NewsLine

5-4-10

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss has doubled in the U.S. during the past 30 years and many people live with hearing loss without being diagnosed.

About 36 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, which affects individuals of all ages from birth to the senior years.  Hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors, say Kendra Watts, coordinator of audiology services at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.  She explains some of the causes of hearing loss.

SOUND BITE:   “In children it is often a genetic hearing loss or maybe a hearing loss that develops later in life that’s genetic.  Middle ear disease or middle ear problems like infections cause hearing loss.  In adults we see noise exposure whether it be at work or at home – lawn mowers, power tools, that sort of thing.  The natural aging process causes hearing loss.” 

Watts says hearing loss in children affects their speech and language development and education.  In adults hearing loss that goes untreated results in emotional and social issues from depression, withdrawing from social activities, and insecurity.   She offers some treatment options.

SOUND BITE:   “In most cases, hearing loss cannot be cured.  In the case of a middle ear disorder or middle ear disease, that is something that we would seek medical treatment for.  In the case of hearing loss due to noise or aging or something like that, we recommend the consistent use of hearing aids and we find that in doing that, the ability to hear in most environments is improved . . .”   

If you or someone you know is having trouble hearing, ask your primary care physician about getting a hearing test.  He may refer you to an audiologist for an evaluation and possible treatment.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.