Hearing problems are common in the U.S. That’s the takeaway from multiple studies, including one from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), which revealed that an estimated 15% of American adults have trouble hearing. The study further found that the chances of developing hearing problems increase exponentially after middle age, especially sensorineural hearing loss. For those unaware, sensorineural hearing loss is a form of hearing loss caused by damage to the auditory nerve or sensory cells within the inner ear. An estimated 90% of older adults have age-related sensorineural hearing loss.
How a Hearing Evaluation Can Help Detect Sensorineural Hearing Loss Early
Hearing evaluations can detect hearing problems early when more treatment options are available. Some of the early signs of sensorineural hearing loss that should prompt people to schedule a hearing evaluation include the following:
- Hearing that is noticeably better in one ear than the other
- Buzzing or ringing sounds in one or both ears
- Difficulty hearing or understanding conversations in noisy environments
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Hearing muffled voices when people are speaking
- Trouble distinguishing high-pitched sounds
How Hearing Aids Can Benefit People Diagnosed With Sensorineural Hearing Loss
If an audiologist confirms someone has sensorineural hearing loss following a hearing evaluation, they will likely recommend that they wear a hearing aid. Most hearing centers that carry hearing aids in Fort Worth, Texas have over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids to choose from. Both work by using air vibrations to help amplify sound frequencies, which are sent through the ear canal to the middle and inner ear to help individuals hear and understand sounds, including speech.
Improve Your Hearing Today
Not being able to hear the world around you can be both frustrating and dangerous. Fortunately, hearing aids and other auditory treatments can improve and sometimes even restore hearing. To learn more about sensorineural hearing loss, the most commonly diagnosed form of hearing loss, and hearing aids that can improve hearing, consider speaking with an Ecoutez hearing specialist today.
