| Hearing loss is extremely common. More than 30 million people in North America experience some type of hearing loss during their lifetime. Hearing loss can result from a variety of causes, such as heredity, trauma, disease, exposure to noise, or simply as a natural part of the aging process.
The three parts of the ear have uniquely different causes of hearing loss. In the outer ear, excessive accumulation of earwax or an infection of the auditory canal can cause a temporary loss of hearing. Within the middle ear, hearing loss can result from a perforation of the eardrum, an infection, or a buildup of fluid. It can also be caused by a condition called Otosclerosis, when the tiny bones in the middle ear become fused together. The most common causes of hearing loss occur deeper within the inner ear. Natural aging, prolonged exposure to noise, head injuries, and medications that are toxic to the auditory system are often the reasons for inner-ear hearing loss, commonly referred to as nerve loss.
Hearing loss in the outer or middle ear is often successfully treated with medication or surgery. If those treatments are unsuccessful, hearing aids may improve hearing. However, problems within the inner ear are not likely to be resolved through medical treatment, and may not be reversible. In those instances, properly-fitted hearing aids can provide assistance for better hearing.
At Swift Audiology, our certified hearing healthcare specialists are qualified and equipped to diagnose the type of hearing loss, and properly prescribe the most beneficial hearing solution for your specific needs. |
