What Should You Know About Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is a condition that everyone knows exist, but unless they have directly experienced it – or know someone who has – then it can seem a little mysterious. Below, we’ve detailed six things everyone should know about the condition, starting with:

Hearing loss can be treated

Arguably the most important thing to note about hearing loss is that it can be treated, usually with great success. The most common treatment method is the use of hearing aids, and modern devices are incredibly technologically advanced so they can be customized to the user’s exact preferences. 

Hearing loss occurs at all ages

For most people, hearing loss is synonymous with later life, and it’s true that those over the age of 60 are more likely to experience the condition than the general population. However, hearing loss can occur at any age for a variety of different reasons. As a result, if you feel that your hearing is not quite what it once was, then scheduling a hearing test with an audiologist is highly advisable.

Hearing loss can have consequences beyond hearing 

Studies have shown that if a person is living with untreated hearing loss then the impact of this can be significant. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to stress, anxiety and even a higher risk of trips and falls. Thankfully, with treatment, these issues can be remedied.

There are three main types of hearing loss

The most common type of hearing loss is sensorineural, which occurs due to issues in the inner ear or the cochlea. Age and noise exposure are the most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss.

The second type of hearing loss is conductive, which occurs when there is an obstruction that prevents sound from reaching the inner ear. Earwax, fluid and tumors can all cause conductive hearing loss. 

Finally, if a person has both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, then they will usually be diagnosed with mixed hearing loss.

It’s possible to develop hearing loss in just one ear

What we think of as standard hearing loss is also known as bilateral hearing loss; i.e. both ears are affected. However, some people do experience unilateral hearing loss, where they can hear well in one ear and experience hearing loss in the other. Unilateral hearing loss can be either sensorineural or conductive in nature.

Hearing loss is difficult to notice at first

When hearing loss begins to develop, it can happen so gradually that most people do not even notice. Instead, the brain simply seeks to adapt to the reduction in sound. Due to this, regular hearing tests are incredibly important, as testing is able to monitor your hearing health and take note of any changes as soon as they occur.

Hopefully you will find the above information useful. If you have any further questions regarding hearing loss, or wish to schedule a test, then contact your audiologist at your next convenience.