Hearing Loss Information

Many people suffer from hearing loss and are not even aware of it. In fact, it is estimated that more than 31 million Americans have experienced some degree of hearing loss. At Red Hat Audiology, our hearing loss professionals believe that it is important for patients from Silver Spring, Olney, Rockville and other Maryland areas to understand the causes and effects of hearing loss in order to prevent and treat the condition effectively.

Types of Hearing Loss

Although there are many types of hearing loss, the most common are conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.

• Conductive Hearing Loss occurs when incoming sound waves are blocked from reaching the inner ear because of damage to the outer or middle ear. The result is a muting of sound from all frequencies. Although rarely severe, conductive hearing loss can lead to permanent hearing impairment if left untreated. People with conductive hearing loss feel as if their ears are plugged or full and speak rather softly because they can hear their own voices very loudly. Conductive hearing loss can be treated with medications or surgery.
• Sensorineural Hearing Loss is the most common type of hearing loss. Also called nerve deafness, it is the result of damage to the cochlea (inner ear) or acoustic nerve. Inner ear and nerve damage make it not only difficult to hear faint sounds, but also difficult to hear and understand speech clearly. Unlike conductive hearing loss, which can be medically or surgically treated, sensorineural hearing loss is permanent. Hearing aids are the most effective treatment for this type of hearing loss.
• Mixed Hearing Loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Individuals with mixed hearing loss have sustained damage to both the inner and to the middle ear or outer ear. They usually receive treatment for conductive hearing loss since there currently is no medical or surgical treatment for sensorineural hearing loss.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss can occur for a variety of reasons. Three of the most common causes are:

• Genetic Hearing Loss: Hearing loss may be hereditary, and some scientists believe that genetic factors are the cause of more than half of known hearing loss cases.
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Exposure to loud, sudden, or sustained noises over long periods of time can also cause hearing loss. The gradual hearing loss that results from noise varies in severity depending on the frequency, volume, and duration of the sound. It is not only one of the most common causes of hearing loss, but also the most preventable.
• Presbycusis: Hearing loss that occurs as a result of aging is called presbycusis. It arises from changes that occur in the inner ear as part of the natural aging process, and it occurs so gradually that many people may not realize that their hearing is diminishing. Presbycusis is quite common; it is estimated that 29 percent of people over the age of 65 and 15 percent of baby boomers experience hearing loss.

Other causes of hearing loss include:

• Otitis Media: The most common cause of hearing loss in children is from otitis media, or a middle-ear infection. In an ear infection, a virus or a respiratory infection causes the middle ear to become inflamed, preventing the eardrum from vibrating properly. Ear infections can be treated with antibiotics or surgery.
• Otosclerosis:  Abnormal bone growth or calcium buildup in the middle ear can prevent the ear from working properly, thus causing hearing loss. Unlike many forms of hearing loss, otosclerosis can be treated with surgery.
• Temporary Blockage: Hearing loss can happen as a result of a temporary blockage in the ear from earwax or from fluid from colds and ear infections, such as swimmer's ear or allergies. This cause of hearing loss can be treated with the removal of the problem-causing earwax or fluid.
• Ototoxic Medications and Other Medical Treatments: Certain medications and chemotherapy or radiation treatments can be toxic to the ear and may cause some degree of hearing loss. A recent study found that abuse of commonly prescribed painkillers and antibiotics can also cause gradual hearing loss. It is important to ask your doctor about any possible side effects before starting new medications.
• Diseases and Genetic Disorders: Some diseases and genetic disorders, such as Meniere's disease, can cause some degree of permanent hearing loss. Meniere's disease can cause sufferers to experience hearing loss and other related problems, including tinnitus and vertigo. Other diseases that affect hearing loss include meningitis and German measles.
• Ear or Head Injuries: The ears are very delicate, and injuries such as perforated eardrums, fractured bones, and tumors, can cause hearing loss. Perforated ear drums can normally heal on their own, but other injuries may require surgery for treatment. The resulting hearing loss may be permanent, depending on the severity and location of the injury.

Hearing Loss Prevention

Many people are not aware that the most common cause of permanent hearing loss can be prevented. Although exposure to loud noises over a lifetime can have gradual and devastating effects on your hearing, this type of permanent hearing loss can be avoided. There are many things that individuals can do to prevent hearing loss from occurring, such as:

• Beware of and avoid potential sources of damaging noises, such as lawn mowers, motorcycles, chainsaws, gunshots, and more.
• Use earplugs, earmuffs, and other hearing protectors when around harmful noise. Cotton balls and tissue stuffed in the ears do not offer nearly the same amount of protection.
• Control the volume when listening to stereos, car radios, and personal listening devices.
• Talk with your doctor to determine whether any new medications you are taking may cause hearing loss. If you experience hearing loss while taking a certain medication, talk with your doctor.
• In order to prevent ear damage, never stick a cotton swab or any other object into your ear.
• Blow your nose gently and with both nostrils.
• Swallow and yawn frequently when at high elevations.
• Practice safety during recreational activities to prevent ear or head damage by taking precautions such as wearing a helmet when riding a bike or learning proper underwater descent diving techniques.
• Have your hearing tested regularly by an experienced audiologist like Dr. Newcomb.

What is an audiologist?

Audiologists are medical professionals who specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating people who experience hearing loss. They are committed to helping children and adults hear better. Audiologists hold masters or doctoral degrees from accredited universities and have undergone special training in the prevention, identification, evaluation, and non-medical treatment of hearing loss and other related disorders. They fit and dispense hearing aids and assistive listening devices and provide hearing rehabilitation. Audiologists also identify medical problems that lead to hearing loss and refer patients to ear, nose, and throat doctors if necessary.

Dr. Newcomb is an extensively trained audiologist who has been providing non-medical hearing loss treatment in Maryland for more than 24 years. If you are experiencing hearing loss and live in the Silver Spring, Bowie, and Annapolis, Maryland areas, contact our practice for a thorough and accurate hearing evaluation. Dr. Newcomb can determine the exact nature of your hearing loss, enabling you to obtain proper treatment.

Test Your Hearing

Hearing loss sets in slowly over time, often due to the natural aging process or loud noises. If you think you may be experiencing some degree of hearing loss, please take the time to answer the following questions.

• Do other people seem to mumble or speak too softly?
• Do you miss the key words in sentences and find yourself asking people to repeat themselves?
• When you are in a group or a crowded restaurant, do you have difficulty understanding the conversation?
• Do family and friends complain that you turn the television up too loud?
• Have family members complained to you about your hearing?
• Is talking on the telephone difficult?
• Do you rely on your spouse to help you hear when you are outside your home?
• Do you find it difficult to tell from which direction a sound is coming?
• Do you find it difficult to hear the telephone or doorbell ring?
• Do you have difficulty understanding speeches at meetings or religious services?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you should contact Red Hat Audiology in Silver Spring, Maryland for a complete hearing evaluation with one of our Audiologists. During the evaluation, we will determine whether you are experiencing hearing loss and explain the treatments available at Red Hat Audiology, which serves Silver Spring, Olney, Rockville and other surrounding areas in Maryland. We have a variety of non-medical treatment products, such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and more, at reasonable prices. We also offer affordable financing options so that you can get the treatment that you need.

Contact Our Practice

Dr. Newcomb provides state-of-the-art hearing aids to patients in Silver Spring, Maryland. Contact Red Hat Audiology today to schedule an initial consultation. We also offer affordable financing options.