What Are The Symptoms Of Hearing Loss?

There are three types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Conductive hearing loss happens when sound is blocked from the outer ear to the middle ear. This can be due to earwax buildup, an ear infection, or a structural problem. Sensorineural hearing loss is due to damage to the inner ear or the nerve that sends signals to the brain. It can be caused by ageing, exposure to loud noise, or certain medications. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the problem. Here are some common signs of hearing loss:

Difficulty Understanding Conversations: One of the most common symptoms of hearing loss is struggling to understand what people are saying, especially in noisy environments. People with hearing loss may also have trouble following conversations over the phone.
Asking People to Repeat Themselves: If you frequently ask people to repeat what they said, it may be a sign of hearing loss.
Turning Up the Volume: If you have to turn up the volume on the TV or radio to hear correctly, it may be a sign of hearing loss.
Avoiding Social Situations: People with hearing loss may avoid social situations because they have trouble understanding conversations. They may also feel embarrassed or frustrated by their hearing loss.
Difficulty Hearing High-Pitched Sounds: Sensorineural hearing loss often affects the ability to hear high-pitched sounds, such as children’s voices, doorbells, and alarms.
If you experience these symptoms, you must schedule an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional. They can perform a hearing test to determine the type and severity of your hearing loss and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Treatment Options for Hearing Loss

The treatment options for hearing loss depend on the type and severity of the problem. Here are some standard treatment options:

Hearing Aids: Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss. They amplify sound and improve the clarity of speech. There are many different types of hearing aids, including behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and completely-in-the-canal.
Cochlear Implants: Cochlear implants are a treatment option for people with severe to profound hearing loss. They are surgically implanted devices that bypass the damaged part of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Assistive Listening Devices: Assistive listening devices help people with hearing loss hear better in specific situations, such as watching TV or talking on the phone. They include devices like captioning phones, personal amplifiers, and TV listening systems.
Communication Strategies: Communication strategies can help people with hearing loss communicate more effectively in social situations. This includes techniques like facing the person you’re speaking to, speaking clearly and slowly, and reducing background noise.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat hearing loss. This can include procedures like earwax removal, repairing a perforated eardrum, or correcting a structural problem.
Hearing loss can significantly impact your life, but you can maintain good hearing health with proper treatment and prevention measures. If you’re experiencing any signs of hearing loss, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional. They can help determine the type and severity of your hearing loss and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Attune is the best place in Australia if you are looking for the best hearing healthcare clinic. Signs of hearing loss should never be ignored, and getting the proper treatment and support can make all the difference in maintaining a high quality of life. At Attune, they offer a range of services, including hearing tests, hearing aids, and communication strategies, to help you manage your hearing loss and improve your overall well-being. Don’t let hearing loss hold you back – book an appointment with Attune today.