Understanding Hearing Loss
Over 40% of Americans have some degree of hearing loss, that’s 48 million people. Many people don’t treat their hearing loss and increase their risks of developing other health issues. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression. When you can’t hear well then you tend to lack the confidence to socially engage with other people. You may stay at home more or miss out on opportunities with friends or family. This often leads to feelings of depression and can even lead to dementia. When you aren’t active, both socially and mentally, your brain starts to decline in its cognitive abilities.
Manage your hearing loss with hearing aids to continue to remain active and healthy! Don’t let hearing loss have negative effects on your life, come see us at Uthe Hearing Aid & Audiology Centers.
Types of Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed.
Sensorineural hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is a nerve related issue in the inner ear. This is the most common type of hearing loss, affecting the most people. This type of loss varies by degree and can be effectively managed with hearing aids.
The causes of sensorineural hearing loss include:
- Autoimmune disease of the inner ear
- Loud-noise exposure
- Aging
- Head trauma or injury
- Inner ear malformation
- Malignant tumors
- Viruses or disease
- Ototoxic medication, which can harm the ear
- Neurologic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis
Conductive hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear. Conductive hearing loss can be medically treated or managed with hearing aids.
Causes of conductive hearing loss include:
- Allergies
- Benign tumors
- Ear infections
- Fluid in the middle ear
- Impacted earwax
- Otosclerosis
- Perforated eardrum
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Malformation of the outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear structures
Mixed hearing loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive. This often occurs when there is damage to the outer or middle ear as well as the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve.
Regardless of the type of hearing loss you have or how your hearing loss developed, it is important to come see us at Uthe Hearing Aid & Audiology Centers. We will perform a full diagnostic hearing evaluation and determine if you may need a medical referral. The sooner you address your hearing loss the sooner you can get back to enjoying the sounds you love again.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus, commonly known as “ringing in the ears,” is when you hear a ringing, buzzing, humming, or whooshing sound when no other external sound is present. Tinnitus affects 50 million Americans alone and can even occur in people with normal hearing.
Tinnitus itself is not a condition, rather a symptom of another issue, such as hearing loss. Although there is no definite cure for tinnitus you can find relief with hearing aids. At Uthe Hearing Aid & Audiology Centers, we have hearing aids with a tinnitus masking feature to soothe your ears and alleviate your symptoms. These hearing aids play soothing sounds, such as ocean waves, to distract you from the ringing in your ears.
Contact Us!
Office Locations
Main location
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3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50310 - (515) 278-2413
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Office Hours:
Mon - Thurs: 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Fri: 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Des Moines Location
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2478 E Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50317 - (515) 264-8416
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Office Hours:
Mon - Thurs: 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Fri: 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Pella Location
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404 Jefferson Street
Pella, IA 50219 - (641) 628-8811
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Office Hours:
Wednesday: 8:30AM - 3:30PM
Knoxville Location
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1208 N Lincoln
Knoxville, IA 50138 - (641) 842-4800
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Office Hours:
Monday: 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Grinnell Location
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807 Broad Street
Grinnell, IA 50112 - (641) 236-6676
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Office Hours:
Tuesday: 8:30AM - 3:30PM
