Hearing Loss Types: Understanding Different Forms of Hearing Impairment
Do you find yourself frustrated that people seem to mumble these days, and it's not always easy to hear what is being said? That could be due to an undiagnosed hearing issue.
Moving into your senior years means a higher chance of experiencing hearing loss. In this article, we'll explain the different hearing loss types, how they may impact you, and what treatment options are available.
Hearing Loss: What It Means
When people see the term hearing loss, they may think it's the absence of all sound. However, it's not. With many types of hearing loss, including those that affect seniors, hearing loss can be partial.
At the most minor end of the scale, hearing loss could be slight difficulty picking up some sounds, like high-frequency sounds. It could make it harder for you to head conversations in a noisy environment, for example.
Some types of age-related hearing loss can also be progressive, so while it might begin as some subtle changes to your hearing, the impact will become more noticeable over time. A proper diagnosis is crucial for understanding your condition and getting the correct treatment.
Hearing Impairment Types: Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is the technical term for when sound can't pass through the outer ear to reach the inner ear. There are several common causes of this type of loss, including:
- Blockages
- Ear infections
- Fluid buildup
- Earwax buildup
- Damage to the eardrum in the middle ear
- Damage to bones in the middle ear
In certain circumstances, conductive hearing loss is treatable and reversible, such as when the ear can be drained or fluid or earwax impaction is removed. It's also possible that some surgical procedures can repair structural issues causing this hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Types: Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss happens when there is damage in the inner ear or auditory nerve. What happens at that point is that the sound signals don't get passed to the brain. This is a permanent condition and can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Aging
- Loud noises
- Genetics
- Medications and their side effects
- Chronic conditions that impact blood flow
Age-related hearing loss affects both ears, is progressive, and happens due to natural factors like changes to the inner ear.
While this type of hearing loss is typically irreversible, there are some excellent options available to those who face this diagnosis. That includes hearing aids, listening devices, and cochlear implants.
The most crucial step is to get a regular hearing screening for early detection and treatment, which helps improve the quality of your life in your senior years.
Mixed-Cause Hearing Loss
For some people, a hearing diagnosis is more complex and can include both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
This can happen when someone begins to exhibit age-related hearing loss (which degrades parts of the inner ear used for our hearing) and also has some other damage in the outer or middle ear, such as hearing loss following head trauma.
These types of hearing loss diagnoses are treated on a case-by-case basis, and your healthcare professional will present a tailored treatment plan. That might include treatments that offer a permanent fix to some damage, such as surgery, plus hearing aids for any aspect of hearing loss that's not reversible.
Age-Related Hearing Loss: The Impact on Seniors
Age-related hearing loss is gradual and progressive and can be a difficult diagnosis to receive from audiology services. If left untreated, it can also have a real and significant impact on a senior's quality of life, including:
- Difficulty having conversations in noisy environments
- Avoiding social situations where you might find it hard to hear
- Frustration in situations or when interacting with other people
- Stopping favorite pastimes like listening to music on the radio
That's why early diagnosis via screening is a must for seniors. It will fast-track your access to the right solutions and. get you hearing again, enjoying activities you love, and cherishing conversations with family and friends.
Senior Hearing Health and Support: Independent Living in Hanford, CA
If you are in a residential community like The Remington in Hanford, it's essential you speak to your care team about steps they can take to make your life easier with hearing loss.
Many communities offer an inclusive environment that supports those with hearing loss, including adequately trained staff who understand how to communicate with someone who has difficult hearing.
Don't let hearing problems stop you from enjoying social events within your community. There will be events that are inclusive, and if they aren't, speak to your community about how they can make small changes to those events so they can be enjoyed by anyone, including those who are hard of hearing.
When to Seek Help for Hearing Loss: Spotting the Signs
You shouldn't always wait until an annual hearing screening to address potential hearing problems. You may already have red flags with your hearing that can prompt an earlier assessment. Here are some of the early warning signs to watch for when it comes to age-related hearing loss:
- Asking friends and family to repeat themselves when they talk to you
- Struggling to catch all the conversation in group settings
- Turning up the volume on your television or phone
- Persistent ringing or buzzing in your ears, known as tinnitus
- Avoiding social situations because you are worried about your hearing
If any of these signs seem familiar, don't wait in the hope that they will get better on their own. It's always best to get a professional assessment. A hearing screening is straightforward, and you'll be with a specially trained team who will be able to offer advice and a hearing treatment plan.
Getting Support: Independent Living in Hanford
As you can see, there are many hearing loss types, and the treatment you receive will depend on your diagnosis. That's why a hearing screening is crucial.
If you are considering senior living in Hanford, be sure to find a community that is accessible and supportive to those with hearing loss.
With a stunning, relaxing environment and professionally trained staff, The Remington can make retirement living feel like home from day one. Schedule a tour of our Hanford senior living community.