Hearing Loss Overview

For those with hearing loss, it can be easy to hear other people’s words, but it is usually difficult to understand them. This distinction is crucial to point out when we think about hearing loss in general. Hearing loss usually occurs very slowly over a long period of time, so it's easy to miss. And it is more widespread than you might think. The latest numbers available indicate that more than 10% of the U.S. population experience hearing problems. This is around 31 million people!

How do we hear?

How does your ear and brain work together to help you hear? Hearing occurs as sound waves reach your outer ear and migrate through your ear canal to the ear drum. Once sound waves strike your eardrum, it vibrates and sends vibrations to your inner ear. The vibrations enter the cochlea, which has a vast network of 30,000 hair cells. These pick up the sound waves and turn them into electrical signals which can be understood and processed by the brain as sound. The most sophisticated part of your hearing is the brain. It can suppress some sounds and listen for others. The brain is able to use information from both ears to localize sound and process noise. The brain can remember a sound like a voice or a piece of music and connect it to memories, emotions, experiences and even other senses.

What causes hearing loss?

Most of us have some degree of hearing loss as we get older. The main cause of age-related hearing loss is the progressive wear and tear in the small sensory cells known as hair cells inside the cochlea. This loss of hearing tends to affect both ears over time and is called presbycusis. While presbycusis is permanent and generally progressive, it is treatable. People with this type of hearing loss can do very well with amplification. Like many other forms of treatments, sooner is better than later.

Harmful noise causes changes in the cochlea in the inner ear. This damage typically shows up as a specific pattern during hearing testing and it affects how we hear high pitches. Noise exposure can add up over time.

Noise induced hearing loss is preventable with the use of hearing protection. Disposable ear plugs are cheap and effective if they are used as directed. Custom ear plugs are also effective and can be cleaned and used repeatedly.

Musicians, pilots, firefighters, police officers, industrial workers and others are in a difficult spot because they need to hear while working in high levels of noise. Custom ear plugs can be made that reduce noise but allow you to hear communications at the same time.

Signs you have hearing loss

Hearing loss usually occurs slowly, so at first you may not perceive it. Here are some tell-tale signs to look out for:

You can hear but don’t always understand
You're turning up the TV louder than your family wants.
In cafes and restaurants, you find it difficult to follow the conversation.
You're having a hard time listening on the phone.
Sometimes you ask people to repeat what they're saying.
Your partner complains that you're not listening to them.
Others mumble all the time.

You might have hearing loss if you answer yes to any of these statements. A hearing test is the best way to find out. If you also hear sounds inside your ears or head like ringing or whistling, this may be tinnitus, which is often associated with hearing loss.

What we can do?

The great news is that the majority of hearing disorders can be improved with the right hearing aids. Once you've found the right pair for you, you can stop asking people to repeat themselves. You can watch TV at the same volume as your family. You can participate and live life to the fullest again, engaged in all your favorite activities.

Taking charge of your hearing will be one of the best decisions you have made not just for yourself, but your partner, family and friends.

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