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Ear, Nose and Throat

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a common problem most commonly caused by noise, aging, ear infections, and/or heredity. People with hearing loss may find it hard to have conversations with friends and family. They may also have trouble understanding a doctor’s advice, responding to warnings, and hearing doorbells and alarms. Hearing is an essential part of daily living and loss of hearing can have a big impact to the quality of your entire life. It can contribute to isolation and even depression in some. Initially, many people do not notice the slow progression of their hearing loss or don’t want to admit that they are developing hearing problems. Many do not seek help until symptoms are severe.

Hearing Self Check

  • Do you sometimes feel that people are mumbling or not speaking clearly?
  • Do you frequently ask people to repeat themselves?
  • Do you have difficulty understanding conversation in crowds or noisy restaurants?
  • Do you hear constant noise or ringing in your ears?

If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you may be 1 of the 48 million Americans who experiences hearing loss. More than half are under the age of 65.

Take our Online Hearing Test

Let us help you hear better.

There are three types of hearing loss: sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. Most people lose at least some degree of their hearing as they age. By the time they reach age 65 and older, one in three people has some type of hearing impairment.

Sensorineural hearing loss

This is the most common type of hearing loss. It results in withering of the hair cells in the inner ear due to age, noise damage or medications. This results in improper transmission of sound signals to the brain. Without healthy hair cells, the ear cannot detect sounds properly. Most sensorineural hearing loss cases can be treated with hearing aids. In severe cases, a cochlear implant(link to CI/Surgery page) may be an option.

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss is the result of obstructions in the outer or middle ear, which prevent sound from entering the inner ear. Voices and sounds may sound faint, distorted or both. Most conductive hearing loss cases can be treated medically or surgically.

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

For all 3 of these types of hearing loss there are both medical and surgical treatments that can help. Here at TriHealth, we have an integrated team of physicians and audiologists dedicated to helping patients accurately diagnose the problem and find the best solutions that work for them. Our comprehensive, one-stop approach to diagnosing and treating patients with hearing problems is friendly and patient focused.