HARD OF HEARING?
YOU'RE NOT ALONE.
Having trouble hearing a conversation in a crowded restaurant? Feeling left out at a party? Missing the sounds of birds outside? Hearing a buzz in your ears that won’t go away?
It’s probably hearing loss or tinnitus – and you’re not alone. About 360 million people worldwide have these common conditions – and there’s a lot that can be done to help.
TYPES OF HEARING LOSS
Before you start picking out hearing aids, it’s important to know your hearing loss type and level.
Hearing loss is typically divided into two categories: conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. You can also have a mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of the two.
If you suspect that you have a hearing loss, your local hearing care professional can conduct a full hearing evaluation.
TINNITUS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
If you hear a ringing, buzzing or humming noise in your ears, you probably have tinnitus. Tinnitus is a common and manageable condition. Most often, it is caused by repeated exposure to excessively loud noise .
Most people who have tinnitus also have some form of hearing loss. The tinnitus sounds they hear often come from the brain overcompensating for the loss by creating its own background noise. Some forms can also be related to muscle movements near the ear or problems with blood flow in the face or neck.
Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging. It has also been associated with ear infections, earwax and sensory nerve disorders. Stress, high blood pressure and alcohol use can also cause tinnitus.
How to help tinnitus
If you suspect that you have some form of tinnitus, the first step is to undergo a professional evaluation. Some professionals offer Widex Zen Therapy to help you reduce the common negative effects of tinnitus. Widex Zen Therapy consists of four components that can be tailored to your individual needs.
Our tinnitus management app, Widex Zen, offers comforting sounds to help you avoid complete silence, and reduces your focus on the tinnitus. It’s also helpful for meditation and relaxation. Get started with the Widex Zen app for tinnitus management today.
