Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a sudden or gradual decrease in being able to hear. There
are different types of hearing loss:
• Conductive Hearing Loss: Sound is blocked. This is often caused
by earwax build up.
• Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A nerve problem prevents proper
hearing. This is often caused by aging.
• Mixed Hearing Loss: Hearing loss where both the conductive and
sensorineural systems are affected.
Causes
• Aging
• Loud noise exposure
• Blockage
• Ear infection
• Certain medicines
• Ear and head injury
• Some illnesses
• Born with an ear problem
• Family members with hearing loss

Signs
• Sounds are muffled.
• High pitched sounds are hard to hear.
• Words are difficult to understand when there is background noise.
• You ask others to repeat, or speak more slowly, clearly or loudly.
• You speak more loudly than other people.
• You avoid conversations or social events.
• You turn up the volume on the TV or radio.
• You have dizziness, and ringing or buzzing in your ears.
Your Care
Tests will be done to find the cause of your hearing loss and measure
how well you can hear. Your doctor will check your outer, middle and
inner ear.
Depending on the cause of your hearing loss, your treatment may
include:
• Removal of ear wax
• Medicines
• Hearing aides
• Listening devices such as headphones or flashing lights or vibrators
for doorbells or phones
• Surgery
• Therapy to help with your speech and hearing
Preventing Hearing Loss
• Protect your ears from loud noises. Wear earplugs when working with
machines or around loud noises.
• Avoid loud noises such as music, motorcycles or snowmobiles.
• Have your hearing tested.