Types of Hearing Loss
Temporary Hearing Loss
Temporary hearing loss affects nearly everyone at some point. Common causes include:
- Loud noise or trauma
- Ear infections or fluid in the middle ear
- Medications
- Foreign objects or blockages
- Illnesses such as meningitis
- Allergies causing inflammation
To determine the cause, your doctor may perform:
- Whispered speech or pure tone audiometry
- Tuning fork and bone conduction tests
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR)
Treatment depends on the cause and may include antibiotics, ear tube insertion, surgical repair, or simply avoiding noise exposure. Most cases resolve with proper care.
Permanent Hearing Loss
Permanent hearing loss affects both children and adults and is often caused by:
- Noise exposure
- Infection or trauma
- Illness
- Certain medications
- Age-related degeneration
Hearing tests like AOAE, AABR, and pure tone audiometry can determine the severity and cause. While this type of hearing loss is irreversible, modern technology offers solutions.
Is It Time for Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify and process sound to help overcome hearing loss. They work by:
- Capturing sound through tiny microphones
- Processing sound to reduce static and background noise
- Delivering amplified sound into the inner ear at the appropriate volume
If you find yourself constantly asking others to repeat themselves, struggling in noisy environments, or turning up the volume on the TV, it may be time to consider hearing aids.
Types of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids come in various designs and styles. The right one for you will depend on your hearing needs, comfort, and lifestyle.
- Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC): Fits entirely inside your ear canal and is nearly invisible.
- In-the-Canal (ITC): Sits partially in the ear canal.
- In-the-Ear (ITE): Fills most or all of the outer ear.
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE): Rests behind the ear and is connected to an earpiece.
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) / Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE): Speaker sits inside the canal, connected to a behind-the-ear unit.
- Open Fit: Similar to BTE with a slim tube; keeps the ear canal open.
What to Expect from Modern Hearing Aids
While hearing aids will not restore natural hearing, they can greatly improve your ability to communicate and interact with your environment. Today’s advanced devices offer features like:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wireless streaming
- Directional microphones
- Telecoils for use with phones and assistive listening systems
- Noise cancellation
- Remote control and app-based settings
Adjustment takes time and patience, but most users find their quality of life improves dramatically.
