RESOURCE FOR HEARING LOSS
Understanding Hearing Loss
In the U.S., hearing loss is the third most common chronic health issue among adults. Strong communication and hearing are essential for relationships, education, career success, and overall quality of life.
Do I have Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can be gradual, with early signs often missed. Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy settings, needing to turn up the volume, or feeling like people are mumbling may indicate an issue. Many people wait 7-10 years before seeking help, yet early detection is essential. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, anxiety, depression, and even dementia. If you notice these signs, consider a hearing check—early action makes a difference.
If you find yourself answering 'yes' to three or more of the following questions, it may be time to take the next step and seek professional guidance. Recognizing these early signs can make a real difference in preserving your quality of life and well-being.
Do you have difficulty hearing over the phone?
Do you have difficulty following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time?
Do people complain that you turn the TV volume up too high?
Do you have to strain to understand conversations?
Do you have trouble hearing in noisy backgrounds?
Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves?
Do the people you talk to seem to mumble or speak unclearly?
Do you misunderstand what others are saying frequently?
Do you have trouble understanding soft speech or voices?
Are people frequently annoyed due to your misunderstanding of what was said?
Hearing Health.
Many individuals overlook the importance of regular hearing tests and may go years without one. If you can't remember your last hearing check, it's a good idea to ask for a screening at your next doctor's visit.
If you're experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, consulting with an audiologist is crucial.
Alternatively, you can use self-testing options like the Hearing Number app for a quick assessment of your hearing health.
Hearing Number
A simple tool for assessing your hearing health through an easy-to-use screening process, providing a score to track your auditory ability over time.
Mimi
Offers a quick hearing test and customizes sound profiles based on individual hearing capabilities.
Apple AirPod Pro 2
Will offer a new hearing test feature in iOS 18, assessing hearing ability conveniently at home.
Sonic Cloud
Will offer a new hearing test feature in iOS 18, assessing hearing ability conveniently at home.
Types of Hearing Loss.
Understanding the types of hearing loss is crucial for identifying symptoms and seeking effective treatment. The primary types include conductive, sensorineural, mixed, and central hearing loss, each affecting communication and quality of life differently.
By recognizing these types, individuals can better navigate their hearing challenges and work with healthcare professionals to find suitable support and interventions. This knowledge fosters awareness, encourages early detection, and promotes inclusivity for those with hearing loss.
Conductive
The origin of hearing loss lies within outer and middle ear structures
Symptoms:
Muffled Sound
Difficulty with Low Pitch
Ear Fullness
Treatments:
Removal of Ear Wax
Medical Interventions
Sensorineural
The origin of hearing loss lies within the cochlea or vestibulocochlear nerve
Symptoms:
Trouble Understanding Speech - Especially in Noise
Difficult Hearing Faint Sounds
Treatments:
Hearing Aids
Cochlear Implant
Mixed
Conductive & sensorineural components
Symptoms:
Trouble Hearing Faint Sounds
Understanding Speech in Noise
Distinguishing High-Frequency Sounds
Treatments:
Tailored Interventions
Surgery
Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants
Levels of Hearing Loss.
Hearing loss is often classified into four levels:
Mild: Difficulty hearing soft sounds or understanding speech in noisy settings.
Moderate: Trouble following conversations without raised voices, even in quieter places.
Severe: Requires louder sounds to hear, and conversation is challenging without hearing aids.
Profound: Major hearing loss where only very loud sounds or vibrations are sensed.
An audiogram visually represents these levels, helping to assess hearing ability across different frequencies.
To read an audiogram, you’ll look at how your hearing responds to different sound frequencies and intensities. The audiogram is a graph with frequency (pitch) on the horizontal axis, measured in Hertz (Hz), and loudness (intensity) on the vertical axis, measured in decibels (dB).
Interpreting an Audiogram:
Frequencies: The chart starts with low frequencies (bass sounds) on the left and progresses to high frequencies (treble sounds) on the right. Common speech frequencies range from around 250 Hz to 8000 Hz.
Hearing Thresholds: Each ear is tested individually. Marks on the chart show the softest sound each ear can hear at each frequency. Results for the right ear are typically marked with a red circle (or “O”), and the left ear with a blue “X.”
Hearing Loss Level: Thresholds between 0-25 dB typically indicate normal hearing. Thresholds above 25 dB suggest hearing loss, with severity increasing as thresholds rise:
Mild Loss: 26–40 dB
Moderate Loss: 41–55 dB
Moderately Severe: 56–70 dB
Severe: 71–90 dB
Profound: 91+ dB
An audiologist can explain your results in detail and recommend steps if intervention is needed. The audiogram provides a clear visualization of how your hearing varies across frequencies and intensities.
Myths About Hearing Loss.
Hearing loss is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding hearing loss that can lead to confusion and stigma. These myths can prevent individuals from seeking help or understanding how to support loved ones with hearing loss.
Myth: Hearing Loss Only Affects the Elderly
FACT: Hearing loss isn’t limited to the elderly. About 48 Million Americans live with it, and two-thirds are under 65. A study found that 1 in 5 children aged 12 to 19 show signs of hearing loss. The World Health Organization warns that 1.1 billion teens and young adults risk hearing loss due to unsafe use of personal audio devices and exposure to environments.
Myth: Hearing Loss Comes With Age, and Can’t Be Prevented
FACT: While aging can contribute to hearing loss, it’s not the only factor. Genetics, medications, smoking, diabetes, and exposure to loud noise also play significant roles. Noise exposure is the most preventable cause of hearing loss, much like protecting your skin from sun damage.
Myth: Hearing Loss Only Affects the Ears
FACT: Hearing loss affects more than just hearing. It can impact overall health and well-being, including cognitive function, mental health, and social interactions.
Myth: My Hearing is Fine, I Don’t Need a Hearing Aid
FACT: It’s easy to dismiss hearing loss, especially if it’s mild or only affects certain frequencies. However, even mild hearing loss can have significant impacts on cognition, work, home life, and social interactions. Fortunately, the brain’s neuroplasticity means it can adapt when hearing loss is treated. Using hearing aids can lead to improved mood, mobility, independence, communication, and social interactions.
Myth: Wearing a Hearing Aid is Like Wearing Glasses
FACT: Unlike glasses instantly correcting vision to 20/20, hearing aids require adjustment. Each person’s audiogram, with different hearing abilities, requires fine-tuning, often needing multiple visits to the audiologist. Hearing aids won’t fully restore hearing, sometimes needing auditory training. Don’t give up too soon!
Prevention.
Protect your hearing—it's essential! While some hearing loss is unavoidable, many cases can be prevented. Use ear protection in loud environments like concerts and construction sites, keep personal device volumes low, and take breaks to rest your ears. Regular check-ups with a hearing professional are also important. By being proactive, you can preserve your hearing and enjoy life's sounds for years to come.
Know Your Sound Limits.
The American Academy of Audiology uses the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) scale to determine acceptable decibel sound limits. You can listen to 88 decibels for four hours, 91 decibels for two hours, 94 decibels for one hour, and 97 decibels for 30 minutes.
Whisper - 15 dB
Hum of a Refrigerator - 40 dB
Normal Conversation - 60 dB
Heavy City Traffic - 85 dB
Noisy Restaurant - 90 dB
Nightclub - 110 dB
Jet Engine - 120 dB
Wear Hearing Protection.
Wearing hearing protection in noisy environments is essential to prevent permanent hearing damage. Whether at work or during recreational activities, investing in quality earplugs or earmuffs can significantly reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Protect your ears at concerts, while using power tools, or riding motorcycles to ensure clearer communication and better overall health for years to come.