Advanced Audiology Concepts | Audiologist | Mentor, Ohio

Do only older adults have hearing loss?
While hearing loss is more common in older adults, it can affect people at any age. Changes in hearing may occur due to repeated exposure to loud noise, genetics, age-related changes, injury, medications, or other health conditions. Anyone who notices hearing difficulties should have their hearing evaluated, regardless of age.
What do I need to know about hearing aids?
Today’s hearing aids are small, sleek, and designed to fit onto your everyday life. Many devices can connect to smartphones, televisions, and other assistive listening devices to make it easier to hear in a variety of settings. Hearing aids can be personalized to your hearing needs and listening preferences, so you feel more confident and connected throughout the day.
Are hearing aids a cure for hearing loss?
Hearing aids do not cure hearing loss, but they can significantly improve access to sound and support communication based on your individual hearing needs. While they do not restore normal hearing, they can help you better engage in conversations, stay connected, and improve your overall listening experience in many different environments.
Is ringing in my ears normal?
Ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ear, known as tinnitus, can happen for many reasons. Tinnitus may be related to hearing loss, noise exposure, earwax buildup, medications, or other health conditions. If you notice ringing or other sounds in one or both ears, especially if it is new, worsening, or affecting your daily life, a hearing evaluation can help you determine the next steps.
What happens if hearing loss is left untreated?
Untreated hearing loss can make everyday communication more difficult, especially in the presence of background noise. Hearing loss has been linked to increased listening effort, frustration, social withdrawal, and reduced participation in routine activities. Over time, untreated hearing loss can also affect relationships, work, safety, and overall quality of life. A growing body of research also suggests an association between hearing loss and cognitive decline.

Do only older adults have hearing loss?
Hearing loss isn’t confined to older individuals; it affects people of all ages. Only about one-third of hearing loss patients are older than 65.
What is the most common cause of hearing loss?
The most common cause of hearing loss is noise exposure. While 85 decibels (dB) is considered the safety threshold, exposure to even moderately loud noises can cause permanent hearing damage.
What do I need to know about hearing aids?
The stigma associated with wearing hearing aids has long disappeared. Today’s digital devices are small, sleek, comfortable and discreet. If you are concerned with other peoples’ perceptions, you can opt for styles that are worn in the ear canal including invisible extended wear devices, making them virtually invisible.

Are hearing aids a cure for hearing loss?
Hearing aids are not a cure for hearing loss, but they do help many hearing-impaired individuals communicate more effectively. They work by amplifying sound vibrations that enter the ear. It is estimated that 95 percent of those suffering from hearing loss benefit from hearing aids – although only one out of five people with hearing loss seek treatment.
Do I have to wear two hearing aids?
Two hearing aids are better than one. Wearing two hearing aids makes sense, given the fact that we have two ears. This gives us directional hearing, enabling us to localize the source of a sound; as a result, we can hear better in noisy environments. Most types of hearing loss affect both ears anyway. Ninety percent of hearing loss patients benefit from wearing two hearing aids.