Hearing Loss

• Understanding Cochlear implants: This technology may help some individuals when hearing aids or other technology does not. A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted artificial inner ear or cochlea. The implant uses a thin metal coil to electronically stimulate the hearing nerve, bypassing a damaged or deformed cochlea. In contrast, a hearing aid simply amplifies sound and sends it through the malfunctioning cochlea to the hearing nerve. In many cases, an implant will provide an improvement in the use of sound far beyond what a hearing aid can provide, but implants do not restore normal hearing. It does, however, allow for the perception of sound "sensation.

• Cochlear Implants (Midline Plus - US National Library of Medicine):  A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that helps people hear. It can be used for people who are deaf or very hard of hearing. A cochlear implant is not the same thing as a hearing aid. It is implanted using surgery, and works in a different way.

• CDC Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Hearing loss can result from damage to structures and/or nerve fibers in the inner ear that responds to sound. This type of hearing loss, termed “noise-induced hearing loss,” is usually caused by exposure to excessively loud sounds and cannot be medically or surgically corrected. Noise-induced hearing loss can result from a one-time exposure to a very loud sound, blast, or impulse, or from listening to loud sounds over an extended period.

• CDC Loud Noise Can Cause Hearing Loss:  How Loud is Too Loud?  Get the Facts.

• Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association): Loud noise can damage hearing or cause permanent hearing loss. Dangerous noise levels can be found in workplaces; recreational settings like restaurants, stadiums, and clubs; in the classroom; or even on our own personal audio devices.  What is a safe noise level? 

• The Ultimate Guide to Hearing Health covers loud sounds that should be avoided, tips on protecting your hearing health, and answers to the most pressing hearing-related question

• The Hearing Journal:  Established in 1947, The Hearing Journal is the leading publication in hearing health care; and provides accurate, timely and practical information to over 22,000 hearing healthcare professionals as well as the latest development in patient care, technology, practice management, and professional issues.

• 3 Hearing Loss Types:  Effects and Common Treatments:   Hearing loss types differ according to their causes. The three hearing loss types are sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), conductive hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss.

• Hearing Health:  Good hearing results in positive health outcomes increases social engagement, improves communication, and lowers the risk of depression. Learn more about the benefits of healthy hearing.

• Healthy Hearing: This is an online resource for hearing health information. The Editorial Board consists of audiologists and other members from the hearing health care field who want to take their clinical and research experience and translate that into useful information for anyone who needs help with hearing loss. Our news and articles are regularly endorsed and used by thousands of hearing health practices around the U.S. and Canada.

• Untreated hearing loss linked to depression, anxiety, social isolation in seniors

• Causes of Sudden Onset of Hearing Loss

• Psychological Effects of Hearing Loss in Teens - Research intensive report by Ann Steele, a professional MF therapist, on the psychological effects of hearing loss on kids and teens. The article includes a PDF that paints a portrait of teenage hearing loss, complete with possible causes, distinctions between various types of hearing loss, and the role of speech and hearing in social identity.

• "Financial Guide for Families of Children and Teens with Deafness and Hearing Loss" - Hearing loss in children and teens is commonly misinterpreted as a learning or processing disability, or even as a behavioral issue. However, hearing loss in kids is more common than you might think. This guide reveals what symptoms to look for in infant, school aged, and teenage hearing loss, biological and external causes of hearing loss, and the costs of detecting and treating it. We also provide resources for college students and parents of teens and kids for extra support. 

Learn about social, emotional, and medical signs indicating that you might have a hearing loss.

• Hearing loss and symptoms and causes from the Mayo Clinic:  Hearing loss that occurs gradually as you age (presbycusis) is common. About one-third of people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 75 have some degree of hearing loss. For those older than 75, that number is approximately 1 in 2. Aging and chronic exposure to loud noises both contribute to hearing loss. Other factors, such as excessive earwax, can temporarily reduce how well your ears conduct sounds. You can't reverse most types of hearing loss. However, you and your doctor or a hearing specialist can take steps to improve what you hear.

• Six Subtle Signs of Hearing Loss: Signs of hearing loss can affect individuals of all ages. Symptoms can be subtle and emerge slowly, or significant and come about suddenly. You should suspect hearing loss if any of these six signs are present. 

• WebMD: Hearing Loss Certain conditions, including age, illness, and genetics, may play a role in hearing loss. Modern life has added a host of ear-damaging elements to the list, including some medications and many sources of loud, ongoing noise.