By Liberty Hospital

Hearing is essential for connecting with others, yet hearing loss is a common issue, affecting about 15.5% of Americans. Audiologist Tanya Nielsen at the Liberty Hospital Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic explains that hearing loss can range from mild to severe and can have various causes.

“Hearing loss varies quite a bit,” Nielsen said. “It can be mild or profound, and there are different causes for it.”

According to Nielsen, permanent hearing loss often results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Temporary hearing loss typically is caused by earwax buildup, infections, or a perforated eardrum. In some cases, hearing loss may be mixed, with both permanent and temporary factors contributing to the condition.

While aging is a frequent cause of hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, certain medications, and illnesses can also play a role. Signs of hearing loss include difficulty understanding conversations, the sense that people are mumbling, the need to turn the TV volume up, avoiding social gatherings due to hearing difficulties, and ringing in the ears which is known as tinnitus.

The good news is that treatments are available. Temporary hearing loss can often be treated with medication or minor procedures. For long-term hearing difficulties, hearing aids are a popular solution, and in more severe cases, cochlear implants may be recommended.

Nielsen’s interest in audiology started with her grandmother, who wore hearing aids for much of her life.

“I saw how hearing aids improved her quality of life,” Nielsen shared. “That experience guided me toward becoming an audiologist. It brings me so much joy to help people reconnect with their world.”

She suggests that if you or a loved one is showing signs of hearing loss, the Liberty Hospital Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic can provide a hearing evaluation. Call 781-1001 to schedule an appointment.