Hearing Education
Hearing Loss FAQs
Q. What are the signs or symptoms of hearing loss?
The most common signs or symptoms of hearing loss include frequently asking people to repeat themselves or frequently asking for clarification when speaking with someone. Hearing loss can be a condition that gets worse over time, which makes it difficult to determine when medical intervention is necessary. If you often have difficulty understanding in social situations, or you avoid meeting friends or calling family because it’s difficult to hear, you may have hearing loss.
Q. What are the major types of hearing loss?
There are three major types of hearing loss. These types differ based on the source of the problem and what the treatment options are. Remember, if you feel you may have hearing loss, it’s important to make an appointment. At Labyrinth Audiology, we have experience treating all three major types of hearing loss. We can diagnose your condition with hearing testing and explain your treatment options.
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to structures in the inner ear including the hair cells, cochlea, or nerve pathways. Treatment for this type of hearing loss is management with hearing aids and/or hearing rehabilitation. At Labyrinth Audiology we have had much success treating this type of hearing loss with advanced hearing aids and rehabilitation techniques.
Conductive hearing loss results in some kind of obstruction (such as wax or fluid) in the ear canal, middle ear, or eardrum. This type of hearing loss may require a simple outpatient procedure or surgery depending on the severity of the condition and the source of the hearing loss.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Treatment may include a combination of hearing aids and/or procedures to remove any obstructions.
Q. What are potential solutions to hearing loss?
The solutions to resolving hearing loss depends on the nature of the hearing loss, the severity of the hearing loss, and the individual. Solutions can include hearing aids, rehabilitation, or surgery. Only a hearing healthcare professional can give specific treatment options or solutions based on your health history, symptoms, and current condition.
Hearing loss can result from a number of things including aging, noise exposure, and genetics. In most cases, hearing loss is due to inner ear damage. This can typically be corrected with hearing aids.
FAQs regarding Hearing Aids
Q. Why do I need two hearing aids? Can’t I save money and buy one?
The short answer to this question is no because 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 are only taking in half the sounds you need to hear and understand the world around you.
Q. Will hearing aids make me hear the way I used to?
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 in noise.
Q. Why are some hearing instruments so expensive?
Hearing aids are like small computers that take in and 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 hearing loss.
Hearing Myths
Hearing is generally a misunderstood topic. Click below to dispel some common myths on the subject.
Once you receive your devices, try wearing them for a couple hours at a time in your home. This will help you adapt and become familiar with the sounds of your environment. Once you get comfortable with them, try using them when you are spending time with a friend or family member in a quiet location. Eventually, you can work toward more crowded environments. At first, you may experience reactions such as sensitivity to sounds, but the more you use your hearing aids, the better your brain adapts. Eventually, you will be able to use your hearing aids for longer periods and will barely notice them throughout the day.
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 the Labyrinth Audiology office in Boca Raton, Florida, today and we can help you achieve healthy hearing.
