Why You Can't Hear - Even when Your Hearing Test is "Normal" | Dr. Layne Garrett

Do you hear fine in quiet rooms but struggle the moment you step into a restaurant, church, or family gathering—even though your hearing test looks “normal”?

You are not imagining it. This is a real condition called Hidden Hearing Loss, and it affects thousands of people in Utah County and beyond.

I’m Dr. Layne Garrett, audiologist and founder of Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus in American Fork, Utah. For over 20 years, I’ve helped patients across Spanish Fork, American Fork, and the surrounding communities uncover the real reason behind their listening struggles and find solutions that work.

In this episode of The All Ears Podcast, we’ll cover:

• What hidden hearing loss is and why standard hearing tests miss it

• The science of synapse damage and why it disrupts clarity in noise

• Specialized tests (like Speech-in-Noise & OAEs) that reveal hidden problems

• How advanced hearing technology, auditory training, and communication strategies can help

• How programs like LACE Auditory Training retrain your “hearing brain”

📖 Plus: I’ll share how you can download a free copy of my book, Hear Us Out, which dives deeper into hidden hearing loss and treatment options.

📍 Based in Utah County, we serve patients in American Fork, Spanish Fork, and across Utah.

🌐 Learn more: utahhearingaids.com
📘 Get your free copy of Hear Us Out: freehearingbook.com

👉 Have you ever been told your hearing is “normal,” yet you still struggle to understand conversations? Share your story—it may help someone else feel less alone.

 

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❓ FAQs

What is hidden hearing loss?
Hidden hearing loss is a condition where your standard hearing test looks normal, but you still struggle to hear clearly in noisy environments. It happens when the nerve connections between the ear and brain are damaged.

Why doesn’t a normal hearing test show hidden hearing loss?
Standard tests measure the softest sounds you can detect in a quiet room. They don’t measure how clearly your brain processes speech in noise. That’s why patients often feel dismissed.

How is hidden hearing loss diagnosed?
Specialized tests like Speech-in-Noise (QuickSIN) and Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) can uncover problems that a standard audiogram misses.

Can hearing aids help hidden hearing loss?
Yes. Even with a normal audiogram, modern hearing aids with directional microphones, AI noise reduction, and advanced processing can dramatically improve clarity in noise.

What is auditory training?
Auditory training programs (like LACE) are like physical therapy for your brain’s listening system. They help strengthen the brain’s ability to focus on speech and filter out background noise.

Where can I get help in Utah?
At Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus in American Fork and Spanish Fork, we've won Best of State in Auditory Services 14 times, Best Audiology Clinic in Utah Valley Magazine and the Daily Herald. by specializing in advanced hearing testing and treatment for hidden hearing loss, serving patients across Utah County.

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