about hearing loss

Hearing loss is one of the biggest health concerns in the U.S. It is the third most commonly reported physical condition, following arthritis and heart disease. It affects roughly 20 percent of the American population and can strike people of all ages. Hearing loss can affect individuals of all ages from infants to older adults. If you are experiencing hearing loss, taking the first step to see an Audiologist can significantly improve your quality of life and well-being.

audiologist performing otoacoustic emissions hearing test on a patient and she is smiling while holding a small probe up to her ear and listening

What causes hearing loss?

Hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors and can occur at any stage in life. Hearing loss can sometimes be hard to detect in the early stages, especially if it is gradual. Some common causes of hearing loss include the following:

  • Congenital Loss

  • Aging of the Auditory System

  • Loud Noise Exposure

  • Ototoxic Medications

  • Ear Infections

  • Earwax Buildup

  • Hereditary Factors

  • Illnesses Causing High Fever

group of teenagers sitting around a desk and having a conversation about a school project, and they are smiling, the main girl is wearing hearing aids and happy to hear
mother and daughter hugging

what are the symptoms of hearing loss?

You may experience increased difficulty understanding speech in noisy places, certain people may sound muffled to you, and you may be asking others to repeat themselves often. Often, a family member or friend will be the first to notice a hearing problem. Tinnitus is often another sign of underlying hearing loss. Establishing a baseline hearing evaluation is recommended if you have any concerns, and annual hearing evaluations are recommended after the age of 55.

Common symptoms of hearing loss may include:

  • Speech sounding muffled or not clear

  • Trouble understanding words, especially when in a crowd or a noisy place

  • Often asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly

  • Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio

  • Avoiding social situations

  • Sensitivity to loud environments or background noise

  • Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus

how is hearing loss diagnosed?

In order to diagnose hearing loss, your Audiologist will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and give you a physical examination followed by a hearing evaluation consisting of a series of Audiological tests.

audiologist at northwest audiology and hearing aid center in ellensburg, sitting at an audiometer performing a hearing test
audioloigst with a patient in the sound booth putting headphones on his ears getting ready to take a hearing test
mother and daughter having a conversation over the table and the daughter is wearing hearing aids

How do i know if i have a

hearing loss?

Take a moment to answer the following questions:

1. Do people seem like they are mumbling or speaking softer than normal?

2. Do you feel irritable or tired after a long conversation?

3. Do you sometimes miss key words or the punch line in a conversation with your friends?

4. Do you frequently need to ask people to repeat themselves?

5. Do you have difficulty understanding conversations in a crowded room or a group of people?

6. Do you often turn the volume up on the TV or radio?

7. Does background noise bother you?

8. Is it sometimes hard to hear conversations on the telephone?

9. Do you sometimes not hear the doorbell or telephone ring?

10. Are your family or friends complaining about your hearing?

If you answered “YES” to 2 or more of these questions, you may want to schedule a hearing test with an Audiologist.