Understanding Hearing Loss
Hearing Tests in Scottsdale, AZ
The human voice is a magical thing! You can find it in music and poetry and movies – and most importantly, human interactions. It conveys thoughts and emotions, and feelings, allowing human beings to communicate with one another. But for those with hearing loss, enjoying all of these things is more arduous. Many people are unaware of their hearing loss until it grows worse. If you find yourself having trouble understanding others and enjoying music, TV, and movies, it might be time to take a hearing test. Our Scottsdale, AZ-area Hearing Center can help. We will provide you with a newfound enjoyment of life.
Understanding How Hearing Works and How Loss Occurs
When a sound enters the outer ear, it causes the eardrum to vibrate. After that, three small bones transmit the sound from the middle ear to the inner ear. Inside the inner ear is a snail-shaped structure called the cochlea. It is filled with fluid and lined with sensory cells and microscopic hairs. These hairs move with the vibrations and convert the sound waves into nerve impulses before sending them to the brain. As a result of this finely-tuned process, you hear sound.
Causes of Hearing Loss
There are numerous causes of hearing loss impacting the outer, middle, and inner ear:
One of the most common conditions afflicting the outer ear is excessive earwax and ear infections. Both conditions are temporary and are treatable by an ear, nose, and throat doctor. Hearing aids are not often required for these issues.
Hearing loss caused by problems in the outer and middle ear is referred to as conductive hearing loss. Common issues in the middle ear include a punctured eardrum, fluid, and an infection. Doctors can treat many of these conditions. The remainder requires hearing aids.
The majority of hearing problems occur in the inner ear due to damage. The natural aging process, excessive exposure to noise, medication, and head injuries are all common culprits of inner ear problems. Medical treatment cannot commonly resolve these issues. This type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss.
How Hearing Loss Impacts Those Around You
When someone has significant hearing loss, everything requires more effort and focus. And that can be exhausting. You can feel like you are missing out on things and struggle to socialize as you might want to. Hearing loss also impacts those around you. While they might be understanding, having to repeat themselves repeatedly also takes a toll. The best solution is to contact Better Hearing when you begin to notice that you do not hear like you used to. We will provide a hearing test, and based on the results of that test, new hearing aids. If you do end up with hearing aids, you will notice an immediate improvement in your life.