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Though some individuals are born with hearing loss, exposure to loud noises is the cause of most hearing loss. Both the level of noise and the length of time you listen to the noise can put you at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). The higher the decibel level, the louder the noise. Sounds that are louder than 85 dB, such as a lawn mower, a gunshot blast, or fireworks, can cause permanent hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels also can damage the hearing system. In either case, the damage occurs when loud sounds reach the inner ear and destroy the tiny hair cells lining this fluid-filled chamber. Once these hair cells are damaged, there is no treatment to repair them. This process can occur from exposure to a single loud noise, or after years of overexposure to loud noises.

Because hearing loss is permanent, the best treatment is prevention. In many cases, simple over-the-counter earplugs or earmuffs that can be purchased at drugstores, hardware stores, or sports stores may prevent damage to your hearing. Associated Audiologists specializes in preventing hearing loss. Be sure to discuss hearing loss prevention with your audiologist and ask if custom earplugs may be right for you.

Don’t be fooled by thinking your ears are “tough” or that you have the ability to “tune it out”! Noise-induced hearing loss is usually gradual and painless but, unfortunately, permanent. Once destroyed, the hearing nerve and its sensory nerve cells cannot be repaired. If you think you have “gotten used to” the noise you routinely encounter, you may already have some hearing damage. Talk with your audiologist.

Here are some preventative measures to guard against hearing loss:

• Place earplugs into the ear canal so that they totally block the canal.
• Use earmuffs that fit completely over both ears. They must fit tightly so that sound is blocked from entering the ears. Like earplugs, earmuffs can reduce noise 15 to 30 dB depending on how they are made and fit.
• Use earplugs and earmuffs together to achieve even greater sound reduction. Use of earplugs and earmuffs is recommended when noise exposure is particularly high.
• Consider custom earplugs and musicians’ plugs if you are frequently exposed to loud noises. If you are an avid hunter or a musician, be sure to talk with your audiologist about these hearing protection devices.
• Do not listen to loud sounds for too long. If you don’t have hearing protection, move away from the loud sound and give your ears a break.
• Lower the loudness of the sound if possible. Keep personal listening devices, such as MP3 players or iPods, set to no more than half volume. Don’t be afraid to ask others to turn down the sounds from speakers. Speak to the movie theater projectionist if the movie soundtrack is too loud at your local theatre.
• Be a good consumer. Look for noise ratings on appliances, sporting equipment, power tools, and hair dryers. Purchase quieter products. This is especially important when purchasing toys for children.
• Be a local advocate. Some movie theaters, health clubs, dance clubs, bars, and amusement centers are very noisy. Talk with managers and those in charge about the loud noise and the potential damage to hearing. Ask to have the noise source lowered.

There are 4 main types of hearing protection, they are:

• Formable Plugs
• Premolded Plugs
• Semi-aural Devices
• Ear Muffs.

For hearing protection devices to be effective, they must fit correctly and be worn correctly, i.e. formable plugs must expand to fully block the ear canal and must be in the ear and not just sitting on the outside.

Hearing aids are medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must be recommended, prescribed, and fit by licensed professionals. This standard is in place to protect the individual with hearing loss, because not all individuals are candidates for hearing aids. There are hundreds of hearing aids available with a wide variety of features. An audiologist not only uses advanced diagnostic testing to determine your type of hearing loss, but can use this information to determine the best hearing aid solution for your specific needs and budget.

Digital hearing aids utilize tiny computer processors. They can be programmed, but if they are not adjusted correctly for your specific hearing loss, you could purchase a hearing aid and not receive the full benefit. An audiologist who follows best practices and uses the correct verification equipment has the expertise to program your hearing aids for your individual hearing needs.

Hearing instruments sit behind the ear or inside the ear canal. Certain models are virtually invisible. The severity of your hearing loss may determine which kind of aid you need, but we also take comfort and preference into account when you choose which hearing aid is right for you.

If you wonder “do I have hearing loss?” you are not alone. There are signs. It may be as simple as not enjoying social gatherings as much as you used to because you can’t follow the conversation as easily as before. It could be that you notice high-pitched sounds are harder to hear. Perhaps specific letters are challenging, such as words with s, f, p and diphthongs (double consonants).

The human ears are advanced and perceptive sensory organs. Just as other parts of our bodies show the effects of wear and tear as we age, so do our hearing systems. We see this in various symptoms of hearing loss. Fortunately, we can identify options for many people who demonstrate signs of hearing loss.

Ignoring changes to your hearing can have serious consequences. Recent studies have demonstrated links between hearing impairment and numerous psychological and cognitive disorders, including depression, anxiety, isolation, fatigue, cognitive decline and dementia — with risk factors increasing substantially as the level of loss increases. Hearing delivers vital information to the brain. Although hearing well is a key component of wellness, many people have trouble accepting it when they don’t hear well. That’s why the most important step is to acknowledge the fact that you have hearing loss. Otherwise, you can’t move on to seek treatment.

About 1 in 5 adults has hearing loss.On average, people with hearing loss wait 7-10 years before getting treatment.80% of people age 55-74 years who could benefit from hearing aids do not use them.By age 65, one in three seniors has hearing loss.

Hearing loss is the 3rd most common health condition among adults.

Hearing problems can range from mild to moderate, severe, or profound. Profound hearing loss and “deafness” can mean the same thing; that is, very little or no hearing. Some people lose hearing only in one ear, although it usually affects both. Depending on the cause, hearing impairment can be temporary or permanent. A loud noise event may result in sudden hearing loss, although generally you lose your hearing slowly and it worsens over time. Physically, there are two types of hearing loss: sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss.

Family members are often the first to notice symptoms of hearing loss. It may be a long time before an individual admits there is a problem. If you have concerns about someone close to you, we recommend you seek help. With proper hearing care, symptoms of hearing loss can be eased, so the individual is less tired, and has more energy to engage in their environment. Want to join Mom or Dad at an appointment? That’s great. We encourage individuals to bring a family member or friend along, especially to the first appointment.

Doctors of Audiology are audiologists that receive extensive education in hearing and balance disorders. These professionals have earned postgraduate doctoral degrees such as: Au.D., (Doctor of Audiology—clinical degree); Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy—research and/or clinical research degree); or Sc.D. (Doctor of Science—usually a clinical degree). Each of these designate the highest level of training in audiology. Our audiologists are members of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) and are fellows of American Academy of Audiology (AAA)

Audiologists specialize in a variety of areas, including prescribing, fitting, and adjusting hearing aids and other hearing assistive devices. In addition, audiologists also screen the hearing of newborns, teach listening skills and strategies, assess individuals with central auditory processing disorders, diagnose and manage tinnitus and misophonia (sound sensitivity) and diagnose and treat dizziness and balance disorders.

If you have hearing or balance problems, you may be referred to a specialist for further testing or treatment. Should you see an Audiologist or an ENT Physician? Sometimes the answer is “both”. An Audiologist is a health care professional who can evaluate, diagnose and manage hearing loss and balance disorders.

You might find an Audiologist in a variety of settings: private practices, hospitals, universities, ENT offices, and schools to name a few. Your Audiologist will be able to perform a thorough examination of your ears, hearing, or balance system and be able to recommend the appropriate follow up or referral. If hearing loss is found and hearing aids are an option, the Audiologist is an expert in the selection and fitting of appropriate hearing aids or other amplification. If a potential medical issue is seen, the Audiologist will likely refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat Physician for treatment options. Audiologists and ENT Physicians often work in cooperation to see that their patients with hearing loss and balance disorders have the best treatment available for their particular needs.