hearing loss Health care

Hearing Loss

More than 24 million Americans experience hearing loss. One in three people over the age of 60 and half of those over 80 have hearing loss. Hearing loss often occurs so gradually that the person with the hearing loss doesn't even notice, but others do.
Hearing problems can make it hard to understand and follow a doctor's advice, to respond to warnings, and to hear doorbells and alarms. They can also make it hard to enjoy talking with friends and family. All of this can be frustrating, embarrassing, and even dangerous.

There are three different types of hearing loss:

Conductive - Conductive hearing loss occurs in the outer ear and middle ear and can often be treated medically through surgery or medication. The most common causes are wax build-up in the ear, middle ear infection, a hole in the tympanic membrane (ear drum) or damaged ossicles (middle ear bones). If this type of loss is identified, a medical consultation with an Otolaryngologist (ENT) will be recommended before hearing aids are prescribed.

Sensorineural - Sensorineural hearing loss occurs in the inner ear (cochlea) and can't be cured by medication or surgery. The most common causes are one episode or more of prolonged exposure to loud noise, damaged caused by certain medication or simply the process of aging. If this type of hearing loss is identified, a hearing aid or assistive device may be recommended.

Mixed - Mixed hearing loss is a combination of a conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. If this type of hearing loss is identified, a medical consultation will be recommended before hearing aids are prescribed.

Hearing Impairment is measured in what are called decibels hearing level (dBHL).

Decibels are like degrees of a thermometer. As temperature increases, so do the number of degrees. As the volume of sound increased, so do the number of decibels.

Hearing loss can be:

Mild (20-40 dB)- Normal conversation may be difficult in noisy environments and may sound mumbled.
Moderate (40-60 dB) - Voices must be raised to be heard.
Severe (60-80 dB) - People need to shout to be heard.
Profound (over 80 dB) - Voices can't be heard even if people are shouting.

Hearing aids that are properly fit, can improve communication ability for most degrees and types of hearing loss.

Listen to a Simulation of hearing loss - Coming soon!

Duncan Hearing Healthcare

211 Milliken Blvd
Fall River, MA 02720
Phone: (508) 674-3334

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