A hearing loss often means isolation, frustration and a loss of the little things in life.

Most of the time, hearing problems begin gradually without discomfort or pain.  What’s more, you and those around you often learn to adapt to hearing loss, without even realizing it.  Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine whether or not you have hearing loss:

1. Does it sound like other people are mumbling or slurring their words?
2. Do I struggle to hear in crowded places like restaurants, malls, or meeting rooms?
3. Do I prefer the TV or radio volume louder than others do?
4. Do I often ask people to repeat themselves?
5. Do I have trouble following conversations with more than two people?
6. Do I have difficulty hearing what is said unless I’m facing the person speaking?
7. Do I have a hard time hearing women or children?
8. Do I experience ringing or buzzing in my ears?

If you answered yes to several of these questions, you may have a hearing loss.

More about the different hearing loss types can be found on the Types of Hearing Loss section of our website.

At their most basic, hearing aids are microphones that convert sound into electrical signals. An amplifier increases the strength of the signal, then a receiver or speaker converts it back to sound and channels it into the ear canal through a small tube or wire.  A battery is necessary to power the hearing aid and to enable amplification. More info can be found on the How Hearing Aids Work section of our website.

Hearing loss can occur at any time, at any age.  In fact, most people with hearing loss are younger than the age of 65.  It often takes 7-10 years to recognize an early hearing loss.

While you are no doubt concerned about appearance, compensating for a hearing loss by asking people to repeat themselves, inappropriately responding to people (or not responding at all), or even withdrawing from social situations is more obvious than wearing a hearing aid.

Today’s hearing aids are small, discreet and more stylish than ever before. Some are even referred to as “invisible”. Chances are, that once you have a hearing aid, your quality of life will improve so much that cosmetics won’t be as much of an issue for you. More info can be found on the Types of Hearing Aids section of our site.

There are several causes. The main ones include excessive noise, infections, aging, and reaction to drugs or cancer treatment.