Top FAQs About Hearing Loss

Equipping yourself with up-to-date information on your ear's health is a great decision to make. Hearing loss refers to the partial or total inability to perceive sounds in one ear or both ears. One can acquire the condition at birth or later in life. Cases of people experiencing hearing loss have been on the rise in the recent past, necessitating learning more about this condition.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss at birth can result from premature birth, infections, and exposure to toxic chemicals while the baby is still in the womb or when giving birth – having genetic conditions such as Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Different factors such as exposure to prolonged loud noise, a punctured eardrum from infections or inserting sharp objects into the ear, earwax, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke, to name a few, cause hearing loss later in life.

What Are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss?

Sure signs such as tinnitus, speech delay, and trouble hearing consonants, and following conversation on the phone should warn you of impending hearing loss danger. Additionally, having to turn the radio or TV volume too high and regularly requiring others to repeat themselves for you to get their message are signs of hearing loss.

Moreover, watch out for tiredness resulting from too much strain to hear what others are saying, trouble hearing in noisy environments, and saying "what" most of the time.  

Is Hearing Loss Treatable?

Yes, it's possible to treat hearing loss but note that there is no known cure for restoring the damaged hearing. Following this reason, one is always advised to take utmost care of the ears and prevent ear problems at all costs.

What Methods Are Used in Treating Hearing Loss?

The method used in treating your hearing loss will depend on its cause and severity. Nonetheless, make sure to avoid self-treatment and visit a hearing health professional immediately after experiencing any said symptoms. As ears are a very delicate part of the body; and delay, self-diagnosis or failure to seek treatment in time may worsen the situation leading to irreversible repercussions.

What Takes Place During your First Visit to the Hearing Health Professional?

The hearing health professional conducts a hearing loss test to determine the severity of the condition and recommend the appropriate treatment. A hearing loss test is a painless procedure that entails listening to a speech at different volumes and repeating what is said.

It takes approximately 30 minutes, and the results are interpreted in decibels with 26-40 decibels showing a mild hearing loss, 41-55 decibels moderate hearing loss, 56-70 moderate to severe hearing loss, 71-90 severe hearing losses, and 91-100 profound hearing loss.  

How Often Should One Have a Hearing Test?

Professional bodies such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommend having a hearing test every three to five years for healthy adults aged 18-40. Nonetheless, ensure to visit a hearing health professional if you experience trouble hearing, repeated ringing in your ears and difficulty communicating on the phone.