Find answers to your hearing health-related questions!
Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed with hearing loss, you’ve had hearing loss for years, a family member or friend has hearing loss, or you’re just interested in taking care of your ears, you probably have some questions about hearing health.
Let’s dive into the answers to some common hearing health FAQs:
- What are the different degrees of hearing loss?
- What are dangerous noise levels?
- How do I know if I have hearing loss?
- What causes ears to feel clogged or pop?
- How do I keep my ears clean?
- Is there treatment for hearing loss?
- How often should I have my hearing tested?
- How do I choose an audiologist?
- What is tinnitus, and how do I manage it?
- Are there different types of assistive listening devices?
As with any medical question, your doctor or audiologist is the best person to check with. But here are quick overview answers to these common hearing health FAQs, along with links to additional resources to learn more about each one!
What are the different degrees of hearing loss?
Hearing loss is usually measured in degrees from slight to profound, based on which sounds you’re struggling to hear:
- Slight (16 to 25dB sounds may become difficult to hear)
- Mild (26 to 40dB)
- Moderate (41 to 55dB)
- Moderately severe (56 to 70dB)
- Severe (71 to 90dB)
- Profound (91+dB)
Here is more information on the degrees of hearing loss, with examples of sounds that fall into each range.
What are dangerous noise levels?
Noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL, is a real concern, but how do you know when a sound is loud enough to be dangerous? Sounds above 80 decibels can be dangerous to listen to for an extended time. Here’s a guide to safe vs. dangerous decibel levels. Examples of dangerous sounds include snow blowers, motorcycles, subway trains, fireworks, and more. Use hearing protection if you expect to be exposed to these types of sounds!
How do I know if I have hearing loss?
The easiest way to notice hearing loss is to pay attention to any sounds that you’re struggling to hear, especially if you used to be able to hear them easily. You might need to turn up the TV volume, find yourself asking people to repeat themselves, or feel pain when you hear loud noises. Your family may notice changes in your hearing ability and raise the concern. Here are some more signs of hearing loss. Visiting an audiologist allows you to confirm your degree of hearing loss through testing.
What causes ears to feel clogged or pop?
Clogged or popping ears can have a variety of causes, including:
- Earwax buildup
- Altitude changes (e.g., on a plane or driving up a mountain)
- Eustachian tube blockage from fluid or mucus (often when you’re sick)
Here are tips for easing altitude ear clogging and information on the role of earwax in the ear.
How do I keep my ears clean?
The only thing you need to clean your ears is a warm, wet cloth that you can use to wipe the outside of the ear. Many people think that using cotton swabs to clean the ear canal is part of a normal ear cleaning routine. But actually, hearing professionals advise against putting anything inside your ear!
The ears are self-cleaning, so earwax should naturally move toward the outer ear without being poked or prodded. If you have a stubborn buildup, see a professional to have it removed. Here is more information about safe ear cleaning.
Is there treatment for hearing loss?
Treatments depend on the cause of your hearing loss. For instance, if you have sudden sensorineural hearing loss, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids. If your hearing is muffled because of an infection or earwax buildup, your doctor can address that root cause. In many cases, a treatment plan includes using hearing aids or other assistive technology to help restore your hearing function.
How often should I have my hearing tested?
According to The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, healthy adults without symptoms of hearing loss should get a test once every three to five years. If you’re regularly exposed to loud noises, you’re over the age of 60, or you’re starting to notice symptoms of hearing loss, it’s wise to plan an annual visit. Here are eight types of hearing tests your audiologist might use!
How do I choose an audiologist?
If you’re new to the world of hearing health and audiology, how do you choose someone to make your first appointment with? Read about how to select the right audiologist for you and seven questions to ask at your first appointment.
What is tinnitus, and how do I manage it?
Tinnitus usually takes the form of an unwanted ringing or buzzing in the ear. It may be temporary or more severe and long-lasting. Learn about the types, symptoms, and causes of tinnitus. While tinnitus doesn’t have a cure, there are steps you can take to relieve your symptoms. Six treatment options include earwax removal, sound masking, addressing the source, and more.
Are there different types of assistive listening devices?
Yes! Beyond the standard hearing aids, there are other types of devices for people with hearing loss. Read about assistive listening devices, including FM systems, induction loops, infrared systems, and more. And check out our selection of captioned telephones to help you make phone calls and read along with your caller!
Do you have more hearing health FAQs? Make sure to keep an eye on the CapTel blog for up-to-date information and advice!
