Hearing Tests by Expert Audiologists in North Carolina
At our Gastonia clinic, we provide comprehensive hearing tests for both adults and children. Understanding and diagnosing hearing loss early can significantly improve quality of life.
Understanding Hearing Loss
Normal hearing occurs when sound waves travel into your ear, causing your eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations trigger nerve cells to send sound information to your brain, translating into the sounds you hear. Hearing loss happens when there is a problem with the ear, the nerves inside the ear, or the part of the brain that controls hearing. There are three main types of hearing loss:
- Conductive: Caused by a blockage of sound transmission into the ear, often due to ear infections or fluid. It's usually mild, temporary, and treatable.
- Sensorineural: Caused by problems with the ear's structure or the hearing nerves. It can be present at birth or develop later, is usually permanent, and ranges from mild to profound.
- Mixed: A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
You may need a hearing test if you experience:
- Trouble understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- Increasing the volume on TVs or music players
- Persistent ringing in your ears
