How Fast Will My Hearing Loss Progress?

April 21, 2021

If you have a hearing loss you probably have questions about the progression of this loss. In this article, we’re answering some of our own patient’s common questions:

How fast will my hearing loss progress?

The most common type of hearing loss is a gradual decrease in hearing sensitivity. This decrease typically starts in our 20’s but it does not impact our ability to communicate in most situations until our 50’s to 60’s.

The progression of loss typically stays the same after the loss has been identified, even with the use of hearing aids. There are other factors that can contribute to a faster decline in hearing loss, or acceleration of hearing loss such as:

Smoking
Noise exposure
Diabetes
Heart disease
Autoimmune disease
Idiopathic sudden hearing loss

Will wearing hearing aids prevent further hearing loss?

Wearing or not wearing hearing aids will not affect the sensory progression of hearing loss. We are specifically talking about the changes that occur to the hair cells within the cochlea. However, the daily use of properly fit hearing aids may preserve the clarity of speech. This is a direct relationship from the stimulation of the neural pathways in the brain from the amplified sound. Properly fit hearing aids that are worn all day every day keep these pathways strong, which will improve your ability to communicate easier. This ease of communication lessens our cognitive load. You can learn more about the link between cognition and hearing loss here.

Will I ever completely lose all of my hearing?

Typically, no. The above comorbidities may accelerate hearing loss.

Will I need cochlear implants? When?

Cochlear Implants are only recommended when hearing aids are no longer useful. Your audiologist is your hearing coach for life and will guide you through this process which will include an evaluation and all the information that you will need if you reach this point.

Will I need new hearing aids as my hearing loss gets worse or progresses?

When you and your audiologist choose your hearing aids together, the audiologist chooses a hearing aid that would have the capability to meet your needs for 5-6 years. The hearing aid itself will have a useful lifespan of 5-6 years.

Additionally, your audiologist will test your hearing annually and will use this data to ensure that you are receiving the right amount of amplification as your hearing loss changes. Even small changes in hearing sensitivity will warrant the reprogramming of your hearing aids. The programming will be verified and customized with the measurement of live speech with probe mic measurements.

Your hearing aids will evolve with you, your brain, your hearing sensitivity, and your life! This includes new hobbies, such as learning how to play an instrument or changes in your family such as new grandchildren riding in the backseat of your car, or maybe, yikes!...next to you as they are learning how to drive.

The portion of your hearing aids that fit in your ears may change as your hearing loss changes. This may mean that you move from a tip on the end that is replaceable, we call it a dome, that is one size to another, or from a dome to a custom-made earpiece. These are all small changes that your audiologist will guide you through and will ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your hearing aids. This is why it is crucial that you are seen for a hearing test every year, especially after being fit with a hearing aid!

Need Help With Your Hearing Loss Journey?

Are you wearing hearing aids but have not been receiving the follow-up care that your brain and hearing need? Are you curious if your hearing aids are programmed and fit to your specific hearing loss? Did your hearing aids seem to make a difference at first, but now you are not so sure that they are helping you?

These are all excellent questions and ones that we love to answer for you! Please call to make a consultation with one of our Doctors of Audiology at (916) 646-2471.

Interested in learning more? Attend one of our regular hearing solution events to learn more about our unique approach to hearing loss or give us a call at 916-646-2471.

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Schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists or audiologist assistants to start improving your hearing today.*

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Hearing evaluation and updates to existing aids. Fabulous results!

I can not rave enough about the Hearing Solution in Sacramento. The staff is so friendly and efficient and you feel at home the minute you enter the office, The expertise of the audiologist and the technical assistants is superior. The “techies” are especially patient and are available to help you most any time. You will never leave there without your hearing needs being met.

Excellent, knowledgeable, professional, lovely. What else is there to say.

The office and staff were very nice. It is a very pleasant atmosphere. I saw Elizabeth and she was very friendly and professional. I enjoyed my visit and plan to return next month for a follow up.

Provided a full and extensive hearing exam and matched a hearing aid that best met my needs. No high-pressure sales. Very friendly and professional. The hearing aids take a little to get used too but very happy. I Can hear out both ears for first time in five or six years.

On time, patient and caring. Seems very knowledgeable.

From my 1st appointment with Dr. McWilliams I knew I was in good hands. The level of care she provides is unmatched. My Urroz was also extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Very professional, thorough, patient, friendly, educational and beautiful office setting. No pressure to sell a product, take it at your own pace. Highly recommend Kirsten and staff.

A great visit, I learned a lot and of course, would highly recommend it! Looking forward to my next visit on the 8th. Am hoping to get the recipe for the best peanut butter cookie I've had since becoming a celiac too. Thank you Rita Thompson Thank you, Rita Thompson

Going in is a pleasure. Everyone is courteous and makes you feel welcome. Very knowledgeable, helpful and timely. What more could you ask for?

Very professional and we'll be connected to processing claims for hearing loss with the Department of Labor

The staff is professional, thorough, and gracious. We could not have been happier. You are also met with refreshments and lovely sweets in the waiting room, the entire space is clean and beautifully appointed. 10/10.

I left your office today without the opportunity to say thank you. I just wanted to write and tell you that my appointment today was by far the best experience I've had with any audiologist in my 20+ years of hearing loss. As I write this I am listening to Schubert songs and hearing them better than I have in years. No distortion! And German text fairly understandable, especially given my old, weathered, damaged ears. Thank you so much for your patience and your incredibly positive attitude throughout the process today. Looking forward to seeing you next week!

I am thrilled with the service, responsiveness and assistance The Hearing Solution provides me. The service I received from my previous audiologist does not come close.

Friendly, professional, and honest. They hugely helped me navigate what steps to take to improve my misophonia (not tinnitus)

I just participated in my first lip reading class with you. Wow! I am so grateful for the quality job you do in teaching me over zoom, how to better focus, hold and remember information. As I grow older (everyday!) I find my attention, patience and recall not working as well as I am used to. Thank you for teaching me such valuable lessons. I look forward to continuing with you!

Very pleased with her professionalism.

As a physician, I am very particular about precision, attitude and patient care. I have had hearing problems for a number of years but was unsatisfied with my experience at Costco and the Major HMO in the Sacramento area. My experience at The Hearing Solution was dramatically better. From diagnosis through explanation through the careful trial periods of different brands the excellence of service, attentiveness to care and flexibility of service was outstanding. There is absolutedly no comparison between the mass market approach and The Hearing Solution. I would not have believed that the process of finding the proper hearing aid for myself could be so radically better. The Hearing Solution gets my highest rating.

I felt that my concerns were listened to fully. And I quickly realized that I could benefit from Kristen’s level of professional skills. And where else would a staff member flag me down on the street to make sure I found the right building! I felt so pleased and comfortable in your office. Many thanks! Betsy Major

The staff was pleasant, friendly, professional and explained the whole process. I could not have expected better service.

Very friendly staff and goes that extra mile to make sure you have what you need. Thank you so much.

I loved everything about my experience with Hearing Solutions, Everyone is so nice and very accommodating through the whole process until we secured the right fit for me. I recommend The Hearing Solutions to everyone that has a hearing problem!!!

You are tops!

Very professional and kind.

Very friendly environment. Helpful and knowledgeable about hearing issues and resolution. I felt right at home here.

The process of evaluation was very professional, comfortable, and unrushed. Kirsten is very easy to work with. I understand why Dr. Chang recommended her. All of my questions were answered in a clear manner, and I am confident in the process. My interactions with the office prior to the hearing evaluation were excellent. I look forward to the next visit. Best regards, Bill

Last summer I took my near-deaf sister to see Dr. Kristen. Within two hours she did the test, reprogrammed my late father’s Resound hearing aids, cleaning, and fitting. She walked out of the office, could even hear sounds from her back. Yesterday during her second service visit, Dr. Kristen even helped pull out her ear wax in both sides. Not only did she restore my sister’s hearing, her gentle, kind, and caring manners build up my sister’s confidence. She could even do zoom Bible study now. A great doctor with a beautiful heart!

One of the nicest professional places I have ever been. Very pleased and would recommend their services to anyone.