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Hearing Loss
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hearing loss.
hearing loss

Come again? What was that?

Sound familiar? Maybe you feel like you only hear bits and pieces of conversations, or your family complains about the volume of your television? 

You may be experiencing hearing loss. Most hearing loss gets worse with time rather than better. Schedule a consultation today and get immediate answers. 

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What are the different types of hearing loss?

Hearing loss is classified by type and degree. Depending on where the problem is determines the type of hearing loss a person may have. Degree of hearing loss refers to the severity, which ranges from mild to profound. There are three types of hearing loss: Conductive, sensorineural and mixed.

Conductive

A conductive hearing loss happens when sound cannot get through the outer and middle ear. Typically, softer sounds are more difficult to hear and louder sounds may be muffled. Causes of conductive hearing losses include: ear infections, or fluid in the middle ear from colds or allergies, a hole in the eardrum, impacted ear wax or foreign objects in the ear canal. Medications and surgery can often times correct this type of hearing loss.

Sensorineural

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused when there is damage to the inner ear itself, or the hearing nerve that sends sound to the brain. Soft sounds and conversational speech, especially in background noise, makes it difficult to communicate with others. Exposure to loud sounds, illnesses, certain drugs, head trauma, or inner ear malformations are linked to sensorineural hearing loss.

Mixed

Mixed hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the outer ear and damage to the inner ear. Essentially, it is a combination of a conductive and sensorineural hearing loss occurring at the same time. Anything that causes a conductive hearing loss or a sensorineural hearing loss can lead to a mixed hearing loss.

What are the signs and symptoms of hearing loss in children?

It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hearing loss in children, especially during the critical period for speech and language development. Seven reasons to consider having your child’s hearing evaluated are:

  • Little or no reaction to loud sounds
  • Difficulty locating where sound is coming from
  • Does not babble or babbling has regressed
  • Does not respond to familiar voices or music
  • Ear is missing or malformed at birth
  • Speech and Language delay after the age of 2
  • Academic difficulty

Following the 1-3-6 model set by the Early Hearing Detection Program (EDHI) allows the best outcomes for children with hearing loss. Early identification and access to sound begins with timely Newborn Hearing Screenings (NBHS). NBHS are encouraged to be conducted either at the birthing hospital prior to discharge or an outpatient audiology clinic within the first month of life. Evidence based research indicates proper diagnostic follow up for babies who fail their NBHS is of the upmost importance to ensure the best results for congenital hearing loss treatment.

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989-486-1457

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112 W Wackerly St.
Midland, MI 48640

Monday - Friday
9AM - 4PM