Hearing loss can be experienced in varying degrees, such as mild, moderate, moderately-severe, severe or profound. Additionally, this loss can also vary depending on frequencies, or pitches. A series of hearing tests can determine the amount of loss you experience and the right treatment options.
The volume of sounds you hear is measured in decibels (dB), 15-20 dB being the softest whisper and 120 dB being a jet engine. The softest sounds one can hear are called thresholds. Normal hearing thresholds for adults are considered 0-25 dB across the range of frequencies tested. Speech testing is also conducted as a part of this series of evaluations and helps to assess your ability to hear words clearly. These tests can help determine the type of hearing loss you’re experiencing, which can be categorized conductive, sensorineural or mixed.
Only a trained, experienced audiologist can properly diagnose your type of hearing loss. In Denison, Carroll, and surrounding Iowa communities, that audiologist is the team at Adaptive Audiology. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Get help getting your hearing back today!
Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the way sound is conducted to the inner ear or cochlea. The problem may lie in the outer ear (pinna or ear canal), eardrum (tympanic membrane), or the middle ear (ossicles and Eustachian tube). The inner ear and auditory nerve remain unaffected by this type of hearing loss.
Conductive hearing losses may be temporary or permanent, depending on the source of the problem. Medical management can correct some cases of conductive hearing loss, while amplification (hearing aids) may be a recommended treatment option in more long-standing or permanent cases.
Individuals with conductive hearing loss may report that sounds are muffled or quiet. Generally, when sounds are made louder, these individuals can hear well again
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the sensory receptors of the hearing system, specifically in the cochlea or auditory nerve of the inner ear. The majority of sensorineural hearing loss occurs as a result of an abnormality or damage to the hair cells in the cochlea. This abnormality prevents sound from being transmitted to the brain normally, resulting in hearing loss.
The hair cells may have been abnormal since birth (congenital), damaged as a result of genetics, infection, drugs, trauma or exposure to damaging noise. Hair cells may also become damaged as a result of the aging process. This kind of hearing loss is known as presbycusis.
Sensorineural hearing losses are generally permanent and some remain stable over time while others worsen. Therefore, routine hearing tests are needed to monitor hearing loss. The most commonly recommended treatment option for hearing loss is hearing aids. However, cochlear implants are recommended in the most severe cases.
Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss may report muffled speech, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty hearing in background noise or that others do not speak clearly.
Mixed hearing loss occurs when a person has sensorineural hearing loss in combination with conductive hearing loss. It is, very literally, a mix of sensorineural and conductive hearing losses. This means there is a problem in the inner ear as well as in the outer or middle ear. The conductive hearing loss may be temporary or permanent, depending on the source of the problem.
Mixed hearing loss can sometimes be treated with medical management in addition to a recommendation of hearing aids.
Sometimes the simplest option is the best! Often times your hearing loss can be treated with a simple ear cleaning service. If not periodically removed properly, earwax can build up in your ear to the point that it starts to impact your hearing. With a proper hearing evaluation from the audiologists at Adaptive Audiology, we can determine if this is the best option for you! Call us today to schedule an exam and get the hearing services you need today!
For cases where a simple ear cleaning isn’t enough to clear up the issue, you’re likely dealing with some damage. Depending on the extent of damage, hearing aids may be the solution you’ve been searching for. The team at Adaptive Audiology has a number of great hearing aid options from some of the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. We even have a number of Bluetooth-enabled options to help you take control of your hearing loss. Check out our hearing aid store to learn more about our products.
Unfortunately, sometimes the damage to your hearing is so severe that simple hearing aids aren’t enough. When that is the case, the next step to get you the hearing loss treatment you need is to explore cochlear implants. Cochlear implants work by surgically bypassing the damaged portions of your inner ear and directly stimulating the fibers responsible for sending the signals to your brain.
When none of the options above provide the hearing loss treatment you need, surgery may be needed. This option is typically reserved for hearing loss that is caused by multiple, repeat infections. A surgeon will place tubes in your ear to help facilitate proper drainage, keeping your ears clean and hopefully restoring your hearing. For more information on all your hearing loss treatment options, contact Adaptive Audiology today!
At Adaptive Audiology, we understand how difficult it can be to live with limited hearing. That is why we proudly offer hearing loss treatment options to Denison, IA, Carroll, IA, and the surrounding communities. Whether you are looking for rechargeable hearing aids or tinnitus treatment, our compassionate audiologists are here to find the solution that works best for you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
712-775-2625