Hearing loss is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It can affect different people in different ways. We, as audiologists, still learn new things about this condition every day.
Each patient teaches us more about hearing loss and how to treat it. With all the experience we have gained by treating Utah residents, we can identify varying degrees of the condition to treat it more accurately.
If we know exactly how you hear things, then we can improve upon it much easier. Identifying these details about your hearing are discovered through a comprehensive hearing assessment.
This test allows us to measure all aspects of your listening habits. It shows us the physical side but also how the mental side is affected as well. With a clear blueprint of how you hear and what type of hearing loss you have, we can develop a plan for your future.
Are There Different Kinds Of Hearing Loss?
Yes, hearing loss can be broken down into three different categories.
Conductive Hearing Loss – This type occurs when the hearing loss is caused by a problem in your middle ear, such as fluid or a problem with your hearing bones.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss – This is a problem in your inner ear where the hair cells that help you hear are damaged. It can be caused by loud noise exposure or aging.
Mixed Hearing Loss – This is a combination of both hearing loss conditions happening at once.
Are All Types Of Hearing Loss Permanent?
It depends on what type of hearing loss you have. Most types of hearing loss are permanent, but some can be resolved with the help of a medical doctor.
A comprehensive hearing test will properly evaluate the cause and help with the action plan for management or treatment options.
Even though hearing loss is permanent in most cases, it doesn’t mean we can’t help manage it. You can still lead the life you love by partnering with a professional audiologist.
What Are The Causes Of My Hearing Loss?
The most common reasons are due to aging and genetics. However, many other environments can cause early hearing loss if no protection is worn.
Risk factors like noise exposure, ear injuries, or illnesses can also evoke hearing loss. This can happen gradually and, as such, makes it very dangerous because you learn to adapt to your hearing loss instead of addressing it.
The best way to figure out the cause of YOUR hearing loss is to schedule an appointment with us at the House of Hearing. We will conduct a hearing test and go over your symptoms to give you a proper diagnosis.
Can My Hearing Improve?
It depends on what type of hearing loss you have. If you have a conductive hearing loss, that means something is wrong in the middle ear. Frequently, conductive hearing loss can be corrected with either medication or surgery by an ENT.
A sensorineural hearing loss means the hearing loss stems from your inner ear, and it is usually permanent and will not get better over time.
Sensorineural hearing loss can be managed, though. Using hearing aids, we can customize them to assist your hearing properly. We can reduce the negative aspects of your hearing and focus only on the positives.
I see many skeptical patients on their first visit. After a short while of using hearing aids, they wonder why they didn’t start sooner.
How Often Should You Get Your Hearing Checked?
Any time that you are concerned about your hearing, we recommend that you have it assessed.
Even without concerns, a baseline hearing test should be performed at age 50, and updated tests should be performed annually.
Scheduling a comprehensive hearing assessment is easy to do either online through our website or over the phone. You can call us any time if you have any more questions about your hearing or that of a loved one.
We are always here to help.
