See your physician or call our office to be seen immediately. Sudden hearing loss is considered a medical emergency. Sudden hearing loss typically resolves on its own within two weeks, but it might not — meaning your hearing might be gone for good. Seeking medical assistance within 72 hours of the onset of sudden hearing loss greatly improves the chances that your hearing will recover.
Each person’s hearing loss and needs are unique. It is our passion to diagnose and educate each individual and their families on their hearing loss and treatment options. Treatment methods are based on sounds you are missing and sounds you want to be able to hear. The key to success with hearing devices comes from a combination of a quality hearing system from a reputable manufacturer fit by an experienced, qualified doctor of clinical audiology to meet your listening needs.
People typically wait 5 – 7 years after first experiencing hearing loss symptoms before seeking help. (betterhearing.org) Research has established a relationship between hearing loss and dementia. Even mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia (Johns Hopkins). There is strong evidence that hearing loss accelerates brain-tissue atrophy, particularly in areas of the brain that auditory nerves would stimulate but can’t because they aren’t receiving a signal (due to a hearing loss). These areas of the brain are also related to memory and speech. Individuals with a mild hearing loss are three times as likely to fall down than those without, and the likelihood of falls increases as degree of hearing loss increases. Hearing loss has also been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sickle-cell anemia, and other circulatory conditions. Hearing loss is twice as common in adults with diabetes as in those without diabetes. (Bainbridge KE et al. Annals of Internal Medicine 2008; 149:1-10)
65% of people with hearing loss are younger than 65 years of age. (betterhearing.org)
Most individuals don’t begin to experience symptoms until their late 20s or early 30s, and by age 45 a yearly hearing check becomes of greater importance. One-third of people beyond the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss that can continue to gradually become worse with time.
Unfortunately, many forms of hearing loss are permanent because there is no cure. Treatment methods that feature amplification fit to your specific hearing loss by a hearing care professional typically have the highest user satisfaction for improved hearing and improved quality of life. Hearing instruments can improve communication and quality of life in more than 90% of people with hearing loss. (betterhearing.org)
Protecting your hearing from noise levels greater than 85 decibels at work and during leisurely activities will greatly reduce your chances of noise-induced hearing loss. Many manufacturing jobs require hearing protection in loud environments. Attending a musical concert or using a lawnmower without ear protection for more than 30 minutes can cause permanent hearing loss. As a result, hearing protection is recommended while ATV riding, hunting, attending concerts and sporting events, and playing music — all situations where your hearing is vulnerable. (http://www. cdc. gov/niosh/docs/98-126/pdfs/98-126. pdf)
Though it is difficult to say what genetic factors predispose individuals to hearing loss, there seems to be a connection. Some genetic disorders present at birth cause a hearing loss, but in the absence of a disease, hearing loss can still have a basis in your genetics.
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