Hearing Topics
TEEN & ADULT HEARING LOSS :: Frequently Asked Questions
Teens & Adults
Teens & Adults with hearing loss also show signs, including asking for repetition, difficulty hearing in groups or even in quiet settings, playing the TV or radio too loudly or having a ringing or buzzing in one or both ears. See our FAQ for more signs of hearing loss in adults.
What causes hearing loss?
The most common causes of hearing loss for teens and adults are:
- Noise. Noise related hearing loss usually develops over many years. The noise you experience at work, riding a motorcycle, attending or performing in rock music concerts, shooting guns or racing hot rods, even doing common chores such as using a power lawn mower or leaf blower.
- Age. Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss. It is gradual, so gradual in fact that you may not even notice it is getting worse! As you grow older, the nerve tissue and cells in your inner ear change. This loss may be mild or severe but it is always permanent.
- Other Causes. Earwax buildup. A foreign object in the ear. An injury to the head or ear. Infections. Cancer treatments. Ruptured eardrum. Otosclerosis (a condition that affects the bones in your middle ear). Non-cancerous tumors on the cochlear or auditory nerve. Meniére’s disease which causes sudden vertigo (a dizzying, spinning sensation) and other conditions.
What are some signs of hearing loss?
For adults especially, it can be hard to detect right away. Some common symptoms include:
- Difficulty hearing in quiet settings, large groups, when someone is speaking from another room, while talking on the telephone, listening to the radio, television or in the movie theater or in meetings
- Other people mumble or speak too quietly
- Men’s voices are easier to hear than women’s or children's voices
- People complain that you don’t listen or you interrupt when others are talking
- You frequently ask people to repeat what they said
- Others say you talk louder than usual
- You are more cautious when you drive
- You have ringing or buzzing sounds in one or both ears
What should I do if I have a hearing loss?
First, do not try to talk yourself out of your suspicions. Hearing loss affects millions of adults in the United States. When you cannot hear, it affects your ability to communicate with others and your quality of life. Next, make an appointment with our Audiologist to evaluate your hearing. If a medical evaluation is needed, she will refer you to Dr. Damask, an otolaryngologist (a physician who specializes in ear diseases). We will then discuss your options with you. You may be able to function without a hearing aid if you make adaptations to your environment or use assistive listening devices. Other times surgery or medical procedures will improve your hearing. But for most people, the best solution is the proper selection and fitting of hearing aids.
Why do hearing aids cost so much?
- Hearing aids are manufactured and sold in relatively low volumes. Although there are nearly 30 million hearing impaired, only 1.7 million aids are sold each year. We work with several manufacturers so we can match you with a hearing aid that fits your hearing needs as well as your budget.
- Manufacturers spend a great deal of money on research and development.
- It takes an audiologist a long time to evaluate a patient’s hearing needs. Once fitted with a new hearing instrument, the audiologist spends hours acclimating the person to the new aid. Discount priced hearing aids are often poorly constructed and do not come with the services we provide.
How often will I have to replace them?
Hearing aids should last at least five years. Programmable and digital hearing aids may last longer since all they usually require is an adjustment at the audiologist's office to adapt to any hearing changes you may have over the years.
How long will it take me to adapt to my new hearing aid(s)?
The time it takes to adjust varies from person to person. We always offer a trial or adjustment period with new hearing aids. Your ability to comprehend speech may increase as you wear them over several months. Don’t be surprised if you hear sounds again such as birds singing or your grandchildren whispering.
How can I conserve my hearing?
Protect your hearing from loud sounds. If you cannot carry on a conversation in the presence of any type of noise, then the sound is too loud for your ears and could lead to hearing loss. Whenever you are in noisy situations, wear hearing protection. Earplugs and earmuffs are inexpensive solutions, but the audiologist also can recommend custom Westone products designed specifically for musicians or work-related noises.
Medications can also affect your hearing. If you take medications, be sure to ask your physician about possible side effects that may affect your hearing. If ever you take medication and hear ringing in your ears, contact your physician to report it.
When are noises too loud?
Here are some common noises that exceed the safe 85-decibel danger zone:
