Top Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss occurs when one part of the ear does not function correctly. There are three key types of hearing loss:

• Sensorineural hearing loss, which typically affects the inner ear.
• Conductive, which impairs hearing in the middle and outer ear.
• Mixed hearing loss, which affects the inner, middle and outer ear.

If you suspect that you may be experiencing hearing loss, read on to find out its causes and how you can get help.

What causes hearing loss?

Age is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Statistics show that at least one in every two people above 75 experiences some form of hearing loss. Another factor that could lead to hearing loss is consistent exposure to loud noises. This significantly affects those who work in an extremely noisy environment, such as a manufacturing plant or people accustomed to entertainment joints that play booming music. Genetics could be yet another contributing factor to hearing loss. Additionally, some medications have been shown to affect your hearing negatively and could cause some form of hearing loss.

What are the top symptoms of hearing loss?

Before delving into the most conspicuous symptoms of hearing loss, it would help to understand the various levels of this condition. Hearing loss is classified as mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing loss. With mild hearing loss, you occasionally find it hard to hear things, especially when there is background noise. Moderate hearing loss occurs when you don’t hear well in one-on-one conversations, even when there is no background noise. On the other hand, severe hearing loss is characterized by an inability to follow conversations without hearing aids. Profound hearing loss is slightly more serious than severe hearing loss because you may need a cochlear implant to hear correctly. Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss are:

• Difficulty following conversations and regularly asking others to repeat the things they say loudly and clearly.
• People may complain that your TV is always too loud
• You experience difficulty differentiating consonants
• You think that people are always mumbling, when in fact, they may be talking
• You misunderstand what people tell you and often give inappropriate responses
• You hear a ringing, hissing or roaring sound in your ear, a condition called tinnitus
• Avoiding social occasions

What solutions are there for hearing loss?

If you experience hearing loss, one of the ways you can improve your hearing is by wearing a hearing aid. These devices amplify sounds, thus making it easier for you to hear well. Your hearing health professional may also recommend that you wear cochlear implants if you have profound hearing loss. Depending on your type of hearing loss, your hearing specialist may recommend a device in one of the following styles: behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE) or in the canal (ITC). Now that you know the different types of hearing loss, and the most common symptoms of the condition, all that remains is for you to visit a hearing health professional to get help if you need it. Fortunately, most corrective measures taken for hearing loss are non-intrusive. Your hearing specialist will examine you to determine your hearing loss level and recommend the best cause of action. Don’t hesitate to book a visit so that you can learn about your options.