Hearing Loss

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is a partial or complete inability to hear sounds in one or both ears. It can range from mild difficulty hearing conversations to profound deafness. Understanding the nature of your hearing loss is crucial for determining the most effective treatment approach.

Types of Hearing Loss

There are three main types of hearing loss, each requiring different treatment approaches:

Degrees of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is classified into different degrees based on the severity:

• Mild (26-40 dB): Difficulty hearing soft sounds and conversations in noisy environments.
• Moderate (41-70 dB): Trouble hearing normal conversation levels without amplification.
• Severe (71-90 dB): Can only hear loud sounds; communication requires significant amplification.
• Profound (91+ dB): Cannot hear most sounds; may benefit from cochlear implants.

Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss may develop gradually or suddenly, affecting people differently. Recognizing symptoms early can lead to better outcomes and prevent further deterioration.

Common Warning Signs

• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy settings like restaurants or group gatherings.
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves or speak more clearly.
• Needing higher volume on devices like TVs, radios, or phones than others prefer.
• Perceiving sounds as muffled or unclear, as if people are mumbling.
• Struggling to hear high-pitched sounds, like doorbells, phone rings, or children's voices.
• Experiencing ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Avoiding social interactions due to hearing challenges and communication difficulties.
• Feeling exhausted after conversations due to the effort required to listen.
• Missing important sounds like alarms, car horns, or approaching vehicles.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can stem from various factors, impacting individuals of all ages. Understanding the cause is essential for determining the most effective treatment approach.

Age-Related and Environmental Factors

• Presbycusis (Age-related hearing loss): Gradual hearing decline with aging, typically affecting high frequencies first.
• Noise-induced hearing loss: Damage from prolonged exposure to loud sounds like concerts, machinery, or headphones at high volumes.
• Occupational hazards: Workplace exposure to loud equipment, chemicals, or vibrations.
• Recreational noise: Loud music, motorsports, or shooting without proper ear protection.

Medical Conditions and Infections

• Ear infections: Acute or chronic infections affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
• Otosclerosis: Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear affecting sound transmission.
• Meniere's disease: Inner ear disorder causing hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus.
• Autoimmune disorders: Conditions where the immune system attacks the inner ear.
• Diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Conditions affecting blood flow to the ear.

Other Contributing Factors

• Earwax impaction: Excessive buildup blocking the ear canal.
• Genetic factors: Hereditary conditions affecting hearing development or function.
• Trauma: Head injuries, acoustic trauma, or barotrauma from pressure changes.
• Ototoxic medications: Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, or high-dose aspirin.
• Viral infections: Measles, mumps, meningitis, or other infections affecting the auditory system.

Prevention and Hearing Health

While not all hearing loss can be prevented, many cases are avoidable with proper precautions and healthy habits.

Protect Your Hearing

• Use ear protection in noisy environments (concerts, construction sites, lawn mowing).
• Follow the 60/60 rule: listen to music at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
• Keep your ears clean but avoid using cotton swabs deep in the ear canal.
• Treat ear infections promptly and completely.
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Avoid ototoxic medications when possible or use them under medical supervision.
• Get regular hearing evaluations, especially if you're at risk.

Treatment Options for Hearing Loss

At ENT Gurgaon, we provide tailored solutions ranging from non-invasive options to advanced surgical procedures. Our team uses cutting-edge technology and evidence-based treatments to restore hearing and enhance your quality of life.