Hearing Loss Overview

Hearing loss impacts nearly 1 in 6 people.

Over 48 million people live with some degree of impaired hearing in the U.S., making this medical condition the third most common that people experience today. It is estimated that only one-third of people who could benefit from hearing loss treatment receive it. Untreated hearing loss has multifaceted effects: strained communication and relationships, social withdrawal, and increased health risks. But with so much innovation in hearing technologies, there are effective hearing solutions that not only transform hearing health but quality of life.
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Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural:

This is the most common type of hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs in the inner ear and results from damage to the hair cells in the cochlea. These sensory cells send auditory information to the brain which further processes sound signals. This damage is irreversible, producing a permanent hearing loss.

There are a variety of factors that can cause sensorineural hearing loss which affects 9 out of 10 people who live with impaired hearing. 

Conductive

Differing from sensorineural hearing loss, conductive is temporary. It occurs in the outer and middle ear and can be caused by different factors. This includes accumulated earwax, growths, ear infections, etc. which prevent soundwaves from being fully absorbed and processed. Causes are usually treatable with medications or minor interventions like earwax removal which then restores hearing.

Mixed:

The third type is mixed which describes a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

    Causes of Hearing Loss

    A few of the most common causes of hearing loss include:

    Hearing Loss Diagnosis & Treatment

    Hearing loss typically happens gradually so symptoms can remain unnoticed for some time. A few early signs include:
    Tinnitus: a noise in one or both ears, most often described as ringing, buzzing, or clicking.
    Sounds are slurred, muffled, or distorted.
    Difficulty following a conversation, especially in an environment with background noise.
    Frequently asking others to repeat what they said or speak louder.
    Missing words or parts of a conversation, experiencing miscommunication.
    Increasing the volume on the TV, phone, or other electronic devices.
    Pretending to hear, reading lips to help identify individual words.
    Being able to hear more clearly out of one ear compared to the other.
    Feeling fatigued after conversations and social interactions.
    These symptoms can range from mild to more severe depending on the degree of hearing loss present. Being able to identify changes to hearing health can help you seek treatment early which can better support and protect hearing.

    Hearing Loss Diagnosis & Treatment

    Diagnosing hearing loss involves a painless and noninvasive process. The first step is to have your hearing assessed by a hearing healthcare specialist. There are a few types of hearing tests that identify any hearing loss, the type, and the degree of impairment in each ear. Once your hearing needs are established, treatment can be tailored to meet those needs. Hearing aids are a common and effective treatment option.

    These electronic devices have experienced significant innovation over the years which has produced an array of options and features designed to seamlessly integrate into daily life. We will help you navigate your hearing aid options as well as the technologies that can optical support your hearing in all environments. Treating hearing loss alleviates hearing loss symptoms, strengthens communication, improves relationships, boosts brain health, and supports overall wellness. These benefits enhance the quality of life and support people with hearing loss to live actively and fully.

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    Steven Lopez
    Steven Lopez
    November 5, 2021.
    I had been able to obtain hearing aids from other resources. But with a serious case of tinnitus and a loss of hearing high pitched sounds, I decided to try and enhance my quality of life by seeking a stronger solution to those problems. Jeff has absolutely, and professionally, helped with those ailments. His treatment and relationship with me is professional yet "old school" caring and courteous. Any problem is quickly taken care of. While there is no cure for tinnitus I feel Jeff has given me the best solution for moving forward with minimum discomfort. I can now enjoy my grandkids even more. I highly recommend Jeff and the Glendora Advanced Hearing Aid Center.
    Guy Bryant
    Guy Bryant
    June 30, 2021.
    After visiting Advanced Hearing Aid Center and meeting with Jeff Kim, I knew I was dealing with a true professional. He takes his position very seriously, is current with technology and understands all the products available in the market. He’s a sommelier in the hearing business if you will and pairs your hearing needs with the right hearing aids. Extremely impressed with every interaction with Jeff and would recommend Advanced Hearing Aid Center in Glendora to anyone that requires assistance with any hearing issues.
    Imran Ali Khan
    Imran Ali Khan
    May 19, 2021.
    This is an excellent hearing aid center - the office is friendly and professional. I had the pleasure of seeing Jeff Kim HIS at the Advanced Hearing Aid Center, and he is great! Both of my hearing aids (ReSound LiNX Quattro) went through the tests and he explained everything that was going on. I felt at ease and I knew I was in good hands. If you are thinking about getting your hearing aids test or believe you are suffering from hearing loss, you should definitely give Jeff Kim a call. 👂🏼 #AdvancedHAC #CheckYourHearing #HearWellStayVital #ReSound
    Joseph Tanous
    Joseph Tanous
    April 28, 2021.
    I had contacted Jeff in need of some hearing aid maintenance and hearing tests performed as it was years since seeing an audiologist. Jeff was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and accommodating with all of my needs. It is hard nowadays to find an audiologist who is up to date on all there is to know and that has multiple resources under their belt, I was extremely satisfied with my visit that Jeff and Advanced Hearing Glendora will now be my go to spot for all audiology and hearing aid needs!
    gary lewis
    gary lewis
    March 26, 2021.
    While searching for a hearing aid specialist I chose Advanced Hearing Aid Center do to fact they didn't have a 2 week waiting list. Jeff has got to be the greatest person I have ever dealt with in the medical care profession. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable in his field, he takes his time and really makes you feel that your hearing is as important to him as it is to you. If you need hearing aids Jeff is the one to see!
    Deb Legarra
    Deb Legarra
    March 19, 2021.
    I have been going to Advance Hearing Aid Center in Glendora for several years. I have found Jeff to be very helpful in getting the right type of hearing aid when I needed my old one replaced. He explained in detail how the new one worked compared to the old one. I have been impressed by his level of service. I highly recommend him. Note: This is Richard Legarra and I don't know why it comes up with my wife's name. I cannot change it.
    Paula Jean Mojarro
    Paula Jean Mojarro
    March 17, 2021.
    My husband has been a patient of Dr. Kim's for over a year now and we have the highest regard for Dr. Kim and the Advanced Hearing Aid Center. He has always treated my husband with great care and compassion and has always guided us in the right area where my husband's hearing is concerned. We have been to other hearing centers in the past and were not satisfied. We highly recommend Dr Kim - Advance Hearing Aid Center
    Kate Patton
    Kate Patton
    October 25, 2019.
    I love coming here to see Jeff, he TRULY cares about each patient and goes above and beyond to make sure each patient has the best experience and hearing outcome! I have referred numerous people to Jeff and they say the same thing. If you want a TRUE PROFESSIONAL who cares you’ve found the right place for your hearing aid needs.