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 find out how we can help you on your journey to better hearing.
Operators are available, Mon-Fri 7am -7pm EST
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 when it comes to 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 make your hearing a priority. 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. At Great Hearing Benefits, we offer our patients a range of solutions to access affordable hearing products and high-quality hearing health care to help them stay present in the moments that matter the most to them.
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 sounds in the ears. 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 research by the Better Hearing Institute, roughly 60% of Americans with hearing impairments are in the workforce.²
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 to access 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 towards 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, but generally, hearing aids are recommended when a person experiences moderate to severe hearing loss. This is typically the stage where 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 hearing aids or other appropriate interventions.
Will Untreated Hearing Loss Worsen?
Yes, if left untreated, it can worsen over time. When a hearing impairment goes unaddressed, it can have various negative consequences, such as communication difficulties that result in social isolation, strained relationships, and decreased quality of life, cognitive decline, and mental and emotional impact. 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.
Operators are available, Mon-Fri 7am -7pm EST
