Hearing Loss Overview
Hearing Loss
Hearing is one of our most precious senses. It helps connect us to the world around us, enabling communication, music appreciation, and awareness of our environment. However, when hearing is compromised, it can have a profoundly significant impact on our lives. Whether you're personally experiencing hearing difficulties or supporting a loved one who is, this information is designed to provide the knowledge you need.
What Are The Facts of Hearing Loss?
How Common Is It?
Hearing loss is more common than you might imagine. Globally, there are an estimated 466 million individuals experiencing some form of hearing impairment, spanning all age groups.
Is There More Than One Type?
Hearing loss manifests in different forms, such as conductive, sensorineural, and mixed types. Accurate identification of the specific type is critical for effective treatment.
Is It Age Related?
One of the most prevalent forms of hearing loss is age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis. This typically begins in the mid-40s and progresses with age.
What Are The Causes of Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can stem from various factors, including:
- Aging: Natural aging can lead to a gradual decline in hearing sensitivity.
- Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, whether in work environments or during recreational activities, can damage the delicate inner ear structures.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and otosclerosis, can contribute to hearing loss.
- Medications: Some medications, including specific antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, may have side effects affecting hearing.
- Genetics: Genetic predisposition can make certain individuals more susceptible to hearing loss.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss?
Detecting the signs and symptoms of hearing loss is crucial:
- Difficulty Hearing Conversations: Struggling to hear and comprehend conversations, particularly in noisy settings.
- Frequent Requests for Repetition: Frequently needing others to repeat themselves.
- Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social gatherings due to communication challenges.
- Tinnitus: Experiencing ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears.
- Volume Adjustment: Increasing the volume on electronic devices like televisions or radios.
Are There Preventative Steps That Can Be Taken?
Although some causes of hearing loss are beyond our control, there are proactive steps to safeguard your hearing:
- Ear Protection: Utilize earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments or when attending loud events.
- Noise Management: Be mindful of the duration and intensity of noise exposure, taking breaks in noisy surroundings.
- Manage Medical Conditions: Effectively control conditions like diabetes and hypertension to mitigate their impact on hearing.
What Can Be Done?
If you suspect that you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, consider the following steps:
- Schedule a Hearing Test: Consult an audiologist for a comprehensive hearing evaluation, assessing the extent and type of hearing loss.
- Exploring Hearing Aids: If hearing loss is confirmed, hearing aids offer a common and effective solution. They come in various styles and can be customized to meet your unique needs.
- Communication Strategies: Acquiring effective communication strategies can empower you to navigate conversations with confidence.
How Can I Help?
If you suspect a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, here's how you can provide support:
- Express Concern: Approach the topic empathetically, expressing your care for their well-being.
- Encourage a Hearing Test: Motivate them to schedule a hearing test with a qualified audiologist.
- Offer Support: Extend emotional support and assist in finding suitable hearing solutions.
Hearing Assessments: The Common Hearing Test
A hearing loss test, also known as an audiometry test, is a painless and non-invasive assessment that measures hearing abilities. This test aids in determining the type and extent of hearing loss, providing invaluable insights for tailored treatment options.
Understanding hearing loss marks the initial stride toward addressing it. Whether you are concerned about your own hearing or that of a loved one, taking timely action can enhance the quality of life. Don't let hearing loss go unnoticed—take control of your hearing health today.
For more information on hearing loss and hearing loss solutions, or to schedule a hearing test, please contact us. Together, we can help you or your loved one rediscover the joys of clear and vibrant hearing.
Patient Testimonials
Robert Stoll2023-04-29I took my stepfather there gor his appointment to get his and he was able to get in early.Jim Herdeman2023-01-20Dr. Hackney and her staff are outstanding!! She’s worked with me for > 5 years and has provided stellar support, service, and help. If you need assistance in dealing with hearing loss, GO SEE HER AND HER TEAM!Barbara Hazard2022-11-04I have rather serious hearing loss, which presents a challenge to any audiologist trying to fit me with hearing aids. I’ve been going to Dr. Hackney now for many years and simply cannot speak highly enough of her tireless efforts, and success, in helping me achieve the best hearing possible. I have, and continue to, highly recommend Dr. Hackney and her staff.Judy2022-08-17Dr. Hackney and her assistant Heather have worked with my family members, my husband and many friends and we have all found them warm, friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. We have always been able to get help when we call whether it be a quick reset or a factory return. We cannot say enough about the quality of service we all have received from Dr. Hackney at Treasure Coast Audiology. We highly recommend them for all your hearing needs!E Scott2021-04-20I lost hearing early in life and have seen plenty of audiologists over the past 25 years. Dr. Hackney has been great - I've been very pleased with the hearing aids and service she's provided. In addition, Dr. Hackney's staff are truly a pleasure. They're remarkably warm, engaging, professional, and efficient. It's over an hour drive for me to get to Treasure Coast Audiology, but it's worth it!Larry Green2018-01-08Dr. Hackney has given me my hearing back! Her caring and patient disposition is amazing. Not only was the initial visit fabulous, whenever I have an issue, whether it be batteries or a quick adjustment, her office responds quickly and in a timely fashion. They usually are able to see me that day. I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Hackney to anyone in need of hearing devices. Dr. Hackney and her staff are wonderful and meet my every need as a hearing impaired client. THANK YOU.Lee Coons2017-11-11Absolutely the best!!! Dr. Hackney;s experience and insight led to diagnosis of a benign tumor on the acoustic nerve in my right ear. I will be forever indebted to her for her help. In addition to this, I received outstanding professional and courteous service in the fitting for state of the art hearing aids. It doesn't stop there, the follow up service by Dr. Hackney and Heather Snell was beyond my greatest expectations. Highly recommended, wonderful service by wonderful people.Marco Stiner2016-12-16Unbelievable caring and service!! The two operators (both named "Heather"!) at Treasure Coast Audiology have been like sisters to me. when I needed a new hearing solution they were the ONLY Audiology group on the Treasure Coast to consider my situation and work with me to find a true solution. The other NINE calls I made simply wanted to sell me their most outrageously priced hearing aids and did not care what lie they had to tell me in order to get me through their door to close me. This includes Doctors, Franchise locations etc. I unconditionally recommend Heather Hackney, her expertise, caring and generosity.
