Hearing Test & Hearing Exam in Lakeway, TX

Aging

A decline in hearing acuity is a normal part of the aging process. By the age of 50, most people will have some degree of hearing loss. The rate of hearing loss is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, exposure to noise, and overall health.

Noise Exposure

Prolonged or repeated exposure to loud noises can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Exposure to loud occupational noise, noisy recreational activities, and improper use of personal audio devices are the most common contributors to this type of hearing loss. Approximately 24% of adults aged 20 to 69 have signs and symptoms indicative of noise-induced hearing loss in one or both ears.

Diabetes

Fluctuations in blood sugar levels, whether high or low, can damage the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear leading to hearing loss. Diabetics are twice as likely to have hearing loss than non-diabetics of the same age. Prediabetics have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss compared to individuals with normal blood sugar levels.

Hypertension

High pressure in the blood vessels that supply the ear can cause temporary hearing loss. Repeated cases of hypertension accelerate the degeneration of your hair cells, making the temporary hearing loss permanent.

High Cholesterol

Buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels can disrupt blood flow to the ears. Poor blood flow will reduce oxygen and nutrient supply to the hair cells causing damage and hearing loss. In a 2014 study, sudden sensorineural hearing loss was more likely to occur in patients with elevated blood lipids.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

The kidneys and cochlea have physiological, ultrastructural, and antigenic similarities. As a result, damage to one is often associated with damage to the other. Among patients with moderate CKD, 54.4% exhibit measurable hearing loss, whereas less than 30% of individuals without CKD experience similar hearing issues.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea decreases blood flow to the ears, which can lead to permanent damage to the hair cells. Patients with sleep apnea are 21% more likely to have hearing loss.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

CVD can impair blood flow to the ear, potentially leading to damage in various components of the auditory system and hearing loss.

Medication

Numerous chemotherapies, radiation therapies, certain antibiotics (like aminoglycosides), and high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin) are ototoxic, meaning they can harm the structures and cells in the ears, potentially leading to tinnitus and hearing loss.

Smoking/Vaping

Smoking is known to cause oxidative stress and damage to blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the cochlea. This damage can reduce blood flow to the inner ear, potentially leading to hearing loss. Smokers have a higher likelihood of developing age-related hearing loss than non-smokers, with the risk increasing based on how long and how heavily they smoke.

You can expect a comprehensive evaluation of all components of your hearing system:

• Case History: A thorough case history is the first step in any comprehensive evaluation, helping to identify how your hearing is affecting you and whether any medical factors might be contributing to your hearing loss.
• Outer Ear Assessment: The audiologist will examine your ear canal to check for wax buildup or other conditions that might be causing hearing issues.
• Middle Ear Assessment: Using advanced technology, the audiologist will evaluate the movement of your eardrum and how the muscles behind it respond to loud sounds.
• Inner Ear Assessment: This is the standard hearing test where you will listen for beeps and indicate when you hear them, even if they are faint. At Golden Ears Audiology, we also incorporate word testing in quiet and noise to more practically assess your hearing abilities.
• Auditory Processing Assessment: Hearing involves more than just the ear. It extends into the brain, where sounds are processed for comprehension.

Knowledge is power! A hearing evaluation will determine if you have hearing loss and inform you of available treatment options. On average, people wait 7 years to consult an audiologist after noticing hearing loss. Take control of your hearing health by getting tested early!

• Cognitive Decline/Dementia: A mild untreated hearing loss increases dementia risk by 200%, moderate by 300%, and severe by 500%.
• Depression: Hearing loss can make social interactions more challenging, often leading to reduced social engagement and depression.
• Social Isolation: Difficulty communicating with friends and family can lead to less interaction, reduced engagement, and feelings of isolation.
• Anxiety: Struggling to hear conversations clearly can create anxiety, particularly in group settings.
• Falls: Adults aged 40-69 with mild hearing loss are 300% more likely to experience a fall in the past year compared to those without hearing issues.
• Reduced Job Performance: Workers with mild hearing loss tend to earn less annually compared to those with normal hearing.