Hearing loss is the loss of hearing in one or both ears, ranging in degree from mild, moderate, severe to profound. Hearing loss is very common, as it's the third most common physical condition after arthritis and heart disease. Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, comes on gradually as a person gets older and often goes unnoticed given it's gradual onset.

Untreated hearing loss can impact your health as well as your well-being. Research indicates that people with hearing loss have higher rates of depression, social isolation and cognitive decline. Luckily, hearing loss is typically treatable with hearing aids and the support of Audiologists like Dr. Kalady.

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There are two general categories of hearing loss:

• Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent and most often treated with the prescription of hearing aids.
• Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear. The cause may be earwax buildup, fluid, or a punctured eardrum. Medical treatment or surgery can usually restore conductive hearing loss.

Common signs of hearing loss include: 

• Difficulty understanding everyday conversations
• A feeling of being able to hear but not understand
• Having to turn up the TV or radio
• Asking others to repeat often
• Avoidance of social situations that were once enjoyable
• Fatigue after a day of listening to other people
• Increased difficulty communicating in noisy situations like restaurants,  social gatherings, in the car or in group meetings
• Tinnitus, or ringing and/or buzzing sounds in the ears

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Are you experiencing signs of hearing loss? There is no need to delay treatment. Contact Dr. Kalady today to schedule a consultation and reconnect to the people in your life through better hearing.

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