A bilateral hearing loss means both ears have a loss of hearing. In contrast, unilateral hearing loss indicates that only one ear of a person is affected. Bilateral hearing loss may occur prior to or any time after birth. It may occur gradually or suddenly and may impact one ear more than the other ear.
The audiologist is looking for quantitative information with regard to your degree of hearing loss. Hearing levels are expressed in decibels (dB): normal hearing (0 to 20 dB HL) mild hearing loss (20–40 dB HL) moderate hearing loss (40–60 dB HL) severe (60–80 dB HL) and profound hearing loss (80 dB HL or greater)
Hearing impairment occurs when there’s a problem with or damage to one or more parts of the ear. Conductive hearing loss results from a problem with the outer or middle ear, including the ear canal, eardrum, or ossicles. A blockage or other structural problem interferes with how sound gets conducted through the ear, making sounds
An audiologist will perform a diagnostic test to determine if a hearing loss exists.The test will show if both one or both ears are affected and the degree of the loss. Saline Audiology810 N. East StreetBenton, Arkansas 72015501-778-3868 110 Este Way, Suite 2Hot Springs Village, Arkansas 71909501-922-0053
Myth: It’s not me. I’m not old enough to have hearing loss. Of the 48 million individuals who have hearing loss in the US, it’s common to presume that the vast majority are old. That is not the truth. For those troubled with hearing loss in the US, approximately 62 percent are younger than 65.
Myth: But I love music. It’s not harmful. In one of the largest studies ever performed on hearing disorders affiliated with musicians, researchers discovered that musicians are 57% more likely to suffer from tinnitus—consistent ringing in the ears—as a result of their job.8 If you’re a musician, or if you participate in live events, safeguard your ears.
Truth: More than 200 medications can cause hearing loss Here’s a little-known fact: specific medications can harm the ear, causing hearing loss, ringing in the ear, or balance problems. These medications are considered ototoxic. In fact, there are more than 200 identified ototoxic medications. To check on the side effects of your medication, go to www.drugs.com.
Truth: Headphones or hearables can lead to permanent hearing loss. According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the prolonged use of headphones and earbuds has led to a major increase in the prevalence of hearing loss in adolescence and young adults. Having a sound projected directly into your
Myth: Hearing loss is unavoidable with age. Hearing loss has many causes, including genetics, certain medications, and exposure to loud noises. Smoking and diabetes also can lead to hearing impairment. Like skin damage from sun exposure, the cumulative effect of today’s loud societies has led to a greater incidence of hearing loss that becomes increasingly
