Hearing loss is one of the most common issues people all around the world face. Millions of people are affected, regardless of their age or gender. It can happen for different reasons, but the most common are aging, infections, exposure to loud noises, and genetics. However, as technology and the world are going forward, so is this field of medicine.
There are new and effective ways to diagnose hearing loss early and treat it. Audiologists are the ones who help people on this journey. If you are looking for a hearing aid, here is what you should expect during that process.How Audiologists Diagnose Hearing Loss?
Let’s start with the most common question. Whether you’re getting a hearing aid online or going to a clinic, your audiologist will first ask you about your medical history and the symptoms you’re experiencing. Do you ask people to repeat what they say often? Do you struggle to hear in loud environments? These are just the basic questions that will help the audiologist understand what’s going on. Next, there will be a hearing test. Don’t worry, this is a very easy and painless procedure. You just sit in a soundproof room, wear headphones, and listen to certain tones that are at different volumes and pitches. Based on this, the audiologist will have an audiogram – a map of your hearing ability. It will show exactly which sounds you can hear and which ones you struggle with.
Which Type of Hearing Loss Do You Have?
Once the audiologist diagnoses hearing loss, the next step is to figure out which type you have. There are three types: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.
The first one, conductive hearing loss, means that the sound can’t go through the outer or middle ear. This can happen because of earwax, fluid, or a perforated eardrum. On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss happens as a result of damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This is usually the consequence of loud noise exposure, certain illnesses, or simply aging. Mixed hearing loss, as the name says, is a combination of both.How Do Audiologists Treat These Types?
Each type requires different treatment. Conductive hearing loss usually means a simple treatment – an audiologist will just remove earwax or treat an infection. However, in rare cases, surgery is needed to fix structural issues in the ear. Sensorineural hearing loss can’t be reversed, unfortunately. But don’t worry, you still have many options! Hearing aids are the best solution and you won’t believe how much they improved recently. They are smaller and smarter, and you can even buy them online. There are some serious cases where cochlear implants are needed. They bypass the damaged parts of the ear and also directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
What About Mixed Hearing Loss?
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of two types, which means that its treatment requires a combination as well. It all depends on a specific issue, but most likely, your audiologist will recommend hearing aids or medical/surgical interventions. Don’t worry, they will do their best to improve your life and help you stay connected to the world around you.
We know that losing your hearing is not easy, but don’t worry, you’re not alone. As mentioned, audiologists will help you improve your life and guide you every step of the way. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you will see a big difference.