Loss of hearing can make it hard or not possible to understand spoken words and various noises. Hearing loss is graded mild, moderate, severe or profound. Certain forms of hearing loss are short-term and treatable while others are irreversible.
Loss of hearing can stem from issues throughout your auditory system, ranging from the outer and middle ear to the inner ear and the nerve leading to the brain.
Some individuals are born with reduced hearing capabilities, while others experience hearing loss later in life due to various health issues. The leading causes are aging and exposure to high decibel sounds.
Professions that subject individuals to high noise levels increase the risk. This encompasses construction workers, musicians, agricultural workers, miners, and members of the military. Additionally, engaging in loud music through headphones at venues like clubs or gyms, or in noisy environments, elevates the risk.
It’s common for individuals to notice a decline in their hearing as they age. Hearing loss can also be inherited.
The type of hearing loss you have depends on which part of your hearing pathway is affected. A good quality hearing test is essential, ideally before the consultation to identify where the issue is.
These happen when your mind struggles to handle sounds. This leads to difficulties in comprehending what people are saying or in identifying the origin of sounds.
Issues with your outer or middle ear prevent sound from reaching your inner ear. This could be due to:
Conductive hearing loss is more common in children
This happens when there’s an issue with your cochlea, the hearing structure in your inner ear, or your auditory nerve. It could be due to:
Sensorineural hearing loss is often permanent.
This category encompasses both conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.
The initial indications of hearing impairment may be difficult to detect as they typically develop slowly.
They could involve:
Your child might have hearing loss if:
Should you suffer from a form of hearing impairment that is irreversible, there are tools on the market designed to enhance your auditory abilities, such as:
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