When you talk to someone, is it hard to hear what they are saying? Do you find yourself having to turn up the volume on the TV a lot more than usual? Or do you feel like the noise around you is gradually decreasing and the world is becoming quieter? These could be signs of a gradual decline in hearing. It is important to be aware of this condition and take the necessary steps. So let's talk about this today.
What are the symptoms of severe hearing loss?
When your hearing starts to decline, either suddenly or gradually over time, you may first notice a decrease in the clarity of speech. Words may not be heard clearly, and sounds may begin to sound distant or muffled.
Depending on the cause of the hearing loss, these symptoms may be accompanied by other symptoms. For example:
- Pain in one or both ears.
- Dizziness or Vertigo .
- A continuous ringing sound inside the ears. In medicine, we call this tinnitus .
- Pressure in one or both ears, or a feeling of fullness.
Often, people with severe hearing loss gradually withdraw from social interactions. Because they can't hear what is being said, they feel embarrassed to be asked, "What did you say?" They may also be afraid of being misunderstood and giving the wrong answer.
How do you know how much hearing loss you have?
To find out exactly what your hearing level is, your doctor will refer you to a special test. This is called an audiogram . This test measures the range of sounds you can hear, in decibels , a unit of measurement for how loud a sound is.
An audiogram test can accurately measure your hearing level. So if you suspect you have a hearing problem, don't delay in seeking medical advice.
Hearing levels are classified as follows:
| Hearing level | Decibel (dB) range and description |
|---|---|
| Normal | 0 – 20 dB. Even very subtle sounds like normal breathing can be heard. |
| Mild | 21 – 40 dB. You may not be able to hear someone whispering. |
| Moderate | 41 – 55 dB. It is difficult to hear a normal conversation clearly. |
| Moderately Severe | 56 – 70 dB. Only audible if you speak loudly. |
| Severe | 71 – 90 dB. Only audible if you shout. Normal conversation is almost inaudible. |
| Very severe (Profound) | Above 90 dB. Only loud noises like an airplane taking off can be heard. |
What are the main types of hearing loss?
Hearing loss can be divided into three main types, depending on where in the sound pathway the problem lies.
1. Conductive Hearing Loss: Simply put, this is when sound waves are unable to reach the inner ear due to a problem with the outer ear, eardrum, or middle ear. This condition can be caused by earwax, ear infections, a perforated eardrum, or fluid in the middle ear.
2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This is the most common type. It is caused by damage to the very delicate hair cells in the inner ear. This type of hearing loss can be caused by aging , exposure to loud noise, certain medications, genetic factors, and damage to the auditory nerve.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss: As the name suggests, this is a combination of the two types mentioned above. This means that along with a problem with the outer or middle ear, there may also be a problem with the inner ear or auditory nerve. This condition can be caused by things like severe head injuries and long-term infections.
The most important thing is that if you suddenly experience hearing loss, see an ear , nose, and throat (ENT) specialist immediately, as this may be a condition that requires emergency treatment.
What are the causes of severe hearing loss?
Let's first understand how we hear sound in a simple way. Sound waves enter our outer ear and vibrate the eardrum and tiny bones in the middle ear. Then, those vibrations travel to the cochlea , a snail-shaped, fluid-filled part of the inner ear. Thousands of tiny hair cells there convert these vibrations into nerve signals and send them to the brain. The brain interprets those signals and allows us to recognize sounds.
Hearing loss occurs when there is a defect somewhere in this process. Here are the main causes.
Aging
As we age, some parts of the ear lose their flexibility. In particular, the delicate hair cells in the cochlea become damaged and become less able to respond to sound waves. This usually happens gradually over a period of years.
Loud noise
Loud noises, such as those from electric drills, airplanes, or listening to music at high volume through headphones, can damage the hair cells in the cochlea. The extent of damage depends on the intensity of the noise and how long you are exposed to it.
Ear infections
Infections can cause fluid to build up in the middle ear, causing temporary hearing loss. However, if these infections are not treated properly, they can cause long-term, serious damage.
Perforated eardrum
An eardrum can be perforated due to an ear infection, loud noise, an ear injury, or high pressure during a flight or diving. The size of the perforation determines the level of hearing loss.
Cholesteatoma
This is a collection of skin in the middle ear that can either fall into the eardrum or grow through a hole in the eardrum. Over time, these can grow larger and damage the bones of the middle ear, reducing hearing.
Some diseases
Hearing loss can be caused by conditions such as measles, mumps, and meningitis.
Meniere's disease
This is a disease that affects the inner ear. Symptoms include dizziness, intermittent hearing loss, ringing in the ears (Tinnitus) , and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It usually affects only one ear, but the condition can worsen over time.
Tumors
Severe hearing loss can also be caused by cancerous or benign tumors. For example , an acoustic neuroma . In addition to hearing loss, a person with this condition may also experience facial numbness or ringing in the ears.
Other reasons
- Something stuck in the ear: When something like earwax builds up in the ear and becomes lodged, it can block the passage of sound.
- Birth defects : Some people are born with ears that are not properly developed.
- Trauma: A skull fracture or injury to the ear can cause hearing loss.
- Some medications: Some antibiotics, excessive aspirin use, and anti-cancer drugs can damage hearing. Sometimes the hearing loss returns after the medication is stopped, but most of the time, the damage is permanent.
- Genetic Causes: Scientists have discovered genetic factors that contribute to hearing loss.
- Autoimmune disorders: Conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can also affect hearing.
Take-Home Message
- Hearing loss often happens gradually, so don't ignore even small changes.
- If you notice any changes, blurring, or ringing in your hearing, see your doctor immediately.
- Sudden hearing loss can be an emergency. So see an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT specialist) or go to the emergency room (ETU) as soon as possible.
- Protect your ears from loud noises. It will go a long way in preventing future hearing damage.
- There are treatments for many causes of hearing loss. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the better the outcome.
Hearing loss, severe hearing loss, hearing impairment, ear disease, tinnitus, audiogram, ENT specialist, eardrum, cochlea
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