Have you noticed that it is becoming increasingly difficult to hear? Progressive hearing loss is a condition in which an individual gradually loses the ability to hear. Depending on the underlying cause, hearing loss may worsen over time without appropriate treatment. However, many individuals with progressive hearing loss don’t notice the changes until their hearing has declined significantly. That’s why it’s important to recognize the early signs that something may be wrong with your hearing.
El Dorado Hearing has put together this quick guide to help you understand progressive hearing loss, its causes, warning signs, and recommended treatment options.
Causes of Progressive Hearing Loss
Progressive hearing loss develops gradually over time, often beginning with mild hearing difficulties that may become more noticeable as the condition progresses. Many individuals don’t recognize the changes until their hearing loss becomes moderate or severe, especially if it affects only one ear.
Progressive hearing loss can have several causes, including:
- Age: As we get older, changes in the auditory system can affect our ability to hear. Age-related hearing loss usually develops gradually rather than suddenly.
- Noise exposure: Although hearing loss can sometimes occur suddenly after exposure to extremely loud noise, prolonged exposure to loud sounds can also cause progressive hearing loss. Taking preventive measures, such as wearing appropriate hearing protection, can help reduce the risk of noise-related hearing damage.
- Medications or illness: Certain medications and medical conditions can affect hearing. If you are taking medication that may affect your hearing or notice changes while being treated for an illness, speak with your healthcare professional.
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurs when the inner ear’s sensory hair cells or the auditory nerve become damaged. Depending on the cause, this type of hearing loss may be permanent or may require ongoing management.
- Earwax buildup: Excessive earwax can block the ear canal and make sounds seem muffled. A healthcare professional can safely remove impacted earwax when necessary, which may improve hearing if the blockage is the cause.
Because hearing difficulties can result from several different conditions, it may be difficult to determine whether you have progressive hearing loss or another type of hearing problem. A qualified audiologist can evaluate your hearing, help identify the possible cause, and recommend appropriate next steps.
Warning Signs of Progressive Hearing Loss
Whether you’re experiencing progressive hearing loss yourself or suspect that a loved one may have it, recognizing the warning signs is important. Early evaluation can help identify the problem and determine which treatments may improve communication and hearing.
Look out for the following signs of hearing loss:
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Having difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy environments
- Turning up the volume on the television or radio
- Misunderstanding words or noticing that sounds seem distorted
- Having difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds
- Struggling to distinguish high-frequency speech sounds, such as “s” or “th”
- Experiencing ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
These symptoms can occur with different types of hearing loss, so they cannot confirm progressive hearing loss on their own. A professional hearing evaluation can help determine whether hearing loss is present and assess its severity.
If you notice changes in your hearing, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist. Seek urgent medical attention if your hearing suddenly worsens, particularly in one ear, rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Schedule a Hearing Test with El Dorado Hearing of Tucson, AZ
Regular hearing assessments can help identify hearing changes early, particularly as you get older or have risk factors for hearing loss. A hearing specialist can evaluate your hearing, explain the results, and recommend appropriate treatment or management options.
Schedule an appointment with El Dorado Hearing for a hearing evaluation if you:
- Have a family history of hearing loss
- Are regularly exposed to loud noises
- Have difficulty participating in conversations
- Frequently turn up the volume on your television or other devices
Our experienced hearing specialists provide comprehensive hearing assessments to determine whether hearing loss is present and how it affects your daily life. For personalized hearing testing in Tucson, AZ, consider El Dorado Hearing of Tucson.
We strive to make our hearing clinics comfortable and welcoming, so everyone feels at ease while receiving care.
If you’re ready to take control of your hearing health, visit one of our hearing clinics. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our caring and experienced hearing specialists!