Noise exposure and aging are common causes of acquired sensorineural hearing loss, marked by damaged hair cells and evident in threshold audiograms. Recent studies have shown that well before overt hearing loss is apparent, a more insidious process frequently occurs, one that doesn’t kill hair cells, but instead permanently interrupts their communication with cochlear neurons. This cochlear synaptic loss can be dramatic, even in ears with normal threshold audiograms, where it has been called “hidden hearing loss.” This webinar will review hidden and overt effects of noise and aging on the ear and hearing, focusing on documented synaptopathic and neurodegenerative outcomes and predicted functional consequences, including speech-in noise difficulties, tinnitus, and hyperacusis.

This webinar is part of ASHA’s Carhart Series of Audiology Webinars, named in honor of the “father of audiology” and past ASHA president, Dr. Raymond Carhart. He expressed a love for the clinic and for practitioners who work hard each day to solve patients' hearing and communication challenges. Reflecting Carhart’s spirit of curiosity and his appreciation for discovery and practical application, the series features expert speakers who use evidence-based decision-making to propose solutions to the top clinical dilemmas that audiologists face in daily practice.

Learning Objectives:
You will be able to:

• identify strengths and limitations of threshold tests in characterizing age-related and noise-induced functional compromise
• describe common consequences of TTS-producing noise exposure on the ear and hearing
• define cochlear synaptopathy and hidden hearing loss

What is Included?

You'll get online access to all the course content, including the full video, references, worksheets, and eManual, so you can access it from anywhere!

Assessment Type

Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.