Experiencing Hearing Loss? Sheridan Hearing Service Can Help

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is a natural result of getting older. It can start in our 30s or 40s, and by the time we reach our 80s, more than half of us suffer from significant hearing loss with some social, psychological and physical obstacles. Studies have shown that people with hearing loss who do not use hearing aids experience more sadness, fear and anxiety than hearing aids users. They reduce their social activities, start to become emotionally unstable and have trouble concentrating.

On the other hand, studies also show that hearing aid users experience a greatly increased quality of life when they start using hearing aids. They maintain improved family relationships, have more self-confidence and feel more independent and secure.

If hearing loss is not corrected, it can result in physical issues such as tiredness or fatigue, headaches and stress. Hearing loss has also been linked to diabetes, Alzheimer’s, dementia and heart disease. There is no better time than the present to get your hearing checked!

Early Indicators Of Hearing Loss

Not all hearing loss happens for the same reason, or the same way. Hearing loss can occur as the result of an accident, or simply as a consequence of old age. In most cases, though, hearing loss is gradual. Working in noisy environments without adequate hearing protection can over time lead to hearing damage. Many musicians who play without ear protection often report tinnitus, a constant ringing in the ears. Tinnitus is quite often an early indicator of hearing loss.

Types Of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be caused by problems in the outer and middle ear or by damaged cells in the inner ear or a combination of both. There are two main types of hearing loss, sensorineural and conductive.

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs as a natural part of growing older; it accounts for about 90% of all hearing loss. It is commonly caused by damage to the inner ear (the cochlea) by exposure to loud sounds, head injuries, genetics, viruses, tumors and ototoxic medications.

Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems in the outer and middle ear, which can prevent sounds getting through to the inner ear. The most common causes are a build-up of wax in the ear canal, perforated eardrums, fluid in the middle ear, or damaged or defective middle ear bones (ossicles).

Hearing loss can have a big impact on your life as well as those around you. Recognizing the signs of hearing loss is important. Do you or someone you love:

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, you should have your hearing checked by our auditory hearing health care professional.