Causes of Hearing Loss

...In the outer ear

Typical problems include excessive accumulation of earwax and infection of the auditory canal, such as "swimmer's ear."

...In the middle ear

Perforation of the eardrum, infection or fluid in the middle ear and otosclerosis (a calcification around the stapes limiting its ability to move) are the most common causes. Many outer and middle ear problems can be treated successfully with medication or surgery. Should this be the case, remaining hearing loss can usually be helped to a considerable degree by using hearing instruments.

...In the inner ear

The majority of hearing problems result from damaged inner ear structures. Typical causes are the natural aging process, excessive exposure to noise, medication that is toxic to the auditory system and head injuries. In such cases the tiny hair cells in the cochlea are damaged, obstructing the transfer of sound signals to the brain. As a rule, this damage cannot be reversed medically but the adverse effects can be overcome, to a large degree, with hearing instruments.

The degree of hearing loss varies from person to person

Between the two extremes of hearing well and hearing nothing, there are many degrees of impairment. The terms used to describe the degree of hearing loss are mild, moderate, severe, and profound . Most hearing losses are mild to moderate.

Mild hearing loss

Unable to hear soft sounds, difficulty perceiving speech in noisy environments.

Moderate hearing loss

Unable to hear soft and moderately loud sounds, considerable difficulty in perceiving speech, particularly with background noise.

Severe hearing loss

Speakers must raise their voice. Group conversation is possible only with considerable effort.

Profound hearing loss

Some very loud sounds are audible but communication without a hearing instrument is impossible.

The impact of hearing loss on speech perception

Hearing loss in the inner ear (sensorineural hearing loss) mainly affects high frequency sounds. These high-pitched sounds such as "s", "f", "sh", and "t" play a key role in our ability to understand speech clearly. This is why a person with this type of hearing loss will often say, "I can hear but I don't understand what's being said."

Hearing loss drastically reduces the ability to understand speech.

What are you missing?

A heartwarming "I love you" from your grandchild...leaves rustling in the fall...rain bouncing off the rooftop...your favorite music and televisions shows. These are some of the sounds of your life. The sounds you have grown accustomed to and should never be deprived of.

But you may be missing out on these and other important sounds if you are experiencing hearing problems and your quality of life may suffer as a result. Maybe you've considered getting help with your hearing problem, but aren't sure who to trust or where to begin.

The first step is to contact one of our centers to get information about our services and how we can help you hear better today!