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.
What Causes Mixed Hearing Loss?
Mixed hearing loss occurs when multiple hearing loss causes are present at once. Sensorineural hearing loss, which accounts for 90% of adult hearing problems, affects the inner ear or nerve center and is typically caused by the normal aging process or repeated exposure to loud noises.
Conductive hearing loss, meanwhile, stems from problems in the outer or middle parts of the ear. Some of the most frequently cited causes of conductive hearing loss include ear infections, buildup of ear wax or a punctured eardrum.
Remember: only a trained hearing care professional will be able to accurately determine the cause and type of your hearing loss, so be sure to book a free appointment with Beltone as soon as possible if you’re noticing symptoms.
How Do I Know If I Have Mixed Hearing Loss?
You’re most at risk of mixed 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. This is a good indication that you’ve begun to experience sensorineural hearing loss.
At the same time, you may have recently suffered a sinus infection, head cold, illness or apparent ear infection that made your hearing problems become noticeably worse, which is a sign that some level of conductive hearing loss is present, as well.
Can I Ignore Mixed 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.
Online Hearing Assessment
Visit any Beltone Hearing Care Center to discover just how simple it is to improve your hearing.
You can also take our online hearing assessment to get a head start on your free appointment—we’ll forward your results to your local Beltone office. The results will help your hearing care professional begin the process of determining your level of hearing loss and which hearing aids are right for 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.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Along with exposure to loud noises, the natural aging process is the most common cause of sensorineural 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.
