The Sounds Void: How Hearing Loss Sneaks Up On You

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When you come to your first appointment with us, we encourage you to bring a companion, someone who spends a lot of time with you. Why is that? Because they’re able to give us a different perspective on your hearing loss. In fact, your companion probably noticed your hearing loss “” and how it was affecting you “” before you did.

BUT HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE IF YOU’RE THE ONE WITH HEARING LOSS?

HOW SOUND WORKS

To begin with, it helps to understand how sound works. Most people think hearing loss is a question of volume. But that’s only part of the story. Sound is a combination of frequency (also called pitch) and intensity (also called loudness).

FREQUENCY

Frequency measures how fast (or how frequently) a sound wave vibrates. High frequency means a high pitch, like the notes on the right side of a piano, and low frequency means low pitch, like the notes on the left side of a piano.

INTENSITY

Intensity measures loudness. A whisper has low intensity, and a shout has high intensity.

FREQUENCY AND INTENSITY TOGETHER

Each sound is a combination of these two qualities.

  • A baby screaming has high frequency and high intensity.
  • A man shouting has low frequency and high intensity.
  • The sound of leaves rustling has high frequency and low intensity.
  • A rumble of thunder has low frequency and high intensity.

THE SOUND VOID®

Knowing how sound works helps us understand Sound Voids. We use the term Sound Void to refer to any moment lacking in clarity. Sound Voids have a lot to do with why your companion probably picked up on your hearing loss before you did. Sound Voids happen all the time: Allergies or a cold affect your ears, leading to increased chance of misunderstanding what people say. Even a buildup of earwax can lead to an increase in Sound Voids. But Sound Voids are also common with noise-induced or age-related hearing loss. Early on in these types of hearing loss, when someone speaks to you, you miss the high-frequency sounds, such as sshcchpf, and h. These sounds help you identify words. With those sounds missing, “cat” could be mistaken for “hat” and “pickle” for “fickle.” With this type of Sound Void, the intensities aren’t the problem “” it’s the frequencies. In other words, you can hear people speaking just fine, but sometimes you misunderstand them. At this early stage, what is actually a hearing loss truly seems to you like a momentary lack of clarity. You assume someone mumbled a little, or there are more people than usual at the restaurant. Loved ones probably think the same thing.  

THE SOUND VOIDS INCREASE

But as time goes on, the Sound Voids become more frequent, and those closest to you start to notice subtle signs: You turn up the volume on the TV or radio, you need statements repeated more often, and you get tired more easily while socializing in public venues. Your companion, by this point, has started to wonder if you have hearing loss. Because you’ve developed coping skills, you probably haven’t truly realized how it’s affecting you or your loved ones.  

THE SOUND VOIDS TAKE OVER

Eventually, enough of your hearing is damaged that you’re not just missing frequencies “” intensity is now a problem, too. You’re more likely to miss the low-frequency sounds of speech, the ones that provide volume, such as oi, and j. At this point, your companion has probably wondered aloud whether you have hearing loss, and you’ve started to realize how your hearing loss is affecting others. This is when many people consider getting their hearing tested.  

THE HEARING EVALUATION

This is why the companion is such a key part of the hearing evaluation: They’ve witnessed the early Sound Voids, the gradual behavior changes, how your hearing loss affects those around you, and your realization that you might have hearing loss. Their outside observations are an important complement to your internal observations.

Schedule Your Hearing Assessment

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.

To schedule an appointment, refer a patient, or ask a question, call us at (512) 398-4000 or fill out the form below.

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The staff were friendly and efficient. The audiologist, Sandy Schick was friendly, informative and took her time explaining what was going to happen and then the results. She explained the differences (pros and cons) in the options of hearing aids I had to select from without trying to "sell me" a particular one. I very much appreciated that. The cost was very reasonable.
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Great Dr. And Staff. Seen very close to appointment time. Less than 5-10 minute wait.
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Great staff. One of the best things I ever did was to select Longhorn Hearing for my hearing aids.
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Very professional with Texas charm.
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DR Schick is an excellent audiologist and friendly. I will refer anyone to her who needs help with hearing. Her staff is the same way too.
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I always have a great experience at Longhorn Hearing. The staff is professional, caring and friendly. The service is outstanding. They have made my hearing aid journey simple, comfortable and complete. I highly recommend Longhorn Hearing.
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Absolutely AMAZING experience with Dr. Sandy and the entire staff. After suffering a TBI, I learned I would need hearing aids to assist me “thru life” going forward. Dr. Sandy listened to my concerns, and was able to make suggestions based on my needs. From the moment I stepped in the office to the moment I left my most recent appointment, I have nothing but incredible things to say. So very happy I chose Longhorn Hearing to help me with my hearing aid journey. Thanks so much, Dr. Sandy & team! Heidi B.
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Dr.Sandy and her team are awesome. Very friendly,down to earth staff.Most professional audiologist I have ever met. Glad to have them in Lockhart.
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Friendly, qualified staff! Dr. Sandy heads up a very good team!
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Dr Schick and all the staff were very customer friendly and very knowledgeable about all my hearing needs and to the time to explain in detail. Which made it easier to take care of all my needs. Lockhart is lucky to have them in town. I would recommend them to family and friends.
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