Are You Experiencing Signs of Hearing Loss in Naples, FL?
Types and Causes of Hearing Loss by Florida Gulf Coast Hearing Center
Hearing loss can be a debilitating condition to live with, especially if it strikes suddenly. There are many types and causes of hearing loss that may affect residents of Naples and Estero, Florida, including sudden hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss. No matter which type is affecting you, a professional hearing specialist can help you determine the best method of treatment and how to move forward so you can have a happy, full life.
At Florida Gulf Coast Hearing Center, our experienced, compassionate team includes board-certified professionals in otolaryngology. We can assist patients in determining the hearing loss causes and how to best treat it. To learn more, please schedule an appointment at one of our hearing center in Naples or Estero, FL.
How Hearing Loss Affects Your Health
The primary way that hearing loss, particularly sudden hearing loss, affects your health is by reducing your quality of life. It can become much harder to communicate with people, so it becomes more difficult to work, take part in hobbies and activities you enjoy, and spend time with family and friends. Over time, this can lead to depression, anger, resentment, anxiety, fear, and isolation. Treating your hearing loss can reduce or eliminate these problems and even have a positive effect on your cognitive performance, particularly your memory.
Types of Hearing Loss
There are three basic types of hearing loss that can affect people of all ages:
- Sensorineural hearing loss – Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It can be caused by aging, exposure to loud noise, injury, disease, drugs, or genetics. It cannot be treated surgically or medically; however, hearing aids can help restore some hearing ability. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can occur suddenly or over the course of a few days. You should visit a doctor immediately if you experience sudden hearing loss, as any delay in treatment can decrease your chances of recovery.
- Conductive hearing loss – Conductive hearing loss occurs in the outer or middle ear when sound waves cannot carry through to the inner ear. The sound may be blocked by earwax or a foreign object in the ear canal. It is also possible that the middle ear space is impacted with fluid, infection, or a bone abnormality. It may also be caused by damage or injury to the eardrum. It may be reversed surgically or through medical intervention.
- Mixed hearing loss – Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. They can occur in tandem or one after another.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss
The most common causes of hearing loss in adults are:
- Age-related changes to the ears or auditory nerves
- Loud noises
- Genetics
- Head injury
- Illness
- Infection
- Side effect of prescription drugs
- Circulatory problems like high blood pressure
Long-Term Effects of Hearing Loss
Sudden hearing loss and untreated hearing loss can have long-term physical, emotional, mental, and social side effects. Even mild hearing loss can double an adult’s chances of developing dementia. Moderate loss can triple the risk, and severe hearing impairment makes one five times more likely to develop dementia.
Sudden hearing loss can affect your mobility, balance, and independence, and may eventually have significant mental and emotional effects on your life. Wearing hearing aids can decrease your risk of some of these possible side effects, but more research needs to be done to find out how and to what extent.
Call Us Today for Hearing Loss Care in Florida
If you need reliable, professional treatment for sudden hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss, or any other type, come see us at Florida Gulf Coast Hearing Center in Naples and Estero, Florida. We have experienced, compassionate hearing specialists on staff who can determine the hearing loss causes, and develop a treatment plan that offers the best chance of success. We also sell top-of-the-line hearing aids and hearing aid accessories. To learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified professionals in otolaryngology, please call us today at (239)514-2419 or contact us online.