Hearing loss is a condition that impacts communication, quality of life, and overall well-being. It affects millions of people worldwide, with diverse causes ranging from genetic factors to environmental influences. Below is information about types of hearing loss, causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Types of Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing loss:
- Conductive Hearing Loss: With this type of hearing loss, sound waves cannot pass through the middle and outer ear preventing the person from reaching the inner ear. Causes include blockages due to earwax, ear infections, or malformations of the ear structures.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This results from damage to the inner ear or the pathway from the inner ear to the brain. Common causes include aging, noise exposure, ototoxic medications, and genetic conditions.
- Mixed Hearing Loss: As the name implies, this type involves a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
The onset of hearing loss can be so gradual that the person may not realize it. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Needing to turn up the volume on the television or radio
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears)
Causes of Hearing Loss
There are many things that can cause hearing loss. The most common cause is from the natural aging process. Hearing loss can also be caused by noise exposure. Chronic exposure to loud noise can damage the delicate structures within the ear. Ear infections, such as viral or bacterial, can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Because of this, it is important that if you have any pain in your ears, you see a doctor. Hearing loss can also be caused by genetics as certain types are inherited.
Diagnosing Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is diagnosed using a combination of medical history, physical examination, and audiological tests. The latter measure how well a person can hear a range of frequencies (pitch) and volume (decibels).
Treatment of Hearing Loss
The treatment for hearing loss depends on its cause and severity:
- Hearing Aids: These are electronic devices worn in or behind the ear that amplify sounds.
- Cochlear Implants: For severe hearing loss, these electronic devices can be surgically implanted to stimulate the auditory nerve.
- Assistive Devices: These include captioned phones, FM systems, or alerting devices.
- Medical or Surgical Treatments: These can include antibiotics for infections, removal of earwax, or surgery to correct certain conditions.
- Aural Rehabilitation: This includes speech reading, speech therapy, and coping strategies to enhance communication.
Regular hearing checks, especially for those at risk, should be part of your healthcare routine. Seeking early treatment can significantly improve your hearing and overall well-being. There are hearing loss services that can assist you if you are having problems hearing. For more information on hearing loss, contact a professional near you.
When I started having some weird health symptoms, I wasn't sure what to do next. I was really stressed about what the future would hold for me, so I started talking with my doctor. I was referred to a few different medical providers, and it was really incredible to feel like I had access to excellent care. They worked with me daily to get on top of my symptoms and to help me to figure things out, and it felt amazing to have help. Now I know what condition I am living with, and that care has made all of the difference. Read more about medical care here.