5 Common Hearing Problems and How to Identify Them

5 Common Hearing Problems and How to Identify Them

Hearing problems are very common, but they are often overlooked or ignored. Many people don’t realize they have a hearing problem until it has been present for some time. In this blog post, we will discuss five of the most common hearing problems and how to identify them so that you can get the help you need. We will also discuss when it is time to seek professional help and how to get the right hearing aids. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of hearing problems and how to identify them.

How To Recognize Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a common problem that can impact your ability to hear properly. It can be caused by many things, from noise exposure to genetics. Even if you don’t think you’re experiencing any hearing problems, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of hearing loss so that you can seek help if necessary.

Common signs and symptoms of hearing loss are – difficulty understanding spoken communication
This can manifest as difficulty understanding what others are saying, difficulty following conversations, or even difficulty understanding words when they’re spoken slowly. Other common signs and symptoms of hearing loss include ringing in the ears, muffled noises, and balance issues.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or signs,  you can use our self assessment tools to determine whether or not you may have hearing loss, and if the screening result is positive, thenbetter to visit an audiologist for a check-up. The audiologist will choose the suitable type of test and procedure  to verify the diagnosis. If you do have hearing loss, there are many treatments and hearing aid options available that will allow you to continue living a normal life without limitations in your communication abilities.

Hearing problems can affect anyone, from young children to older adults. According to the World Health Organization, about 430 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss. In this article, we will discuss the 5 common hearing problems and ways to identify each of them.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition that causes a person to hear ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking sounds in their ears. Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition such as age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, ear infections, or injuries to the head or neck. To identify tinnitus, pay attention to whether you hear any ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears that others don’t hear. Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant, and it can affect one or both ears.

What you can do: Unfortunately, there is no cure for tinnitus, but there are several ways to manage the symptoms. Some people find relief through sound therapy, such as using white noise machines or listening to music at low volume. Avoiding loud noise and managing stress can also help. In some cases, treating the underlying condition that is causing the tinnitus can help reduce symptoms. At Soundlife, we do provide unique tinnitus assessment and treatment to help you cope with your tinnitus effectively.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear due to blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear. It can be caused by earwax buildup, fluid in the ear, ear infections, or abnormalities in the ear canal. To identify conductive hearing loss, pay attention to whether you have trouble hearing soft sounds or if your hearing is muffled. You may also experience ear pain, pressure, or discharge.

What you can do: Conductive hearing loss can often be treated with medication, surgery, or hearing aids. Earwax buildup can be removed by an ENT specialist  or with the use of ear drops. If the hearing loss is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove obstructions or repair damage to the ear. 

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells within the inner ear or the auditory nerve that connects the ear to the brain. It can be caused by aging, exposure to loud noise, viral infections, or certain medications. To identify sensorineural hearing loss, pay attention to whether you have trouble hearing conversations in noisy environments, difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, or if you frequently ask others to repeat themselves.

What you can do: Sensorineural hearing loss tends to have a typical slow progression and can be managed with conservative measures and hearing aids. Assistive listening devices, such as TV listening systems or captioning systems, can also help improve communication. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms.

Noise-Induced Hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by exposure to loud noise over an extended period. It can be caused by loud music, power tools, gunfire, or explosions. To identify noise-induced hearing loss, pay attention to whether you have a ringing or buzzing sound in your ears after exposure to loud noise. You may also have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds.

What you can do: This is preventable by avoiding loud noise or wearing ear protection when exposed to loud noise or reducing volume while using any audio devices. Once hearing loss has occurred, it cannot be reversed, but hearing aids or cochlear implants can be helpful for managing symptoms.

Age-Related Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a common hearing problem that occurs as we age. It is usually caused by changes in the inner ear that occur over time. To identify age-related hearing loss, pay attention to whether you have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds or understanding conversations in noisy environments or always ask for repetition during any conversation. You may also experience tinnitus or a feeling of fullness in your ears.

What you can do: Age-related hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids, which amplify sound and make it easier to hear. Assistive listening devices can also be helpful, such as TV listening systems or amplified telephones. In some cases, cochlear implants may be recommended.

Identifying Early Signs Of Hearing Issues To Get Help Quickly

Hearing is essential for both our physical and mental health. We rely on it to communicate with others, to hear our surroundings, and to stay safe. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms above, it is important to get help as soon as possible: 

• difficulty hearing in one or both ears; 
• changes in your hearing such as ringing or buzzing; 
• feeling like you can’t understand people when they are speaking close to you; 
• trouble concentrating because of hearing problems.
• Require others to speak louder/ repeat themselves during the conversation 
• Use louder TV/ Radio volume

It’s important to consult with an audiologist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific hearing problem. The audiologist can evaluate your hearing and recommend appropriate solutions to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.