This is a fancy term for hearing that has aged. It usually affects both ears and is the most common hearing problem for seniors. Because it affects mostly high-pitched sounds, the voices of small children or women or the beeps from an electronic device are examples of the sounds that can be difficult to hear for people with this condition.

A doctor should be seen immediately to determine the cause of sudden hearing loss. While the cause could be as simple as earwax, it can also signal something far more serious, and it should be checked out with a health professional as quickly as possible. (See our Professional Locator at the top of this page.)

Besides hearing loss that's caused by noise or aging, hearing can also be damaged by certain medications – even aspirin in large, daily doses. Diseases such as Mumps, German Measles or Paget's Disease can cause damage, too. Tumors, trauma, and infections can also cause hearing loss. Obviously, treatment for hearing loss depends on finding the exact cause and this is done by ruling out the causes just mentioned. Working with your doctor, your Songbird Hearing Professional will find the answers and recommend the treatment that's right for you.

Hearing loss can also exhibit counterintuitive symptoms. If loud sounds hurt your ears and soft sounds are missed, you should see a hearing professional to find out why.

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