FAQs Archive - Hi-Definition Hearing

Q: What causes hearing loss?

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" min_height="" hover_type="none" link=""][fusion_text]There are several causes of hearing loss. Some of them are: Head trauma Ear wax Ear infections Viral infections Noise exposure (noise during military service or hunting, extremely loud music, industrial noise, racing noise, and the sound of power saws, lawn mowers, and other equipment) Heredity Certain chemotherapy and radiation treatments Certain heavy-duty antibiotics [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Q: Do I have hearing loss?

You may have hearing loss if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions: Do others complain you have the television on too loud? Do you have problems hearing birds or the wind? Do you have difficulty hearing female voices or children? Do you have difficulty hearing in groups? Do you find yourself confusing words or making silly mistakes misunderstanding conversations? Do family members or other people think you have hearing loss?

Q: What are the symptoms that need medical attention?

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" min_height="" hover_type="none" link=""][fusion_text]Symptoms that require medical attention include: Head trauma Sudden hearing loss Balance problems Ear pain Fluctuating hearing loss Chronic ringing in ears Feeling of fullness or pressure in ears [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Q: What causes ringing in my head/ears?

The ringing sensation that can be detected in your head or individual ears is called tinnitus. Usually, this ringing is an indication of damage to your auditory system, especially noise damage. The ringing can be constant or periodic, and can occur in the middle of your head or on a specific side. Sometimes, hearing instruments help by bringing more sound to the brain, helping distract attention from the ringing. If you experience constant ringing on one side, it is ideal that you ask your doctor about it.

Q: What are the types of hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss – This results from a problem with the conduction of sound from the outer ear (the part that you see) to the inner ear (where the nerve is located). Conductive hearing loss can result from ear infections, trauma to the ear, wax buildup, or other problems with the eardrum or the bones that conduct sound through the middle ear. People with this type of hearing loss have a problem with volume rather than understanding ability. Sensorineural hearing loss – This involves a kind of deterioration of the hearing nerve or the inner ear. Aging, exposure to noise, some cancer treatments, illnesses, and other degenerative processes could cause sensorineural hearing loss. Sometimes, this type of hearing loss impairs understanding ability and causes people to be sensitive to loud sounds. Mixed hearing loss – This type of hearing loss contains some sensorineural and conductive elements.

Q: What can I do if I don't like my hearing aid?

When hearing aids are purchased, they always come with a trial period. If your hearing aid is less than 2 months old, it is likely that you can return it to the manufacturer and try a new hearing aid. Older hearing aids cannot be traded in, but the Assistive Devices Program will help fund hearing aids every 3 years as needed.

Q: How long do appointments take?

A hearing test can last from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the degree of hearing loss. Generally, we schedule an hour for a hearing test so that we have enough time to do a complete audiological assessment. Additionally, the extra time allows us to counsel you regarding your degree and type of hearing loss, as well as help you understand the implications of your hearing loss. Once the appointment is done, we will advise you to seek medical intervention as warranted. We will also let you know if you are a candidate for hearing aids.