Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss
Signs & Causes

How do I know if I have hearing loss, and what actually causes it?

Hearing Loss
Types

Sensorineural vs. conductive: What is the difference?

Hearing Loss
What is it

What is hearing loss, and how does my hearing system work?

Hearing Loss
Levels

How can mild hearing loss get worse and become severe?

Hearing Loss
Treatment

When do I need hearing aids to treat my hearing loss?

Hearing Loss
Diagnosis

What do tests like Otoscopy and Pure-Tone Testing show?

Hearing Loss What is it

Client:

"What is hearing loss, and how does my hearing system work?"

Dr. Reza Ataee:

"To better face your hearing loss, you need to understand it. And to understand it, you need to know how the hearing system works.

I usually tell my patients to think of the hearing system as a bridge. Its function is to carry sound waves from the outside world straight to your brain. It is a complex system, but the basic idea is simple.

Our hearing system is a teamwork process involving three players: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Your outer ear captures sound and transports it to the eardrum to vibrate it. These vibrations move the tiny bones in your middle ear, which push the liquid in your inner ear. This movement triggers the hair cells to send an electric signal to your brain, where it turns into meaningful sound.

Hearing loss happens when there is a break in this team and one or more players are not doing the job as they used to.

Hearing aids are there to reduce background noise and enhance speech so you can hear more clearly. This also keeps your hearing system active and ensures your brain stays stimulated. It prevents the brain from getting lazy and forgetting how to process sound over time. Sometimes, this can get worse, and that is why early diagnosis is important.

If you think you have noticed a change in your hearing, come see me at one of my Hearing Clinics in Vancouver or North Vancouver."

Hearing Loss Signs & Causes

Client:

"How do I know if I have hearing loss, and what actually causes it?"

Dr. Reza Ataee:

"That is a very common question. You might not notice hearing loss yourself, but your family and friends usually notice it first. This is simply because it happens so slowly.

There are many signs to look for. You might feel that everyone is mumbling, or find yourself turning the TV volume up louder than others find comfortable. You might also constantly ask people to repeat themselves. One of the most common hearing loss symptoms is struggling to hear clearly when there is background noise, like in a busy restaurant.

The most common cause is simply natural changes. Over time, the tiny hair cells in our inner ear can gradually wear down. Unlike other cells, they do not grow back. However, time is not the only factor. Long-term exposure to loud noise, genetics, or even simple things like earwax buildup can also cause these changes.

The best way to find the specific cause is a professional assessment. I can examine your ears and conduct a hearing test to determine exactly what is going on.

If you have noticed any of these signs, please call to book an appointment at one of my Hearing Clinics in Vancouver or North Vancouver."

Hearing Loss Types

Client:

"Sensorineural vs. conductive: What is the difference?"

Dr. Reza Ataee:

"There are three main types of hearing loss. It really depends on which part of your ear is having trouble.

First, we have Sensorineural hearing loss. This is the most common type. It happens when the inner ear or the hearing nerve gets damaged, often by aging or loud noise. It is permanent hearing loss, but in some cases, hearing aids are an effective solution to help you hear better.

Next is Conductive hearing loss. This is when sound is physically blocked in your outer or middle ear. It could be something simple like earwax or fluid preventing sound from travelling through.

Finally, there is Mixed hearing loss, which is just a combination of both sensorineural and conductive types at the same time.

I always start with a hearing test to identify the specific type of your hearing loss and determine if you need hearing aids, and which type and level is the best solution for you.

If you want to check your hearing health, please call to book an appointment at one of my Hearing Clinics in Vancouver or North Vancouver."

Hearing Loss Levels

Client:

"How can mild hearing loss get worse and become severe?"

Dr. Reza Ataee:

"That is an excellent question! The answer is yes: in some cases, hearing loss can become worse if not treated because the hearing system needs to be exercised and kept active, much like a muscle or any organ in our body.

Hearing loss is measured based on decibels (dB), which indicate volume, across different frequencies, which indicate pitch. It is classified into four different levels: Mild hearing loss (between 26 and 40 dB), Moderate hearing loss (between 41 and 70 dB), Severe hearing loss (between 71 and 90 dB), and Profound hearing loss (anything greater than 90 dB).

When you come to my clinics, I will do a full audiometry screening to measure your exact level of hearing loss and explain your audiogram. If needed, hearing aids help you hear better and keep your hearing system active, preventing it from getting lazy.

If you have any specific questions, please call me to book an appointment at one of my Hearing Clinics in Vancouver or North Vancouver, or just ask to speak to me directly. I will be more than happy to help."

Hearing Loss Diagnosis

Client:

"What do tests like Otoscopy and Pure-Tone Testing show?"

Dr. Reza Ataee:

"That is a great question. To get a clear picture of your hearing, I follow a simple, four-step process. Each test gives us a specific result or chart to show exactly how well you hear.

We always start with a conversation to go over your hearing background and medical history. For example, I will ask about your daily exposure to loud noise.

First is Otoscopy. I look inside your ear with a special light called an otoscope. This gives me a direct view to ensure your ear canal is clear of earwax and that your eardrum looks healthy.

Next, we do Tympanometry. I gently place a soft probe in your ear. It changes the air pressure slightly and sends a tiny vibration to measure how your eardrum moves. This produces a graph called a Tympanogram, which tells us right away if your eardrum is moving freely or if fluid is blocking it.

Then, we move to Pure-Tone Audiometry. We go into the soundproof booth to test your hearing. I put headphones on you, and you signal whenever you hear beeps at different pitches. The result is a chart called an Audiogram. It shows your exact level of hearing loss.

Finally, we perform Speech Audiometry to check your understanding of words. The result here is a Percentage Score that tells us how clearly you can understand speech at a comfortable volume.

If you want to check your hearing health, please call to book an appointment at one of my Hearing Clinics in Vancouver or North Vancouver."

Hearing Loss Treatment

Client:

"When do I need hearing aids to treat my hearing loss?"

Dr. Reza Ataee:

"Sometimes, the solution is as simple as earwax removal by a professional, not yourself. On the other hand, if I see a medical condition that requires more attention, I will refer you directly to an ENT specialist.

I generally prescribe hearing aids as a treatment when we find permanent hearing loss that affects your communication. Sooner is better, and that is why early detection matters. If you wait too long, your brain can actually "forget" how to process certain sounds, making treatment more difficult later on.

If you notice signs of hearing loss, please call to schedule an appointment at one of my Hearing Clinics in Vancouver or North Vancouver."