Signs and symptoms of hearing loss: how to know when it’s time to get checked

Hearing loss: what is it? 

Hearing loss refers to a partial or total inability to hear sounds, affecting an individual's ability to perceive auditory information. It can occur in one or both ears and has the potential to range from mild to profound, impacting various aspects of communication and daily life. Also known as presbycusis, it is common to have a weakened hearing ability as one ages. 

What are the symptoms of hearing loss? 

The symptoms of hearing loss can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some common signs and symptoms include:

Difficulty understanding speech

Struggling to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments or when multiple people are speaking.

Frequently asking for repetition

Needing others to repeat themselves or asking people to speak louder or slower.

Turning up the volume

Increasing the volume on electronic devices such as TVs, radios, or phones to hear better.

Muffled or distorted sounds

Difficulty distinguishing consonants or hearing high-pitched sounds.

Avoidance of social settings

Withdrawal from social activities or situations due to communication difficulties or feeling left out of conversations.

Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Perceiving a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in one or both ears, which may accompany hearing loss.

Difficulty hearing in specific situations

Struggling to hear in crowded places, on the phone, or when someone speaks softly.

Frequent misunderstandings

Misinterpreting what others say or responding inappropriately due to hearing difficulties.

Ear pain, drainage, or infections

In some cases, hearing loss may be accompanied by pain, drainage from the ear, or recurrent ear infections, especially with conductive hearing loss.

Balance issues

In cases involving inner ear damage, hearing loss might coincide with balance problems or dizziness.

Possible hearing loss diagnoses 

• Conductive hearing loss: This occurs when sound waves cannot travel effectively through the outer or middle ear due to issues such as earwax buildup, ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, or abnormalities in the ear structure.

• Sensorineural hearing loss: Results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. It can be caused by aging, exposure to loud noises, certain medications, genetics, infections, or head trauma.

• Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, affecting both the outer/middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve.

• Central hearing loss: Involves damage or issues in the brain's auditory pathways, impacting the brain's ability to process sound signals despite normal ear function.

Diagnosis

Several diagnostic methods and tests can help diagnose hearing loss. Here are some common diagnostic procedures used by healthcare professionals:

Physical examination

An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a general physician may examine the ears using an otoscope to check for earwax buildup, blockages, infections, or abnormalities in the ear canal or eardrum.

Audiometry

This comprehensive hearing test is conducted by an audiologist and involves wearing headphones to listen to sounds at different frequencies and volumes. Pure-tone audiometry determines the softest sounds a person can hear at various frequencies, identifying the type and degree of hearing loss.

Speech audiometry 

Assessing the ability to hear and understand speech helps determine how well a person can comprehend spoken words at different volumes.

Tympanometry

This test evaluates the movement of the eardrum and the condition of the middle ear. It measures how the eardrum responds to changes in air pressure and can identify issues like fluid behind the eardrum or problems with the middle ear's function.

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)

This test checks the function of the hair cells in the inner ear by measuring the sounds emitted in response to clicks or tones. It's often used in newborn hearing screenings or to assess cochlear function.

Auditory brainstem response (ABR)

ABR measures the electrical activity of the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sounds. It's used to assess hearing in infants, young children, or individuals who cannot participate in standard hearing tests.

Imaging studies

In cases where structural abnormalities or issues with the auditory nerves are suspected, imaging tests like CT scans or MRI scans might be recommended to assess the inner ear, auditory nerves, or related structures.

Treatment of hearing loss 

Hearing aids

Devices that amplify sound to enhance hearing for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Cochlear implants

Surgical implants that bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss.

Assistive listening devices (ALDs)

Devices like FM systems, captioned telephones, or alerting devices that aid in specific listening situations.

Communication strategies

Lip reading, sign language, speech therapy, and auditory training can help individuals cope with hearing loss.

Early detection through screenings and seeking professional evaluation is crucial for managing and addressing the impact of hearing loss, enabling individuals to access appropriate interventions to improve communication and quality of life.

Final thoughts

Identifying signs and symptoms of hearing loss may be daunting, if not overwhelming. Ensuring regular hearing checks is crucial for everyone, especially as hearing loss can gradually develop. Early detection allows for timely interventions, reducing its impact on daily life and communication. Accessibility to hearing tests has improved with numerous clinics, audiologists, and online resources offering screenings. Checking hearing health supports overall well-being, social engagement, and quality of life. Whether through professional evaluations or at-home screenings, prioritizing regular checks empowers individuals to address any hearing concerns promptly, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively and maintain a well-rounded, fulfilling lifestyle.