Understand Hearing Loss
Discover how hearing loss affects lives and what you can do to enhance your hearing health and quality of life.
The impact of hearing loss
By 2050, the World Health Organization projects almost 2.5 billion people will experience hearing loss, with over 700 million needing rehabilitation. Not being able to hear makes it harder to communicate, socialize and even comprehend, which can make you feel disconnected and isolated. Over time, this isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness and may increase the risk of cognitive decline.
Understanding the types of hearing loss and what causes it enables you to better understand your options and allows you to have better outcomes.
Key signs of hearing loss
Do you find yourself often asking others to repeat themselves? Struggling to understand conversations or distinguishing speech in noisy environments is a common indicator of hearing loss. Some people also experience a sense that others are mumbling or speaking unclearly. Turning up the volume on devices can be another telltale sign, as can persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you've noticed any of these changes in your hearing, it's time for a professional checkup.
Types & causes of hearing loss
What causes hearing loss? Hearing loss varies in form but primarily falls into two main categories – sensorineural and conductive. Sensorineural hearing loss arises when the inner ear or nerve pathway to the brain is damaged. Often, this type is due to aging, exposure to loud noises, or genetics. Conductive hearing loss happens when sounds can't get through the outer and middle ear, possibly caused by ear infections, fluid buildup, or blockages. Both types affect how sound is perceived, with varying impacts on daily life.
Sudden hearing loss, medically known as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Lloss (SSHL), can occur almost instantly or over several days. SSHL is typically unilateral (affecting one ear) and can be caused by head trauma, viral infections, autoimmune diseases, exposure to certain drugs that harm the inner ear's sensory cells, or a lack of blood flow to the inner ear. Any sudden loss of hearing warrants immediate medical attention, as early treatment can sometimes restore hearing.
Hearing loss and cognitive health
Did you know that better hearing can support better thinking and make a strong contribution to your overall well-being?
Many people still underestimate the overall impact of hearing loss. More and more studies reveal the strong connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline.
The effect of hearing aids on cognition
Hearing aids can help slow down the process of cognitive decline by improving access to sound and noise, allowing the brain to correlate what a person hears. Research has shown that wearing hearing aids over three years can slow down the loss of thinking and memory by 48% in older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline, which has positive effects on your ability to be social (3). Research has also shown that those without hearing intervention showed a larger decline in cognition over the same period.
Personalized plans for your personalized needs
Understanding that each hearing journey is unique, we utilize cutting-edge technology and personalized care plans to provide the best possible hearing outcome. This ensures you receive the most effective information and support specific to your lifestyle and preferences. Our hearing experts have everything you need to address your symptoms of hearing loss. Connect with our hearing experts today to learn more and take the first step.
