Approximately 28 million Americas have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can affect people of all ages. However, it is most frequently seen in the mature population as a natural consequence of aging (presbycusis) and a history of noise exposure.

The primary causes of hearing damage include noise, certain chemicals and drugs, if your body is exposed to them of a long period of time, diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, meningitits and injury.

The most direct effect of a hearing loss is the inability to hear soft sounds. Depending on the degree of the hearing loss, some peoip[le may have a hard time hearing conversational sounds or even loud sounds. Some people may hear speech sounds, but they may not understand the meaning. This is especially noticeable in noisy places. Still, many people with a hearing loss also notice a constant ringing of rushing sound in their ears (tinnitus).

There are primarily two types of hearing loss. One is called conductive hearing loss. This type of hearing loss has its origin within the ear canal and/or the middle ear where the three tiny bones (the hammer, anvil and stirrup) reside. Examples of such hearing loss may include accumulation of ear wax within the ear canal, perforation of the ear drum and disease of the middle ear like otosclerosis. Often, a codunctive loss can be medically corrected., The other type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss has its origin within the inner ear where the sensory hearing cells and the hearing nerve are located. Most frequently a sensorineural hearing loss results from the death of the hearing cells. This most common reason for the death of the hearing cells is aging. Other causes like constant exposure to loud sounds, certain medications, heredity, etc can result in this type of hearing loss. Many people also call this a nerve loss.

Telltale signs of a hearing loss include frequently missing parts of a conversation, not understanding what is spoken and/or missing sounds that one used to be able to hear. It is not easy to tell which type of hearing loss one may have because their symptoms are similar, One should always seek professional help to determine the type and extent of the hearing loss.

Start by visiting either an audiologist or an otolaryngologist. An audiologist is trained in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of hearing loss (including the dispensing of hearing aids) that does not have a medical origin. S/he will offer advice and recommendations on whether your hearing problems can be helped with the use of hearing aids (if so, which type etc.) and /or training in communication strategies such as lip reading. And otolaryngologist is trained in treating ear diseases that have a medical origin. S/he will offer advice on whether a hearing problem can be corrected through medication or surgery. In many states, a hearing aid dispenser may also recommend and fit you with a hearing aid after your hearing loss is diagnosed. Any of these professionals will be able to make the right referral to the others when it is appropriate.

When your hearing healthcare professional recommends a hearing aid, s/he usually will consider how the hearing aid(s) fit your lifestyle and unique personal needs, and how each hearing aid feature might improve your ease of communication in different listening environments. S/he also will instruct you on the proper card and use of the hearing aids, including the warranty and trial period. You should understand why the specific hearing aids are being recommended for you and what hearing improvements you should expect from them.