Hearing Loss and Hearing Tests in Scottsdale AZ

May 29, 2019

Hearing Loss and Hearing Tests in Scottsdale AZ

If you are unable to hear as well as a person with normal hearing, which is about 50 decibels (dB), then you may be affected by hearing loss. It can affect one or both your ears.

To give you an understanding of the decibel levels, city traffic noises are usually 85 dB and sirens are 120 dB. Regular exposure to sound levels above 75 dB might cause hearing loss.

How would you recognize hearing loss?

Newborns are usually tested after birth and the audiologists take appropriate steps. If a child is slow to learn talking or if their speech is not very clear, then their hearing should be checked.

If you, whether young or old, talk very loudly, find it hard to hear a conversation or even hear the alarm, doorbell or watch television very loudly, then you should see an audiologist.

Hearing loss has a stigma and it should not be. According to the World Health Organization, around 466 million people experience from severe loss of hearing, worldwide. Estimates suggest that the numbers will double in the next thirty years.

This means, you are not alone.

Causes of hearing loss

Besides hereditary cause, newborns may be affected with loss of hearing if they have a difficult birth or have jaundice. If the mother had complications during her pregnancy with illnesses like rubella or syphilis, or had certain strong medications, the newborn may have a loss of hearing.

Aging is one of the most common causes of progressive hearing loss. Hearing loss affects their daily life. They may find it difficult to have a conversation or even respond to the doorbell. There is a risk of older people falling into depression and memory loss because of their problems with hearing.

The other common cause of hearing loss is long term exposure to loud noise. Modern life tends to be noisy, including traffic noises, various modern gadgets and loud music. When surrounded by such loud noise, people may experience a gradual loss of hearing.

How does hearing actually work?

In the center of the hearing mechanism is the eardrum, present in the inner ear. The ear is a very sensitive and complex organ. It converts the sound wave to an electrical wave in the brain through a series of steps. The middle ear is a bony structure that vaguely looks like a snail. This structure called cochlea and the fluid inside it helps the sound wave to reach the eardrum which sits deep inside the inner ear.  The vibration of the eardrum, in turn, triggers the tiny hairs on it converting it into an electric wave. This wave travels to the brain via the auditory nerve.

What causes hearing loss?

Loud noise, ear infection or putting objects in the ear like a cotton swab can injure the hair cells in the eardrum. A very loud burst of noise like an explosion may cause sudden loss of hearing. Fluid or earwax in the ear acts as a sound barrier and cause a temporary loss of hearing. Otosclerosis or growth of excess bone and Cholesteatoma, which is an abnormal collection of skin in the ear are two conditions where hearing is affected.

Illnesses like Meningitis, Meniere’s disease and certain conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, heart conditions, and viral infection can cause loss of hearing. The chances are higher in older people.

Use of certain medicines used for treating severe infections, heart conditions and cancer may affect hearing. These medicines known as ototoxic drugs may damage the eardrum. Otosclerosis is thought to be a heredity condition that affects hearing.


 

 

hearing loss & hearing tests in scottsdale azIf you feel that you or a loved one might be experiencing gradual hearing loss that is becoming noticeable or problematic, we recommend contacting us at Tinnitus & Hearing Center of Arizona to schedule a simple, quick, and non-invasive hearing test is a great idea. Our friendly audiologists will welcome you into our clinic, discuss your situation, and conduct a painless (and even fun) hearing exam.

Just as you might have an annual eye exam to measure your vision, you should have a hearing test to measure your other important sense - your hearing.

We provide hearing tests for Scottsdale AZ and Phoenix residents, and any patient in the Valley. Call us directly at  (480) 831-6159  or use our  convenient online scheduler  to book an appointment on your computer or phone.

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other hearing-related topics, feel free to contact Tinnitus & Hearing Center of Arizona by clicking here or by calling 480-831-6159.

April 17, 2025
It's important for everyone to be able to hear the world around them. However, the reality is that around 15% of American adults over the age of 18 have trouble hearing. This can be extremely frustrating, and cause a person to miss out on important things every day. Hearing aids are a fantastic solution to this common challenge, and Oticon stands out as a leader in innovative hearing technology. Let's explore the world of Oticon Hearing Aids, uncovering their remarkable benefits and how they work to not just improve hearing and ease tinnitus, but to truly elevate your quality of life. The Importance of Hearing Aids in Modern Life Hearing aids are essential for those with hearing loss. In addition to helping communication and social engagement, they also offer enhanced safety, reduced cognitive strain, and provide a greater sense of connection with the world. Many people don't realize the potential dangers of even slight hearing loss. It can be difficult to hear things such as fire alarms, traffic noise, or sirens. Those who use hearing aids experience clearer communication in both quiet and noisy settings, and they help individuals stay engaged with others while reducing the social isolation that often comes along with hearing loss. Overall, hearing aids allow people to more fully participate in daily life. Overview of Oticon Hearing Aids Oticon Hearing Aids digitally process sounds to make it easier for the wearer to hear. By supporting the brain's natural sound processing, the hearing aids offer solutions for a variety of hearing loss levels from mild to profound as well as single-sided deafness. BrainHearing Technology is based on the brain's hearing process. It is important to understand that with normal hearing, sound waves enter the ear, where they are translated into neural signals that are sent to the brain and processed as sound. With hearing loss, however, the sounds are jumbled from the start, and it is difficult for the brain to make sense of them. Oticon Hearing Aids go a long way in helping by assisting wearers in focusing and zooming in on sounds they are trying to hear. Key Features of Oticon Hearing MoreSound Intelligence (MSI) 3.0 is a groundbreaking technology that makes it easier for users to enjoy, follow and engage in conversations. It comprehensively scans and precisely analyzes the sound scene. Then it organizes the sounds around the user and utilizes the brand new on-board Deep Neural Network 2.0 to process and create contrast among the identified sounds. New MSI 3.0 brings users the full sound scene in much higher clarity and balance in any situation than ever before. And what’s more, thanks to the 4D sensors, it seamlessly adapts to the user’s specific listening needs delivering personalized support based on the situation and the user’s intention, for significantly improved speech comprehension. What truly sets these hearing aids apart is their sophisticated sensor technology. Imagine being in a crowded restaurant – these devices can intelligently analyze the environment, identify speech, and reduce distracting background noise in real-time. This means you can actively participate in conversations, even in challenging acoustic situations, without the strain and frustration you might have experienced before. This ability to adapt to your surroundings and prioritize clarity is a game-changer, making social gatherings and everyday interactions enjoyable again. Models and Their Unique Benefits The Newer Oticon Intent Experience sound the way it was meant to be heard with the Oticon Intent. Designed with cutting-edge technology, the Intent focuses on providing a rich and natural sound experience, allowing you to effortlessly engage in conversations and connect with your surroundings. Oticon Custom Own & Custom Own SI’s For a discreet and personalized hearing solution, the Oticon Custom Own and Custom Own SI's are tailored to fit the unique contours of your ear. These in-the-ear hearing aids offer exceptional comfort and a natural listening experience without compromising on Oticon's advanced sound processing. Tinnitus Relief Through Oticon Hearing Aids Through Tinnitus SoundSupport, a sound generator integrated into Oticon Hearing Aids, wearers experience tinnitus relief through the integration of various sounds into the hearing aids that help distract or mask the tinnitus. There are options for natural sounds, broadband noise, and customizable settings. Various sounds are available, including natural sounds like ocean waves, steady white noise, and broadband noise. Contact Tinnitus & Hearing Center of Arizona Don't let hearing loss hold you back from anything that life has to offer. At Tinnitus & Hearing Center of Arizona, we have decades of experience providing the best treatment available with advanced technology that focuses on your hearing loss and brain function. Hearing better means living better! Discover how Oticon and the Tinnitus & Hearing Center of Arizona are transforming lives by improving hearing, providing tinnitus relief, and enhancing quality of life. It's time to hear the world clearly again! Contact us today to get started on the path to better hearing. Image Source: Noelle12 /Shutterstock
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