Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the U.S., and over 48 million people have some degree of hearing loss. A change in hearing is common as people age. But like aging, hearing changes rarely happen overnight. Hearing problems can occur so gradually that you might not even notice the first signs of hearing changes. So, how can you make sure that your hearing is in good shape? And what do you do if it isn’t?
Recent medical studies are showing significant associations between hearing loss and dementia as well as depression that is potentially somewhat reversible by treating hearing loss.
Types and Causes of Hearing Loss
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), there are three basic types of hearing loss, and each is caused by different underlying factors.
1. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sounds cannot travel from the outer ear to the eardrum. Usually temporary, it can be caused by:
· Earwax buildup
· Allergies
· Swimmer’s ear
· Benign tumors or scarring
2. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the inner ear structure has been damaged. Usually permanent, it can be caused by:
· Aging
· Head trauma
· Being around loud noises
· Acoustic neuromas, noncancerous tumors that grow on the nerves connecting the ear to the brain
· Meniere’s disease, a disease of the inner ear
· Infections such as meningitis, mumps, and measles
3. Mixed hearing loss occurs when both conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss occur together.
Testing Your Hearing
As part of your regular care, your doctor may suggest an audiometry test, or a hearing test, to make sure that your ears are working the way they should. Audiometry is the measurement of a person’s hearing range and sensitivity, which can change depending on your age and circumstances. Hearing loss becomes more likely with age, so your doctor may recommend a hearing test every few years. Your hearing test frequency depends on your age, but most experts recommend adults below 50 to get an audiometry test every 10 years. For adults 50 and up, a hearing test is recommended every 3 years.
Determining hearing loss causes and types can be a bit of a puzzle for doctors, and there are a few different tests and bits of information your audiologist might use along with your hearing test results. Tympanometry is one of these tests that can determine whether your hearing loss might be helped by hearing aids or of medical treatment is necessary. This probe measures your eardrum’s movement from changing pressure.
For those seeking hearing aids, tympanometry is an important test, as it can detect fluid in your ear that might prevent your eardrum from moving properly and transmitting sound the way it should. Hearing loss due to fluid in the ear is nearly always temporary and does not need hearing aids to correct. If this is not the case, though, hearing aids are an option to help you hear. There are many types of hearing aids, and it’s important to remember that hearing aids will not return your hearing to normal. Hearing aids improve your hearing by amplifying small sounds. It will take time to get used to your new hearing aid, but the more you use it, the more quickly you will adjust.
If you are experiencing hearing loss, talk to your doctor. Seek support and try to stay positive. Remember, many times hearing loss is reversible and only temporary. Hearing loss is one of the most common health problems in the U.S., and it can affect your quality of life. Even if you’ve already lost some hearing, there are ways to stay connected. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent hearing loss and keep your ears healthy.
