Hearing Loss near Encino, CA

The Surprising Facts About Hearing Loss

Many people suffer from hearing loss. In fact, the latest available statistics show that over 10% of the U.S. population reports difficulty hearing! That’s more than 31 million people! And as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, that number promises to increase dramatically! Are you one of those millions of people who do not hear as well as they once did? If so, you are certainly not alone. We find the best solutions to your hearing loss near Encino, CA.

Hearing Loss Studies

Consider these statistics reported by Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Better Hearing Institute:

• 3 in 10 people over age 60 have hearing loss
• 1 in 6 baby boomers (ages 41-59), or 14.6%, have a hearing problem
• 1 in 14 Generation Xers (ages 29-40), or 7.4%, already have hearing loss
• At least 1.4 million children (18 or younger) have hearing problems
• It is estimated that 3 in 1,000 infants are born with serious to profound hearing loss

In addition, studies have linked untreated hearing loss to emotional, physical, mental, psychological, and even economic disadvantages! And, to make matters even worse, there are many “myths” about hearing loss that prevent those with hearing loss from doing anything about it.

“Dr. Cohen. She is so informitive and knowledgable. I appreciate everything she has done for me and I look forward to seeing her again. Shalom”

– Jyll L.

Causes of Hearing Loss

One of the most common “myths” about hearing loss is that only “old people” suffer from it. In fact, the reverse is true! The majority (65%) of people with hearing loss are younger than 65 and six million people in the U.S. between 18 and 44 suffer from hearing loss (Better Hearing Institute website).

The truth is that there are several causes of hearing loss with “exposure to noise” ranking high among the reasons. The primary causes of hearing loss are:

• Exposure to noise
• Family history of hearing loss
• Medicine
• Aging process
• Disease
• Head trauma

Types of Hearing Loss

Not all hearing loss can be corrected through the use of hearing aids or alternative listening devices. The type of hearing loss determines the specific treatment required.

There are four types of hearing loss:

• Conductive: This could be caused by something as simple as earwax buildup
• Sensorineural: This is caused when tiny hairs in the cochlea are missing or damaged
• Mixed: This is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
• Central: Strokes and central nervous system diseases are often the cause of this type of hearing loss

How Is Hearing Loss Linked to Diabetes?

According to a recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health, hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes than in those without. Diabetes affects many areas of your body, including the fragile blood vessels in your ears. When these blood vessels become damaged, there is no way for them to receive the blood supply they need to function properly. This results in damaged hearing. In addition to hearing loss, diabetes can cause numbness in your legs, which can put you at risk for developing a balance disorder. If you have diabetes and are experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, contact our office today for a consultation.

How Is Hearing Loss Linked to Dementia?

Hearing loss is also strongly linked to cognitive decline and dementia. There are three primary effects of hearing loss that can contribute directly to your risk of dementia.

• Social isolation
• Cerebral atrophy
• Cognitive overload (i.e., Working Your Brain Too Hard)

Contact Hearing Loss Solutions if you notice any of the following symptoms of hearing loss:

• Difficulty hearing when there is background noise
• TV or radio needs to be louder for you than for your spouse or family
• Trouble following a conversation in the car
• The common need to ask others to repeat themselves

Even the slightest amount of hearing loss can increase your risk of developing dementia by as much as 200%! Fortunately, today’s leading treatment options for restoring hearing can help to slow down or prevent the development of dementia.

Schedule Your Appointment to Address Your Hearing Loss near Encino, CA Today!

To schedule your Hearing Loss Solutions Consultation, call our friendly office at 818-989-9001 or click here to use our convenient online form. Your appointment includes a review of your medical history, a discussion of your concerns and goals, and an explanation of our process.

During your new patient appointment, we will make sure all of your questions are thoroughly answered about our office, our treatments, our flexible payment options, and anything else that you would like to know about us. Call today – we can’t wait to help restore sound to your world!

As one of the premier hearing centers in Sherman Oaks, CA, our Audiologist and team at Hearing Loss Solutions also provide 5-star-rated hearing care to patients from Encino, Beverly Hills, Studio City & Calabasas, CA, and surrounding areas.