Early treatment is essential

Many of us don't like to admit when something is wrong. We often put off treatment as long as possible. This is especially true of hearing loss, where people wait an average of 7-10 years to seek treatment after being diagnosed. One of the main reasons for this is that most hearing loss occurs gradually. We may barely notice when our hearing first starts to decline and put it off as a minor annoyance. However, putting off treatment may be compounding the problem. The reason for this is sound deprivation.

Sound deprivation is a product of hearing loss. When our hearing declines, our inner ear and auditory pathways are stimulated by less sound. A recent study from Massachusetts Eye and Ear has revealed that this lower sound stimulation results in further deterioration of the inner ear. In their study they looked at conductive hearing loss such as that from untreated ear infections or wax. If the condition was present for a long time they found that the organs of the inner ear had also deteriorated. What's more, this inner ear damage did not reverse itself after the condition, such as ear infection, was cleared up.

The takeaway from this study is that hearing loss results in sound deprivation, and sound deprivation results in further damage to the inner ear and permanent hearing loss. In this way we have a vicious cycle where the initial hearing loss, left untreated, causes further decline in hearing, which results in even more sound deprivation and further decline.

If you think you may have a hearing loss don't wait. Schedule a hearing test as soon as possible. This way you can find out if treatment is necessary and take positive steps to improve your hearing right away. For more information please feel free to contact Accurate Hearing at one of our three clinics:

Lower Sackville: 902-252-3004

Halifax: 902-423-7734

Cole Harbour: 902-406-4327