About Hearing Loss

​About 20% of Americans, (50 million) report some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can be present at birth or can develop in later childhood or adulthood. There are many causes of hearing loss and the effects can range from delayed speech and language development in children to misunderstandings, frustration and fatigue for adults and their families.

Treatment depends on the type and cause of hearing loss. All individuals with newly identified hearing loss should undergo a thorough medical evaluation, usually with an Ear, Nose and Throat physician. Medical genetics evaluations may help determine the cause of hearing loss, and rule out other disorders that might occur with hearing loss. In some cases, medical or surgical treatment is recommended. In other cases, hearing devices or cochlear implants may be recommended.

Why Seek Treatment for Hearing Loss?

• Better relationships with your family and loved ones
• Better feelings about yourself
• Improved mental health
• Greater independence and security

Hearing Loss in Children

Children with hearing loss should always see an eye doctor to rule out vision loss, as they may partially depend on visual cues for communication. Since hearing affects speech and language development, children with hearing loss need communication and developmental evaluations. Parents may team with early intervention specialists, speech-language pathologists, and teachers of the deaf or hard of hearing to develop an educational or family service plan.

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. Please see our Resources section for more information.