Dealing with High Frequency Hearing Loss

Rachel Aaron Raphael, M. A., CCC-A, is an audiologist with the practice of Dr. Alan Oshinsky, Chief, Division of Otolaryngology at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Rachel was interviewed by Aging in Place magazine regarding issues relative to high frequency hearing loss. The following is an excerpt of her interview.

"High frequency hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss, and is usually gradual, progressive and bilateral. This has to do with the anatomy of the inner ear. In particular, the cochlear hair cells responsible for high frequencies (outermost portion) are more susceptible to damage over time (more so than low frequencies in the protected innermost portion of the snail shaped structure). Therefore, normal aging, disease processes, and noise exposure can and will typically result in high frequency hearing loss in both ears. Often it would go unnoticed if it were not for possible accompanying tinnitus, a high frequency ringing or buzzing. As hearing loss progresses over time, a person may notice some gradual loss of clarity in speech, more difficulty hearing in background noise, and a need to turn up the television louder. A comprehensive hearing test which consists of air, bone and speech testing, is the best way to diagnose the type and degree of any hearing loss, and need for remediation.

No one can stop or prevent the gradual age-related hearing loss that typically starts to occur over age 60 or 70. However, everyone can take precautions and protect their ears from noise induced high frequency hearing loss by avoiding or protecting ears from loud noises (85 decibels or louder) beginning from a young age. This includes wearing hearing protection during factory work, gun shooting, lawn mowers, concerts, and limiting the output of music played through earbuds and headphones. If you think you have high frequency hearing loss, get tested! Early detection is key in determining if you have hearing loss."

Rachel A. Raphael, M.A., CCC-A has worked with Dr. Alan Oshinsky since 1988. Specializing in clinical audiology and hearing aid dispensing, Rachel helps in the diagnosis of hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness & vestibular pathology. Through accurate and thorough testing on children and adults, she and her team can recommend the best treatment options including surgical, medical, and hearing aid evaluation and fitting.