The Most Common Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can affect those of all ages, occurring gradually or suddenly. Although conditions such as presbycusis most commonly affects those of the older generation, babies, children and younger adults can also be affected by hearing loss. It can be split into three different categories:

• Conductive: Involves the middle or outer ear
• Sensorineural: Involves the inner ear
• Mixed: Combination of conductive and sensorineural

Main symptoms of hearing loss

It is vital that you start to take notice if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Trouble hearing and understanding conversations
• Sounds are muffled 
• You are frequently asking people to speak louder/more clearly
• You constantly need to turn up the volume of the radio or television
• You are frequently withdrawing from conversations
• You are having trouble hearing consonants 
• You have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds such as women's voices, a telephone ringing or birds chirping
• You don’t respond when someone is calling your name

If you are facing any of the above symptoms, it is essential that you contact a hearing health professional as soon as possible. They will help to guide you on the type of hearing loss that you have and advise you on the next steps – including whether you need to be fitted for a hearing aid and have ongoing treatment.

Conductive hearing loss is typically the result of an obstruction within the ear, caused by:

• A buildup of wax
• Scarring or perforation of the eardrum
• Infections of the middle ear or ear canal which results in pus/fluid buildup
• A foreign object inside the ear canal
• Dislocation of the ossicles (middle ear bones)
• Otosclerosis (an abnormal bone growth that primarily affects the middle ear)
• Ruptured eardrum
• Abnormal tumors or growths 

Sensorineural hearing loss has many causes, including:

• Exposure to a sudden loud noise
• As a result of ageing 
• A result of an injury 
• An implication of meningitis
• As a result of taking ototoxic drugs
• As a result of shingles, measles or mumps
• A result of Meniere’s Disease
• A result of smoking
• A result of hypertension

How you can prevent hearing loss

The following steps can help you to prevent noise-induced hearing loss and help presbycusis from progressing:

• Make sure that you protect your ears from any exposure to loud sounds: You can do this through purchasing protective gear for your ears such as earplugs. You should try to limit your exposure if you are working in a career that can affect your hearing – for example, if you are a musician or a construction worker which could result in you having occupational hearing loss in the long term.
• Have your hearing tested regularly: Visit a hearing health professional when you start to notice any symptoms and signs. 
• Try to avoid recreational risks: Such as attending frequent rock concerts or using power tools.