Factors that determine how much hearing loss will negatively affect a person’s quality of life include

• The degree of the hearing loss
• The pattern of hearing loss across different frequencies (pitches)  whether one or both ears are affected
• The areas of the auditory system that are not working normally—such as the middle ear, inner ear, neural pathways, or brain
• The ability to recognize speech sounds
• The history of exposure to loud noise and environmental or drug-related toxins that are harmful to hearing
• Age

Not all hearing loss can be corrected through the use of hearing aids or alternative listening devices. The type of hearing loss determines the specific treatment required.

There are four types of hearing loss:

• Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear. The cause may be earwax build-up, fluid, or a punctured eardrum. Medical treatment or surgery can usually restore conductive hearing loss.
• Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent.
• Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
• Central hearing loss happens when the cochlea is working properly, but parts of the brain are not. This rare type of hearing loss is difficult to treat. Strokes and central nerve diseases are often the cause of this type of hearing loss

In addition, studies have linked untreated hearing loss to emotional, physical, mental, psychological and even economic disadvantages! And, to make matters even worse, there are many “myths” about hearing loss that prevent those with hearing loss from doing anything about it.

One form of hearing loss, presbycusis, comes on gradually as a person ages. Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, can occur because of changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve. Having presbycusis may make it hard for a person to tolerate loud sounds or to hear what others are saying.

Presbycusis commonly affects older adults, many of whom are likely to lose some hearing each year. Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.

Age-related hearing loss most often occurs in both ears, affecting them equally. Because the loss is gradual, if you have age-related hearing loss you may not realize that you’ve lost some of your ability to hear.

Tinnitus, also common in older people, is typically described as ringing in the ears, but it also can sound like roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing. It can come and go. It might be heard in one or both ears and it may be loud or soft. Tinnitus can accompany any type of hearing loss and can be a sign of other health problems as well.

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. It can accompany any type of hearing loss. It can be a side effect of medications. Something as simple as a piece of earwax blocking the ear canal can cause tinnitus, but it can also be the result of a number of health conditions. Roughly 10 percent of the U.S. adult population, or about 25 million Americans, has experienced tinnitus lasting at least five minutes in the past year.

If you think you have tinnitus, see your primary care doctor. You may be referred to an otolaryngologist—a doctor who specializes in the medical and surgical care of ear, nose, and throat diseases—also commonly called an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or an ENT. The otolaryngologist will physically examine your head, neck, and ears and request a hearing test by an audiologist.

Some people may not want to admit they have trouble hearing. Older people who can’t hear well may become depressed or may withdraw from others to avoid feeling frustrated or embarrassed about not understanding what is being said. Sometimes older people are mistakenly thought to be confused, unresponsive, or uncooperative just because they don’t hear well.Hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse. If you have a hearing problem, you can get help. Call to schedule a Free Hearing Test.