How do I know if I have hearing loss?
Hearing loss is a common ailment that’s not just brought on by age. It can creep up at any point in time and is also quite prevalent among younger people. The types of hearing loss as well as their potential causes differ, for instance, genetics, trauma, infections, certain medications or toxins, and of course old age. About half of all hearing loss in the world is preventable with proper medical care. When hearing loss is not preventable, hearing aids or cochlear implants can make a world of difference and help patients achieve a significantly better quality of life
Hearing loss can surface without notice, and most people are often unaware that their hearing has begun to deteriorate. Here are a few signs that your hearing is not what it used to be:
- You’re asking people to repeat themselves often.
- You have to turn the TV up louder.
- You are tired at the end of the day.
- You experience difficulty following conversations involving many people.
- You often have headaches at the end of the day.
To be sure, you can always get a free hearing test done at an audiologist nearby. Hearing tests are quick, painless, and free at our partner clinics. The audiologist will walk you through your results, chalk out a treatment plan, and recommend advanced hearing solutions should you have hearing loss.
Types of hearing loss
The type of hearing loss you have depends on what part of your hearing is damaged. There are three main types of hearing loss:
- Conductive hearing loss
- Sensorineural hearing loss
- Mixed hearing loss
Sudden hearing loss in one ear
Sudden hearing loss occurs without any warning. You may notice its onset by a “pop” in one ear before the hearing disappears. It may only be apparent when you try to use the phone on the affected ear. Some people wake up and realize they can no longer hear well in one ear. Typically, the earliest sign of sudden hearing loss is the ear pressure followed by a ringing noise (tinnitus) and/or dizziness (vertigo).
Sensorineural hearing loss
The most common of the three types of hearing loss (with the other two conductive and mixed hearing loss) is sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. It can occur suddenly or throughout a lifetime. This type of hearing loss can affect both ears (bilateral) or one ear (unilateral).
Hearing loss and dementia
A growing body of evidence suggests that hearing loss may be a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Wearing hearing aids may delay cognitive decline in older adults and even improve brain function, a recent study found.
