About Hearing Loss

TYPES OF HEARING LOSS

There are three general types of hearing loss:

          1.  CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS occurs when the eardrum, bones and membranes don't properly transmit vibrations to the cochlea.  Causes include traumatic head injury or birth defects.

          2.  SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS is characterized by deterioration of the cochlea.  Causes include the aging process and excessive exposure to loud noise.

          3.  MIXED HEARING LOSS involves a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

TESTING FOR HEARING LOSS

If you suspect a hearing loss, the first step is an appointment with a Hearing Care Professional for proper testing and evaluation.

Testing is painless, comfortable and safe.  It includes checking your ability to recognize everyday words at different volume levels, and to hear different tones.

The data from this test will be used to determine the type and severity of your hearing loss, and whether you might benefit from hearing aids.

Hearing loss is universal-it crosses all ages and genders.  Fourteen percent of Americans between the ages of 45 and 65 suffer from hearing loss, while eight million Americans between 18 and 44 years of age are hard of hearing.