The ability to hear is one of the most precious gifts to mankind. When the hearing begins to fade, it can manifest in many ways. For some, it is a difficulty in understanding words, and for others, it is the problem communicating effectively.
The symptom of hearing loss is all over the charts, but it is all equally hard to deal with. About one in five people suffer from hearing loss in America, according to a report from The National Institute on Deafness. Hearing loss can occur in one ear or both ears. When a person reaches 65 years of age, their chances of a hearing problem increase to thirty-three percent or one out of three.
What Are The Common Symptoms of Hearing Loss?
It’s is not difficult to notice when someone has a hearing problem. They may turn the television or radio up to a level that is uncomfortable for others, and they may also ask people to repeat what they are saying. They may have a great deal of problems when it comes to social situations, and attending any social event may be exhausting to them. Being in an environment where there are loud noises, like a concert or around machinery, can cause a temporary loss that usually recovers. If a person has a hard time engaging in everyday conversations and cannot hear noises around them; they may have a hearing issue. Don’t discount ringing in the ears either; it is another sign of hearing loss.
Understanding Conductive Hearing Loss
When an exposure to loud noises is frequent, it can cause that temporary hearing loss to turn into a permanent one; this is called conductive. Conductive hearing loss occurs in the middle ear or occasionally in the outer part. When sound is blocked from going into the inner ear, a person won’t be able to hear. Wax build-up is another thing that can cause temporary hearing loss as is fluid from an infection in the eardrum. Conductive hearing loss is known to be treatable, but it will require the help of a medical professional. Symptoms of hearing loss due to conductive hearing issues may include turning up the volume on the television, asking others to repeat their sentences, and having one ear that hears better than the other. Due to this loss, a person may avoid talking on the telephone.
Signs The Hearing Loss is Permanent
Permanent hearing loss occurs when the auditory nerves are damaged. During the temporary hearing loss, the auditory nerves are bothered but not eternally injured. Symptoms of permanent hearing loss often includes difficulty in daily conversation, speaking in mumbled tones, and asking people to repeat themselves frequently. Hearing loss occurs in all degrees, which is why it is so important for a hearing professional to evaluate each situation.
What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
The most common type of hearing loss, which doctors often see, is sensorineural. This hearing loss is age related. The inner ear or nerves within the ear are damaged and stop submitting the proper signals to the brain. While age is a common factor, it can also be caused by a sickness, blood circulation issues, and exposure to constant loud noises. This type of hearing loss is gradual in progression, which is why it is so important to identify the symptoms early on. The symptoms of hearing loss regarding sensorineural are not hearing others when they are talking clearly, noises are distorted, asking people to repeat themselves, problems with speaking with clarity, and they cannot hear noises around them.
Mixed Hearing Loss
It is not uncommon for individuals to have mixed hearing loss. This means that they display both symptoms of conductive and sensorineural loss. Due to the fact that these conditions affect each person diversely, a person may need to have a combination treatment to find a solution. The use of hearing aids and medications can help address the loss of hearing they are experiencing. In some cases, surgical procedures can be used as an active form of treatment. Though it doesn’t work for everyone, some people who have never been able to hear anything in their life are able to hear precious sounds after surgery.
Children With Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in children is not uncommon. Whether infants, toddlers or teenagers; it can affect all age groups. Sometimes the diagnosis is difficult because children cannot communicate effectively. Parents should take their children for testing if they notice a speech delay, constant ear infections, or they have a condition that is known to cause hearing loss, like Down syndrome. If a parent is concerned that their child may have hearing loss, they need to see their pediatrician immediately. In the event that the cause is temporary, a doctor may be able to help resolve the problem and save their hearing. A temporary loss can turn into a permanent one if not treated.
Living With Hearing Loss
Dealing with hearing loss is a very embarrassing issue for the person affected. Having a hearing aid is seen as a nuisance and many worry about what others will think when they see the device. They also worry about the feeling of having something inside their ear. Though it may be uncomfortable at first, it is hardly noticeable once a person has it in for a while. The objective is to get help sooner rather than later. Many people have lost their hearing when it was something that could have been addressed.
About Dr Zhanneta Shapiro
Dr Zhanneta Shapiro received her Masters of Science from Brooklyn College in 2005 and completed her Doctorate of Audiology from Florida University in May 2008. Her graduate training was in various hospitals in the tri-state area and a residency period completed at Ear Nose and Throat Associates of New York. [ Learn More ]
