Understanding Hearing Loss
Hearing loss—or hearing impairment—is a reduction in your ability to hear. It can happen gradually or relatively quickly. At Beltone, we want to help you understand hearing loss and find the right solution.
Why Do People Lose Their Hearing When They Get Older?
Multiple factors may cause a person to lose their hearing as they get older. Experts believe that age-related hearing loss occurs due to changes in our ears as we age, such as the degeneration of tiny hair cells within the inner ear. Genetics may play a role, as well. Long-term exposure to loud noises is also a major cause of hearing loss in old age.
In addition, some medical conditions that are more common to older people are known to contribute to hearing loss, including:
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Use of ototoxic medications
Hearing loss involving changes to the inner ear is known as sensorineural hearing loss, and accounts for 90% of hearing loss problems among adults.
How Can I Prevent Age-Related Hearing Loss?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent age-related hearing loss. However, limiting one’s exposure to loud noises is critically important for maintaining good hearing in both the short term and the long term. Always use ear protection when working or spending time around damaging sounds, such as:
Loud music
Firearms
Power equipment
How Do I Know If I Have Age-Related Hearing Loss?
You may be experiencing age-related hearing loss if you’re over the age of 55 and are noticing the sounds around you becoming diminished and/or distorted—particularly high-pitched words or noises.
If you’re unsure whether your hearing has diminished, Beltone is here to help you find answers. Click the link below to take the easy first step of our free online hearing screening.
Can I Ignore My Age-Related Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss impacts much more than your ability to hear. Left untreated, hearing loss can affect many aspects of your life, including your overall health and wellbeing.
Untreated hearing loss can lead to depression, isolation, dementia, falls and more, so seeking treatment quickly is recommended.
Click the link below to learn more about the impacts of hearing loss—and how hearing aids can help you.
Take the Next Step
Don't wait any longer to begin your journey to better hearing. Beltone is ready to help you hear what matters the most to you.
Schedule a free hearing screening with a Beltone hearing care professional to explore your options.
Types of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss (sometimes called nerve-related hearing loss) is the most common type of hearing loss among adults.
Conductive Hearing Loss
A conductive hearing loss is often temporary and can sometimes be corrected with wax removal, medication or surgery.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is precisely what it sounds like: a mix of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Earbuds & Hearing Loss
Headphones and earbuds can induce hearing loss by isolating loud noises and placing them directly inside your sensitive ear canals.
Medication & Hearing Loss
Prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications that cause either hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms are called ototoxic medications.
Meningitis & Hearing Loss
While meningitis doesn’t always result in hearing loss, people who have had meningitis are at a much higher risk.
