Causes of
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is incredibly common, affecting millions of people across the globe. The most common cause is age, also known as presbycusis, although other factors can lead to hearing impairment as well. Common causes of hearing loss also include genetics, loud noise exposure, head trauma, ototoxic medications, physical obstruction, or infection. To determine the exact cause of hearing loss as well as the type and degree, a hearing check should be performed.
Symptoms of
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss generally occurs gradually, over the course of a few years. For this reason, it can be difficult to notice the signs until your hearing has significantly decreased. Some common symptoms of hearing loss include:
- It’s difficult to hear in crowds or when there is background noise
- Conversations seem muffled
- You can hear but you lack clarity
- It seems like the people around you mumble
- You frequently ask people to repeat themselves
- You miss parts of the conversation
- You need the volume on the TV or radio turned up louder than others like
Managing
Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss (the most common type of loss) is unfortunately irreversible. This occurs when there is damage to the hair cells within the inner ear – which are responsible for hearing. Although there is no cure for hearing loss, it can be successfully managed with hearing aids. Hearing aids help by providing the wearer with the right amount of amplification and clarity to hear better in their individual environments.
It’s important to manage hearing loss at the first signs to prevent hearing loss from worsening and from affecting your ability to recognize speech. Hearing aids can also help keep you socially engaged and can lower your risks of developing depression, anxiety, dementia, and related conditions. At PurTone Hearing Centers, we offer a variety of hearing aids that can be fine-tuned to your individual needs, helping you hear better, be healthier, and stay more engaged.
Tinnitus
Have you ever heard a buzzing, ringing, or whistling sound that seems to come from your head? This is known as tinnitus and is extremely common. Almost everyone will experience tinnitus at some point in their lifetime. Many cases of tinnitus are not serious, as it often dissipates on its own. But if your tinnitus is not going away, is constant and loud, and is affecting your quality of life, we can help you.
If you experience bothersome ringing in the ears, the first step to relief is a hearing evaluation along with a tinnitus test. Our hearing specialist will examine your hearing ability and determine what caused your tinnitus. Although there is no cure for tinnitus, we do offer tinnitus masking hearing aids which can greatly help. These devices will play soothing sounds in your ears to distract your brain from tinnitus, helping you find relief.
If you have bothersome tinnitus that is affecting your quality of life, contact PurTone Hearing Centers today.
