Audiology Services of Chattanooga discusses causes of hearing loss, prevention

Dr. Ken Parker has a doctorate in audiology and more than 30 years' experience in the field. He and his experienced staff make up the Audiology Services of Chattanooga team. As a doctor of audiology, Dr. Parker works to share his expertise in helping those in the tri-state area learn the value of their hearing, teaching patients ways to protect their hearing and helping those with existing loss.

There are many factors that can cause hearing loss. According to Dr. Parker, "If one experienced middle ear infections as a child, the ear drum or the middle ear system can be damaged. An incident of loud trauma can also result in hearing loss. For example, ninety percent of those hospitalized due to the Boston Marathon bombing suffered damage to their ears and a residual loss of hearing."

There are genetic and environmental factors that can cause hearing loss. A genetic trait can result in a loss of hearing and may be passed on to offspring. "If you work in an industrial environment prone to loud noise, or if you are an avid hunter or shooter and do not use proper hearing protection, hearing loss can result," Dr. Parker said.

It is not possible to regain normal hearing if lost to noise exposure. Anyone in noisy environments, such as factories or construction, should use proper hearing protection. A special protection is available for musicians that allows the sound spectrum to remain complete. Hunters and shooters can use a device that amplifies environmental sounds or conversation, but as the gun fires the amplifier clamps down to compress the sound below the dangerous level. Hearing protection is especially important for young people. Studies indicate that many teens have some loss of hearing from environmental and/or recreational noise.

Left untreated, the effects of hearing loss are significant. "When someone has even a mild hearing loss, normal conversation becomes difficult," Dr. Parker said. "People can hear, but they will not understand everything that is said especially in noisy places such as restaurants, parties or family gatherings."

Dr. Parker noted a recent study at Johns Hopkins involving middle-aged people with mild hearing losses. These people were found to be three times more likely to fall than their peers with normal hearing. The authors of the study speculated that when one has a loss of hearing, their cognitive resources are directed toward trying to hear and diverted from balance and gait.

Ken Parker, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Hearing loss can also affect one's state of mind. For example, people who have hearing loss are also more likely to get depressed or angry. They also tend to shy away from social interactions. Those who experience hearing loss often isolate themselves to avoid embarrassing situations due to lack of understanding.

When one begins to notice symptoms of hearing loss, it is advisable to see an audiologist and get a baseline hearing test. The hearing exam is painless and generally covered by health insurance. The process involves a thorough otoscopic exam which can indicate if a wax buildup is impacting the hearing. The hearing levels are examined through speech testing, and the speech frequencies are graphed. A decision to purchase any hearing devices should always be based on a thorough hearing exam.

"We can give you hints about what you need to notice, what to expect and help to reassure people who do have hearing loss that help is available," he said.

When needed, Audiology Services of Chattanooga also makes referrals to ear, nose and throat doctors or the primary care physician when medical issues are discovered contributing to the loss of hearing.