Hearing loss occurs when a person experiences a partial or complete inability to hear sounds in one or both ears. An individual with hearing loss may face trouble understanding or participating in day-to-day conversations, particularly in noisy environments. Hearing loss may have varying degrees, like mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, and profound. This reduced ability to hear may occur gradually, which is why hearing loss often goes unnoticed. Problems start when hearing loss starts impacting one’s communication, professional life, relationships, and quality of life.
The common causes of hearing loss include ageing (presbycusis), ear infections, continuous exposure to loud noise (noise-induced hearing loss), medical conditions (like hypertension or diabetes), earwax blockage, hereditary factors, trauma or injuries, among others.
Certain types of hearing loss, like noise-induced hearing loss, are preventable by minimising or avoiding exposure to loud noises (lowering the TV/earphone volume and wearing earplugs in noisy situations.
Hearing loss can be classified into three main types: Conductive, Sensorineural, and Mixed. Each type has distinct risk factors, causes, and treatment options. Understanding the right hearing loss type through diagnostic tests is crucial to determine the right treatment option.