Demystifying Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Are you or a family member experiencing symptoms of hearing loss? Hearing loss can have various symptoms and causes from genetic factors to excessive noise levels. Engaging in a conversation about the underlying causes and symptoms of hearing loss with your audiologist can help pinpoint the source of the issue and explore potential solutions to address it effectively.

The Causes of Hearing Loss

The primary cause of hearing loss, known as presbycusis, is predominantly linked to the natural aging process. This decline in ear tissue function often poses challenges in perceiving sounds, particularly in understanding conversations. Presbycusis is frequently associated with the decline of the delicate hair cells in the cochlea. As these cells decline, their ability to transmit signals to the brain reduces. Moreover, other components of the ear, such as the small sound-conducting bones in the middle ear or the eardrum, can also contribute to a loss of hearing.

Other causes of hearing loss include:

• Medical conditions that damage the ear’s machinery, like diabetes, high blood pressure and autoimmune diseases.
• Chronic ear infections, especially in children, in which swelling damages structures in the inner ear.
• Sudden exposure to extremely loud noises, like a jet engine.
• Chronic exposure to loud noises, often from working in noisy environments.
• Earwax blockages that prevent sound waves from entering the ear.
• Various medications that are known to be ototoxic.
• Genetic and congenital factors.
• Head injury or trauma.

If you have experienced any of these causes or you have noticed a change in your hearing, contact your audiologist. They will be able to identify the underlying cause of your hearing loss, determining the perfect treatment for you.

Symptoms Of Hearing Loss

Some symptoms of hearing loss can be hard to identify because hearing loss can develop gradually over time. You may have hearing loss if you:

• Finding it difficult to talk to people in noisy environments.
• Can’t hear quiet or high-pitched sounds you used to be able to hear in the past, such as a child talking or a bird singing.
• Think other people are mumbling.
• Find yourself saying what or pardon often because you can’t hear what others are saying.
• Have a ringing or buzzing in your ears that comes and goes or is with you all the time.
• Regularly avoid social situations because you find them stressful because you can’t hear what other people are saying.
• Constantly need to turn up the volume of the TV or radio much higher than before.

The signs of hearing loss tend to develop slowly over time, so you may not notice them at first. That’s why it is essential to go to regular hearing tests. Audiologists can measure your ear’s function accurately and tell you objectively whether you have hearing loss. They will discuss the symptoms you are experiencing and accurately diagnose your hearing loss. Once your audiologist understands the severity of your hearing loss, they will provide the solution the best suits your needs.

Treatments For Hearing Loss

The treatments you receive for hearing loss will depend on the severity of your condition and your audiologist’s evaluation. Here are some of the treatments they may recommend, either on their own or in combination with hearing aids.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss. These devices can sit either behind your ear or in your ear canal and amplify incoming sounds, making them easier to detect. You can get them in various styles, and many come with advanced features, like noise-canceling technology, Bluetooth connectivity and directional microphones.

Earwax Removal

Audiologists may also recommend earwax removal. Cerumen can sometimes block the ear canal, preventing sound waves from vibrating the eardrum, which leads to temporary hearing loss. Special tools let audiologists remove this compacted material and open up the ear canal again. Don’t try to remove earwax at home with cotton swabs as it could push the wax further in the ear canal.

Counseling

Through counseling, individuals can receive guidance in coping strategies, communication techniques and emotional support to navigate the challenges associated with hearing loss. Audiologists may refer individuals to support groups or counseling sessions tailored to their needs, facilitating connections with others facing similar experiences. This holistic approach aims not only to improve hearing loss but also to enhance overall well-being.

If you would like to learn more about hearing loss or schedule a hearing test, please schedule an appointment with Hearing & Balance Centers of West Tennessee. Call our Jackson clinic at (731) 256-5973 or our Memphis location at (901) 201-6761. We can’t wait to hear from you!