What is hearing loss and how can it be improved?

Millions of people around the world suffer from some form of hearing loss or difficulty hearing clearly. It is not just a lack of hearing sharpness; the term is used when the loss is noticeable to the person affected. Here is more information about the causes and treatments of hearing loss. We should not confuse it with hypoacusis, which we already discussed.

Why does hearing loss occur?
Hearing loss is a disorder that can be caused by several factors. The ear is divided into three parts, and if any part is affected, there may be partial or total loss of hearing ability. These are the divisions:

• Outer ear. It consists of the auditory pavilion and the canal that starts in it and extends to the eardrum. It is responsible for collecting and conducting sound waves that form sounds.
• Middle ear. It begins at the eardrum and continues through the space containing the vibrating bones that transmit impulses – hammer, anvil, and stirrup – to the next section.
• Inner ear. It contains the vestibular system and the cochlea. The latter contains fluid and receptor cells that connect to the brain and transmit sound interpretation.
  

If any of these parts are affected in any way, it impacts hearing. The inner ear area is particularly important, as cochlear cells do not regenerate. As they die, hearing is irreversibly lost. Sometimes it may be bilateral hearing loss, while other times it may involve only one ear.

Causes and treatments of hearing loss
There are many causes of hearing loss. Some are reversible, while others have no solution and require external aids to mitigate the effects. The audiogram can show the reasons for certain hearing problems. Here are some common cases:

• Hereditary factors
• Acoustic trauma
• Brain injuries
• Trauma to the middle or inner ear
• Obstruction by mass or object
• Inflammatory obstruction
• Infection
• Older age
  

Some cases can be resolved with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, always under medical prescription. Others, such as acoustic trauma, require rest. If the damage is irreversible, other options should be considered, including purchasing hearing aids.
There are many different models of hearing aids to address certain cases of hearing loss. Hypoacusis is a partial or total loss of hearing acuity. It can occur suddenly or progressively. The severity of the condition can vary greatly, affecting a person’s ability to hear certain sounds partially or completely. Not all sounds (frequencies) are affected equally. For example, a person may hear low tones well (such as engine sounds) but not high tones (like birds chirping). Hypoacusis goes by many names. It is also known as hearing loss or deafness.
It is worth noting that uncorrected hearing loss can reduce the brain’s ability to recognize and understand speech. In children, hearing loss can affect learning and language development. Therefore, it is essential to detect and treat it early.

• Hearing loss affects not only those with the condition, but also those around them:
• Social isolation (withdrawing from certain situations or activities due to hearing or communication difficulties)
• Loss of independence (e.g., inability to have a phone conversation)
• Safety risks (inability to hear alarms or sirens)
• Reduced quality of life

If you think you have hearing loss, it is recommended to consult an audiologist for a hearing evaluation. Depending on the results, hearing aids may be recommended. Communication strategies are also advised for both you and those around you.
However, if you experience sudden hearing loss, consult an audiologist and an ENT specialist as soon as possible. There is a higher chance of recovering your hearing if treated within 72 hours.