Information about Audiology

Hearing Loss

Over 28 million people in America show some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss is often considered an insidious phenomenon, as most people with hearing loss don’t realize that they have it until it is well established. Hearing loss will often present itself as a subtle change in hearing acuity and will gradually worsen over time, but it can also be a drastic change in hearing acuity and come on suddenly.

There are many signs of hearing loss. Some of the common signs of hearing loss would be:

Asking for repetition.
Having difficulty following conversation or frequently misunderstanding what others have said.
Often thinking that others are mumbling or sound muffled.
Having difficulty hearing in background noise situations, such as, malls, restaurants, parties, or meetings.
Adjusting TV or radio volume louder than is comfortable for others.
Having difficulty hearing women and/or children.
Having tinnitus, ear or head noises, which is often a symptom associated with hearing loss.
Straining to catch visual cues, such as, lip movements or facial expressions.
Feeling embarrassment, stress, and/or exhaustion from straining to hear what others say.

Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss:

Accounts for about 95% of all hearing losses.
Occurs as a result of damage to the hearing nerve.
Is most commonly caused by noise exposure, aging, and/or hereditary predisposition.
Results in irreversible hearing loss.
Often responds well to or is treated well with hearing aids.

Conductive Hearing Loss:

Accounts for about 5% of all hearing losses.
Occurs as a result of structural or mechanical damage to outer and/or middle ear.
Commonly caused by wax impaction, eardrum perforation, middle ear fluid, cholesteatoma, and/or congenital problems.
Can often be treated medically or surgically which sometimes results in improved hearing.
Hearing aids may still be beneficial for some patients with conductive hearing loss following medical clearance for use from their Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician.

Hearing Aid Facts

Come in a variety of sizes and styles.
Available in many levels of technology.
Available in many levels of technology.
An audiologist can recommend the hearing aids that are appropriate for an individual’s hearing loss.

Audiology and the Audiologist

Audiology

Audiology is the scientific study of the entire field of hearing, including the anatomy and function of the ear; impairment of hearing; and evaluation, education, and treatment of persons with hearing loss.

Audiologist

An audiologist is a professional who is trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of individuals with hearing disorders or balance problems. Audiologists have received a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited university graduate program.

Audiologists provide services to the birth through geriatric population.

Audiologists practice in various settings including hospitals, medical offices, schools, clinics, government health facilities, colleges and universities, industry settings, and private practices.

Services which audiologists perform may include:

Education of the anatomy and physiology of the ear.
Diagnostic hearing evaluations.
Vestibular (balance) testing and interpretation of test results.
Hearing conservation programs for industrial, occupational, or recreational purposes.
Evaluation, fitting, and dispensing of hearing aids and assistive listening devices.
Counseling patients on care, use, and maintenance of hearing devices.

See Your Audiologist Today!