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Services
Hearing Testing
Getting help for hearing loss begins with a hearing test.
Locally Owned
40 Years of Service
Convenient Location
Walk-In Service
Hearing Aid Care Center
Why Choose Us
Is It Time for a Hearing Test?
The symptoms of hearing loss can vary depending on the type of hearing loss, the cause of hearing loss, and the degree of loss. In general, people who have hearing loss may experience any of all of the following:
Having to turn up the TV or radio
Increased difficulty communicating in noisy situations like restaurants, lively family gatherings, in the car or in group meetings
Have more trouble hearing women then men
Ask others to repeat themselves often
Avoidance of social situations that were once enjoyable
Ringing, tinnitus or buzzing sounds in either ear
Types of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often caused by age-related wear and tear, noise exposure, or underlying health conditions.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Occurs when there is a problem with the outer or middle ear, such as an ear infection, blockage, or fluid buildup.
Central Hearing Loss
Occurs when there is a problem with the central auditory nervous system, which is located in the brain. This system is responsible for processing and interpreting sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re seeking answers to common questions or exploring new topics, our FAQs provide clear and concise explanations.
Are there hearing loss statistics?
- The average delay between the time someone is affected by hearing loss and when they finally seek treatment is 7 years.
- In the U.S., about 1 out of every 8 people have hearing loss.
- Of babies born in the U.S., 2 to 3 of every 1,000 have a detectable hearing loss in at least one ear.
- Only 16 percent of adults who could benefit from hearing aids have tried them.
- Of adults aged 65-74, 25 percent have a disabling hearing loss, and 50 percent of adults over the age of 75 have a disabling hearing loss.
What are the risks of untreated hearing loss?
What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis): This is the most common type of hearing loss, occurring gradually as people age.
- Noise exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as from concerts, construction sites, or industrial machinery, can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear.
- Genetics: Some people may be more predisposed to hearing loss due to inherited genetic factors.
- Ear infections: Recurrent ear infections, especially in childhood, can contribute to hearing loss.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics and diuretics, can have side effects that affect hearing.
- Underlying health conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases can also impact hearing.
What is sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss is a rapid and unexpected loss of hearing in one or both ears. It can occur over a period of hours or days and can be accompanied by a ringing or buzzing sensation in the affected ear(s).
The exact cause of sudden hearing loss is often unknown, but it can be associated with various factors, including:
- Viral infections: Infections like the flu, measles, or herpes simplex virus can sometimes cause sudden hearing loss.
- Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the inner ear and lead to hearing loss.
- Blood vessel problems: Blockages or narrowing of the blood vessels supplying the inner ear can cause sudden hearing loss.
- Acoustic trauma: Exposure to extremely loud noises can damage the inner ear and cause sudden hearing loss.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as certain antibiotics and diuretics, can have side effects that affect hearing.
- Underlying health conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or tumors can contribute to sudden hearing loss.
If you experience sudden hearing loss, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of recovery and prevent further hearing loss.