Hearing loss and impairment is a common problem, especially as we age. This condition can cause frustration, as well as a dependence on others. Although hearing loss is a permanent condition, there are treatment options in order to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Understanding Hearing Loss

There are actually three different types of hearing loss. These three different types are known as sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. As people age, they will naturally lose certain portions of their hearing. Hearing loss can happen in different locations in their ear. If any part of the ear is not working properly, this can cause a hearing impairment.

Sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is the most common. When the nerves inside the inner ear become damaged, they will not be able to send signals to the brain. This means that you would not be able to hear sounds properly. Tiny hairs inside your inner ear helps to transmit these signals. However, when you age, these hairs become damaged and disappear which results in hearing impairment.

Conductive hearing loss. This type of hearing loss occurs when there is an issue with the middle ear, typically an obstruction. An obstruction would prevent you from being able to hear noises properly. You may hear sounds that sound distant or distorted.

Mixed hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is when there is a combination of both sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss.

Treating Hearing Loss

While hearing loss is a permanent condition, there are treatment options. Receiving regular hearing tests can help to maintain your overall health, as well as help alert you to any issues you may be having with your hearing before they progress. A professional will administer your hearing test, identifying any problem areas and provide you with expert solutions. It does not matter which type of hearing loss you have, there are treatment options that can help you.

Many of those with hearing loss experience adverse effects directly related to their condition. These effects could cause strain in their relationships, as well as cause them to avoid social situations. Hearing loss can make you become dependent on those around you, in order to be able to hear properly. Social situations can leave you feeling drained, as your brain works harder trying to fill in the blanks. Receiving a hearing test is essential in order to alleviate these issues.

Hearing Solutions

Removable hearing aids. Hearing aids will give you the ability to make sounds louder, therefore making it easier for you to hear. This not only alleviates the strain to hear, but also helps maintain your independence, as you will not need to rely on others. These hearing aids could be analog or digital. They may be behind-the-ear or an open-fit. Your professional audiologist can help determine which option would be best for you and your needs after a hearing evaluation.

Analog hearing aids. These types of hearing aids change sound into electrical signals. This allows the sounds to be louder and easier to decipher. They can be set and changed for different environments.

Digital hearing aids. Digital hearing aids work by changing sound into a numerical code and then changes that code back into sounds. These have the ability to be tweaked to work for certain frequencies.

Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss

There are many benefits to treating hearing loss. Any type of hearing loss has the ability to be treated after a professional hearing evaluation. You will experience a better quality of life, as well as an increase in independence. Those who are suffering from hearing loss experience much more strain in their personal lives. This could be due to having to rely on others in order to be able to know what is going around them. This can cause those around them to become frustrated or overwhelmed. Treating the root cause can help alleviate these issues.

While there is no cure, hearing loss of any kind can be treated. A professional audiologist can perform an expert hearing evaluation to help you determine your options. Increase your quality of life and do not let hearing loss limit you any longer.