What Is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss refers to a diminished or complete lack of ability to perceive sounds in either ear or both ears. The main symptoms include difficulty understanding speech, muffled sounds, and needing to turn up the volume on devices. Causes of hearing loss range from aging, noise exposure, genetic factors, and infections. Hearing loss is treatable but usually not reversible.

Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of hearing loss is crucial for early intervention and management. Hearing loss signs can be subtle or more noticeable.

Some common hearing loss symptoms include:

• Difficulty understanding speech – You may struggle to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments or when multiple people are talking.
• Muffled sounds – Hearing loss can make sounds seem unclear or distorted, making it difficult to identify specific noises or words.
• Turning up the volume – If you frequently need to turn up the volume on your TV or radio to hear clearly, it may be a sign of hearing loss.
• Tinnitus – This is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, often associated with hearing loss.
• Withdrawal from social situations – If you find yourself avoiding social events or conversations due to difficulty hearing, it could be a symptom of hearing loss.

Causes

There are several factors that can contribute to hearing loss.

Some of the main hearing loss causes include:

• Age – Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, usually begins around the age of 60 and results from the natural aging process and degeneration of the inner ear.
• Noise exposure – Exposure to excessively loud sounds, like those produced by industrial equipment or live music events, can harm the hair cells within the inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.
• Genetics – Hearing loss can be inherited, with certain genetic mutations causing congenital hearing loss or increasing susceptibility to noise-induced and age-related hearing loss.
• Infections – Some viral or bacterial infections, like meningitis or measles, can cause damage to the auditory system, resulting in hearing loss.

Risk Factors

Specific factors may heighten your risk of experiencing hearing loss in your lifetime.

Risk factors of hearing loss include:

• Occupational noise exposure – Working in noisy environments, such as construction sites or factories, can put you at a higher risk for hearing loss.
• Recreational noise exposure – Attending loud concerts, using power tools, or engaging in activities with high noise levels can also increase your risk.
• Family history – A family history of hearing loss may indicate a genetic predisposition to the condition.
• Certain medications – Some medications, such as certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs, can have ototoxic effects, potentially causing hearing loss.
• Smoking – Tobacco use has been linked to an increased risk of hearing loss, possibly due to reduced blood flow to the inner ear.
• Illness – Some illnesses, such as meningitis, might make you more likely to develop hearing loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing hearing loss involves a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Diagnostic tests include:

• Pure-tone audiometry – This test measures your ability to hear sounds at different frequencies and volumes using headphones and a machine called an audiometer.
• Speech audiometry – This test assesses your ability to understand speech at varying volumes and in the presence of background noise.
• Tympanometry – This test measures the function of your middle ear and eardrum by monitoring the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure.

Treatment

The choice of treatment for hearing loss is determined by the root cause and the extent of the impairment.

Common treatments include:

• Hearing aids – These electronic devices amplify sounds, making it easier for individuals with hearing loss to hear and understand speech.
• Cochlear implants – For severe hearing loss, cochlear implants may be an option. Cochlear implants circumvent the impaired sections of the ear and directly activate the auditory nerve.
• Removing wax blockage – Accumulation of earwax can sometimes cause temporary hearing loss. Professional removal of the wax can restore hearing in such cases.
• Assistive listening devices – These devices, such as FM systems or amplified telephones, can help improve hearing in specific situations or environments.
• Surgical procedures – In some instances, surgery may be required to address structural issues in the ear or to implant hearing devices, such as bone-anchored hearing.

Prevention

Hearing loss prevention involves taking steps to protect your ears and reduce your risk of developing the condition.

Effective prevention strategies include:

• Limiting exposure to loud noises – Avoid or minimize exposure to loud noises, such as heavy machinery or live music, to protect your ears from damage.
• Using hearing protection – When in noisy environments, use hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs to reduce the volume of sounds reaching your ears.
• Regular hearing checkups – Routine hearing tests can help detect early signs of hearing loss, allowing for timely intervention and management.
• Adopting healthy life habits – Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising consistently, and not smoking can help support overall ear health and reduce the risk of hearing loss.

Complications

Untreated or poorly managed hearing loss can lead to various complications. These may include social isolation, as difficulty hearing and communicating can lead to withdrawal from social situations. Moreover, there is an association between hearing loss and a heightened risk of cognitive decline and dementia, as the brain might experience reduced auditory stimulation. Finally, untreated hearing loss can negatively impact the overall quality of life and contribute to depression or anxiety, as individuals may experience feelings of frustration and helplessness.

If you or one of your loved ones experience any signs of hearing loss, please contact an audiologist at Baptist Health today.