Understanding Hearing Loss Symptoms: From Mild to Severe and Everything in Between

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is defined as the complete or partial inability to hear sounds using either one ear or both. This characteristic can define any individual, regardless of age. However, it definitely occurs more often in older adults.

According to the CDC, about 15% of adults aged 18 years and older in the U.S reported some trouble hearing. If experienced, aging might occur in degrees of intensity, either from mild to serious, and could result either from gradual processes or more sudden ones.

Types of Hearing Loss

One needs to know the different types of hearing loss so that its symptoms may be understood.

The first type is conductive hearing loss. It can either be due to the outer or the middle ear. Infections in the ear, collection of fluid, wax in the ear, or even growths in the ear are the other reasons.

Another very popular type is sensorineural hearing loss. It is caused due to damage either to the auditory nerve or even to the inner ear itself.

The last type of hearing loss occurs due to aging and a high degree of sound, which is quite common in seniors.

Mild Hearing Loss Symptoms

Mild hearing loss can be very subtle and may remain undetected for quite a while. However, early detection does make a great difference. A person may miss hearing faint sounds, especially in places with background noise.

Conversations may appear reasonably clear in quiet environments but extremely hard to follow in noisy situations.

One of the most common symptoms of mild hearing loss is when one keeps asking others to repeat what they have said, more so in group conversations and places with a lot of background noise.

Another feature in people with mild loss of hearing is misarticulation of words very frequently, which can be coupled with responding appropriately or even getting confused.

Symptoms of Moderate Hearing Loss

There is more deterioration with moderate hearing loss, hence more effect on everyday life. A person who suffers from this degree of loss may need to turn up the volume of the TV, radio, or phone higher than others would want.

The lesser ability to hear and understand speech over the phone is more pronounced. As it becomes quite difficult to have conversations in crowded places or places with a lot of background noise, the person avoids situations like those due to frustration or embarrassment. They miss important sounds, like a doorbell or alarm, or even the phone ringing.

One of the most common symptoms of mild hearing loss is when one keeps asking others to repeat what they have said, more so in group conversations and places with a lot of background noise.

Another feature in people with mild loss of hearing is misarticulation of words very frequently, which can be coupled with responding appropriately or even getting confused.

Mild Hearing Loss Symptoms

Mild hearing loss can be very subtle and may remain undetected for quite a while. However, early detection does make a great difference. A person may miss hearing faint sounds, especially in places with background noise.

Conversations may appear reasonably clear in quiet environments but extremely hard to follow in noisy situations.

Symptoms of Severe Hearing Loss

Severe hearing loss has very serious problems in communication and other aspects of everyday functioning. The person's ability to understand conversations without the aid of a hearing aid at this stage becomes very problematic, even in quiet environments.

In most cases, persons with severe hearing loss are often left relying on lip reading, facial expressions, and other visual cues.

This can lead to frustration and difficulty in communicating, eventually causing one to isolate themselves from society, become depressed, and withdraw from activities that used to be experienced with pleasure.

On the other hand, those patients who suffer a great deal of hearing loss might paradoxically go through discomfort or pain when exposed to very loud sounds.

Symptoms of Profound Hearing Loss

At this stage, sign language, lip reading, and written communication become essential for interaction. Profound hearing loss can lead to a deep sense of disconnection from the world around them, as even environmental sounds may no longer be perceivable.

Conversations may appear reasonably clear in quiet environments but extremely hard to follow in noisy situations.

One of the most common symptoms of mild hearing loss is when one keeps asking others to repeat what they have said, more so in group conversations and places with a lot of background noise.

Another feature in people with mild loss of hearing is misarticulation of words very frequently, which can be coupled with responding appropriately or even getting confused.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Knowing the causes of hearing loss can help in prevention and management. One major reason has to do with aging, or presbycusis. With advancing age, persons naturally begin to acquire progressive hearing loss, typically first in the high-frequency spectrum.

Independent exposure to continuous loud sounds due to occupation, music, or other leisure activities may separately result in permanent damage in hearing.

Further, infections and diseases such as ear infections, meningitis, mumps, and measles can also lead to permanent or temporary loss of hearing. Some types of loss of hearing are due to genetics, and thus some are hereditary in nature and passed on by family genes.

Some medications, especially the ototoxic drugs, damage the ear, which in turn results in loss of hearing. Other conditions like trauma, examples include head injuries or sudden loud sounds like explosions, result in immediate permanent hearing loss.

When to Seek Help

Some treatment avenues include the use of hearing aids, cochlea implants, and assistive listening devices. Indeed, most of the currently in use hearing aids are very advanced and hold the capability to perform wonders for a person's ability to hear.

Cases of severe or profound hearing loss may derive some usefulness from cochlear implants. In other people, devices can make hearing possible in specific situations, for example, watching TV or speaking on the phone.

Since this condition is life changing, most of the time psychological and psychic assistance needs to be addressed for curing the loss of hearing.

Preventing Hearing Loss

Regular hearing checks are quite important, particularly with advancing age or after contact with a lot of noise. Regular tests mean that problems associated with hearing are detected early on.

High blood pressure and diabetes, among other problems that may be behind the loss in hearing, can be avoided if one is able to live healthily and take a good diet with some exercise.

Conclusion

One of the most common, least understood disorders affecting millions of people across the United States is hearing loss.

Early recognition of hearing loss symptoms, understanding of its cause, and proper treatment can make so much difference in maintaining one's quality of life. Don't hesitate to call a professional when you observe signs of hearing loss.