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Type and Degree of Hearing Loss

Degree of Hearing Loss Results of the audiometric evaluation are plotted on a chart called an audiogram. Loudness is plotted from top to bottom; top of the graph is very quiet and bottom of the graph is very loud. Frequency, or pitch, from low to high, is plotted from left to right. Hearing loss (HL) is measured in decibels (dB) …

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Types of Hearing Aids

There are many types of hearing aids today, and the style or device is dependent upon the user’s individual needs. There are in-the-ear styles as well as behind-the-ear styles. Also, hearing aid technology has advanced, with many new and improved options to choose from. Styles of Hearing Aids Hearing aids are available in many different sizes and styles, thanks to …

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How do I know if I have Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can be due to the aging process, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, infections, head or ear trauma, congenital (at birth) or genetic factors, diseases, as well as a number of other causes. Recent data suggests there are over 34 million Americans with some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss often occurs gradually throughout a lifetime. People with hearing …

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What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is an abnormal perception of a sound reported by a patient. This “head noise” is unrelated to an external source of stimulation. Tinnitus is a common disorder affecting over 50 million people in the United States. It may be intermittent, constant, or fluctuant, mild or severe, and tinnitus may vary from a low roaring sensation to a high-pitched type …

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Cause of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the term for the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It is often referred to as “ringing in the ears,” although some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking. Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of another underlying condition – of the ear, the auditory nerve, or elsewhere. Tinnitus can be intermittent …

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What is an Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?

Auditory Processing (also called Central Auditory Processing) refers to the means by which we make sense of what we hear.  Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) refers to the abnormal interaction of hearing, neural transmission and the brain’s ability to make sense of sound. People with APD have normal hearing sensitivity, however, they have difficulty processing the information they hear.  Individuals may …

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What is an Audiologist?

Audiologists are health-care professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss, as well as other conditions like tinnitus and balance disorders. An audiologist is a person who holds a minimum of a Master’s degree in Audiology; professionals seeking education in Audiology who do not currently hold a Master’s degree must now pursue a Doctoral degree in Audiology (Au.D). Additionally, audiologists must …