Hearing Care

Hearing tests are just the start

Having trouble hearing lately? Does it seem like everyone around you is mumbling? You’re not alone.

Hearing loss is very common, especially as we age. At West Jefferson Medical Center, our audiology department can evaluate the extent of your hearing loss and recommend treatment options to help you overcome it. We offer hearing aids, provide clear ear wax, manage stubborn ear infections, and provide education about the signs and symptoms of hearing loss so you can make informed decisions about your hearing.

Types of hearing loss

Hearing loss isn’t the same for everyone. There are four primary types of hearing loss, and we’re skilled at handling all of them:

1. Conductive – can result from simple issues like earwax buildup
2. Sensorineural – caused by missing or damaged tiny hairs in the cochlea
3. Mixed – combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
4. Central – often caused by conditions like stroke or central nerve disease

Symptoms of hearing loss

Hearing loss usually happens over time, so you may not notice it at first. Sometimes, you don’t notice until a loved one points out how hard it is to communicate with you.

Thankfully, hearing loss can be treated at any time. Signs your hearing may be degrading include:

• Complaining that people often mumble
• Difficulty answering simple questions
• Difficulty hearing consonants such as “sh” and “ch”
• Difficulty hearing people in crowds
• Listening to music or the TV at higher-than-normal volumes
• Problems in school/work or paying attention
• Staring at lips when people talk to try and figure out what they are saying

Children often have an even harder time than adults realizing that they have a hearing issue and that it’s a medical problem that needs attention. If you’re the parent of a child who’s struggling, we can help.