What Is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is the inability to hear clearly in one or both ears. Hearing loss is measured as mild, moderate, moderately severe, or profound. Millions of Americans have hearing loss, including children. In fact, 2 or 3 out of every 1,000 newborns in the U.S. is born with hearing loss.
Hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Age (presbycusis)
- Prolonged noise exposure
- Head or ear injury
- Ototoxic medications
- Genetics
- Tumors
- Illness such as Meniere’s disease or otosclerosis
- Health conditions (heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes)
Signs of Hearing Loss
For many people, hearing loss occurs gradually, over the course of a few years. For this reason, it can be difficult to recognize a problem with your hearing because you have become accustomed to not hearing certain sounds. Often times, it is relative or close friend who suggests you have your hearing tested. In these cases, it’s important to listen and have your hearing checked, this way we can catch any hearing losses early. If you have noticed any combination of the following, then it’s time to schedule a hearing exam at our Radford or Floyd office.
Some common signs of hearing loss include:
- It seems like people mumble
- Sounds seem muffled or speech is unclear
- You often ask people to repeat themselves
- You have a hard time hearing in crowded places (i.e., a restaurant)
- It’s easier to hear when you can see the speaker
- You increase the volume on the TV or radio in order to hear it more clearly
- You struggle to understand the person on the other end of the phone
- You hear a ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Hearing Loss and Brain Function
Hearing loss affects more than just communication. You need your hearing to have an active and healthy brain. When you can’t hear well due to untreated hearing loss, your brain won’t receive the proper sound stimulation it needs to be healthy. This can cause your brain to work harder to understand the little it can hear and over time this can lead to fatigue, forgetfulness, and even cognitive decline.
There is good news. Most types of hearing loss are treatable. Research has shown that treating age-related hearing loss has many benefits, such as improved communication, brain function, and memory. At New River Valley Hearing, our audiologist can help you. We carry a wide selection of hearing aids that will allow you to hear again and put less strain on your brain. To start experiencing healthier brain function and hearing, contact us today.
Hearing Loss in Children
Children can experience hearing loss at any point, from birth to childhood. Your child’s hearing plays a crucial role in their social, emotional, and cognitive development. It’s important to be proactive about your child’s hearing health in order to provide them with the resources necessary for success. At New River Valley Hearing, we have experience helping children with hearing loss by providing them with successful treatment plans customized to their unique needs.
If you suspect your child is having a problem with their hearing, it’s important to watch for the signs.
- They have limited, poor, or no speech
- They are inattentive
- Difficulty learning
- They need to have the TV at a higher volume
- They fail to respond to conversation-level speech
- They answer inappropriately to speech
- They don’t respond to their name
- They become easily frustrated when there is background noise
If your child has shown any of these signs of hearing loss, please contact us for an appointment. Our hearing specialists are experienced in helping children with hearing loss and offer pediatric services to help your child.