Hearing Loss Info
Reduced to its basics, hearing is the ability to perceive or be aware of sounds through vibrations to the ear. This resource on hearing loss info discuses the inner workings of the ear, how hearing works, the types of hearing loss, and other inner ear issues such as vertigo and tinnitus.
- Did you know that 1 out of 5 Americans have a hearing loss? It currently is the third most common health problem in the US.
- More than 50% of the people with hearing loss are younger than 65. A variety of conditions can cause hearing loss in both the young and older population. Depending on what type of hearing loss you may have, treatment options are available ranging from a simple wax cleaning, treating an infection or possibly hearing aids.
- Tinnitus, a condition that causes ringing or buzzing in the ears, can be treated with the help of hearing aids.
- Untreated hearing loss can affect the ability to understand speech and can negatively impact social and emotional well-being. Hearing loss in the older population has been linked to a contributor of depression due to feeling excluded and unable to communicate comfortably in social settings. Untreated hearing loss can also contribute to social isolation, cognitive decline, and dementia.
- The vast majority of Americans with hearing loss have their hearing effectively treated with hearing aids.
How Hearing Works
Hearing works sort of like hearing aids: small pieces of advanced-level (organic) technology working together to produce sound. It does this by converting sound waves into sound by passing those waves through the outer ear, through to the middle and inner ear then on to the brain which interprets them. The ear has three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear.
Learn More About How Hearing Works
Hearing, Balance, and Vertigo
Vertigo, sometimes to referred to as BPPV or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is a very common cause of dizziness complaints. In fact, vertigo is the main reason behind dizziness in two out of ten complaints. Vertigo does not discriminate based on age or whether you’re a male or female. Common symptoms are a spinning room that can last for only an instant or even up to a couple of minutes, and nausea.
Learn More About Hearing, Balance, and Vertigo
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be mild, moderate, moderately-severe, severe, or profound, and it can vary across frequencies. Hearing loss can be gradual and will typically worsen over time. It is measured in terms of decibels (dB). Higher dB levels indicate worse hearing and low dB levels indicate better hearing. There are three (3) types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and mixed hearing loss.
Take Our Online Hearing Test
Listen 2 Life’s online hearing test is easy to use and just takes minutes to complete from the comfort of your home. All you need are good speakers or a good set of headphones. Earbuds are also acceptable but headphones are preferred.
Patient Support
Our Patient Support portal is a resource designed to help you understand the difference in hearing aid technologies so that you can make the right hearing aid choice for your lifestyle. We also offer a guide that illustrates how to properly care for your hearing aids, as well as the ability to upload your audiogram in advance of your consultation with our audiologists.
TruHearing Hearing Aid Benefit Program
TruHearing is an independent company (3rd Party Provider) that contracts with your insurance to provide discounted prices on high-quality hearing aids, as much as 30-60% off average retail prices. Your insurance has negotiated the low, discounted prices from TruHearing for your benefit, saving you thousands of dollars compared to pricing that patients could get on their own. In addition, you will have access to a vast array of hearing aid models, styles, colors, and features. Choose from Premium, Advanced, Standard, Basic, and Essential models.
Listen 2 Life is in the TruHearing network and we can help you navigate this process and ensure that you receive the best hearing aids at the best prices.
