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Understanding Hearing Loss

Did you know the most common causes of hearing loss are aging and noise-induced hearing damage? Other possible causes include ear infections, genetics, certain medications, tinnitus, and various health conditions.

Understanding the impact of hearing impairment, its causes, and available solutions is crucial for effective treatment. Take control of your hearing health and improve your quality of life today with Great Hearing Benefits. Keep reading to discover how we can help you on your journey to better hearing.

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What Causes Hearing Loss?

Aging

One of the most common types of hearing impairments is gradual, age-related hearing loss that typically affects both ears.

Noise Exposure

Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as loud music, machinery, or firearms, can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear.

Genetics

Another cause of hearing loss is inherited issues. Genetic factors can contribute to congenital or developed hearing impairments.

Ear Infections

Chronic or severe ear infections, such as otitis media, can cause temporary or permanent hearing issues, especially with untreated hearing loss.

Medications

Certain medications, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin, can potentially cause hearing loss.

Trauma or Injury

Head injuries or severe trauma to the head or ear can result in temporary or permanent hearing impairments, depending on the extent of the damage.

¹Fitting fee may apply. ²Deductible required. ³Immediate family members include father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and domestic partner and civil unions recognized under State law.

Prioritize Your Hearing Health

Don’t wait to prioritize your hearing. Ignoring hearing impairment can affect all areas of life, impacting everything from relationships with friends and family to your overall health and wellness.

The good news is that people with hearing loss can treat their symptoms with today’s comfortable, easy-to-use hearing aids. Great Hearing Benefits provides affordable hearing products and quality care for patients, ensuring they stay connected to important moments with effective solutions for their hearing.

Most Common Symptoms

Difficulty Understanding Conversations

The need to turn up the volume on the television, radio, or other devices could be another sign. This compensatory behavior aims to overcome the difficulty in perceiving sounds.

Frequent Requests for Repetition

Struggling to follow discussions, especially in noisy environments, is a common indication of hearing impairment. For people experiencing this, speech may sound muffled or unclear.

Increased Volume Preference

Another sign of hearing impairment is finding yourself frequently asking others to repeat what they said. These requests are often due to missing certain sounds or parts of words.

Ringing or Buzzing in the Ears (Tinnitus)

A hearing impairment can be accompanied by the perception of persistent ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other phantom ear sounds. Tinnitus can be bothersome and may indicate underlying hearing issues.

How Untreated Hearing Loss Can Affect Your Work

Hearing loss is a surprisingly common health condition, affecting approximately 1 in 8 Americans.¹ According to the Better Hearing Institute research, roughly 60% of Americans with hearing impairments are in the workforce.²

  • 38 million Americans struggle with hearing loss.*
  • The majority of people with hearing loss are under 69 years of age.*
  • On average, people wait 10 years before addressing their hearing loss.*
  • 95% of hearing loss can be addressed with the right hearing aids.

Numerous studies have linked untreated hearing loss to increased worker absenteeism and reduced workplace productivity. In addition, those with unaided hearing impairments earned, on average $20,000 less annually than those with treated hearing loss.³

¹ National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

² Better Hearing Institute

³ Hearing Loss Association of America

Don’t Let Your Hearing Get in the Way

There are major long-term consequences with untreated hearing loss. Hearing loss can be linked to fatigue, stress, and/or depression; impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks; plus reduced alertness. This cognitive decline can lead to reduced productivity in the workplace.

Don’t let a hearing impairment hinder your daily life. Take action now. Access the hearing health care you need to address hearing issues and regain the joy of clear communication. Your quality of life matters.

Contact Great Hearing Benefits today for high-quality hearing health care and accessible solutions to improve your daily life.

4 Stages of Hearing Impairment

Identifying the stage of hearing impairment is crucial for determining appropriate treatment options and interventions.

Seeking professional evaluation can help determine the specific stage and guide toward the best course of action.

Difficulty hearing soft sounds and conversations in noisy environments.

Struggling to understand speech without amplification, especially in noisy settings.

Difficulty hearing regular speech even with amplification; reliance on lip-reading.

Extremely limited hearing, often only able to detect loud sounds or vibrations.

At What Stage of a Hearing Impairment Do You Need a Hearing Aid?

The need for a hearing aid can vary based on individual circumstances. Generally, hearing aids are recommended when a person experiences moderate to severe hearing loss. This is typically when difficulty understanding speech and communicating effectively becomes evident, even in quiet environments. 

However, it’s important to consult with a hearing healthcare professional who can assess your specific hearing needs and provide personalized recommendations for your hearing health.

Are You Experiencing
Hearing Loss?

Several options can help you manage and adapt to a hearing impairment.

Remember, the most important step is to consult with a qualified professional who can assess your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate solutions.

Seek Professional Evaluation

Schedule an appointment with an audiologist or specialized healthcare professional for a comprehensive hearing test and assessment. They can determine the type and severity of your impairment and recommend appropriate interventions.

Hearing Aids

For most cases, hearing aids are a common solution. These devices amplify sound and improve your ability to hear and understand speech. Modern hearing aids come in various styles and technologies to suit different needs.

Assistive Listening Devices

These devices, such as amplified telephone, TV listening systems, and personal FM systems, can enhance sound specifically in certain situations, like phone conversations.

Cochlear Implants

If you have a severe or profound impairment and hearing aids are ineffective, cochlear implants may be an option. These surgically implanted devices bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.

Take Control of Your Hearing Health

Schedule an evaluation with a hearing care professional at any of our 4,500 nationwide locations.
Schedule your Appoinment

Will Untreated Hearing Loss Worsen?

Yes, if left untreated, it can worsen over time. Unaddressed hearing impairment can lead to negative consequences, including communication difficulties and social isolation. It may also strain relationships, reduce quality of life, and impact mental well-being. Other consequences include decreased job performance, lower earning potential, and safety risks.

Early intervention and treatment, such as using hearing aids, can help mitigate the negative effects of hearing loss and improve overall well-being. It’s important to seek professional help and address hearing difficulties to prevent further deterioration and improve your quality of life.

Next Steps

Don’t let your hearing hold you back. Contact us today to access exclusive healthcare benefits, including discounted hearing products. Take control of your hearing health, enhance communication, and rediscover the joy of clear sound. Your journey to better hearing starts now.

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(877) 684-8886

Operators are available, Mon-Fri 7am -7pm EST

Benefits of Hearing Aids and How They Make Your Hearing Better

Hearing loss can be a life-altering experience, affecting our ability to connect with loved ones, enjoy music, or simply engage in everyday conversations. Fortunately, modern technology has provided us with a solution in the form of different types of hearing aids.

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A Guide to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a serious condition that can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Exposure to loud noises causes damage to the tiny hair cells in your inner ear. NIHL is preventable, but it cannot be reversed once it occurs.

Read More

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