Hearing Loss
- Dr. Pratibha Pandit Mane
- Apr 12
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Hearing loss is a partial or total inability to hear sounds in one or both ears. It can range from mild to profound and may happen suddenly or gradually over time.
Types of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve.
Most common type.
Often permanent.
Causes:
Aging (presbycusis)
Noise exposure
Head trauma
Ototoxic drugs
Infections (e.g., meningitis)
Hereditary factors
Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss
Occurs when sound is blocked from reaching the inner ear.
Often temporary or treatable.
Causes:
Earwax buildup
Ear infections
Fluid in the middle ear
Perforated eardrum
Otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth)
Mixed Hearing Loss
A combination of sensorineural and conductive.
Signs and Symptoms
Asking people to repeat themselves often.
Turning up the TV or radio volume.
Difficulty following conversations in noisy places.
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Feeling like people are mumbling.
Withdrawing from conversations.
Diagnosis
Done through a hearing test (audiometry) with an audiologist.
You’ll receive an audiogram, showing what frequencies and volumes you can hear.
Treatment Options
Hearing Aids: For mild to severe sensorineural loss.
Cochlear Implants: For profound hearing loss or if hearing aids aren’t enough.
Medication or Surgery: For some conductive types (e.g., ear infections, bone repair).
Assistive Listening Devices: TV amplifiers, alert systems, phone amplifiers.
Lip Reading or Sign Language: In cases of severe or complete loss.
Prevention Tips
Protect your ears from loud noise (earplugs, volume control).
Avoid inserting objects into your ears.
Treat ear infections early.
Get regular hearing checkups, especially if you’re over 50 or work in noisy environments.
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