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Read MoreUnderstanding Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Medically reviewed by Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD, Harvard Medical School | Henry Ford Hospital - Detroit, MI on December 11th, 2023.
Key Takeaways
- Sensorineural loss (affecting inner ear or auditory nerve) accounts for 90% of cases and is typically permanent, while conductive loss (outer/middle ear blockages) can often be medically or surgically corrected.
- Adults lose approximately 0.5-1 decibel of hearing annually after age 40, with men experiencing twice the rate of loss compared to women due to occupational and recreational noise exposure.
- Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (heavy traffic level) for extended periods causes damage—leaf blowers at 110 dB can harm hearing in just 2 minutes without protection.
- Modern hearing aids can improve speech understanding by 70-80% when properly fitted, while cochlear implants may restore functional hearing even in cases of profound deafness.
- The "60/60 rule" for headphone safety—listen at maximum 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes daily—can prevent noise-induced damage in younger users.
Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of Americans, making it difficult to communicate and engage with the world around them. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hearing loss, you can take steps to protect your hearing and maintain your quality of life.
What Is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss occurs when any part of your ear isn't working as it should, making it difficult to hear sounds clearly. There are three main types of hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss, which involves the outer or middle ear
Sensorineural hearing loss, which involves the inner ear
Mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
Common Causes of Hearing Loss
There are many factors that can contribute to hearing loss, including:
Advanced age
Exposure to loud noise
Certain medications
Illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes
Ear conditions such as otosclerosis and Meniere's disease
Trauma to the ear or head
Infection or earwax buildup
Recognizing the Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it difficult to notice at first. Some common signs and symptoms of hearing loss include:
Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
Turning up the volume on the TV or radio
Hearing ringing, roaring, or hissing sounds in your ears (tinnitus)
Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, such as children's or female voices
Diagnosing Hearing Loss
If you suspect you have hearing loss, your doctor can perform various tests to determine the extent and type of hearing loss you have. These tests may include:
Physical exam to check for earwax buildup, infection, or structural problems
General screening tests to see how well you hear spoken words at different volumes
Tuning fork tests to help pinpoint where in your ear the hearing loss is occurring
Audiometer tests to measure your hearing ability more accurately
Treatment Options for Hearing Loss
The treatment for hearing loss depends on the type and cause of the condition. Some options include:
Hearing aids to amplify sounds
Cochlear implants for those with profound sensorineural hearing loss
Assistive listening devices, such as personal listening systems and TV-listening systems
Surgery to correct certain ear conditions
Medications to treat infections or other underlying health issues
Learn more about the latest treatments for hearing loss from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Preventing Hearing Loss
While some causes of hearing loss are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to protect your hearing:
Wear earplugs or other hearing protection when exposed to loud noises
Limit your time in noisy environments
Keep the volume down when using headphones or earbuds
Have your hearing checked regularly, especially if you're at higher risk for hearing loss
For more information on preventing hearing loss, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Living with Hearing Loss
If you have hearing loss, there are ways to make communication easier and maintain your quality of life:
Let people know what they can do to help you understand them better, such as facing you when speaking and speaking clearly
Set up your home to minimize background noise and ensure rooms are well-lit
Consider joining a support group for people with hearing loss
By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hearing loss, you can take control of your hearing health and stay connected with the world around you.
The Bottom Line
Early intervention is crucial since untreated hearing loss progresses and becomes harder to manage over time. Regular audiometric testing every 3 years after age 50 can catch problems before they significantly impact communication. If you're noticing changes in your hearing or need guidance on treatment options, Doctronic can connect you with specialists quickly.
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