hearing loss

in Tuscaloosa, AL

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Hearing loss often carries consequences of everyday activities, causing life to become increasingly difficult. Whether it causes complications with conversations, watching television, or business meetings, many people find that hearing loss will cause them to become socially isolated, and their quality of life can diminish.

  • Social Obstacles – Some people with hearing loss may experience fear, sadness, or anxiety. They may also reduce their social activities. However, hearing aid users experience a significant increase in their quality of life as soon as they start using a hearing aid.
  • Physical Obstacles – Based on the cause of your hearing loss, not treating hearing loss can result in tiredness, headaches, vertigo, and stress. These are not always caused by untreated hearing loss, but they are often observed in hearing loss cases.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can occur in any part of the ear:

  • Outer Ear – Some common complications that may lead to hearing loss in the outer ear include ear wax and infections of the ear canal. This type of hearing loss can be treated by one of our ENT physicians.
  • Middle Ear – This type of hearing loss is generally caused by fluid buildup behind the eardrum or perforations of the eardrum. Most middle ear treatments involve medication or surgery. However, this type of hearing loss can also be improved with a hearing aid, if needed.
  • Inner Ear – Most cases of hearing loss occur in the inner ear due to aging, genetics, or exposure to loud noises. These factors damage the fine hair cells and diminish the transmission of signals to the auditory nerve. Nerve loss should be treated with appropriate hearing aid(s).

Hearing loss can cause life to become increasingly difficult in situations such as daily conversations, watching television, or in the workplace. Many people find that hearing loss will cause them to become socially isolated, and their quality of life can diminish. Some people with hearing loss may experience fear, sadness, or anxiety. They may also reduce their social activities. However, hearing aid users experience a significant improvement in their quality of life.

If you are experiencing hearing loss, you should contact Alabama ENT Specialists to schedule an appointment. A comprehensive audiological evaluation will be completed to determine the cause and severity of your hearing loss. One of our ENT physicians will discuss possible medical treatment or cause and referral to one of our audiologists, if needed.  For more information, visit our blog!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Loss

At what age is hearing loss normal?

Hearing loss is often considered a natural part of aging, commonly beginning around age 60. While it's more prevalent in older adults, hearing loss can vary widely, with some individuals maintaining sharp hearing into their later years and others experiencing issues earlier due to genetics, noise exposure, or health conditions.

Can ear wax build up cause permanent hearing loss?

While ear wax buildup hearing loss is reversible with proper removal, prolonged blockage or improper cleaning methods can lead to infections or damage to the ear canal, potentially resulting in more lasting issues.

How can I improve hearing loss naturally?

Improving hearing loss naturally includes reducing exposure to loud noises, maintaining a diet rich in nutrients like magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, and exercising regularly to promote good circulation to the inner ear. While these steps may not reverse existing damage, they can prevent further loss and support overall auditory health.

How do I know if my hearing loss is permanent or temporary?

The best way to determine if your hearing loss is permanent or not is to schedule a professional evaluation with an ENT doctor or audiologist. They will be able to examine your ears and test your hearing to figure out what the issue is.

Is hearing loss genetic?

Hearing loss can be genetic, but that doesn’t always mean that if there is a history of hearing loss in your family that you are guaranteed to have hearing loss in the future. About 50% of hearing loss cases are due to genetics.

Is it possible to improve hearing?

While permanent hearing loss is often irreversible, there are other types of hearing loss and conditions that can be improved with treatment and lifestyle changes. Avoiding loud noises, managing stress, receiving hearing treatment (including medication), practicing a healthy lifestyle, and getting regular hearing screenings are all steps you can take to improve your hearing.

What does hearing loss feel like?

Hearing loss can feel like a constant struggle to catch sounds or words, especially in noisy environments. People may notice muffled sounds, the need to increase the volume, or frequent miscommunication.

What is minimal hearing loss?

Minimal hearing loss is a slight reduction in hearing ability, making detecting soft or distant sounds harder. While mild, it can affect speech and language development in children and may warrant interventions like hearing aids or therapy.

What is moderate hearing loss?

Moderate hearing loss usually means having difficulty hearing softer sounds and struggling to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments. You may miss household noises like the hum of the refrigerator or parts of sentences when someone is speaking.

What is the first sign of hearing loss?

There are a few different signs of hearing loss that occur early on. Difficulty understanding speech in a noisy environment and struggling to hear high-pitched sounds are a few of the first signs.

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Alabama Ear Nose & Throat Specialists - Tuscaloosa 302 Merchants Walk, Suite 100 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (map)


Phone: (205) 722-6822
Fax: (205) 523-9301

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