Hearing Loss

Research by Johns Hopkins University and others has confirmed what many audiologists and physicians have long feared: there is an irrefutable link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Initial problems such as memory loss and an inability to concentrate can worsen over time. Left untreated, this may eventually lead to dementia and other forms of…

he most common type of hearing loss is presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss. Diminished hearing is a common side effect of aging, usually coming on gradually and affecting high-pitched sounds most frequently. It occurs as a result of natural changes in the inner ear of an individual over time due to a variety of reasons…

What are the signs of hearing loss? Symptoms of hearing loss include difficulty understanding what others are saying, asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to hear in crowded places with distracting background noise, the perception that others are mumbling or not speaking clearly, listening to the television or radio at a higher volume than others,…

Noise exposure is a leading cause of hearing loss. It usually develops gradually and may go unnoticed until it has progressed to a point where treatment options are limited. There are steps you can take now to prevent hearing loss down the road. Causes Some types of hearing loss are unavoidable. That which occurs with…

We are exposed to sound on a daily basis. Volume levels vary considerably, and can easily exceed 85 decibels (dB) – the threshold that is considered safe. Any prolonged exposure to noise exceeding this is harmful and can cause permanent, irreversible hearing loss. Excess noise exposure isn’t the only cause of hearing damage. Diseases, drugs…

Who Should Be Given an Audiology Evaluation? An audiology (or hearing) evaluation can benefit patients of all ages, even those who do not exhibit signs of hearing loss. Hearing loss is a progressive condition that often develops slowly. Many people are not aware of a change in their hearing because they gradually adapt to the…

Background sound is a constant in our busy lives. Normally, background noises are at safe levels that won’t impact our hearing, but repeated exposure to noise above 85 decibels (dL) can cause hearing loss. Noise induced hearing loss, as a matter of fact, is the second most common form of hearing loss (ranking behind presbycusis,…

Single sided deafness (SSD), sometimes referred to as unilateral hearing loss, is a condition in which an individual experiences hearing loss in only one ear but can hear normally out of the other ear. While the majority of patients with a hearing impairment suffer from bilateral (two-sided) hearing loss, SSD is diagnosed in approximately 60,000…

For most people who experience hearing loss, the condition comes on gradually over a period of years. In rare cases, an abrupt loss of hearing occurs with little or no warning. This condition, known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), is defined as a hearing reduction of 30 dB or greater over three contiguous frequencies,…

There are two main types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems in the middle ear and outer ear, while sensorineural hearing loss is the result of inner ear problems. The latter type is sometimes referred to as nerve deafness and is usually treatable only with hearing aids. Conductive…

Hearing loss affects an estimated 48 million Americans. There are many different causes, which translate to different types of hearing loss. An understanding of the cause and type of hearing loss is essential in developing a successful treatment plan. Types of Hearing Loss There are three main types of hearing loss. They are: Conductive Hearing…

Have you ever wondered what exactly an audiologist does, besides look inside your ears with a lighted instrument? If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about this professional who will be intimately involved in helping you come up with a solution that allows you to…