• Hearing loss is common. 26 million people in the U.S. and Canada have some degree of hearing impairment.

• Almost one in twenty adults under the age of 44 has a chronic hearing problem. By mid-life (ages 44 to 64) that figure rises to more than one in ten.

• Twice as many males at every age past 10 have an uncomfortable degree of hearing loss as females.

There are 2 types of hearing loss:

Conductive Loss:

• Stems from problems of the outer or middle ear.

• Can often be corrected.

• If ignored, may result in total deafness.

Causes: Infection Otosclerosis Buildup of wax or fluid Punctured eardrum

Sensorineural Loss
(also known as "nerve deafness"):

• Involves problems of the cochlea in the inner ear and the auditory nerve.

• Accounts for 90% of all adult hearing problems.

• Sounds not only diminish in volume, but become distorted.

• High frequency sounds and some spoken words are the first to go.

• Low frequency sounds, such as vowels are heard better.

Causes:

• Aging

• Noise

 If you have trouble hearing clearly, don't worry. You might not have a permanent hearing loss at all. Temporary hearing loss is common and can be caused by any of the following:

• Too much earwax
• Sinus Problems
• Allergies
• Ear Infections