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.
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, or power equipment.
Click the link below to learn more about the danger of ear buds to your hearing health.
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 well-being.
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.
When Do I Need a Hearing Aid?
When hearing loss starts to interfere with your communication and everyday activities, you may need a hearing aid. The severity of hearing loss and how it affects your quality of life are key factors in deciding if a hearing aid is necessary, and a hearing care professional can evaluate your situation and work with you to determine the best path forward.
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
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.
