Understanding Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects many more of us than we might expect. Some studies show that approximately 15 percent of all adults have some form of hearing loss or express difficulty hearing. More than 50 percent of people over 65 have a form of hearing loss. But how does it happen and what is going on in the ear that causes us to experience it? Here, we take a deeper look at hearing loss and what we currently know about it.

Many causes

A lot of people make the mistake of believing that hearing loss is only a problem for older people. While age is a risk factor, the truth is that we can all be exposed to risk. Sudden exposure to dramatically loud noises or consistent exposure to somewhat loud noise is one of the leading causes. In children, ear infections can cause short-term hearing loss but also the swelling of the ear can cause permanent damage if not treated quickly enough. Sudden injuries and new health conditions like diabetes can also contribute.

Different kinds of hearing loss

Everyone experiences hearing loss a little differently. To some people, it may feel like the volume of life has been turned down. To others, they have trouble hearing certain tones, pitches, and volume levels but little difficulty otherwise. Hearing loss is broadly divided into four categories: mild, moderate, severe and profound. However, there are many distinctions even within these categories so a hearing test from an audiologist is essential when looking at treatment processes.

It’s often a gradual process

Sudden loud noises, infections, and injuries can cause immediate hearing loss. However, in many cases, the encroachment of hearing loss is a lot more gradual. Some people may not even notice it. Some of the signs you suffer from hearing loss without knowing it can include:

• Certain noises seem muffled
• You can’t tell the direction of noises
• You have to face people to understand what they’re saying
• You no longer hear soft noises like birdsong
• People complain about the volume of your music or TV, but you think it’s an acceptable level

If you notice any of those signs, it’s time to see your audiologist.

The impact on your life

Hearing loss can have a huge impact on your life, especially when untreated. Difficulty comprehending people can manifest trouble in your personal and professional life. You might find that you don’t enjoy music or movies as much as you once did. You can become disoriented in crowded or social spaces. Untreated hearing loss is a large contributing factor in emotional health issues like stress, anxiety and depression. The sooner you schedule an appointment with your audiologist and begin treating your hearing loss, the better.

If you want to know more about the risks of hearing loss and whether you are in danger or may already be dealing with it, you should arrange an appointment with an audiologist today. Through a hearing test and examination of your hobbies, job and environments you’re commonly in, they can help you treat and prevent hearing loss.