Hearing loss involves a gradual process that can make you partially or entirely unable to hear sound in one or both ears. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), more than 15% of American adults aged 18 and above report some trouble hearing. These hearing loss cases range from mild and moderate to severe and profound.

While the most significant amount of hearing loss is experienced in the ages 60 to 69, roughly two out of every 1000 babies born in the US have noticeable levels of hearing loss. This article discusses the possible causes, types, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of hearing loss. Read on to learn more.

Causes of Hearing Loss

There are different types of hearing loss, and each is caused by its own underlying factors. The types include Conductive hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss happens when sounds find it hard to move from the outer ear to the inner ear, including the middle ear bones and the eardrum. With this condition, you may have trouble hearing muffled or soft sounds. Conductive hearing loss is mainly caused by ear infections, ear wax buildup, allergies, fluid in the middle ear, and a torn eardrum.

Auditory Processing Disorder

This occurs when the brain cannot process sound, making it challenging to locate where the sound originates from or understand speech. Learn more about how hearing works in the brain.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)

SNHL refers to the damage in your nerve pathways to the brain or inner ear structures. This hearing loss type is often permanent and makes sounds seem unclear or muffled. The causes include:

  • Aging
  • Birth defects that change the ear structure
  • Head injuries
  • Infections like meningitis, measles, and scarlet fever
  • Meniere’s disease
  • Some medications, like ototoxic medications

Mixed Hearing Loss

With this hearing loss type, both sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss happen at the same time.

What Are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss happens over time, and you may fail to notice the first signs. If you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to your audiologist:

  • Finding it challenging to hear in noisy environments
  • Hearing ringing or buzzing in your ears
  • Sounds getting to your ears as muffled
  • Straining to hear people when they are not facing you or on the phone
  • Hearing loss that is worsening in one ear
  • Experiencing ear pain
  • Often requesting people to repeat themselves
  • Repeatedly missing your doorbell or phone ringing
  • Frequent headaches, weakness, numbness, neck stiffness, mental agitation, vomiting, quick breathing, and chills

Your child may be experiencing hearing loss if:

  • They don’t turn their head or startle at a loud noise
  • Unlike their agemates, they have unclear speech
  • The child always wants to increase the TV or radio volume up high than others
  • They have problems understanding and following instructions
  • The child struggles in school
  • They always want people to repeat themselves

When Should I Seek Help?

If you have concerns about your hearing and are already noticing some of these symptoms, you should see an audiologist for a hearing test. The tests to diagnose hearing loss include:

  • Physical exam: The specialist looks in the ear for visible causes of hearing loss, like an infection or earwax buildup. The structure of your ear can cause hearing problems as well.
  • App-based or online hearing tests: You can leverage a mobile app on your phone or tablet to screen yourself for hearing loss.
  • Screening tests: These are whisper tests whereby you cover one ear at a time as you listen to words produced at different volumes. It helps identify how you react to various sound levels.
  • Tuning fork tests: The test involves using two-pronged metal tools that produce sounds when hit. They help identify the damaged part of the ear.
  • Audiometer tests: An audiologist performs these more thorough tests to determine the quietest sound you can hear.

Treatment Options for Hearing Loss

The good news is that you can access help for hearing problems. The kind of treatment you get depends on the cause of the hearing loss and how severe it is. Treatment options to help improve your hearing include:

  • Removing earwax: If you have earwax buildup in the ear canal, a healthcare specialist can help remove the earwax blockage using a small tool with a loop on the end or suction. Although you can do it yourself at home using over-the-counter solutions, it is best to consult your doctor before trying to remove any object from your ear to avoid damaging it unintentionally.
  • Hearing aids: If your inner ear is damaged, your audiologist may prescribe and fit you with a hearing aid.
  • Cochlear implants: These devices are surgically fitted into the inner ear to offer sound signals to the brain. The implants are ideal for those with severe hearing loss to help them hear better.
  • Surgery: Some hearing loss types call for surgery. For instance, if you experience repeated infections that lead to fluid in the ear, a specialist may have to do surgery to insert small tubes to enable the ears to drain.
  • Assistive listening devices: These include headphones and personal amplifiers

How to Prevent Hearing Loss

Although not all hearing loss cases are preventable, you can take a few steps to protect your hearing. These are:

  • Use ear safety equipment such as earmuffs and earplugs when in a noisy workplace or during loud events and activities
  • Keep the volume down when using earphones or headphones
  • Seek help immediately for ear infections that can cause permanent damage if left untreated
  • Avoid exposing yourself to prolonged loud music or noises
  • Perform regular hearing tests if you swim often, go to concerts regularly, or work in a noisy environment
  • Take frequent breaks from loud noises if you can
  • Always keep your radio, TV, and music down
  • Do regular exercises to increase oxygen and blood circulation to the ear, brain and other parts of the body; exercising the brain will help keep it active and boost sound processing

Hearing loss can happen at any stage in life, although those at a higher risk are the older generation and individuals constantly exposed to loud noises. Considering that most hearing loss types are permanent, it is best to exercise preventive measures before it occurs. If you are already facing hearing problems, seek help from an experienced audiologist to prevent the situation from worsening and get proper treatment.