Hearing Is A Precious Gift
Stop and think a moment about the sounds that enrich our lives: the whispered words of a toddler. The singing of birds. The voices of friends and loved ones. The rustling of the wind in the trees. The music of a symphony orchestra. Our ability to hear these sounds is a vital part of enjoying life.
Hearing loss can inhibit a person’s ability to experience the sounds around them. And, this affects not only their lives, but also the lives of those around them.
HOW WE HEAR
Better understanding of hearing loss begins by understanding how we hear.
Sound waves are collected by the outer ear and channeled along the ear canal to the eardrum. When the sound waves reach the eardrum, the impact creates vibrations, which are transferred through a series of three tiny bones.
Signs Of Hearing Loss
- Turning up the TV to a volume level that disturbs others.
- Constantly asking people to repeat themselves, or to speak more loudly.
- Avoiding social situations such as restaurants or parties, where noise can make it difficult to hear conversation.
- Turning the head to one side while listening.
Although these habits can help the hearing impaired person in some situations, the hearing loss is most likely depriving them of a wide range of life’s sounds. Eventually, as the hearing loss progresses, the above techniques won’t provide adequate hearing assistance.
Causes Of Hearing Loss
Most often a hearing loss develops gradually and painlessly.
Hearing can be damaged by:
- Exposure to loud or constant noise
- Inherited medical conditions
- Illness
- The natural aging process
- Traumatic injury
- Ototoxic medications
- Tumors
Types Of Hearing Loss
There are three general types of hearing loss:
- 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.
- Sensorineural hearing loss is characterized by deterioration of the cochlea. Causes include the aging process and excessive exposure to loud noise.
- 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 Health Care Provider 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 tones.
The data from the 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 especially prevalent in older age groups. As a result, those over age 50 should consider a yearly hearing test as important as a physical checkup.
|
