Hearing loss is the sudden or gradual decrease in how well you can hear sounds. Most commonly caused by age, hearing loss is a common condition that affects up to 25% of people between the ages of 65 and 75, and up to 75% of people over the age of 75. Hearing loss can be mild or severe and can be reversible, temporary or permanent.
Hearing loss is most frequently caused by excessive noise and aging. Noise-induced hearing loss is gradual but can affect people of all ages. It is caused by loud noises, such as loud music, that you hear over a long period of time. Age-related hearing loss, known as Presbycusis, is a gradual hearing loss seen in the elderly. Hearing loss can also be caused by infection, wax buildup or objects in the ear. Such hearing loss is usually temporary. Hearing loss by injury or a ruptured eardrum may be more serious and permanent.
Common symptoms of hearing loss include muffled hearing, difficulty understanding what people are saying and the feeling that your ear is plugged. Other symptoms can include ringing, hissing or buzzing in the ear.
It is important to seek medical attention if you suffer from any of these symptoms. An examination and detailed audiologic test is usually performed to properly diagnose hearing disorders.
Dr. Zadeh is committed to providing the highest quality and most efficient care possible so that his patients achieve fast and effective treatment. Therefore, at his office, he has access to the most advanced audiologic diagnostic technology available to expedite diagnosis. Dr. Zadeh’s expert audiologists perform hearing tests (Audiometry) in the office, and the results are available immediately following the test.