FAQ

Hearing loss can be due to several factors such as the aging process, exposure to loud noise, medications, infections, head or ear trauma, congenital (birth) or genetic factors, or diseases. It is estimated that nearly 20 percent of adults in the United States (48 million) report some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss often occurs gradually throughout a lifetime.

Yes, there are varying degrees of hearing loss. The results of your hearing test are plotted on a chart called an audiogram. Loudness is plotted from top to bottom. The top of the graph is very quiet and the bottom of the graph is very loud. Frequency, or pitch, from low to high, is plotted from left to right. Hearing level (HL) is measured in decibels (dB) and is described in general categories. The general hearing loss categories used by most hearing professionals are as follows:

• Normal hearing (0-25 dB HL)
• Mild hearing loss (26-40 dB HL)
• Moderate hearing loss (41-70dB HL)
• Severe hearing loss (71-90 dB HL)
• Profound hearing loss (greater than 91 dB HL)

Hearing loss in children can occur at any time in life from acquired factors such as ear infections, head trauma, certain medications, and genetic factors. You may suspect your child has a hearing loss if you observe any of the following:

• Failed newborn hearing screening
• Delays in speech and language acquisition, including baby babbling
• Frequent ear infections
• Not startled by loud sounds
• Not turning to the location of sounds after six months of age
• Difficulty following verbal directions
• Daydreaming in many situations
• Concerns by schoolteachers or failed school hearing screening
• Loud volume on the TV or radio
• Complaints from the child that they cannot hear

ALDs include alarm clocks, TV listening systems, telephone amplifying devices and auditorium-type assistive listening systems. Many newer devices are small, wireless, and compatible with a person’s digital hearing aids. ALDs are good for those who need extra amplification and would like a more hands-free, seamless listening experience.

Hearing aids of the past were limited in what they could accomplish, but modern hearing aids have powerful processing technology that filters out background noise before the sound even reaches your brain. Depending on what level of technology you purchase, your hearing aids may be more or less focused on eliminating background noise — but even standard-level hearing aids are far more effective than they used to be.