Hearing FAQs
What does Pee Dee stand for?
Pee Dee is a region in the northeast corner of South Carolina. We named our hearing center Pee Dee Hearing Center because we aim to take care of the hearing health of the people of South Carolina.
Can I wait to get hearing aids?
If you are having trouble hearing, you should have your hearing tested right away. It’s best to manage hearing loss with hearing aids sooner rather than later to prevent any decline in cognition and speech recognition. The longer you wait to manage hearing loss, the harder it will be to adjust.
Should I bring someone with me to my first appointment?
We highly recommend each new hearing patient bring a companion with whose voice they are familiar with. This helps us during the speech testing portion, plus having someone with you means they can listen for information and help you answer questions.
* For pediatric appointments, a parent must be present.
I think my child has hearing loss, what’s my first step?
If you suspect your child has hearing loss, the first step is a hearing test. At Pee Dee Hearing Center, we specialize in pediatric hearing care and can test your child’s hearing. We will discuss the results of your child’s audiogram with you and work together to create a custom management plan.
How do I properly care for my hearing aids?
To get the most out of your hearing aids, it’s important to clean them and always store them in a dry, safe place. Whenever you remove your hearing aids from your ears, be sure to wipe them down with a dry, soft cloth or a hearing aid cleaning brush. Cleaning your devices on a daily basis will ensure they perform their best. In addition, you should bring your hearing aids in every six months for a maintenance check.
Are there different types of hearing loss?
Yes, there are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed.
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common and occurs due to damage to the cochlea or hair cells in the inner ear responsible for hearing. Common causes include age, genetics, ototoxic medications, and health conditions – such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot be transmitted from the outer and middle ear to the inner ear. Causes often include earwax impaction, ear infection, fluid in the middle ear, or ruptured eardrum. This type of hearing loss needs to be treated by a specialist or medical doctor.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive losses.