Do you sometimes feel like other people are whispering? Or do you feel like the TV is too loud? Maybe your family members tell you that the TV is too loud and you should turn it down. In fact, these may be small signs that your hearing is gradually deteriorating. This is a common problem for many people. So let's talk about this in a little more detail today.
What exactly is hearing loss ?
Simply put, hearing loss is a condition in which a part of your ear, either the outer ear, middle ear , or inner ear, does not function properly, resulting in a decrease in your ability to hear sounds. This can be a normal part of aging, or it can be caused by other factors. This condition can affect your life and even your social relationships .
There are three main types of hearing loss , depending on which part of the ear is damaged.
| Type of hearing loss | Where the problem occurs |
|---|---|
| Conductive hearing loss | It is caused by a problem in your outer or middle ear . |
| Sensorineural hearing loss | It is caused by a problem in your inner ear . This is the most common type. |
| Mixed hearing loss | A combination of the two types above. This means that problems can occur in both the middle ear and the inner ear . |
Aging , certain illnesses, genetic factors , and modern lifestyle factors can all contribute to this. Excessive noise and certain medications can be the main causes.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
Often, hearing loss is very subtle. So you might not immediately understand it. You might think, "Oh, these people can't speak properly, they're just mumbling." But the real problem may be with your hearing.
Doctors classify hearing loss into several levels.
- Mild hearing loss: It's okay to have a conversation between two people, but it's hard to catch every word in a noisy environment.
- Moderate hearing loss: When talking to someone, especially on the phone, you often have to ask them to "say again."
- Severe hearing loss: It is very difficult to understand a conversation without a hearing aid.
- Profound hearing loss: You cannot hear what other people are saying unless someone shouts very loudly. You cannot understand anything without hearing aids or a cochlear implant.
In addition, see if you have these characteristics:
- High-pitched sounds, for example , women's voices and the voices of young children, are not heard clearly.
- It's hard to understand when two or three people are talking at the same time.
- Misunderstanding what others say and giving inappropriate responses.
- Having to constantly hear family members complain that the TV is too loud .
- Hearing different sounds in the ears - like 'ringing' or 'buzzing'. In medicine, we call this condition Tinnitus .
What are the main causes of hearing loss?
We hear sound through three main parts of the ear. Sound waves travel through the outer ear and hit the eardrum. From there, the vibrations are amplified by three small bones in the middle ear. Finally, these vibrations travel to the cochlea, a snail-shaped, fluid-filled organ in the inner ear. Tiny hairs there convert these vibrations into electrical signals and send them to the brain. That's how we hear sound.
So a problem anywhere in this process can cause hearing loss.
1. Aging: This is the main cause. Between the ages of 65 and 74, one in three people may have some degree of hearing loss. After the age of 75, this condition affects one in two people.
2. Excessive noise: Continuous or very loud noise exposure can damage the delicate parts of the ear. Carpenters, construction workers, factory workers, and musicians are at higher risk. Listening to music at a high volume on your headphones can also damage your hearing.
3. Certain medications: Certain medications can also affect hearing. For example, some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin.
4. Sudden Hearing Loss: Sudden hearing loss can occur suddenly, over a period of hours or days. It usually affects only one ear. In many cases, it is difficult to find a cause.
5. Other diseases: Diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure , and diabetes can impair the blood supply to the ear, leading to hearing loss. Otosclerosis, a disease of the bones in the middle ear, and Ménière's disease, a condition that affects the inner ear, can also cause hearing loss.
6. Head injuries: Hearing loss can also occur due to accidents such as a skull fracture or a perforated eardrum.
7. Infections and earwax: Ear infections or earwax buildup can also cause temporary hearing loss.
How is this diagnosed? What is the treatment?
If you suspect you have a hearing problem, the first thing to do is see a qualified doctor. The doctor will examine you and, if necessary, refer you for hearing tests.
Remember, don't try to do things like removing earwax at home yourself. It can damage your ears. See a doctor for that.
Treatment options depend on the cause and type of your hearing loss.
- Earwax Removal: If earwax is a blockage, hearing will return to normal once the doctor safely removes it.
- Medication: If it's caused by an infection, it can be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, if this condition is caused by another medication you're taking, you can talk to your doctor and change that medication.
- Surgery: Conditions such as otosclerosis can be corrected to some extent through surgery.
- Hearing Aids: These help many people with permanent hearing loss. These are small devices that are worn inside or behind the ear. They amplify sound and make it easier to hear.
- Cochlear Implants: These are used for people with very severe (profound) hearing loss, especially young children and now adults as well.
How to protect yourself from hearing loss?
Most of the time, hearing loss caused by noise is permanent, so it's important to protect your ears.
- Avoid loud noises: Any noise above the noise of a traffic jam on the road is harmful to your ears. Wear earplugs when listening to loud noises like lawnmowers, grinders, and concerts.
- Move away from the source of the noise: If you see a place on the road that looks like a concrete break, move to the other side of the road, or cover your ears until you pass by.
- Limit headphone use: Try to keep the volume of your headphones below 60% of their maximum level. Don't use them for hours at a time, and take breaks in between .
- Workplace safety: If you work in a noisy environment, ask your employer about ear protection.
There's a simple rule: if you have to shout to be heard by someone 3 feet away, the noise in that environment is at a level that is harmful to your ears.
Take-Home Message
- Hearing loss is a common condition that affects many people. It often happens very slowly.
- If you have difficulty understanding what others are saying, or if you need to turn up the TV volume, don't ignore it. See a doctor immediately.
- Loud noise is a big enemy for the ears. Protect your ears from loud noises as much as possible.
- There are many treatments available depending on the cause of hearing loss. There are various solutions, from hearing aids to surgery.
- Don't be depressed or lonely because of this condition. With proper treatment and communication skills, you can live a normal life.
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