May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

What is hearing loss?
Loss of hearing in one or both ears. It can range from mild to profound and is most common in adults aged 60 and older.

What are signs of hearing loss?

• Difficulty following everyday conversations
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• A feeling of being able to hear but not understand
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• Having to frequently ask people to repeat what they are saying
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• Needing to turn up the TV or radio volume
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• Thinking that others seem to mumble
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• Having trouble hearing over the telephone
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• Having a problem hearing because of background noise
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• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sound in the ears)

What are the different types of hearing loss?

What are causes of hearing loss?

How is it treated?

What can I do to protect my ears?

Learn more about hearing loss:

PCHC has developed Health Promotion Activity Plans (HPAPs) on general hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and more!
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• Conductive hearing loss: this occurs when soundwaves cannot reach the inner ear. 
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• Sensorineural hearing loss: this occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent.
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• Mixed hearing loss: this occurs when someone has both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

• Loud noises (lawn mowers, loud music) are the most common cause of permanent hearing loss. The loud noise damages the inner ear
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• Earwax or fluid buildup can block sounds to the inner ear
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• Punctured ear drum: this can occur from infection, pressure, or putting things (such as a Q-tip) in the ear
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• Medications: certain medications can cause damage to the inner ear
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• Heredity

• Treatment is individualized and based on the type and severity of hearing loss, cause, age, communication needs, lifestyle, and other factors.

• Talk to your doctor if you feel you have signsof hearing loss, ask for an audiological evaluation
    
• Protect your ears, limit exposure to loud noises or wear hearing protection if unavoidable

• Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): https://www.hearingloss.org
    
• NIH- National Institute on Aging (NIA)- Hearing Loss: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults
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