Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is an issue that affects a surprisingly large percentage of the population. Fortunately, it's also one of the most preventable physical disorders that we face and, when detected early on, is easily managed by a variety of solutions. Though hearing loss is often an inevitable part of the natural aging process, there are many other notable causes, such as noise-induced damage from loud environments or certain diseases. It's important to be aware of the various types, causes, and especially symptoms of hearing loss so you know when to get your hearing checked and how to best deal with any complications should they arise.

Types of Hearing Loss

The two main types of hearing loss are known as conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. There are a couple of other types of impairment that are much less prevalent, such as mixed hearing loss, which, as its name suggests, is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is often characterized by a physical complication in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from effectively reaching the eardrum or inner ear. This type of hearing loss can usually be treated successfully with medication or surgery. On the other hand, sensorineural loss results from auditory nerve damage or deterioration of hair cells in the inner ear. Unlike conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and can't be resolved with medication or surgery. However, there are a number of ways to manage and mitigate its effects.

Causes of Hearing Loss

There are many potential causes of hearing loss, ranging from harmful noise exposure to genetic predisposition. Quite often, it is caused by an accretion of noise-induced damage over time. When exposed to dangerously loud sound levels, such as those encountered at concerts or factories, the delicate hair cells in the inner that transmit sound signals to the brain can become damaged, leading to hearing problems. Similarly, age-related hearing loss is also caused by the gradual deterioration of those inner ear structures as people get older. Other potential causes include illnesses like meningitis, head injuries, certain medications, and even earwax buildup. Hereditary factors are also important to consider, as they can be passed on congenitally and do not even require harmful sound exposure to elicit hearing loss.

Hearing Loss Symptoms

There is much variation in the symptoms of hearing loss, which is highly dependent on the type and extent of impairment. For instance, sound intensity and clarity are significantly impacted in people with sensorineural hearing loss, while those with conductive hearing loss find that sounds become muffled. The most prevalent symptom of hearing loss overall is having difficulty understanding speech, especially in busy and crowded environments with loud background noise interference. Other symptoms include trouble discerning consonants, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), frequently asking people to talk louder or slower, unusually high volume settings on the radio or television, and avoiding conversation.

Whatever the cause, it is vital to seek assistance as soon as possible if you experience any changes in your hearing or you simply suspect that you might be suffering from hearing loss. As this elusive condition often progresses slowly, its symptoms are too subtle for people to take seriously. Getting your hearing tested by a qualified Hearing Instrument Specialist can help diagnose any issues and provide suitable treatment options. Prompt intervention is key to early detection, which significantly improves prognoses and reduces the risk of developing other medical conditions associated with untreated hearing loss.

Why Choose Us?

Sound Advice is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing top-quality hearing care in Fresno, California, since 2010. We take pride in our individualized approach and our unyielding commitment to customer satisfaction. Our goal is to deliver the most effective and enduring hearing solutions to our clients, taking into account every aspect of their immediate personal requirements and their future aspirations. Furthermore, we are exclusive providers of the Lyric hearing aid, the only extended-wear hearing device available on the market today. We at Sound Advice are proud to say that we have fitted Lyric hearing aids for over ten years and are grateful to have changed the lives of each satisfied customer.

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