Maybe your partner complains that you want the TV volume turned up too much. Or your kids say they have to repeat themselves when they talk to you. And you’ve noticed that sometimes you can hear people talking but it’s hard to understand exactly what they are saying.
Your hearing might be changing and you might not realize it’s happening. Hearing loss often comes on slowly, so it can be easy to miss.
“Most hearing loss begins subtly and your brain helps fill in the gaps with context clues, so you can be unaware of it without an outsider’s perspective,” said Jennifer Chavira, an audiologist with Banner - University Medicine.
Once you understand the cause, treatment options can help you hear better.
Early signs of hearing loss
Hearing loss often shows up as trouble understanding words and conversations. It’s possible that you have hearing loss if you find that you are:
- Turning up the TV volume more than other people would like
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Having trouble understanding speech, especially in places that are noisy like restaurants
- Noticing that it seems like people are mumbling
- Having difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
What causes hearing loss?
Different factors can cause hearing loss. It’s important to get checked if you think you could have hearing loss since it’s usually treatable. Hearing loss usually falls into these two main categories:
- Conductive hearing loss: Sound waves are blocked before they reach your inner ear. It’s often caused by earwax buildup, fluid in the ear or ear infections. Medical care can clear up most causes of conductive hearing loss.
- Sensorineural hearing loss: You have damage to your inner ear or your hearing nerve that affects how your ear converts sound into electrical signals that your brain can understand. It’s common with aging. It’s usually permanent but manageable with hearing aids.
Why hearing loss can be hard to notice
Family members may point out signs of hearing loss that you may not notice because:
- It can develop gradually over time
- Your brain adapts to the missing sounds
- You may hear sounds but not clearly understand speech
When should you get a hearing test?
You should have your hearing tested if you have:
- Trouble understanding conversations
- Difficulty hearing when there’s a lot of background noise
- Family members who notice changes in your hearing
- Ringing, buzzing or chirping in the ears (tinnitus)
“These are often the first signs that you may have hearing loss,” Dr. Chavira said. A hearing test is simple and the results can help you figure out your next steps.
How hearing aids work
Hearing aids don’t restore your hearing but they can make sounds clearer and louder.
They are small electronic devices that work by:
- Picking up the sound waves that are reaching your ear
- Converting that sound into digital or electrical signals
- Adjusting and amplifying sounds
- Sending the improved sound into your ear canal
Types and styles of hearing aids
You can choose from different types of hearing aids. The right style depends on your level of hearing loss and your preferences. Common types include:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE)
- In-the-ear (ITE)
- In-the-canal (ITC)
- Completely-in-canal (CIC)
- Open-fit hearing aids, which are small BTE hearing aids with a small tip that enters the ear canal
OTC vs prescription hearing aids
Hearing aids are available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options. Here’s what to keep in mind if you are deciding between them:
- OTC hearing aids are designed for certain types of mild to moderate hearing loss. They are only advised for:
- People age 18 or older
- People who do not have any medical issues that could make OTC hearing aids a poor choice
- People who have ongoing support for maintaining and caring for their hearing aids
- Prescription hearing aids are custom fitted and programmed for your specific hearing needs. They may be a better choice if you have moderate to severe hearing loss.
Getting your hearing checked by a professional can help make sure you get the best fit and results.
What to expect when using hearing aids
“You should expect an adjustment period, just like with glasses. New hearing aids can feel overwhelming or ‘too loud’ at the beginning. That's because you have been missing out on sound for quite a while,” Dr. Chavira said.
“It can take one to two weeks of consistent use, 12 hours a day, for your brain to acclimate to the new hearing aids. But you will never acclimate if you don't wear them consistently,” she said.
You may need to learn how to use some of the features on your hearing aids, like:
- Noise reduction
- Bluetooth or wireless connectivity
- Syncing between devices like your phone
Once you get used to wearing hearing aids you may feel like you rely on them or your hearing is worse without them. This is an illusion due to your brain adapting and the difference between aided hearing and what you could hear with hearing loss.
Cost and access considerations
Price is a big factor when you need hearing aids. Hearing aids can cost $2,000 or more per ear and health insurance doesn’t usually cover the expense. However, while you may want to choose a lower-cost option, it may not perform as well.
Your audiologist can review the pros and cons of different types of hearing aids with you, so you have the information you need to make your decision.
When should you see a specialist?
“You should reach out to your provider as soon as you notice any difficulties hearing. The sooner you do something about it, the easier the acclimatization period,” Dr. Chavira said. Be sure to contact a provider if you notice:
- Ongoing difficulty hearing
- Sudden hearing loss
- Hearing loss with dizziness or pain
- Concerns about hearing aids you’re using
The bottom line
Hearing loss is common and often develops gradually. You might notice signs you don’t think are hearing loss or a loved one might suspect you aren’t hearing as well as you used to.
If you’re noticing changes in your hearing, a Banner Health audiologist or ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can review your symptoms and help you understand your treatment options.
Testing and the right treatment can make a big difference in how you hear and communicate.
FAQs
How do hearing aids work?
They amplify and adjust sounds so they are easier to hear and understand.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
Trouble understanding speech, needing higher volume and asking people to repeat themselves.
Are OTC hearing aids effective?
They may help with mild to moderate hearing loss but they are not right for everyone.
Do hearing aids restore normal hearing?
No but they can significantly improve how clearly you hear.
When should I get a hearing test?
If hearing changes affect your conversations or daily life.
