Types of Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
NIH reports that about 22% of seniors aged 65 to 74 and 55% of those 75 and older suffer from severe hearing loss.
As you age, the risk of hearing loss grows. Many seniors can prevent or delay the problem. To do that, you need to understand the various types of hearing loss.
Knowing the causes helps you avoid damage. Recognizing the symptoms helps you seek help early. Learning about treatments enables you to find the best solution.
Hearing loss affects daily life. It can make conversations difficult and lead to isolation.
But with the right steps, you can protect your hearing. Read more as this blog explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for different types of hearing loss.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to damage in the cochlea or the nerve pathways that connect to the brain. It's the most common type of permanent hearing loss. Sounds may seem unclear or distorted, even when they are loud enough.
It can be caused by:
- Aging
- Loud noise exposure
- Genetics
- Ototoxic medications
- Illnesses
Damage to the tiny sensory cells in the cochlea affects how sound signals travel to the brain. Once these cells stop working, they do not recover. Some people experience gradual hearing loss, while others notice a sudden change.
Early symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss include:
- Difficulty hearing soft or high-pitched sounds
- Trouble following conversations in noisy areas
- Muffled speech or music
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Hearing problems often go unnoticed until they interfere with daily life. A hearing test can help detect issues early. Seeing a specialist can provide answers and possible solutions.
Conductive Hearing Loss
The problem occurs when sound waves cannot travel through the external or tympanic cavity. Sounds may seem muffled or softer than usual. Some cases are temporary, while others can be long-term.
Conductive hearing loss can be due to:
- Ear infections
- Earwax blockage
- Perforated eardrum
- Otosclerosis
- Foreign objects
Infections and earwax buildup can trap sound, making hearing unclear. Damage to the eardrum or middle ear bones can also disrupt normal hearing.
Warning signs of conductive hearing loss include:
- Muffled hearing or reduced sound clarity
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Sudden hearing loss if the ear becomes blocked
Hearing changes can happen gradually or suddenly. Seeing a doctor early can help identify the problem and improve senior hearing health.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss occurs when sensorineural and transmission hearing loss are present at the same time. It means the inner ear, auditory nerve, and outer or middle ear are affected. People with mixed hearing loss struggle with both sound clarity and volume.
Mixed hearing loss can be caused by:
- Aging and ear infections
- Head trauma
- Prolonged noise exposure
- Genetic disorders
Aging weakens the inner ear, causing hearing impairment, while infections block sound in the middle ear. This combination results in both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
Symptoms may include:
- Struggles with both sound clarity and volume
- Muffled speech and difficulty understanding conversations
- Increased difficulty in noisy environments
- Tinnitus or dizziness in some cases
Hearing problems from multiple sources can make sounds feel distant or distorted. A specialist can help determine the condition's severity and the best treatment options.
Hearing Loss Prevention
You can take steps to protect your hearing and reduce your risk of hearing impairment. Prevention is easier than treatment. Everyday habits affect how well you hear over time.
Simple changes can help keep your ears healthy. Do the following to protect your ears and prevent hearing loss:
- Avoid loud noises
- Lower volume levels
- Clean ears safely
- Get regular checkups
- Manage chronic conditions
Finding a quiet environment can also help protect your ears. If you live in a noisy neighborhood, consider moving to a calmer area.
Assisted living communities offer quieter surroundings, making it easier to maintain good hearing. Small changes today can protect your ears for years to come.
Hearing Loss Treatment Options
Different treatments exist for various types of hearing loss. Finding the right solution depends on your specific needs.
Some options restore hearing, while others improve sound clarity. A doctor can help determine the best treatment for you.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids help people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They make sounds louder and clearer. Many styles exist, including in-the-ear and behind-the-ear models.
Some devices reduce background noise, making conversations easier. Regular adjustments ensure the best performance.
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants help those with severe or profound hearing loss. These devices bypass the damaged parts of the ear.
Surgery places an implant inside the ear while an external device processes sound. They allow users to hear speech and environmental sounds better.
Medications
Medications treat infections and inflammation that cause temporary hearing loss. Antibiotics clear up ear infections.
Steroids reduce swelling in the inner ear. A doctor will decide if medication is the best option for your condition.
Therapy and Training
Hearing therapy helps improve speech recognition and communication skills. Lip reading classes teach you how to understand words by watching lips.
Auditory training helps the brain process sounds better. These therapies improve daily conversations and social interactions.
Surgery
Surgery repairs structural damage in the ear. Procedures can fix eardrum holes or abnormal bone growth.
Some surgeries help drain fluid from the middle ear. A doctor will assess whether surgery is necessary based on your condition.
Hearing loss treatment can improve your quality of life. The right option depends on your needs and overall senior lifestyle. Seeking help early increases the chances of better hearing and easier communication.
Understanding Types of Hearing Loss and Your Next Steps
Types of hearing loss affect people differently, but early action can improve your quality of life. Knowing the causes and symptoms helps you seek treatment before the problem worsens. Protecting your ears and staying informed can help prevent further damage.
A change of environment can help prevent and manage hearing loss. Assisted living is a great option for seniors.
Consider Crown Cove, our assisted living and memory care community in Corona Del Mar, CA. Our serene environment protects hearing, and our trained staff assists with daily needs. Contact us today to learn more.