Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss Treatment From an Entirely Different Perspective

A few words from The Hearing Wizard, Laura Trainor-Collins, M.S. CCC / A, Audiologist

 

Fifteen years ago, I woke up one morning with a sudden hearing loss, so I have a unique perspective on hearing loss. I understand what it is like to adjust to and live with a hearing problem. I use an Oticon CROS that transmits sound from the left side to the hearing aid I wear on my right ear. This gives me the ability to sit in a meeting and hear speakers from my left. One of the major problems for me and those with single side deafness is our brain loses the ability to localize sound.  I have a hearing assistance dog who is trained to alert me to sounds in my environment. When you come in for your hearing examination you will have the opportunity to meet Stevie Ray. 

 

When I was a young girl, I watched my father and two of my uncles lose their hearing to a disease called otosclerosis. Another aunt and uncle lost their hearing during the World War II bombings. Watching my loved ones adapt to their hearing loss was a life-changing experience. Seeing this as a challenge, I grew inspired to help people hear their best – for themselves and the ones they love.

 

I have made The Hearing Wizard in Garland, TX, the place to find excellent hearing care, a wide selection of hearing aids, and the heart and soul of personal service. Once you meet me, you will see and hear why.

Stevie Ray - Hearing Assistance Service Dog

Causes of Hearing Loss

  • Advancing Age (Presbycusis):

    As we age, we may experience a gradual decline in our hearing abilities. This is called presbycusis, a natural part of the aging process. It typically affects both ears equally and is caused by changes in the inner ear or nerves that affect hearing. Symptoms may include difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, speech, and conversation in noisy environments. If you're over the age of 60, it's recommended that you have your hearing checked annually to monitor any changes.

  • Prescription Medications:

    Certain prescription medications can cause hearing loss as a side effect. These include some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and diuretics. If you're taking medication and notice a change in your hearing, speak to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your medication or dosage to reduce the risk of further hearing loss.

  • Head Injury:

    Head injuries can damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. This type of hearing loss may be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the injury. Symptoms may include tinnitus/ear ringing, dizziness, and difficulty hearing. See a doctor if you've experienced a head injury and notice a change in your hearing.

  • Heredity:

    Hearing loss can be hereditary and passed down from generation to generation. You may be at a higher risk if other family members have experienced hearing loss. Regular hearing checks can help detect any changes early on.

  • Prolonged Exposure to Loud Noises:

    Exposure to loud noises can damage the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. This can occur from prolonged exposure to loud music, machinery, or firearms. Symptoms may include a ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, and difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds. Wearing ear protection can help reduce the risk of hearing loss from loud noises.

  • Acoustic Trauma:

    Acoustic trauma is a sudden, intense noise that can cause immediate hearing loss. This may occur from explosions, gunshots, or other loud noises. Symptoms may include sudden hearing loss, tinnitus/ear ringing, and dizziness. If you experience acoustic trauma, seek medical attention immediately.

  • Illnesses:

    Certain illnesses can cause hearing loss, such as mumps, Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, or an autoimmune disorder. Symptoms may include tinnitus/ear ringing, vertigo, and difficulty hearing. If you're experiencing these symptoms, see a doctor.

  • A Tumor:

    A tumor on the inner ear or auditory nerve can cause hearing loss. Symptoms may include tinnitus/ear ringing, dizziness, and difficulty hearing. If you suspect you have a tumor, see a doctor immediately. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further hearing loss.

How Does Hearing Loss Happen & Which Type of Hearing Loss Could It Be?

Hearing loss occurs when sound waves are captured by the outer ear and sent through the ear canal to the eardrum, making it vibrate. The vibration then travels through the bones in the middle ear, causing the fluid and hair cells in the inner ear to move. These changes create electrical pulses that travel to the brain via an auditory nerve. Loud noises can damage the hair cells or nerve cells responsible for sending sound signals to the brain. When these cells are damaged, the electrical signals are not transmitted correctly, resulting in hearing loss. At The Hearing Wizard, we provide treatment options to help you hear all the sounds and conversations vital to you daily. 

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia

A Johns Hopkins study uncovered the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline after following nearly 640 adults over the course of 12 years. What researchers found was startling:


  • Mild hearing loss doubled the risk of dementia (2x).
  • Moderate hearing loss tripled that risk (3x).
  • Severe hearing loss quintupled it (5x).

 

There is currently no cure for dementia, nor any way to reverse the disease. It’s important to note, though, that hearing loss doesn’t cause a person to develop dementia – but it does increase the risk.


The Johns Hopkins report also mentioned, “Although nearly 27 million Americans age 50 and older have hearing loss, only one in seven uses a hearing aid.” So, if you haven’t had a hearing test recently, it’s time to consider one.


Studies also show that hearing aids contribute to and improve health-related quality of life. And, with the incredible variety of hearing aids available to consumers today, there is help for all types of hearing loss, so don’t delay in taking care of your hearing health!

 

Your Journey to Better Hearing

Hearing loss can affect anyone. With 37.5 million American adults experiencing some form of hearing loss, it’s likely you or a loved one have trouble making sense of sounds and conversations. Some of this might feel familiar – asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the television, feeling exhausted after social interactions.


The good news is you don’t have to live with this frustration. A simple hearing test can help identify the source and severity of your hearing loss and get you on the road to good hearing health!


Hearing tests are the first step to treating hearing loss. We all want improved overall health and well-being for ourselves and our loved ones. Oticon hearing aids give your brain the ability to process sounds more easily and efficiently; in short, making sense of the sounds you want and need to hear. Hearing aids can do the work for you, and it all starts with a short test.


To learn more about Oticon’s Brain Hearing technology and to schedule a hearing test.  

At The Hearing Wizard, we provide treatment options tailored to your specific type of hearing loss. Call 972-494-6537.

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