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Understanding Hearing Loss
Recognizing the signs of hearing loss is the first step toward effective care. At Central Hearing, we help you identify challenges early and take the right steps to protect your hearing health.
Schedule a Hearing TestWhat is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it difficult to detect in the early stages. It occurs when parts of the ear or auditory nerves don’t function properly, and can range from mild to profound, affecting one or both ears.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Caused by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound waves from reaching the inner ear.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, impairing the transmission of sound signals to the brain.
Mixed Hearing Loss
A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, affecting multiple parts of the ear.
Understanding Happens in the Brain
Your ears collect sound, but your brain makes sense of it. When hearing loss limits what your brain receives, conversations become harder to follow and understanding speech takes more effort. Hearing aids restore missing sounds, helping your brain process speech clearly so listening feels natural again.
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Tinnitus Is a Common Symptom of Hearing Loss
Most people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss, even if they aren’t aware of it. If you experience persistent ringing in your ears, it may be time to schedule a hearing evaluation.
Learn More About TinnitusSigns of Hearing Loss
Early identification of symptoms is key to effective care
Difficulty Understanding Conversations
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Struggling to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments
- Misunderstanding words and responding inappropriately
Increased Volume Levels
- Turning up the volume on the TV or radio higher than usual
- Family or friends commenting on the loudness of your devices
Straining to Hear
- Needing to concentrate to understand what others are saying
- Feeling exhausted after social interactions due to the effort required to listen
Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
- Experiencing persistent or occasional ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in one of both ears
- Tinnitus can be an early indicator of hearing loss
Difficulty Hearing High-Pitched Sounds
- Trouble hearing doorbell, alarms, or the voices of women and children
- High-pitched sounds becoming less distinct
Withdrawal from Social Situations
- Avoiding social gatherings due to difficulty hearing
- Feeling isolated or frustrated in group conversations
Challenges with Phone Conversations
- Difficulty understanding speech over the phone
- Preferring to use speakerphone to hear better
Speech Sounds Muffled
- Voices and other sounds seem muffled or unclear
- Feeling like people are mumbling when they speak
Balance Issues
Experiencing dizziness or balance problems, which can be related to inner ear issues
Early Intervention is Key
Recognizing hearing loss early can improve communication, reduce social isolation, and support emotional well-being. Early intervention makes hearing care more effective and helps protect your long-term health. If you notice any signs of hearing loss, schedule a hearing evaluation at Central Hearing.
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