Knowledge is the first step towards clearer communication
Types of Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing impairment, each affecting how sound moves through the ear.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound can’t travel efficiently through the outer or middle ear, often due to wax buildup, fluid, or a middle-ear issue, many times, it’s treatable.
Sensorineural hearing loss happens when the inner ear or hearing nerve is damaged, usually from aging, noise exposure, or genetics; this type is typically permanent but highly manageable with hearing aids.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both, meaning there are issues in the middle ear as well as the inner ear. Understanding which type you have is the first step toward finding the right solution.
Signs of Hearing Loss
- You can hear but you lack clarity
- Voices seem muffled
- You frequently ask for information repeated
- It’s hard to hear when there is background noise
- It’s easier to hear when you can see the speaker’s face
- Soft sounds such as children’s voices are harder to hear
- You need the TV or radio turned up louder than others like
- You feel tired after conversations
Hearing and Brain Health
Hearing loss doesn’t just impact your ears; it affects how your brain processes sound. When the ears aren’t sending clear signals, the brain has to work harder to fill in the gaps, which can lead to listening fatigue, difficulty focusing, and increased stress during conversations. Over time, reduced sound input can cause the areas of the brain responsible for hearing and speech understanding to become less active. Research has shown a connection between untreated hearing loss and changes in memory, thinking, and overall cognitive function.
Fortunately, hearing aids can help. Hearing aids have been shown to decrease the rate of cognitive decline in individuals who treat their hearing loss early. Don’t let hearing loss affect your brain health, contact Capital Hearing Care for an appointment today.
Tinnitus
Ringing in the ears, medically known as tinnitus, is a common phenomenon. Tinnitus itself is not a hearing disorder, but rather a symptom of another underlying condition. Tinnitus is often caused by loud noise exposure, certain medications, head trauma, or stress/anxiety.
In some cases, tinnitus can be severe, affecting concentration, sleep, and overall quality of life. If your tinnitus is persistent, our team can help you. We offer a range of tinnitus treatments, from sound therapy to hearing aids. Tinnitus masking hearing aids can be a great option for many individuals as they play soothing sounds in the ears to help distract the brain from phantom sounds. While hearing aids won’t stop ringing in the ears completely, they can help you experience relief.