As can so often be the case with different illnesses and parts of the body, we don\u2019t really pay that much attention to our hearing until it starts to decline. In fact, the majority of adults haven\u2019t had a hearing test in decades. Similarly, to your vision, when hearing starts to fade, many adults don\u2019t recognize the change at first. It\u2019s not until significant hearing loss is detected, do people often seek medical attention.
\nWhat causes hearing loss?<\/p>\n
A variety of factors can lead to a loss in hearing. The most common causes of hearing loss in adults are noise exposure and aging. From age to lifestyle factors, understanding what causes damage to your hearing ability can help you prevent it.<\/p>\n
\u221e Noise \u2013 In the U.S. alone, 10 million people have a hearing loss caused by noise exposure. One out of every three people has a hearing loss at 65 years of age, and 60 percent of the people with hearing loss are still working. Noise induced hearing loss can happen gradually or suddenly. One single shot from a large firearm can cause permanent damage. Working in factories\/plants, construction, military, concerts, hunting, etc. are high risk factors for noise induced hearing loss.
\n\u221e Age \u2013 Even with regular audiology testing, age can play a part in your hearing. Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, can be caused by gradual changes in the inner ear, middle ear, or neural pathways from the ear to the brain. It can also be due to other conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
\n\u221e Disease \u2013 Unexpected illnesses like mumps and measles, or benign growths and tumors on the hearing nerve, can disrupt or damage your hearing.
\n\u221e Infections \u2013 A middle-ear infection (collection of fluid in the middle ear). This is often caused by head colds, allergies, sore throat or inflamed tonsils.
\n\u221e Wax \u2013 Wax can store in the ear canal, causing difficulty for sounds to pass through the canal. An audiologist or nurse can remove the build-up.
\nTypes of audiology testing<\/p>\n
Audiology testing can help you prevent hearing loss, while supporting your over-all wellbeing. Audiology services at Vision Institute of Michigan can help identify and assess your hearing and balance problems. Common audiology testing that may be performed during your visit includes:
\n\u221e Basic audiogram \u2013 Used to measure your hearing ability compared to normal adult hearing levels. This test is often used to determine if medical or surgical procedures may be needed.
\n\u221e Tympanometry \u2013 Used to determine the functionality level of the middle ear. Middle ear blockages may be detected through this test.
\n\u221e Stapedial reflexes \u2013 Used to determine the ability of the auditory nerve to carry hearing signals to the brain. Blockages on this pathway could greatly disrupt your hearing ability.
\n\u221e Sentence in noise test \u2013 Used determine the ability to understand normal voice tones and words during conversation. This test could allow your audiologist to determine the need and benefit of a hearing aid.
\nTypes of hearing loss<\/p>\n
\u221e Conductive \u2013 Sounds are blocked from being carried to the inner ear because the outer or middle ear fails to work properly. A common cause of conductive hearing loss is fluid build-up behind the eardrum or wax in the ear canal. This type of hearing loss is often treatable with medicine or surgery.
\n\u221e Neural \u2013 Aging or a growth or tumor pressing on the hearing nerve can cause neural hearing loss. Hearing aids may help better the quality of sound.
\n\u221e Sensory \u2013 Aging, inner-ear infection and noise exposure are the most common types of sensory hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is not typically treated with medicine or surgery, but hearing aids can be beneficial.
\nHearing loss is usually gradual, developing over a long time. Regular audiology testing can help prevent unnecessary hearing loss and allow you to become aware of warning signs that your hearing is disrupted.
\nSchedule Your Audiology Test Today<\/p>\n
Contact Vision Institute Michigan today to schedule you hearing test. Our audiologist specialist, Dr. Tracy, does a comprehensive hearing evaluation and will determine the necessary follow-up and treatment plan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
How Audiology Testing Helps Prevent Hearing Loss As can so often be the case with different illnesses and parts of the body, we don\u2019t really pay that much attention to our hearing until it starts to decline. In fact, the majority of adults haven\u2019t had a hearing test in decades. Similarly, to your vision, when … Continue reading How Audiology Testing Helps Prevent Hearing Loss<\/span>