Frequently Asked Questions

Sensorineural: The most common type, it occurs when nerves in the cochlea are damaged and do not properly transmit auditory signals to the brain. This type is typically caused because of age or noise exposure and is very correctable with hearing instruments.

Conductive: Is typically the result of obstructions in the ear such as wax or physiological problems to the mechanics of the eardrum or small bones of the middle ear. In some cases these issues can be treated medically or surgically.

Mixed: A combination of sensorineural and conductive.

Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ear(s) is often associated with hearing loss. Many individuals suffer from these sounds and it can range from barely noticeable to extremely annoying. 80% of patients who have ringing and wear hearing instruments indicate a significant reduction in the sensation while wearing the devices. 15% of patients indicate that the hearing instruments made noticeable  reductions to the ringing sensation, while 5% say there was no measurable benefit. So the vast majority of hearing instrument wearers enjoyed the reduced ringing sensation by wearing their hearing aids daily.

• Auditory Deprivation occurs when the brain does not receive transmissions because of damage to the cochlea. This ultimately causes the brain to forget how to understand those electrical impulses sent from the cochlea that we interpret as sound.
• Untreated hearing loss may increase your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia (Archives of Neurology Feb. 2012)
• Mild hearing loss linked to brain atrophy in older adults (Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Aug. 2011)
• Hearing Loss is twice as common in adults with diabetes (Annals of Internal Medicine July 2008)
• Intimacy and warmth in family relationships
• General communication
• Sense of control over your life
• Social participation
• Perception of mental functioning
• Emotional stability
• Communication in relationships
• Depression
• Personal safety issues