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Invisible Hearing Loss

What is Invisible Hearing Loss?

It’s a relatively new term in the world of audiology but for hearing care professionals like us, it’s not new or surprising at all. Patients with invisible hearing loss (IHL for short) present with essentially normal hearing acuity in a clinical setting which are typically conducted in quiet rooms but then, will have difficulty hearing in various situations especially in noisy settings.

Recent studies show that at least 26 million Americans suffer from a form of invisible hearing loss that goes unrecognized in a traditional hearing test. According to Richard Savlvi, director at the Center for Hearing and Deafness, “You can have tremendous damage to inner hair cells in the ear that transmit information to the brain and still have a normal audiogram. But people with this type of damage have difficulty hearing in certain situations, like hearing speech in a noisy room. Their thresholds appear normal. So they’re sent home.”

26 Million Americans Have Hearing Difficulty

Many people think that hearing aids are only for those with significant hearing loss. Beck et al (2018) reported that in addition to the 37 million Americans with audiometric hearing loss, 26 million have hearing difficulty and/or difficulty understanding speech in noise (SIN) even when passing normal clinical thresholds.

At Sound Hearing Care, we take the time to LISTEN to YOU. We also will administer a speech-in-noise test that is quick and reliable to help determine if you require hearing aids just in noisy situations like office parties, networking events, crowded restaurants or large family events. Maybe you feel like you “hear” conversations in noisy environments but you have difficulty “understanding” what was said. Issues with auditory processing can also be helped with use of hearing aid devices.

“We know from experience that if someone comes to Sound Hearing Care, it’s because there is an issue. We know how important it is to listen to our patients and we will take the time to listen to you and find the best solution so you can enjoy hearing again!” Jennifer Waddell

If you or someone you know is struggling with hearing in noisy environments? Let the hearing professionals at Sound Hearing Care help you! Schedule a consultation at one of our four convenient locations at Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest, and Greenville. You can also give us a call at 864-881-1663.

More Hearing Information, References and Recommendations

  • Beck DL. (2015) BrainHearing—Maximizing Hearing And Listening. Hearing Review. March.


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