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<\/figure>\n\n\nWhat Are the\nSymptoms of Hearing Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n
Age related hearing loss is a progressive condition that worsens over time. Symptoms appear so gradually, you may be completely unaware of your affliction for some time. Even when hearing loss is suspected, it takes an average of seven years for a person to seek medical treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knowing the signs is helpful in spurring you to take action sooner. Any of the following might indicate hearing loss: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Frequently asking people to repeat what they have said<\/li>
- Feeling like others mumble when they speak<\/li>
- Having difficulty following conversations in which background noise is present<\/li>
- Turning up the volume on the television or radio<\/li>
- Avoiding social gatherings in noisy places<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Often, a family member or friend will be the first to notice a hearing problem. Treatment is most effective when hearing loss is addressed early.\u00a0 If you think you may be suffering from hearing loss, don\u2019t hesitate, schedule an appointment<\/a> with an audiologist and they will guide you in your treatment options. <\/p>\n\n\n
How Is\nHearing Loss Diagnosed? <\/h2>\n\n\n
In order to diagnose hearing loss, your audiologist will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and complete an otoscopic exam which will then be a series of audiologic tests. <\/p>\n\n\n
What Are the\nTypes of Hearing Loss? <\/h2>\n\n\n
Treatment will depend on your type and degree of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss <\/strong>occurs when there are problems in the outer ear, ear canal, eardrum or middle ear. It can be caused by any of the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n- Ear infection<\/li>
- Fluid in the ears<\/li>
- Malformation or abnormalities of the outer or middle ear<\/li>
- Impacted earwax<\/li>
- Foreign object in the ear<\/li>
- Allergies<\/li>
- Perforated eardrum<\/li>
- Otosclerosis<\/li>
- Benign tumors<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Conductive hearing loss<\/strong> may be correctable with surgery or medications (typically antibiotics). Alternatively, it may be treated with hearing aids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sensorineural hearing loss<\/strong> involves a problem with the inner ear, and is frequently referred to as \u201cnerve deafness.\u201d It may be caused by any of these: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Noise exposure<\/li>
- Head trauma<\/li>
- Aging (presbycusis)<\/li>
- Viral disease<\/li>
- Autoimmune ear disease<\/li>
- Meniere\u2019s disease<\/li>
- Malformation or abnormality of the inner ear<\/li>
- Otosclerosis<\/li>
- Tumors<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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