Frequently Asked Questions

Hearing loss can result from many factors including aging, exposure to loud noise, genetics, certain medications, ear infections, and medical conditions that affect circulation or the auditory system. A comprehensive hearing evaluation helps identify the type and cause of your hearing loss. 

Several factors can increase your risk for developing hearing loss over time. These include:

• Age: Natural changes in the inner ear can lead to gradual hearing decline.
   
• Noise exposure: Repeated or prolonged exposure to loud sounds—at work, concerts, or through headphones—can permanently damage hearing.
   
• Family history: Genetics can influence your susceptibility to certain types of hearing loss.
   
• Medical conditions: Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders can affect blood flow and nerve health in the ear.
   
• Ototoxic medications: Some chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and pain medications can harm the inner ear.
   
• Smoking and poor circulation: Both can impact oxygen flow to the auditory system.
   

Protecting your hearing through regular checkups, noise protection, and managing overall health can help reduce these risks.assistive listening devices.

Common signs include frequently asking others to repeat themselves, difficulty following conversations in noisy places, turning up the TV volume, or feeling that people are mumbling. A hearing test is the only way to know for sure. 

Some causes, such as earwax buildup or infections, can be treated medically. However, most permanent hearing loss (sensorineural) cannot be reversed but can be effectively managed with hearing technology and communication strategies. 

Untreated hearing loss has been linked not only to dementia and depression, but also to various subtle health impacts. Studies indicate that untreated hearing loss can increase healthcare costs by up to 40% over ten years. Conversely, appropriate treatment for hearing loss can help restore cognitive abilities and alleviate depression in affected adults. Ensuring the treatment is suitable for the severity and type of hearing loss is essential, beginning with a thorough hearing test and evaluation.

Like many individuals, you might have delayed addressing your hearing loss. Studies indicate that the average person waits seven years before seeking assistance. Unfortunately, this delay can increase the risk of serious health issues, including cognitive decline, anxiety, depression, and a higher likelihood of falls. Hearing tests are painless, straightforward, and often covered by insurance, making them an effective way to safeguard your health. They can also help identify potential health concerns early, allowing for timely treatment before they escalate. Here are some health issues that a hearing test and evaluation can reveal.

A hearing test can identify issues ranging from simple earwax blockages to permanent hearing loss. At Hearing Services West in Los Alamitos, our hearing aid specialists will evaluate your hearing threshold by having you listen to a series of tones at varying volumes. The test will also assess your ability to hear and comprehend speech, including in environments with significant background noise. After completing the test, your audiologist  will produce an audiogram, which displays your hearing sensitivity. The audiogram uses frequencies measured in Hertz (Hz) and loudness in decibels to indicate the lowest volume levels at which you can hear specific sounds. The higher the volume required to hear a sound, the greater the degree of hearing loss.

Our audiologist will go over your hearing test results with you to determine the extent of your hearing loss. Following this, you will have the opportunity to discuss potential treatment options and identify the most suitable hearing aids for your needs.