Hearing Loss in Southern Dallas and Ellis County — What You Need to Know
You Are Not Alone
Hearing loss affects more than 48 million Americans, making it the third most common physical health condition in the country, after arthritis and heart disease. Despite how common it is, the average person waits seven years from the time they first notice changes in their hearing before seeking help. Those are seven years of missed conversations, strained relationships, and unnecessary isolation.
At Hearing Solutions, we are proud to serve residents throughout Southern Dallas and Ellis Counties, including DeSoto and the surrounding communities. Whether you are just noticing changes or have been living with hearing loss for years, we are here to help with honest information, comprehensive evaluation, and personalized solutions.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is a reduction in the ability to perceive sounds. It can range from mild difficulty hearing soft sounds to a profound inability to hear even very loud noises. It can affect one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral), and it can develop gradually over time or occur suddenly.
Hearing loss is not an inevitable part of aging that must simply be accepted. In most cases, it can be managed effectively — and the sooner it is addressed, the better the outcomes.
The Three Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is blocked or reduced as it travels through the outer or middle ear to the inner ear. This is often caused by physical obstructions or structural issues and is frequently treatable medically or surgically.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type, accounting for more than 90% of cases. It results from damage to the hair cells of the inner ear or the auditory nerve itself. This type is most often permanent, but it is highly manageable with modern hearing aid technology.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural components. A person may have inner ear damage alongside a blockage or structural issue in the outer or middle ear. Treatment typically addresses both aspects — any treatable conductive component first, followed by hearing aids for any remaining sensorineural loss.
Degrees of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB) and classified into degrees:
| Degree | Hearing Level | What You May Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 0–25 dB | No significant difficulty |
| Mild | 26–40 dB | Trouble following soft speech or distant voices |
| Moderate | 41–55 dB | Difficulty understanding normal conversation |
| Moderately Severe | 56–70 dB | Struggles in most conversations; TV volume very high |
| Severe | 71–90 dB | Can only hear very loud speech or sounds |
| Profound | 91+ dB | Little or no usable hearing without amplification |
Common Causes of Hearing Loss
- Aging (presbycusis) — natural deterioration of the inner ear with age; the most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss in adults
- Noise exposure — prolonged or sudden exposure to loud sounds damages inner ear hair cells permanently
- Ear infections — repeated infections can cause fluid buildup and structural damage
- Earwax buildup — excessive wax can block the ear canal and reduce hearing
- Genetic factors — some forms of hearing loss are hereditary
- Ototoxic medications — certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high-dose aspirin can damage the inner ear
- Head or ear injuries — trauma can damage the eardrum, middle ear bones, or auditory nerve
- Disease — conditions such as Ménière’s disease, otosclerosis, and autoimmune disorders can affect hearing
- Congenital causes — hearing loss present from birth, due to genetics or complications during pregnancy or delivery
Warning Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss often progresses slowly, so many people do not realize how much they have lost until it is pointed out by others. Common signs include:
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments
- Turning the television or radio up louder than others prefer
- Trouble hearing high-pitched voices, such as women’s and children’s voices
- Missing parts of telephone conversations
- Withdrawing from social situations because hearing is difficult
- Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Feeling that others are mumbling
If any of these sound familiar, a professional hearing evaluation is the right first step.
The Real Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
Research has linked untreated hearing loss to a range of serious health concerns beyond the ear itself, including:
- Increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia
- Higher rates of depression and anxiety
- Social isolation and withdrawal
- Reduced job performance and earning potential
- Increased risk of falls in older adults
- Strained personal and professional relationships
Treating hearing loss is not just about improving your ability to hear — it is about protecting your overall health and quality of life.
How is Hearing Loss Diagnosed?
A comprehensive hearing evaluation at Hearing Solutions includes a review of your medical history, a physical examination of your ears, and a series of diagnostic tests including pure-tone audiometry, bone conduction testing, speech testing, and tympanometry. Results are charted on an audiogram so you and your specialist can clearly see the type, degree, and configuration of your hearing loss.
Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on the type and degree of your hearing loss:
- Medical or surgical treatment — for conductive hearing loss caused by infection, fluid, earwax, or structural issues
- Hearing aids — the most common and effective solution for sensorineural and mixed hearing loss; modern devices are discreet, digital, and powerful
- Assistive listening devices — amplified phones, TV listeners, and alerting systems to support daily communication
- Tinnitus management — for those experiencing ringing or buzzing alongside hearing loss
Why Choose Hearing Solutions for Your Hearing Test?
- Proudly serving Southern Dallas and Ellis County from our DeSoto location
- Independent practice with no manufacturer limitations
- Friendly, unhurried, patient-focused care
- Comprehensive evaluation including audiometric testing, tympanometry, and speech testing
- On-site follow-up services including fittings, repairs, and accessories
Start your journey to better hearing today.
Call us at 972-646-8320 or visit us at 2715 Bolton Boone Dr., Suite C, DeSoto, TX 75115 to schedule your comprehensive hearing evaluation. We proudly serve DeSoto and communities throughout Southern Dallas and Ellis Counties.
