in the eardrum, impacted wax, or a problem with the bones in the middle ear. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both types.
Q: What should I do if I (or my family) think I have hearing loss?
A: Schedule an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test. The audiologist will review your case history, look in your ears to see if there is any blockage, test your hearing, and review the results. If you have hearing loss, they will make recommendations to improve your communication ability.
Q: How can I protect my hearing?
A: Use ear protection when around loud noise. This includes gunfire, skill saws, chain saws, tractors, lawn mowers, and other power tools. Keep the volume of your music down, especially if you use earbuds.
Q: What does it matter if I have hearing loss?
A: Untreated hearing loss leaves you at a higher risk of memory loss, falls, depression, and social isolation. It is exhausting to put forth the extra effort to try and follow conversation when you have hearing loss.
Q: What happens if I have hearing loss?
A: If your hearing loss is permanent and not medically treatable, hearing aids are typically the treatment of choice. If your hearing loss is too severe for hearing aids, a cochlear implant may be an option for you.
Q: Will hearing aids prevent my hearing from getting worse?
A: No. Your hearing will do what it is going to do whether you wear hearing aids or not. But the longer the brain goes without stimulation, the harder it is to adapt. It is important to keep the brain stimulated and hearing sound.
Q: How common is hearing loss?
A: Hearing loss is very common. About 50 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss, making it the third most chronic physical condition in the US.
Q: Is hearing loss only a problem for older adults?
A: No. Hearing loss can occur at any age, and some babies are born with hearing loss.
Q: Wouldn’t I know if I had hearing loss?
A: Not always. Most hearing loss develops gradually over many years. Many people wait as long as 7 years before deciding to treat their hearing loss. Often, family members or friends notice the hearing changes first.
Q: If I only have hearing loss in one ear, do I need treatment?
A: Yes. Hearing loss in one ear can make it harder to tell where sounds are coming from, make hearing in noise more difficult, and affect balance and spatial awareness. Please note: unilateral (one-sided) hearing loss should always be medically evaluated.
Q: Is hearing loss just an ear issue?
A: No, untreated hearing loss has been correlated to increased risk of memory loss, falls, depression and anxiety, and social isolation.
Q: What should I do if I notice sudden hearing loss?
A: Seek medical attention immediately. Sudden hearing loss is urgent, and early treatment can make a significant difference in recovery.
Q: How can I protect my hearing from damage?
A: Limit your exposure to loud sounds whenever possible. Use hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs when shooting firearms, mowing the lawn, or using power tools. Keep personal music players and headphones at a safe volume.
Q: Is it safe to clean my ears with Q-tips?
A: No. Please avoid putting anything smaller than your elbow in your ears. Cotton swabs, bobby pins, and other objects often push wax deeper and can injure your ear canal and/or eardrum. If you feel wax is blocking your ears, professional removal is recommended.
Q: Are there vitamins or foods that support ear health?
A: Some research suggests vitamins A, C, and E along with minerals like zinc may support hearing health. Foods rich in antioxidants such as blueberries and broccoli are great additions to a balanced diet.
Q: Can allergies affect my ears?
A: Yes, allergies can interfere with how your eustachian tubes function, which may lead to pressure, fullness, or muffled hearing.
Q: Does smoking impact hearing?
A: It can. Smoking negatively affects blood flow and vascular health, both of which are important for inner ear function.
Q: How can I prevent swimmer’s ear or ear infections?
A: When swimming, try to keep your ears as dry as possible. Earplugs when swimming can help protect your ears if you are prone to infections.
Q: Can exercise help my hearing?
A: Yes, staying physically active promotes healthy circulation and oxygen flow, which are essential for your ears and hearing system.
Q: Can stress affect my hearing?
A: Stress hormones released during the body’s “fight or flight” response can temporarily have a negative impact on hearing and tinnitus. Reducing stress benefits you overall and auditory health.
Q: How can I keep my ears comfortable while flying?
A: Yawning and swallowing regularly can help equalize pressure. Staying hydrated and chewing gum can also help.
Q: Can hearing loss be prevented?
A: You can reduce the risk of hearing loss by avoiding prolonged exposure to loud noise, using hearing protection when needed, and keeping volume at safe levels on devices. Some of us are just more prone to getting age-related hearing loss no matter if we do all the above.
Q: Why should I choose to come to an audiology private practice rather than a hearing aid store?
A: Private practices like ours can offer personalized, one-on-one care, access to multiple hearing aid brands, ongoing support/follow-up care, and treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle. Our private practice is especially different as we also work with 3rd parties that provide many insurance plans with hearing aid benefits.
Q: Can you remove earwax?
A: Yes, we can safely remove earwax using professional tools. Avoid using Qtips, which can push wax deeper into the ear.
Q: What is “real ear measurement” and why does it matter?
A: Real ear measurement is a verification process that ensures your hearing aids are programmed specifically for your ears. It improves sound quality and performance.
