Hearing Loss in Lakeland & Winter Haven, FL: What You Need to Know
Expert hearing care, personalized for your life.
Symptom checklist:
- I have trouble understanding what people are saying.
- I often ask people to repeat themselves.
- I have ringing in my ears.
- I have been told I have a hearing problem.
- I struggle to follow conversations in background noise (restaurants, meetings).
- I avoid social situations because of difficulty hearing.
- I turn up the TV or radio to levels others find too loud.
- I frequently miss parts of words or sentences.
If two or more of these apply to you, you may have hearing loss. The good news: most hearing loss is treatable. Our audiologists at Aspire Hearing Solutions in Lakeland and Winter Haven are here to help you find answers and get back to the life you love.
Call or text us today to schedule your comprehensive hearing evaluation.
Types of Hearing Loss
Not all hearing loss is the same. Understanding the type you have determines the treatment path. Your audiologist will identify which type applies to you during your evaluation.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot efficiently travel through the outer or middle ear to reach the inner ear. Common causes include earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, ear infections, a perforated eardrum, or abnormal bone growth. Conductive hearing loss is often temporary and treatable with medication, earwax removal, or in some cases, surgery.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
The most common type of permanent hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the hair cells in the cochlea or the auditory nerve are damaged. Age, noise exposure, illness, and genetics are the primary causes. While it cannot be reversed, it responds very well to treatment with hearing aids or, in severe cases, cochlear implants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Loss
Can hearing loss be reversed or cured?
It depends on the type. Conductive hearing loss, caused by earwax, infections, or structural issues, is often fully reversible with treatment. Sensorineural hearing loss, which accounts for the vast majority of cases, is generally permanent because it involves the loss of cochlear hair cells that cannot regenerate. However, it is very successfully managed with hearing aids or cochlear implants. The sooner it is treated, the better the outcome.
What is the most common type of hearing loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss is by far the most common type, accounting for approximately 90% of all cases. It is primarily caused by aging (presbycusis) and noise exposure.
At what age does hearing loss typically start?
While hearing loss can occur at any age, age-related hearing loss typically becomes noticeable in the 50s and 60s. However, noise-induced hearing loss can begin in your 20s or 30s if you have been regularly exposed to loud environments without protection.
How do I know if I need a hearing aid?
The only way to know for certain is a comprehensive hearing evaluation. In general, if your hearing loss is interfering with your daily communication, relationships, or quality of life, hearing aids are likely to help. Most people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss benefit significantly from today’s technology.
What is the difference between an audiologist and a hearing aid dispenser?
An audiologist holds a doctoral-level degree (Au.D. or Ph.D.) and is trained to evaluate and treat the full spectrum of hearing and balance disorders. A hearing aid dispenser or hearing instrument specialist is licensed to fit and sell hearing aids but does not have the same level of clinical training. All providers at Aspire Hearing Solutions are doctoral-level audiologists.
Does insurance cover hearing tests and hearing aids?
Most insurance plans cover diagnostic hearing evaluations. Coverage for hearing aids varies significantly. Some plans include a benefit, others do not. Medicare traditionally has not covered hearing aids, though this is evolving. We recommend calling our office and we will verify your specific benefits before your appointment.
What happens if hearing loss goes untreated?
Untreated hearing loss is associated with accelerated cognitive decline, increased dementia risk, depression, social isolation, falls, and a significantly reduced quality of life. Research consistently shows that treating hearing loss early leads to better long-term outcomes for your hearing and your overall health.
Is hearing loss hereditary?
Yes, genetics play a role. If family members experienced hearing loss at a relatively young age, your own risk is elevated. Some forms of hearing loss, particularly congenital (present from birth) and certain types of progressive hearing loss, have a strong genetic component.
How long does a hearing evaluation take?
A comprehensive hearing evaluation at Aspire Hearing Solutions typically takes 45 minutes to one hour. This includes a review of your hearing history, a physical examination of your ears, a series of hearing tests, and a full review of your results with your audiologist.
Is hearing loss a disability?
Significant hearing loss may qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), depending on the degree of impairment. Many people with treated hearing loss, however, live full and active lives with minimal daily limitations. Our audiologists can provide documentation of your hearing loss if needed.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Getting started is simple. Call, text, or schedule online. Our team will answer your questions, gather some brief information, and get you scheduled for a comprehensive hearing evaluation at our Lakeland or Winter Haven office.
We treat every patient like family, because we know that hearing well matters in every relationship.