Hearing Loss Overview

Hearing loss is more common than you expect. Significant hearing loss affects 48 million Americans, roughly 15% of the total population. Despite being one of the most prevalent chronic health concerns this country faces, hearing loss is under-acknowledged as a health issue. Untreated hearing loss contributes to cognitive problems, mental health issues, social isolation and a decline in quality of life.

Fortunately, most hearing loss can be treated effectively. Recognizing the signs of hearing loss and seeking treatment early can improve your responsiveness to treatment and prevent hearing issues from worsening. Have you noticed recent changes to the way you hear? Do you think you may have some issues with your hearing? Here’s the facts, and what to look for, when it comes to hearing loss.

Signs of Hearing Loss

In many cases, hearing loss happens gradually over time, meaning that some changes to your hearing may seem insignificant. Even subtle changes to your hearing should be examined, as hearing loss is easier to address the earlier it is detected. Some of the signs that may indicate hearing loss include:

Impacted earwax or an object obstructing the ear canal
A cold or infection in the ear canal
Perforated ear drum
Injury, including fractures, of the small bones of the middle ear that detect sound wave vibrations
Malformation of the bones in the middle ear

Types of Hearing Loss

There are two major types of hearing loss: sensorineural and conductive, as well hearing loss that incorporates issues with both types, called “mixed hearing loss”. The types of hearing loss are determined by where problems occur in the auditory system, essentially whether they are within or outside of the inner ear.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss and involves issues inside the inner ear. Most sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, and it involves damage to the sensitive hair cells and nerves that are responsible for detecting sound waves and transmitting their signals to the brain. Hair cells are unable to repair themselves, and so any damage to them results in permanent damage to your hearing.

Because the amount of damaged hair cells we have accrues over our lifetime, sensorineural hearing loss is at the root of most age-related hearing loss (also called presbycusis). The gradual accumulation of auditory damage over the course of our lifetime is compounded as we age and our auditory system naturally becomes more delicate. The added likelihood of damage to our inner ear as we age is shown in hearing loss statistics among older adults. One in three adults over age 65 has significant hearing loss. That rate increases to one in two adults over age 75, and nine out of ten adults over age 90.

Regardless of age, sensorineural hearing loss is also the root of noise-induced hearing loss. Exposure to dangerously loud noises stresses and strains the mechanisms of the inner ear, often to the breaking point. Noise-induced hearing loss can happen quickly or gradually, depending on the noise levels involved.

Other factors can cause inner ear damage as well. Infections, chronic medical issues like lupus, anemia and diabetes and certain medications can result in harm to the inner ear. Medication that involves risks to healthy hearing is called “ototoxic”. Always consult with your primary physician about the side effects and benefits of medication you are taking and never change your medication routine without your doctor’s approval.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss involves hearing issues located in the outer and middle ear. Sometimes conductive hearing loss is permanent, while other times hearing can be restored. There are many things that can cause conductive hearing loss, including:

Impacted earwax or an object obstructing the ear canal
A cold or infection in the ear canal
Perforated eardrum
Injury, including fractures, of the small bones of the middle ear that detect sound wave vibrations
Malformation of the bones in the middle ear

Even when conductive hearing loss is not a permanent issue, it should still be treated seriously by an audiologist. Failing to address a hearing issue when it arises can lead to it worsening.