Hearing Loss
What is hearing loss?
Hearing loss occurs when an individual is unable to hear a full range of high-pitched and low-pitched sounds. According to recent studies, an estimated 30 million people in America suffer from some degree of hearing loss. There are three common types of hearing loss:
- Conductive hearing loss occurs when damage to the middle or outer ear prevents incoming sound waves from reaching the inner ear. Individuals with conductive hearing loss experience a muting of sounds in all frequencies. Certain medications or surgery can be used to treat this type of hearing loss; however, if left untreated, conductive hearing loss can lead to permanent hearing impairment.
- Sensorineural hearing loss, also called nerve deafness, occurs when the inner ear or acoustic nerve becomes damaged, making it difficult to hear sounds and understand speech. Sensorineural hearing loss is not only the most common type of hearing loss, but it is also permanent. The only treatment that exists for this type of hearing loss is a hearing aid.
- Mixed hearing loss occurs when an individual has a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This means these individuals have experienced damage to both the inner and middle or outer ear.
What are some of the causes of hearing loss?
There are many causes of hearing loss, including:
- Noise-induced hearing loss — Hearing loss resulting from loud noises heard repeatedly over time. It is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, and the most preventable.
- Presbycusis — Hearing loss resulting from aging. This type of hearing loss is also quite common.
- Genetic hearing loss — Hearing loss due to genetic factors. Scientists estimate genes and hereditary cause at least half of all hearing loss cases.
- Temporary blockage — Hearing loss that occurs as the result of blockage from earwax or other fluids and ear infections. This type of hearing loss is common for people with allergies or swimmer's ear.
- Disease — Hearing loss due to diseases, like Meniere's disease or meningitis.
- Ototoxic medications — Hearing loss as a result of certain medications and medical treatments that are toxic to the ear.
- Otitis media — also known as ear infection, this is the most common cause of hearing loss in children.
- Otosclerosis — Hearing loss that results from abnormal bone growth in the middle ear.
- Ear or head injuries — Hearing loss resulting from tumors, eardrum perforations, and other head injuries.
How do I know if I suffer from hearing loss?
Because hearing loss sets in slowly over time, it can sometimes be hard to tell if you are losing your hearing. You may be suffering from hearing loss if you:
- Misunderstand conversations, especially in crowded areas
- Turn the television or radio up so loud that it disturbs others
- Hear better in one ear than the other
- Feel that people speak too softly or mumble when they talk to you
- Ask people to repeat what they said
- Experience difficulty talking on the phone
- Find it difficult to hear the doorbell or telephone ring
- Experience ringing or buzzing in the ears
The only way to know for sure if you are experiencing hearing loss is to undergo a hearing evaluation. Contact South Florida ENT Associates to schedule an appointment for a hearing test.
17180 Royal Palm Blvd Suite 1
Weston, Florida, 33326
954-389-1414
601 N. Flamingo Rd. Suite 106
Pembroke Pines, Florida, 33028
954-442-0571