What is hearing loss?
Hearing loss is the reduction in our ability to hear certain sounds and affects 750 million adults worldwide. Because it is gradual, it’s important to be aware of hearing loss signs.
Types and causes >
Signs of hearing loss >
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Hearing loss impacts all aspects of your life
Hearing plays a major role in our emotional well-being, physical health, and overall quality of life. Yet millions of people with hearing loss let it go untreated, despite research showing increased risk of falls, depression, anxiety, and dementia.
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How can I recognize hearing problems?
Most of the time hearing problems begin gradually without discomfort or pain. What’s more, family members often learn to adapt to someone’s hearing loss without even realizing they are doing it. Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine whether you have hearing loss.
Are there different types of hearing loss?
There are three types of hearing loss including: sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. Most people lose at least some degree of their hearing as they age, and by the time they reach age 65 and older, one in three people has some type of hearing impairment.
What are the most common causes of hearing loss?
There are several causes. The main ones include excessive noise, genetics, birth defects, infections of the head or ear, aging, and reaction to drugs or cancer treatment. Each type of hearing loss has different causes.
If I had hearing loss, wouldn't my doctor have told me?
Only 13 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss. Since most people with hearing impairments hear just fine in quiet environments (like your doctor’s office), it can be very difficult for your physician to recognize this problem. Only a trained hearing professional can determine the severity of your hearing problem, whether or not you could benefit from a hearing aid, and which type would be best for you.
This list of questions can help you get the answers you need from a hearing specialist >
Doesn't hearing loss only affect old people?
Hearing loss can occur at any time, at any age. In fact, most people with hearing loss (65 percent) are younger than age 65! There are 36 thousand people in Latvia ages 18–44 with hearing loss, and around 9 thousand are school age.
Who treats hearing loss?
Audiologists specialize in testing, evaluating and treating hearing loss. Hearing Aid Dispensers and Specialists are trained in fitting and dispensing hearing aids. Otolaryngologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat, head and neck disorders.
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