People of all ages experience hearing loss, but especially as we age. It is estimated that one-third of people in the U.S. between the ages of 65 and 75 experience some degree of hearing loss; for those older than 75, the number jumps to 50%. While there’s no cure for age-related hearing loss, there are solutions to improve your ability to hear, and steps you can take while younger to reduce your risks of developing hearing loss. You may have hearing loss and not even be aware of it.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
A person experiencing loss of hearing may have trouble understanding people when they speak and may ask them to repeat themselves. Speech can sound muffled, the volume may seem too low, background noises can become distracting. In addition, the ear may feel plugged or full. You may hear ringing, buzzing, static or “crickets”. This is known as tinnitus.
There are different types of hearing loss and different degrees of loss--ranging from mild (you have no trouble holding a conversation but may miss an occasional word) to profound (you need a hearing aid to understand what people are saying).
Causes of Hearing Loss
Aging is not the only cause of hearing loss. The condition is becoming increasingly common in younger people, especially those who often listen to loud music. Any prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to damage to the inner ear (known as the cochlea). This is called sensorineural hearing loss, and it is the most common type of permanent hearing loss.
Inner ear (sensorineural) hearing loss can also be a result of viral infections, meningitis, head trauma, heart disease or strokes, tumors, and certain medications.
Earwax or fluid behind the ear drum can prevent sounds from reaching the inner ear at normal levels. This is known as conductive hearing loss. This can be treated with medications, wax removal, or surgery.
Ear infections, abnormal growths in the ear canal or middle ear, and ruptured eardrums can also cause hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is usually temporary.
Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears that is severe is a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment by an ENT Specialist.
Treatment Options
Treatment for hearing loss depends on the cause and degree of your impairment. Earwax can be removed comfortably with a microscope in your ENT Specialist’s office. Ear infections are treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications. Surgery may be an option for holes in the ear drum, abnormal growths in the ear canal or middle ear, or problems with the ear bones.
For patient’s with inner ear (sensorineural) hearing loss. The best treatment are hearing aids. Hearing aids come in many shapes, sizes, and styles.
If you have symptoms of hearing loss, please call our office to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified ENT Specialists.
Test Your Hearing
To get an idea of how well you hear, answer the following questions and then calculate your score. To calculate your score, give yourself
- 3 points for every "almost always" answer
- 2 points for every "half the time" answer
- 1 point for every "occasionally" answer
- 0 for every "never" answer
- Please note: If hearing loss runs in your family, add an additional 3 points to your overall score.
I have a problem hearing over the telephone.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
I have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
People complain that I turn the TV volume too high.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
I have to strain to understand conversations.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
I miss hearing some common sounds like the phone or doorbell ring.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
I have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy background, such as a party.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
I get confused about where sounds come from.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
I misunderstand some words in a sentence and need to ask people to repeat themselves.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
I especially have trouble understanding the speech of women and children.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
I have worked in noisy environments (such as assembly lines, construction sites, or near jet engines).
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
Many people I talk to seem to mumble, or don't speak clearly.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
People get annoyed because I misunderstand what they say.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
I misunderstand what others are saying and make inappropriate responses.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
I avoid social activities because I cannot hear well and fear I'll make improper replies.
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
Ask a family member or friend to answer this question: Do you think this person has a hearing loss?
- Almost always
- Half the time
- Occasionally
- Never
If you scored:
- 0-5 points: Your hearing is fine. No action is required.
- 6-9 points: It is recommended you see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
- 10+ points: It is Strongly recommend you see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
What else can I do to help with my hearing loss?
- Eliminate or lower unnecessary noises around you.
- Let friends and family know about your hearing loss and ask them to speak slowly and more clearly.
- Ask people to face you when they are speaking to you, so you can watch their faces and see their expressions.
- Utilize sound amplifying devices.
- Use personal listening systems to reduce background noise.
TIPS TO MAINTAIN HEARING HEALTH
- If you work in noisy places or commute to work in noisy traffic or construction, choose quiet leisure activities instead of noisy ones.
- Develop the habit of wearing earplugs anytime you are exposed to loud noise.
- Keep TVs, radios, music, and earbuds/phones at a low volume.
If you are coping with hearing loss or are considering hearing aids, we encourage you to give us a call at (303)706-1616. Our physicians, Pas, and audiologists are uniquely qualified to care for your hearing needs
