Understanding Hearing Loss Types, Causes & Treatment
Hearing loss affects 1 in 5 Canadians, yet most people wait an average of 7 years before seeking help. This guide explains the types of hearing loss, what causes it, the signs to watch for, and how Carter Hearing's team can help you across British Columbia from Chilliwack and Hope to Lillooet, Princeton, and beyond.
Quick Facts
1 in 5
Canadian adults live with measurable hearing loss
Free hearing evaluations at every Carter clinic
FNHA, DVA, BlueCross & WorkSafeBC accepted
Same-week appointments available
Serving the Fraser Valley & Interior BC
7 Years
The average length of time people wait between first noticing hearing loss and seeking help. Don't wait earlier intervention means better outcomes.
WHAT IS HEARING LOSS?
Hearing loss is more than a volume problem.
Hearing loss is a partial or complete inability to hear sounds in one or both ears. It can come on gradually with age, suddenly after an illness, or progressively after years of noise exposure. For most people it isn't simply that things sound "quieter" it's that speech becomes harder to follow, conversations in restaurants feel exhausting, and the high-pitched consonants that give words their meaning (like s, f, th) start to fade out.
The earlier hearing loss is identified, the easier it is to treat. Untreated hearing loss is linked to social isolation, depression, fall risk, and an increased risk of cognitive decline. The good news: nearly every type of hearing loss has a treatment path, and most start with a simple, painless test.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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