FAQ
Commonly asked questions about hearing health
Hearing FAQs
What causes hearing loss?
There are many causes of hearing loss, including:
- Loud noise exposure
- Age
- Genetics
- Ear and viral infections
- Certain antibiotics and medications
- Chemotherapy and radiation treatments
- Head or ear trauma
- Earwax build-up
Why can I hear at home but not in restaurants?
Hearing loss makes it difficult to clearly understand the conversation when there is background noise. At home, there are less distractions and people, making it easier to hear. If you can only hear in quieter environments, this can be a sign of hearing loss.
Will hearing aids actually help me hear better?
Yes! Hearing aids can significantly improve how well you hear, especially in conversations. While they don’t restore hearing to “normal,” modern devices are designed to make speech clearer, reduce background noise, and help you stay engaged in everyday situations like restaurants, meetings, and family gatherings.
Why do I hear ringing in my ears?
Ringing in the ears, medically known as tinnitus, is a common phenomenon. Tinnitus itself is not a hearing disorder, but a symptom of another issue, such as ototoxic medications, head trauma, circulation disorders, or stress. Many people experience tinnitus at some point in their lives, but it typically goes away on its own. If your tinnitus is persistent, then a tinnitus test and a full hearing evaluation can help identify the cause, so we can find a solution.
Are hearing aids a sign of old age?
No, this is a common misconception. Hearing loss affects individuals of all ages. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, approximately 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. Even children can have hearing loss! In fact, 2-3 out of every 1000 children in the U.S. are born with hearing loss. If you have hearing loss then you should wear hearing aids in order to preserve your cognitive abilities and to hear your loved ones.
Are there different types of hearing loss?
Yes, there are three main types of hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss stems from a problem in the middle ear, outer ear, or both. The auditory nerve functions normally, but sound is prevented from reaching the inner ear.
Sensorineural hearing loss is located in the inner ear and is the result of damage to the auditory nerve or auditory hair-cells.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.