For many of our patients, the first time they start thinking about hearing loss is when someone else brings up the subject, such as a doctor, loved one, or family member. However, you don’t need to wait for someone else to let you know there’s a problem to learn more. If you think you could be suffering from hearing loss, you should take the time to get the answers you need.
To get you started, here are a few common questions we get at our clinic along with answers to help you learn more.
What Qualifies as Hearing Loss?
Not all hearing loss is the same. In fact, many causes of hearing loss – such as ear infections or buildups of earwax – are easy to treat and reverse. However, other types of hearing loss can be very serious even from the beginning. If you think you’re experiencing any kind of hearing change, you should ask your doctor about whether it’s hearing loss and what your next steps should be.
Why Does Hearing Loss Occur?
There are many reasons people lose their hearing, including:
- Exposure to loud or repeated noise
- Untreated ear infections
- Conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Use of certain medications that can damage hearing
- General hearing loss due to age
For most people, hearing loss is a sign of damage to the inner ear caused by exposure to loud noise. However, every case of hearing loss is different, and there is no one reason why it occurs. To understand your own hearing loss you will need to speak to your doctor or make an appointment with an audiologist.
Can Hearing Loss Be Cured?
If you ask this question to a doctor, they will almost always tell you that hearing loss is incurable and irreversible. However, there are ways to reduce further hearing loss and even recover some of your hearing ability.
When you’re diagnosed with hearing loss, your first step should be to protect your remaining hearing ability. For instance, you should always wear earplugs or ear protectors when you’re exposed to loud noise. That includes mowing your lawn, going to a concert, or firing a firearm. Also, take care to turn down the volume when you can, such as your headphones or the music in your car.
Second, make sure you’re treating any other potential causes of hearing loss such as infections or chronic conditions. Your doctor will help diagnose the root cause of your hearing loss and whether you need any additional treatment.
Should I Get Hearing Aids?
If you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss, you should make an appointment with an audiologist to see if you’re a good candidate for hearing aids. While hearing aids won’t restore your natural hearing, they will make it much easier for you to hear and interact with others. They can also help improve your mood and may even be good for your memory.
If you want to learn more about whether hearing aids are right for you, contact us today at Audio Recovery. As certified audiologists, we’re more than happy to help you weigh your options and decide which is best.
Contact Oklahoma Hearing Center Today
The Oklahoma Hearing Center is the number one audiology clinic and hearing aid provider in Oklahoma City. If you or a loved one is suffering from hearing loss, call us today at (405) 546-4280. You can also visit us on Facebook to get more tips, advice, and news about the latest advances in hearing technology.