Demystifying Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Hearing is crucial for communication and enjoying activities like music, theater and nature’s sounds. But it’s common for people worldwide to experience hearing loss. By seeking help from a hearing instrument specialist (HIS), you will be able to understand the causes, symptoms and treatments for hearing loss and how it can improve your day-to-day life. Learning more about these aspects can provide helpful information for individuals looking to address this issue.

Age-Related Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss, properly known as presbycusis, is the most common cause of hearing loss when it comes to older adults. This is because, as the years go by, the structures in the ear, which include the hair cells that transmit sound to the brain, can stop working as well as they once did. When that happens, sound doesn’t travel as efficiently, and the result is hearing loss in varying degrees.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Noise-induced hearing loss is a prevalent cause of hearing loss among various age groups. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, whether at work, during recreational activities or from environmental sources like traffic or machinery, can damage the delicate structures within the inner ear. This damage often leads to a gradual decline in hearing sensitivity, primarily affecting the ability to perceive high-frequency sounds. Individuals exposed to excessive noise levels may initially notice difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments, ringing in the ears or a sense of fullness in the ears. Your hearing instrument can recommend hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs to help further prevent hearing loss.

Earwax Buildup

The accumulation of earwax is a natural occurrence and can contribute to hearing loss by physically blocking the canal and obstructing sound waves from reaching the ear canal. Fortunately, managing excessive earwax buildup is relatively straightforward. Talking with your hearing instrument specialist to help remove the blockage can effectively address the buildup of earwax.

Medical Conditions and Medications

Several medical conditions and certain medications are known to contribute to hearing loss. Conditions like otosclerosis, Meniere’s disease, autoimmune disorders and certain infections affect the structures of the ear, leading to hearing loss. Additionally, some medications, especially those termed as ototoxic, can damage the delicate structures in the inner ear responsible for hearing. These medications include certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs. If you hearing loss is caused by side effects from medications talk with your doctor about switching medications or lowering the dosage.

The Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss has a number of different symptoms, and not everyone who experiences hearing loss will have all the symptoms; it might just be one or two or a combination of a few of them. No matter how many or few symptoms you have, it’s always wise to seek the help of a HIS, they will be able to diagnose and treat the symptoms you are experiencing.

Difficulty Hearing Conversations

One of the initial signs of hearing loss for many individuals is experiencing trouble hearing conversations, particularly in noisy environments. If you find yourself frequently unable to understand what others are saying or constantly asking for repetitions, it’s advisable to consider a hearing test with a hearing instrument specialist.

Turning Up the Volume

Continuously turning up the volume on electronic devices, such as the television or music players, can indicate potential hearing loss. Individuals with hearing loss might gradually increase the volume to better perceive sounds, compensating for their reduced ability to hear. Consistently feeling the need for higher volumes could signify the onset or progression of hearing loss.

Ringing in the Ears

Another symptom of hearing loss is ringing in the ear, known as tinnitus. This could be a ringing, whooshing or buzzing. The sounds an individual may hear will vary from person to person. Talk with you hearing instrument specialist about treatments for tinnitus. They may recommend hearing aids with a masking feature to lessen your symptoms.

Hearing Aids

One of the most popular and effective treatments for hearing loss is hearing aids. These devices amplify sound, improving your hearing and your life. Hearing instrument specialists (will carry out an assessment and give you recommendations on the best hearing aids for your specific needs. The most common types of hearing aids include:

• • Behind the ear (BTE)
  • In the ear (ITE)
  • In the canal (ITC)
  • Completely in canal (CIC)
  • Invisible in canal (IIC)

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