There are many causes of hearing loss. Despite popular belief, there is no ‘normal for your age.’ Whether you are 10 years old or 80 years old, if you have hearing loss, it is not normal. It is important to determine the type of hearing loss you have, to make sure it isn’t something that needs medical attention. The Doctors of Audiology at Gardner Audiology can administer a thorough evaluation to help determine the right path for you and your hearing.
The most common type of hearing loss is sensorineural, which many people refer to as ‘nerve related’ hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is permanent, and typically happens over a lifespan. It can also be caused by being around loud noise, such as guns, factories, or even loud music! It does not matter if you were around that loud noise 40 years ago, or 5 years ago, it can still show up on your hearing test!
The second type of hearing loss is conductive. In this case, your inner ear/nerve are functioning fine, but the sound is not making its way through the middle ear, where your eardrum and the small bones in your ear are located. This could be due to fluid in the ear, allergies, or even impacted earwax! This type of hearing loss is a reason your Doctor of Audiology will refer you to a medical doctor, to ensure it cannot be treated medically.
The last type of hearing loss is known as mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of the two we already discussed! This means you have both some permanent hearing loss, but also hearing loss caused by sound not making it through your ear properly. This is also a reason to see a medical doctor.
This is why it is so important to have a thorough evaluation performed by a Doctor of Audiology. Audiologists are able to identify potential problems, and work with you to determine the best course of action. Whether that is a referral to a medical doctor, or discussing hearing aids. To schedule an appointment with a Doctor of Audiology in Tampa Bay, Florida, contact Garnder Audiology at
800-277-1182 or gardneraudiology.com
