Losing the ability to recognize other people’s voices is the first indication of hearing loss. If you’re in an environment where background noise is loud and you can only hear some of the conversation, this can be particularly confusing. If this occurs often, it may indicate that your ears are gradually losing their sensitivity to sound.
What Are The Different Types Of Hearing Loss?
There are several types of hearing loss, which can be categorized based on where the problem occurs in the auditory system. The main types include:
1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This is the most common type, and it occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. It is often caused by aging, noise exposure, genetics, or certain medical conditions.
2. Conductive Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss occurs when sound waves are unable to reach the inner ear. It is usually caused by problems in the outer or middle ear, such as earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, or abnormalities in the ear structures.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss
This is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Individuals with mixed hearing loss have problems in both the inner and outer/middle ear.
4. Central Hearing Loss
This hearing loss originates from the brain’s central auditory pathways and processing centers. It can result from damage to the brainstem, auditory cortex, or other parts of the central nervous system. It’s important to note that hearing loss’s severity and specific characteristics can vary from person to person. If you suspect a hearing problem, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or audiologist for proper evaluation and treatment options.
Temporary Hearing Loss
Most audiologists concur that everyone experiences transient hearing loss at some point in their lives. The onset of temporary hearing loss usually occurs abruptly or over a few short days. Most likely, this issue will only affect one ear. Common signs and symptoms include tinnitus, difficulty hearing high-pitched noises, and muffled sounds.
Here are several of the most common causes of temporary hearing loss:
- Sudden change in altitude
- Exposure to loud noise
- Ear infections
- Earwax build-up
- Fluid trapped in the middle ear
- Foreign objects stuck in the ear canal
Permanent Hearing Loss
Permanent hearing loss can happen suddenly or gradually, although it usually results from exposure to loud noises or age-related changes. Additionally, it frequently coexists with a number of illnesses, including diabetes, Meniere’s disease, and Lyme disease. In rare circumstances, injuries to the head or ears, such as those sustained in auto accidents or blast injuries, can also result in hearing loss.
An audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physician can do a professional assessment to ascertain if a patient has a permanent or temporary hearing loss. A range of tests will be performed to evaluate your hearing, such as a speech audiometry exam to gauge your ability to understand spoken language and a pure-tone audiometry test to gauge your capacity to hear various sound frequencies.
Here are several of the most common causes of permanent hearing loss:
- Prolonged exposure to excessive noise
- Age-related hearing loss
- Health conditions
Types of Hearing Tests
Hearing tests include:
- Automated otoacoustic emissions (AOAE) tests
- Automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) tests
- Pure tone audiometry tests
- Bone conduction tests
These examinations will assist in identifying the source of hearing loss, which will dictate the appropriate course of action.
When To See A Doctor?
Remember that hearing loss can happen gradually, so getting frequent hearing exams is essential to spot any changes in your hearing. It’s critical to consult a physician as soon as possible if you think you could have irreversible hearing loss. They’ll be qualified to make diagnoses and therapy recommendations.
