The 3 most common questions about hearing loss

There are a few questions that we are asked very regularly, and often our patients tell us they have already tried to Google the answer for themselves. Here are the top 3 most common questions about hearing loss that we get asked…

How bad is my hearing loss?

This is, understandably, one of the top questions about hearing loss. Once you have a hearing test with a hearing professional, they will chart your loss on an audiogram.

Basically, an audiogram is used to understand an individual’s hearing loss. It is a visual representation of the results of a hearing test. The hearing loss can be interpreted by hearing care professionals as the audiogram shows the softest level that the individual can hear at different frequencies. The severity of hearing loss is diagnosed on a degree scale ranging from mild to profound. The scale is as follows:

• Mild hearing loss: between 25 – 40 decibels
• Moderate hearing loss: between 40 – 55 decibels
• Moderately severe hearing loss: between 55 – 70 decibels
• Severe hearing loss: between 70 – 90 decibels
• Profound hearing loss: any hearing loss over 90 decibels

What type of hearing loss do I have?

There are 3 different types of hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss

This is the most common type of hearing loss. Generally, this type of hearing loss is generally caused by age, genetics or loud noise exposure over a period of time. Sensorineural hearing loss can be managed accordingly by wearing hearing aids.

Conductive hearing loss

This type of hearing loss occurs when sound cannot get through the outer and middle ear to the cochlear. There are lots of different reasons why this might be the case and you will usually be referred to a specialist (an ENT) for further investigation into your specific cause. Once the cause of the hearing loss has been established, the ENT will investigate all treatment options for you and may also prescribe hearing aids.

Mixed hearing loss

Obviously, this type of hearing loss is a mixture of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This means there is damage to both the outer / middle ear and the inner ear. You may also be referred to an ENT if you have this type of hearing loss. Hearing aids may be prescribed to treat the sensorineural element of the hearing loss.

What caused my hearing loss?

Obviously, there are a wide range of things that can cause hearing loss. The two most common causes are natural aging and exposure to loud noise. There are so many different other causes but we have listed a few here for you:

• Genetics
• Head trauma
• Virus or disease
• High blood pressure
• Certain medications

There are many, many more causes.

Finally, it is recommended that individuals aged over 60 visit a hearing care professional once a year for a hearing test. A hearing test is entirely painless, very easy and quick to do. A hearing loss can become worse the longer it is left untreated so the sooner you do something about it, the better for your hearing health. If you would like to discuss our hearing consultation process further, or are interested in having your hearing checked, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.