Cornhusker Hearing Center-Q & A

The degree of hearing loss varies from person to person. What does the degree of hearing impairment mean?

Mild
Unable to hear soft sounds, difficulty perceiving speech in noisy environments.

Moderate
Unable to hear soft and moderately loud sounds, considerable difficulty in perceiving speech, particularly with noise.

Severe
Speakers must raise their voice. Group conversation is possible only with considerable effort.

Profound
Some very loud sounds are audible but communication without a hearing instrument is impossible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Most of the following information comes from the brochure "Help Through Hearing Aids", produced by the Better Hearing Institute in Washington, D.C. We highly recommend this brochure because it's a straight-forward, unbiased source of information. Call or e-mail us for this informative brochure, or visit their Web site at betterhearing.org.

Doesn't hearing loss affect mostly senior citizens?

Not necessarily. In fact, today, noise induced hearing loss is at epidemic proportions and does not discriminate. There are close to 8 million people between the ages of 18 and 44 with hearing loss, and more than one million school-age children.

What causes hearing loss?

The number one cause is exposure to loud noises, which is probably the reason we're seeing an increase in younger patients! Hearing loss can also be caused by aging, birth-related problems, viral and bacterial infections (measles, scarlet fever, etc.), trauma, use of certain drugs, blockage of wax, and heredity.

Can a hearing loss be corrected with surgery or medicine?

It depends on the type of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is caused by damage to the outer or the middle ear (or both) and may be corrected by medication or surgery.

Sensorineural hearing loss (archaically called nerve deafness) is caused by damage to the inner ear and/or the nerve pathway to the brain and represents 95% of all hearing losses. This type of hearing loss is often not medically correctable. It is best managed with the proper selection and fitting of hearing instruments.

Our testing procedures at Cornhusker Hearing Center will tell us which kind of hearing loss you have. If any medical conditions are revealed, we will refer you to the proper medical specialist.

Aren't all hearing aids alike?

Not at all! In just the last few years, more advances than ever before have been made in hearing technology. Hearing aids have evolved from simple, turn-up-the-volume devices to remarkably advanced "personal hearing computers". Most adjust to different types of sounds and listening environments automatically, by the touch of a button or the use of a remote control.

How expensive are hearing instruments?

Typically, the investment ranges from $500 to $2,800 per instrument. The value varies depending on the features, technology, and style of the instrument.

Should I get two hearing aids?

Have you seen anyone wearing a monocle lately? Clinical studies have shown that binaural (both ears) hearing instruments help distinguish speech from noise, locate the origin of sound, and obtain better sound quality, allowing you to hear as nature intended.

Why do people refuse help for hearing loss?

Many people incorrectly associate hearing loss with aging and disability. Some are apprehensive about learning to use a sophisticated instrument. Still others feel embarrassment about wearing a hearing instrument.

What should I do if I think I might have a hearing loss?

Call Cornhusker Hearing Center to schedule a hearing evaluation. Our evaluations are performed by licensed individuals using technically advanced equipment with accurate, reliable results.

REMEMBER, THERE'S NO SHAME IN
ADMITTING HEARING LOSS, BUT IT IS A
SHAME TO DO NOTHING ABOUT IT.

For a custom fit by a unique team of experts,
call Cornhusker Hearing Center today.
1-800-274-1139 1-402-475-1831
Lincoln, Nebraska

Most sensorineural hearing loss develops over time.
The gradual nature of the hearing loss makes it difficult to identify at the early stages. To determine if hearing aids may indeed help you, please answer the following questions about the warning signs of hearing loss:

1. Do you often ask others to repeat themselves?

2. Do you turn up the radio or TV louder than others prefer?

3. Has your spouse or a friend ever told you that you don't hear well?

4. Do you find yourself ignoring sounds when not facing them?

5. Is it especially difficult to understand conversation in a restaurant, group situation, or when there is noise?

6. Do you feel frustration when friends and family seem to mumble or talk too quickly?

7. Do you hear some people more clearly than others?

8. Do you hear conversation but have difficulty understanding the words?

9. Are you withdrawing more from contact with friends and family?

10. Do you turn one ear toward a speaker to help you hear better?

YES answers often indicate sensorineural hearing loss, the most common form of hearing impairment and the type of hearing loss that benefits from amplification of sound by a hearing aid.

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