Ask the Experts
At Labyrinth Audiology, we have experience answering questions and providing accurate information about hearing loss and hearing aids. It is common for people to form misunderstandings about what hearing loss is, how it’s diagnosed, and how it can be helped.
If you have any additional questions, our professionals are happy to answer them. If you feel you may have hearing loss, book an appointment at Labyrinth Audiology today, and we can help you achieve healthier hearing.
Hearing Loss FAQs
The most common sign of hearing loss is frequently asking people to repeat themselves or often asking for clarification when speaking with someone. Hearing loss can get worse over time, which makes it difficult to determine when medical intervention is necessary. If you often have difficulty understanding in social situations, avoid meeting friends, or calling family because it’s difficult to hear, you may have hearing loss.
There are three different types of hearing loss. There is sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss. These types differ based on the source of the problem. Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the structures in the inner ear including the hair cells, cochlea, or nerve pathways. Conductive hearing loss is the result of an obstructions (such as wax or fluid) in the ear canal, middle ear, or eardrum. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive. At Labyrinth Audiology, we have experience treating all three major types of hearing loss.
The most common treatment option for hearing loss is hearing aids. However, treatment depends on the nature of your hearing loss, the severity of it, and your lifestyle. Some solutions include hearing aids, rehabilitation, or surgery. Only a hearing healthcare professional – such as the professionals at Labyrinth Audiology – can give specific solutions based on your health history, symptoms, and current condition. Hearing loss is often the result of aging, noise exposure, and genetics. In most cases, this can be typically corrected with hearing aids.
Hearing Aid FAQs
Although it may be tempting to only buy one hearing aid, you have two ears and each ear needs a hearing aid. You have two ears for a reason – they take in and process the sounds you hear, which help you become spatially aware of your surroundings. If you are experiencing hearing loss and only use one hearing aid, you will be at a disadvantage because you’re only taking in half the sounds you need to hear.
Hearing aids do not restore hearing, so you will not hear the way you used to before you experienced hearing loss. However, hearing aids allow you to follow normal speech without trouble, hear clearly enough to participate in conversations, and have better understanding when noise is present. You’ll hear better than you have in years with hearing aids, and will be able to participate fully in the conversation again.
Hearing aids are essentially mini-computers that process the sounds around you. Some hearing aids are more expensive than others because they contain more advanced technology. This allows them to have higher signal processing and better noise reduction. Any of the professionals at Labyrinth Audiology can help you find a hearing aid that fits your budget and degree of hearing loss.
Hearing Myths
Hearing is a generally misunderstood topic. Click below to dispel some common myths on the subject.
FACT: Many people have a misunderstanding of what hearing loss is and who it impacts. Most people who seek treatment for hearing loss or wear hearing aids are actually under the age of 65. Of course, hearing loss affects people of all ages. Hearing loss is not just an age-related condition. It can be caused by genetics, other health conditions, noise exposure, or can be the side effect of medication.
FACT: Hearing aids can benefit those with any range of hearing loss. Any hearing loss, from mild to severe, affects how the brain takes in sound and processes information. Those affected by even mild hearing loss can experience a change in their neural plasticity procedures and this influences how memory is stored. Anyone with any level of hearing loss will experience a change in how they communicate, what they hear, and how they respond. This can lead to a decrease in quality of life over time. Hearing aids can improve communication and quality of life for everyone regardless of their degree of hearing loss.
FACT: It may feel like hearing loss only affects you, but often times friends and family notice their loved one’s hearing difficulty before they are even aware of it. People in your life may notice you turn the TV volume up higher, speak loudly on the phone, frequently ask for things to be repeated, or avoid social situations. These are all signs of hearing loss and affect people beyond yourself.
FACT: Today’s hearing aids are nearly invisible. At Labyrinth Audiology, we carry several hearing aid styles that sit behind your ear or that are placed comfortably in the ear canal. Hearing aids are no longer big and bulky, instead they are now small and discreet. No one will even notice you’re wearing hearing aids, they’ll only notice that you can hear better.
FACT: At first, it can be difficult to adjust to hearing aids as it takes your brain time to adapt to this new experience. This is true for any medical device that restores quality of life including glasses. The best way to adjust to hearing aids is to be patient and consistent.
Our Office
Labyrinth Audiology
1500 NW 10th Ave. #104
Boca Raton, FL 33486
P 561-807-7873
Office Hours
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8:30AM – 5:00PM
8:30AM – 5:00PM
8:30AM – 5:00PM
8:30AM – 5:00PM
8:30AM – 5:00PM
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