What’s the Difference Between Being Deaf and Hard of Hearing?
You’ve likely heard the terms “hard of hearing” and “deaf” used to describe hearing loss, but they’re not interchangeable. In order to understand the distinction, we first need to review the different levels of hearing loss. What Are the Levels of Hearing Loss? There are four general levels, also called “degrees,” of hearing loss: Mild…
What is Low-Frequency Hearing Loss?
Low-frequency hearing loss is hearing loss characterized by difficulty hearing low-pitch sounds, including men’s voices, musical bass and thunder. It’s sometimes called reverse-slope hearing loss due to the shape it makes on an audiogram, which is a standard chart that audiologists use to measure levels of hearing loss. For most people with low-frequency hearing loss,…
5 Facts About Hearing Aids
Nine out of 10 people who are diagnosed with hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids, but studies show only about 16 percent actually wear them. There are several oft-cited barriers to care, but most of them are really nothing more than excuses. Hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices that do a great job of…
How Your Ears Work
You’ve probably not given too much thought to their ears, unless you’re getting them pierced or covering them up when it’s cold outside. But these complex organs demand some attention and respect. They are able to collect and process sounds and transmit them to the brain for interpretation. Structures of the Ear The ear is made up of three sections: the…