Hearing Loss
Hearing loss appears as difficulty hearing sounds as before, trouble following conversations and particular struggle to communicate in noisy places. When it develops slowly, the person may notice it late, while family members often realise the problem first. Identifying the type and cause of hearing loss is the first step toward the right treatment.
The two main types of hearing loss
- Conductive hearing loss: caused by a blockage in the passage of sound through the outer and middle ear to the inner ear. Earwax (cerumen), fluid in the middle ear, eardrum perforations and otosclerosis fall into this group, and many of these causes are treatable.
- Sensorineural (nerve-type) hearing loss: arises from damage to the hair cells of the inner ear or the hearing nerve. Age-related hearing loss, noise-induced damage and sudden hearing loss belong to this group.
- In some people both types occur together (mixed type).
The most common causes
- Earwax (cerumen): the most common and most easily corrected cause; hearing usually returns to normal immediately after cleaning.
- Fluid in the middle ear: seen especially in children and with upper respiratory problems.
- Otosclerosis: a progressive hearing loss caused by stiffening of a middle ear bone, which can be corrected with surgery.
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis): develops gradually with age and mainly affects high-pitched sounds and the ability to understand speech.
- Noise-induced hearing loss: long-term exposure to loud sound permanently damages the hair cells; it is a largely preventable cause.
- Sudden hearing loss: a nerve-type loss that develops within minutes or hours, usually in one ear, and is considered an emergency.
Why is sudden hearing loss an emergency?
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss usually appears abruptly in one ear and may be accompanied by ear fullness, tinnitus and sometimes dizziness. Treatment started early markedly improves the chance of recovering hearing, so with sudden hearing loss hours and days matter. As soon as the symptom is noticed, an ENT specialist should be seen as quickly as possible; the condition is often mistaken for a simple cause such as earwax and treatment is delayed.
How is it diagnosed?
Assessment begins with a detailed history and ear examination. The main diagnostic tool is audiometry (a hearing test), which reveals the degree and type of loss. When needed, tympanometry, acoustic reflexes and imaging are added. Children are tested with age-appropriate hearing methods.
Treatment options
- Medical treatment: earwax removal, treatment of middle ear fluid and infections, and medication for sudden hearing loss fall under this heading.
- Surgical treatment: eardrum repair (tympanoplasty), otosclerosis surgery (stapedectomy) and reconstruction of the middle ear bones can restore hearing in conductive losses.
- Hearing aids: the most effective solution for nerve-type losses that cannot be corrected; when chosen correctly they markedly improve quality of life.
- Cochlear implant: an advanced option considered for severe losses that do not benefit enough from a hearing aid.
Hearing assessment at our practice
At our practice your ears are examined in detail and the possible causes of your hearing loss are assessed; when a hearing test (audiometry) is required you are referred for it, and suitable treatment options are then planned. If you have a complaint about your hearing, you can call 0532 345 05 20 for an appointment or use our appointment page. If you suspect sudden hearing loss, please do not lose time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss?
Conductive loss is caused by a blockage in the passage of sound to the inner ear, and causes such as earwax, middle ear fluid or otosclerosis are often treatable. Sensorineural loss arises from damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve and is usually managed with a hearing aid.
How quickly should I see a doctor for sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss is an emergency, and starting treatment early markedly improves the chance of recovering hearing. For this reason you should see an ENT specialist as soon as the symptom is noticed, ideally on the same day.
How is a hearing loss test done?
The basic test is audiometry, which measures how well you hear sounds at different pitches through headphones to determine the degree and type of loss. Additional tests such as tympanometry and imaging are added when needed.
Will using a hearing aid make my hearing worse?
A properly fitted hearing aid does not worsen hearing; on the contrary, it makes hearing and understanding speech easier and improves quality of life. It is important that the device is selected and adjusted individually according to your hearing test.
Can noise-induced hearing loss be prevented?
Yes, noise-induced hearing loss is a largely preventable cause. Using ear protection in loud environments and avoiding prolonged exposure to high sound levels protects the hair cells of the inner ear.
Would you like to book an appointment?
You can call our office or pick a convenient time slot on DoktorTakvimi.