What Is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss occurs when one or more parts of the ear, nerves coming from the ears, or the hearing part of the brain malfunction. When discussing hearing loss, people may also use the terms deaf, deafness, or hard of hearing.

A person with hearing loss may be able to hear some sounds or none at all. Some children are born with hearing loss, but it can often occur later in life.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can cause difficulty understanding what people are saying to you, and may even prevent you from attending social events. Hearing loss can be temporary, lasting only a few days, weeks, or months or permanent. Types of hearing loss include:

• Conductive hearing loss

• Sensorineural hearing loss

• Or a combination

Each type of hearing loss may require a different treatment plan. Treatment plans may include medication or surgery depending on the source of the hearing loss. Hearing aids or a hearing implant may be recommended to treat the hearing loss.

How Can You Manage Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can make it hard to hear others, understand speech, communicate and keep up with conversations. If you notice that you are having trouble hearing, then you should contact an audiologist right away.

Fortunately, some of the most common causes of hearing loss are preventable, including limiting exposure to loud noise and wearing hearing protection when necessary. If you are suffering from hearing loss, you may have a number of options to help improve your hearing. Sometimes it can mean a simple ear cleaning, other time it may mean you need hearing aids, or even a cochlear implant. 

When to See An Audiologist

If you have a sudden loss of hearing, especially in one ear, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. It is also important that you speak with a doctor as you age and obtain a baseline of your hearing as early as 50 years old. Age-related hearing loss can occur gradually so it may not be apparent until later. An experienced audiologist will be able to diagnose the causes of the hearing loss you may be experiencing and recommend the best course of treatment. Call Dr. Srour today to schedule an appointment.