Hearing Loss
Hearing issues affect approximately 48 million people in the U.S., spanning all age groups. Because it develops gradually, many individuals don’t realize they have a problem until it begins to impact daily life. Untreated hearing problems can lead to social isolation, depression, and difficulty detecting potentially dangerous situations.
How Is Hearing Loss Diagnosed?
To diagnose the condition, your doctor will review your medical history, discuss symptoms, and perform a physical exam. This typically includes a hearing evaluation using a series of audiological tests to determine the type and severity.
Common signs of hearing loss include:
– Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
– Feeling like people are mumbling
– Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments
– Turning up the volume on TVs or radios
– Avoiding social gatherings in loud settings
Sudden loss
In rare cases, hearing may decline rapidly over hours or days. Sudden changes require immediate medical evaluation. Possible causes include:
– Infections
– Head trauma
– Immune-related conditions
– Noise induced hearing loss
– Ototoxic drugs (medications that damage the ear)
– Circulatory or neurological issues
– Disorders such as Ménière’s disease
Noise Induced Loss
Everyday sounds are usually safe, but exposure to sounds that are too loud or last too long can damage the inner ear and lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). NIHL may be temporary or permanent, immediate or gradual, and can affect one or both ears—often without noticeable symptoms at first. The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable with proper hearing protection and awareness.
Single sided hearing Issues
Hearing loss in one ear can result in difficulties localizing sounds, and hearing in background noise.
Causes include:
– Acoustic neuroma or other tumors
– Ear infections
– Inner ear diseases
– Congenital abnormalities
– Trauma
– Chemotherapy
– Surgical Complications
– Viral infections such as mumps, measles, or meningitis
While there is no cure for unilateral hearing impairment, modern technologies can help restore perception on the affected side.
Sensorineural
Sensorineural hearing loss indicates damage to the inner ear. Soft sounds may be difficult to hear, and louder sounds can appear muffled.
Causes include:
– Fluid or ear infections
– Eustachian tube dysfunction
– Perforated eardrum
– Structural abnormalities
– Blockages such as ear wax or foreign objects
Unlike sensorineural loss, conductive loss can often be treated with medication or surgery.
Conductive Loss
Conductive loss indicates problems involving the middle ear (ear drum, ossicles, middle ear space). Symptoms often include muffled or reduced hearing.
Causes include:
– Fluid or ear infections
– Eustachian tube dysfunction
– Perforated eardrum
– Structural abnormalities
– Blockages such as ear wax or foreign objects
Unlike sensorineural problems, conductive conditions can often be treated with medication or surgery.
Mixed Loss
Mixed hearing loss indicates loss involving both the inner ear and middle ear systems.
