Answers to Common Questions

There are three main categories of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed.

Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve and is usually permanent. Common causes include aging, long-term noise exposure, genetics, and trauma to the ear.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is disrupted in the outer or middle ear while the auditory nerve remains healthy. This type of hearing loss may be medically treatable and can be caused by ear infections, a ruptured eardrum, abnormal bone growth, or wax buildup.

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, meaning there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve along with a sound blockage or disruption in the outer or middle ear.

Early signs of hearing loss include difficulty understanding conversations in crowded places or over the phone, struggling to hear consonant sounds, feeling tired after conversations and ringing in your ears, also known as tinnitus.

Whether hearing can be restored depends on the type and cause of hearing loss. 

Conductive hearing loss may be treatable through medical or surgical intervention. Sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent; however, hearing technology such as hearing aids or cochlear implants can significantly improve communication and access to sound. A comprehensive hearing evaluation helps determine appropriate options.

Not all hearing loss can be prevented, but certain steps can help reduce the risk of damage. Protecting your ears from loud noise by using hearing protection, limiting exposure to high sound levels, and taking listening breaks are important preventive measures. Avoid inserting objects into the ears, manage ear infections promptly, and schedule routine hearing evaluations to monitor changes over time.

The exact cause of tinnitus is still not fully understood; however, several factors are known to contribute to its development. 

Undiagnosed or untreated hearing loss is the most common contributor, as reduced sound input can lead the brain to generate internal noise. Hearing aids may help reduce the severity of tinnitus by restoring auditory stimulation to the brain.

Other contributing factors may include medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, Ménière’s disease, noise exposure, certain medications, and stress. Tinnitus most often occurs in both ears; however, if you experience tinnitus in only one ear, we recommend scheduling a hearing evaluation to better understand the underlying cause.

Tinnitus itself does not cause hearing loss. In many cases, tinnitus it is the most common symptom of untreated hearing loss or changes within the auditory system.

You should have your hearing checked if you notice changes such as difficulty understanding speech, ringing in the ears, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, turning up the volume on the TV, or if hearing loss runs in your family.

Adults should have routine hearing evaluations every few years, or annually if you have known hearing loss, noise exposure, or tinnitus. 

Children should receive routine hearing screenings as recommended by their pediatrician or school. If your child does not pass a routine screening, a comprehensive hearing evaluation is recommended to better understand the results and determine next steps.

If you suspect your child may have hearing loss, early evaluation is important so they can receive timely access to sound and help prevent potential speech and language delays.

There is no single “best” hearing aid for everyone. A Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) will review your hearing test results, lifestyle, communication needs, and preferences, and discuss available options with you. Together, you will decide which hearing aid style and technology best fits your needs and goals.

If you have hearing loss in only one ear and normal hearing in the other, you may only need one hearing aid. 

If hearing loss is present in both ears, wearing two hearing aids is typically recommended. Using two hearing aids can improve speech understanding in noisy environments and help you better determine the direction of sounds. Even when hearing loss is greater in one ear than the other, two hearing aids often provide the most balanced and effective listening experience.

Hearing through a hearing aid is different from natural hearing, especially at first. Many people notice sounds they haven’t heard in a long time, which may feel overwhelming at first, such as footsteps or rustling paper. As your brain adjusts, speech becomes clearer and listening feels more natural. For the best possible outcome, it is recommended to wear your hearing aids during all waking hours.

You’ll have several follow-up visits with your audiologist to ensure that your device is working for you. During these visits, your provider will help you with any questions or concerns about adjusting to your hearing aids. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are devices available without a prescription from a Doctor of Audiology or a hearing test, intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They are self-fitted and do not include professional programming. While helpful for some, OTC devices are not appropriate for all hearing losses, and a hearing evaluation can help determine the best option.

The best option depends on your hearing loss, listening needs, and personal goals. 

Prescription hearing aids are recommended for individuals with diagnosed hearing loss and are programmed by a Doctor of Audiology based on comprehensive testing. OTC hearing aids may be appropriate for some adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss but do not include professional evaluation or customization. A hearing evaluation can help determine which option will provide the best outcome for you.

Audiologists are Doctors of Audiology who provide care for conditions related to the auditory and vestibular systems, including hearing and balance disorders. They frequently diagnose hearing conditions and provide treatment through hearing technology, counseling, and rehabilitative services.

Yes. Audiologists are Doctors of Audiology (Au.D.) who have earned a clinical doctoral degree in audiology. However, they are not physicians and do not perform surgery or prescribe medication.

An ear doctor, also known as an ENT or otolaryngologist, is a physician who treats conditions of the ears, nose, and throat, including diseases, tumors, nerve disorders, and structural abnormalities. ENT physicians may perform surgery and prescribe medication.

An audiologist is a Doctor of Audiology who specializes in hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists diagnose hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, and balance conditions, and provide management through prescription hearing aids and cochlear implant programming. 

Audiologists and ENT physicians often work together to provide comprehensive care.