How We Hear Signs of Hearing Loss Types of Hearing Loss Protect Your Hearing Hearing Problem? Who Should You See? Testing for Hearing Loss Getting Help

HOW WE HEAR

Better understanding of hearing and hearing loss begins by understanding how we hear.

Sound waves are collected by the outer ear and channeled along the ear canal to the eardrum. When sound hits the eardrum, the impact creates vibrations which, in turn, cause three bones in the middle ear to move. The smallest of these bones, the stapes, fits into the oval window between the middle and inner ear. When the oval window vibrates, fluid in the inner ear transmits the vibrations into the hearing organ, called the cochlea.

In the inner ear, thousands of microscopic hair cells are bent by the wave-like action of fluid inside the cochlea. The bending of these hairs sets off nerve impulses which are then passed through the auditory nerve to the hearing center of the brain. This center translates the impulses into sounds the brain can recognize.

The information provided here is general in nature. If you need further information, please consult your local Audiologist.

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SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS

Because hearing loss can develop over several years, most people are not aware of the extent of their hearing loss until family or friends bring it to their attention. Even then, the problem is often ignored or explained with excuses such as fatigue or "people are mumbling".

Recognizing a hearing loss in yourself or someone you know is the first step toward improving the situation.

Signs of hearing loss include:

• asking others to repeat themselves

• misinterpreting a spoken message

• turning up the volume levels on the television or radio

• difficulty hearing on the telephone

• difficulty hearing in public gatherings- concert halls, theaters, houses of worship- where sound sources are far from the listener.

• difficulty understanding conversation within a group of people.

• avoiding group situations, where listening may be difficult or where one may feel embarrassed about misunderstanding what is being said.

If you need further information, please contact us at Brampton Audiology.

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TYPES OF HEARING LOSS

There are three types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.

A conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted efficiently through the ear canal, eardrum or middle ear.

A sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Damage can be caused by:

• the natural aging process

• exposure to loud or constant noise

• ototoxic medications

• illness or birth defects

• hereditary

• traumatic injury

A sensorineural hearing loss is typically a permanent type of hearing loss that usually can be helped with hearing aids.

A mixed hearing loss occurs when someone has a combination of a sensorineural hearing loss and a conductive hearing loss.

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PROTECT YOUR HEARING

In today's technologically advanced world, hazardous noise levels have become part of our daily life. Off the job, our hearing is assaulted by noise from traffic, construction and lawnmowers. On the job, noise is generated by office or industrial equipment, machinery and power tools. Even recreational activities such as hunting, snowmobiling and listening to loud music can affect your hearing.

Protect your hearing because it's irreplaceable. Avoid harmful noise levels. If you have to shout to be heard or if speech sounds muffled after leaving a noisy area, then the level is too high. It is recommended that hearing protection be worn in noisy situations at home and on the job. Earplugs or earmuffs are available from your Audiologist and provide good protection.

If you are exposed to loud noise levels, have your hearing checked annually by an Audiologist.

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HEARING PROBLEMS? WHO SHOULD YOU SEE?

Good hearing is essential to everyone, regardless of age. Hearing problems in children can seriously affect language development. In adults, a hearing loss can restrict the enjoyment they get out of life.

If you have a hearing loss or need hearing aids, make sure you see an Audiologist.

An Audiologist is the professional who specializes in evaluating and treating people with hearing loss. Audiologists hold masters or doctoral degrees in the identification, treatment and prevention of hearing loss for people of all ages.
An Audiologist will conduct a comprehensive hearing evaluation, explain your hearing condition to you and will refer for medical treatment if necessary.
Audiologists prescribe, fit and dispense hearing aids and other assistive listening devices, if needed.

If you have any questions regarding hearing or hearing aids, you can contact us at Brampton Audiology.

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TESTING FOR HEARING LOSS

If a hearing loss is suspected, then you should see an Audiologist. A hearing test consists of responding when you hear different frequencies presented at different volume levels. This test will produce a profile of your hearing, called an audiogram. The Audiologist will use the audiogram to determine the type and severity of your hearing loss. The Audiologist will also assess the outer and middle ear and determine whether the hearing loss is best treated medically or with hearing aids.

It is recommended that people over fifty years of age get their hearing checked regularly.

For further information, contact us at Brampton Audiology.

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GETTING HELP

Good hearing is essential to everyone, regardless of age. Hearing problems in children can seriously affect language development. In adults, a hearing loss can restrict the enjoyment they get out of life.

If you suspect you have a hearing loss, contact your local Audiologist.



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