Hearing Loss

Losing your hearing can be one of the most daunting challenges you may face, as hearing loss can affect every aspect of daily life, from physical and mental health to financial security. Whether you or a loved one are experiencing auditory impairment, it's important to be well-informed in order to understand the condition and take proactive steps toward effective treatment and management. This involves familiarizing yourself with the types and causes as well as prognosis and treatment options so that you can make the best decisions for yourself or your family member going forward.

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older woman talking to healthcare professional

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can take many forms and can range from mild to profound. The three most common types are conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not effectively traveling from the external environment into the inner ear, while sensorineural hearing loss involves damage to the hair cells of the inner ear or to the auditory nerve. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both types, with some degree of outer and middle ear complications accompanying nerve deterioration.

Unilateral hearing loss is a type where one ear has normal or near-normal hearing, but the other has significant hearing loss, while bilateral hearing loss refers to when both ears have reduced levels of hearing acuity. No matter what type you or your loved one may be facing, there are many resources available for managing different kinds of hearing loss, as advances in technology and medical knowledge are helping people thrive even in severe cases.

Causes of Hearing Loss

It is critical to understand the possible causes of hearing loss in order to take appropriate steps toward prevention or identify successful remedies. Sound causes tiny bones in your ear to move and send corresponding signals to the inner ear, which transmits them to the brain for processing. The intensity of sound is measured in units called decibels, which denote the extent of its power or pressure.

Hearing loss generally occurs gradually through prolonged immersion in harmful decibel levels or instantly from extreme decibel events like explosions. Exposure to loud sounds, ranging from a vacuum cleaner to those at a rock concert, is a common cause of hearing loss - especially when exposure occurs too frequently or disproportionately. Other causes include age-related changes, which generally decrease the ability to hear higher frequencies, genetic conditions that make one more prone to hearing loss, infections, reactions to certain medications, head trauma, and exposure to toxins or extreme temperatures. Learning more about the causes of hearing loss is vital to prevention.

audiologist examining ear of male patient

Prognosis and Treatment Options

Hearing loss can be a complex issue to grapple with, but there are effective treatments that can help. The prognosis of hearing loss depends on the type and severity of the condition. Conductive hearing loss is generally considered to be easily curable, as it usually involves physical sources such as earwax buildup or abnormal growths that can be resolved with surgery or medicine.

On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and irreversible, as it involves damage to nerve cells and systems that cannot be repaired or regenerated. Fortunately, there are technologies available - namely hearing aids and cochlear implants - that help enhance any remaining hearing capacity and improve the quality of life of those affected.

For some people, their hearing may improve drastically with medical intervention such as corrective surgery or treatments like auditory rehabilitation. Others may need to consider lifestyle changes and the use of assistive listening devices or protective equipment. Though seeking the help of experienced audiologists is essential in navigating appropriate treatment plans for hearing-related issues, prevention, and early detection are paramount.

Dan Sandstedt

2022-05-19

Most professional audiologist group I’ve ever dealt with! They truly put the patients needs and preferences first with an unmatched level of support throughout the entire process. After losing over 50% hearing capacity, this is the first and only place that was able to find the right combination to address my symptoms and restore enough hearing for me to operate with peace of mind within my personal and business relationships. All which have improved since working with them!

Jeffrey Deluca

2022-04-20

Absolutely the best experience dealing with loss of hearing issues. Michael and Michelle are the absolute best professionals in treatment for hearing loss. Any initial reservations I had about hearing aids were immediately erased. I wholeheartedly recommend them and would give them more than 5+ stars!

Jed Levine

2021-09-24

Michelle is the ultimate caring professional. Competent, sensitive and knowledgeable about the latest in hearing aide technology. She was patient with our inexperience and initial discomfort with the product, but provided hands on instruction and left us with how to videos. She’s been very responsive to our many questions. Plus she’s a delight to deal with, a pleasure with every interaction. We unreservedly recommend her. You’ll be in great hands.

Gigi Rappaport

2021-05-10

Michelle is amazing at Roosevelt Field Hearing!!! She is beyond patient when dealing with my elderly (and at times ornery)93 year old Dad! She is pleasant and extremely accommodating with his needs and appointment times! Most importantly, she has assisted my dad in hearing better with adjustments made to his hearing aid! I would highly recommend Michelle for your hearing aide needs! Thank you for all you do Michelle! 🙏

Catherine Addonizio

2021-04-22

It was just a pleasure to have found Roosevelt Hearing. My mother saw Dr. Matyko who performed a very thorough and efficient evaluation in a very comfortable office. She went above and beyond to make sure my mother was fitted for her hearing aids properly and that she was comfortable. Dr. Matyko’s experience and knowledge were evident in that she was able to find the right hearing aids for my mother the way no other audiologist has been able to in the past. She is so happy now. Thank you!!!

nicole Salpeter

2021-04-18

Our audiologist Michelle Matyko is one of the most knowledgeable, patient and sweet Drs we’ve ever worked with. She took impeccable care of my father in law and his difficulty getting used to wearing hearing aids. She navigated his complicated case with ease. She also treated my grandmother before she passed.. I would recommend her and her practice to anyone who’s having hearing issues! Thanks Dr Matyko!

Laura Byrne

2021-04-17

Dr. Matyko and Roosevelt Field Hearing took exceptional care of my mother and brother. They were attentive to our specific needs, provided thorough evaluations and didn’t try to push any unnecessary products on us! They were very patient in addressing all of our questions. And making an appointment was super easy - they got us in quickly!

Jenn Mammina

2021-04-16

Knowledgeable, Professional, Kind and Friendly. Mike Qualley was there when my son was having issues in school and needed audiological testing. Not only did he talk to me as the parent he spoke with my son who has an intellectual delay. He made us so comfortable. I have recommended him and his staff to family members and friends.